The Escape - From Fairy Tale to Reality - Closed for DanFS

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Yes, Keesha, This is what a girlfriend does, if she wants. If she has feelings for the man with her."

Keesha was amazed at how 'free' women were in his country and that such behaviour did not men marriage.

"No, Keesha. Not always. If a man has fond feelings for the woman he is with, and the woman feels the same way, it is accepted they can kiss, and also do other things, if they both wish."

It seemed she had misjudged Dan, for in his world he had neither said, nor done anything wrong.

"Of course you are inexperienced, Keesha, but you have me here to care for you and to answer any questions you may have."

She was touched by his kindness. Even though she had insulted him, questioned his intentions, he was still willing to help her...

"As to what I expect of you, and how I think of your circumstances, it is not for me to ask you to love me, as I do not feel we have known each other long enough, but also, love must be given freely, it cannot be asked for by another, without just cause."

She was shocked that he spoke of love! Matches were rarely made out of love, at least not in her experience and for a man to speak so ...

" ... I hope you will accept my admission that I find you attractive, and as a gentleman, I consider it my duty to look after you, at least until you decide what you want to do with your life here in this world."

She realised that this 'attraction to her' he claimed had no harm to it. It was the way of things here it seemed and she nodded in acceptance of his confession and his offer to look after her, smiling shyly a he took her hand and held it as she tried to make an effort to adjust, even convincing her that she had done the right thing by running away.

"But had you done that, Keesha, you would have foresworn all you stood for, and probably still not secured the safety of your family. From what you have told me about this Lord Kairnford, he was a nasty piece of work, a really unsavoury character ... I for one, am glad you are here, and safe from his clutches. I could not bear to think of you hurt by or because of that man."

She knew he was right. That she could not begin to guess just how she might have been treated as the bride of Kairnford. And of course he would have held her to ransom, he compliance for her family's safety and held the same threat over their heads. She dreaded to think how he would treat them in her absence, but they had urged her to flee and finally convinced her that in the long run it was for the best.

"Keesha – please don't leave. I couldn't cope not knowing if you were safe or not. Since you came into my life, things have been different for me. That is all I ask of you. Please let me look after you.
I don't expect you to love me, or to do anything you don't want to do, but if I am going to support you, I need your help."

Dan's offer, his entreaty was so much more than she could have ever expected.
Even as she was struggling to find the words to respond he stood and moved to the other end of the room. Intrigued once more, she watched him pour a drink and drink from it slowly.

"Do you want to try this? It's good, but strong."

She nodded and accepted the glass sipping at the amber liquid, gasping slightly at the warmth as it burned her throat.

"I don't want to take advantage of you, Keesha, but you say you have never kissed a man. Do you want to try?"

She blushed and laughed at his invitation.

"Perhaps ... some day ... "

She told him.

" ... this is strong .. but ... good, I think ... "

She told him.

"And what you said ... about not leaving ... "

She smiled shyly.

"I ... would like your help, Dan. I have much to learn, much to decide ... "

She blushed.

"I'm sorry I thought badly of you, I ... didn't understand ... "

She hesitated then moved across to him and kissed him briefly on the cheek, blushing as she did so.

"You've been so kind ... thank you ..."

 

[DanFS]

Dan raised his hand to his cheek, which she had just kissed and felt the slight moisture from her lips upon his skin.
He smiled and replied:
“You’re welcome!”
He leant back against the chair back and regarded her openly, amazed that she had been able to make the mental adjustment so quickly, given her background and upbringing being so different from here.

“It is obvious, Keesha, that we both have much to learn, about life and each other, and how we can make the adjustments which need to be made for us to accept each other for who we are. I am happy to help you become accustomed to living in this world.”

He felt his cheeks heating up as he blushed, and turning toward the window, he muttered:
“God, this is so awkward!”

He took another moment and let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding…..hoping that he hadn’t scared her off.

He thought back to the last time he had been with a woman, and smiled. Good times, but quite long ago, it seemed…..

He shifted in his seat, trying to make himself more comfortable as the growing erection in his underwear started to make its prescence known to him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“You’re welcome!”

Both his smile and his words told her that he had forgiven her for her assumption.
She met his eyes as he seemed to assess her thoughtfully

“It is obvious, Keesha, that we both have much to learn, about life and each other, and how we can make the adjustments which need to be made for us to accept each other for who we are."

She nodded. Things were so different here, she did indeed have much to learn.

" ... I am happy to help you become accustomed to living in this world.”

He offered generously, but rose before she could thank him once more.

“God, this is so awkward!”

He commented as he turned away from her.

She saw him smile, yet felt that he was somewhat ... agitated? She didn't understand.

"How is this awkward, Dan?"

She asked him.

"I know I make mistakes, but ... I'm willing to learn and ... I'm ... trying to adjust... "

She glanced towards the box where the images were still playing out. The sound was low and she couldn't make out what exactly she was watching, but she knew enough to know that the clothing, the traditions, the way these people got around, the way they prepared food and ate even was all ... different ...

"... I don't understand how our countries can be so different. Surely the 15th century must be similar wherever you go ... ?"

 

[DanFS]

Dan winced at Keesha’s Comment:
"I know I make mistakes, but ... I'm willing to learn and ... I'm ... trying to adjust... "

He could understand Keesha’s confusion.
How could the human condition be so different between their two worlds?

