Magic's Reluctant Bride (closed for maurader13

[AngelofDeath]

Mel took a deep gasping breath as her eyes opened. Len's hand kept her from flailing about as she cough and choked. She turned head head and coughed up several thick blobs, all of which vanished in bits of light and smoke. Gasping she looked back at Len. Reaching up she touched him, had to be sure he was real. Her fingers upon his worried face soon became Mel throwing herself into his arms and crying. "I was so scared, I thought I would never see you again." The two held each other as tightly as they ever had. Slowly she pulled back to look into his eyes once more. Her own were surrounded with dark circles and bloodshot. "I want to leave, now. I don't know all that has gone on, but I do not wish to stay here any longer than we have to. Take me home, my love."

For now the nightmare was over, all Mel cared about right now was being with her love. And to finally be able to sleep. She buried her face against his neck and inhaled his scent deeply.

~Noden~​

Back in Noden, Jeral was slowly but steadily wearing a groove within the stone floor outside of their room. He itched to simply burst into the room and find out what was going on, but he had been cautioned against it. If this had been any other situation he would have thrown cautioned to the wind, but not in this instance. First because he wanted Mel healthy and whole and second because he was not yet ready to join his fallen comrades in the afterlife.

Len had been wrong though, for Mel her father would go to war with Noden. Noden had the advantage of magic, but even at the worst of times they had never been able to topple Brask. Elan was far from a violent or bloodthirsty man, but this was his only child on the line. The last part of his dead wife that remained in this world. There would be no winners in such a war, both kingdoms would be ripped asunder and the people would be the ones to most suffer for it.

"You best bring her home Noden, or we are all doomed."

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian rejoiced that Melisandra was alive and well. He held her closely within the dream realm, but desired more to do it in the real world. He kissed her crown, before they both stood.

"Mel, it is almost over. Just come with me, and retake what is yours." He took her by a hand and led her into the mists. They grew heavier until nothing could be seen but pure white. He let her hand slip from his as he slipped from her mind and back to his own body.

~Noden~​

Lentharian opened his eyes slowly, taking a few moments longer than expected to adjust to being in his body again. He felt Mel stir, which brought a few automatic reactions from him. His arms tightened around her, he kissed her passionately and his cock went rock hard. He held her, rocking her softly as tears escaped his eyes and ran down his face.

"It's done, my love. Luc's spells are all gone. Forgive me for taking so long. I wasn't thinking clearly." He continued to hold her for a minute or two, before his responsibilities came to the fore. He disentangled himself from Mel, pausing to kiss her several times as he did. He finally got himself free, dressed in the robe and went to the door.

Jeral turned and almost stormed through the door as it opened, his face showing nothing but worry for his charge. Len blocked the man's passage.

"She's fine, Jeral. But she's not in a state to accept visitors just yet." Len leaned out a little, calling for a servant. "Also, she is not in a state that you would want to see her in. It might remind you of things you don't want to remember."

"Mel!" Jeral shouted, angling himself to allow his voice to carry the best it could.

"Jeral," Mel's strained voice replied, "I am fine. We will talk soon. Not now though."

Jeral sagged with relief, turning his back so the Prince couldn't see the normally controlled Guard Captain crying with joy. Len rested a hand on the older man's shoulder, but said no more.

When the maid arrived, Len instructed her to get suitable clothes for Melisandra to replace the clothes she had lost due to Luc.

"She wants to go home, Jeral. With your permission, I and my personal guard will escort you both to the border, and I will continue with you back to her home, and return her to her father."

 

[AngelofDeath]

Len's ardent kiss and the press of his body against her made her moan and lean into him. Before she was fully aware of what was going on, len was kissing her several times and leaving the bed. The world slowly came back into focus and Mel let out a soft groan. Why did Len have to jump from the bed so quickly? She felt sore and out of sorts completely. Jeral meant well, but knowing he was alive and ever ready to do his job made it easier for her to turn him away from the time being. Mel dragged the sheet around her and sat up slowly. The action of the sheet caressing her nipples drew a soft moan from her.

Images flashed before eyes, things she remembered and others she did not. She shook her head to clear them and rested her hand on her forehead. Mel let out a sigh and laid back upon the bed. Her head felt as if were stuffed with stuffing and everything she wanted to know, needed to know was buried beneath it. closing her eyes Mel tried to rest, to shake off what last of magic clung to her.

Turning her face into the pillow Mel sought out more of Len's comforting scent and she found it. But she also found another scent that in her imprisonment had become all to familiar with her. The smell of musk and of sex. Her own scent clung to the sheets, but this was the first time she had lain in his bed. Wasn't it? More images filled her mind and the princess clenched her eyes shut and rubbed at them. If not for how sore her body felt, Mel might have thought this a dream even though in that place pain was something she had been able to feel.

