In a faraway land, between the great mountains of eastern Europe---There in the region of Ruthenia, Ukraine rose.
The people of the village lived a modest life--They lived in tight-knitted families and ran business--Where they got their hard-earned breads from.
---
One for two! one for two!
the yelling of the merchants rang through the bustling crowds. As children ran bare feet admits the chaos--Their innocent giggles echoed through the streets then onto the fields.
There were both men and women working on the vast farmland.
A woman's feet were buried deep into the soil as she bent over--her hands clenching around the sprout as she then plucked it. A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead.
She then heard the sounds of the soft giggles of joy--Then a youthful feminine voice rang out.
---Біжи! Я тебе дістану, ха-ха!
Subtitles: (Run! I will get you, he he!)
The woman gazed up--It was her daughter. Her lips then instantly curled in a soft, prideful smile as she watched her little lioness.
Eleanor petronella--The teacher at of their village's modest school.
At how her baby hair fluttered fiercely against the wind as she ran clutching her Nemtika joyously (a veil for married women) --Her bare feet grazing the lush grass as she held on to the hem of her dress.
Anna!
the woman beside her nudged her slightly--God have blessed you; she murmured in delight. Anna smiled easily--her gaze then returned to her daughter,
"Indeed, he has" she whispered to herself.
The women went inside--Laying their materials on the soil.
-----
Eleanor wandered around, her striking blue gaze darted back and forth, as her nimble frame made throughout the field.
The children glanced at her from above their shoulders as they grinned cheekily. Eleanor's lips then curled as her arms reached out to the nearest child--She then grasped the little boy's shoulders.
He shot her a look as he struggled to get out--Though she held on to him, a triumph smile spread across her as she ruffled the boy's hair.
Meanwhile...
From the border--Many welcomed the soldiers who returned from duty--Many had returned home--Though a certain three still rode their houses around, eyes darting to the vast farmland. Then ultimately stopping Infront of a stable.
They tied their horses as they conversed to themselves.
Vojislav Dave Heard's fingers traveled up his armored face, he then took it off as his eyes then met the fierce son. His eyebrows then furrowed as he darted out the farmland.
His hands clenched around the end of sword as his gaze fell to a certain woman on the field--Eleanor petronella.
He watched her every move as if to study her--The conversation of his fellow men muffled out as he then felt a firm pat on his back.
He then jolted as he then shot him a look
--"Whatever is it you want?" Yaroslav? he asked between clenched teeth.
Oh, calm yourself down--He waved as his lips curled in a mischievous grin--His gaze then returned to the field before them.
What an unusual man you are...
Vojislav gave him a quick glance.
Still coy after being wed? he murmured.
Vojislav didn't respond, he couldn't, his eyes stayed on the field and on the woman who had stolen his sleep for years--His lips then curled.
---
--The boy glanced up and smiled at her back. Eleanor then gazed at him down--Just then--A burning feeling crept up her neck.
Eleanor's eyebrows furrowed as she felt the pressing weight of a gaze on her.
Thud* thud* thud* Вони приїхали! Вони приїхали!
Subtitles: They have come! They have come! her voice rang out followed by a mischievous giggle.
Eleanor turned to her left to see her best friend, her sister, Sofia. She ran to her--Clutching her dress. Her lips curled in a smile
--Eleanor's lips curled in a faint smile,
Calm down, her head tilted, who have come? She asked.
Sofia stood Infront of her, she glanced at Vasil--Ruffling his hair,
"Yaroslav has come!"
Eleanor smiled, as she then held her shoulder
--Master Slav as well...
Her eyes widened slight as she then turned-- she locked eyes with another pair of blue--Perhaps a familiar one.
It was Vojislav--The chief knight's son, her husband.
He stood further away from the field yet close enough. His hands firmly grasped his sword as he gazed at her, his eyes never leaving her. He then caught her--As soon as their eyes locked, his pulse quickened.
