~ Out for a ride...

[Minerva Gaia]

((OOC: Picture of Berona, Minerva's mare...))





IC:



Minerva was not the sort of Princess to hang around the Palace doing nothing, especially now that she had more hours for herself. She enjoyed reading whatever book that happened to fall into her hands. She even made personal critiques about them.

It was a fine day, like most of the ones that existed around Etrusci, and after some hours of reading some new philosophical theories, Minerva had decided she would go out and ride her mare Berona. Even though she knew how Leonius worried about her and his wife, it seemed he feared something bad or terrible would happen.

Minerva had managed to get an escort of good riders for her to ride with and also make a race with. She almost knew every part of Etrusci by heart, since she enjoyed this sport very much. She was dressed on a light purple sleeveless dress that was held around her bare and tanned shoulders. Her hair was mainly loosen on her back and a light violet cloak hung on her right shoulder and some bits of it were around her right arm.

It did not take her long to get ready since most servants were used to having her mare ready in case she wanted to go for a ride. She then went to the stables, after having a light breakfast, which consisted in some fresh goat’s cheese and a bit of water. She smiled at the slaves as they had Berona ready and she pet her furry friend for a moment. She then got on her horse as light as a feather and soon she made her way along the lines of those riders that would contest against her and follow her making sure she was not in danger.


Soon after the race began and for a moment Minerva forgot all the dangers that the world could abide for women like her and went further, to the borders and the woods that seemed forbidden to any reasonable person. The riders quickly followed her lead, one of them keeping as close to her as possible, but it had to be said that Minerva was a good rider. After an hour or so of a sharp race, Minerva stopped near a stream for Berona to drink some water and Minerva refresh her delicate face. Her green eyes scanned the deserted place as some riders stopped nearby, not exactly where she was so she could have some privacy.

She sat on a rock that was right next to Berona and for a moment caressed the cool waters of the stream with her fingers as she looked at her reflections in the water.

[Proximo]

Late was the afternoon as Proximo, the centurion of Rome rode into the land Etrusca. Upon his black horse he entered, together with his 60 legionaries he commanded. Orders was given from Rome itself that he and his legion was to scout the land ahead, unknown they were about the importance of their travel but still they went as told. Deserters who did not obey, often was punished by wounds of whips or death at cross. However his legion was well respected among the roman army, cause of their discipline and strength in training and combat. Proximo who leaded them was a great leader with strong ambitions, loved by the people but feared by enemies.

Silent they had entered their neighboring land, without any notice they quickly rushed threw, but as the travel was long they sonly decided to camp. Not far from a curtain river they had stopped, thought not long would they stay as on mission they were. Quickly he ordered his legion to build camp, using branches they found for fire and food around them for eating. Gentle he dismounted the horse he sat upon, but sonly went to take a walk around. The wind in the forest they had camped was silent, though as he listened he heard noises in distance. Proud he stood there in his roman armor, watching from the hill he walked upon till he reached its peak.

From there he saw a woman nearby, drinking water of the same river he and his men had found. Curiously he watched her beauty, as she looked beautiful in the place she sat. Thoughts about her being there made him interested, what would a woman like her be doing in depths of wilderness he wondered. Carefully he tried to approach, as he wished to speak with the young lady himself. The legions who was behind the hill, kept on doing as told even their leader was not with them. Without a word he looked at her, but sonly saw she was not alone. Guards she had brought along, however it made not scare him. In secret he came around, crossing the river without a sound.

Without hesitation he stopped behind her, but quickly drawed forth his knife to under her neck it reached."Not a word miss, or your guards will never see you alive again."He whispered silently, not wanting to draw the attention from the guards that stood in distance close by. She was quite lovely from the view he saw, but calm he was as a soldier he were trained.

[Minerva Gaia]

Minerva had been too focused on the water and its magnificence as one of the philosophers had once thought water to be the vital origin of all things. She did not even notice Berona’s sudden nervousness until she felt a blade that made her gasp silently.

Her green eyes shone with fierceness, as she felt annoyed at his game. How was she expected to say anything at all or even pretend she was not take aback by his sudden attack when they were clearly close to her guards? Her deep crystal eyes looked into his and for a moment she held an interior battle where she did not know if she should just try to avoid his blade and run away or simply behave like a tamed horse and not complain at all. As she looked up at Proximo a small tiara could be seen that adorned her forehead and followed her hair’s trace in order to identify her as one of noble-blood. It was obvious there were not many nobles in Etrusci.

The wind began to blow strongly, playing with her long golden-brown hair and moving it at will giving more emphasis on her beauty and charms, though she barely realised she had any. As she looked at him she realized he was quite handsome for a knight, but all his charms did not impress her madly for now he seemed to be threatening her, in her own lands, rather than simply having a talk if he so desired.

She managed weakly to smile to her guards so that they would not suspect anything and she spoke with a smile, pretending, but deep inside she was angry, for she was still Leonius’ sister and she had his own spirit within her. She then spoke softly so that no one but Proximo would hear “Who are you and how dare you threaten me in front of my escort.”