Opening her eyes she watched as Jeral nodded to her lover. Jeral could always be trusted to make sure things were taken care off. Looking at them both had yet another flash of things remembered only this time it was clear and sharp. Hands and a mouth upon her that were not Len's. A face that belonged to a man she had once loved in the way all young girls do, but now whom she called friend and teacher. When she tried to focus on the memory to discern its origins it slipped from her like sand through her fingers.

No, it couldn't have been true. Even if she had wanted him once, Jeral would never overstep his bounds like that. Not when Mel and Len had been in the process of repairing their relationship. Closing her eyes again she tried for sleep. Fresh clothing and other things could wait.

Jeral looked at Len and nodded, "I am sure Mel will welcome that. Also it will give her father comfort to know for sure that the worthless son of a whore who did all this is no more." As he wiped the tears away Jeral composed himself. A quick glance over Len's shoulder the guard inclined his head and lowered his voice, "Does she remember anything?"

 

[marauder13]

It was hard to look at the older man and see the tears he was trying to hide. Len had come to respect the veteran guardsman, not only for his skill at arms, but for the way he cared for Mel like a daughter. Len found himself thinking that Jeral's impressions of him were more important than those of the King of Brask.

"Does she remember anything?"

Len looked at Jeral, straight in the eye. "I don't know. I haven't had much chance to talk to her since bringing her back. In some ways it would be better that she didn't remember, but then in other ways it would be better if she did. Magic of the mind is difficult at best, and what the mind will retain and let go differs from one person to the next."

He placed a hand on Jeral's shoulder. The move was one of friendship, since they had been through a lot together in recent days, and the bond Len felt for Jeral was growing each day.

"If you don't mind, my newest friend, there is a young woman who I think could need some gentle company to help ease her sorrows."

Jeral nodded and smiled softly. His 'little girl' was back, and hopefully whole again. He would soon have her back in the Court of Brask. Once that was achieved, then he would help sort out the mess in the Court that was caused by Luc Karda. Jeral was not a vicious man normally, but when his thoughts turned to Luc, he took his time visualizing all manner of torments to inflict on the traitorous bastard. Those thoughts brought a big smile to the old guard's face.

While Jeral was planning how he would make Luc pay his penance, Len returned to the bed where Mel dozed. He could see the difference in his love while she slept without the impact of the spell corrupting her. She was more relaxed and at peace. Before, she seemed to have been wound up, even on edge. Of course, the way she desired him, and showed that desire was completely wrong. His face burned with the knowledge that he had more or less taken advantage of those times.

"Care to join me?" Melisandra's voice was soft and full of sleep. Len nodded, and shucked off his robe and eased himself into the bed with her. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her to comfort her. He kissed her tenderly, ignoring his body's reactions to her presence, as well as his recent memories of what they had done together.

"I am so happy that you are safe, and returned to normal, my love. When you're ready, I will escort both you and Jeral back to Brask. Plus I will have a few of my men with me, and they are well versed in fighting at my side. Plus there are a few tricks we have developed that could be useful should anything come up.

"But, before that, you and I will just lie here and enjoy some nice time together. Does that sound good to you?"

Lentharian kissed Melisandra's forehead, letting her settle herself against him. He took deep breaths of the mixed aromas of they're previous sex along with her natural scent. Oddly, both mixed together managed to soothe his nerves and allow him to relax enough to doze by her side. He felt that things were moving in the right direction again.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"That sounds wonderful," Mel nodded softly as what seemed like months worth of missed sleep dragged her into the blackness. It wasn't a peaceful sleep however, and more than once she felt Len's hands stroking her hair and back and his voice soothed her back to rest. Part of her mind wanted to simply sink into the inky black of sleep and rest. The other part wanted to sift through hidden and masked memories.

They wouldn't come clear to her, the second her mind strayed too far to the stranger memories, she would recoil back. Back towards to where she felt Len's warmth and love in her mind. Eventually sleep won out completely and she just slept. She didn't dream and she didn't remember.

Melissandra woke just before dawn. Len was still fast asleep beside her. Slipping from the bed without waking him, she went to stand beside the window. The sky was starting to grow light, people were already up and milling around, going about the day's work. Her hand rested on the smooth glass, even though she knew she was here and safe some part of her still felt like she were lost. Pushing away from the window Mel found herself standing before the mirror. Even with sleep the flesh around her eyes was dark. Her body felt sore, used. Looking at herself, there were marks here and there she couldn't fully recall.