“I know Keesha I’m sorry if I seem a little impatient, but this is an adjustment for me too.” He stated.
He thought a moment before adding:
“Both of us need to eat, sleep, and stay healthy to survive. And of course, everybody likes to feel loved.”

She was adjusting to all the changes well, and Dan could sense her frustration. She obviously as an intelligent, driven young woman, just trying to make sense of the world around her, like so many people in this day and age.

How he wanted to hold her, comfort her, but he didn’t want to scare her away.

Instead he settled for walking over to her and resting his hand upon her arm.
“Don’t worry, Keesha. Yes, things are different here from where you come from, but I will help you to get used to how things are here. I just want you to be happy here”

He could feel the warmth of her skin, under his fingertips, and her scent was enchanting. The way her blonde hair fell about her shoulders was just….captivating.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“I know Keesha I’m sorry if I seem a little impatient, but this is an adjustment for me too.”

She nodded. Of course, he was a fighter, so taking on responsibility for her must be very strange to him.

“Both of us need to eat, sleep, and stay healthy to survive."

She nodded. Of course, it would be better to just focus on the basics; she was alive and well and above all else, free. She would just have to work the rest out as situations arose.

"And of course, everybody likes to feel loved.”

She blushed slightly at those words. She felt safe with Dan, but didn't expect to feel loved by anyone in this new world that she had found herself in. Her family had loved her enough to urge her to escape, but love between a man and woman, if that was what he was alluding to, well ... that was beyond her current experience.

She smiled shyly as Dan's hand moved to her arm, as if sensing her confusion.

“Don’t worry, Keesha. Yes, things are different here from where you come from, but I will help you to get used to how things are here.
I just want you to be happy here”

She nodded slowly.

"I know. My family would want me to be happy, but ... "

She didn't feel she belonged here yet.

"You've been so kind ... without you ... I don't know what I'd have done ... "

She told him catching her breath at the intense why he was looking at her.

"I've ... never been alone with a man before ... "

She told him, finding herself quivering beneath his light touch.

"Things are so ... different ... here ... "

 

[DanFS]

Dan looked at her tenderly from his vantage point by the window.

She seemed so small and frightened and he hoped he hadn’t made her feel that way.

He looked at her differently then, regarding her with the yes of ore than a protector. She was truly beautiful and she seemed to be trying to come to terms with him being tactile with her, something he hadn’t been before.

Dan had realised that although she came from a different time, she was also human, just like him and probably craved human touch and affection.

He felt her quivering to his touch, and looked into her eyes.
"Things are so ... different ... here ... "

“Keesha – I don’t want to seem too forward, but allow me to hold you, and comfort you please.”

He held out his hand.
She only had to move a foot towards him, a distance which seemed so small, but yet, if she travelled it, would signify how far she had come, and how much progress she had made in adjusting to his world.

Was what he asked too much for her?
He willed her to take his hand, and let him hold her.
Only time would tell…

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Keesha – I don’t want to seem too forward, but allow me to hold you, and comfort you please.”

She looked at his outstretched hand, her mind racing at the request he had made of her. It was wrong to be alone with a man like this, much less allow him to cross the barriers of what was 'appropriate', but ... this was not her world ... and judging from what she had heard and seen merely touching, holding was not frowned upon ...

She took a steadying breath, her eyes searching his as she hovered indecisively.
She wanted to be held, she realised suddenly; wanted the comfort he offered.
And if she could not trust Dan, then who could she trust?

Tentatively she lifted her own hand and held it out towards him.
But she was still just out of reach.
Taking a steadying breath she stepped forward closing that gap between them.
Her hand was in his now and yet she moved closer still so that they did not stand awkwardly at arm's length.

"Y- you can hold me Dan... "

She told him, her voice breathless, even fearful.
But she had made up her mind and her eyes locked with his, trusting him, trusting that she would not regret her decision ...

 

[DanFS]

Dan took a half-step towards Keesha. That was all it took to being her into reach.

He lightly grasped her hand with his right, and stepped closer still, gently pulling her closer and placing her hand upon his back, whilst his left hand went behind her and rested lightly on her shoulder.

He let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding, before saying:
“Just relax, Keesha. I will keep you safe.”

He rested her head upon his shoulder, and just held her, lightly stroking her hair with his right hand that he had rested her hand upon his back.

He let her just stand there for almost thirty seconds, before asking:
“Doesn’t that feel better, Keesha?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Dan moved closer, his hand closing over her own. For a fleeting second, Keesha was tempted to flee, but then he had entirely closed the distance between them, his arm had reached around her and eased her closer so that their bodies touched. With his other hand he drew her own arm around him guiding her hand to his back where he placed it and she allowed it to remain. The proximity, the heat of his body against hers made her quiver slightly as she still felt her holding herself ready for flight.

“Just relax, Keesha. I will keep you safe.”

His words were patient, reassuring. He obviously felt the tension in her body.
One hand went to her head and eased it closer so that it rested against his shoulder, the action feeling shockingly intimate, but there was no way of resisting without causing offense and Keesha knew that she had to allow him to take the lead in this. Only when his hand went to her hair did she finally release a breath, the tension momentarily leaving her body as Dan moved his hand to slowly stroke her fair hair. His touch felt ... good ... soothing ... even mesmeric ... and Keesha found her body relaxing imperceptibly as they remained stood, yet pressed together ...

