A Bakers Knight

[Mari]

http://orig01.deviantart.net/8509/f/2011/216/1/0/10290d6cb3055d855c66b735f9fc51ca-d44pif9.jpg

Along a road paved with spider lilies,
I walk hand in hand with you.

But soon a fork appears,
And your hand slips away from mine.

Alone I wander down the path of red,
And weep tears of love so true.

Down the path of crimson, I make a promise to you,
That I shall hold your hand again in mine.

In another place, another life, another time,
We shall walk together.
Along the path of red spider lilies.


'Lycoris'- by me 2007

Set in a previous life.
Mature Content Warning: Sexual content, violence

[Mari]

Amari breathed deep, never tiring of the warm inviting smells of freshly baked goods. The front of the shop had a large glass window in which a person could see a variety of baked rolls upon the shelf. The sunny afternoon light shone through, illuminating the small store in a warm and welcoming orange glow. Inside there were three small circular tables, each with two chairs, a white tablecloth, and flowers as the centerpiece.The back of the shop had a glass display cabinet which held the more indulgent items, eclairs, donuts, cream buns, sweet sugar cookies, croissants, hot pies, and a small assortment of homemade jams and marmalade. An uninteresting red door in the back of the shop lead to her home.

It was a quaint, peaceful place, it was clear everything within it was crafted with love, and yet, it was nearly always empty.

Amari sat at one of the tables, her short, red hair nestled just above her shoulders in untamed waves, her fringe pushed back by dark green bandana. She wore a grey long sleeved dress with a blue apron, covered in flour. A half eaten buttery croissant sat on a plate by her and in her lap was a cross-stitch she had been working on. Every so often the woman glanced up and out the window overlooked the bustling Vorsport harbour, people of all kinds wandered past her shop Every so often they’d glance in, but few entered.

One would think it were a lonely life, but not her. She found it peaceful if uneventful. She loved her little shop, she loved the people in the town, and she loved baking. Overall, it was a lovely life.

[Tainted Bushido]

Life was simple.

This wasn't a tale of knights and dragons. There was no foul necromancer to defeat. Crystal swords did not seek their wielders, nor Castle Ixia its Knights. This was a simpler time, where the only concerns, were a knight, and the Lady he loved.

He was no hero, merely diligent. Certainly he was able, but it was his breeding that had gotten him this far. Being of a long line of knights, he was seen as valuable. All without having ever drawn his weapon. A foolish notion he was surely to tell everyone, for that wasn't how one proved their worth.

To him, it was actions, not lineage.

He was the leader of a small group of knights, used as a patrol in lower Vorsport. It was seedy to be sure but the locals knew he would not enact the crown's full law, unless they gave him reason to look. Those that played by the rules and treated others kindly had their lesser crimes ignored. Those that abused such grace found themselves punished fully under the law.

Joshua Arcus was a man only a scant twenty-one seasons old. He was clean shaven, reserving a beard for when he was wiser. He knew he had no knowledge to impart. It was that humility that saw him put here where others had failed. People liked Joshua because he didn't lord his title over the peasantry. It was no shield he used to abuse his station.

As they rose from the docklands, the men were obviously hungry, and so he started them down familiar streets. Of course once the men knew where they were going the ribbing began in earnest, but Joshua only smiled as they came across a small bakery, unremarkable in many regards.

And yet, for that knight, it felt most like home.

[Mari]

Amari looked up as the door opened, and the bells chimed. “Welcome to-Ah!” She quickly stood, almost dropping her stitching as the brown haired man walked in. Her emerald and gold eyes lit up in delight It as they met with his chocolate gaze. He offered her a warm smile, and his eyes… they always smiled with him. Amari often found herself staring into those pools, they bought her a comfort that no amount of freshly baked goods or warm sunny days could ever bring her. He was no doubt her most favourite person in the town, where others would exclude her, or whisper rumours of her being a witch, he’d rebuke them and offer her kindness.

“Joshua.” She uttered his name in a kind greeting. She bundled up her cross stitching and placed it on the table before quickly approaching him. As he took off his sapphire blue jacket Amari took it and placed it on a nearby coat rack. She extended her hospitality to the others who were in his company.

“Please, you must all be tired, sit… sit…” She gestured toward an empty table, pulling out the chairs for him and the other two men. “Would you like your usual?” Amari asked, a small hand resting on Joshua’s shoulder, chancing a squeeze. She knew he was far out of her league. Joshua was a high ranking knight, and had caught the attention of many of the well-to-do maidens in town. At the age of 22, Amari was considered somewhat of a pariah for not yet having made plans to settle down. With no mother to organise her betrothal to another, and with a father who was too ill to move, it left her the sole provider for her family. Someone like her had no chance, but she was fine with that. Amari took joy in his company, and the company of his comrades.

“Two sugars, no milk, yes?” Amari asked, she turned her attention to the others and reluctantly removed her hand from the man's shoulder. “And is there anything I can get you two?”

The two men nodded as the placed their orders with the lass. Joshua gave her a warm smile as he said, “You always seem to remember my wishes well. Yes, please, and thank you.”

Amari left the men to their own devices as she went to prepare the drinks, before she was out of earshot, she heard one of the other men make a comment about her ‘witchy eyes’ Amari shrugged it off. She understood her eyes were an oddity, and that unnerved some people, she couldn’t begrudge the man for that. Instead, she decided she’d show him reason to believe otherwise. She’d offer them the utmost courtesy.

The woman busied herself as she made their drinks. A strong tea for Joshua, and two bitter, milky coffees for the men. She placed them on the serving tray, along with fresh croissants and jam. Balancing the tray, she headed back over to the table and placed their orders down. “Please, take these too, no charge. They must be eaten today.” Amari said as she gestured toward the flaky pastries.


The men thanked her for their drinks as Joshua carefully sipped his tea. More good natured ribbing on the high noble penchant for tea. He casually laughed it off as he looked up at Amari, “Thank you Amari, perfect as always.”

His compliment warmed her, and Amari couldn’t help but smile. “You’re welcome, perchance I should teach you sometime? I hear you’re catching quite the attention lately.”


“You’re not wrong,” One of the men said, a blonde youth with strikingly blue eyes. He had a strong chin, angular and covered in a hairy muzzle. “Ophelia’s father wishes to offer her hand to him.” He laughed as he held up his coffee. “Perfect match if you ask me, she’s a noble daughter, long sandy hair, well bred. Good birthing hips. She is sure to sire a good son.”

Amari offered the man a smile despite the pang in her chest. “Ophelia is lovely. She comes in here every so often.” Amari’s lips scrunched up, relaying her confusion. She was often chastised for being too honest with her emotions. “Never purchased anything, she always just looks, but she is lovely on the eyes, and is very well mannered.” Amari turned her gaze to Joshua, who was quietly breaking apart a croissant. She thought of saying something to him, but decided against it.

“See, even the baker admits you’d be a good match.” The black haired man who Amari knew to be named David said. He gave Joshua a friendly slap on the back. “She’s already 20, she isn’t getting much younger. You’re meeting with her father tonight to brief on our next mission right? Maybe he’ll offer her hand too.”