Touching her neck, she remembered hands, hands that had belonged to Luc. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and then opened them again. Casting a glance towards Len, she wondered, why there had been so much guilt in his eyes. Had something happened while she had been trapped in her own mind? Had the puppet Luc had turned her into done something? Len was laying on his back, the covers down around his hips. He looked so handsome, so alluring even in his sleep. Gods how she had missed him, missed his embrace. The second her body reacted to the internal memory of him, his touch, his body, her mind flashed through memories of the last few days.

The other her, throwing herself at Len. Watching him fall prey to the spell that had been cast upon her body. Her stomach rolled as other things came to her, images and sensations foreign and yet familiar flooded her mind. Hot tears ran down her face. Sweet gods what had been done to her? What had she done?

It wasn't until Len sat up, his eyes searching the room and then finding it, did Mel realize she was openly sobbing. When he started to rise from the bed Mel shook her head and then turned away from him. She could hear his feet on the floor as he came towards her. They came to a halt, when she asked brokenly, "How can you still want me?"

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian stirred in the bed, moaning unpleasantly at the lack of company. He opened his eyes. He blinked a few times, sitting up and looking for Mel. The sounds of her sobbing snapped him into full wakefulness. He ignored her shaking head, and approached her as her back was turned to him. He was a few steps from her when he heard her voice shudder and stammer.

"How can you still want me?"

He lowered his head slightly, dropping further as his breath was released in one long exhale. He closed the gap between them, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Because I love you. Because I can't continue to find the real me with you to guide me." He rested his head against hers, breathing through her hair. Her scent eased his tensions, the pains of what had happened in recent times. "You are important to me, Mel. Not as a Princess, not as a Lady, but as a woman, a person."

He stepped back, turning Mel around. "I... I need to apologise, Mel. I found out too late some of what Luc did to you. But before that, I... I let myself do things with you that I thought you wanted to do with me. Things that I found I liked. When I realized it was not really you that did these things, I felt as if I had been a party to the cruelties that Luc did to you." Tears started to form in his eyes. "Mel, I have been scared about what's been happening to you, about loosing you. I want to share my life with you, to be your husband for no other reason than I love you."

Tears rolled down his face at the sight of her pain. He slipped his hands down to hers, taking them gently and firmly in his grip. He led her back to the bed with slow steps, his eyes making sure they kept the contact going until they reached the bed. Len lowered Mel into the bed, easing himself in beside her. His cock hardened at the presence of the woman who pleased him so greatly, but he ignored it.

He kissed her. A soft brush of lips, short but tender. He looked at her, seeing she wasn't rejecting him, he kissed her again. Len continued to kiss Mel, softly and tenderly, each kiss growing longer and more passionate than the previous. He opened his heart to her as he held her close, warming her with his body and soul.

"Tell me how I can win back your heart, Melissandra, then allow me the chance to try. You still have mine, and I want you to have it for as long as you wish."

 

[AngelofDeath]

"Tell me how I can win back your heart, Melissandra, then allow me the chance to try. You still have mine, and I want you to have it for as long as you wish."

Part of him wanted to tell him no. To send him away from her life and all the mess that seemed to come with it lately. Her heart on the other hand was screaming at her to tell him YES. Twice he had put his life at stake to save her and twice he had saved her. No three times, because while he had saved her body twice this last time he had saved her mind.

Gods she wanted to be mad at him for not seeing through the spell, for taking her body as he had, but she wasn't. She was made at herself for being so weak and at Luc for doing this to her. To them.

Len already had her heart, but was willing to let him show her properly how much she wanted him to be his wife. She slipped her hand into his as she closed her eyes and bowed her head. Letting him out of her life really wasn't an option, even if they could live through it, they would both be miserable without the other. Before she had been willing to let him go when he was just a merchant, promised to another. She had also been ready to throw him away when she realized who he was. Neither was going to happen now.

She also knew that eventually she would have to talk with Jeral, but she had to take care of this, her life first.

"I should do us both a favor and let you find a wife who'll come to you unmarred and...untainted, but I can bear the thought of you with another. No more than I could bear it when you were just Len the merchant."

Lifting her head she wiped away her tears slowly, "You have half my heart Lentharian. You've fought for me body and mind. If you want the last piece of me, I'm willing to let you try."

 

[marauder13]

Lentharian held Melissandra, giving her comfort from his being there, letting her bask in the kisses he gave her.

"I should do us both a favor and let you find a wife who'll come to you unmarred and...untainted, but I can bear the thought of you with another. No more than I could bear it when you were just Len the merchant.

"You have half my heart Lentharian. You've fought for me body and mind. If you want the last piece of me, I'm willing to let you try."

