Maura was looking at her reflection in a mirror viewing the physical differences that had occurred since her time here in the village. Her hair had increased in length to the middle of her back as it started to naturally wave. Her face had aged as she had a more matured face that had new experiences under her belt. It had been about a month and a half and she has been adjusting gradually. She had liked the occupants within the village and found them very sweet and hospitable. It was a huge relief to Maura that there weren't more men like Darren Crowe. Maura had struggled with that for a little while but found herself getting over the trauma and she found herself wanting to do something productive about it. The council had agreed that the young Princess was to be accompanied at all times in order to avoid another situation like that. Maura tended to stay home more often than not, not wishing to be followed all over the place; especially since she had been gone. Though Maura was thankful for their generous offer of protection she still felt a bit inclined to take it. It made her feel pathetic that she would have to be escorted by body guards wherever she went. This is like how father acted when mom first died. Then the majority of the time Cavanagh watched her and that is how they became close when she was younger.
When he heard the news about Crowe he wanted to kill him, himself. She felt truly loved by this man as he had treated her like a daughter he never had. Even though she loved getting to know Sean she felt incompetent to take care of herself. The young woman did not want to fear the outside world and those who could pose a threat to her. If she could barely handle one man then how was she to fight against Constance and her army? Maura did not wish to just sit back and let these innocent people go to war and die. She wanted to be a part of the battle against Constance but tried to figure out what she could do. It had come to her two weeks ago. She went to Jane to seek help for her new idea she had in mind. She was the only person she truly trusted to help her.
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Flashback:
Two weeks ago
Walking the terrain that had been vaguely familiar she knew she was to find the person she wished to seek. Vince had told her where she could find her and offered to escort her but she politely refused. The older man did not seem to like the idea of her wandering the village alone, particularly after the incident with Crowe but he finally caved in. But not before providing her with a dagger to use against anything that posed a threat to her. 'Don't hesitant to use it if you must' he spoke in a serious voice. Thinking about that conversation made her smile yet again from one of the many examples of the care within this village as she continued on her way. She knew she found her when she heard loud breathing along with the clanging of metal on metal. When she passed an abundant of trees she found an open clearing that had two individuals battling it out while another person was sitting on a log watching them. Maura could easily recognize all three in an instance. The figure on the log was that young man from the first meeting; Frost I think? The other two who were fighting using swords was a dark grey haired man with a matching beard and crystal blue eyes; Casey Jones. He wearing ebony trousers and a white tunic that was opened at the chest which revealed some of his chest hair. The other was the ever stunning Jane Rizzoli with her hair that was tied back into a braid that was currently waving in midair as she ducked from the swinging of Casey's blade. She was wearing the same clothing the day Maura had first met her in the forest. This made Maura smile as she remember that she met someone very important to her that day. She continued to watch the two of them go at it trying to outmaneuver and outsmart the other. They both were equally trained; Casey being bulkier and could easily swing the sword in rapid, strong blows while Jane was more slender musculature which gave her quick speed and great reflexes. It was incredible to look at the two of them who were both obviously talented. Casey had a tall frame, with broad shoulder, and muscular arms and legs making a fine specimen for any female. But Maura couldn't help to stare at Jane. A woman who had speed, strength, and agility that put her in the same rank as any man. Jane had a slimmer frame but had a tall height. It did not make her gangly like it mostly would but even more intimating for any opponent. But it wasn't just the physical traits the older woman possessed that Maura was interested in. But the mental capacity that she must have endured to reach to where she was now. Jane had to fight her way to be respected by men in a profession that was majorly if not fully male orientated. She probably did not get praised for her actions as she was growing up. Women were grown up with a sense of duty that they had a certain job in life and could not change from that; being brought up proper, finding an available suitor to marriage and having children. That was the life that was expected from Maura that she did not wish to follow. Plus it could be easily assumed Jane was the same way. No woman could have just been born with this amount of talent. Like any man, Jane had to work to obtain this ability she does with fighting and combat. She definitely knows how her way around weapons, and how to use her body properly in combat.
"Hello?! You there your highness?" the dark man spoke loudly. Maura quickly looked at Frost who had apparently moved from his spot and stood next to her.
"Oh Mr. Frost you startled me!" Maura said trying to get her breathing back.
The other man laughed lightly. "Oh I'm sorry highness I did not mean to. I just saw you standing at the entrance of the clearing and thought to approach you." He said with a smile. "By the way don't call me Mr. Frost it sounds like my father, just call me Frost or Barry, whatever you prefer."
