Master and Servant

Relief wasn't quite the emotion as he saw Isabelle come to the carriage, pleasure was in large part the emotion. He was happy she came back, that he didn't have to chase her down. Happier that she was adjusting to what life, and he, had dealt her.

He wrapped an arm around Isabelle as she whispered her thanks and guided her to the carriage.

It was built for luxury, not a single hard spot in the interior, even the floor was padded. Helping Isabelle up, Aeron lowered himself into the deep cushion that seemed to swallow him. Motioning to the spot next to him, Aeron said softly, "Come sit down and rest your head on my lap, you must be exhausted."
 
A bit skeptical about him still, but she sat down as he asked. When he said the word tired, her eyes fluttered a bit. Slowly, her head laid itself on his lap. Isabelle could have fell asleep right there, but held off.

Quietly she breathed in and out. Relaxing herself. "Master Aeron?" she asked quietly. The next question had been bothering her for a while.

"Why...Why did you choose me?" she asked almost inaudibly. "I..I just dont get it. not that I want the others to have to go through this...but...I just dont understand..." Her eyes closed and she shifted her head to rest a bit more comfortably on his lap. "N-N-Nevermind...Please excuse my question." she whispered and began to drift off a bit. But was still alert just in case he did answer.

The ride was soft for the two of them...the carriage was quiet comfy...made for a princess..
 
Isabelle's head made it to his lap, her eyes fluttering. Incapable of stopping his hand, his fingers twined in her hair, playing with it gently. He heard her question, but didn't know the answer in truth himself.

He had never kept a slave for himself before, wasn't sure why he did this time, yet he had. One that could have brought nearly as much money as the rest of her village combined. "I don't know Isabelle." he finally whispered, 'I just had to have you for myself."
 
Her heart skipped a beat once more. Why was this happening? His fingers combed through her fire red hair slowly. He had to have her for himself. Turning her head, so she could look up at the ceiling, she looked at his face.


It looked as if it almost changed. The twisted one from last night, had turned to one of gentler person. Something came over her, reaching up, she caressed her finger over his scar...It..it didnt scare her anymore. It was part of him.

As her finger trailed his neck she gently pulled it away, and cupped his cheek. But soon, she realized what she had done. Pulling away, her face flushed, and she turned her head back. What had truly come over her? Would he hurt her now that she did that?
 
Her hand was so soft, so tender. Her simplest touch created a fire in his stomach that was nearly unquenchable. He looked down at her as she caressed his face and then turned away, pulling her hand away from him.

He gently stroked her face and hair, his thoughts turning to the practical matters of moving this many people and not having any of the slaves steal away in the night. "Shhh, go to sleep, my little one."

As her eyes closed and her breathing evened out, he watched her sleep, wondering how this one elf had touched him so.
 
Unlike last night, her sleep was sound. It seemed like she only slept for a small while....But when she awoke, it was already nightfall. Rubbing her eyes, she almost forgot where she had been the whole time.

Slowly, Isabelle lifted her head. Her gaze averted to the scenery they were passing by. As her eyes averted, they began to widen. Looking out the window, she saw they were already near some mountains. At the top of the hills near harvest time you could see the scenery, the mountains...almost everything. But this...this was a new point of view.

Turning to look at her master she looked to see if he was awake. Her eyes, for the first time, seemed to sparkle with excitement. The moonlight bathed her, her hair shined, her eyes sparkling.
 
Aeron smiled as Isabelle's face lit up at the sight of the mountains, always a special treat the first time someone sees them, apparently was true for elves as well.

"We call them Heaven's Foundation, I am unsure what the elves call them other than "The Mountains".

The main portion of the caravan had stopped a couple of hours ago, Aeron ordered the carriage and his own baggage to continue forward, he was unwilling to disturb Isabelle's sleep.

It was indulgent he knew, but considered the price worth it. Isabelle went through many firsts in the last day, with so many more to go.

Calling out, Aeron yelled, "First suitable site."

A faint, "yes sir," could be heard.

"You slept well?" he asked.
 
What an odd name...she would have to ask him why they called the mountain's by that name. Something hit her then. Looking at him concerned she turned back to him.

"Did you...not getup because of me Master Aeron?" she asked. but...why would he do that. Just the night before when she tried to sleep, her grabbed her by the hair....He was quite the strange one...but, she liked this Master..much more then the one she met the night before.

"You...didnt have to worry about me Master. I am not worth worrying about." Isabelle whispered with a sad smile. Looking back out as they began to journey up the mountain she hoped, that later, her legs could walk around a bit. Most elves were nature beings...so being inside got on their nerves.

"Oh and..." her face turned light pink as she smiled at him. "Thank you for letting me rest."
 
Aeron smiled at her a moment, "You were exhausted, and needed sleep. There will not be a chance to bath tonight, I think. We are far ahead of the caravan in general. We will wait for them at the top of the spur."

