Forbidden (need 1 prince)

[LatinLady]

Forbidden (closed)

Lightning and thunder crashed on the horizon as rider and a black horse sped across a field. The horse’s hooves were moving so quickly it took two looks to verify it was actually touching the ground. On the steed’s back was the lithe form of an olive skinned woman. Her long black tresses were splayed out behind her like a streaming mass. Her eyes are so black as if to look like dark pools. She wore simple black riding breeches, soft black leather boots, a white shirt and a crimson colored waist cincher. Slung on her hip is a rapier with a bejeweled handle. Her nose is adorned with a single stud. Her ears and neck are adorned with gold hoops and a necklace with many small coins attached. As if her looks were not enough to tell you, the jewelry is enough to signal what she is. She is a Romani, or to some who do not know the phrase a gypsy, and a princess at that. Her name is Mirella Kralis.

It is the south of Spain and the year is 1743. The Romani are outlawed from the land. Were Mirella to be caught, she would be hanged immediately. If she surrendered without a fight, she would be given half an hour to kneel and pray for her soul. She would not be caught this day. She is an expert rider and an expert with her rapier.

The thundering of hooves can be heard in the distance. It is a group of men, following her. She was minding her own business at a local pond, about to go for a swim when she was accosted by 8 men. They informed her she was under arrest and sentenced to death for being a Romani and trespassing on his majesty’s land. Little did they know she would be on her horse and galloping away before any of them knew what was going on! She would clear the field and be in the woods on the other side before they came into the field. They would not be able to track her movements then. Mirella continued forward at a break-neck pace until she was sure she was no longer being followed before slowing down and allowing her mount to catch its breath. Both she and the horse were completely out of breath and did not hear the man come into the path behind them.

“Buenos Dias Señorita, today is not a day to be traversing his majesty’s private lands. There is a fierce storm coming and you should not be about.”

Mirella nearly bolted, but neither she nor her mount could take another run like the one they just had. She turned herself and her mount around to see the most piercing eyes looking at her. Who was this man who so boldly addressed her?

“Begging your pardon Señor, I did not know these were private lands. Perhaps I should be moving on”

She made to turn but at that very moment a loud thunderclap sounds, setting her horse to prancing on the road and it is as if the sky has opened up. The water comes down in a thick sheet, soaking them both immediately.

(OOC: thank you krazykyotee)

 

[krazykyotee]

He had been stalking a rabbit at the time, its light brown form perched on a fallen tree. Raising his flintlock, he was just about to close is eyes and bring spark to pan when the little ones ears perked up, and it bolted form its position, darting into the woods.

He cursed his luck, then listened. There...the sound of a horse...running hard. He knew of no one who was to visit him here, indeed, almost no one knew of his presense on these grounds. Then again, if it was conquistadors searching for him...

Using every ounce of his skill, he glided over to the side of the rough path thru the woods, mindful of every loose twig and leaf. He coudl see now the horse had stopped, but he still could not make out the rider... from behind a wide tree he debated his actions. It would be a simple matter to bring the rifle up and around, place a lead ball in that head and be done with whoever it was. But something was different abut this lonely traveller this late afternoon, and he uncocked his weapon, and stepped around the tree.

When he stated her situation, he included the part of it being the majesty's lands, just to be on the safe side. When he could get a full look at her beauty under the heavy cloak, his breath caught. He had never gazed upon such a woman in his life, carrying herself as she did.

The outbreak of the heavy rains startled both horse and rider, and a long outstretched hand took her mounts bridle.

"That horse is about to drop from exhaustion... I would not give it more than a quarter length before it drops to the ground, leaving you possibly injured worse." Speaking a bit louder to be hard over the rain, he said, "And there is no way youll be making distance in this downpour. Come, let us go to a place of dryness and warmth, and you can tell me what your doing in this lonely place.." He gave a small smile, and released the harness.