"Oh well Barry only if you call me Maura." She said with a smile toward the young man. "I did not mean to interrupt but I wished to speak with Jane but I can see she is busy."
"Well don't worry they have been at it for a while so they will end soon most likely. You can wait if you wish."
Maura considered this for a moment. "I would but I don't wish to intrude…."
"Oh if it was anyone else but you she would be mad. But I think she has a soft spot for ya." He said. "Probably a woman thing haha."
Maura smiled at this. "Yes I take it there are not many women her age are around."
"No not really. But those who are tend to be too girly to hang around. I don't know if you noticed but Rizzoli isn't the typical woman."
Maura laughed at this. "No she's not. She is very unique. I find it refreshing."
Frost nodded his head in agreement. They continued to stare at the two fighting figures in the distance.
"It's extraordinary how proficient she is with a sword. I thought her bow wielding skills were incredible." Maura said suddenly.
"What Rizzoli? Yea she is really good for a woman." He said then quickly had fear on his face. "I.. don't mean to be offensive or that a woman can't….." he begun to spout off nervously.
"It is just not common for women to acquire such skill? It's fine, it's usually true. Jane seems to be the exception to that."
"Jane is the exception to many things. She is definitely one of the most unique people I have ever met. She is so different from others." Frost spoke with such adoration for the woman. It was easy to see he highly respected her.
Maura turned to look at the fighters and as Jane turned to avoid a hit as she caught onto Maura's gaze.
"Maura?" she said in a confused voice. She stood there staring at Maura and didn't see Casey's kick to her causing her to fall to the ground.
Casey stood there with heavy breath as he brought his sword above her chest. "Well Rizzoli, gonna give up finally?" he said cockily.
Jane inhaled some needed air before answering him. "Hmm well I would but my body has a few tricks left." As she said this as she kicked his shin, causing him to lean back in pain and then knocked over his feet so he landed on the ground on his back. She quickly rose and grabbed her dagger and pushed it against the man's neck. "Well I don't know Jones I think the odds have switched to my favor. You finished yet?" She said with a smug smirk on her face.
Casey rolled his eyes and nodded in response and put his hand up. Jane took it as she helped the man up. "Damn Rizzoli you're getting pretty damn good."
"Pretty good? I swept the floor with you today and last time." Rizzoli said loudly.
"The day before was the ambush of soldiers I had to fight. I wasn't to my full strength." He said with a smile on his face.
"Yea yea that's just excuses to me Jones." She jokingly remarked as she lightly shoved him as they made their way to the two viewers.
"Well well I didn't know we had an audience. I don't think we have been properly introduced highness. Casey Jones." The other man bowed and took her hand and placed a kiss upon it for proper greeting.
"Maura Doyle" she retorted quickly as she quickly took her hand back.
Jane walked up to her with a slight smile. "Hey. What are you doing here? Alone I mean?" The Italian quickly corrected herself not wishing to sound accusatory.
"Actually I was looking for you. Vince told me where I could find you."
Jane nodded her head. "Okay let's go this way. Frost, take a look at Casey's arms I nicked it a bit when we were fighting. I'll be back soon." And with this Jane grabbed Maura by the elbow gently as she led them more into the clearing. Jane stopped at a tree stump and took a seat upon it and motioned for Maura to do the same. "What can I do for you Princess?"
Maura smiled at this as she only like Jane calling her Princess. "I have a favor to ask."
"No, you cannot put me in a dress." She said jokingly but the honey blonde failed to understand it.
"A dress. No that wasn't what I was…." Maura had begun with a confused face.
"Princess I'm just kidding. I'm only joking with you." Jane said with a slight smirk.
Maura slightly blushed. "Oh. You do that a lot don't you?"
"Yea but you'll be around me so much you'll get use to it."
Maura smiled at this. She wants me around. Like a friend would. "Well actually I had a question."
"Ok. What is it?" she tried to coax her.
"What did you mean when you called me defenseless in the meeting after the incident with Crowe?"
Jane's face changed from happy to a completely bewildered expression on her face. She took a few minutes to formulate an answer. "Well, I was trying to convince the council that Crowe needed to be exiled for what he did to you. I meant no disrespect by calling you weak but you would have not been able to fight him off if I hadn't been there." She replied softly with concern in her eyes.
