Timeless Love

[Forrester]

Eric

He stiffened for a moment as she put her arm around him, supporting his body as best she could but at her words he let himself relax a bit the words soothing his pride somewhat. He tried not to lean on her too heavily but by the time they reached the bath house his breath was labored and he gratefully sank to the bench while she prepared his water. Sitting there he breathed in the warm steam which seemed to open his lungs and ease his breathing as he watched her graceful movements.

Again there seemed something familiar about this woman aside from the fact that she was within the clan but he brushed it off as after effects of the illness. "It's ready for you. I will walk out, you undress and climb inside the tub, then call me. I will come back in and help you wash." She said as she moved toward the door. Eric felt like a babe being given instructions from a doting mother but then again she did make sense.

Standing slowly he finished undressing himself and let his clothes, caked with dirt fall to the floor. Walking with a shuffling gate he made his way over to the tub and eased himself over and in taking frequent pauses so as not to fall and have to call for help from a very embarrassing situation.

Finally he had eased himself into the water letting out a groan as the hot water bathed his sore, aching muscles. Leaning back he closed his eyes and let the heat from the water work on the tightness of his body remembering to call out to the maiden on the other side of the door. "Kaitlyn" he called his voice not the usual booming baratone but carrying to where she was. "I am ready."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She heard him call out her name. Turning she opened the door and walked back in.
"How does that feel Eric?" She smiled as she moved to get the soap and the washing cloth. She lathered it up and handed it to him, "For the area's under the water.." She blushed a little and went to get a clean bucket of water to wash his hair with.
"So why did you come back so soon?"
She busied herself so she wouldn't stare at him, letting questions come out to keep her mind off of being alone with an attractive taken male she had no business viewing.
She grinned a little, this was the first time in her life she was doing something she shouldnt be doing. It felt fun too. She approached him and took the rag from his hand. "Lean forward a little" She lathered up the rag again and started to wash his back in slow circular motions. this should help him relax, and hopfully keep her away from his gaze.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

"How does that feel Eric," She asked and he smiled at her. "The water is very good," He replied taking the washcloth to clean 'the areas under the water' and trying not to laugh at her shyness. She was a proper young maiden who was doing a difficult task and he could appreciate that but her shyness made her even more attractive than she already was. Eric frowned. Where had that thought come from? He had best beware as he had his own matrimonial proplems to confront once he went home, he did not need thoughts such as these clouding his judgement.

He groaned as she began to wash his back the feeling of her hands both a blessing and a curse. The muscles that were tight ached as she scrubbed away but the feeling of the washcloth and her hand upon him were delicious. To take his mind from it he began to relate the story of the illness that overcame the crew and how it happened pausing from time to time to let a particularly bad pain subside before moving on.

"And that is how I came to be at your doorstep," He said when he was done and his back scrubbed clean,"And now I must travel back to my home and let my father know I have returned if word has not spread to him already. But I do not see myself mounting a horse or staying upon it for long in the shape I am in now. I am afraid I will have to impose upon your hospitality for a few days until my strength returns."

Eric wondered at his own reaction to his words. Usually he would balk at such a delay but he was not really in any hurry to return and sort through a possible scandal involving a future bride that he was not enamoured of anyway. The excuse to stay in this peaceful place with this beautiful woman was definatly drawing him and he again wondered what he was thinking.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She was amazed at his story. "They purposely set that trap for you and your men? Why would someone be so cruel as to leave the town gates open to spread the infection?" But she already knew the answer to that. Who wouldn't take the chance at killing off the invading vikings?

She worked the knots out of his back, not aware where her hands were roaming. Her thoughts on his words, she smiled with joy. "Yes, you must stay until you can travel. If you desire it I can send a messenger to your father telling him you are safe and sound. Just healing from illness?"

She washed slowly down from his shoulders to where his waist tapered in, and still daringly, a little lower. She realized this was improper and lifted her hands out of the water. "Your back is clean, I should work on your hair now. Hold still for me a moment please." She hefted up the bucket and warned him just before she poured a little water over his head. She lathered her hands and worked her fingertips into his hair and scalp.

Her heart raced a little, why was she effected by his nearness to her? He was just a man, not something she hadn't seen before. And yet she longed to climb into that tub with him, not out of desire, but out of fear he would vanish. She kept feeling they would never be together again if she let him leave her. Strange and she must need more sleep to think such stupid things.

"Did your raid go well before the illness set in?" She was trying to take her mind and his off of what she was doing. She worked the lather all over his entire head, then stood up and warned him again before she dumped the water over his head once more. She smiled a little as she watched his hair lay flat against his head, all except a little bit in the front. It stood up on end once the water stopped running over it.

"Well I believe you are finally clean, I will step outside once again, and come back when you summon me to." She bent down over his shoulder, near the side of his face, pausing a moment. Her breath caught in her throat as he turned his head and their eyes met. She got this srtange desire to kiss him then and there. Quickly she backed off back to stand over him, her blush fierce.
"I-I'll be outside.....Ummmm.. " She quickly made her escape.

Walking, nay near running out of the bath house, she leaned back against the wall as her chest heaved with her panting breaths. Why was she acting so strangely? She closed her eyes, his near naked form dancing before her eyes. This would never do! She had to remember her place and Dirk. If she thought of Dirk long enough all the desires in her mind would vanish back to cold reality. No more unmoral thoughts about Eric could invade her mind.