Another hour passed and they/reached the top of the ridge, about halfway up the mountain. Exiting the carriage, Aeron held his hand out helping Isabelle down.

The driver of the carriage came up bowed, "My lord, we are far in advance of the caravan, I believe they will not catch up until tomorrow night."

Aeron nodded, "Very well, prepare the camp for two days."

Turning to Isabelle, "My dear, it appears we will be roughing it tonight and tomorrow."
 
Nodding, she gently grasped his hand, walking out of the carriage. Looking at where they were, her eyes widened. the wind blew and made her shiver. It was a bit hard to breath up in the mountains. But the view...it was breath-taking. slowly, she let go of his hand to stand at the edge. Looking down.

It gave her a nervous feeling and she cowered. Maybe she was a bit afraid of heights. Walking back to him, she put her arms around herself. Shivering again. The mountain air of the incoming fall was cold. Especially up in such high altitudes.

"That is fine Master Aeron..." she said and looked around. Such new surroundings. Her hair blew a bit, until she began to tie it with the ribbon she kept with her. A champagne ribbon that was always wrapped around her wrist.

"Is there anything you need me to do Master Aeron?" she asked with a small smile. Feeling like she was in need to thank him. She wanted to keep this soft side out as much as she could.
 
Aeron smiled, responding, "Indeed there is, after we eat." His hand reached out and landed on her hip, caressing her gently. "There are many things I need you to do."

He watched as the crew began lighting a fire, "Hrmm, do you happen to know how to cook?" His eyes settled on the man that was preparing to cook stew, "I know for a fact that man can not."
 
Cocking her eyebrow she couldnt help but smirk.

"Master Aeron...I was the oldest of four. I needed to know." she cooed. Going over to the man, she crouched. "May I take over?" she asked in a sweet, chiming voice. The man didnt need to be asked twice. Giving her the ladle, she moved in front of it. Then tasted it. Her eyes closed. The taste stung a bit. Shaking her head Isabelle turned to her Master.

"Master, if I am correct, there are some herbs on this mountain that can make this a little more....tasteful." She said searching for the words. "If you would like you can come with me...but may I go look for some up the mountain?" she asked gently.The look in her eyes was truthful. How could she run away? She was going up the mountain.

Isabelle also had another idea in mind...maybe she could show her Master how beautiful nature truly was....
 
Aeron looked at the pot of gruel like soup that Bran had begun to cook. It simply looked terrible. Looking around, he saw that there really wasn't anyone that could be spared to accompany Isabelle on her search for herbs.

Nodding, "Okay, let's go see what we can find." Whispering a small spell and praise to Mannanan, god of commerce. Caressing her shoulder lightly, he explained, "You will not feel the bite of cold, nor the burn of heat until tomorrow morning."

Grabbing a mace, Aeron turned to Isabelle and asked, "Ready?"
 
Surprised she looked up at him. Magic truley was useful. Looking around, she pointed toward a patch near the top. "Let's go near there..." She said and began to lead they way. Then she thought....

Reaching out her hand she game him a gentle smile. "Master....?" she asked hoping maybe he would grasp it. It would be best if they stay together....Just in case...Beginning to walk up the trail. thye passed many wild flowers. All in which she knew the name of. Seeing a Jacob's ladder she sniffed it, and placed it in his hand.

"Isnt it beautiful?" she cooed and walked off as she found some herbs. Some in which Isabelle knew would make it more satifying. Pointing to the sun almost setting she smiled. "Have you ever seen anything more amazing?" she asked quietly. The wind blowing.
 
He looked west as she asked, "Have you ever seen anything more amazing?"

"Indeed, I have," Aeron moved behind the elf and placed a hand on each of her hips as they watched the sun for a couple of minutes. The fiery light made her hair appear alive, little flickers of flame jumping along each strand of hair.

She still smelled fresh, innocent almost. Aeron breathed in deeply, taking her scent in, while his right hand roamed across her torso, taking her left breast into hand, rolling the nipple between thumb and middle finger.

"We must hurry, the climb down will be difficult without torches."
 
Turning to him as he began to grab at her body. Her face flused lightly, clearly embarrassed. Making sure she had the herbs and spices in her basket, she moved a bit away. "Alright...Let's go..." Isabelle wanted to keep as far away from her master as possible....

Once they got back to camp, she wander back over to the pot and began to throw the spice they had come across. Each time, she tasted it, making sure it had enough or needed something else. After she threw about 5 different things in there she nodded, tasting it and llicking her lips. "I think I got it..." she said turning around.

Not making eye contact with her master she turned to find some water to wash her hands in. Not having to go far, Isabelle sat on the bank. Watching the fish and letting the old water run over her feet. Taking her hands she cupped them and washed her face. It felt very nice....
Why did she not want to look at him? Isabelle...was scared.
 
Aeron watched as Isabelle began to avoid him, not long after he had touched her. His anger flared momentarily then subsided. Pursing his lips he thought about confronting her about it, then decided not to. He would allow her, for now to avoid him.

