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Italics/Bold letters, dreams

Trapped in Time

Chapter 4

—Pilgrim Camp: Road to Messina—

It has been three weeks since the group of seven left French territory—finally. But, unfortunately, Godfrey has yet to get better. Both Balian and Estrella rode behind the group, watching over Godfrey who was laying in a small cart as he could not ride anymore. As they pass by a peasant on top of some crates, the crusaders, Balian, and Estrella glare at him disgust of the words he were saying loudly over and over again.

"To kill an infidel is not murder. It is the path to heaven." He smiles his rotten teeth towards the group. "To kill an infidel is not murder. It is the path to heaven."

Estrella turns from him, uttering curses in Spanish. Godfrey only smiles, shaking his head, while Balian wondered what it was that she had said. Estrella brings up her hood to cover her face as she noted that they were about to pass the one character she hates most in this movie.

Guy de Lusignan stands and turns to move slowly as he watches Godfrey and his men try to find somewhere to rest. He glares at Balian and Estrella, wondering who they were and why they were with Godfrey.

Once the crusaders, Balian, and Estrella were able to find a space on top of a hill, everyone dismounted and made camp to rest for another week or so journey to Messina. Hospitaler and Ja were at their leader's side, while the others ate or drank slowly. As Hospitaler puts a hot towel on Godfrey's wound, which had scabbed over but not healed completely, Godfrey looks up to see Guy walking up to them. Everyone all stands, as Hospitaler only sits aside, watching Guy carefully.

"Who is this?" He says rather nasty, pointing to Balian and Estrella.

"My son and someone who is not your business." Godfrey tells him, smirking at the look Guy gave him.

"Would I have fought you when you were still capable of making bastards." He says, laughing.

Godfrey looks to Estrella when he saw her shake her head and roll her eyes. He smirks back at her before looking at Guy, who narrows his eyes in wonder of what they had just shared but does not stop laughing.

"I knew your mother when she was making hers." This time Guy does stop laughing. "Fortunately, you're too old to be one of mine."

Guy chuckles. "All will be settled." He said with a promising threat behind his words.

He continues to chuckle and walks away, but not before trying to see Estrella face. But she merely turns from him, walking over to Godfrey so she can speak quietly.

"He would get what he deserves in time." She tells him.

Godfrey smiles, nodding his head. "Aye… I agree."

Estrella smiles, chuckling quietly. She walks over to Ramiro's side, wondering why he has been avoiding her. She sits down on his left, their back to the tent they made for Godfrey. They stay silent, Ramiro sharpening his sword. Estrella didn't mind the silence, having been used to it while growing up as she was shy. Ramiro, however, was getting annoyed by it, always the loud one in the group. Estrella notices this and smiles, shaking her head.

"Why have you been avoiding me, friend?" She asks quietly.

Ramiro stops sharpening his sword to look up at the woman in practice confusion, grateful that she broken the silence between them.

"What do you mean, Trella?" He asked.

Estrella rolled her eyes, looking up at the sky. "For God sake, Ramiro, ever since we stopped by the French village we found Balian in you've been avoiding me like the damn plague!"

Ramiro rolled his own eyes and continues sharpening his sword. "Not like the plague." He corrected quietly.

Estrella laughed, bumping her shoulder against his. Ramiro smiles back, sheathing his sword with a sigh. He puts his arms on his knees and leans forward, turning his head to look at Estrella.

"I'm just jealous," he tells her truthfully.

Estrella frowns, tilting her head to the side. "Jealous of what?"

"That a perfect stranger has captured your heart while I've tried to capture it for nearly a month now." He whispers, looking past Estrella to Balian, who was looking around.

Estrella frowns and moves her body to the right, turning her head to see who Ramiro was looking at. She sighs with a shake of her head, looking at Ramiro. Feeling eyes on him, Balian turns his head and nods to Ramiro, wondering why he was staring at him. Ramiro looks back to Estrella, who has a sympathetic look upon her face.

