Timeless Love

Kaitlyn

She was taken back by his sudden movement. She couldn't even bring herself to look away! He stripped down to nothing and jumped into the water. She felt the blush creep into her face, Wow! She cleared her throat and quickly floated to her back, staring up at the blue sky above. Not daring to look him in the face, she was very curious and just now seen a fully nude man. She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself a little, that was more than she ever expected to see before marriage. She had to breath so she sucked in a deep breath and floated upright. Smiling, she glanced at Eric, "How does the water feel?"

She gave him a curious glance, he was just treading water next to her, not saying a word. She smiled, placing her hands on his shoulders for a moment, bringing their bodies closer together.
"I've been swimming since I was very small, my father said the second day after I was born he took me out into the loch and tossed me in... I dont think he really just tossed me in, but he likes to boast he did." She laughed softly, it was amusing to her. Since her father was so loving and kind to imagine him actually throwing a child into the water alone.

She brushed against him, he started to sink, she quickly let go, "I better be careful or I might just dunk you under.. Don't wear yourself out Eric, you are still healing.." She smiled, and dove under the water. Swimming towards shore, she waded out until she was hip deep in the water. She turned back to look at him, "Well are you coming to join me or not? We can't stay in too long with you having a fever and all..." She put her hands on her hips, waiting for him to come forward.

She watched him as his gaze moved over her form, she knew he was doing it. She could almost feel the scorching touch on her flesh. She shivered a little, still daringly holding his gaze. Why did she feel the urge to grab him and hang on forever? Why this over whelming sensation to kiss him? Touch him all over? She already knew, somehow, what his touch would feel like.. And it was confusing but she smiled anyways.

She diverted her eyes elsewhere for a moment, she was an engaged woman.. She couldn't keep up this cat and mouse with Eric. But she wanted to.
 
Eric

The touch of her hands on his shoulders sent an unexpected trace of fire through him and he had to fight the urge to grab her up and crush her lips beneath his own as he lifted her shift over her head and pulled her even closer joining their bodies just as he felt their souls were somehow joined.

He shook his head. Now where did that thought come from? He must be more fevered than he had at first thought. He smiled at the story of her childhood but his eyes followed her as she swam once more for the shore and he locked his gaze on her form as she stood there looking back at him. For a few moments the world seemed frozen in time and then she broke the gaze and looked away.

Eric swam for shore and silently made his way to his clothing, pulling on only his pants before moving up beside her and taking her face in his hand, turning her face to him and leaning in to brush her lips with his own. Giving her a smile he began to walk back toward the house at a slow, careful pace.
 
Kaitlyn

She watched as he waded out of the lock, but turned her eyes before he was completely exsposed to her. She felt her blush creep up into her face once more. Turning away from him was like trying to stop the moon from rising, near on impossible. her thoughts wondered over and over again on this strange feeling she had whenever she was near him. Hell, at 10 years old she felt that same sensation when ever he came through the village, the urge to hold him, make him smile. And so much more.
She didn't know how long she stood there thinking, but next thing she knew Eric had her face in his hands and turned her to look up at him. She smiled briefly, her eyes showing her confusion. What did he want of her? She felt the shocking reaction where his hands touched her.
She fought hard to control this, and as his face came down to hers, his lips barely brushing her own. She felt her heart soar into the sky and her body tingle from head to toe.. And then he was gone. Walking towards the house.
She must have looked like an idiot standing there with nothing but a wet clinging shift and a dazed look on her face. She tried to gather her thoughts, tell him to stop and come back to her. But it was best wise not to do such a thing.
She groaned out softly, her lips still tingling from his kiss. She wrapped her arms around her middle and just stood there a few more minutes. She needed to gather her thoughts, make some rational sense of all this. But how? She knew what she wanted, wrapped around him.
"Kaitlyn!" She cursed herself, how could an innocent female think such things? She couldn't call herself a woman yet, she wasn't. And yet she wasn't a little girl either. She sighed, slowly pulling on her tunic and stockings. He had vanished into the woods, heading back towards the longhouse. She knew her way, but she wondered if he did?
She finally got dressed and slowly made her way in the same direction. Not really looking where she was going, or caring. Her mind was all on one thing at that moment. His touch, and that strange look in his eyes when he looked at her. She was almost certain it matched her own.