[Proximo]

"I am here in mission, more I will not say. Now who are you? royal hmm?"Proximo spoke whispering in return as he watched her, curious his gaze went upon her cause of her beauty and elegance. The cloths and jewelry she wore told much about her as person, she surely seemed to be an important lady, specially with her escort around dressed as guards. Rough he held her close, with his one hand along the knife tight to her neck as the other rested around her waist. She was his and he would kill her if necessary, although she was a beautiful lady that he could not stop admire.

The guards that stood in distance, unnoticed by what was happening made him satisfied that they did not see. Deep into the eyes he watched her, as he now held her in front of him so she was able to see his face. Slowly he started to move toward the hill he had come from, but silent as the grave as he did not wish to be discovered. If she was a royal, as she seemed then he would capture her but if she was not then he rather would had killed her. The dress she wore was nicely touching his armor, good it was to have a woman like she close again after such a long time of loneliness he had endured."You must be royal, you smell like one."He continued speaking, sniffing her hair as he drawed her slowly away.

As the legion finished their camp, they started to worry about their centurion. Now as they wondered where he could had gone they went to look, careful one of them went to see above the hill, which he then got eye upon soldiers ahead. Quickly the one told the others to look, and curious they all watched. They was worried about their leader, thoughts about if he had died by their hand made them afraid even some doubted that was true. Still unknown to them he was hidden behind tries, holding the lady he had captured close so unable she was to escape.

[Minerva Gaia]

She was beginning to wish she had not left the Castle that afternoon in the first place. But little could be done about the past; it simply was not even in the hands of the gods. She only hoped that the guards would know of her absence, perhaps if she did something they would know since it was five of them and one of him… she thought of the man who irreverently attacked her being the Princess.

She rolled his eyes when he did not answer to her questions entirely, pretending to be mysterious or charming, perhaps. She could be mysterious too and not answer to his suspicions though he was not far form the truth she was indeed a Princess.

When he held her by the waist she trembled a bit for she had never been any close to any other man but her brother and that was years ago. She looked at Berona as if she wished for her horse to rescue her but it seemed the horse did not notice, or perhaps the mare feared for her mistress’ fate. She followed the man until she could come up with a plan.

When she could see him fully she cursed her own luck. He was a handsome man, but a ruffian it seemed to be since he was eventually taking her away from any aid or protection. There was only one thing he could do, since she doubted he would take her anywhere. But she would give him no pleasure either; he could look for another woman.

Feeling him so close to her only made her more nervous and, in fear of not being able to take it anymore she then sneered “You will not get far, you do not know these lands…some women can be a man’s doom.” It could not seem wise, perhaps, to threaten someone that could kill her or torture her, but she was sure she would not be the only one to suffer, she had her brother’s courage.

When she felt him smelling her like a hungry wolf, she moved her head as far as possible form him and tried to break free from him as she whispered, “set me free you… beast!” Suddenly her attention seemed to leave the mystery man when her horse Berona seemed to neigh and try to warn the guards about her mistress, perhaps they noticed now she was missing. She smiled for they would save her from this man, though little did she know of him being a talented warrior.

[Proximo]

In surprise Proximo got shocked by her sudden deeds, her threats made him almost laugh but still he stood calm as he did not wish to be seen. However the words she had spoken made her horse move, quickly it got the attention from the escort close by and within seconds they noticed their princess was gone. It seemed she had done something he did not expect, but it did not make him fear. He had her in captivity and he would not let her easily go, in a rough way he held her close but still wanted to be her close.

The legions he commanded stood still watching in distance, but watched curiously as they saw how the guards suddenly behaved. With drawn sword they waited to attack, but unknown why they really had reacted. It seemed as if they wanted to attack to Roman legion, even it was like they hadn't seen them yet. Maybe it all was a trick, for them it was unsure but ready they stood in case ambush. Behind the trees Proximo had the princess tight to his grip, his knife still close her neck."Do not think you have over won me by just shouting lady, I have have some tricks hidden as well."He said and quickly moved aside, so his legion was able to see."Legions, attack the escort!"Proximo shouted out toward them, as they saw him it made him happy. For some time they had thought he was dead, but now as they saw him alive it gave them hope.

By the sudden voice the escort had discovered them all, five they were and in full haste they went to rescue the princess who was held capture. While they approached the legions on top of the hill did as ordered, with drawn sword they ran down toward them, defended by the shield they carried."Charge!!"The men yelled and with heavily strike they fought against them, outnumbered the guard was and soon they all were to die. Seeing the great attack made Proximo satisfied, no one now would be able to save her from the deeds to come.
"Your all alone now, my lady. No one can save you know."He said smiling, holding his grip around her neck tight as he still watched what happened in distance. Normally he did not threat woman harshly, but as he was no duty he had too.