Sofia side-eyed her, then her gaze fell to Yaroslav, her lips formed a gracious smile--Unlike her sister, she ran to his man. Without a trace of shame, he opened his arms and embraced her. Because really...why should he?
Ahh... I missed you... he murmured. His voice barley a whisper as he then brushed his lips against her cheek.
He then held her tighter, pulling her close to his chest.
Sofia giggled softly, you are suffocating me Yaroslav...she murmured.
How is my Lara...? he asked, still holding her. Sofia smiled further, "She is very good, thank god" We shall meet her. His lips curled. We shall go home then; he murmured impatiently as he then saw her face flush. She nodded as they then began to make their way to their house.
Meanwhile... Dimitri Pavel stood, his hands folded behind his back as he gazed at the young couples. His lips had a soft smile as he then glanced at the red ribbon on his palm. He clutched on it as if to anchor himself.
We cut back to Eleanor, she noticed her husband, how his eyes flickered to the embracing couple beside him.
His gaze then returned to her; eyes pleading for the same warmth.
Yet she simply stood, looking at him from afar as if it was a sin.
Was it...?
He sighed, absolutely not.
Eleanor then gave him a quick knowing glance as she then felt the tug of the little boy.
She then smiled easily, and they began to walk.
Slav's head tilted as he watched her go--Then she glanced back at him. His heart clenched as a soft smile spread across her lips.
His gaze then unknowingly lingered on her as she then turned back--His Adam's apple shifted from up to down.
Eleanor then guided the children to the shades. They sat down in rows, their tiny fingers clutching around their sore knees as they then gazed up at her.
She had begun her story telling--her eyebrows were raised as if to press on each and every word she uttered.
The children listened keenly--As they then let out occasional giggles at the silliness of the story. Eleanor herself softly arched her back as she then let out laughter's of joy-- her palms hovering over her mouth.
Just then--The soft rustle of the grass made Vasil--The little boy glance to his right--There was an armored knight--His silver attire glinted as Vasil's eyes traveled to his face.
His eyes sparkled
--Майстер Слав прийшов!
Subtitle: Master Slav has come! joy clung his voice as the children all got up.
Eleanor turned--her eyes then slightly widened as she saw him.
Slav then walked in closer as her gaze then fell to him.
Her eyes became low, her voice timid,
"Your presence makes me happy Vojislav"... she murmured.
his lips then curled--
"Vojislav"
she uttered it like she owned it--And she really did. he then tilted his head in acceptance to her greeting.
The children all clung to him--Their eyes sparkling with awe---He then softly ruffled Vasil's hair--As they then soon demerged and ran towards the fields.
His gaze then went to Eleanor--now left alone. Her eyes fluttered to him then at the soil before her. He then stepped in closer; hands folded behind his back.
Eleanor's heart quickened as she then felt the edge of his cloak grazing against her ever so slightly.
He then gazed at her then at the lush grass before them
--"I pray that everything is good...Eleanor"
Eleanor then shot him a look--Though he was already watching her.
T-Thankyou, may it be like that to you...
a soft murmur left her as she then gazed at his very noticeable Adam's apple--At how his eyes seemed to be glued to her--At how he had changed from that once coy boy--Who wouldn't even dare to grasp her waist when riding a horse to a man.
War had changed him. It really did.
Her gaze then lingered on the open wounds on his neck--He then watched her as her nimble fingers reached out to him, just hovering slightly above the wound as her voice broke,
Slav... does it hurt...?
she gazed up at him, her hands trembling slightly. His blue gaze then watched her; at how many staggered breaths she took.
"Not as much as without you"...
a thought passed his mind as he noticed the tears that clung her lush, forest-like lashes.
He then arched his head back slightly as her fingers grazed it.
They stood like that in solitude--As Slav's lips parted once again,
perhaps you want to ride a horse?
Her gaze returned to him--"you know...just like the old times" he ended, his hands rubbed against the back of his hair--Waiting, sensing a reply.
Her eyes then lit up--On a horse...?
he blinked, yes?anything wrong?