She came out of the woods, glancing up ahead as Eric vanished into the longhouse. She sighed again, glancing down at her feet. She heard foot steps and then two large feet came into view down by her own.
"Kaitlyn?" She jerked her head up, looking right into Dirk's smiling face.
"Dirk?" She fumbled for something to say, they didnt spend alot of time together to converse very often.
"Aye, it is me lass.. Did'ya miss me?" he queried with a curious look in his eyes.
"Oh.. Aye Dirk, I did.. I was just wondering.. when you would return from raidin'?"
He glanced first one way then the other, "let's go somewhere to talk.." He didn't wait for her to answer, just took her elbow and escorted her into the woods. They stopped after a few minutes of walking and he jerked her up in his arms, hugging her tightly to his body. "Oh. I missed you Kaitie girl.. but I must leave out tonight. Another saxon village to raid in a few days.." She was a little speachless, not sure what he was wanting from her. She hugged him back, waiting for that feeling to come over her like it did when Eric was near her.
Nothing happened that was bone jarring effective. She sighed and stepped back from his embrace.
"When I return kaitie, we will wed. I will go to the laird myself and see what I can do to get us together finally. I've waited long enough." She tried to smile at his words, it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Very well Dirk." It was all she could think of to say.
"A farewell kiss katie?" His eyes pleaded with her, but she still sensed a hardness about him he kept hidden.
She stepped forward and gave him a chaste kiss on his cheek and stepped back.
"Oh no sweetling.. not like that.." He grabbed her up and his lips met hers. She pushed on his shoulders to try and keep herself from being crushed in his embrace. She kept her jaw firmly locked in place, but he wasn't having that. His fingers came up and clenched her jaw until she had to open it. His tongue darted into her mouth, and she felt the urge to vommit rise up. His hand let go of her jaw and ran down over her bottom, massaging and gripping her cheek in his hand.
Before she could protest he set her down on her feet, his eyes firey now with that look again. He panted a few times, "Until I return kaitie, then we wont be stoppin' like that.. I hope you are ok? I know those feelings are confusing for a virgin, but I will help ease those aches hence my return.." He smiled down at her, his fingertip running over her parted lips and with that he was gone again.
She sat down hard on a log, inhaling rather rappidly. She was angry, how could he just paw her like that and leave?And how dare he think she enjoyed that?!
She stomped through the woods, going deeper and deeper in to be sure she wasn't heard. She was too mad to care but she knew she would be in a world of hurt if she was caught.
When she was far enough from the village she let loose. "You vile disgusting demented pig!" She huffed a little, pacing the glen up and down, trying to calm down her temper. "how dare he treat me like a piece of meat!?!!" She was furious, but winding down.
She sat down on a log, picking up a rock and chucking it as far as she could manage with her rage. She felt tears coming to her eyes, why had she agreed to this? She rubbed her bottom, she would have marks there, she just knew it. That man did not have a soft touch, she wondered if he ever would?
She slid off the log and into the deep grass, laying down where she was hidden from view, she tucked her head into her folded arms and just lay there, trying to clear away that nasty feeling inside herself.
 
Eric

Eric looked back after he had entered the longhouse just in time to see a familiar figure approach Kaitlyn. His brow furrowed and his eyes flashed as he saw Dirk drag her into the woods. "It's none of your affair, Eric," He said to himself,"She has chosen him as her husband and you have no say in it." Still his eyes were locked where they had disappeared and finally he cursed and followed. "The hell it's not!" he growled as he made his way as softly as he could to where Dirk was talking to Kaitlyn.

He arrived just in time to see him pull her to him and maul her and he could tell by her reaction that this was not something she was participating in willingly. His fists curled and his eyes grew dark in rage yet he did nothing. Waiting for what would happen next. It was up to her to tell him that she did not want this yet he could see the confusing as well as the disgust in her eyes as he released her and walked off. Eric's pains and aches were gone and only a slow fury burned within him as he watched her stomp off.

He debated letting her go and work it out herself but something inside of him knew that she needed anything but to be alone at this time. Besides, that filth could come back at any time and she would be alone. Not if he had anything to say about it though.

Following her and cursing himself for not having taken care of Dirk more thourghly when he had the chance he stopped watching her sink to the ground the grasses hiding her from all that would not know where to look. His heart beat wildly in his chest as he looked on her misery and he growled in frustration. Somehow he would get a message to his father and tell him not to approve the marriage. His father trusted his opinion and would hold off until Eric had a chance to explain the request. What he would tell his father and head of the clan he had no idea but he would prevent this farce of a marriage. Kaitlyn deserved so much more.

Walking over to her and sinking down beside her in the grass he scooped her up in his arms and did nothing but hold her tight against his chest, his arms around her letting her know that he was there.

"You are too good for him," He said in a low voice,"He does not deserve such a treasure."
 