“Wouldn’t that be lovely?” Amari said as she stepped away from the table, allowing the men to banter amongst themselves. It’d be rude to linger, but was it rude to feel disappointment? Joshua and Ophelia truly would make a lovely couple. Amari would be happy for them.

[Tainted Bushido]

Joshua carefully finished the bite of his croissant, looking across at David before he said, “You can have her David, I have no interest in someone like that.”

The men scoffed at that before they spoke, “Not interested? What? Are you into men? No one in their right mind would turn Ophelia down!”

Joshua sipped his tea before he said firmly, “I've always been called a bit daft by you gentlemen.”

“Someone else got your eye, Joshua? It won’t hurt to have a quick fool around before settling down, may do you some good, but you’d be a daft fool to not accept Ophelia’s hand.”

“Nothing like that. I don't think I could be one for such cruelties. I prefer someone less...helpless. Ophelia is used to such riches, but my family isn't the richest, merely the most loyal. I don't think I could offer what she wants.” Joshua explained. He sipped his tea, “These lunches are one of the few luxuries I afford myself. I just don't think it would be a good fit.”

“A good fit? Joshua, we’re talking an arranged marriage, not your tunic. Get yer head out yer arse and do what's best for your family!” his third squad mate Jonathan retorted. While easily the crassest he was also the most blunt in pointing out Joshua's flaws, which in his opinion were varied and many.

Joshua shrugged, “Love doesn't matter?”

“Ye got time fer love after yer married. Plenty of men made miserable looking fer love before,” Jonathan answered.

“I think we just have to agree to disagree there my friend, I think love should be the center of a marriage, not political gain.” Joshua replied.

“Well, I'll see you on night shift my friend. I need a nap before I go through that hell,” Jonathan replied. His look at Joshua said it all. Joshua would be getting an earful when the public wasn't awake. David also made to stand as well.

“Sorry, can't take the witch’s stand for so long, catch you tonight Josh!”

Joshua frowned at David's insistence that Amari was a witch. It was a common rumor and beneath their station to indulge in. He felt frustrated that such a sweet caring woman could be maligned so much for the mere color of their eyes. Still he didn't bother as he carefully prepared a purse, making sure to add in extra money that he knew she needed.

As the others made their quick exit, it was clear Amari heard the quips to her apparent witchdom. She sighed as she began clearing the table. “If I were such a thing…” She said toward Joshua, “I’d magic the dishes and pans clean.” She said with a smile, hoping to alleviate the man’s mood. It was then, she caught the fat pouch upon the table.

“Joshua…” Her tone was chastising. “That is far more coin than what a single mug of tea is worth.” She picked up the silver coins his men left on the table, Joshua noted they did underpay her. She threw the loose coins into her apron and finished clearing the table. “Put that away, or I’ll burn the next cup I serve you.” She warned as she shifted behind the counter and into the small red door. Joshua of course resolutely left the bag where it lay. He remained where he sat and when she returned she seemed to brighten at the prospect he was still there.

“May I join you?” Amari asked gently placing a slender hand on the back of a chair.

He looked up at her with a smile, “Of course Amari, but I worry. You cannot support your family if you continue to offer me free meals, please let me pay you something.”

“A story.” Amari said triumphantly. “Pay me with your company, and a story of your previous adventure.” She settled into the chair opposite him, she did not hide her excitement. She always revelled in what he said, how he and his knights worked, she felt safe knowing they protected her and the town. Even if he were well off, she would not request money from him. Joshua adored that part about the girl.

“Did I ever tell you about the street urchin?” Amari shook her head, and placed her elbows on the table, eager to hear more. “Is this another that you helped steer in the right direction, Josh?”

“I certainly hope so. He had been evading the guard for awhile. We’d get stories of pies and bread missing from windowsills every time we went down to the harbor district. It was odd because the only thing they could all agree on, was that they placed food down walked away for a few minutes and it was gone, as if they had been marked ahead of time,” Joshua began.

“Oh… the poor thing, I always give my leftovers away, I feel a little guilty I must have missed his area. Crafty isn't he?”

“Well, I was walking the streets with Jonathon and David when we spied the kid running by, shepherd’s pie in hand. Immediately David begins to run after the kid, and me and Jonathan began pursuit not long after. If I can credit David with one thing its his awareness. He recognized the problem before we did. He’s chasing directly after the kid, while me and Jonathan began racing down side streets to hedge him in. If he tries to cut across one of us will spot him. Of course we’re running in half plate and making a ruckus as people hear us thundering down the streets,” He paused as Amari laughed, and shifted her chair closer, he could smell the flour and sugar on her body.

Joshua smiled as he leaned in to speak, “Well, we finally get down by the docks and he makes a sharp turn into an alleyway. David calls it out, Jonathan shouts he can’t see the kid and they keep going in case the kid did something clever. I slow down as I realize the kid couldn’t have gone anywhere, we were running the side streets and keeping him locked in too tight. There was only two ways he could have evaded, up or down and not been spotted. So I sit there and go into the alleyway the kid had ducked into and I smell it, this shepherd's pie that has been cooling in this alleyway.”

“It turned out the kid was hiding in a rain barrel and because the other two ran by so fast they never caught a whiff of the pie. We had a chat, I told him to stop doing it or I would have to take him in. He left with the pie, at that point there was no way they would want it back. When the two doubled back I didn’t even tell them I found the kid, but the reports stopped after that day. I think he realized he nearly got in over his head and quit before he got hurt. I’m glad for him, I really am.”

[Mari]

The door jingled again, and a tall woman with long sandy hair that settled at her waist walked in. Her ears were adorned with expensive, glimmering jewels and her lips painted a deep red. Her eyes a brilliant green and her very presence evoked the aroma of lavender. She wore a thick velveteen dress adorned with shades of gold and purple. “Joshua! What a surprise.”

Amari glanced up, quickly shuffling away from the man. “Miss Ophelia.” Her sudden appearance surprised Amari, and she felt a little guilty for allowing herself to be so close to Joshua in public. “May I get you anything today, or are you browsing again?”

“Just browsing.” Ophelia said in articulated clarity as she dragged a finger over a nearby tablecloth, “My dear Joshua adores this place, so I often find myself wondering… why.” She paced around the shop pausing to look in the cabinet filled with sweets. “You make everything here, do you not, bakers daughter?”

Amari nodded, hustling over to the cabinet. “Yes. Of course. Father is ill and cannot move, but I’ve helped in the shop ever since I was a young girl. Here.” Amari pointed toward lemon tarts. “These are delightful, and Joshua adores them with his tea.”

Ophelia gave Amari a pensive smile. “I’ll take three.” Amari rang up the order, and Ophelia dropped three gold coins into Amari’s palm. Amari’s eyes widened, she had always thought Ophelia was not fond of her, but she just showed her a wondrous kindness. “Oh, no. This is far too much. They’re only worth a sil-”

“Please, take it. You are not well off, it is the least I can do to say thank you for looking after my Fiance.” The woman whispered with a smile, followed by a wink. Ophelia turned away from Amari. “Father awaits, will you escort me back to the estate, Joshua?”