Maura nodded. "Yes I understand Jane. I actually was hoping that may be you would teach me how to defend myself so in a similar situation was to occur I would have a better chance at fighting him off." She explained to her.
"Uhh… I don't know Maura" she tried to find the words. "I wouldn't know how to start. I was taught by other men so I adapted to their way of training early on. I wouldn't know how to approaching teaching a woman."
"Well teach me the way you were taught." She replied simply.
"Highness, it was very strenuous and hard. It might be too difficult for you to handle." She said. "Not that you couldn't but, I just don't want to hurt you."
"Jane I am very thankful for your concern but you're right. If you had not been there that day I wouldn't have been able to fight him off." She said boldly. "I understand it will be difficult but I very determined. I may not look it but I am a quick study. I will listen to everything you say and not complain." She started to approach the curly haired woman. "Jane please, you're the only one I trust. I just don't want to always have to depend on some to come in and save me. I don't want to be a burden to anyone anymore." She said looking down in shame.
Jane looked at the younger woman and saw the determination and passion this woman had in learning from her. Learning to defend herself wouldn't be bad; Jane could worry a little less about the young Princess. "Alright I'll do it" she said suddenly. Maura looked up with a huge grin plastered on her face. "But you will have to listen to everything I say. And no wimping out ya hear?" Jane said with a teasing smile on her face so Maura knew she was joking.
Maura smiled back and nodded her head. "Yes of course. Also Vince wants you to come by the house to give some things." Jane nodded and Maura turned around to leave.
"Maura!" she shouted getting the woman's attention as she turned around. "Don't ever think you're a burden. You're my friend so don't feel guilty, because you can always depend on me to come in and save you." Jane said this with a slight smile on her face as her eyes were sincere. Maura nodded at her and turned to leave. Maura could feel the happy tears at the brim of her eyes. I finally have a real friend.
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That was two weeks ago. When Jane had stopped by that night she informed all of them that she would be leaving with Casey and Barry to get more medical supplies, tools, and other commodities needed from town for the village. She said it may take a while since they needed to stay hidden from the castle guards. They estimated it would take about a week and a half to two weeks to get back. Jane had told Maura to meet her at the same place she asked her for her help the next day after her return. They both agreed to start with the basics and work their way up.
Maura had waited patiently for their return but found herself counting the days. Then last night she heard from Vince that she had returned and was going to rest for the remainder of the night. Another mystery about Jane, where did she live Maura had started to wonder while getting ready. That was not as important though. Maura was just glad she was back as she had missed her friend very much. It had been such a long time since the honey blonde truly trusted someone. It made her feel less of an outsider to the rest of the world and just Maura. Maura tried to hurry to get ready to meet the Italian woman in the clearing. She checked for the last time at her ruby red dress that was chosen for this day in particular. Now she was fully ready as she made her way out of the room and out the door to meet with Jane.
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Maura had been walking through the terrain of the forest. She had made it a habit in taking the blade that Vince had given her before, for security; and soon she would know how to properly learn how to use it from one Jane Rizzoli. Thinking about the pending reunion between the two, Maura picked up her speed making it to the clearing in record time. When she reached the clearing a familiar figure was perched up on the log hands holding up her face. Jane looked as stunning as always, wearing a long white tunic that reached down to her shins, with dark brown pants, and black boots. Maura continued to walk further and Jane noticed her and rose up from the log with a smile appearing on her face. Maura surprise herself and Jane when she ran the rest of the way to her friend and threw her arms around her. It felt right being in Jane's arms, hearing her heart beating, smelling her scent. It was quiet for quite some time as they stayed in the embraced. Maura finally realizing what she was doing and quickly let go as felt embarrassed for her actions.
"Sorry Jane it's just that….." She began to stutter which was uncommon for the young woman. She felt pressure under her chin that was pushing her face up where she met dark brown eyes.
"It's ok Maura. I missed you too." She said softly as her smile turned into a full on grin. Maura felt fluttering within her stomach and almost blushed but then she noticed something about the older woman. There were dark circles under her eyes that revealed the woman's exhaustion. She is probably extreme tired from her trip. She should be getting some sleep instead of being out here with me.
"Jane you must be exhausted from your trip. We could have met at another day….." Maura tried to tell her friend.
"What? No Maur I'm fine don't worry. Beside gives me an excuse to spend time with my friend." Maura smiled at this and tried to hide her blush. What's the matter with me?
Jane finally spoke, "So do you want to get started?" she asked quickly.
