на миру и смерть красна

DEATH IS RED IN THE WORLD. Captain Veniamin Yakovlev of the Tsar's Imperial Army.

[weird-fictions]

[zoya-serene-deactivated20160904]

She heard his footsteps coming nearer, and Zoya kept her head bowed as he spoke. “No one should die alone,” Zoya said in almost a whisper. “Thank you sir.”

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘Indeed they should not; few men deserve to face death in solitude.’ He offers his arm; the cleaner sleeve of his uniform, his left hand extending towards her as he accommodates his inkling about the woman before him with a faint brush of his forearm against her own.  ‘This way, if you would, my lady.’

[grandprincessmarina-blog]

“I was only looking for my brothers, I wondered if they might end up here.” Sighing, Marina lowered her eyes to the ground. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘Your Highness.’  The Captain acknowledges tentatively over his shoulder as he helps another wounded man settle onto a bloodied coverlet,  ‘They are not here, and we have received no word of that nature.’  Veniamin offers a solacing smile, before he nods,  ‘If you might find our physicians some more provisions, I would be most appreciative, my lady. Though please, do not venture outwith this point; it is not safe.’

[florencehqs]

“Perhaps I can help, sir? I have experience in the field with treating the wounded,” Misha offered, the casualty of men pouring through the door causing him to purse his lips.

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘Then your aid would be invaluable, sire —— our physicians are too few and thinly spread.’ Veniamin’s voice rose above the commotion around them, an urgency residing within a tone otherwise calm, given the circumstances. ‘Please, my lord, this way.’

[zoya-serene-deactivated20160904]

“I-ah yes, I understand sir.” Zoya found herself a bit befuddled by the whole situation. “I was hoping that perhaps I could help. I know I am not of much use but perhaps someone could use company.”

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘On the contrary, my lady, you are of much use. Many of these men will not see daybreak; kindness is required now more than ever.’ His tone is quiet; solemn as he approaches her, ‘If Your Highness wishes, I can find you a quieter place to sit.’

[sabiinc-deactivated20160829]

         “ Whilst your CONCERN is admirable, sir, surely there are more important people and pressing matters that you must attend too.”

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘Indeed there are, my lady, which is precisely the reason as to why I ask you remain within safety. Each minute I spend dissuading you from mortal recklessness is a minute robbed of my attention towards such pressing matters, so please, Your Highness, for your own sake as much as my own, indulge me.’

[princessofcandia-blog]

“I apologize, I hadn’t meant any disrespect. In fact, quite the opposite. I was searching for the prayer garden–prayer is needed in times of war.” 

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘With that I cannot argue, my lady. However I regret to inform you that you have been misdirected; naught but violence lies beyond these walls. I advise you go back the way you came, and head Eastwards through the corridors from there.’

[gpirina]

“Yes, yes of course, I don’t mean to be in the way, I was just hoping for news if there was any. And I appropriated some clean sheets, if they would be helpful, I’m sure the apothecary wasn’t stocked for anything of this magnitude.”

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘Not at all, Your Highness, though I am afraid I can offer little by way of an update. The situation is still very much the same, though I have been told with cautious optimism that it seems our efforts to push back the rebels are succeeding. —— Thank you, Princess; your consideration of the current circumstances is greatly appreciated.’

[sabiinc-deactivated20160829]

     “ Do not be so RIDICULOUS – I am the Countess of Andreyevna not some common criminal, now let me pass this instant!” 

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

         ‘Assuring the safety of those within Kaborg is not ridiculous, Your Highness. I ask that you do not impede my duty to safeguard your life by putting yourself in harm’s way.’

[ofbattleswon-blog1]

          ‘If you’ve no business down here  —— and I sincerely ask that you forgive my candour —— then I’d advise you withdraw further into the castle. The fight hasn’t ceased yet and we shall necessitate this space for the wounded most erelong.’