...Walked with you once upon a dream...

Pt. 1

As Jacques was dragged through the streets naked and shamed, his scorned name were mainly on his mind. Near death and in an intense amount of pain, he wished for it to come sooner than later.

Everyone flocked to celebrate and congratulate Jean de Carrouges and his wife Marguerite. Jacques was left tied to the horse by his ankles as his body was scraped upon the cobble stone and dirt.

After the crowed cleared and commotion died down, you were able to see what the attraction was. When you saw Jacques tied to a horse, this was NO attraction at all. More disrespectful to the dead than anything. On the other hand, these were LOW CLASS peasants and YOU were from a HIGHER SOCIETY.

You untied the dead man's feet and placed your cowl over his body for some dignity. You have to admit, he was attractive. Very attractive.  As you crossed yourself and were about to walk away, you heard a tiny, faint, cough. Immediately, you kneeled down besides the man's face. You held his head up as he looked into your eye's. He couldn't open them fully, but you both locked glances. He then, closed his and went limp again.

He was still breathing, but very faintly. You knew soon it wouldn't be at all unless you got him out of here. He was SO tall and muscular that you had NO idea how you were going to get him on your horse! Your servant's were not with you today, for you told them you wanted to explore the city on your own. You were now regretting your choice.

You found two men who were at stalls selling their vegetables and other wares. You offered them each twenty coins to help you out. They immediately jumped to your offer. Twenty coins was A LOT of tide to a farmer. ''Place this man on my horse,'' you instructed. Both men were hesitant at first, but when you flashed a coin as sun shone off it, the men snapped back to their task.

Little grunts and moans escaped from the ''near dead'' man. He was now sprawled out on your horse's back. One of the men brought out a blanket to shield him from the elements. It wasn't much, but you draped it over his backside up to his nose. You then paid each man what was owed. They each took their bag's with obvious greed. But what did you expect?

It was very clear that you would be making this journey back to your father's estate on foot. Before you led the horse, you checked on the man who dwelt the area on your horse's back. You placed your hand on his cheek. You moved it around a little, feeling fabric and skin. He cracked his eye's open the best he could and stared back at you. ''Everything is going to be fine,'' you said lowly as you touched his face again. He closed his eye's again. You HAD to get him out of here and FAST. The crowd would be returning and the temperature was dropping.

Thankfully, you took a road into town so it was walkable. As you walked, you had to think of a way on how to explain all this. Due to his injuries, you would put him in the guest bedroom. The giant bed would be easier on him and there was a fireplace in there as well. Due to the dirt, mud, and blood, he could have to be cleaned and have his injuries tended to first.

Time flew by while you were thinking and before you knew it, you had arrived at your family's estate. It could of been called a mansion or castle. Before stepping on the grounds, you went to check on your rescue. You felt his throat lightly. He was breathing, but barely.

You decided to lead the horse to the back of the estate by servant quarters and so that Jacques could be tended to. You quickly went inside and came out with a tall and muscular man. He took Jacques of the horse and threw him over his shoulder, then followed you inside.

Inside, Jacques was laid on a wooden table. This would make it easier to tend to his wounds. Other servants gathered around and you assigned them ALL tasks. One would wash the hair, one would clear away dirt and blood, and one would assist in injuries and healing ointments. After a few hours, it was beginning to look like a man was lying on the table. The fire provided some heat, but not much. His skin was still pale. Light as the snow outside. One servant fetched him an undergarment to give him some dignity. Which you admit,  were disappointed to see covered up.

He had MULTIPLE bandages covering him, but there was one concerning one left. This one behind and in front of his knee. It bloomed a rainbow of bruises along with a DEEP gash. You hoped that this wasn't anything serious. You placed other healing ointments on it then gently wrapped it with a wider bandage. You then had to swear ALL the servants in attendance to ABSOLUTE SECRECY or it was five days in the stocks!

Everyone agreed. This time, two men came in holding a cot. They gently loaded him on. They both looked at you for more direction. ''To the guest bedroom, but let me go ahead first.''  Good thing was he would have his own room and would be away from the commotion. You went first to pull the blankets back and set up pillows for his knee. The servants arrived and gently placed Jacques on the bed with your assistance. You settled his knee on the pillows and covered him up.

You drew the curtains as the fire cracked and illuminated the side of his body. You still saw that he had a little bit of dirt on his face. You grabbed a damp cloth and began to clean. All of a sudden, a hand grabbed your wrist and hearing a raspy ''Why?''....