She heard him step out of the tub, just imagining was killing her. She opened her eyes and focused on the lush green fields below, there was something somewhere to distract her. She heard him call out her name once again, and she sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She would be alright, she could do this without acting like a silly ninny.

She placed her hand on the door and realized she was shaking. Gripping her hand into a fist, she calmed herself down a little and stepped back inside. She shut the door, and let her eyes adjust to the darkness with in...

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Her hands felt so good along his back and he closed his eyes enjoying the sensation that seemed very familiar somehow. "Yes, a messanger to my father would be good. But tell the messanger not to spread the word to any but him and send word to my father not to send anyone here. I will arrive when my health permits. I have my reasons for this and my father will be able to guess what they are."

A plan had been forming in his mind as he had been speaking to Kaitlyn. This illness might be a blessing in disguise as it might just give him a chance to see his future bride's reaction to his sudden disappearance and either prove or disprove the rumors. He would recover here and go back only when he was sure what awaited him there.

His mind shifted to his plans back to her hands as they moved downward to his lower back and then just a bit forward. Now his mind was no longer on his back but on what was stirring beneath the water in front of him. It had been a long trip and a long time since he had had female companionship of that kind.

He was about to interrupt her cleaning for fear he would not be able to control himself in a very short time when she announced that his back was clean and she was going to do his hair. Warm water splashed about his head and shoulders and her fingers felt good as they massaged his scalp. He leaned back and enjoyed her touch feeling somehow that this was right though he could not for the life of him say why he would feel that way.

"The raid went very well up to the time that I fell for the trap," He said the anger he felt at himself for falling for it evident as he talked. "We have enough to divide among the crew and then to spare for those clansmen that either had no men to send or whose men are too aged. The families of those who died will also be well taken care of."

Another douse of water and she announced he was clean, placing her face close to his. He turned his head and for a long moment they were face to face their lips inches away from each other and again that feeling of rightness came over him and he almost leaned in to kiss her before she backed off, her face red and stuttering something about being outside. Eric sat there for a long moment just looking at the door she had left through and thinking about the strange feelings he was having where she was concerned. It had to be the long voyage and the illness. Not that she was not a very pretty woman but he had just met her and his mind should be on his duty as head of the clan instead of this slip of a girl.

Pushing himself up and out of the cooling water he took his time to slowly dress noticing that the trousers were a little tighter than they should otherwise be after the close encounter with Kaitlyn. When he was dressed he sat back down on the bench and called to her. He was feeling better but his stomach was complaining about the fact that he had not eaten. He looked at the mush that she had brought to the bathhouse knowing that to regain his strength he was going to have to swallow his pride and ask for help.

As she came in he turned his head and caught her eyes a rueful smile flashing across his face. "I don't suppose you could give me a hand eating now. I can't seem to keep the spoon steady enough to get the food to my mouth." He grimaced at the confession but his eyes held hers the whole time showing none of the weakness that his body was experiencing.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She nodded her head as she came back in, his voice soothing her a little. She walked slowly over and sat down beside him. Picking up the bowl, she scooped a bit on the spoon, and lifted it to his mouth. She watched his lips part and the spoon slide in a little. Pulling it out slowly she once again did the same thing. Her eyes were focused on his mouth and the spoon, the heat climbing to her face for a moment. Then clearing her head, she glanced up at him.
"I will send the messenger once we return to the house, perhaps my foster father will return shortly? I.. I was thinking of going to gather more herbs later, they will help you regain your strength.." She looked down the bowl was empty, had she managed to feed it all to him without loosing her head? She smiled brightly and sat the bowl down.
"The clothing fits you nicely, I was not sure if it would be too small or not.. But you look to be the same size as my foster father. And I know as future laird of the Clan, he would help you thusly. I bet he will boast for months to come over you being a guest at his house." She stood up and assisted him to his feet. He wasn't as tired as before, which was a good sign.
"Perhaps you could tell your father you wish for an absense? Then you being gone for awhile will not worry anyone?" She walked him outside, and into the longhouse. She helped him to be seated back on the pallet, and sat down next to him.
"Is there something you would like to do to occupy your time? Other than wearing yourself out?"

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric did not flinch this time as she put her arms around him to walk him to the long house. He felt better for eating and it was done in a place that no one else could see them. For some reason he was not so embarrassed of his weaknesses in this woman's presence. He chuckled slightly as she mentioned her foster father being honored with the visit from the chieftain's son.

"Kaitlyn, I am a man like any other. Only my birth separates me from your foster father and we are all in this clan together. It is only together that we can survive. Each of us plays a unique part in this and it is through that we gain our strength. Nothing else."

As they walked he shook his head at her suggestion. "I only wish my father to know of my absence. I have my reasons. I want to judge the reaction of a certain someone to my disappearance. I am a great believer in the fact that a man's...or woman's...mettle is shown during the toughest of times. I wish only to see proof of that now."

Though not worn out badly he was still grateful to be back on his pallet and he laughed at her suggestion that he was determined to wear himself out. "I choose to look at it as determination. Besides, the faster I get well the faster I will be out from underfoot and you can go back to your normal routine. As for what I wish to occupy my time you can tell me about yourself. You said that this is your foster father so what branch of the clan do you originally come from? How did you find yourself in the position of being raised by a foster family and how did you learn the art of herbs so well?"

He watched her as he spoke something telling him that they had sat and talked like this before but knowing this was the first time he had been with this woman. The feeling of knowing her even before they met was beginning to irritate him. He was not a man who cared for unknowns and this was very much an unknown. It was not something that was a danger to him but it was something that was persistant as well as insistant as if it called to him from the distance where he could not make it out clearly.