"Ramiro… I'm flattered that you like me as something more," she tells him with a small smile. "But I only see you as a brother, I'm sorry. Besides, me and Balian are friends, nothing more."

Ramiro shakes his head, standing. "Do not be sorry, it was not your fault that you captured my heart without knowing it."

Smiling down at her, Ramiro stands and walks away down the hill, leaving a guilty Estrella. She had a feeling that Ramiro wanted something of her in return; she was just too naïve to even consider that he wanted her to love him back.

"Are you all right?" Ja asks, sitting down where Ramiro sat a few seconds ago.

"I'm fine, Ja, just…" Estrella looks up at the tall man with a smile. "Just tired, I guess."

Ja raises an eyebrow at her. "Do not lie to me, little one." He says his nickname for her in his native tongue.

Estrella smiles, shaking her head. "No, I am. I'm tired of breaking hearts of the people I love dearly."

"Ah," Ja states, now fully understanding. "Ramiro told you of his love for you."

Estrella throws up her hands in frustration. "Damn, did everyone but me know about his love for me?" She asks loudly.

"Aye," came the reply from everyone but Balian, who was confused as to what was happening.

Estrella groans in frustration, burying her face in her hands. Ja chuckles, rubbing her back to calm her down.

"Do not worry, little one, I am sure that Ramiro will get over you in time." He tells her softly.

"Why am I so naïve, Ja?" Estrella asks, looking up at the man.

Ja merely smiles encouragingly at her. "It is in women's nature at your age to be naïve to some things."

Estrella nods, falling to the side so she was leaning up against Ja's arm. She didn't want to be naïve to these things, but having never experience a thing such as love, she was. Estrella was always busy with her studies and her work that she never even considered having a boyfriend. The young woman cries in frustration and turns her head so she was able to hit her forehead against Ja's arm.


—Messina: Port to the Holy Land—

It was a few days until the new year and Godfrey's men, Balian, and Estrella had made it to the port that will take them to Jerusalem early that morning. They dismounted in front of a building that served as a healing house for those who have been injured or had gotten sick on the way here. Ja and Seifer—seeing as the two of them were the strongest—placed their lord into a bed-like type, letting the medicals take him into the building to quickly be treated.

Godfrey has yet to get any better. He was paler and slightly in and out of consciousness. Balian and Estrella walk along side him, neither wanting to leave his sight. Godfrey smiles at this, but also to reassure them that he would be fine. Though he knew it in his heart that he was anything but fine.

But when they tried to enter the room with him upstairs, the healers told them to go rest. They are obvious to Philip and Ramiro standing behind them. Philip wraps an arm around Estrella and steers her away, Balian following after them. But they go opposite ways once they reach the rooms at the other side of the second level, seeing as Estrella has her own room while the others have to share.

The group bathes and dress in clean clothing that the healers gave them while they washed their old ones. But when Estrella went to go visit the men in their room, they held back their laugh. Estrella was grumbling when she entered, having to wear a light blue dress made of light fabric that she didn't know what it was called. She also had to wear a veil on her head, which she immediately took off once in the room.

She stayed, talking until the afternoon when a knock interrupted them. Estrella squeaked and took hold of the veil from Philip's head and placed it on her own just as Balian told the person to enter. The healer who had told him and Estrella to rest entered, bowing his head to them.

"Lord Godfrey is now sleeping at the moment but you all may go and see him if you wish it." And he left.

Balian was the first to stand, quickly walking out of the room, soon followed by Hospitaler and Ramiro. The others only stayed put, believing to wait until called upon. Estrella, however, stayed behind because she knew that Godfrey had to speak to Balian first concerning his future. So she stays a bit longer, talking to them, Philip, Seifer, and Ja giving her some advice of the situation with Ramiro.

It seemed that although he was fine with being friends with Estrella, Ramiro has become some distant every few days with her. He speaks little to her and does not stay long in the same room as her.