“Doesn’t that feel better, Keesha?”

Came his question finally.

"It ... feels ... nice ... "

She told him hesitantly.

" ... it is a long time since I felt safe ... "

 

[DanFS]

Keesha felt warm & inviting, stood against him, like that.
He was determined not to scare her away, but her scent, so alluring, made it difficult for him to just stand here and hold her.

“I’m glad you feel safe, Keesha. I couldn’t be any happier, than to hear you say that.”

He kept stroking her hair, enjoying the silky smoothness, as her blonde tresses ran through his fingers.

He dared to lean down and plant a gentle kiss against her hair; much like a father would reassure a daughter.

His other hand carried on stroking her hair.

“Just relax Keesha. We can stay like this for as long as you want.”

His eyes looked down, and his gaze was drawn to the gentle swell of her breasts beneath the top she wore. He sighed, both in contentment, and frustration, knowing it had taken a long time to coax her this far, and feeling satisfaction she had; but also wishing she was more comfortable with being with him.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“I’m glad you feel safe, Keesha. I couldn’t be any happier, than to hear you say that.”

His voice reassured her. Having her hair stroked was so soothing and made her feel so good. She murmured softly as his hands moved with slow regularity. She made no objection to the soft kiss he dropped as he coaxed.

“Just relax Keesha. We can stay like this for as long as you want.”

Though relaxing, somewhat strangely Keesha was aware that her pulses inexplicably had picked up a pace. His hands felt so good, his fingers making her murmur softly as they laced through her hair. She caught her breath, unaware of the rise and fall of her breasts as she remained pressed against Dan.

Slowly she lifted her gaze and moved a bit away from him. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes wide as she tried to make sense of her reaction to that simple reassuring touch. His fingers were still in her hair, their movement somehow taking on an altogether different quality as unconsciously she leaned towards him, her hand extending shyly towards his chest where it hovered then pressed curiously.

"This ... this is usual in your country...?"

She asked, her eyes going to his lips and wondering, scandalously, just how it would feel to kiss him ...

 

[DanFS]

Dan felt Keesha lean into him and looked down to see her hand tentatively hover near his chest before settling upon it.
He could almost feel her tremble as she touched him.

He imagined her heart beating furiously within her chest.

He heard her question:
"This ... this is usual in your country...?"

He saw her gaze drop from his eyes to his mouth, and wondered if he dare imagine she had thought of kissing him?

“Yes, this is usual here. Men & women who feel for each other cuddle like we are, and also kiss is they wish.” He replied.

‘Too late to take it back now’ thought Dan, as he paused, before he leaned down and kissed her lightly upon the cheek.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Yes, this is usual here. Men & women who feel for each other cuddle like we are, and also kiss is they wish.”

She smiled as he kissed her cheek. It felt nice ... good ...

"I saw that ... "

She pointed to the television.

"So, we feel for each other now?"

She asked, her smile widening.

"That's good ... and it will be good now, staying here together.
We can have fun together and you can teach me more of the ways of this country.
I think I will need to understand more so that I can manage to look after myself ... "

She would make the most of this time with Dan looking after her and was determined not to worry overmuch about the fact that at some time she would have to fend for herself.

 

[DanFS]

Dan was relieved that she seemed to relax in his presence and accept his explanation that what was shown on the TV was normal.

He could understand her hesitation about how social mores seemed so different here than back where she came from.
He didn’t want her to forget who she was or where she came from, as that was part of what made her so special as a person, but she needed to learn to live like others in this time period; so if she felt more comfortable with him now that had to be good didn’t it?

“Yes – we feel for each other now.” He smiled and caressed her cheek, where he had just kissed.

Although they had made a cursory inspection of the rooms when they arrived, he thought it might be a nice distraction for her to conduct a tour on her own, to become better acquainted with her new surroundings.

“Keesha – do you want to have a look around the cottage on your own, or stay here with me?”

He settled down in front of the TV, to relax with his drink nearby, but looked at her, to see what she wanted to do.

Part of him was hoping she might want another kiss, or to embrace.
He loved the warm, soft feel of her, and hoped she liked to touch him too.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“Yes – we feel for each other now.”

She flushed with pleasure at his words, finding she enjoyed the kiss, the touch, the look in his eyes ….

“Keesha – do you want to have a look around the cottage on your own, or stay here with me?”

She watched him move to sit before the strange box which held such strange pictures, telling stories that she already knew had very little to do with the world from which she came. There was much here which seemed ‘magical’ although she knew that Dan could offer all manner of explanations for the strangeness she had seen ever since she first opened her eyes and saw him.

”I would like to see my room … and then I will return… “

She told him shyly as she turned and made her way down the hallway where Dan had deposited a small bag which was now hers and his own baggage into the two rooms which faced each other across the corridor. She had only had a brief glimpse before, but she now saw that the room was very fine with a large comfortable bed in its centre. Here perhaps more than anywhere else, she actually felt at home and apart from the modern conveniences for washing and personal necessities to which she had already been introduced and of course the lighting which was always lit by the press of a button, usually on the wall, this seemed to be a place she could relax in.

