Thread: Darkness Has Its Teachings (Athene & Alvis Alendran)

Rowena ... Now what? So many questions, and yet so few answers. Because Rowena ended up being in the middle, she got quite the view of the coffle and how exactly it worked. From a distance, it seemed like a rather crude and overly simple device. When Yrsa shoved her forward, however, she saw that even if that was indeed the case, it was sturdier than she originally assumed. An anvil was what the manacle was attached to. An interesting choice, considering most metal things tended to be too heavy. Clearly, however, this had been created in a manner which made it able to remain on the ship but not put it at risk of sinking. Cunning indeed, she muttered in her mother tongue, shivering as a light breeze brushed along her exposed wrist. Not you. The simple words made her turn her head. What had that meant? As that answer played out, her free hand covered her mouth in horror. It seemed ... unnecessary. Wouldn't just forbidding her from getting on the boat be enough? There was a low chance as things were for her to run back for help. And yet, that was exactly what the actions seemed to imply. Or maybe it was to avoid something else. Either way, Rowena grimaced, whipping her head back around as the elderly woman was hurled into the burning house. Dis Pater and Don, she whispered softly, Receive her as well as you can. While Rowena herself wasn't a druid or holy woman, it felt like the right thing to do. She was the closest person to holding such a position, and it thus felt right to send the thoughts above to the numerous deities watching. No sooner than everyone was loaded onto the boats did a rapid tapping upon her shoulder make her turn. It was the mother of the same girl she'd been helping keep calm earlier. What have you done to us? Me? Rowena repeated, moving her head from side to side, Wrong. Like I said, I did miscalculate, yes. But I did not by any means arrange for you all to be forced into this. If anything, I was ready to offer myself for all of you. Alas, that was out of the question, so the next best thing was to --- SMACK! With her own unchained hand, the other female brought it roughly upon Rowena's face. She kept her head turned away, accepting the slap. YOU COULD HAVE STOPPED THIS, COULD YOU NOT?! No, Rowena replied calmly, Unfortunately, no. Scathach only allows me to do so much. You know this. Sight is my true gift, not magic. Nonetheless, I do have both. One is weaker, and that's the simple price of it. Let me put it this way even if I had somehow found a way to prevent this, it'd anger Morrigan and all others whose domain lies with Fate. Would you wish me to defy them? Even knowing everything that's been happening now would only become that much worse for you and your family? All Rowena got for an immediate answer was the sight of the woman's fist clenching. Probably going for another hit, though worse than a slap. If you're truly that angry, Alene, fine. But .... Soft sobs from behind her made her stop. Nodding her head past the elder woman's shoulder, she'd see her child beginning to cry. I'd say Alys needs you more. Did you bewitch her? Rowena scoffed, rolling her eyes. Of course not. I cast easier with both hands free, for one. Disregarding that, I'd never do that to a person with little chance of fighting against such an enchantment. Take care of what you have. Her voice lowered slightly as she whispered, Some days, I envy you, in truth. A family had definitely been something she'd thought about every now and again. Right then and there, it was hands down the very last topic racing through her mind. Brushing the slapped area with her shoulder, Rowena stared out towards the sea, sighing softly. She gulped slightly and finally forced her head to turn, looking at Yrsa or Goormr, whomever was closer, let alone on the same vessel. Who are you exactly, anyway? And where are we going?