"So, Kaitlyn, tell me about the woman who rescued me from an untimely death and about what she wishes as her reward. I assure you my father will be only too grateful to give you and your foster father anything that you desire in exchange for your act of kindness."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn of Irye

She listened to his words, and smiled now and then. He was right about alot of things this morning. She sat there, Studying him for a momement.

"It is true a person is judged by the tough times. But whom are you judging?" She was curious to know who he thought needed judged in this manner? She shouldn't have asked though, it was really none of her affair.

She smiled, "Tell you about me? Well alright. If you are sure I wont bore you to tears?" She laughed as he swore it would not bore him.

"Well It is a custome for the lower ranked families to foster their daughters out at the age of 14 winters old. Irye is my father, and my mother is Lanna. We have a farm not to far from here, It is in the southern corner of the Clan's lands. Somewhere close to your father's lands. But much much smaller. I was raised at home and once my mother felt I had learned all I could from her, she sent me here to Cora. Vuan does not teach me anything, his wife does. I've learned to make the traditional beer, and perfected my wifely skills for the day I am to be married. I will return home soon, just before I am married. Cara and Vuan have taught me alot, and will also be at my wedding as parents. Since you have no sister's I am sure you did not know this custom."

She paused for a moment then went on, "I've learned to weave and sew. I've learned to bake and make beer. I've learned how to make all the dairy my own family would ever need.." She glanced around, "And in my spare time learned from Donner how to handle a short sword and a dagger." She smiled, "Though my foster parents would not deny me the pleasure of learning the weapons, I kept it secret so my own mother would not die of shock on me. She thinks it is unlady like. I've learned to cypher, and ride, shoot a bow and arrow. I've learned how to make everything, but tapesteries. You should see the one I am working on now... Terrible sight." She giggled a little, it was true, the picture was completely messed up by little mistakes in the colours.

"There isnt much to tell, My life has been planned out side in was 2 summers old, and set in stone. I reached 18 winters just a few months ago, now all that is left for me to do is to marry and produce tons of children. Well as Dirk has instructed." She looked a little confused and worried at this part. She didnt know what was expected of her in the marriage bed. She dreaded asking though.

"I've made a little money in my herb making skills, and ointments.. Vuan and Cara encouraged me to buy my own property incase of Divorce and I am not happy with Dirk. No one will tell not to marry him, they all say do it. Confusing isnt it? It is my choice but.. Never mind. Its strange at times around here." She smiled, her eyes meeting his. He looked lost as she felt or perhaps he was curious? She did not know for certain.

"The lands I bought are small but are between your families lands and my father's farm. When I return to my father's home in a few days, I would like to go an inspect it. See what needs to be done and repaired. Dirk assures me we will live in his father's Long house until he is done raiding and earned enough gold to buy his own property. That is if he ever gets done raiding." She said the last part with something in her voice that clearly spoke her lack of happiness in his lust for wealth.

"Well I think I have tired you enough with my ramblings, there anything else you would like to do?" She stretched out a little on the floor, her legs cramping from sitting folded for so long. She glanced around the house, no one was even inside but them. She turned back and hit him with an unexpected question.
"Since men are not required to be a virgin when they marry, I assume you know something of what happens in bed? And if so, could you tell me a little? I do not like fearing the unknown, and this is one of a few things I know nothing of, and it is a little frightening...Please?" She leaned towards him, her eyes locked with him, pleading in her eyes. She had to know what would happen before she got married.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric chose not to explain about his testing of his wife-to-be. That would be for himself and his father to deal with. He chuckled as she explained the custom of the lower ranks. "Of course I am familiar with that custom but there are other reasons for having a foster family. Of course not living daily in that kind of situation I do not think of it much."

He listened intently as she told him of all she had learned, his eyes clouding as she spoke of a marriage that she did not know she wanted or not. Looking at her face he suddenly wondered what man in his right mind would choose raiding over the beauty that streatched out on the floor before him. Then his face became grim as he realized he would be out raiding and leaving his new bride at home but his was for the good of his clan. After the men on the raid were paid, the families of those who died taken care of, the rest went for whatever the rest of the clan needed no matter their station in life. It was a system his father had set up and one he planned on continuing. But it would not soothe his wife when he was away for months or longer though his raiding would stop when he became head of the clan. It was not wise to leave the clan without a leader for any length of time. They needed to be strong on their own land as well as on other's.

He grinned as she asked if there were anything more he wished to do and he nodded, a strange light in his eyes. "Aye, there is more, lass. I would love to see you ride and shoot and I itch at the chance to cross swords with such a woman as yourself. Maybe when I grow a bit more steady you would agree to spar with me to let me regain my own skill."

His eyes opened in shock as she put forth her very forward question and he stared at her for a moment not knowing what to say. He cleared his throat and tried to form a sentence that would make sense to both himself and her.

"I had never thought of it that way. I suppose women are required to be more innocent than men on their wedding night." He settled back and thought a moment. "I suppose the experience varies with the person who shares your bed. There are those men who are gentle and those who feel their gratification is more important than that of the woman. I do not know what this Dirk of yours is like."

"Basically when a man takes a woman to bed he..." Eric laughed and gave Kaitlyn a look of disbelief,"I wish I knew how to explain it. I am sure your foster mother could do a much better job than I. To put it simply the man joins with the woman, the first time there is a bit of pain for her as her maidenhood is taken but, if done right and with enough care, she can gain just as much pleasure as he can. There joining will produce the children you spoke of but..."