"Yes I do. What are we doing first?"
Jane grabbed some items that were next to the log. Two medium length rods made of wood along with other supplies. "Alright well I thought we should start with the basics. How is your balance?"
"Umm…. I'm not sure…but why would…?" Maura began to question the other woman.
"Well that helps with fighting and holding weapons as well. Makes it easier when we actually get to weapons." She states and Maura nods her head.
"So what are you planning to teach me today?" the honey blonde asked curiously.
"Well first I'm going to have you practice you're balance. Then Frost is coming here at a certain time and is going to help with self-defense moves using your body only. Where to hit someone, how hard things like that. Then another day you're gonna move onto these babies." She said as she picked up the wooden sticks. "To help adjust to holding a sword when you do the real thing but that won't be for a while."
Maura nodded and liked that Jane had set up a plan. It made her feel more confident that it was possible for her to reach where she wanted but she knew it would be a long time until then but she had hope. "Ok then. Tell me what to do first."
So Jane had Maura walk across the log a few times to get a feel. Maura almost tipped over a couple of times but Jane was there to push her back up. When she seemed to master that she had her go in crouching positions trying to go up and down without any problem. Maura did not seem to have an issue with that for she seemed to be very flexible and easily movable joints. They continued this and Jane would give her pointers while they waited for Frost. When he finally made it they were ready for the next step. Apparently the trio that consisted of Jane, Frost, and Casey were all trained well in fighting but they mastered in one specific area more than the other. Jane was easily very skilled in archery and knife throwing, Casey in large swords, and Frost was very skilled in hand to hand combat. Frost was very muscular and had great ability in body positioning. He could easily do flips, high kicks, and throw power punches in lightning speed. The honey blonde remember this in one of her books, she believed this type of fighting was from Asian cultures. I believe martial arts is the name of it. Barry had shown her some of his moves and Maura was very impressed and excited to learn from this young man. Both fighters explained certain moves and areas to hit a possible attacker. Luckily Maura was already aware of certain parts of the anatomy that was sensitive so they just had her practice. Frost did most of the teaching but Jane was nearby just in case she needed to intervene. She practiced punching Frost in the gut, face, and lower region along blocking attacks as well. It had been a couple hours of practicing that Jane decided to call a break.
"Alright that's enough Frost" she said to her friend and he removed himself from the position he was in. She moved closer to the other girl. "So how are you feeling?"
Maura took a breath that she felt she had been missing. "Well I definitely feel my body is exerted and most likely will become sore and develop bruises but the more I practice my body will become accustomed to it and it will be less of a strain." Maura began to spout out her many thoughts and facts.
Jane looked at her and couldn't help but laugh, "Well that's one way to put it. Well at least you have a positive outlook on things. I am kind of surprised you don't wanna give up already."
"Why would I do that?" Maura questioned.
"Well…. I guess I just thought once you realized the work it takes it would be too much" she said with a slight blush. "I guess I should stop underestimating you for being a Princess."
"Why would me being a Princess have to do with that?"
Jane looked down at her feet. "Because not many women are into working up a sweat. Let alone a Princess. I guess it just makes you that much more special." She said quietly but could be easily heard by the other girl.
Maura smiled at this. "So are you, Jane."
Before Jane could respond Frost told both women that he had to leave. They said their goodbyes as he left. Jane turned and looked at Maura, "So do you have anywhere else to be?"
"No not that I know of. Just be back before sundown."
Jane smiled at this and grabbed her hand. "Good I want you to try something."
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The sounds of hooves hitting the ground could be heard for miles away. This was not an uncommon scene but one thing that was different was that a honey blonde was pulling the reins with a confused look on her face. The dark haired woman behind her had one arm wrapped around her waist as the other she tried to help the flabbergasted girl. Jane thought that Maura would like to be in control of a horse but she was wrong. The younger girl seemed terrified and was panicking.
"Jane! Where are we going?! Help me stop!" the younger woman screamed.
Jane couldn't help but laugh at this comical situation which infuriated the other girl. "JANE! THIS IS NOT FUNNY!" she screeched just as they almost ran into a tree. Jane then grabbed the reins and took control, pulling the wild beast into a halting stop.
"Jesus Maura calm down. Colt's not going to hurt you." She said softly trying to calm down the frightened girl.
"Well he was going so fast and you said it would be slow! You lied to me Jane!" she said accusingly.