Eleanor's eyes glinted with past memories as she stared at him--This was the same Vojislav from all those years ago...The same yet different.
--And maybe... her lips curled, just maybe... she likes this new man.
The night then soon fell as she breathed in a sigh-- Slav's eyes lazily gazed at her; his head tilted to her side.
----
In the nocturnal hours--the annual festivities played out as the sound of music clung the air--The lights and the children were the charm. The woman wore traditional outfits and graciously handed out deserts--The smell of lavender spread across the village.
As neighbors greeted one another in joy.
Among the rows of women who were serving was Eleanor--Her nimble fingers held the copper tray as she then felt a tug at the white hem of her dress.
She gazed down--Her eyes felt to an adorable pair of marble eyes--It was a little girl; she gazed up at her then at the rows of glasses on the tray that she held.
Eleanor's lip easily curled as she then handed it to her and ruffled her strawberry blonde hair.
--"Ось, моє маленьке солоденьке"
Subtitles: Here, my little sweetie
The girls' tiny fingers wrapped around the vessel as she then fled--Eleanor watched her go with a smile then began to walk.
Eleanor began to walk further--She served between the guests and the soft music and lights. The end of her magenta dress softly grazed the ground as the fresh scent of soil clung to her.
She then served the men--She spared none a glance and kept a small, polite smile.
Then--Ahh! alas we met the woman who stole our Vojislav's sleep? said Pavel in a mischievous tone as he then grasped one of the drinks.
Yaroslav emerged from behind as he then also grabbed one.
Mm... true... he murmured between sips--Eleanor glanced at him.
"The man just murmurs your name"
Eleanor felt the heat creeping up her neck as she then kept her lips in a small smile and nodded along.
Though with every praise, her heart raced.
I cannot believe we are even closer! "You know... your sister is married to me...even though it is difficult sometimes, I love her"
Just then--Cough* Cough*
Eleanor's lips curled as Pavel sneered-Sensing Yaroslav's tensed demeanor. He then turned to face Sofia, one had clutched their daughter, Lara-The other her waist. Her eyebrows raised, "Continue"...
Hhuh...Yaroslav smiled awkwardly, brushing the back of his hair, he quickly took a hold of his daughter.
Clasping her waits, he took her up the air.
Sofia... I didn't you were here...he murmured gazing at her. She smiled mischievously. Well, I'm now!
He smiled in delight as he glanced at his daughter's moon-like face, brushing his lips against her temple he tilted his head to signal his leaving.
Eleanor smiled as both Pavel and Yaroslav walked off. Her eyes fluttered Sofia, clasping each other's hands they began to walk. The night sky illuminated their flowy robes. As they then reached their mother.
She sat at a chair, conversing with others, her eyes then went to her daughters, she smiled easily as both embraced her in quite warmth.
Ahh My babies... she murmured, voice filled with warmth as her frail hands reached up to graze both Eleanor and Sofia's face.
They smiled as she then gestured for them to sit. The night had become much darker as they both then sat next to her.
Eleanor tucked a strand of her hair.
So... her eyes flickered to both her beauties--Sofia...how is Lara? she asked, her voice hinted concern. Sofia smiled, "She is doing good, mother"
Anna--Their mother nodded as her gaze then fell to a completely oblivious Eleanor.
Eleanor... her eyes went to her,
yes mother? She blinked.
When would I get to hold my grandchild...? from you?
Eleanor's face flushed, her pulse quickened as she heard the low giggle of her sister, Sophia. She side-eyed her. Her mind wandered as the image of her and Slav holding a child played out.
M-Mother... we are still too young--Anna sighed as she then set her cup. "It's not that my daughter... at least consider it"
Yeah sister...
Sofia nudged Eleanor, consider it at least, her lips twitched into a smirk.
Eleanor rose to her feet, she excused herself and began to walk. Her gaze wandered, her nimble hands went to her forehead.