She crossed to the heavy wooden furniture and stared at herself in the long mirror. The clothes she wore were so strange. To wear breeches as a lady was not what she was used to, yet it seemed that at present this was all she had at her disposal. Such a shame …. She would have loved to have garments to hang in the vast wardrobe, to lay in the heavy wooden drawers of the fine furnishings with which the room was equipped. Slowly she opened the double doors and looked inside. Strange metallic objects hung from a pole and rocked easily as she looked into its generous depths locating a pile of rich fabric in the corner and realising that this was in fact part of a fine gown, long discarded. Hauling it out and then finding a second, Keesha hung the garments to ease out the creases. The fabric was fine and needed airing and freshening up, but there was no sign of wear and it seemed such a waste to just have such gowns cast aside like that.

Closing the wardrobe, she began to explore in earnest. Heavy draws yielded only to open up devoid of any contents. In fact it was not until she sat upon the finely cushioned vanity chest at the end of her bed that it even occurred to her that there was a place she had yet to search… The lid was deceptively heavy and stiff with lack of use, yet as she managed to manoeuvre it back she was rewarded with an array of garments, such as would have made her an admirable trousseau had she actually gone through with her marriage. The chest must have been long sealed, yet the contents seemed rose scented rather than holding the odour of damp or dust. Slowly she worked he way through the contents, exclaiming over each new discovery. Had she not known better, she would have thought this items had been provided expressly for her use. Of course she knew that could not be, but likewise, the contents of this chest had been long neglected, so what harm would it do if she were to … borrow … the items and ensure that all was cleaned and pristine before she returned them safely to the chest.
And so, perhaps a half hour after she had left Dan, Keesha padded barefooted down the hallway and back to the room where she assumed he still sat, her travel clothes neatly discarded and wearing in their stead a simple white gown that could serve as a nightgown. Putting this on, she justified, would cause least offence as she actually did not think she had anything decent to sleep in.

”Dan…?”

She shyly drew attention to herself.

”I … hope your friend won’t mind, but … I found some discarded clothes and … wondered if I might … borrow some … during our stay…?”

She blushed aware of his scrutiny.

”I have no decent nightgown. I hope he would not be offended if I made use of that which it seems has gone untouched for years…?”

It was not as sheer as a nightgown would be, yet would serve as well.

"It is not ... indecent ... to wear such a garment in your land?"

She asked belatedly, not knowing just what the traditions were of the world she now found herself in ..

http://www.funidelia.ie/13494-thickbox/medieval-nightgown-adult-costume.jpg

 

[DanFS]

Dan wasn’t surprised Keesha wanted to explore, and it would give her some time to mull over her thoughts without him being there to consider. She would have the nearest thing to solitude, which sometimes could help if you are in an uncertain situation.
He heard her soft footsteps and the occasional bumping and scraping that accompany opening bedroom furniture to store things.

He had stopped listening out for her after a minute or so, and tuned back to the TV, and had flicked to a different channel. This one was currently showing a documentary about Sharks, and portrayed a female diver with an underwater camera, who Dan thought looked very fetching in her skin-tight dive-suit, but considered insane, as she was swimming alongside two huge sharks, as she filmed them.

After a while he heard her soft voice.
”Dan…?”

He turned and looked in the direction of her voice, to see what she wanted.

”I … hope your friend won’t mind, but … I found some discarded clothes and … wondered if I might … borrow some … during our stay…?”

She seemed to be blushing. Dan didn’t know why as she had nothing to be embarrassed about.

”I have no decent nightgown. I hope he would not be offended if I made use of that which it seems has gone untouched for years…?”

Dan smiled at the thought of Edward being upset. He would have wanted the things in the cottage to be used.
”No Keesha – not at all. I’m sure Edward would be happy you found something suitable to wear, although there are probably other things; I know there are some trunks & wardrobes in the other rooms.”

"It is not ... indecent ... to wear such a garment in your land?"

He smiled and stood, walking to Keesha and holding a hand out to her, to beckon her into his embrace once more. He tried not to devour her with his eyes, but the light from behind coming through the nightdress seemed to suggest she was only wearing the nightdress itself. The gentle swell of her breasts beneath it were also suggestive but he pushed the thought aside.
“No, Keesha – it is not indecent to wear such a garment. I think you look very pretty in it!”

Dan wrapped an arm around her and again breathed the scent of her hair, as she leant into him, as he gathered her in his arms.

“If you’re comfortable wearing it – then it’s fine. I’m just glad we’re together.”
He smiled, happy to be holding her.
As his arms enclosed her, Dan suddenly became aware of not even the bra being worn. She seemed completely naked under it!

Dan coughed and tried to turn slightly, to hide his growing erection from her, but unfortunately, he brushed her leg, and froze, as it must have been obvious to her what she just felt.

He looked into her eyes, as he spoke.
“Sorry Keesha, but I have feelings for you, and they have a physical effect.” He paused, taking a deep breath.
“Don’t worry you have nothing to fear from me.” He kissed her on her cheek, and stroked her face gently.

“Do you want to watch TV with me?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

”No Keesha – not at all. I’m sure Edward would be happy you found something suitable to wear, although there are probably other things; I know there are some trunks & wardrobes in the other rooms.”

She was relieved by his reply. She had yet to meet this 'Edward' and could only hope that Dan's good opinion of him meant that rich though he might be, he would not resemble Lord Kairnford in any way.

“No, Keesha – it is not indecent to wear such a garment. I think you look very pretty in it!”

