Thread: Certain Doom, Interrupted (Methos and Autumn)

There wasn't much time for reflecting on the circumstances as she was pulled farther and farther away from the home she had so loved and toward a sea that held nothing but the unknown. Her long strides easily kept with his, though her aching limbs begged for a rest. As they brushed past his men, she could feel strange pairs of eyes upon her- the stares proud like they had victoriously claimed their prize. The pale water rushing at her ankles by the shoreline cooled and soothed her singed skin. The salt licked at the wounds, though she didn't mind as it served as a reminder that she was free from the imprisonment of the unnamed enemy. Gaze lingered toward the high castle walls, thinking of the three Aeginan women who had been captured for the sole purpose of preparing Ambrosia for sacrifice. The servants had known they were betraying her by setting her up to be murdered, but, like this princess, they had had no control over their destiny. The barbaric ritual would continue, Ambrosia knew it, but instead of a single princess offered to heathen gods, three servant women would have to suffice. Eyes filled with sadness, already mourning for those three who could not be saved. Hands distracted her from her thoughts, strong arms easily pulling her into the boat. Ambrosia said nothing, standing in silence while the boat rowed toward the waiting ship. When the smaller craft was nestled against the side of its mother, Ambrosia stepped toward one of the ladders of rope. Without needing assistance, she easily scaled it to the top rung where hands awaited and cheers erupted. Someone offered a muscled arm, which she took only to free the ladder for the other men. Once aboard, she gave the crew a graceful bow in her best royal formality. Thank you all so much for risking your lives just for mine. I will be eternally grateful to each and every one of you. Ambrosia, unlike other women of her station, was sincere in every word she spoke. Those women were accustomed to having men wait on and coo over them whereas she and her brother had grown up in an altogether different manner. Neither expected anything from society, thus were always overjoyed by the little miracles of life. Like silk in the wind, Ambrosia brushed through the throng of men with elegance and poise, no part of her satin skin making contact with that of these calloused seamen. Toward the bow of the ship she glided, using her delicate form to her advantage as she climbed up on the rail. Bare feet flattened on the edge, balance keeping her steady. There was nothing to keep her from plunging into the sea except for faith and fearlessness. The gentle roar of the waves crashing against the ship was a comfort, almost like lulling her into a trance. Dramatically blue-green eyes crept over the horizon, watching as her beloved palace faded into the distance. Torches danced through the air like fireflies, buzzing quickly as if looking for someone her. The pale moonlight illuminated the dark shadow of her silhouette against the crispness of that sheer fabric. A mixture of soft curves and hardened muscle contrasted against the fragility of the silk draping. Wrapped across her body like a swaddling blanket, the gentle breeze lapped at the slit of the garment like a prying hand, exposing the surfaces of her dark thighs. Silently, she whispered her good-byes to her home. A voice cut through her prayers to Aphrodite, tearing her away from her internal whispers of thanks to the Goddess who had seemed to favor her. For a few passing seconds, Ambrosia said nothing to him. Her back remained to his face, her arms extended into the air as if embracing it. Turning toward him at last, she bent and placed two hands on his sturdy shoulders. Using him as leverage, she lowered herself from the plank to the floor of the ship. Smooth fingertips brushed from his shoulders to the length of his arms, softly caressing his battle wounds. You are brave, dear Prince. She whispered, eyes sweeping the rest of his body for injuries before settling on his face. Reaching into her hair, she pulled away the remaining flowers from her wild wavy locks. Blowing on them, the white buds scattered into the night, drifting out toward Aegina. Then, with a face composed into gravity, she bent until her plump scarlet lips pressed to the side of his cheek. I am ecstatic to be aboard your vessel, mighty Thessalonian. Do not rob yourself of this moment with modesty. I am certain you wish for glory, and you shall have it once we disembark onto solid territory. Someone must have sent you to me. Tell me, have you seen my brother, Kleitos? With her brother into his fifties and she still so young, she admired him more like a father than a sibling. He is a good man, Prince Androkles, his name rolled effortlessly off her tongue like she had said it countless times, and he will reward you well for saving my life.