He frowned feeling it was not his place to say what he was going to say next but feeling he must. "Kaitlyn, this experience I have told you about can also be the worst a woman will experience if care and love is not involved. I would think very hard about your choice of husband seeing as how you have a choice. Do not marry for convience sake if it is not required of you. A life without that caring hand at night can feel like only an existence instead of a full life."

He was thinking of his own future with a bride he was destined to marry in spit of his reluctance just because the match would be good for the clan. Was this attempt at deception about his disappearance an excuse to avoid such a fate? If it could prove she had been unfaithful than the betrothal would be off for the same reason as Kaitlyn had stated. Women were expected to come to the marriage bed pure and especially if there could be a doubt about the linege of an heir.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She smiled, "Ya, I would spar with you. If that is your desire Eric." she blushed at his explanation. "well.. my foster mother told me the same thing my mother did. Lay there and dont argue, and let them do their duty. and I will do mine by being silent and withstanding the marriage bed. But that does not matter. The only reason I am marrying Dirk is because he is the only male in the whole village who isnt too old or too young. And He isn't bad to look upon. I dont know him really. He says I should just remain silent and let him guide me when ever we are together. And I was taught to do as I am told.." She shrugged it off.
"Would you like to go for a little walk perhaps?" She wanted to get off the topic, it was depressing her. "Dirk may not return for months, So who knows when I will marry. The contract has been drawn up, not signed yet. And your father hasn't yet approved the match. So I wait for his descision first. Your father has been very busy lately, and I am sure my marriage is the last thing on his list of things he has to over see. Marry for love is what happens in fairy tales. Not real life Eric. Even you know this. Let's find something cheerful to do, this gloomy talk isn't doing either of us any good. Perhaps a walk in the woods?"
She stood up and smiled down at him, waiting his answer.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric frowned at her view of the marriage bed not to mention her description of the man she would marry and her intended future. For some reason the thought of this woman enduring something like that made him angry and protective of her as if she was his own sister. No, that was not right either. Common sense told him not to butt in but something within him pushed him on in his feelings on this matter. Though she expressed a wish to put aside the matter, he reached out and gripped her chin in his large fingers and turned her to face him, his gaze catching hers.

"Now you listen to me Kaitlyn of Irye and not because I am son of the chieftan either but because I am someone who owes you a great debt and would not see you in such a state. It may be considered a 'duty' to some to allow the husband to take what he wants without complaint but I would tell you that it is not pleasing to anyone, not even the man, to have a complacent but cold body to share a bed with. You spoke true when you said I had been with others and I have found the greatest joy came from helping my chosen bed mate enjoy the experience as much as I. The thrill of seeing her eyes open wide in ecstacy and fulfillment lends just as much to me as to her."

His eyes darkened a bit as he went on. "And you are far too intellegent a woman to be led silently by any man. The man is a fool not to use the gifts you bring to the marriage to their fullest. In my opinion he is a waste of your time but it is still for you to decide." A smile creased his lips as he added,"Just remember, if a man could make it on his own there would be no reason for marriage."

"I cannot recall the times my father owed the wisdom of his counciling and rule to the advice and news my mother had gathered from the females of the clan. No one knows more about the workings of what is going on and I probably do not have to tell you that. Any man that does not recognize the contributions of all members of the clan is not worthy to lead. That is a direct quote from my father." Eric chuckled,"There were even times he listened to me when I was but a lad to get a different opinion on a matter and he did not ask in jest, he truly listened to what I had to say."

His face clouded over as he said almost to himself,"But it looks as if I will not have the same outlet for advice if my own marriage goes through. How can one get advice about the goings on in the clan if one's wife refuses to mingle with any but the most prominent of members?" Looking at Kaitlyn he realized he had spoken aloud without meaning to and pushed himself from the pallet to stand, albeit shakily. "I do believe you said something about a walk? I think the fresh air might do me some good." Looking down at her he said suddenly, as if some thought had just hit him,"And do not rule out love, Kaitlyn, it is known to be a very powerful emotion, going beyond circumstances and time itself." Shaking his head as if dazed he wondered where that thought had come from and why he had felt so compelled to state it. Draping his arm over her shoulder he tried not to lean on her too much as he said,"I think I may need that fresh air more than I thought."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She was stunned speachless by his words, her mind just dumbfounded of the views he had on life. She smiled a little, but mainly because she was confused.
"Well... you said a mouth full there didn't you?" She did not know what else to say to all of that? Pleasure? She had no idea what he was talking about? Dirk had never given her any feeling when he touched her but the desire to run and hide. But her foster mother informed her it was a natural reaction to the unknown. So she accepted that, and would learn to accept his touch.
"I have no intention of letting Dirk lead me around, I am sure he wouldn't do that to me. Besides, I can divorce him. Not that I am thinking that.. It's just that love is an emotion that has escaped me most of my life, feeling it now.. I dont know doesnt seem possible. But let's not be gloomy, let's go walk in the woods."

She smiled up at him, helping him to steady him, leading him outside. It was a bright sunny day outside. Donner's rythmic ting could be heard as he forged his armor and weapons for the village. She led him dirrectly south and into the thick trees surrounding the area.