“If M’lady wishes for me to escort her home, then I shall. Are you ready?” Joshua asked, carefully gathering his gloves and pulling them back on. Ophelia smiled radiantly at the man as she reached out and took his elbow. While earlier he had been relaxed and more loose it was not a figment of the imagination to see he was stiff and guarded in both tone and demeanor. Amari wondered if it were nerves, she once found herself nervous around him. It was only natural to be nervous around his soon to be wife.

As Amari watched the two leave the store she sighed. Ophelia really was lovely. Amari understood now, why the noble woman frequented the store, but never once purchased anything until now. She must have been curious, hearing her Fiance’ go on about this place… if Amari were in her shoes she’d come look too. To have the woman take an interest, and even go as far as to purchase the items for Joshua’s sake.

“They will surely be happy.” Amari said to herself.

[Tainted Bushido]

Joshua was miserable.

He had enjoyed his time with Amari. The young woman was enthralling, and always seemed to enjoy his tales. He meanwhile was struggling at maintaining decorum with Ophelia, feigning interests in her words. The woman was a socialite, a realm he had never showed interest in.

It wasn't that he found Ophelia ugly, or boorish. The girl was the very model of a perfect bride. No, it was the fact she had nothing interesting to say or do. She might have been a better match for David, who ate up town gossip. No, she was a parasitic woman, who siphoned from high society in order to continue to exist.

Joshua could not abide a useless woman.

It was at the core of his being. He had grown up in a practical family, to have such a wife was unsettling. His thoughts drifted as he dare not tread further down that line. He knew the dangers that line of thinking would lead to. Thoughts of a woman who he could not have, because he was of noble birth.

He arrived at the woman's estate and gestured her home before he spoke, “As promised M’Lady, your destination. May I help you with anything else?”

Ophelia was practically gushing over Joshua, attempting to woo him. With the capacity to think with something other than his loins, he was certain she had indirectly propositioned him. While the dream of many a man, he merely kissed her hand and offered a good night. She smiled at him once more and Joshua politely disengaged in order to run away.

He moved to the castle barracks, preparing for the nightmarish day of double shifts. Every knight had to do it once a month, and unfortunately, today was was that hell. Finding his cot he laid out taking a nap before his evening shift would begin.

[Mari]

Night had long since fallen and Amari had closed up her shop. The breads, tarts, pies , and pastries that remained unsold had been carefully wrapped up and placed in two large baskets which Amari now carried. The extra weight was no issue for her, Amari didn't look it but she had defined muscles in her upper arms as a result of years of baking and hauling trays in and out of ovens.

She walked down the street, the brisk air leaving a chill up her spine. Every so often she would stop and leave her goods at the doorsteps of various homes. This was her nightly routine, hand out the wares she could not keep any longer to those less fortunate than her.

“Amari!”

She turned to see a kindly old man approach, he shuffled with a cane in one hand and a handkerchief In the other as he coughed into it, his voice croaked from years of tobacco abuse and months of hellish living. “Amari, would you be so kind to-”

“Of course.” Amari stepped forward and helped him to a nearby bench. She sat down beside him and pulled out a warm meat pie, along with some napkins. “Here you are, Duncan.”

“Bless your kind heart, not many would be so kind to a tramp.” He said as he took it with shaking hands. He started eating with fervor, Amari knew it was the only thing he had eaten all day, if not the last few days. For good measure she pulled out a few plain round dinner rolls and placed them in his lap.

“Seen anything interesting lately?” Amari asked, as she pulled out yet another roll and slowly picked at it herself.


Duncan nodded. “Aye. They’re loading the ships up, a few of the knights are running shifts on the docks. I reckon they’re off on an adventure o’ some sort soon.” He said as he wiped meat juice from his lips with the back of his sleeve. “A few o’ the other urchins are plannin’ on boarding it. Getting out of here.”

Amari frowned, feeling concern for the man. “What about you?”

Duncun laughed, “Oh no. I’m too sickly. I don’t fare well on the seas. Tis’ why I don’t use my own boat. ‘Sides If I left, I’d miss our conversations and your wonderful meals.” He finished off the pie and shoved the rolls into his dirtied jacket pockets. “Many o’ us are thankful fer you, Amari. Not many could walk these streets without harm at night, you’ve done many people a great service. Down here, yer safe.” He stood and gave her a pat on the shoulder, slapping dirt and questionable substances onto her dress. Amari didn’t flinch, she simply looked up at him and smiled. He was a kindly man who had hit unfortunate times, often Amari contemplated offering him a warm bed - if it were not for her sick father.

“Thanks, but you talk far too highly of me.” Amari stood, knowing it was getting very late. “As always, it was a pleasure to talk to you, Duncan.” The vagrant gave her a friendly wave as she turned and headed back to the shop with empty baskets in hand.

[Tainted Bushido]

It was late. The night stretched further when Joshua finally found himself leaving the docks area. He had been told his squad had been selected to go abroad and protect a ship that was heading for the country of Fallien. They would drop off the cargo and return, but were to protect the ship from any would be pirates.

All in all he would be gone a couple of weeks.

Further he was somewhat distracted by the fact that his parents had arranged the wedding for him and Ophelia. Apparently they had arranged it quite some time ago, just before he finished training as a squire. With a son who had not disappointed them they had betrothed the two. However, with the advent of him being considered for promotion, they had finally planned out the wedding itself. Ophelia's father was a Duke after all, and such power would have risen the station of his family considerably.

It probably would have gotten him that promotion as well.

Not that he cared. He didn't like Ophelia, and that was his final thought on the matter. Moving through the streets he was tired as he barely made his way up, heading for the barracks. His men had been dismissed an hour ago, while Joshua stayed behind to take care of the more mundane tasks involved with preparing the ships. It was in such a state he found himself tiredly outside his favorite bakery.

“Joshua?” he turned to see her, carrying empty baskets, it looked as though she had just returned from the seedier part of town. “What are you doing here so late?”

A tired smile graced his lips as he waved politely to Amari, “I'm sorry, I guess I was so tired I went through my daily routine. I just got off patrol for the night.” he moved to close the distance with her as he said seriously, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

She smiled, always with such an invigorating warmth that filled him with a sense of peace. “I see, so it was out of habit.” She turned to the door and unlocked it, ushering him inside. “I had leftovers, so I was giving them to the homeless. I don’t need any help, but you look as though you could use a warm drink.”

“Oh, Amari, you needn't fetch a kettle for my sake,” He said politely as he entered the little shop. He sighed contently entering the place once more, coming here always seemed to chase the problems away, even if only for a moment. He looked at her and said, “You look radiant this evening…”

“W-what?” She turned to him, then quickly away. “I’ve been working all day. You’re blind.” She gestured for him to follow her as she slipped behind the counter. “Come to the drawing room, there’s a warm fire there. Father is asleep, so mind the noise.” She spoke quickly as though she were trying to hide something. When she turned to face him again, Joshua couldn’t help but notice her cheeks were a rosy red.