Seeing that it was now mid-afternoon, Estrella excused herself from the crusaders and walked out to go find Godfrey's room. She only hoped that he was done speaking with Balian of his future in Jerusalem. Walking aimlessly on the ground level for a few good five minutes, Estrella finally got the courage to ask a healer to Godfrey's room. He pointed her the way, Estrella giving him thanks before hurriedly walking towards the stairs to go back up stairs.

Coming up to the door of the healing ward, Estrella entered but quickly stopped. Sitting next to Godfrey's bed was Balian, looking down to the floor. There were others in the small healing room, several healers mixing ingredients while others checked their patients. Godfrey lay in his bed with the sheets drawn back from his bed so he was able to see the afternoon sun pouring it's light into the open arch windows, a plain view of the other side of the building. He did not have a sheet over his body as his fever increased and the heat would only increase it more.

'The scene hasn't even started yet!' Estrella thought irritated, moving back into the hall only to hide behind the right door.

"Do you know," Godfrey spoke softly, Estrella slowly peeking inside. "What lies in the holy land? A new world." Godfrey answered himself. "A man who, in France, had not a house… is, in the holy land, the master of a city. He who was the master of a city begs in the gutter. There, at the end of the world, you are not what you were born, but what you have in yourself to be."

"I hope to find forgiveness. That's all I know." Balian says quietly.

Godfrey reaches for Balian, his breathing shallow. Balian stands so he can sit on the edge of the bed, taking hold of his father's right hand. Balian leans forward as his father takes shallow breaths.

"Whatever your position, you are of my house, and that means you will serve the king of Jerusalem." Godfrey tells his son sternly.

Balian frowns slightly, confused. "What could a King ask of a man like me?"

"A better world than has ever seen," the old crusader smiles, "A kingdom of conscience. A kingdom of heaven." He tells his son. "There is peace between Christian and Muslim. We live together. Or," Godfrey starts as an afterthought. "Between Saladin and the King, we try. Did you think that lay at the end of Crusade?"

Balian shakes his head, looking down. "No," he whispers inaudibly.

"It does." Balian looks up somewhat surprise. "My son, you are all that survives me. Do not disappoint me."

Balian is stunned with silence—as well as frustrated to have such a weight upon his shoulder to try and not disappoint his father—not knowing what to say to such a thing. And Godfrey sees this so he only smiles in reassurance to his son.

Estrella takes this chance to walk silently inside, wondering if she truly wants to see Godfrey, the man who saved her and became a grandfather to her, in such a state. Knowing that he was to die later on that night after knighting his son… or could be possible a few days later? With movies, no one can ever tell what day or month it is until one does some serious research.

"Now, please go retrieve Estrella for me." Godfrey asks his son, not noticing the said woman was halfway towards his bed. "I wish to speak with her."

"Do not trouble yourself, Lord Balian," Estrella says, smiling mysteriously at Balian and Godfrey who turn to look at her a bit surprise. "For I am already here."

Balian smiles and stands, squeezing his father's hand before leaving his side. He walks towards the entrance only to stop next to Estrella.

"Please call me Balian, Estrella."

Estrella grins and bows her head to him. Balian smiles in return and leaves them in be in the semi-crowded ward. Estrella walks over to the bed and sits on the edge as Balian had done a few moments ago. Taking Godfrey's hand in hers, Estrella smiles sadly at him as she tried to hold back her tears.

"I know my fate," he wheezed out painfully. "But I feel as though you have to tell me in order to be real."

Estrella let the tears go, crying softly. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "But you won't live to see what your son has done for the King you so love." She shook her head as though this will rid any image of Godfrey as he is now. "I would have warned you but I couldn't… In order for your son to succeed, you must pass on."

Crying harder, Estrella leaned forward and laid next to Godfrey. The old crusader holds the crying woman, letting her tears soak his shoulder. A healer saw this and walked towards them, displeased as to what the woman was doing. But Godfrey shook his head, wanting to comfort the woman in any way he can.

"And they made me wear this stupid dress and veil!" She cried even more.