 

[LatinLady]

Mirella looked around for an escape That horse is about to drop from exhaustion... I would not give it more than a quarter length before it drops to the ground, leaving you possibly injured worse. She knew there was no way she could get away from this man.

The water was coming dowin steadily and he grabbed her horse's bridle.

And there is no way youll be making distance in this downpour. Come, let us go to a place of dryness and warmth, and you can tell me what your doing in this lonely place.

She knew following this man was not a good idea, but what else could she do. The storm was getting stronger every minute and his offer of a place to dry off and warm up seemed innocent enough. He let go of the bridle and made to lead the way

"Thank you for your kindness Señor, but I do not want to be a trouble to anyone." She dismounted from the horse, knowing full well there was no other choice.

 

[krazykyotee]

"No inconvience at all, senorita. As you can see, it is hardly the conditions to be stalking game in. Come, follow me down this path here, be mindful of the branches..."

He walked a short distance down the road then sharply turned right, down a narrow path invisible on the road unless you were looking right at it. It was a path in the crudest of terms, not much travelling had occured here. The rain had lightened some, under the thick canopy, but the sound of the pouring droned out any sounds of the forest.

Leaning down on the side of the path, he picked up a small furry mass, wetted down. Wiping a lock of hair from his eyes, he asked, "Least we eat well, I did manage a few game before your arrival.. tell me senorita, what brings you to such a remote setting?"

 

[LatinLady]

He asked her to follow him. She did so while leading her mount. He turned onto a trail that was barely visible and stopped to pick something up. It looked like game of some sort. Least we eat well, I did manage a few game before your arrival.. tell me senorita, what brings you to such a remote setting?

Mirella considered her answer for a moment. Did this man not know what she is? Any stranger would have already tied her up and ridden her to the nearest town to be executed. Somehow this man didn't seem like the type. When he looked at her he didn't seem to notice that she was a Romani, and an outlaw.

"Señor, I was on my way to Valencia when some men waylayed me on the road, intent on lord knows what. Luckily my mount was somewhat fresh and able to carry me away. Unfortunately in my rush to get away, I lost my way and ended up here."
She stopped for a second, satisfied with the half truth of her story. He continued to walk ahead of her and she followed, now completely soaked and starting to shiver.

"Again, I beg your pardons Señor if I am trespassing, I did not know this was private land. "

 

[krazykyotee]

"Ah, yes..these are troubling times. With the hostilities in the old world once again, all sorts of dastardly deeds are being performed on the knig's road. It is good that you were able to evade your accosters..."

Removing the now wet and useless black powder, he shouldered his rifle, then continued. "No the honor is mine of having a guest on my lands, well, my family's lands. It has been quite a while since I have had visitors.."

He thought to himself, least one as stunning as yourself, senorita. Around a sharp corner their destinationw as in sight. A small hunting lodge was nestled in a clearing int he woods, the trees only a stones throw from the walls. It had the appearance of age, but of being well kept. Off to the side a small openended shack sat, a makeshift stable. The rear of a fine riding horse could be seen there, at rest. No lights or sounds eminated from the dwelling.

"Ah, my home, sweet home. Least it is not much to look at, but it is homely. Go ahead and stable your steed, while i gather wood from the stack for the nights fires."

 

[LatinLady]

Mirella followed as he spoke, trying to put her at ease. She couldn't help but notice how his body was lean and muscular. This was someone well used to being outdoors and fending for himself.

When he mentioned that this was his family's land her breath caught in her throat. How could someone from his majesty's family not notice that she is an outlaw? Did he have something els in mind?

His cabin came into view. It was worn, but well maintained and had a comfortable look to it. It also had a small stable next to it.

Ah, my home, sweet home. Least it is not much to look at, but it is homely. Go ahead and stable your steed, while i gather wood from the stack for the nights fires."

She thanked him and headed to the stables. His mount was inside resting and he was a beautiful specimen, worthy of someone who claims to be from a royal family. She found some water and food for her horse and saw to the animal's comfort before heading to the front of his home.