She blushed at his complement and was surprised, though pleasantly so to feel his arm around her, drawing her against him once more.

“If you’re comfortable wearing it – then it’s fine. I’m just glad we’re together.”

He seemed happy and relaxed.

"I'm lucky it was you who found me. I'm glad too ... that we have some time together ... "

She agreed.

"When it is just the two of us I can relax and .... "

She halted belatedly aware of a hardening at his groin and the heat that radiated from that part of his body. Innocent though she was, Keesha knew what that meant ... or thought she did...

“Sorry Keesha, but I have feelings for you, and they have a physical effect.”

His apology and explanation were simple, but honest. Blushingly, she nodded in acceptance.

“Don’t worry you have nothing to fear from me.”

She did not think to pull away as he kissed her; the tender touch upon her cheek so intimate ...

“Do you want to watch TV with me?”

She nodded slowly and moved with him to the sofa.

"I am not afraid of you Dan.... "

She told him softly as she eased closely to him, still very aware of the hardness at his groin and being sure to avoid coming into contact with him in that way, for it would hardly be fair to tease a man such as he.

"Living with you ... living here, with the ways of your country ... I think life is much freer than my home... "

She told him.

"Much of this is good, I think...?"

 

[DanFS]

As Keesha nodded slowly and moved with him to the sofa, he sat down and guided her next to him, inviting her to lean into his side, and he hesitantly put an arm around her, not wanting to seem overly forward, but at the same timer, he had already gathered her in his arms!

"I am not afraid of you Dan.... "
”Good. I don’t want you to be.”

Dan was glad that Keesha felt more relaxed with him now.
He could see she was beginning to adjust by her comment that life here seemed freer than where she came from.
When she said "Much of this is good, I think...?" He was reassured she was actually happy being with him.

"Yes, I think so too!" He grinned.
As they settled down to watch the wildlife documentary, which was now showing the camera-woman filming a school of Tuna, and how they moved in great swirls and sweeping turns in the water, evading predators and larger fish alike, Dan was filled with wonder.
He looked down at Keesha, and wondered what she thought of it all.

He suddenly felt very comfortable, more so than he had in years, and felt himself drifting off to sleep, the warmth of Keesha against him, a great comfort….

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

”Good. I don’t want you to be... Yes, I think so too!"

Dan responded as she sat beside him, actually easing closer as she stared in fascination at what he referred to as the TV. It seemed there was no limit to the pictures and sounds that could be seen in this way. She was of course familiar with the ocean, but to see fish so close, to see the water from both above and beneath ... it was fascinating ... In contrast to the rather traditional looking room, the frame was large and rectangular and though merely black when switched off, the range and depth of colours was amazing when put into operation.

Whilst she found the whole play of image and sound fascinating, it became clear to her that Dan found it less so. She turned and saw that he had fallen asleep. Taking the opportunity to watch him without him being aware, Keesha took in the sight of the man beside her. He was a solider and yet he was best friends with a Lord, or whatever title his friend Edward held. And of course he must have a life, a family and, surely there would have been women in his past, if not in his immediate present. And yet he had quite literally saved her. He had taken her under his wing and seemed determined to make sure she would be able to cope in the world in which she now found herself. She reached out and brushed his hair aside, the fact that she was alone with a man for the first time in her life not lost on her. This would have been the end of her reputation back home. Even if he caught up with her in the future, there was no way she would be considered a suitable bride, even for a farmer or tradesman back in her own country. She sighed softly, yet could not summon a real depth of regret for that loss.

Slowly she eased free of Dan, moving slowly so that she did not disturb him. Making her way to the kitchen Keesha moved around it trying to recall where Dan had commented upon basic supplies having been left in preparation for their arrival. The day had been long and tiring. Even though transportation as amazing, they had eaten very little. Moving around the room, Keesha decided that she would do her best to prepare something for Dan, but so much of the equipment was still unfamiliar to her. For this reason it was a full 40 minutes later when she finally managed to create a warm meal of eggs on toast. Of course the preparation could have been so much easier had Keesha realised what the toaster and hob were for. Instead the metallic top of the old stove, retained as a feature, but put to much more practical use than it had been for years provided the source of heat and flame. She had managed to find a pan in which to prepare the eggs and had located plates and cutlery after all they were not so dissimilar to those in her own land and of course she had been fed the day before when she was recuperating ... Wary of the kettle, which she had seen being used, but was still uncertain as how to operate it, Keesha also managed to prepare coffee, again mimicking actions she had seen since since arriving in Dan's country, though she could not be sure if she had made it in a way that Dan would enjoy.

Entering the room carrying a tray with his plate, utensils and steaming mug she set it down beside him before returning to bring in her own. She could only hope that he would enjoy her attempt at preparing a meal for him ...

 

[DanFS]

Dan stirred, and thought he felt a touch on his shoulder.
As he became more aware, a delicious aroma invaded his senses.
Opening his eyes, he saw a tray on the table beside him, with eggs on toast and a steaming mug of what smelt like coffee.

He looked for Keesha, and just at that moment, she appeared through the Kitchen door with a tray of her own, similarly laden to his own.

As she sat beside him to eat, he smiled.
“Thank You.” He said simply, just as his stomach growled. He had not realised how hungry he was.
“I’m sorry.” He added. “Did I fall asleep?”