[Minerva Gaia]

She seemed to despair when she realised nothing she could do would make him back up and leave her alone. It seemed she had been an easy target, what would she tell her brother? She reproached herself mentally thinking that he already had a lot of problems to think on, especially concerning his poor newly wedded wife. This would only add another problem…

When he revealed to her a whole Legion she got to know where they were from… Rome. She gasped and looked at her men running to save her and a sudden yell escaped her throat as she saw how four men were left alone to deal with sixty from a professional Legion. She could not describe the grief she felt whilst watching them, one by one, falling before her feet and being killed in such a treacherous way.

She shook herself and tried to slap the Centurion’s face whilst snarling at him “You coward! It took the honour of four for you to throw sixty against them…” If she disliked him at first she now loathed him. Some tears were threatening to leave her eyes thinking how guilty she now felt for the loss of such admirable Etruscan men.

She could not control all the mixed emotions she was feeling at the moment, being close to a man like she never had been before, on the one hand, and being captured by a coward who dared not face the guards alone. She only wondered what would happen now… now that she truly was alone. Suddenly she stopped moving and stared at the cold and life-less bodies of those men she had known all her life. She looked at the sky and only hoped that Jupiter would be merciful to their fates.

The last escort, realising what had just happened had ran back and ridden to the Castle to warn Lord Leonius of his sister’s fate, in the hands of a Roman.

Meanwhile Minerva regained composure and said not threatening the man anymore “Why do you not release me? I can be of no use to you…”

[Proximo]

Sonly as the men were killed and no one more was to slay, the legion stopped and rested for further orders. Proximo himself who held the princess still in captivity now released her from his grip, cause no longer was she able to escape. Four guards had his legion of 60 killed, but none of his had fallen in the short resist that was given them. Slightly he nodded to them, telling them to spread so the area would be better guarded. If more men would come, the scouts he sent out would warn them.

"You blame me for things I haven't done, you caused this upon yourself my lady. However I can not release you, cause your royal and royals are well rewarded back in Rome. If I guess correctly, you must be the princess of Etruscan. I have seen you before, under the great wedding of your brother when you so kindly invited your friends in Rome as guests."He said smiling, satisfied to have achieved a such price in the middle of his work. It was not expected that a princess like her, would be found almost alone in the wild as they had entered. It was like fate, maybe the gods had made it so or maybe it was just luck for them to be there.

The horse who still stood alone in distance, was sonly taken under the arms of the legion as no more surprises they wished to happen. With a loud whistle and a short explanation with his hand, he showed them were to place the horse. In a brutal way of treating it they tied it up in a firm tree, not without their releasing it the animal would not be able to move further. After his gaze upon it was done, he ones again turned to look at the woman he had captured."You and your horse will come with us to Rome, there my masters will decide your fate to be."He said, looking at her as if he pitied her but also were happy to have cached her.

[Minerva Gaia]

She looked at the landscape as if she feared to be taken away from her own lands. The lands she so loved, away from those she loved. How could this be? She did not recall failing to please the gods, but now she seemed alone, not even they would pity her… not even Minerva who stood proud in the temple of Etrusci, where women would offer hand-made dresses and attires.

She looked hurt when the Centurion blamed her, how could this be her fault when it seemed the gods had cursed this day already? Still she knew when to risk herself and when not to. Being surrounded by so many men got her a bit nervous but it seemed she would be taken to Rome, though she feared whatever they would make of her later.

She looked at her hands as if she wished to have a weapon to kill them all, but all she could see was her own doom. She sighed and sat on a rock near a tree to see the last of her lands. She did not wish for her brother to come and fight, he would be killed… If only he knew how many there were, he could outsmart them…

She had often been told how beautiful she was, and at first she ignored them, but now she was so confused, perhaps that was her d**nation… She looked at the landscape with melancholy and only wondered where everything would end. She wished she had never been born…
The wind blew strongly moving her hair as it did so and made her blink for some moments.

[Proximo]

"Throw the dead bodies on fire, make ready to leave!"Proximo shouted out to his soldiers, as many of them still stood guard, watching any threats that could appear. The legion had surely done well, cause capturing a princess was not often that happened among men. Soon whole Etruscan would know about their deeds, although none would know who they were as no names were given them. The scouts that had been sent out to look was sonly called back as the legion prepared to leave home, the weapons and horses that was left at ground were all gathered in a pile of trash while the bodies of death was lilted on fire.

As the smoke rose above the sky, it could be seen by many. This was one of the reasons to why they had to leave so quick, if not they would be discovered. With a brave look Proximo watched the princess, she did not say anything but rather sat down all alone in grief and sorrow."Come, we shall leave and you along."He said as he reached out his hand to her, wanting her to take it as he wanted her trust. She was to lovely to be harmed by men as himself, but if needed he would not hesitate doing it. She was to be taken to Rome, although he did not like the idea as he knew what fate could bring her there. After all he was only following orders, if counter with the enemy should appear on the road they had been told to kill them or take them as slaves for them own. The horse she owned was sonly released, but tight held with a grip by the men who stood close to it.