"Señor? Where did you go?"

 

[krazykyotee]

Coming around the corner of the cottage, his hands were full of wood, a few big pieces for a long burn, some ligher wood for a quick flame. "I am here, senorita, although the wood is damp, and will not light easily. Come, let us get out of this accursed rain and dry. If you would please take up the game to bring in..my hands are quite full.."

Walking under the small awning covered porch, he pushed in the door with a boot. A tinking of glass could be heard, and as they stepped aside, an empty bottle rolled away form the door.

THe inside was like the outside, comfortable, if a bit worn. The furnature was of good well made variety, but with no ornation. Divided by a stout wall, the side they entered was the common room, including a table, a few chairs, a pantry table, the fireplace, assorted household items, and a combined bookcase and desk. It was obvious a man lived there though, the area was still in a state of disarray.

Walking over and putting his burden down, he started stoking the dead ashes, preparing a large fire. "Please, if you will, put those on the table over there, and I will start cleaning them for the meal. There should be extra blankets in that pile, over there, if you wish to warm up.."

 

[LatinLady]

Mirella grabbed up the game he had caught and followed him into the cottage. Once inside, she could tell he lived here alone. The place was maintained, but it was a bit of a mess. She was so busy looking around that when he spoke she jumped.
Please, if you will, put those on the table over there, and I will start cleaning them for the meal. There should be extra blankets in that pile, over there, if you wish to warm up.

She took off her rapier and set it with her bags on the floor. She went to where he motioned and grabbed a blanket. She remembered the change of clothing in her bag,

"Señor, I have a change of clothing. Do you perhaps have a place where I can change from these wet ones?"

 

[krazykyotee]

Wiping the soot from his hands with a rag, he stood up in front of the fireplace. "But of course. The other room, where i sleep, should give you the privacy you require. Simply pull down that curtain to close it off." With an outsretched hand he gestured twoards the doorway.

As she took up her bundle and walked into the other room, he casually took a glance at her form as she walked. He could tell she had the walk of a woman of independence, who knew what she wanted. The sway of her hips also suggested she knew of her looks...and how to use them.

Cleaning the animals, he started preparing them, stuffing an assortment of herbs and tubers inside the carcasses, of a recipe he perfered. Runnign them thru with spits, he placed them over the fire. Walking to a cabinet for one of his remaining bottles of wine, he stopped, intregued by her weapon.

Picking it up, he studied the blade. This was no nobleman's blade, to be worn at parties as decoration. Very good quality, a sword of a experienced user. The slight trace of blood on the tip did not go unnoticed...

Replacing the rapier where it sat, he retrieved the bottle of wine, and placed it near the fire. Only then did he remove his wet garments, down to a light tunic and pantaloons. He thought he heard her finishing her changing in the bedroom..

 

[LatinLady]

Mirella emerged from his sleeping area dressed very differently than she went in. She now wore a crimson and white top with matching skirt and her midsection was exposed.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/scoresia/gitana_hot2.jpg

She stood there for a moment, watching him inspect her blade then put it back and grab a bottle of wine.

"It was given to me by my father when I became old enough to need it. "

 

[krazykyotee]

Looking up, he grinned, and replied to her statement. "My appologies, senorita, but my curiosity got the better of me. It is a good blade.. I have seen few of its quality. But I am being a poor host, let us eat. The wine is quite good, from my personal reserve on my estates."

Removing the meat from the fire, he placed them upon a simple pewter platter, and set them on the table. Pulling out a chair for her, he waited for her to sit, then poured the wine.

Only after they started eating did he continue their conversation. "So, really now, what is a stunning creature as yourself running a horse nearly to death escaping? You can handle yourself well, the sword and the fluids on it are good example of that." He stared into the deep pools of her eyes, intent.

 

[LatinLady]

Mirella sat down to the meal with the gentleman. He began asking about her sword and the blood on it.