Grabbing a bowl of soup he headed into the carriage. Climbing inside, he sat eating thinking.

He watched as Isabelle went to the stream to wash and then tossed his bowl to the driver. Closing the door he laid down to sleep.
 
Surprised he didnt do anything to her...she quietly came back. Seeing he was asleep, she made do with the ground. Laying her head down on the rub that was in there, she closed her eyes, and began to dream. Little did she know..it would be more of a night mare.

At first she was just back in her home... Everything built, everything back to normal. But..no one was around...no laughter could be heard. Just the whispering wind seemed to be around. Looking around, everything seemed gloomy. That's when she saw it. Bodies...everywhere. All bloody, some on stakes, others torn apart. Her eyes widened and she ran. But..she didnt make it far. Tripping on a root her ankle twisted. A figure approached. It as Aeron. She smiled and begged for his help...but he did something. He seemed to whisper a spell..and suddenly he began to change into a monster.

Waking up with a jump, she felt her head. Cold sweat beaded down. Tears streamed her face as she began to sob. That was horrible. Curling into a ball she put her head down. Whimpering. It was dark..and she had no one...she was alone.
 
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Aeron heard Isabelle's cry as she woke. He saw her curled up in a ball, shivering the after effects of the nightmare refusing to let go of her. Stepping out of the carriage he walked over and touched her shoulder lightly.

Isabelle screamed again and then rolled away in terror from him. Aeron's face screwed up in consternation. "What is it little one? What makes you tremble in fear?"
 
Flinching, she realized that it was her master. She calmed just a bit. But still, her body shook in pure fear. "M-M-Master?" she asked a bit dazed. Blinking, a few tears rolled down her face.Suddenly she could hold back. "Master...? Can you...please hold me..?" she asked. Her eyes shined form all of the crying form before. She just...wanted everything to be okay. Looking away she wiped her tears.

She wanted to feel safe...and even with the dream..her master made her feel safe. Looking back at him she stared into his eyes with a pleading look. "Please...." she begged quietly and laid her head down on her knees. The images of the nightmare still fresh in her mind... Shaking her head she closed her eyes tightly.
 
Aeron could see the terror in her eyes, her body trembled in pure terror as if a demon in the night had touched her. He crouched down next to her and wrapped on arm under her legs, the other around her shoulders. Standing easily he lifted the elf up, cradling her in his arms.

Aeron walked back to the carriage with her and stepped inside. Sitting on the seat, her legs off to one side, Isabelle's head rested against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her waist, Aeron held her tight against him, "Tell me, what bothers you so?"
 
Unlike she did before..she felt at peace. Safe cradled in his arms...She could hear the sound of his heart calming her with every beat. Closing her eyes she listened to his voice. Slowly her head nodded and Isabelle spoke. "I..." trailing off her body trembled again. "Bodies...they were everywhere..." Her eyes began to tear suddenly. "It got worse...." Her voice shook terrified. Her grip on his tightened as she cuddled up to him more.

"You were there...watching me...I tripped, twisting my ankle. I cried...but you would not help me. Then..you changed, a horrid monster took your place..." Looking up herhand met his cheek as her sparkling eyes met his. Just making sure it was him she smiled. "Master Aeron is not a monster though..." He could act like one....but...his heart was there.
 
Aeron placed his hand over hers on his cheek and held it a moment, then turned his head and kissed her palm. A long soft wet kiss he turned back to Isabelle and whispered, "I am glad you think I am not a monster."

Aeron pulled her head to rest against his shoulder, and wrapped his arms around her again. Shifting and twisting slightly they nestled into one another. After a while Aeron kissed her on top of her head, "I will always protect you as long as you are mine, Isabelle."
 
Her eyes widened a bit...she was surprised...it seemed like that was the first time he really used her name...with such a gentle voice. At that moment, Isabelle didnt mind being called his. Not when he was like this. It made her take back all she had said about him in the beginning...his heart was pure. She knew. She could tell now. Nestling him affectionatly, her head laid against the crick of his neck. What was this feeling growing inside her heart? Why did it feel so strange? It only seemed to grow when he was like this...Looking up at him again she pecked his cheek gently. Just a thank you...but it may have some more meaning behind it.

Sadly she pulled back. "I..I should let you sleep..." she whispered. Her eyes locking with his for a moment or two. Before they trailed down to her lap. "I-Well...Thank you Master Aeron. I...I will leave if you wish me to." But something pulled at her...almost like she wanted to stay by his side for the night. But, Isabelle had bothered him enough. Reluchtantly she began to move off him.

Stepping to the stairs she turned to him. "Sweet dreams...Master Aeron..."
 
Aeron's hand reached out and clasped Isabelle's wrist. "Stay here, child." He followed her eyes to the bench and laughed gently. "True the bench will not hold us both, you can still sleep in the carriage."

Patting the floor of the carriage he motioned for Isabelle to settle into position.
 
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