Godfrey had to laugh at Estrella's hatred confession to the dress and veil. The first time he had met her, Godfrey immediately knew that the woman was far different than other women of this time. Because of the way she talked, walked, and dressed in pants and tunics rather a dress. Yes, she wore jewelry and admired what women liked, but it did not mean Estrella would act like women should.

After a while, the twenty-two year old woman calmed down and simply laid next to Godfrey, despite the healers liking.

"Know that I am to go with Balian to Jerusalem." Estrella said softly. "To continue protecting him."

"I've never doubted that you would abandon him, Trella." Godfrey whispered tiredly.

Estrella sighed and sat up, wiping her dry tears. Godfrey took her hands, looking deeply into her light green eyes.

"I want you to be with me and my men as I make Balian a crusader, and Baron of Ibelin tonight."

Estrella holds back the tears this time, kissing Godfrey's knuckles. "I wouldn't miss it for the world." She told him softly.

Godfrey smiled back. "I would be telling my son of your protection tonight, so he would not be suspicious as to why you keep following him."

Estrella laughed, nodding. "Yes, I would have a hard time explaining that one."

Godfrey nods. "Also, believe me when I say that you should watch your back. Your twin sister is still out there and who knows what she will do. We already know that she is capable of doing murder." Estrella nods, her face set as anger courses through her body. "Now go, it is almost dinner time."

Standing, Estrella leans downwards and kisses Godfrey on his forehead. Smiling, she turns and walks briskly away, not once turning back.


—Outside by the Mediterranean Sea—

Estrella stood in between the healing house and another building. She had changed back into a dark blue tunic and black leggings, her cloak tied around her body tightly. Tying her daggers around her thighs, she puts up her hood and walk out into the crowded street. She turns to the left and walks towards the markets, Estrella seeing Guy walking just a few ways ahead of her.

Guy looks to the left and walks over to a table which Balian, Philip, and Seifer were sitting at. Estrella stops a few ways, watching Guy tap the table once with the stick he beats his horses with, then a couple of more times until Balian finally looks up at him. They stare at one another, Guy trying to figure him out. Balian only looks away, eating his crab once more.

"When the King is dead, Jerusalem will be no place for friends of Muslims." Guy states, watching the son of Godfrey carefully as he continues to ignore him. "Or traitors to Christendom," he continues, placing the stick across Balian's chest.

But Balian continues to ignore him, picking up his goblet for a drink of his whine. Estrella sets her jaw in anger, knowing what was to come next, the statement this man makes only fueling her anger. So she walks closer, ready to capture the stick and beat Guy with it—or so she'll imagine instead so as not to start any trouble.

"Like your father." Guy said, not missing a beat.

Balian moves back his drink looking at Philip, who was looking up at Guy while Seifer sees Estrella anger states, watching her with uneasy eyes. He hoped she won't do anything foolish to get herself noticed.

"I am Guy de Lusignan," Balian takes a drink again. "Remember that name."

Guy was about to hit Balian in the nose when a firm hand took his stick from him, the words 'And me,' lost on the tip of tongue.

"I suggest you move along," Estrella said in a deep voice, glaring at the taller man.

Guy glares back, annoyed that he could only see light green eyes and nothing else since this mysterious person was facing away from the sun.

"Who the hell are you?" He snarled.

Estrella thrust the stick into Guy's chest, not once fazed by his attitude or the air of higher authority he gave.

"Someone you'll wish you've never met." She hissed, smirking at him. "Now leave."

Glaring at her, Guy leaves, not uttering a single word to any of them. Estrella huffs and sits on Balian's left, the anger leaving her.

"You should not have done that," Philip tells her, pointing after Guy. "He will be King of Jerusalem one day."

"I know," Estrella tells him. "But he will have no success over the kingdom throughout that one year." She tells them mysteriously.

She takes Philip's plate of crab and began to eat, smiling as he begins to sputter out protests.

A/N: Sorry for not updating, I've been working nearly every day and I'm so tried that I'm mostly asleep when I get home. I never had time to sit down and write up a chapter. Well, please review, I'll try to write up another chapter!