"As I mentioned before Señor, I was waylaid by men and had to escape. I managed to stick one before getting away. "

She continued to eat, being careful not to drink too much wine.

(ooc: sorry I missed your reply)

 

[krazykyotee]

Simply nodding to her response, he took another bite, washing it down with the wine. maybe it was the liqour, or the warmth inside comapred to the even harder rainstorm outside, but his eyes kept lingering on her, roaming along her curves.

"I must say, ma'am, that that dress is quite stunning on you, looking tailored to your form. I dont believe its seen its equal..er, wait.." his eyes rolled upwards, deep in thought...

 

[LatinLady]

He stopped mid sentence as if a thought had just occured to him. Mirella's heart nearly stopped. Is it possible he realizes who she is? Will he turn her in? Will he kill her?

"Señor? is something wrong?"

 

[krazykyotee]

his mind worked over a half forgotten memory, lost in thought. He wa sure he'd seen that kind of clothing before, but where... And then it hit him. He's seen something worn on a man, a long time ago. A much different cut, to be sure, but the styles and colors were the same. Long ago, when his mother first brought him to these estates to visit. He had watched with a young child's curiosity as a mob had dragged him into a center square, the mob violence making short work of him. A Romani...thats what the crowd chanted out. Some sort of nomatic group, with the locals having an almost unconscious fear of them.

Snapping his fingers, he turned to look at her. "Your a...Romani..I take it? Something like a gypsy.." The look in her eyes that moment made him regret speaking. THose were the eyes of the hunted, the eyes like a cornered bear...bear, but with no hesistation to strike out. Quickly putting up his hands palms up on the table, he tried to calm her.

"You'll find no animosity twoards you here senorita. Here, we are but two people, taking refuge from the storm. In fact, i in a way am as like an outcast as you.."

 

[LatinLady]

She watched his face intently and it was like someone lit a fire. He knew what she was, of this she was sure. Your a...Romani..I take it? Something like a gypsy.. The words were like a hammer dropping in her mind. The look on her face must have shown her fear as well as her glance towards the rapier. He was quick to try and put her at ease You'll find no animosity towards you here senorita. Here, we are but two people, taking refuge from the storm. In fact, i in a way am as like an outcast as you.."

"You are correct in your assumption, I am of the Rommani clan. You must excuse my distrust, but as I am sure you are aware, my people are not welcome in this or just about any land." She stopped talking, looking deep into his eyes and trying to judge wether he was telling the truth or if he was biding his time to haul her before an angry mob

 

[krazykyotee]

"You are safe here, truly. You are welcome here, senorita, i take no predjustice in who you are. Indeed," he said, with a sigh, "I am nearly as a soul in flight as you. Far from my own lands, an outcast from my family. And now, an Englishman in Spainish territory, during these troubled times...if we were found, we would both surely go to the stake.."

Reaching out slowly, he held one of her hands, a light touch. "So, I ask you, senorita, one lonely traveller to another, what is your name?"

 

[LatinLady]

The feel of his hand on her was like she had put her hands in the fire. Never had someone shown her such courtesy and respect knowing who and what she is.

So, I ask you, senorita, one lonely traveller to another, what is your name? She left her hand in his, not daring to sever the connection to his skin.

"My name Señor? It is Mirella .... What is yours?"

 

[krazykyotee]

He could feel her shaking, just barely, under his hand, as he held it. A building passion was forming deep inside him, he had not felt this way in a long time.

"My name is William, my beautiful Mirella..."

Saying that he took her hand in both of his, stroking the back of one with a finger, tracing hte contours.

 

[LatinLady]

My name is William, my beautiful Mirella...

His hands were holding hers and she could feel a blush spread over her entire body. She had never been affected this way by any man. Her heart was racing, her body was shaking ever so slightly and his finger tracing the outline of her hand was making parts of her body ache.

"Thank you for the compliment Señor...I....." She stopped mid sentence, too shy to know what else to say.