As he cut the egg & toast and forked some into his mouth, he grinned. Although not a complicated meal by any means, this was heaven!
“Mmmm…Delicious! I could get used to this!” He told her when he had swallowed his mouthful.

He hoped his appreciation looked genuine, as he mentally kicked himself.
He should have been cooking for her, not the other way round!

He polished his meal off quickly and sipped his coffee, grinning again as she had remembered to put a spoon of sugar in it.
“Thank you Keesha – I really needed that!”

He watched her eat, all dainty and quiet, admiring her finesse, and femininity.

She looked a little self-conscious, but there wasn’t much else to look at here, and she was attractive.
The familiar stirrings started in his lap again, and he was glad the tray was there to hide it, until it started to slide, just as she finished eating.
He lunged at the tray as it slid off his lap, and managed to catch the tray and plate, dropping the cutlery, and also smacking his head on the corner of the table, in his haste.

He quickly rose and went into the kitchen to dump the tray, plate & cutlery on the worktop.

He pulled off a square of kitchen towel from the roll, and sighed as felt it wet with his blood.
He laughed to himself, as the irony of what he had just done was not lost on him.
He stepped into the Hall and looked into the mirror. A nice purple lump has already started to grow on his forehead, and the small split in his skin was starting to throb.
Turning to go back to the Kitchen, he hadn’t heard Keesha follow him out, and was touched by the look of concern on her face.
“It’s OK, Keesha, just a silly accident!” He said, just as he felt his vision start to tunnel and his legs go to jelly.
Not wanting to squash her, he leant against the wall and slid down it to the floor. His last thought before he passed out, was that at least his erection had gone down!

After what felt like a few seconds, he came round, and tried to stand again.
“I’ll be OK. Why don’t you use the Bathroom first this evening? Have a nice hot bath, and relax? I’ll just lie down on the sofa, and hopefully this headache will go away!”

He groggily stood and slowly walked into the lounge, and flopped onto the sofa.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Keesha brushed away his apology and was pleased that he took the tray and set to eating with appetite. Glancing at him as she ate, she could see that he was enjoying the meal and blushed as he commented.

“Mmmm…Delicious! I could get used to this!”

She was pleased that she had decided to prepare the food for them. If making meals was a good way of saying thank you, then it was the least that she could do for him.

Just what happened with the tray, she was not sure. One moment it was on his lap, the next it was slipping from his lap. And Dan was following it, unaware of anything but catching the plate and cutlery. She cried out almost throwing the remains of her own meal on the floor as he cracked his head on the table.

"Dan!!!"

He ignored her cry of concern and stood with his tray and headed for the kitchen. Worried she followed him, setting her own things aside as he watched him as she dabbed at where his head had hit, shocked to see that it was bleeding. Like him she looked at his head in the mirror and was shocked to see a lump forming.

“It’s OK, Keesha, just a silly accident!”

Were his final words before he sunk to the floor, his eyes closing as he passed out.

"Oh my God... Dan... !?!"

She was down on her knees beside him, touching his face lightly, panic filling her.
She had to get help, had to find someone who knew what to do.

“I’ll be OK."

Keesha was far from convinced.

"Why don’t you use the Bathroom first this evening? Have a nice hot bath, and relax? I’ll just lie down on the sofa, and hopefully this headache will go away!”

He had to be crazy!? She walked along behind him watching his unsteady gait.
He had effectively dismissed her, but she watched as he lay out on the sofa, his eyes closing immediately. His face was deathly pale, a stark contrast with the livid bruising of the increasing size of the lump upon his head.

"Dan...?"

She moved closer and called his name hesitantly.

"Dan...?"

She sat at the edge of the sofa and put a hand to his cheek, panic feeling her when she got no response.
... God ... what was she to do ...?

Standing she paced around the room. She had to get help, but she was too far from the gate house and had no way of operating the vehicle they had arrived with. She looked out of the window and frowned at the dark and cold beyond.
Glancing back she knew that she should not leave Dan alone, so how on earth could ...

With a start, she remembered. Dan had a 'phone', a way of communicating with others. He had used it to speak to the gatehouse surely. Perhaps she could summon help in this way? She moved towards the sofa and after only a slight hesitation, searched his pockets and drew the small device. She had no idea how to use it or how it even worked. Slowly she pressed a button, then another. The screen lit up, it beeped, but when she held it to her ear there was no sound.

"Hello?... hello.... ?"

She couldn't make herself heard. With increasing panic she pressed the buttons in quick succession feeling it was becoming increasingly futile. She sank to the floor with a sob.

Hello? Dan..?

From out of nowhere a voice could be heard, a voice actually coming from the phone.

"Hello!? Help ... please... "

She was desperate.

Dan, is that ... who is this...?

The voice sounded puzzled and Keesha made herself clam down.

"Dan is ... hurt. He banged his head and ... I don't know what to do ... He ... We need help...?"

She told the voice.

Dan, hurt? He's there with you .... where are you...?

The voice queried.

"I don't know ... not the gate house ... the ... other building ... the cottage I think."

She looked towards Dan worried that he still had not seemed to stir.

"Please come Mr Jack. I think he's unconscious."

She begged.

"I'm on my way. I will be there within 5 minutes. And this is Edward."

He informed her before closing their connection.