His hand clasped the tear stained hand of Mel's, drawing it to his fingers. "I will not accept that from you, Mel. You are the only woman for me. My instructors in arms always told me that even the finest, well made blade was unknown until first used in battle. Its mettle, strength, its very ability to do what is needed of it can only be known once it has passed that first trial.

"You, Melissandra of Brask, have passed through such trials and more, and you have come out the other side, just as strong and just as beautiful. To my eyes, and my heart, you are not marred, nor are you tainted. You carry wounds, yes. But those are wounds that will heal, and I believe that I can help you heal them."

He kissed her once more, tender and full of love. His let his hand caress her face, her shoulder and arm. He continued to slowly kiss her as he continued to caress her back and side. His touch was gentle, warm and giving. He found her breast, enveloping it within his hand and just holding it. He felt the warmth of her body, the softness of her skin except for the darker pinnacle pressing against his palm.

Passion started to flow into the kisses, slowly increasing the tempo, pressure and movements of his lips with hers. His hand moved slowly, caressing her captive breast. His love for her welled within him, but his mind called for caution. He slowed himself down, pulling back a little to look into her troubled eyes.

"At anytime, my love, tell me to stop and I shall. Ask me to do something, or not to do other, and I shall." Tears formed in his eyes, running freely down his face. "I don't want you to think I am just thinking of my own lusts, or needs. Not this time, Mel. This time, I want to love you. To show you that you are worthy of this man's heart, and affections."

He gave Mel a quick kiss. "I know you have been used badly by me, and I hurt to know that I did that. But what hurts me more, was I did those things thinking that they were an expression of love. I will happily do with you what fires your heart, as a true show of my love. I seek to rebuild the fire, not extinguish it."

Len's heart was in his eyes as he looked to his future bride. She was now everything to him, and he would move mountains to help her if that was what was needed.

'I vow, Melissandra, that I will find the two halves of your heart, and hold them together until it is whole once more.'

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel had stiffened slightly as his hands roamed her body. Her body still craved his touch, but she feared what she would do. Would it be her completely that came to the call of his body, or would something else come to the fore? She let out a soft moan against his lips, until he was pulling back. Len told her how he wanted her, wanted to show her that much and more, but not for the sake of his own pleasure. If it was anyone else she wouldn't have been so willing to believe him, but she did. Reaching out she ran shaking fingers down his cheek.

"Love me Len. Touch me as you did before all this," it was too early to speak on anything since her "return". In truth physically she had enjoyed it, knew that she had, but her mind had been distant from it. Mel didn't really know if it had been true like or her body simply responding to Len. For now she didn't want to think about the unknown.

"I don't know what I truly want, beyond those loving touches you've given me in the past. The feel of your hands, your lips," she traced a finger over them as she spoke softly. Mel was as scared as she was ready for him, denying what his touch did her was not an option any more.

He said he would stop when she didn't like anything and she trusted him. It was herself she didn't trust.

Leaning forward her lips ghosted over his, "Make love to me like we did at camp." Closing her eyes she deepened the kiss, pressing her body into his fully, but slowly.

 

[marauder13]

Len's hands moved to her face, brushing her cheeks as he continued to kiss her. Memories of recent times, of the influences of Luc's perversions fell away form him as he brought back the memories of their time camped together after he revealed his true self to her.

Breaking off the kiss, Len sat up to better allow his hands to roam her lovely, curved body. Each touch was an introduction of himself to her, and of learning of her body. His hands did as her body wanted, pausing to caress those places where she made it clear it brought her pleasure, while traveling consistently elsewhere. He wanted to use the knowledge he had of her likes, but some other wisdom told him to start afresh. He would draw her forth the same way he had that time.

His hands reached the end of her body, hovering over the patch of hair that declared her treasure nearby. Emboldened, his fingertips found the hard little point of flesh hiding within, and gently caressed it and teased it.

His lips found hers again, rapid exchanges of hot passion that heralded the start of a migration of kisses that traversed the length of her body. Her neck received small nips, as did her breasts, until he found her nipples which he licked, suckled and teased. He continued kissing his way down, his fingers caressing her sex without pause while he tasted Mel's body.

His mouth replaced his fingers, lips and tongue taking over caressing her centre of pleasure. Without giving it any thought, his fingers found her deeper self, and he pushed them into her. He felt her clamping down on them, desperate in the attempt to pull them in deeper. Len was working on some instinct buried deep within him. His mouth worked one part of her pussy while his fingers worked the other, combining to give her a pleasure that he felt she wanted from him, if not needed.