She helped him after a short travel to sit upon a fallen tree. She smiled and sat down next to him, Her eyes watching him glance around her secret meadow.
"Do you like it?"
She was the only one to ever come here, it was her place to escape reality when it bit her one too many times too hard.
"You don't owe me anything Eric, please stop mentioning that. Alright? And do tell me about your trips, I have never left the village except to go home for a short visit, and that village is the same as this one. Only seperated by a few hours ride.."
She turned to face him, wondering if she was pestering him too much?

 

[Forrester]

Eric

He frowned at her expressed views on love. Why was it so important for him to change her mind about this? It was as if he was almost compelled to show her that love was a real force in the world. Not that he would know that in his marriage or had ever really felt it but he had seen his parents and their love for each other and he knew that it was real and something to be desired. His parents had had an arranged marriage but they had been lucky to find love within that arrangement and Eric knew they were hoping for the same with him. It did not look like that would be the way things went though judging by first impressions.

He blinked as he went out into the sunlight and squinted until his eyes could adjust. The fresh air and openess of the outside was soothing, though and soon he was feeling invigorated if a bit tired. He was grateful when she came to a place to sit and he sank onto the fallen log with no question. Looking about he nodded at her question and said,"I do indeed like it. I am partial to the outdoors myself as most can tell by the length of time it takes me to come home from a raid." He grinned at her and laughed at her excitement over his tales.

"Lets see, my trips," He said in a musing tone,"There have been so many that I don't know where to start. And the best part of my trips are when I come home and see the joy on my parent's faces knowing that I am safe again." He thought long and hard and then said,"I guess I could tell you about my very first voyage as a young lad just learning to sail. The captain was a crusty old thing and did not care if I was the chieftan's son or not. He told my father that I would start at the bottom and try to work my way up and that he would not follow a leader who knew not a whit about sailing. My father agreed and so there I was a mere boy standing up and staring into this grizzled face and knowing Father had told him to handle me however he saw fit only bringing me back in one piece. That was the only requirement mind you. I do not think I have known such terror in all my life, even while facing men armed to the teeth. There is something about standing before the one person you know who has your fate in their hands that humbles you almost instantly. At least it did me."

He laughed as he remembered how hard his heart was beating and how his knees felt weak. He had only kept standing by sheer will power and the fact that he was determined not to let this man see any weakness in him at all.

Eric went on to describe some of his adventures both as a man and boy and he spun them with great detail finding that he liked the rapt attention she paid him as he wove the words into a story. There was something about that delicate upturned face that hammered at his very soul. It was disconcerting to say the least. They talked until well past noon at which time Eric's stomach began to growl and alert him to the time. With a chuckle he said,"It seems that, though I am enjoying myself quite well, my hunger does not care for stories." Looking around the peaceful glade he was reluctant to leave and said,"Do you have things you could pack in a basket to bring here to eat? I think a lunch in this delightful place would do me good in both body and spirit."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She listened to his tale of all his adventures he could remember to be interesting. Time seemed to fly by without a warning what so ever. She smiled off and on and even laughed at some funny parts. Feeling for the little boy on a ship with strangers at another part of the tale. She sat the whole time unmoving just listening to his voice. The baritone in it was lulling a little, relaxing her in many ways. She was content to sit and not move forever.
Then she heard his stomach rumble and she broke out in laughter, "Well it seems we've been here awhile doesn't it?" She glanced around and stood up, stretching her form to pull out the kinks. Her foot had fallen asleep and now tingled to life, making her giggle a little as it tickled. Eric mentioned lunch in the meadow. Why not?

"Sure, I can go back and get some food. Will you be ok here by yourself?" At his nod she smiled, "ok I will by right back." She walked off towards the long house. Her mind in a whirl. Why did she enjoy so much time in his company? Just listening to him speak, about anything. She was fascinated with the whole person. She knew she shouldn't be, it wasn't proper, but there was no harm in friendship.

Besides he behaved as a gentleman at all times. Why would anyone fear them alone together? He treated her as if she was a younger sister. It was heart warming in a way, but silently she longed for more than a sister feeling from him. She cursed herself silently, that was another improper thought. She had to curb those and recall her station in life. And the fact he was all but married. Not much longer before he would be, and she would once again be in the country with nothing to entertain her.

So for now she would enjoy his company until she was denied it. She sighed, walking up the stone steps into the long house. Erin was no where in sight, but that wasnt unusual. She had alot of chores to do around the house. Walking into the side structure of the cook house, she got into the pantry and pulled out some cheese, loaf of bread and some dried meat. Grabbing a little pouch of dried fruits she put it all into a basket. She filled a water skin at the well, and grabbed a blanket from her pallet. She carried all this back with her slowly to the meadow.

Her feet were silent in the lush green grass, she crept along until she found the edge of the clearing. Eris sat where she left him, on the log, just looking up at the sky. She admired his profile, her eyes traveling once over him before settling back on his face. She noticed then a little scar by his eye, wondering how he got it, but did not want to reveal herself just yet. Her heart hammered a little the more she gazed at him, it was almost frightening how much she longed to touch him just once more. Had she touched him before? Other than his sickness, but this felt deeper. As if she once felt his touch on her bare skin, his mouth on hers.

She jerked herself awake from her day dreaming and stomped back into the clearing. Keeping her eyes down cast and busy with setting everything up. She kept the conversation light and overly cheerful. "I brought plenty of food, and water.. And even a blanket to sit upon. I do hope you like what I brought?" She did smile at him, just not meeting his eyes for a moment until she collected her thoughts successfully. Finally finished with setting out the blanket and the basket upon it, she walked over to him.