He nodded as he moved deeper, seeing the small hovel attached to the bakery. While it was obvious Amari was the sole caretaker, she was diligent in such a role. He could not seem to find a speck of dust or a broken piece of furniture anywhere. He was impressed with her resolve to keep the bakery as in shape as possible. Perhaps that's why he enjoyed it so much, it was a labor of love, and it showed in every biscuit, chair, and surface.

She lead him down the small corridor then to the left, the room was small and had two armchairs beside a roaring fire. The wind rattled the windows and the wallpaper was peeling, the ceiling was covered in dust and cobwebs, and the floor creaked when he walked on it. The place would be considered a hovel to the upper class. Yet it was the place she called home, and a place Joshua felt peace. Amari gestured for him to sit in one of the chairs and disappeared into the adjacent room.

He carefully removed his sword belt, wrapping the leather strap about the sheath before leaning it against his chair. Sitting down in the chair he felt the fatigue of the day hit him hard, despite the nap from earlier. It had been an eventful patrol and so he was working on the meager offerings he had given himself through the day.

She returned moments later with a tray of tea, and shortbread. She placed it on a small circular table between the chairs and sat opposite him. “I hear you are to wed Ophelia.” She said, her usual cheery tone had grown quiet. “I’m very happy for you, she’s lovely.”

“Yes, I only just found out about that. Apparently my Parents didn't wish to bother me with the details,” He replied as he carefully took the tea, “Thank you Amari, I daresay you're an angel in disguise.”

“You flatter me, all I offer is a dusty armchair and a warm drink.” Amari leaned back in her own chair, and took off her bandana, her short fringe fell over her forehead, tufts of red fell into her eyes and she sighed as she pushed them back. “Stay as long as you like Joshua. I adore your company.” She paused, her fingers curling into themselves. “Your parents may just want what is best for you. I never met my mother, but father says she said the exact same thing. She only ever wanted what was best for others.”

“Don't sell yourself short Amari, I daresay you are a better person than most,” Joshua said softly as he sipped the tea. He then looked up at Amari, “I appreciate the offer Amari, I promise not to trouble your doorstep too long.”

Amari was a treasure to her community. No one who actually knew the woman put any heed into the rumors she was a witch. He enjoyed her company greatly, she warmed him in a way that he seldom felt others did. It took that moment to realize just what he felt. He didn't love the Bakery, he loved her. Her smile, her demeanor, the way she saw challenges as just a small bump on the road. She was far from the useless person he had crowned Ophelia. Amari was what he wanted in a wife.

She nodded, falling silent as her eyes watched him finish his tea, he noticed that every time their eyes met she’d linger just for a moment before pulling her gaze away. “Are you going away?” Her question caught him off guard. No one outside those who were to be deployed knew.

He looked about before he said softly, “I'm afraid so, just for a couple of weeks, and then I'll be returning. I've been given an opportunity for growth,” If he sounded happy it was surely a farce. He stood up as he said softly, “I worry about you, you know.”

“Why?” She asked, looking up at him with innocent curiosity in her green and gold verdant gaze.

The words came from his heart as he gently took her hand, “People, are terrible to you for a mere rumor. I hear the whispers, I see the looks and it troubles me. I can't help but worry when I leave on the morrow. You suffer unjustly Amari, and it pains me to watch it. I can only imagine how tough it must be on you.”

“I’m alive, Joshua. I’m happy because of that. Those things don’t worry me, and I do not suffer. I work hard, I adore the people in this town, I adore my father and my shop, I adore you-” She paused, and quickly added. “Your company, and all you do for the town. I do not feel like I am suffering.”

Her reply didn't quell his fears as he said softly, “You put on a brave face Amari, but surely you see the way you are treated. Despite your bakery always being ready by the time the morning has begun truly, no one enters your shop. Despite how hard you work, no one purchases your wares. It pains me to see you fail through no fault of your own, but instead by gossip.” his hand traveled up her arm to her shoulder as he looked deeply into those golden eyes.

His heart ached as her smile fell, along with her eyes. She gripped the material of her dress tightly. “I’m alive Joshua. I just have to continue to live each day. Not just for me, but for my mother and my father.” Her short fringe covered her eyes, but her voice shook like it were on the verge of tears. “I’m alive. It doesn’t matter if no one comes, because sometimes, one person does come, and I’m ready and waiting, it doesn’t matter if no one buys my wares, because it's food for the homeless. It doesn’t matter if people think I am a witch who killed her mother, because I know it not to be...true…” She didn’t sound so confident with the last sentence.

Joshua’s hand went to her cheek as he brought her face back up and spoke, “You are loyal, in a world full of people who are only out for themselves. I saw the baker’s daughter who always was open on time, even if she knew it was pointless. I saw the woman who was ever ready with the perfect cup of tea to lift my spirits when I had been through a rough patrol. A woman who opened her hearth and home to a Knight who couldn't protect her, despite his best wishes.”

He gave her a sad smile as he whispered, “You were loyal, even when it hurt.” He seemed on the edge of saying something before he spoke, “I don’t want Ophelia, I want you Amari.”

“Joshua...I care about you...more than any other...”

Joshua felt something in his chest. It caused his heart to race as he realized the truth of the situation. He was afraid, he was on a ledge and only three short words from taking the plunge. Part of him knew that the rest of their lives would hinge on the next words he spoke. He looked her in the eyes as he confessed, “Amari, I love you.”

[Mari]

His words caught her completely off guard, she felt him getting close, his touch causing goosebumps to erupt on her skin. Despite upbringing and social manners telling her to pull away, she simply couldn’t. Her heart pounded in her chest as she admitted something she had always known, something that had plagued her for the last few years, but the moment she uttered the words, and he returned the sentiment she felt regret and guilt.

“I’m sorry.” She gushed, grabbing his hand, she offered him a squeeze. “That was indecent of me, y-you’re to wed Ophelia...she’s...she’s a noble and you, and I’m..I-I’m just a baker's daughter!” Amari tried hard to put on a strong face, to smile for him but her lips quivered, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Her emotions caught the better of her as she began almost pleading with him.

“Y-you’d be a pariah, y-you’d be outcast… you’d have to be lonely, and live in solitude and… and you’d be cleaning rotten food off the windows and your face would swell with the injury of rocks being thrown at you!” It all started to spill out, every small thing that Amari had endured, every ounce of rejection and pain, everything that she had smiled through and pushed through. She hiccuped as she continued to cry, gripping his arm she pressed her forehead into it.

“I cannot- I cannot have you live a life where you are thrown into the sea, where you have waste poured on you, a life where you are denied grains and food from the grocers so you have to make and grow your own… just because I love you...I can’t….Joshua...wed Ophelia. Be happy.”

He hugged her tightly, comforting her as he said softly, “I should like to see a world where everyone expects the worst of me for a change.” His hands gently ran up and down her back before he whispered, “I would be miserable with Ophelia. I couldn't stand the mere walk we did to return her home. I am not happy to have my life given to such a woman as a trinket. I am much happier with you.”