 

[AngelofDeath]

They both moved slowly at first. Kissing. Touching. Until Len took the lead, touching and exploring her body as if he was just learning her all over again. When his hand slid between her legs she let out a breathy moan into his mouth. How she had missed his touch. Mel's legs spread for him, letting his touch, tease and explore.

As he worked his way down from her lips, Mel leaned back into the bed. Moans that had once been trapped by their kisses were now free to fill the room and his ears. His fingers never stopped touching her and neither did his mouth as they found her breasts.

When his mouth found her, her hands curled into the cover. She didn't stop the lifting of her hips against his mouth, Mel mewed with pleasure as his fingers soon joined his tongue in pleasuring her. Her body clenched around his probing fingers, "Len." She whimpered as his fingers sank deeper into her. A shaking hand found his hair, fingers combing through it as he stroked the building fire higher inside of her.

She groaned low in her throat as she felt those first stirrings of her climax. All thoughts of the past, faded into nothingness as he pleased her.

 

[marauder13]

Lens desires grew stronger, and he removed his fingers from within her, and slowly moved back up Mel's body, kissing her until he reached her mouth again. One long exchange of dueling tongues trapped between lips that never wanted to separate ended with Len sliding himself into Mel. His eyes widened slightly as her warm, wet flesh encased him, gripping him tenderly.

He said nothing, letting his look tell her everything. Slow, strong movements caressed her deeply as he kissed her passionately between long, meaningful stares. He remembered enough of their lovemaking to know how to please her quickly and bring her to her peak, as he was not far from his. He changed his method, bring her to her joy as he released. They cries echoed through the room, tears, sobs and other sounds of sadness mixing in with the joys to make a sound that was still pleasant to hear.

Len held Mel in his arms, firmly cradled against his chest while pushed against the bed. "You are exactly what I want and need, Mel. I love you, every bump, scratch and scar. Don't leave me because of what has happened." He kissed her again, his love pouring out to her in that one simple kiss.

 

[AngelofDeath]

As Len made love to her, something broken slowly began to heal. Words weren't needed, Len's actions said all she needed to hear. Her answer was to give herself fully to him, to let her body respond to his call until they were both shouting in pleasure as they both came. Even the tears that followed from the both were quickly swept away as Mel wrapped herself tightly against him, burning the feel and smell of him into her brain. She couldn't run from him, not now not ever.

"You are exactly what I want and need, Mel. I love you, every bump, scratch and scar. Don't leave me because of what has happened." That broken part of her healed a bit more. After the kiss broke, Mel stroke her hands over Len's face. He looked older now or maybe it was just tired. She wasn't exactly sure how long she had been gone, but it felt as bad as he looked. Mel kissed his forehead with a sigh.

"I'm not going anywhere," her hands kept stroking his face. Even when she turned her head to stifle a yawn. "Can we do something nice tomorrow? I just...need to get outside, see the sky." Mel knew Len probably wanted to make sure she was fully ok, but being stuck inside, even if it was within his home was going to get to her.

 

[marauder13]

"Of course. I know some places that I think will help raise your spirits. You will be able to see the sky, as well as other delightful sights. But today, I would like to remain with you, here, in peace."

He rolled off Mel, lying beside her, and caressing her face softly. Every now and again, he would lean closer and kiss her. Len felt relaxed and at ease having her back and safe. More often than not, he wondered what terrors Luc had subjected her to, but he would not delve into it without her permission.

"Mel," he felt the reticence build in him, "if you ever want to talk of what happened, I will listen. But I will not force you to speak, in any way. Likewise, when you feel you are ready to travel, Jeral and I will take you back to Brask. When I get there, I will seek your father's permission to pay court to you, to become your husband.

"If the Princess of Brask consents to binding her life to some lowly user of magic from Noden." Len chuckled at the reference to her firmly held beliefs when they first met.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"If the Princess of Brask consents to binding her life to some lowly user of magic from Noden." Mel felt her cheeks warm as she blushed.

"You are never going to let me forget anything I said are you?" She sighed, sitting up to comb her hands through her hair. It was then she realized something was wrong. "That snake loving bastard cut my hair!?" The old Mel was back for a time as she got up to look at her hair properly in the mirror. "Great now I look like some tramp in the streets."

Mel thought about what Len had said. Could she really tell him about that? Even she knew keeping it all inside would eat away at her. He was willing to listen and eventually Mel would be willing to talk. Today wasn't the time for that though. Today was about them. She hoped Len had said word to her father, no matter how she felt about the marriage at first and her father's behavior, Mel was willing to forgive him. First she had gone missing by choice, the second time she had been kidnapped.