She glanced down a little at him as he was sitting level with her chest, "Would you like me to help you over there Eric? Remember even strong men need help once in awhile.." She did not want to bruise his pride any, but he was still a little weak and worn out from the constant sweating last night.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

As she was gathering the food he sat staring at the sky the memory of her face before his eyes and not the shape of the various clouds. He frowned a bit wondering what was wrong with him and why this encounter with this young girl would affect him so much. But something deeper than he had ever known reached out to him telling him this was not the first time they had met. But where could he possibly have seen and talked to her before. No, not just talked but loved. Now that was absurd. He was turning into an old woman with all these flightful fancies but he could not help but think that there was something all too familiar about her, all to easy in their manner together for them to have just met.

He worried over it until he heard her coming into the clearing. Looking up he smiled a greeting but the smile faded as he percieved the change in her manner and saw the way she avoided his eyes. His eyes followed her as she busily prepared their lunch and he said not a word until she stood before him with an offer of help. Reaching up he placed a large hand on her shoulder and pushed her to the log where he was sitting. Cupping her face in his hand he pulled her to look at him his tone reproachful as she kept her eyes downcast.

"Kaitlyn, what is it? What is wrong? A moment ago we were talking and laughing together and now it is as if you wish to have nothing but the most casual of conversations with me. What is it about me that you have found offensive all of a sudden. Has something about me become replusive? Do I make you uncomfortable? If so tell me how I do and I will try not to do whatever I did again."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She sat down as he tugged her, her eyes resting on his tunic instead of his face. His hands came down to cup her face and raise her eyes to his.

"Kaitlyn, what is it? What is wrong?" She listened to his words, her eyes finally rising up to meet his, she blushed a little. Her brow furrowing just a little as she thought for a moment.
"But.. you did nothing Eric.. What.. why would you think that?"
She locked eyes with him, her face tingled where he touched, she was fighting too many temptations. This was becoming some sort of test Odin had concocted up, she was sure of it.
"I...Nothing is wrong..it's just." She didn't finish her thoughts, her eyes searching his face, then falling down on his mouth. She longed to brush her lips to his, taste him. But she couldn't! She leaned forward a little, her body not heeding her mind, she came closer still, almost reaching his mouth with her own before she realized her mistake and abruptly stood up. His hands feel away, she hurried to the blanket.
"Oh nothing is wrong, I am just hungry is all.." She covered up her desire with the thought of food instead of Eric. She smiled brightly at him, "Come. Join me for the midday meal.." She invited him.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric watched Kaitlyn as she blushed and stammered an answer. Something was wrong. She was a terrible liar which was probably a good thing. Hie eyes opened wide as she leaned in toward him her lips on his mouth. There was a tenseness in the air between them and the familiarity of the situation only added to it. He stayed where he was, letting her body come closer, not encouraging it but not saying a word against it either. Her mouth was so close to his. Just a few more inches and they would be locked in sweet embrace. Something in his mind told him that the contact would be beyond anything that he had experienced in his lifetime. In this lifetime something within him corrected as he felt her breath close enough to brush the skin of his face.

And then she stood, brushing off his hands and moved quickly to the blanket making an excuse of being hungry. His eyes watched her a hint of amusement in them and he rose to make his way slowly toward the blanket sinking down very close to her and stretching out. His eyes never left her, watching as she began to serve the food. Something about this woman was drawing him and he wanted to find out what. The fact that he was expected to marry when he went home and that this woman was not of his social station seemed to be the last thing on his mind in this secluded setting with her.

Taking some bread from her hand he let his own linger on hers for a moment, drawing the action out. Smiling his most charming at her he said,"So, tell me more about this man you plan to marry, Kaitlyn. What do you feel your life will be like once you are wed and settled down?" Watching her for close he knew her reaction to the question was as important as the words themself.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She served him lunch and got her own meal, sitting back. Careful to keep her legs covered she managed to fold them under her. She finally glanced at him, confusion in her eyes.
His question startled her a little, what did she feel for Dirk? What did she expect? She did not know. It never really crossed her mind. She had to take a moment and think.
"Well, I would suppose He would settle us on a farm, like this one. Have children and grow old.." She shrugged a little, not really certain what he was asking with his question.
Well she was certain but she didn't want to ask herself, What about love?
She almost thought love as a mythical thing that only happened with knights and lady's, never common folk like herself.
"As for Dirk himself, He ummmm.... He raids alot. He likes the beer I make him.. Thinks I am very handy with the chores and home, since I can run a house this size, he is certain I could manage a smaller one with no problems." She didn't really know anything about Dirk. The thought made her lose her appetite for food for a moment.
What was she doing?! She screamed in her own mind. She had known something wasn't right with this whole situation, but on the other hand she was expected to marry and move on. She couldn't live at home forever. It was either marry or become a spinster. She wanted children, she always had wanted children. She even thought of names when she was ten years old for all her children. She was expecting at least six, if not more.
"I.." She glanced down at her hands, unsure what to say. What did she know about Dirk other than his family, name and he liked to raid? "He did say he would rape no more once he was married to me.." She glanced up at him, feeling the urge to run and hide now that she made an ass of herself.
She was smart, but not when it came to men. She sighed, "I am sure given time we will love each other.." bald face lie if the rumors were true that he was a wanderer, a womanizer.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric kept his gaze locked onto Kaitlyn. The outward signs were clear. She did not love this man and she did not know him. Unfortunatly Eric did. Not well for Dirk had only gone on two raids that Eric commanded but on both the two of them did not get along. If you wanted to put it mildly. On the first raid he had been caught trying to keep some of the spoils to himself and not put it in to be counted and divided fairly. For that offense Eric had taken part of his portion and added it to the portion that went to the families of those that died in the raid.