Kaitlyn

She felt him lay down beside her, yet she hid her face. She did not want to think about this nightmare any longer. It was begining to look like she would never have a normal life anyways. His arms scooped her up, she knew who it was the second he joined her. His familiar scent invading her senses, She clung to Eric. Hoping to erase that terrible feeling she had inside right now.
"You are too good for him. He does not deserve such a treasure."
She sniffled a little, her arms wrapped around his neck. His words ringing in her ears. Did he mean it? Did she deserve better than Dirk? She thought she did, but there was nothing better she could have. She buried her head into his neck, not wanting to move. The closeness of their bodies didn't help her senses none, but she was more than aware of the difference between Eric's touch and Dirk's. As if night and day, two completely different feelings. Perhaps it was because she's wanted Eric for so long, ever since she could remember, and it was clouding her judgement?
All those things were possible, but the truth was he made her feel more than just here. He made her feel cherished, adult. Made her feel wanted, and cared what she thought. Where as none of that was what Dirk wanted from her. She rubbed her bottom once again, the finger prints there were going to show, she had to be careful where she dressed and undressed so no questions were asked.
She finally felt calm enough, and leaned back looking up into his concerned face. She smiled a little, "It's alright Eric, Life sometimes is a little hard and unforgiving.. but we manage to move on and get over the small things.." she stopped talking, and moved forward.
Her lips met his, softly at first then with more presure. She moaned a little, the contact making her shake in her legs. She tightened her hands, threading them into his hair at the nape of his neck. She opened her mouth and ran her tongue along his lips, begging entry. Now this was the proper way to kiss someone.. When you felt something with it.
She jerked back, "Sorry." She didn't know if Eric would welcome those advanced and he was engaged too. She did how ever feel his heart beating against the palm of her hand, and knew he did feel something by how fast it was beating.
 
Eric

After the first kiss Eric no longer heard anything, her sorry fell on deaf ears because his was filled with the rapid beat of his heart. The feel of her lips on his, hungry and demanding, could still be felt and he looked at her in a way that he had never looked at a woman before. His look was just as deep and hungry as the kiss she had given him and his hand came up to cup the back of her head and bring her back into him for a longer, deeper kiss. This time it was his tongue that sought entrance and slid between her teeth when she opened her mouth to him.

His arms came around her and he pulled her to him, trying not to crush her or hurt her in any way but the feeling inside of him being urgent and needy. His hands were in her hair, gently tugging her head back and into a better position for his tongue to explore her mouth thourghly. He had thought he had felt passion before in his life but nothing like this. His need to possess and consume this woman in his arms was overwhelming and he had to fight for control so that he did not toss her on the ground and take her then and there.

Breaking the kiss, his lips burned a trail of kisses down her neck and into the "V" of her dress, planting one after another in her valley there. His hands moved down from her hair and along her back pulling her to him tighter but not forcibly as he tasted her skin. And then he pulled back, breathing hard and looking at her with a fire that burned deep in his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was rough with his emotion and desire.

"Kaitlyn, I want to stay here with you but I have to go. I have to leave you or I will do something that I will regret later. I swear I'm not leaving because of you...not because I don't want to be around you, at least. By Odin, if there was ever a reason for me leaving it's because I want to stay here with you too much. Something about you is burnt into my soul and I can't control it." His lips brushed her ears and throat again before he pulled himself away with a moan. "I swear, I will find a way to make it possible for you not to have to be married to that..." Words failed him and he just shook his head. "I will find a man who will care about you and show you..." Show her what? all that he wished he could show her? Right now the clan and his own marriage for the good of the clan was the farthest thing from his mind. The only thing that could occupy him right now was the warmth and softness of the woman he held in his arms right now and, if he had his choice, he would have swept her away and to some other place to be with him and only him but for the slight control he maintained on himself.
 
Kaithlyn

She had no thoughts in her head, as they scattered into the winds when he came back and kissed her on his own. His warm tongue tracing her lips, she easily bid him entrance inside. She felt so many new sensations, mostly of heat and the sensation she was melting all over. Her heart pound furiously in her ears, her breathing grew ragged and loud. A moan escaped into his mouth as she pressed closely to him.
She could not get enough, the wanted to wrap around him, inside him. Never let this sweet torment end. But it did, and she whimpered in protest. She did not want him to stop. His lips trailed down her exsposed neck and then he backed off.
She could barely make out his words when he said he had to go, but not because of her. She smiled, reaching for him, but he withdrew from her. She let him, without feeling any hurt. How could she? All she felt was a floating sensation, birds were lucky to feel this weightlessness often. She wanted it again, but knew he was right. This was not proper behavior, and they both were engaged to be married.
"I understand Eric.." She laid back, her eyes hungrily taking his sweet face in. If her desire was real fire her eyes would be lit up with it. She trembled a little, the ache still there and screaming his name. But, she had to ignore it as best she could.
"We should head back to the longhouse before someone arrives and thinks something bad has happened. And your father does need word you are safe.. It's alright Eric.. I do understand your reasons.." She stood up, smiling down at him. She extended her hand to help him rise, watching his eyes.
Her own mirrored her desire for more of him, his touch, his company. She had no reasons for it she could put into words. But the feeling was there, he was part of her.. And she was part of him.
"Do you feel it Eric? Or am I the only one?" She softly asked, confused but hopeful he too felt that around her.
 