"My father is probably sick with worry. I've been a bad daughter lately I think." She wiped at her face, "You know I didn't really think about how he might feel with me gone like that. Probably reminded him of my mother and her loss." Looking over at Len she felt her heart swell. Without trying she had gotten a relationship like her parents had. Len loved her. She thought back to what he had said on the road, knowing now that he had been talking about her. Even at her worst, she had still won him over.

When he held his arms open for her she went to him and let him pull her into her. "I can only assume that the court back home has said the worst about you and Noden since I was taken, are things, the same here when it comes to me?"

 

[marauder13]

"You are never going to let me forget anything I said are you?"

"I may be enticed into not mentioning it again, but you would have to pay me well, and often," Len laughed light heartedly as Mel got out of the bed. Listening to her reaction to the state of her hair warmed Len's heart. Her fire was still there, the woman he loved had not been lost completely, nor had her heart died. It would now only be time before she was back again.

"My father is probably sick with worry. I've been a bad daughter lately I think. You know I didn't really think about how he might feel with me gone like that. Probably reminded him of my mother and her loss."

There was nothing he felt he could say to that. In the first, she made her decision and she would live with the consequences of that, and he would not interfere at all. But the later was no fault of hers, and he had already spoken to her father on that matter.

Again, she was within his arms, and all was right with the world. The way Luc had butchered her hair had little impact on how he saw Mel. She was alive, and mostly unharmed. Little else mattered to him. Her hair would grow back to the lustrous curtain that framed her lovely face. She was back again.

"I can only assume that the court back home has said the worst about you and Noden since I was taken, are things, the same here when it comes to me?"

"My countrymen are much kinder to you than yours were to me. Your father, that was a different matter in the eyes of Noden." Len took a breath and settled himself to get more comfortable.

"Brask heard demon, and therefore Noden was responsible. Some fools thought that it was my doing to take you away from Brask, and keep you for myself since you had obviously rejected me. While here, everyone was irate with your father for his court's view on Noden's involvement.

"There is one thing, though, Jeral will always be welcome in this Realm as long as my word has any power. I have never met a man of such honour and bravery as himself. What I would give to have one like him looking after me. But I rest easier knowing that he is there for you. I see him as more your father than the King. You are his daughter in spirit, that is the truth."

He kissed her crown tenderly, the kiss taking a long time for his lips to leave her body.

"But I don't care what the vipers and vultures of Brask have to say about me. You and His Majesty are the only ones who's opinions I care about. They will see how we feel for each other, and if only to spare your feelings, they will leave me be.

"Or, I can turn them all into toads." He chuckled.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"I'm not too worried about my father. The rest will just have to deal with it. Turning them into toads would not make them love you like I do, Lentharian." She chuckled softly as she relaxed against him more. Mel kissed his arm gently, "I know I don't need to, but thank you for keeping Jeral safe. He is the closest thing I have ever had to a best friend and loosing him to...that monster would have hurt."

She stretched slowly and sighed, "I assume that running away and just coming back married would be in poor taste, considering recent events?" Mel gave him a smile that said she was kidding. "No we'll do things the proper way. Smooth over any ruffled feathers and be the proper heirs to the kingdom we're supposed to be."

Mel shook her head, "Life was so much easier when you were just a merchant and I your mere bodyguard." Len's hands slowly caressed her skin, soothing her on edge nerves. Silently she thought over things, everything had been so hectic, but at least she had him to give her support. Their legs tangled together as they snuggled closer together. It wasn't sexual, just a need to touch and be as close as possible. Holding one of his hands in her, Mel asked, "So just how does the Crown Prince of Noden plan on courting me? A few parlor tricks perhaps?"

Across the hall Jeral was working a small grove into the floor as he paced. The issue of Mel and what had happened, was slowly fading from his mind, but not fast enough for his liking. If he were a lesser man, it might become and issue of him continuing to be the Captain of her guard, but he was made of stronger stuff.

What was really bothering him was more a matter of courtly nature. Len was intent on courting Mel properly and he saw no problem in the young man in doing so. Anyone with eyes in their head could see how much the two were in love. Their parents be damned, nothing was going to come between them again. He had sent a message to the King, letting him know that Melissandra was alive and well and that they would be returning to Brask within a few days. That would at least calm things down.

In part. No even though Luc had been a member of their court technically, by blood he was from Noden. Even though Len had saved Mel and both kingdoms it was going to take more than that for them to be accepting of Len. He knew though the seeds of dissent had been sown long before this. The pair had a long way to go before old wounds were fully healed. A marriage would not be enough.

 

[marauder13]

"Oh, who cares about whether or not the toads will love me. It'll make their croaking more honest."