Her mind raced in brief panic. Edward ... Dan's friend ... and the Master of this place ... but she could not think of her own appearance or any other concern except that of ensuring Dan was taken care of. Already outside there was the sound of an engine and lights. With a last look at Dan she rushed through to the hallway and pulled the heavy door open standing back to point breathlessly.

"Dan's in there.... "

 

[DanFS]

Edward

As Keesha opened the cottage door, Edward’s Range Rover skidded to a stop in front
of the Cottage, with spotlights on the front grille shining brightly and he jumped out, dressed in a tweed jacket, blue jeans, and tan brogue shoes; clutching a first aid kit.

He brushed past Keesha, and into the lounge as she indicated Dan was in there.

He saw Dan, laid out on the sofa looking wan, and says in greeting:

“Hello, old boy – what did you do, fall over and head-butt the floor?”He placed the first aid kit down and opened it, taking out a pack of sterile wipes, and a plaster.
Using a wipe to clean his hands, the stink of antiseptic soon filled the room.

Dan gave a sheepish grin, and Edward opened one of Dan’s eyes with his fingers.
“Hmmm…no concussion, that I can see, although you’ll have a bastard of a headache for a while!”

He tended to Dan’s wound, with the wipes, and plaster, before sitting back to check Dan was going to be OK.

Only then does he turn his attention to Keesha.
“Thank you, young lady. I am Edward Simms. This is my cottage.”He stands and holds out his hand, and takes her small shapely hand in his, before bending to kiss it gently.

“May I ask your name?” He asks gently, aware that she is:
a) Dressed in a Nightgown, although an older style, which is quite demure.
b) Seemingly frightened herself, judging by the ‘rabbit in the headlights’ eyes she has.
When Keesha replies, Edward responds with “I’m very glad to meet you, Keesha, but I had hoped we would meet over dinner tomorrow at the house.”

Edward decides that instead of castigating her for not performing first aid on Dan herself, to thank her again, for helping his dear friend.

“Thank you for helping my friend. He can be accident-prone on occasion. Actually on many occasions, over many years!” He smiles as he says this to make it clear he means no animosity.
In fact the warmth & sincerity of the love for his friends shines through.

Dan smiles and asks for a glass of water, which Edward goes to the Kitchen and pours from a bottle rather than taking it from the tap.
“Don’t gulp it, Dan, you might be sick. I’d hate to have to send this rug away for cleaning again!” He jokes, with a smile.

Once Dan seems settled and more comfortable, Edward gently takes Keesha by the elbow and steers her into the Kitchen, where he puts the kettle on.
“Care for a cup of tea, or something stronger, Keesha?”

Edward smiles broadly, trying to be friendly and not to judge. This is the first woman he has brought to stay on Edward’s estate. She must be very special!

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Keesha was dazzled by the lights of the vehicle as it drew to a sudden halt and had no time to take in the appearance of this stranger as he headed straight into the room where Dan lay. Closing the door once more Keesha followed behind and stood watching as Edward made his way over to Dan. It became clear immediately that he knew what to do and that he and Dan were close.

“Hmmm…no concussion, that I can see, although you’ll have a bastard of a headache for a while!”

She flinched at his language, but was relieved that the injury was not as bad as she had feared and seeing how easily the wound was cleaned and covered, Keesha wondered for the first time if she had done right to call for assistance.

“Thank you, young lady. I am Edward Simms. This is my cottage.”

Dragging her eyes from Dan, Keesha truly took in the appearance of their host. He was handsome, she supposed and though she could not expect him to be formally dressed, he had a confidence that she had learned was characteristic of those in his position. For long seconds she stared at the hand that he offered her knowing that she could not ignore it without giving offence. Reluctantly she put her hand in his, resisting the urge to pull it away as he kissed it, the gesture unfortunately all too familiar.

“May I ask your name?”

She eased her hand free as she replied simply.

"I am Keesha."

She half expected him to recognise the name, to have heard of her somehow and yet her fears were illogical.

“I’m very glad to meet you, Keesha, but I had hoped we would meet over dinner tomorrow at the house.”

She blushed hotly finally aware, not that the crisis had been averted, about the unsuitability of her attire. Before she could begin to offer an apology for inconveniencing him, he continued;

“Thank you for helping my friend. He can be accident-prone on occasion. Actually on many occasions, over many years!”

Whatever else Keesha might fear from him, it was clear that he and Dan were firm friends. She watched as Edward headed off to the kitchen to fetch the water Dan requested and finally drew near, kneeling by the sofa as she reached out and touched Dan's cheek more to reassure herself than him that he was in now danger. She jumped back guiltily as Edward returned and watched as he helped Dan to drink slowly. Dan seemed to finally realise that Edward was there and seemed to relax knowing that fact. Both of them watched as he seemed to relax back. She supposed that sleeping would be the best road to recovery.

The touch on her elbow took her by surprise, but she could offer no resistance as Edward guided her into the kitchen.

“Care for a cup of tea, or something stronger, Keesha?”

She shook her head before adding;

"No ... nothing ... thank you ... "

She replied glancing back towards the door all too aware that she was alone with
Edward.

"Will Dan be ok?"

She asked partly out of concern, partly in order to fill the silence between them.

"He looked so pale and ... there was nothing to make a poultice ... "

She explained.

"I thought to summon Mr Jack ... I could not get Dan's ... phone? ... phone to work ... I
had no intention of calling you ... "

She halted and bit her lip. That sounded rude.
And the last thing she wanted to do was offend someone like Edward.