Her breath hitched--"He needs you my daughter... Your husband needs you"
--And what kind of a need would that be...? her cheeks burned at the thought of something like that.
Just then she felt a tap on her back--Eleanor then turned to see Vasil; he looked up at her and smiled mischievously.
She smiled back," What Vasil? here to take revenge? she teased.
Vasil shook his head--He then ushered her to lower herself as he then whispered in her ears,
"Master Slav expects you"
Eleanor's eyes widened slightly, as she felt her heart race--Now walking to his door, her heart thudded against her ribs-matching the rhythm of her feet.
She then stood Infront of the door and hesitantly went in--As soon as she did--Slav's piercing gaze fell to her. He watched her nimble moment at how her head was lowered.
She didn't dare look up. "You called for me" a soft murmur escaped her effervescent lips. She then glanced at him--At how he watched her, her gaze then returned to the floor.
"Get close" his voice pressed--not with command-but something else.
Eleanor obeyed and walked to him; her head lowered the entire time. She then finally stood Infront of him.
He then got up, eyes falling to her Namitka (her veil) then to her pursed lip--He leaned in closer, a single finger of his lifted up her chin forcing her to meet him.
They then gazed at each other--One's in defiance and another in surrender. Vojislav's voice came in low as his fingers reached out to graze her face.
Elen...
he whispered, lips curling into a soft-knowing smile as his breath fanned against her neck.
Eleanor's heart raced as she sensed the wave of alcohol.
H-Have you been drinking...? Slav?
He gazed at her dazed, he had been--He then looked away.
Eleanor's gaze fell to the floor as her fingers clenched the edges of the tray in a coy manner.
"Firstly, it was you who didn't give an answer" he murmured, voice low.
His hands then lazily held her waist--Inching in closer--As he felt the thud of her heart--At how it quickened with every inch. Then her eyes shot up to him realizing how close he was
--She quickly pulled away, her face flushed.
S-Slav... someone might see us...
she then gazed up at him, her eyes failing,
"W-What are we even doing here? "She asked, trying desperately to sound genuine--Though, the soft, absent-minded curl of her lips betrayed her.
He watched her as he tilted his head--How her gaze seemed to return to him then to the wool coated floor before.
"Let them "
he murmured, hands finding hers. She squirmed under his touch--Though didn't let go.
They stayed like that for a bit--Then she pressed her temple against his chest, gaze darting to the floor. Hearing the low thrum of his heart.
Slav held her tight.
They both then stepped out, laying on the grass field under the nocturnal night. Slav watched as Eleanor's eyes glinted, her gaze then fell. Her eyebrows furrowed. Slav reached out for her, cupping her face,
"What's wrong?"
Eleanor didn't answer-not right away. She looked at him, then her voice came out, lower than the wind.
"I saw a shooting star, you know...it marks the starting's of misfortune"
Slav sighed as he then held her close in reassurance, his jaw planted on top of her head. "Nothing of such will happen, for I will be with you, always"
"Always...?" her eyes fluttered to him--He then kissed her temple, as his warm gaze traced as if to study her,
"Always" his voice pressed. Eleanor's lips then formed a gracious smile as they then lay there--Nestled in each other's warmth.
---
We cut to:
Sofia and her mother, Anna conversed, they smiled and held each other's hands. Asking on each other's health and their livelihood.
Sofia nodded along--Then they both slightly turned to see Yaroslav who held Lara.
He walked amongst the light and to them. His eyes then locked with Sofia's, grey to a bluish hue. His pace slowed, his boot' 'thudded rhythmically with his heart--Lips curving into a sinful grin as he watched her blush.
Anna's eyes narrowed mischievously as it flickered between both her daughter and her son-in law--She smiled sipping her drink.
He then finally stood in front of the both--Greeting Anna with a subtle move of his head, as he then turned to Sophia.
She stood up and reached for her daughter from Yaroslav--Their fingers brushed in the exchange--He gave her a subtle glance.
Sophia though didn't return it--She tilted her head to signal their leaving.