Eric

At her question Eric pulled her back into his arms. He could not help it, she belonged there and he knew it just as he knew he must breathe to live. Bending his head he captured her mouth once more but in a gentle kiss full of love and tenderness. Yes, love. Somewhere, somehow he had come to love this woman...or had he always loved her and was just waiting to meet her? He did not know and at the moment he did not care. She was here with him and in his arms and that was all that mattered.

Raising his head he let the look in his eyes speak for itself. "Come with me," He said the urgency in his voice almost palatable. "I am still hurt and you can be my nurse on the trip. When we get there we will talk to my father together about this farce that you are in and I will make him see that there is no way you can continue in it. I don't know where we will go from there but I fear what will happen if you are here when he comes back and I am away. I won't have anything happen to you, do you understand, I can't. And I would be constantly worried about you if I were to go alone."

Searching her eyes with his he said,"Please, Kaitlyn, come with me. For now you will be my nurse and I promise I will find someone who is worth of you and will take care of you just as I would." He ran his hand through her hair regret and sadness in his voice. "I only wish it could be me. If only the gods had been kinder and placed me in Dirk's position instead of son of the Clan head."
 
Kaitlyn

She stared up at him, her eyes searching every inch of his features and eyes. "But?" She didn't know what to say but she knew what she felt. His kiss still lingered on her lips. Find another but she didn't want another? Did she? She was so confused.
"Perhaps It is best I stay here? I would slow down your travel back, and If I just up and took off there would be hell to pay.." she searched his face again. His pleading look was more than she could bare. How could anyone, let alone a mere woman say no to this man? She groaned, and closed her eyes for a second. She licked her at lips, wetting them. Biding a little time to think rationally on this matter. But when she opened her eyes once again, there he was silently pleading with her to come with him.
"How can I say no?" She whispered, her eyes lowering to look apon the green grass beneath her feet. She gripped his shirt in one hand, while thinking. Her eyes came back up, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. She breathed out slowly, letting go of that captured flesh. "Alright, I will accompany you Eric." she smiled a little, still holding his eyes. Another to take care of her? But she did not long for another.


She followed him through the forrest and back to the longhouse. They entered and all was silent except for Erin. No one had returned back yet from their lairds castle. "Erin, pack some of my things for travel and a nice gown to see the laird in. I am accompanying Eric home, and Taking care of him on the way. I let you know so you do not worry over much. I most likely will see my Foster parents there." She bowed to Kaitlyn and went over to one of the trunks, opening the lid and packing some things in a sachel.
"Whenever you are ready Eric, we can depart. Just let me pack some food." She walked over to Erin, "If Dirk comes looking for me, tell him I will return in a fortnight. And do not tell him where I have gone, alright?" She looked a little worried Dirk might follow.
"Yes, lass"
"Thank ye Erin." She moved to the kitchen area and started packing some cheese and bread for their journey, and a few bags of water. Bed roll was rolled up and a dagger and bow sent along. A horse had been readied for Kaitlyn and Eric's horse readied also. All was set.
She turned to Eric, "When do we leave?"
 
Eric

Eric watched as Kaitlyn made preparations to leave. He was not happy himself with the solution he had come up with. He wanted nothing more than to put her on that horse and take her off somewhere where there were no Clan responsibilities and to make her his. But he could just see his father's face at the news that he had shirked his responsibilities like that for a woman. It would bring shame on the whole clan. He gritted his teeth at the feeling of helplessness that he felt, what he wanted fighting with what he knew must be.

"We leave now," He said in a voice that was filled with pent up emotion and he helped her onto her horse as best he could. Kicking his horse into a trot he was silent for a long while only speaking up after some moments of long thought.