His soothing ministrations on her back relaxed her, as he drew in closer she could feel his breath tickle the bare skin of her neck and it took all her willpower not to turn her lips to his. She couldn’t do such an improper act… instead, Amari slowly wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer as she pressed her own face into the crook of his neck. She breathed deep and could smell lingering gunpowder, salt, and iron. The scent of a dutiful soldier, of Joshua, of the man she was irrevocably in love with. A man who was always so kind to her, who never once indulged in rumours, who helped the homeless and the rich alike. Who didn’t throw his status around and who earned his respect with hard work and even kinder words.

“Joshua….” She whispered, she had no other words to say. What more could she say? In those few short moments she had everything she wanted and more, and yet, she felt so utterly undeserving of it, and was so afraid it was some kind of cruel joke played on her by the Thaynes above.

“You’re too kind…”

“If that were true, you would have more customers than a lowly Knight who cannot quell such a vile rumor,” He whispered softly as he hugged her tightly. He whispered in her ear, “I'm sorry, I'm too forward.”

Amari shook her head, “It’s fine.” If she were to be brutally honest, she’d tell him it was just what she needed, and wanted to hear, that she had longed for this moment for years. “It is more than fine…” She whispered back as she gave him a final squeeze and pulled away.

A look of concern had etched itself onto his features as he looked at her. His hand moved from her back to her shoulder, then just under the chin, as if he was loathe to let her go. He said softly, “I've, said too much, haven't I?”

Amari shook her head, “No.” Her hand found its way to his cheek, his skin was smoother than she expected, her fingers danced over his skin in a slow comforting motion. “I have admired you from afar, for a very long time. I often dreamed of this moment, but I fear you are not thinking of the consequences it will bring you and your family. Go on your journey, and consider your answer. Know I will be here, regardless.”

Amari offered him a smile. “Joshua… no matter what you choose to do, promise me you will always visit me in my store.”

[Tainted Bushido]

“I don't think I could stay away from you if I tried Amari,” He said softly. He closed his eyes as he stepped closer to her and whispered, “If we are being honest, I have a gift for you…”

“W-what?” She asked, she was ever so innocent and painstakingly kind, Joshua wished that just once, she would be selfish. “You don’t have to get me anything Joshua. Your company is more than enough.”

His hand gently moved from her chin up to a cheek as he gently pressed his lips against hers in a chaste kiss. She tasted sweet, like sugar and jam, but the salty taste of her tears lingered upon her soft lips. He gently pressed his forehead against hers before he whispered, “I hope you liked it. It was the only gift you've let me give you, but I have more should you wish.”

“I’d want nothing more than I’d want that…” She whispered in earnest, with red cheeks. He smiled as he leaned in and gave her another kiss, letting it linger between them. Her lips parted ever so slightly as she breathed in deep, her arms finding their way back around his shoulders.

He kissed her deeply, feeling an explosion of emotions between them as suddenly he felt too clothed. He reached up to the clasp on his breastplate and loosened it. He wanted to feel their bodies against one another, and needed the feeling of Amari against his skin.

His eyes looked into hers deeply and he carefully pulled off the breastplate, laying it gently on the chair as he whispered, “Amari, I don't care about anything other than you. I don't want you to go through life just surviving. I want you to live, to love and be loved.”

Her fingers danced through his hair, her nails scraping against his skull fulfilling a desire between them. She shifted her hands to run down the length of his arms and griped his hands, guiding them to the lace at her back which held her dress in place.

Carefully he undid the knots as he kissed her hungrily feeling her own needs pour back into him. It was a sharing of emotion that seemed to feed into itself bringing them closer and closer as more flesh was joined. He kissed her as hands ran over the recently bared shoulders. It was intoxicating, the passion welling between them, and he didn't want to abandon it for anything.

Joshua was indulging in every desire with Amari exploring her body as she did his. Every scar, every bump and bruise was discovered with a sharing of how it got there. Joshua probably had more bruises, but the myriad of scars on Amari's body concerned him as he kissed and soothed away the troubled thoughts they brought.

Finally he whispered softly, “You're sure this is what you want?”

She nodded, pressing her forehead to his, she laughed. A melodic laugh he had never heard from her before, and it only made him love her more. They kissed before he took her, careful to try and not hurt her with the act. They slowly worked with each other building a rhythm before she bit into his collarbone supressing a cry of passion. Joshua shuddered at the primal act as he held her close, trying to keep rhythm with her as they joined in a passionate embrace.

The fire had died down as they finally finished, at last sated of their desires. They sat on the floor watching the burning embers, a quilted blanket about them to trap the heat. Joshua’s head rested on her shoulder as he whispered gently in her ear, “I wish we could stay like this forever…”

She rolled over into him, her chest pressed tightly against his. He could feel the steady thrum of her heart against his. “I have this memory, as much as I like forever, this right now is good enough for me.”

Joshua nuzzled gently into her neck as he said softly, “I love you Amari. However I'm expected at the Barracks. I need to go, but when I return, we will discuss our future. I promise you, the future will be ours, no one else's.”

He put his clothes back on before he kissed her once more, breaking it before he knew he would indulge in her once more. Carefully he exited the Bakery as he looked around and said softly to Amari, “I'll talk to you when I get back. Stay safe Amari.”

She had an old blanket draped over her shoulders, it was messy and frayed, but on her, it looked perfect. She tilted her head slightly to the side, and smiled warmly at him, squeezing his hand tightly, Joshua soaked up the warmth, returning it with one of his own. “I look forward to it...Joshua.” She left him with the smallest of kisses that tickled his cheek with warmth before she disappeared back into the bakery.

From the shadows a cloaked figure watched the final exchange before it headed back to the Duke’s Manor. It was time to report to the mistress about her fiance...

[Mari]

Amari never expected her night to end the way it had. A part of her tried to convince herself it was a dream. She went to bed, and woke up the next morning thinking it had been a dream, if it weren’t for the single silken black glove he had left. That tiny piece of clothing was fancier, and worth more than anything in the entire store and house. During her morning routine Amari had picked it up and placed it in the band of her apron without a second thought, the black was a stark contrast to her usual pale attire.

As usual, the first thing she did was check in on her father. He was still asleep, and his forehead was warm with fever. It was concerning.. he wasn’t doing too well, barely coherent. She longed to stay by his side till he awoke and tell him stories of Joshua, and of the night before, although she’d leave out the part where they made love. Alas... Amari knew she had a job to do, she left him with a book on his bedside table and a kiss on the forehead before embarking on the tedious task of preparing the bakery for the day. Her mornings began before dawn where she started the baking, some of the treats were still good from the day before, but things like croissants, breads, pies, and cream filled buns were all made fresh daily.

Like clockwork, Amari’s bakery was open and ready for the public at daybreak, some of the items wouldn’t be ready till a few hours later but that was never an issue. Amari had slowly began to downsize the items she cooked, there was little reason to fill a store no one visited.

The early morning light shone through the window as she sat behind the counter. Short hair once again neatly tied back with a modest bandanna, by her side was a steaming cup of milk tea and she was enjoying a slice of hot bread with jam.