Her eyes then fluttered to him then at soil. They began walking and reached their house.
Sophia set's little Lara on a crib--Her lips was curled in a soft, gracious smile as she then walked to the door--Just as her fingers reached the hatch--She felt a pair of arms planted on the door.
Sophia gasped as she felt teeth grazing at the lobe of her ear--Y-Yaroslav... she breathed.
He didn't reply-not right away.
Yeah...? his voice came out low, totally readable.
What are you doing...! she hissed as he grasped her tighter. He let out a low groan, "You think I didn't see that?"
Sophia's eyebrows furrowed as she felt his hands slid up. Her breathing became hollow.
You ignored me... he mumbled. Sophia then gripped his fingers; she turned to face him--Suppressing her gasp as her as she locked eyes with him. Yaroslav's eyes were half closed as he seemed to be looking at her, dazed.
His eyes wandered as if to study her, at how her chest rose and fell with every breath, at how she had clung to him. He then brushed his lips against her, tenderly. Her fingers curled in his cloth as she responded with the same manner.
"I love you"... Sophia murmured. He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead, "Love you more"...
Just then-- the sound of a terrible yelling ripped through the night air.
They then parted slightly as Elenor's voice came out ragged,
whatever that was? she asked, voice pressing.
They both then got up--Eyes darting panic as they saw the decorations in ruins. The huts were set on flame. The cold musky air filled their lungs as the heard the sounds of children.
People ran as the sound of the yelling's became imminent
--The Byzantines came!!! the Byzantines came!!
Yaroslav and Sophia turned to the window--There they saw their people running around in sheer terror. Mother carried their children as they fled for their dear lives.
The village was burning.
Yaroslav gripped his sword as he then pulled the latch open, he stepped out.
YAROSLAV!!! YAROSLAV!!! WHERE ARE YOUG GOING, Cough* Cough*
"Watch Lara, I will see to this!" he ordered. Sophia watched him go, her lips quivered, her vision blurred as the smoke became more suffocating.
(Baby Lara crying*) Oh dear...
Sophia rushed to her, carrying her baby she pressed her close to her chest, softly rocking her as her gaze returned to the door.
THUD*, THUD*, THUD* The door began to come lose as Sophia's breathing became hollow, her eyes fluttered up--Smoke began to seep in through as she saw the fire spread.
Cough* Cough* Cough* Y-YAROSLAV? YARO--SLAV?
Sophia began to shed tears as she nestled her baby. She then sat in a corner; her lips trembled in panic.
There was a not a lot of time left--And the worst part was that she knew it. The fire had engulfed most of the village and it will do the same to them.
Sophia sobbed aggressively, her shoulders moving with every move as Lara too cried in distress.
Hah...Lara... Don't my daughter, oh my sweet Lara...
Mother will sing you a lullaby, ah? She panted, as the heat became insufferable.
M-Mother will sing to you... her vision became black.
We come back to Eleanor and Slav:
They both glanced at each other in distraught as they felt the air around them becoming oppressive. She then gripped his wrist as her eyes darted around the ruined lights and at the armored intruders massacring their people.
The village burned--As the women were claimed by these foreign men in open doors--Some Infront of their children. The elderly were beaten; the children were taken away.
Vojislav shot Eleanor a look, his jaw clenched, his sword in hand: Go... he murmured. His voice etched with something darker.
She stared at him in disbelief and at this sudden ordeal--She then shook her head.
Slav... she breathed.
He glanced at her--Her eyes swelled up with tears, "my mother, my sister, my niece what of them?" she whispered, her grip on him loosened as she then urged him to let her go.
Slav's chiseled jaw ticked impatiently as his eyes darted,
ELEANOR... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GO!!!
he ordered--Jolting her awake, as she then turned towards the forest and began to sprint, clutching at her robe.
О, моє маленьке дитятко, спи.. Спи.. Sophia's voice was calmer then cold musky air outside.
