Medieval: A Side Story

This is a spinoff of the Medieval Slash RP, where Slash is no longer a requirement and the characters get paired with different people.

Because, we all love alternate endings.

Enjoy.

Milano, spy and maid of the enemy country, currently was in the castle of Marie III cleaning around the halls. Ordered to keep track of the Queen and her heir as well study the inner workings of the castle to discover some weakness in it, Milano had got herself a job as a maid for the castle. She had been here a month and everything had seemed to be going as planned. And yet... there was a slight problematic situation....

The green eyed girl glanced through the ajar door to the training room. A slight flush coming to her cheeks as she watched the person inside training. Realizing what she was doing, she quickly looked away and went back to her cleaning.

You guessed it, this maid/assassin had grown a little too fond of one of the residents of the castle, a fellow maid as well as an unofficial knight. This would prove terribly problematic for her mission, and in fact made it question her loyalty to her queen and kingdom. She tried hard to deny these feelings, but it was simply too hard. She could not ignore the fact that her heart seemed to quicken it's pace when the young maid knight smiled at her, or the slight flush to her cheeks that would always seem to appear when around the other woman...

Candy had just finished her piano lessons, and came down the stairs of the castle, looking around.

She went to a window and looked down on the knights training. She went down the stairs some more and came to a window that overlooked the Battlemage's training as well. She then went across the castle through a special passageway that led to a side compartment connected to her room.

She sighed and laid on her bed. "Today's just another day..." She said, wondering if anything fun would happen.

A huge metal clanging crash came from inyard, accompanied by yell of frustration. " DAMMIT ALL! MAKER SPIT ON THOSE HALF-WITS!!!" Connor buried under piles of armor on top of him.

Polly, meanwhile, was training with the other knights; and currently beating the tar out of another knight who'd made the mistake of thinking she'd fight fair, just because she happened to be polite, and somewhat meek outside of battle.

With Pollinore and the other true knights having taken the outdoor training field for their own use, the maid-knight, Alice, had to use the indoor training one instead.. not that it bothered her. being alone allowed her to focus more on her swordplay, even if an opponent would've been nice as she'd be able to have a mock-battle. Beggars couldn't be choosers, though, so instead she was basically slicing to pieces the training dummies offers to her.. which were basically thick logs that a sword usually wouldn't be able to cleave in half with one swing. Alice, though, handled such a task without much difficulty, her strength always having been at an abnormal level.

To keep herself form overheating, she had decided to wear a looser tunic top and tights to train in, and left her feet bare. Her shield was sitting off against the wall, and she clutched her sword in one hand as she let out a yell, swinging down at another 'training dummy' with a clean, diagonal slice. "Hyaaahh!!" The simple battle-cry reverberated around the room, and there was a thump soon after as the hunk of wood was split. Alice breathed hard for a moment before she proceeded to kick the hunks into the air and slide them again, twice, before they hit the ground.

Once the dummy was dealt with, Alice began to step and swing her sword in what appeared to be a specific pattern she used to train. It was almost like a dance, with sharp turns and the whistling of a blade punctuating each step. Her muscles were tightened all over her body, and her movements had both a rigidness and a flow to them as she applied all of her physically control to keeping the blade moving in a straight, specific path.

Miano continued cleaning, occasionally hearing the sounds of training going on inside the training room. A thump and a battle cry, the maid would sometimes stop in her work just to listen, her heart racing against her chest at the thought of the blonde haired beauty in the other room. She shook herself again of such thoughts, she had a mission to accomplish. She couldn't let some fanciful crush get the better of her.

Yet... as time passed, she found herself once again wondering to the door, watching those dance-like movements of Alice's. It made her flush and place a hand on her chest, hoping to quiet it down. Why did the other maid make her feel like she did? What could have possibly attracted the terribly broken assassin to that young maid knight?

---

There was a knock on Candy's door and a young elf peeked her head in, "Princess, you in there?" When she spotted the princess on the bed, Lyra grinned and skipped up to the bed, sitting herself on it as she swung her legs back and forth, "Hey Princess, wanna go out and do something? Not exactly sure what we'll do.. but I'll think of something eventually!"

As Alice went to take another swing, she suddenly saw something out of the corner of her eye. Changing direction, she stepped and turned so she was now facing the entrance to the training room, fixing the 'intruder' with a hard stare. At least she was, until she recognized the other person. Her face, already flushed from the exertion, seemed to brighten further when she spotted the other maid, and her expression dissolved into one of a gentle and semi-apologetic smile. She hoped she hadn't startled the other woman with her.. harsh.. greeting. "Milano." She had to catch her breath a bit before she could say much more than that.