 

[DanFS]

Edward smiled as he reflected on how innocent and quiet Keesha seemed. She was almost introverted.
Dan wasn’t exactly an extrovert, when it came to the ladies – he wondered how they met and ended up seeing each other?

When Keesha mentioned a poultice, he frowned for a moment, and then wondered why she would use such a poultice.
“I wouldn’t worry about a poultice for Dan’s injury, Keesha. A couple of headache pills, and he’ll be right as rain!”

He turned to face her and asked:
“You use poultices often, to treat ailments? I probably shouldn’t rely on these drugs as much as I do!”He smiled to show her it was an innocent question, rather than an accusation made out of hand.

Edward nodded as Keesha explained that she had tried to call Jack, instead of him, as she seemed to know he was the Master of the Estate.
He poured a cup of tea, as soon as the kettle had boiled.

Edward chuckled as Keesha looked embarrassed that she had called him.

“Don’t fret, Keesha. You are Dan’s……friend. Dan is my friend, and always will be. To me, that means you are also my friend, and are welcome to stay here – to come and go, for as long as you wish. In truth, I am pleased you are with him. The love of a good woman will do him the world of good!”

Edward smiled again. Keesha was disarmingly innocent, or so she seemed – almost like a country girl living in a big city. She seemed so uncomfortable. He didn’t want to make her feel even more so, but he liked to dine well, and enjoyed the ritual of dressing for dinner.

“Come, Keesha,” he said, putting down his cup of tea, and gently placing his hand in the small of her back to guide her.
“I have something for you, I hope you will like it. I know Dan would approve!”

She seemed unsure, so he led the way upstairs, beckoning her to follow over his shoulder, and into one of the other bedrooms. He opened a wardrobe and rifled through some of the dresses hanging there, covered in clear plastic.
He picked out a few and placed them on the bed.
“These were my stepsister’s, but she is now living in America, so she wouldn’t mind if you wore one tomorrow, to dinner.”

He reached on top of the wardrobe, and retrieved some boxes, which when opened, revealed pairs of women’s shoes. Some had high heels, others low heels, and there were even some ballet-slipper type shoes.

“I hope you find something in here you like, wear whatever you like, and I mean anything!”

He leant in quickly and gave her a light peck on the cheek, before walking out of the door, saying over his shoulder “I’ll just check on Dan again before I leave. I’ll see you tomorrow at eight O’clock, alright?”

Then he paused, and added “It was my pleasure to meet you Keesha. I look forward to tomorrow. Do you have a favourite dish I could ask Chef to prepare for you?”

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

“I wouldn’t worry about a poultice for Dan’s injury, Keesha. A couple of headache pills, and he’ll be right as rain!”

She wasn't familiar with pills, but she didn't want to appear even less capable to Edward that she surely already did.

“You use poultices often, to treat ailments? I probably shouldn’t rely on these drugs as much as I do!”

She smiled hesitantly at his question.

"Yes ... poultices draw out infection. I was always taught to cleanse the body before the ingestion of healing substances."

She told him, watching him drink his tea as they talked.

“Don’t fret, Keesha. You are Dan’s……friend. Dan is my friend, and always will be. To me, that means you are also my friend, and are welcome to stay here – to come and go, for as long as you wish. In truth, I am pleased you are with him. The love of a good woman will do him the world of good!”

Her eyes widened at his misunderstanding. A denial sprang to her lips.
She did not love Dan, nor he her, yet she was sure that Edward would never believe that. Besides if he thought her ... involved... with Dan, she would be safe from any pursuit Edward might have otherwise contemplated. And so she stayed silent and let him think what he would.

“Come, Keesha, I have something for you, I hope you will like it. I know Dan would approve!”

Again that over familiar touch on her back. But she had no choice but to follow him, becoming increasingly hesitant when they went upstairs and still more so when Edward turned into one of the bedrooms. Shanna loitered in the doorway for long moments as Edward opened the wardrobe and began to take out garments.

“These were my stepsister’s, but she is now living in America, so she wouldn’t mind if you wore one tomorrow, to dinner.”

She stepped into the room then, her eyes running over the fine fabrics and astounded by the vivid colouring of the fabric. She looked around as Edward brought a stack of boxes down from their place over the wardrobe. Curiously she saw that an array of footwear was stored, each in it's own box.

“I hope you find something in here you like, wear whatever you like, and I mean anything!”

She was incredulous. She knew she was expected at dinner, but to be required to dress so ... she could only guess at the great riches this man had in his possession to dine thus.

“I’ll just check on Dan again before I leave. I’ll see you tomorrow at eight O’clock, alright?”

The kiss upon her cheek was fleeting. She knew from her conversations with Dan that this meant nothing untoward, yet she was unused to such contact.

“It was my pleasure to meet you Keesha. I look forward to tomorrow.
Do you have a favourite dish I could ask Chef to prepare for you?”

She shook her head finally finding her tongue.

"Thank you for coming to help Dan."

She told him softly.

"And no ... there is nothing I prefer to eat above all other dishes... though ... "

She hesitated.

"I was to have had pheasant at my wedding supper ... "

She shook her head.

"Though I cannot tell if I would have liked it ... my food choices are usually ... simpler ... "

She confessed, nodding as he stated that they were expected at eight, for how could she refuse... especially now?