The door jingled and Amari looked up, hoping to see Joshua before he left, instead, Ophelia had walked in, a serene smile on her face. “Amari. How lovely it is to see you…”

[Tainted Bushido]

The ship had traversed the seas. The knights aboard worked alongside the sailors to ensure a safe passage. Sometimes they helped secure the sails, others they looked menacing as armed frigates would pass by. More than once the captain was sure there were pirates circling, yet nothing happened. They safely made port in Dheathain, delivering the supply of wood from Concordia.

Joshua was relieved they had only stayed a day in port, to make up some time lost when the winds had refused to blow. The return trip was just as tense, but no less boring in the long run. It was certainly stressful in the moment, but after the experience of the trip to Dheathain, the trip home was nothing. He was happy to know he was technically not needed, but understood that one day, if he continued these voyages he would be.

The ship pulled into port, disgorging its passengers, David and Jonathan both leaving for the Barracks. Joshua had pressing business to attend to, and so he diverged. The two men ribbed him casually saying he was spending too much time with the girl, but Joshua knew this was the moment of truth. Moving up the way he came to the street that held Amari’s Bakery. He steeled himself coming to it as he saw there was no sign of life. The place looked abandoned. Chairs were knocked over, dust everywhere, the door sealed. The love and care that was consistent with Amari’s diligence were gone.

He tried to open the door, hearing the bell jingle on the other side as he felt the door stay resolutely shut.

He tried again, then again. FInally his shoulder was sore from trying to force the door as an old man walked by. He looked at Joshua before he asked, “What are you doing?”

“Is Amari still here?” Joshua asked, his gaze not leaving the door.

“Surely you knew? Where have you been, knight?” The man replied.

Joshua felt the bottom of his stomach drop out as he gripped the man by the shoulders, “Please, sir. Tell me what happened! Where is Amari?”

The man placed a steadying hand on Joshua’s shoulder before he spoke, “She was arrested not too long ago. She was found guilty of witchcraft, and has been sentenced to hang from the neck until dead.”

Joshua felt the strength drain from him as he had to lean against the bakery for support. His eyes closed painfully before he realized something and opened them, “has been sentenced? Then the sentence hasn’t been carried out?”

The man shook his head as Joshua rushed to the prison. Amari would have been held there, if not to prevent her from running, then to keep her safe from mob justice. He needed to find her before her execution, and he knew deep down, there was no going back. Once he saw her, he would be unable to leave her side anymore. Not with the way things had escalated, he couldn’t afford to let the rumors and mob justice get a second chance at her.

[Mari]

The week started out just like any other, she’d open the shop, have a few visitors, close it, and go on her nightly walk to the slums to donate the leftover produce of the day. Ophelia began to visit more often, sometimes twice daily. It was a nice change of pace. Amari began to enjoy her talks with the woman, she constantly gushed over Joshua, and talked about how they were going to live their life together when he returned.

The guilt began to eat away at Amari, it was on the first evening of the second week where she decided to tell Ophelia what happened. The two sat at a table within her shop, Amari held Ophelia’s hand in her own, and with teary eyes confessed everything. How she had adored and loved Joshua for years, how she had planned to live and let be, how she was happy for Ophelia and him to be wed… Amari told the woman, whose eyes darkened how she had slept with him the night before he left. Amari was met with a sharp slap to the face, it was expected.

“We’re not done…” Ophelia sneered as she stood and left the bakery, Amari sat in silence with a heavy heart. She had not only damned herself, but her father, and Joshua. Twilight turned to night, and it was then, Amari finally stood.

Before she could busy her mind with her menial work there was a flurry of movement, her front door was slammed open, tables were strewn and chairs tumbled as she was pushed to the floor. It was the guard, the very people who occasionally accompanied Joshua here with her. Tears dotted her eyes. “W-what...why?” She gasped, straining to see anything.

She could hear more movement as men forced their way into the back of the shop, Amari feared for her father's life, he was already so weak. Her store… and her home were being ransacked. “Why…?”

“Amari June Helliflair,” A gruff man spoke, but Amari could only see his shoes. Black and polished leather with metal lace tips. “You have been accused of witchcraft, your birth killed your mother, witnesses claim golden light erupting from your hands, you are seen skulking around the slums, and have enchanted and bedded a Sir Joshua Arcus. How do you plead to these charges?”

“I...I just-” She received a kick to the gut and her words were lost.

“Sir! Her father, he’s dead!”

“Add the murder of a one George John Helliflair to the list. You are found guilty, and will be hung in three days.”

Her entire world came crashing down in those few moments, she had been given no time to grieve the loss of her father, or her freedom. Amari offered no fight as she was dragged out of the store and placed in chains. She barely lifted her head as the upper middle class people congregated, some throwing stones at her.

If they believe Joshua to be enchanted...may he be spared my fate…. Amari thought, and it was the last thought she had before she was knocked out cold.

For three days she was left chained in a dark cell, no sunlight, no food, and no water.

It was nearly daybreak. She now stood atop a stockade with a loose noose around her neck. Her arms and feet were bound in iron shackles. Her head had been shaved, her eyes bruised and swollen. Her lips cracked from dehydration. A crowd had come to watch, murmurs of both contentment and dissent rumbled through the crowd. Amari kept her head low, she had lost the desire to fight and knew it was pointless to beg. She had no hope of survival, and her body was in pain. She had accepted her death sentence.

“You have been denied your last rites. May your neck snap, and you have a quick death.” The acting general of the knights said, as he pulled the lever, and the trapdoor below Amari’s feet opened.

Her neck did not snap, she hung, her body writhing as she struggled to breath, the crowd erupted in both cheers and jeers, amongst all the pain, all the hate, and the excruciating pain of suffocation, she thought she could hear Joshua’s voice.

Her bloodshot eyes fluttered, and if tears could fall, they would have.

Oh how cruel my heart is, fooling me into thinking he is here

Her world grew ever darker, and for the first time in her life, Amari was ready to accept death, and to stop fighting so hard against a life that had been so cruel to her.

[Tainted Bushido]

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” the words boomed through the courtyard as the sounds of boots slapping against cobblestones could be heard. The crowd seemed shocked as they turned to see a truly furious Joshua Arcus bear down on the executioner's stand. He vaulted past the guards without so much as a stutter, moving up onto the stand before he drew a dagger and gripped the rope that held the choking Amari.

“Sir Arcus! Stand down now! You are not well, she has bewitched your mind!” one of the guards spoke. While he was arguing Joshua had already cut through the rope and carefully let Amari down, dropping through the stockade as he carefully hugged her tightly. Her breathing was shallow and she was barely conscious.

He carefully led her out, even as rocks began to fly. He didn't dare falter and covered Amari, shielding her from the hate. The guards finally gathered around him as Joshua spoke his voice holding a restrained fury, “I can't believe you dare call yourselves Knights! Look at you!”

“The girl has been found guilty of Witchcraft. She murdered her father, mother, enchanted you, and has been seen performing unholy rites against the sick and infirmed. A just court of law has determined-”

“Just court my ass!” Joshua rarely if ever swore and even more seldom to a superior. He stood defiantly before Amari, sheathing the dagger as he spoke, “We both know what this is. If she is a witch you never would have caught her. She has been nothing but a positive influence on this community. Things should have been so much worse if she were a witch for you monsters had given her ample reason to wreak vengeance upon you!”