The second offense got him exiled from any further raids that Eric was in charge of. They had just defeated a large village, the spoils had been carted aboard and now the men had the choice of the women of the village. The taking of the women as part of the spoils was a regular thing but the hard and fast rule under Eric's command was that you could bed whatever woman you wished but there was to be no violence to the one you chose. Not all of the women were willing but most were to fearfull to do anything but comply. However no woman captured by his men ever bore a mark of violence upon them and those that were not taken back by boat to the homeland were released with food enough to get them to the next village. Some said that Eric was softhearted but he had long ago been taught by his father that if those they raided were destroyed completly they would soon have to go farther and farther away from home to find targets to raid and soon no raid would be profitable.

On this second time Eric was making rounds in the village, most of the men having taken their choices to some hovel or room and the sounds of the night air filled with the activities of the night. All of a sudden feminine screams of pain rent the air and Eric raced toward a house on the edge of town. Entering he saw Dirk standing over the form of a young girl of no more than eighteen winters a snarl on his face and his fist raised to hit her again. The woman, naked and curled into a fetal position, lay sobbing at his feet. Moving past the startled man Eric knelt by the girl, turning her face to look at it. What he saw enraged him and he physically dragged the protesting viking out of the house and into the middle of the street personally dealing a blow to each place the woman's face testified that she had been hit. Leaving Dirk in the middle of the street he reentered the hut, threw a blanket over her form and put her to bed leaving a guard and strict instructions that she was to go through no more that night or ever. In the morning she was given a small sack of money, some food and set on the path her family had been driven the day before along with all the other women who would be staying. To say there were bad feelings between the two men would be to make an understatement. He had thought the name familiar when she mentioned him but chose to say nothing as he did not want to upset her and it had been years since the incident, the man could have changed in that time. Though, by her words it did not seem he had.

Keeping his face straight he bit into the bread and cheese and chewed for a moment before saying. "Yes, I can see he really appreciates the finer points in a wife. I am sure he takes every opportunity to tell you how pretty you look as the sun bathes your face while you weed the garden. Or how your cooking rivals that of his mothers. I am sure you have heard from him how soft and sweet your hands feel on a fevered brow so I will not have to tell you that myself."

Giving her a sidelong look he said,"And I can see it now, the sweet parting between you. Him telling you how much he hates to leave you at home to go raiding but that it is necessary so that he can build a life for the both of you and how he would be looking forward to returning. You know, all the things a young woman longs to hear so that she may dwell upon them when her man is gone."

"Ah yes, and love. What was it you said to me? That, to you, feeling love seemed impossible? Arranged marriages have their purposes, Kaitlyn, and some do end in loving relationships as my parent's did. But it has been my experience that in order for love to grow it has to have furtile ground to do so. When one looks at that person they should at least feel as if love were possible not that they could divorce should it not work out. Planning for failure, brings failure."

Eric fell silent for a moment thinking about what he had just said. What did he feel for his intended? His actions in sending word only to his father to see what her intentions were should be a message to him. He did not love her, he knew that and if the marriage took place his raiding would probably increase. Would he be any better than the man he was warning her against he wondered.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She glanced his way, not wanting to show her confusion in this matter. But what could she do about it now? She already had the contract written and was being delivered with her Foster Father. She got a fearful sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. One she did not like.
He never complimented her. He only told her what to do and when to do it. She glanced around a little, perhaps she could ride for the lairds castle and get word that she changed her mind? She didn't know for certain when they would make it. Traveling as they did it would take at least two days to get there. The horses and carts slowing them down considerably. By boat she could make it in under a day around the loch. But did she dare try it?
"I.. Failure. You are right. I agreed to marry him because he was the only suitable suitor around. And I do not wish to be a burden on my family any longer. And I want children. Living in solitude would kill me more than a loveless marriage.." She sighed heavily. "If only life's descisions were easier to make. I should go to your father, Before my foster family arrives. Perhaps I can stop the banner from being read aloud? But I do not own a long ship to get there. It would be the only way to beat them there.?" She chewed on her cheese.
"No, it is too late to race there now. I would kill any steed I tried to make the journey on. I can not do that." She stood up, duting off her skirts, she glanced down and looked at Eric again. She wished she had the nerve to say what she felt at that moment looking at him. But it was improper, and wrong to say things she shouldn't.
She walked over to the log where she left the water, and picked it up. Sitting back down on the blanket across from Eric she handed him the water first.
"what about your marriage? You are marrying for love too aren't you?" She whispered, fearing the answer, but she had to know. Just to ease her a little.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Eric looked at her almost shocked at the question she put to him. Throwing his head back he laughed long and hard shaking his head as he replied. "I am marrying because the match has been picked out by my father as the best one to strengthen the clan. It has nothing to do with feelings. Of course it is always hoped that we will grow to love one another but I am not putting too much faith in that. I have only met the lady a few times and she seems somewhat preoccupied with things other than our upcoming marriage. In fact she seemed to find almost any man's presence preferrable to mine. I sometimes think I bore the lady."

Taking a drink of the water he passed it back to her. "I will fulfill my duties and produce an heir or two with her and then I suppose we will go our own way in our personal life. I will have raiding to go to after the child or children are born and I am sure she will find some man to keep her company while I am gone, fulfilling her wifely duties whenever I come home."