Alice walked over to a hook on the wall and took down a towel she had hung there, using it to wipe herself off a bit as she grew self-conscious of her ragged appearance. Not to mention how unpleasant she probably smelled from training. She hung the towel over one shoulder before she approached Milano, though she kept her distance. "Have you been watching the whole time?" She sounded a bit embarrassed. She tended to get into a zone when she was training, so who knew what it looked like to someone watching on the outside. "I hope I didn't bother you while you were cleaning.."

Candy giggled a bit and sat up, "Sure!" This was not the first time they'd have snuck out of the castle to explore and have fun.

"Yeah, I have some free time and I'm kinda bored, so let's go!"

Milano jumped in surprise at being discovered, a slight 'eep' escaping her lips. Her eyes trailed down Alice's body, hot and sweaty from exertion. The maid gulped, feeling her face burn up. It was almost like she was in a daze, watching as Alice wiped herself with the towel. It wasn't until Alice approached her that she snapped out of it. The other maid seriously had a bad effect on her. It made her head get all fuzzy and lose the cool composure she had developed from years of mistreatment.

"A-ah... I am sorry, Miss Alice," Milano replied looking down, hiding her eyes with her bangs. She fidgeted slightly from the blonde's gaze, "Your moves were so beautiful and graceful... I could not help but to watch."

Milano then shook her head, "No, I had finished my cleaning, Miss Alice, so you did not disturb me."

---

"Great!" Lyra said happily as she hopped off the bed, "Let's head out before Alice comes to find you. That spoil sport might not let us go out to play."

She then headed over to the secret passage they had used so often to sneak out. The young elf was truely delighted to be able to go out like this with admired princess. Before she had ran away from her tribe, she was often forced to learn the traditions of the elven people and learn how to use her words as an effective tool for leadership. Some even believed that the Silvertongues worked magic into their words with their ability to talk themselves out of any situation and how they manage to inspire anyone who heard their speeches. As great as all that was, Lyra found it the most boring thing in the world. She'd had much rather go out and play like she was doing now with the princess.

Opening the passage door, Lyra made a playful bow at Candy, "After you, my Princess."

Candy nodded, "Yeah, Alice is more likely to make me stay," She hopped off the bed too.

She actually didn't have free time right now, but she really hated her violin class. Her teacher was evil. She didn't mind learning all the things she had to learn to be a classy queen, but she didn't actually enjoy most of these classes. However, the one she mainly skipped was Violin.

She giggled at the bow, and did a graceful curtsy in response, "Why thank you, kind elf," She then walked into the passageway, a big smile on her face.

"it's fine, Milano. I'm just glad I didn't look ridiculous. I'm not usually described as 'beautiful and graceful' in any sense." She chuckled softly at her own expense, looking a little sheepish. She was normally described as a brute or a dog, but with Milano only being here a month, she probably hadn't heard such things yet, so she didn't bother bringing them up.

"Still calling me 'Miss', though, I see." Alice spoke up when she realized how Milano had addressed her. Even since she first came here, Milano had referred to her as 'Miss' Alice.. and it was an odd feeling. She had never been called a 'Miss'.. as she has been a maid her entire life. "It's still a little odd.. considering we're of the same status.." Alcie paused and smiled at Milano. "Plus, I'd like to think we're friends.. so feel free to just call me Alice whenever you're comfortable to do so, okay?"

Alice puffed softly, still feeling a little overheated. Plus, she couldn't leave the princess alone for too long.. she'd have to hurry and get clean and return to her side. "I'm glad I wasn't a bother."

"Same status.." Milano repeated in a soft barely audible voice, her right hand unconsciously touching her left arm. There, hidden beneath her sleeve, was a tattoo. A tattoo that branded her as a casteless. Being casteless meant she had to treat everyone with high respect even her fellow maids in Derangia. No, her and Alice were hardly of the same status. She quickly shook herself of such thoughts.

"I'm sorry, Miss Alice, it's a hard habit of mine to break," Milano admitted, trying hard not to blush too badly at Alice's smile.She then caught the last of what the blonde said and shook her head, "You're never a bother."

----

Lyra followed Candy through the passageway, making sure no body saw them go in, especially a certain maid knight. She thought about what they should do today, maybe go into town, or they could sneak off to the nearby forest where Lyra would often show Candy how to play the flute. Hmm... it was a tough decision..

"Princess, is there anything in particular you'd like to go today?" She asked hoping that would help her decide.

"Hm...." Candy thought it over. There were so many fun things to do...