Subtitle:
Eleanor's hair fluttered violently. Her head pulsated from the running, yet she continued.
Чому ти плачеш, моє солодке? The baby gripped her fingers as she rocked her simultaneously.
Subtitle:
Хіба я не нагодувала тебе своїм теплим молочком?
Subtitle:
The image of her family played out as Eleanor wept. Her feet moving like water.
Хіба я не нагодувала тебе своїм теплим молочком?
Subtitle:
The roof then began to dismantle as the shards began to fell--Sophia instinctively ducked, covering for Lara as the debris fell on her.
We cut to Back...
Eleanor stopped once she reached the inner part of the forest.
She looked around at the dark wilderness of the forest as her chest rose and fell with every staggered breath.
Just then--Eleanor felt a pair of strong arms clasping her waist.
She let out a gasp as she then felt the hand shove her to the ground--Her back hit the dry leaves as her body shifted right and left in pure terror, gazing at a man's towering silhouette Infront of her.
How dare you try run away; you fool... his voice dripped with malice--As Eleanor struggled before him on the ground. She then watched in agony as his hands traveled to his breeches (pants)
His fingers moved in a slow, sensual manner, "a huge mistake" he murmured in amusement, his eyes lingering on her lips then at her tiny frame--And at how petrified she looked.
She then shut her eyes as her face burned with shame, clutching at the soil, her lips moved in a pleading manner.
Just as he leaned in closer--Aghhh!! the man gasped as he fell to the floor with a thud.
Eleanor's gaze fluttered opened as she then gazed out to see Slav--Slav...! Her lips formed a grateful smile as she sobbed.
Slav threw the bow away as he then sprinted to her. He kneeled to the floor taking her head to his lap and gently caressed her hair.
Eleanor...
he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to her temple. "Are you okay?" She gazed at his eyes--At how distraught he looked and at how tight he held her.
She then nodded and whispered a "I'm fine"
Slav's eye then scanned the area as he held her wrist--Slowly they got on their feet. Backs pressed to each other as their fingers seemed to be glued.
W-What is happening Slav... her voice broke into tears.
Shhh...
his index finger grazing her lips.
I don't know, Elen...I'm not sure, he murmured, his voice, low, uncertain, yet he held on to her. Eleanor's grip in him tightened as she felt her heart race in fear.
Then came a soft rustle of the bush. Both of their gaze fell to the bush--As Slav's other arm reached for his sword.
He held on to it
--WHO IS THIS? he asked, inching in closer to the bush.
Then--The tip of Eleanor's fingers grazed at his back as her whimpers came out muffled.
Slav froze as he then turned--Only to meet the sheer terror in Eleanor's gaze as a man's hand was wrapped around her mouth.
His eyes widened, his chest tightened. E-Eleanor! he stepped in closer, his jaw clenching as he did.
DON"T YOU DARE!
the man roared as his hands then tightened the hold on her.
Slav stopped--As he then glared at him,
WHO ARE YOU? he asked, his jaw ticking like time.
the man didn't budge as his gaze then darted behind him. Seeing that--Slav's face contorted, his jaw then ticked further--He then slid out his sword.
--Clenching it with trembling hands as if that was the only thing that was anchoring him.
Slav's gaze never left her--Just as he was about to take a step again--A sharp thud hit him on the back of his head.
It was another man from behind who had hit him.
Eleanor's eyes widened as she yelled in a desperate plea--her voice cracking here and there.
S-SLAV! S-SLAV! LOOK AT ME! SLAV!!
she cried out but to no avail-- he didn't respond, he couldn't. Slav's eyes darted to her.
E-Elen...
he breathed--As he then felt a tidal wave of pain shot through him--He then fell with a thud. His eyes were still open as tears pooled over them. His face-panged with guilt.
SLAAV!
Eleanor's voice came out in sheer terror--As she sobbed violently, her shoulders shuddered with every move. Then she collapsed. Her head dropped like a withering flower as her whole body went numb.
--We cut to black