Jane tried to hold back her laugh. "Well Maur it seems we have two different ideas of what is fast. We go any slower I think Korsak could outrun us." She said jokingly as she released her laugh. She couldn't help it. It was just too funny. Though Maura didn't see it that way.
"Oh now you're mocking me?! You are so rude and just mean! I want off this horse and away from you Jane Rizzoli!" she yelled as she successfully slid off the horse and onto the ground.
Jane shook her head and rolled her eyes as the other girl stalked off away from her. "Maura! Come on! Maura!" she yelled but with no response. Jane slide off Colt and they both followed Maura.
She finally found the Princess under the full moon sitting by the lake that Jane had shown her. Jane left Colt by a tree while she made her way to Maura. She sat down next to the enraged woman. Jane picked up some grass and played with it as she waited for the silence to end. When it didn't she signed loudly. "What now you're not talking to me?" She questions quickly but like she thought there was no response. "Come on Maur it was….."
"I don't think it is appropriate for you to call me that Ms. Rizzoli." She spat angrily.
Jane opened her mouth in shock. It was like in the forest after she saved her. The other woman had been angry at her then too. "Oh so it's like that now? Should I address you as Princess, your highness, or my liege." She said in a joking tone that had Maura trying to fight off a smile.
"Hey there's something on your dress there?" Jane said pointing at her rib. Maura panicked as she looked quickly. Maura never had a speck of dust on a dress and it was rare even when she began to live in the village. She looked thoroughly but not seeing anything.
"Where?" But before she realized what was happening she was on her back as a sensation of uncomfortable twingling feelings rose in her body. Jane was frantically moving her fingers on her stomach and on her sides making Maura full on laugh. "OH NO STOP….PLEASE I CAN'T BREATHE…..I… JANE RIZZOLI STOP!" Both women were laughing loudly as this tickle attack went on. A few seconds later Jane gave pity on Maura and stopped her attack.
"There. Shows you what happens when you refuse to talk to me!" Jane replied with a huge grin on her face. Maura rolled her eyes and slightly pushed the other girl, a smile making an appearance on her lips as well.
Jane sat looking at her hands for a while as Maura just stared at her. She was disrupted when the deep voice spoke. "So there is a reason I brought you out here…." She spoke seriously sobering Maura up from her previous giddiness. "Something the council does not want me to say…but….I think you should know." She looked at Maura and saw she had her full attention. She rose up and went to Colt reaching into a small pouch attached to him. She made it back and offered the honey blonde a piece of parchment which she took. She looked and gasped at what it said:
Dear subjects of Ireland,
In recent events a terrible act has tried to be committed by someone we think dearly of. The Princess of Ireland, Maura Doyle has attempted to kill both her own father and stepmother in order to gain access to the throne. She is considered very dangerous and will not show mercy. Be in caution and if she is found a reward will be handsomely paid for her capture alive. It is the duty of Ireland's citizen's work together to finding this murderer and eliminate her as a threat to our kingdom. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Ever Loyal,
Constance Doyle
Long Live the Queen
This was the message at the bottom as a large picture of Maura was plastered on the paper. Maura was in shock of what her stepmother was up to and what that meant for her. Now everyone will be looking for me. I'm not safe. No one in the village is safe. Finally she felt a hand on her arm as she looked to see concerned orbs.
"Hey I know you're afraid but it's ok. You're safe here she can't get you."
"Why not? She has everyone at her disposal. Her men and now this? Now everyone in the kingdom will be looking for me believing that I'm a murderer! I…. I can't…" She began to shout as the ability to breathe become more difficult.
Jane quickly acted and pulled the honey blonde into an embrace. Jane had her chin on top of Maura's head and could feel her breathing heavily on her neck. "Hey hey, it's ok. No one is going to find you. I won't let them. I won't let them take you away from here, from me. Shhh it's ok." She whispered in her ear gently as one hand had begun to rub smooth circles on her back. "I swear I will not let anything happen to you."
Maura's breathing went down as she was held and caressed by the other girl. Her words were starting to sink in as she had started to calm down. Maura put her face closer to Jane's neck and inhaled her scent that was calming her as tears ran down her face. To Maura this felt right to be in Jane's arms, even almost familiar. Maura just continued to cling onto the older woman grateful for her presence and that she cared so much. The two young women continued to hold each other for the rest of the night trying to find comfort in one another, afraid for the future events that would eventually occur.
TBC…
~C.L. 3