His hands continued to move, enjoying her skin wherever he found it. When she mentioned Jeral, Len snorted a chuckle.

"All I told him to do was look for you while I kept the creature busy. He put himself on the line as often as I did, and we looked out for each other. We both knew how much you loved the other."

Len allowed himself to have a deep, cleansing laugh at her suggestions and question.

"My darling, there is a little used law here in Noden that is still very much in force. Basically, in the eyes of the Law of Noden, we are married. You are already my wife and I am your husband. Of course, there is a provision in the same Law that allows the King to dissolve the marriage brought about in that manner, but it proved to be a rather useful little loophole when I needed it.

"If you want, we can get dressed, and go see the High Priest right now. The core essentials of a wedding would take only ten minutes and it would all be official.

"But you are right, we need to be seen to do things the proper way. I shall win you over with my bewildering array of tricks and conjurations that will bemuse and amaze. Such wonders that you have never seen. I shall summon the cutest of rabbits from a silken bag. I shall make birds the colour of the whitest snow fly from behind a simple kerchief, and if that fails to captivate her, then I shall summon the most spectacular dancers from the realms of Fire and Earth to show you how magnificent the art of Dance really is.

"Failing all of that, I'll let you beat me at fencing and horse racing." He kissed her cheek quickly.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"Basically, in the eyes of the Law of Noden, we are married. You are already my wife and I am your husband." Mel looked at him and thought about what he had said. That was possible unless..... Mel hit him with one of the pillows on his bed. "So we've been married since the Inn." It wasn't a question more of a statement of fact. She knew there was some story behind all of this, but it could wait.

"Failing all of that, I'll let you beat me at fencing and horse racing." She hit him again. Len knew she didn't like people letting her win. Rolling her eyes she settled back down. "Oh yes I am sure both kingdoms would love that. The royal couple dueling and racing about the countryside." She laughed softly. They were slowly getting back to normal. And she was about half right, the common people would probably find their antics amusing. Not that they would be embarrassing themselves, but showing that they were still human and needed some distraction now and then.

"Until you've got a proper horse it will be a cold day before you beat me in a race," she then leveled a look at him, "without using your gifts." Being able to ride again with be wonderful. Riding had always been her way of clearing her head and getting herself back to center.

"I just thought of something, unless my father makes one of my cousin's his heirs, once we're married and eventually take over, Noden and Brask will likely be one united kingdom. " Mel really hadn't considered that before. When the whole topic of marriage had come up she had been more focused on loosing her freedom.

 

[marauder13]

Len laughed at the assault by Mel using the pillows, blocking them as best he could using his arms. Her fire was starting to flare again. He saw it reflected in her eyes, the sparkle there that had been missing since her return. He could feel himself being drawn to her again, to the wonderful woman the gods saw to place in the beautiful body sharing the bed with him.

"I just thought of something, unless my father makes one of my cousin's his heirs, once we're married and eventually take over, Noden and Brask will likely be one united kingdom."

"Mel, let us first get married before we start worrying over troubles such as that. I don't care about united kingdoms, or even ruling one kingdom. Right now, all I am focused on is seeing this wonderful woman, who may happen to still be my wife, heal and return to her normal, fiery self.

"Tonight, you will dine with my family as befits a visiting noble from another realm. It will give them a chance to see who will be coming into the family, as well as seeing just how serious I am about our being together. Then, in the morning, we will go for a ride further up the High Valley. Now, you might not be impressed with the mounts, but they are far better suited for the terrain up here than horses of the likes you have bred."

Len laid down on the bed, relaxed and just content with where he was. "You may find this really odd, Mel, but fighting to save you, I have had to look deep into myself quite a bit. I have looked to see why I have done everything I have done. I thought I was fighting to save the woman that I loved. I was wrong, Mel. I was fighting to save a friend. My only true friend. I also happen to love that friend deeply and dearly.

"I know lots of people, Mel. I deal with them constantly, from all levels of Noden. But not one of them I can sit down and speak freely to. Not one of them I can tell you about what their hopes are, what they do in their own time, if they love anyone, have family... Nothing.

"I came close to loosing my one and only friend. A lady by the name of Melissandra. Eventually, I would like my friend, who I also love, to consent to be my wife, and for me to be her husband, and to one day bring into the world children for us make our family bigger, and more joyful. Does that sound like something worth working towards?"

 

[AngelofDeath]

Mel smiled as Len waxed poetic about what she meant to him and how she fit into his life. She ran her hand up and down his arm. It made her feel special, but also sad for him. Never had she lacked for friends or someone to speak to, even when she'd tried to run from her marriage to him. "Of course it is. If it wasn't Len I wouldn't have agreed to let you court me." She kissed him gently before continuing, "I'm honored that you consider me your first true Len. Everyone should have someone to confide in, and hopefully I am up to the task. I caution you though, if you have complaints about your parents, take them to Jeral. He has far more experience than I do, when it comes to hearing such troubles."