Looking over at her he shrugged. "I never said that a marriage full of love is always obtainable. I just think that you are not setting your sights high enough. Look at yourself. Somewhere there is some man who would take care of you the way you truly deserve to be taken care of and do it with some amount of love. I would even be willing to put a search in to other branches of the clan for someone more suitable than someone who would treat you as something to be used instead of something to be cherished." He did not know why he cared who Kaitlyn was married to or why he felt a need to see her cherished and protected. Once he left here he would be in his own life dealing with his own problems and probably never give her more than a cursory thought. But, looking at her now, he somehow could not see himself being able to not think of her and that bothered him as well. What was this nagging feeling he had that she was supposed to be under his care and protection? It was crazy and a product of being too long at raiding he was sure.

"You seem to be a very special person and you did save my life. I only wish to see you happy and I don't think you could be happy with someone such as he. But, I will mind my own business and let you make the decision. I have already interferred too much."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaitlyn

She snorted a little, "I see.. I should marry someone suitable, but yet you marry on demand to someone whom you do not even know. At least I know Dirk a little more than you know your intended." She stood up, dusting off her gown. She started packing the lunch back into the basket. There he went again, treating her like a little sister.

She held her tongue, she was trying to control that fateful temper she was always accused of having. She finished with the packing up and sat back down, this time a little closer to Eric. Her eyes searched his face for a moment, then she spoke up again.

"How do you know if someone is right for you? Can you tell in a touch? A single kiss perhaps? Their eyes? Their scent? Is it how your heart beats whenever you come near them? You palms sweat and your heart skips a beat.. how do you know if it was meant to be?" her voice was soft, but her eyes never left his face. She was so close to him now, she leaned towards him as she spoke. Waiting to see his reaction to her nearness.


It was all wrong, she was pushing where she should be acting lady like. She was treading on dangerous ground with her questions, her nearness to him. But she was willing to take a chance on breaking some rules, just to read him accurately.

She cocked a shapely brow at him, since he did not answer right away, just sat looking at her with a weird look. She moved and stood up again. "It is a perfect day for swimming, would you like to accompany me through the woods to the loch?"

She smiled down at him, wondering what he was thinking at that moment staring up at her. Was she being immoral? Too forward? Nosey? Pesky perhaps? She wanted to see what he would and would not tell her.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

His eyes sparkled as he watched her pack up the lunch. For some reason he enjoyed her display of temper. The firey personality that struggled to show through fit her very well. He was taken aback by her questions. He didn't know how to answer because he had never found that person he had felt was just right. He had never really looked knowing that it was out of his hands since he had been told his bride would be picked for him by his parents and that he would have no choice but to uphold his duty in the marriage.

He watched her as she leaned forward as if she was going to kiss him and, somehow, he wished she would. For a moment he envisioned the feel and taste of her lips, the sensation of her body pressed against his as they were locked in a passionate embrace. And then she was moving away from him and he found that he had been holding his breath the whole time.

"A swim?" He said trying to grasp onto what she had said instead of the image floating before his eyes. "Sure!" He said a wicked grin coming to his face. "A swim sounds good. After you." A gleam lit his eyes as he stood and shuffled after her as she headed toward the water.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Kaithlyn

"a swim it is.. shall we?" She stood up andpicked up everything, slowly leading him through the trees to her own secluded little swimming spot. Once there she dropped everything and helped Eric sit on a boulder. She smiled, carefree and full of life, a swim always made her feel better. Stripping off her tunic and boots, stockings, she stood in a thin shift.
She smiled over at him, not noticing if he was embarassed or not, and dove into the pooled water. She jumped up inhailing sharply. "It's.. Kinda chilly.. but you get used to it.. I hope..' She giggled and dove under again, hanging out at the bottom before rising once more. She sucked in air into her lungs and floated on her back for a few minutes. Her hair came undone and floated atop the water around her. This was heavenly and peaceful.
"Come on in!" She called out to him her voice light and playful. this was a deffinate way to spend the day. Wet and weightless.

 

[Forrester]

Eric

Following at a shuffling gait but one that was stronger than it had been, he sat down on a rock as he watched her strip down to her shift. His eyebrows raised and he wondered what Dirk would think about her standing there in something so light you could see the outline of her nipples in front of another man. Especially a man he didn't like after the last encounter between them.

He watched her dive in thinking what a pretty picture she made as her body slid beneath the water and then resurfaced, her hair clinging to her face and framing it in glistening wetness. He just kept sitting there watching her and not realizing that he was lost in the image of her until she called for him to come in.

With a grin on his face he called,"Be there in a minute!" And stood to divest himself of his own clothing. The only difference was he was stripped to nothing before he dived into the water not thinking a thing about it as he had done it so many times before. Coming up beside her he began to tread water looking at her, her shift doing very little to hide the budding young woman behind the material but instead molding to her frame and accentuating every delightful curve of her body.

His face lost it's grin as his eyes roamed up and down her floating form and he suddenly had an overwhelming urge to sweep her into his arms and kiss her most thourghly. Shaking his head he tried to remember that she belonged to another but, then again, when did a viking think much about things like that? But this was his kin! She was part of his clan, not part of a village they had just conquered. This was a whole different situation. Now if he could only tell his body that! He was just very glad that the water was deep enough to hide what he was really feeling because one look at him below the waist and she would have no trouble reading his thoughts.