“Sir, you are interfering with an act of justice. A move unbecoming a Knight of the Crown-” again the man was interrupted.

“To hell with the Crown and to hell with you! I swore to protect all from injustice and a girl whose most horrific act is feeding the poor shouldn't be so much as fined! Not even hung,” Joshua replied. He closed his eyes as he clenched his gloved hand tightly, making the leather squeal.

Amari reached up with shaking hands, they lightly touched Joshua’s shoulder, and began to glow a soft golden hue. Joshua knew what she was doing, it was so like her. She was trying to make it look like she was bewitching him, when the only damn thing that light ever did was heal.

He looked back at her before he spoke his words soft, “Don't milady. You have nothing to atone for.” the guards drew steel on the two of them before Joshua laughed bitterly, “Is this how you carry out justice? Against an unarmed woman who was merely eking out a living, while you stood by and refused to help?”

“You aren't giving us a chance Joshua, she's ensnared you with her dark magics! Ophelia let us know.”

Joshua wasn't even paying attention anymore as the last piece clicked into place. Ophelia was trying to remove the only barrier between her and Joshua. He carefully shielded Amari as he watched the knights.

“Is this what you base justice on now? Rumors and hearsay? Is this what the vaunted Knights of Vorsport do? Participate in witch trials without even bothering to follow their own laws?”

“We have said this multiple times Sir Arcus. She has been found guilty of many crimes-” the acting General was cut off as Joshua pointed at him.

“Did you carry out trial? Was she allowed witnesses to talk for her? Did you even bother with her side of the story before you threw her in the stockade?” The challenge was set as Joshua held his ground, a hand gently touched her shoulder, letting her know he was there.

[Mari]

Amari was barely coherent, she could taste blood in her mouth and could only assume it was from a wound in her head. She didn’t have the strength to open her eyes, or continue to heal a perfectly fine Joshua.

“Did you see!? Her hands were glowing, she’s ensnared him again!”

“Sir Arcus let go, you’re not yourself.”

They still think this is my fault, if he were to just let me go, he’d be safe and free to live out his life. So why….why won’t he let go?? Amari thought as she felt his grip around her tighten. The flood of warmth from his body was both comforting and terrifying. She loved the man but she was so terribly afraid he’d ostracise himself, and he’d meet the same fate.


The crowd quieted down as Ophelia stepped up to the stockade, “Joshua….” Her voice was filled with rue, “Please, do you not remember the night we shared by a dying fire? Has she truly made you believe she were the one you were with? Think about it Joshua. Please…” She begged him, stepping forward and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“How does it make any sense? A single woman in charge of running and maintaining an entire bakery and shop, with no mother and no father? How did she get the ingredients? How was she able to continue a business no one frequented? What of all the people she supposedly helped? Why are they not here now?” The crowd was quiet, the smallest of smirks appeared on Ophelia’s features before she quelled it and continued. “Joshua...she’s given you all these false memories..please let her go and come back to us.”

“Come back to you? I would have had to have been with you in the first place. I wasn't even told of our betrothal until just before I left. Even now I find we’re in different worlds. You can have high society, I find it utterly droll…” Joshua called back, “I actually know the answers to all your questions, but you don't care about those do you? Your viper's tongue only cares about making sure I'm yours, and no one else's.”

He looked out, “Go ahead, if Amari has done anything to help you, speak up, let your voice be heard! I won't let them silence you in this mockery of justice.”

A voice rang out, loud and clear over the deathly quiet crowd. “She used dat dere hand on me once! Healed up mah breathing good and proper!”

Slowly but surely they began to shout out, spurred forth by Joshua’s resilience to the knights.

“She always feeds our family!”

“If it weren’t for her I would have drowned!”

“She helped my farm!”

One by one the lower class began to call out, even as the upper class tried to pull them back and silence them. One man in particular pushed forward, grabbed Joshua and yanked him away from Ophelia. “Come wid me.” He said.

Carefully Joshua picked up Amari and whispered comforting words as he was lead through the crowd by the man. The time for talk was over it was obvious to all what had happened. The executioner called out, “Sir Arcus! If you leave with her you are forfeiting everything. Your title, your lands, your future. Think before you go!”

“If allowing this travesty is being a knight, then take my title. I have no need of such things,” Joshua called back moving deeper through the crowd.

“I’m Duncan.” The man grunted as he lead Joshua down a backstreet, taking a left turn, then a right, down a set of stairs and another two lefts. They were well and truly in the slums now, most paid them no heed, many, if not all had been aided by Amari in some way or another. “Miss Amari saved me’ life. I got a small boat down by the docks. I ain’t in no condition to use it no more. Yer can take it.”

Joshua looked at the man before he carefully shifted Amari and handed a small pouch of money to the man, “Duncan, take this. Thank you.”

Duncan’s eyes widened, he quickly pocketed the coin and lead them down to the docks, the Knights were still searching the streets, and had yet to reach the conclusion that others would come to Amari’s aid. “Here.” Duncan lead them to a fishermans boat. It was small, clearly only used for short trips. “There’s a cabin downstairs, got one bed, small space. Should do yer, may not be clean but beggars can’t be choosers ey?” He asked with a small laugh before turning serious, his eyes falling to the unconscious Amari.

“Yer look after her. Yes?”

“Of course.”

And with that, the two silently slipped away upon the darkened ocean, gentle waves lapping at the boat as it tore them away from a home that betrayed them.

[Tainted Bushido]

The small boat stayed near the coast, drifting on the tides as Joshua carefully moved Amari to the sole bed. He looked upon her with grave concern as he gently stroked her cheek, “Are you alright?”

She stirred, groaning. She lifted a bruised arm to her head. Her wrists were still a raw red from where the iron shackles had sat. “I’m...alive?” She asked, her voice croaked, raspy from dehydration.

Joshua grabbed a cup and filled it from the water barrel offering it to her as he said softly, “Small sips. You've been through a lot milady.”

She took it and drank from it. Her head, bald from where it looked like they not only cut and shaved, but tore chunks of her hair out was red and raw. She seemed to be aware of this as she glanced up at him, shying away as she pressed herself back into the dingy bed, pulling a musty blanket over her head. “Why did you do that? C-Couldn’t you see I was trying to s-stop you?”

“You needed help, I couldn't refuse you if I tried,” Joshua replied truthfully, “I couldn't let them kill you Amari. I would never be able to live with myself if I just stood there and did nothing.”

He could hear the sounds of her sobbing from beneath the blanket, he carefully pried it away from her hands and scooped her up into a warm embrace, her breath tickled his skin as she gripped him tight. “Joshua...you can never go back. They’ll kill you. Your friends… your family…”

Joshua gently rose her chin up to look her in the eyes, “Much like you, I never belonged. I couldn't sell my ideals to get ahead, and because of that Vorsport lost a Knight for trying to make me. Don't grieve for my future Amari, we're free.”

Amari pressed her forehead to his, “I love you.”