She thought about the flute that Lyra had been teaching her how to use. She thought about the town... then she remembered.

"Let's go to town!" She said, smiling back towards Lyra, her smile lighting up even this dark tunnel, "There's something I ... need to do," She said, deciding it would spoil the surprise to tell her now.

Connor had fallen sleep under armor pile since nobody has heard his pleas...or were propably ignoring them. He really started to feel hot under piles of metal under sun with no shade.

Alice hadn't heard what Milano had said, but when she saw her touch her arm out of nowhere with a slightly downcast expression, she looked a little worried and was tempted to reach out toward her and comfort her. But she resisted. Milano's expression turned back to normal soon after, but it didn't life the uneasiness in Alice's heart as she wondered what could be bothering the other maid.

"It's fine, it doesn't bother me, honest." Finally noticing Milano's red face, she frowned slightly. Maybe she was sick and that's what was bothering her? Reaching out, she placed her hand on Milano's forehead, her hand surprisingly cold to the touch despite her previous exercise, and thankfully free of sweat due to the towel. "Feels normal enough.. maybe a little hotter but not too bad.."

All at once, Milano felt the blood rush to her head. This was not good, this was not good at all. No, she was not going to faint. She was not going to! She killed men in cold blood without feeling the bit of unease, so why? Why did it feel like her mind was over heating? Why did that simple touch make her feel so light headed? No, she couldn't possibly faint, she just couldn't. And yet, right at that moment, the red haired maid fainted.

---

"Oh?" Lyra replied, curiosity peaking the young elf's interest. She then replied in a playful tone of voice, "Well then lead the way my princess. I shall follow as your humble protector~"

Candy giggled again. They moved along down the path until they came out to the outskirts of town.

Candy was happy she remembered to change clothes before coming because the people here would instantly recognize her.

She said, "Alright, this way," And waved for Lyra to follow her.

One moment Alice's hand was on Milano's forehead, and the next the forehead was moving away as Milano seemed to crumple where she stood. "Woah!" Alice quickly caught the falling woman, her eyebrows furrowed. Was she really sick? Or, had she overworked herself? Whatever the cause was, it made her stomach twist with worry. The princess would have to wait, it seemed. Though.. she wouldn't be surprised if she was off cavorting with that elf again. That thought, surprisingly enough, eased her worry a bit. Lyra was capable enough to protect the princess.

For now, she would return Milano to her room, where she could get some proper rest. She scooped the other girl up into her arms, holding her bridal-style as she started down the hallway. She didn't run into anyone else, most other castle-dwellers off doing their job, so it was a peaceful walk back. Alice glanced down multiple times at Milano's sleeping face, blushing a bit at how, well, cute it was.

After a few minutes of walking, she reached the servant's quarters where both her and Milano's rooms were, and carried the girl into the latter room, laying her on her bed. Leaning over her, she removed the extra bits from her maid uniform, like the headdress, the apron, and her shoes, so she would be a little more comfortable, now sleeping her the simple black dress underneath. Once she had gotten Milano situated, she was torn between remaining here and going to get changed.. but she really needed to find the princess. Turning on her heel, she started to head off.

Before Alice could leave, Milano unconsciously reached out her hand to grab onto the other woman's sleeve. She was still passed out, but it seemed like she was murmuring 'stay' in her sleep. Even though deep in slumber, she did not want to be left alone, being left alone would give her troubling dreams.

---

"Yosh!" Lyra replied happily following behind Candy. She wondered where the princess could possibly be taking her. Her curiosity growing as time passed and they walked farther.

Alice looked back at Milano, half-expecting her to be awake due to the grab. Upon seeing she was asleep, though, she smiled a bit as this was.. also cute. Glancing at the door, she was once again torn, but this time she decided she couldn't just leave a potentially-ill person behind. Instead, she sat down on the edge of the bed and let Milano continue to hold onto her.

So, after she woke up, she'd really go after the princess. No more stalling.. really.

They had come into the better side of town, and there were people bustling about paying no mind to Candy and Lyra.

Candy stepped up to a store. Lyra would probably recognize it as they stepped up closer.

Candy threw open the door, and the sight inside was enough to make any girl cry out in delight.

"I'm buying you a doll!" Candy declared, as the store they had entered was a place where a kind old man made special custom dolls, both wooden and cloth. (and other kinds if there are others)

Milano dreamed of death. She dreamed of the person she was forced to kill. She dreamed of her brother dying by the Queen's hands even though she knew he was still alive and well. And lastly, she dreamed of Alice, her death was the most horrible, a death of decapitation. Her sleeping face was quite noticeably troubled and she would make noises in her sleep as if calling for help.