Dinner with his parents. Now that was going to be an experience. They were either going to like her or they were not. She knew however that Len would marry her with or without their approval, so Mel would do her best to impress them and show this alliance was worth fulfilling.

"And its not that I am not impressed by the horses you have here Len, its just that they are not built for speed. There is nothing wrong with a good mount as long as it suits the purpose you want it for. Somewhat like you," she smiled at he looked at her questioningly.

"While I was not initially impressed with what I know if you, what I have come to know about you has exceeded expectations and I look forward to knowing more. I'm sure you'd make a suitable stud." Mel covered her mouth laughing at the look that now settled on his face. "I'm sure we'd make a good match and have children who are just as aggravating as their parents were at a young age."

 

[marauder13]

Len was finding himself enjoying this type of activity with Mel as he did the more physically intimate type. Just being with Mel was great, and he was sure that the following day would be just as much fun and relaxing.

He heard Jeral's name, and remembered that he needed to organise a little something to help the man in his time of stress. Len didn't know who to approach himself, but there were enough people around who would be able to answer his questions for him.

"While I was not initially impressed with what I know if you, what I have come to know about you has exceeded expectations and I look forward to knowing more. I'm sure you'd make a suitable stud. I'm sure we'd make a good match and have children who are just as aggravating as their parents were at a young age."

He delighted in hearing her laugh at his ability to be a good stud. When she finished, he made a poor attempt at a horse's whinny before breaking down in laughter himself. "Dear Gods, do you think we could handle combinations of ourselves growing up into young people? Do you think the world could handle such people?"

He let his laughter die off slowly, looking at Mel, relaxing further at how much better she was. "How shall we pass the time between now, and dinner? If you still have a desire to see the sky, we can walk in the gardens, which is the best I can offer you. We can remain here, as we are, enjoying each other's company however it takes. Or we may wish to visit some people who might be interested in seeing us, or more importantly, you."

 

[AngelofDeath]

"I'd like to go outside for a little bit first. Get some fresh air and clear my head a little bit more." Mel knew he was probably talking about Jeral. Other than the man next to her, her old friend was the only person, here she could think who would want to see her. She also needed to prepare herself to be face to face with a man whom she had memories of that she should have.

"And as for our supposed children, I think we shall be fine. You've managed to handle my fie, I think you can handle a cooled down version of it. Then again, you can be quite stubborn and hard headed yourself, when the mood suits you." She smiled at the idea of them having kids. He was right, they probably would be small storms of energy and frustration. That was something she looked forward to though.

She patted his leg with a smile, "Come on lazy. Let go walk about for a bit and work up an appetite in a way that doesn't involve just you, me and this bed."

 

[marauder13]

Len got out of the bed, stretching a little before he gather his clothes. He looked at Mel, a soft smile gracing his lips. "My love, for now, all I have for you is a simple dress. Nothing fancy, but it fulfills the requirements of modesty. For dinner, however, one of our seamstress will fit you with something more fitting."

Len walked over to the wardrobe and took down a pale blue dress of simple cut and design. He carried over to Mel, handing it to her politely, before donning his clothing. He watched her as she made her stunning body disappear under the layer of cloth, which fitted her rather well.

"We were able to conjure images of you in a dress from Jeral's mind, and our seamstress was able to quickly put this together for you. She was most apologetic for such a simple dress. I told her that you would not be too offended by it.

"Shall we go and view the Royal Gardens? How much company would you like us to have? None, a few zealous guards, or the full detachment that will give us just enough room to move our elbows?"

Len extended his arm to Mel, then walked with her towards the door.

 

[AngelofDeath]

"Len you seen me dressed like a man, near enough. The dress is lovely, thank you." Outside of formal functions, Mel often went about as she had with Len. She was sure such a thing would go over like a boulder with his family. "I'm surprised the old man even had any clear memories of me in a dress, since I were them so little."

Mel did the best she could with her hair, to hide the unevenness, and then took Len's arm. "I do believe we are pretty safe here so we can do without the entourage." She followed him out of the room and followed him through the hall. Faint memories started to play in her mind, but she shook them away. Not now. Whatever she had done here, she didn't want to think about it. This trip out was about the two of them and them alone. Regret and shame could wait.

"Your home is lovely Len," Mel was saddened at the fact she hadn't been able to really take it in when she first came. Now was better than never though.