Joshua smiled as he whispered back, “I love you too.”


~*~

The days went by as they followed the coast, Joshua trying his hardest to use the information he had gained from his trip to avoid plowing into the shoreline of Corone. Every night was exhausting, but the thought of spending more time with his beloved pushed him on.

Meals were scarce until they finally reached a small fishing village. Then he had sold the ship, and made plans to move inland. Stories of a disgraced Knight were muttered as mere gossip, and Joshua had kept his tunic in his bag wisely. Amari's head was kept under a small rag to hide the damage that had been done as her hair grew out.

Underwood was the goal. There they could get a cabin in the woods, and disappear from the world. Joshua was tired of the greed and corruption, and was wary of how they had treated a baker’s daughter as if she were a traitor. Some time away was definitely warranted.

[Mari]

They managed to procure a cabin and Amari was slowly beginning to accept that this was their life. In the beginning she had been wracked with guilt and often thought of ways to make it up to the man. Joshua had given up everything for her, and Amari didn’t feel herself worthy of such cause. At times, she had wished she died that day on the stockade, just so he could be safe and warm but those thoughts began to change as she saw the smile on his face whenever he saw her, even in her pitiful state. It kept her going, it consoled her, it told her ‘this was right’.

The land around them was fertile enough for farming, so the red-headed baker's daughter worked with the disgraced knight; teaching him how to sow the land and care for the crops. As she promised all those months ago, she even showed him how to make his favourite brew of tea.

The days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, and as time flows, months to years. Unlike Vorsport, the people here adored Amari, and upon finding out she had the capability to heal, she was offered a job at the priestess temple. The two were beloved by the community, and the troubles of their past were nothing more than bitter memories.

Amari held Joshua close in her heart, loving him with everything she was capable of, and he offered the same in return. Their lives settled into uneventful peace, and, as with all fairy tales, this was their happily ever after.

If only all lives were so blessed...

[Philomel]

Judgement Title: A Baker's Knight (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?32121-A-Bakers-Knight)
Type of Judgement: Basic Judgement and Workshop Request

Submitted for Workshop 24/04/2017

Not to be closed as Basic Judgment to be registered along with rewards by judge within one week. AP cost will also be calculated and deducted at this stage.

[Philomel]

Thread Title: A Bakers Knight (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?32121-A-Bakers-Knight)
Judgement Type: Basic Judgement

Commentary:

Tainted Bushido:

Strengths:

Paragraphing was done marvellously well for yourself in this piece, which you used to create a more intriguing and enrapturing story, with a well-paced plot. It helped to build up your tension well, and the parts of high action were made more exciting with paragraphing. Post 15 and 5 are good examples of this. Small sentences build up to larger once, making a great sense of tension rising. This is done well throughout, with a consistency that is enchanting, so well done in this.

Your introduction was done particularly well, with a well written opening paragraph. The word choice and paragraphing was chosen carefully, with neat small sentences to build up to a resounding beginning. For a short one-piece this is particularly important, for the setting of the scene is what starts the adventure and can mean the difference between success and failure. You gave enough information, and enough detail for your character and his important role in the plot.

Dialogue was a well-used tool for you in this piece. Coming from your character they purvey a noble man, a proud individual and stay true to his personality all the way through. There is a consistency of abbreviations and methods of phrasing. There is also a sweetness in his voice, and a well-versed romantic who has a way with words, even though they are maybe simple in terms, and not overly elaborated, which fits in well for the local township community feel of the piece.

Weaknesses:

Development could have been done into the relationship between Joshua and Ophelia. Something seemed a little lacking in terms of explanation – the issue of why he and she were chosen for each other could have been developed more. As a plot point this is a central hinge for the story itself, there was mention of the fact that she was a noble’s daughter and Joshua an officer in the patrolling army, but little else.

Though there are some strong points of description in this thread, there have been other times when you, as a writer, have shown stronger promise. Use of adjectives is merely the basis for linguistic technique and it would have been good to see some imagery and more intense and unusual vocabulary.

The romantic scene is somewhat lacking in some sense, though it has a base in being realistic and true to the character of both. What it seemed to lack was a depth of power and beauty. There were the basics in terms of a lovemaking scene but there could definitely have been more development leading up to this as well as in it itself. Though this piece is short here is where there could have been more writing, especially as its importance to the plot. You did convey some form of desire within Joshua beforehand, but making this also more obvious in development would have helped.

Amari:

Strengths:

Using poetry to add flavour was an excellent choice for this thread. The first poem hints at what the story might reveal about Amari and the idea of that this story is part of a previous life for herself. It is joined in the last post, with the final sentence of “If only all lives were so blessed...,” and links to Amari’s current life as ‘Red’. Sandwiching the story between these is neat and has a beautiful elegance to it, so well done here.

Setting was well designed and written by yourself, with the first introduction of the bakery that led into a continued frame for the setting of the piece. Inclusion of such things as scents and sounds added to the brilliant description often seen in it. Encouragement would be made here to continue on this great path, and in further threads use this to your strength. Adding it further, even as a continued metaphor which is touched upon here with the title, would be one way to develop your writing.

Description was done well in its basics, with some great word use and artistic techniques. Post 9 for instance had, “looking up at him with innocent curiosity in her green and gold verdant gaze.” Alliteration is in use in your posts, as is a good vocabulary. This can definitely be built upon, and offers some brilliant scope for the rest of your thread. Overall it is written well, with excellent clarity and over time you have managed to become more skilled in your technique.

Weaknesses:
Pacing is somewhat irregular in this piece for you, and there is an uncertain amount of rises and falls which sometimes do not fit with the plot. With the first introduction of Ophelia to the final ending of the trial there are various uses of sentence length and general paragraphing that do not add much in order to assist with a powerful paced piece. The main rise of the action is there, but in future I would encourage to try to use more examples of paragraphing, such as in post 16, where you have the various voices speaking out in shorter portions.

Plot could have been developed a little more, with a further idea of where this version of Amari came from, and what her past was. The witch trial was explained to some extent her past, but there was a scope here for some more story that you missed. More description to do with the death of her father and mother would have been good, as well as development of the idea that Amari’s mother died in childbirth, and what that means for their society. In general the plot written and the ideas for her being accused of witchcraft were believable, however, so the basis was there. Do not be afraid of adding in extra reasoning or a couple of other posts.

Mechanics had a couple of problems in your thread, though it was not a major issue. In small amounts, however, there were some mistakes that would not get perfect score in a Full Rubric Judgement. In the title and also in post 6 a “bakers daughter” is written without the possessive apostrophe (should be, “baker’s”). Also, some points of punctuation (‘“… be happy.” Amari said …’ should be ‘“… be happy,” Amari said…’ This, and other small spelling mistakes weaken your posts, and just a brief read over and edit can help this in future.

Rewards:

Score: 50

Tainted Bushido (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?11513-Tainted-Bushido) receives:
855 EXP
80 GP

Mari (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?18816-Mari) receives:
1020 EXP
90 GP

Cost: 3 AP from Mari.

[Shinsou Vaan Osiris]

All rewards added!