--

Lyra looked at the dolls with wide eyes, taking it in her hands and admiring each and everyone. This was the first time she had ever gotten a doll. As a child, she had rarely gotten toys or the like. When you lived in the forest, there were no such need of those kind of things, "You're really getting me a doll? That's incredibly kind of you, my princess."

Alice calmly hummed, eyes shut as she relaxed, listening to Milano's breathing as she slept. It was mostly calm except.. Alice began hearing noises that sounded.. scared. Looking down, she frowned when she saw Milano's expression. It tugged at her heartstrings, and she couldn't help but want to comfort the other woman.

When she was a child, her 'mother', the former head maid, would hold her when she had a bad dream, rocking her until she fell asleep. That might be a little.. awkward.. if the other girl woke up, though, so she decided to do the next best thing. Reaching over, she gently ran her finger's through the other girl's hair and spoke softly. "It's alright.. don't be afraid. I'm right here." Her other hand moved from simply letting Milano hold her sleeve to holding her hand.

She couldn't figure it out, though. Why was she so desperate to take care of Milano and keep her from looking unhappy? It was.. odd.. but it felt nice, watching over her like this.

Candy smiled brightly, "Of course! You're my friend and I noticed you didn't have any. But don't worry, while these are all good, I had one especially crafted for you!" She smiled brightly as the man who had been at the counter now came from the back and carried with him a small and well crafted doll that was everything Lyra would want in a doll.

Milano sighed contently in her sleep, having been comforted by Alice's stroking of her hair. Her grasp on the blonde's hand tightened, as if never wanting to let it go. Her dreams were now calmer, of happier things, like spending time with the person she loved the most.

"Alice..." She murmured in her sleep. Not 'Miss Alice' or any other formal name. Just simply Alice.

--

Lyra looked at the doll in fascination. Never had she seen one this close up before, never had she actually held one. She'd never been the type for girly things but knowing this was a present from the princess and her first ever toy, that made her heart lift in joy. She then remembered that she should probably thank the princess. She suddenly hugged the princess before letting go and standing on her tiptoes to give a chaste kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, my princess. I love it."

Candy hugged back unworried about social standing whatsoever, but blushed a little at the kiss, "U-uh, yeah! You're welcome," She smiled brightly, "I'm glad you like it. I wasn't sure if you'd be into it or not,"

She briefly considered kissing back on the young elf's cheek but wasn't sure that she should.

Feeling the heat rise to her face, the maid-knight felt her cheeks flush when Milano said her name. Not 'Miss Alice', but just Alice. It made her feel.. warm.. and also a little embarrassed. She hadn't realized something simple like hearing her name spoken from someones dreamland could have that effect on her.

Well, not' someone', as she doubted anyone else would cause her to blush like this, but Milano. She still was unsure as to why, not the quickest with matters of the heart, but she knew it made her happy.it gave her the urge to do.. something. Like.. kiss the back of the young woman's hand or.. hug her, but again she resisted.

Instead, she moved a bit to sit up closer next to Milano's head, still holding her hand. Sher free hand went to continue sliding through Milano's long hair, to keep her from frowning in her sleep again.

"Mn..." Milano made a slight noise in her sleep as she slowly blinked opened her eyes. Her face flushed at the sight of Alice so close, stroking her hair. She barely registered that her hand was tightly grasped around Alice's. "A-ah... Miss Alice!"

She quickly sat u, pulling her hand away from the other woman, "I-I'm sorry. I must have been a bother to you. You don't have to stay now."

---

"Any present from you, my princess, is wonderful," Lyra said with a bright and true smile, directed right at Candy. She hugged the doll against her chest. She really did like the doll, the fact she had gotten it from the one she admired the most only made it better.

Alice didn't have time to react before Milano was awake, looking up at her as she shamelessly patted her head and held her hand.. in her sleep. Heat rushed to her face as she realized how bad this must look. As soon as her hand was released, she scrambled backward off of the bed and moved to a much more respectful distance away.. much closer to the door. She cleared her throat, extremely embarrassed.

"N-no. It was.. really fine. Please, don't give it another thought." She meant that quite literally, hoping Milano would try to forget what had occurred. She hadn't meant to get so.. close. "Y-Yes. Now that you're alright I.. really must be going. To.. find the princess.. and such.. good-bye."

With a bow that looked more like a nervous twitch, she quickly turned on her heel and fast-walked out of the room, closing the door behind her and quickly making her way into her own room. There, she breathed deeply for a few moments, calming herself before she grabbed a clean uniform and made her way to the Servant's baths to get cleaned up from earlier.