"Kaitlyn, I do not wish..." He began only to have to start again,"I do not want to do this. If it were up to me no other man would have you but it is not. It is the best I can do. It is taking all I have not to ride to some distant part of the country and let the Clan go whatever way they would without me and concentrate on my own happiness. But I cannot. You should know the responsibility that is on my shoulders. If only I was not the first born but my brother Leif were the oldest. The gods love irony."

He rode on a bit more before adding,"There is a way that I could have you with me but the place you would occupy would be anything but honorable and I would never ask you to put yourself as my mere bedmate. You are too good for that."
 
Kaitlyn

"I understand" It was all she could say to him, it was all she knew how to respond with. She would not demand he drop his life and responcibilities for a stranger such as herself. She was a lower class than he was, but still she would not be his bed mate. for it would shame his father if he rode off and forgot his life here. And it would shame her parents if she became nothing more than a whore.
"There is nothing either can do Eric, we can live with this the way it is. Friends is better than nothing right?" She offered him a smile, though it was weak at best. She watched the passing scenary, nothing much changed from one end of their lands to the other. But it kept her mind off of the forboding future.
"Shall we ride all night eric, or do we camp?" She whispered a little later in the day, not sure when they would arrive at his father's castle.
Her mind was a million miles away anyways, she did not care if they rode until the sun came up once again. She had much to think about. Much to solve before she was secure in her future. And she had to get over the urge to hold Eric, best not to stop for the night. It was best not to tempt fate to be any crueler than it was being already.
 
Eric

"Friends is better than nothing, right?" He wished he could agree. He wanted so much for it to be everything but he knew it was not possible. As the ride went on he began to feel the fact that he had still not completly recovered.

"We must stop to rest," He said through teeth that were held tight against the pain and nausea he was beginning to feel. "I fear I cannot make it through the night. I promise that you will have nothing to fear from anything," He said silently including himself in that. He would make sure that they slept separately and that he watched over her.

"In fact that clearing right there looks like a perfect spot," He said indicating a small clearing beside a stream of running water. Leading them to the spot he gingerly got off of the horse and helped her down holding her away from himself because he was afraid if she was too near he would crush her to him and forget all about his promises. It took all he had to release her once she was on the ground. Turning from her quickly he began to make up a fire pit and gather wood to start the fire trying to get thoughts of her out of his head.
 
Kaitlyn

She was saddened with the thought of nothing more than friends, but there was nothing either could do about it. She nodded and agreed they should stop, he did not look to good and her bottom hurt her from the long riding. She hadnt been riding this long for awhile now.
He helped her down and she kept her eyes downcast from his, not wanting to show him her true feelings his nearness brought on. She would fight this and win, she was stubborn enough to make it work. She cleared her throat a little and began unpacking the bedding and food.
"We'll have to share a bed Eric.. There is only one roll on here.. And I dont see one on yours.." She quietly spoke up. It was too cold for either of them to sleep without a bedroll. Both would be deafly ill by morning if they tried. This land was too damp and chilly at night to ignore that fact.
She said nothing more, but too herself to the stream. She gathered water for them to drink then went about washing up as best she could.
She never once looked at Eric directly, but stayed to herself. In her own mind was safer than pressing her luck. Her heart still hammered in her chest each time she remembered their kiss from earlier. Hot searing waves rippled across her body all forcused in the center. All beating out his name, and she was not going to shame herself by acting on those feelings he did not want returned.
She stood from the stream glancing around. It was secluded and quiet, perhaps too secluded. She would not think on that right now, she would get dinner, get to sleep some how and move on again in the morning. All rational thoughts all made perfect sense to her. A plan she would stick too. And she prayed to Odin she could keep those set goals in mind when she got nearer to him.
She walked up the camp, sitting down by the fire pit. She slowly warmed her hands and then dug into a satchel for some food.
She handed Eric some bread and cheese and took some for herself. She chewed slowly and in silence. Not sure what else she could possibly do.
 
PM"s

ooc: forrester hun.. Ive tried emailing. PM is full. Go to user cp and go to private messages and delete some in inbox, sent and tracking so I can reply to your messages.. Ty
 
Eric

Eric nodded absently at the bedding arrangements. He would just have to quell whatever attraction he felt for this woman though it would not be easy. How could he feel this way about her and only have known her a few hours? Never had feelings this strong come upon him this quickly. Eric was a large man, used to adventure and danger but this small woman and his feelings for her scared him senseless.

He ate his meal as silently as she had and then helped to clear the food and put it away. Once as he was doing so his hand brushed hers and he felt like he had been hit by a single bolt of lightening. Catching himself before her could grasp her hand and pull her close he began to lay out the bed roll.

"It is time we try and rest, Kaitlyn. I promise I shall not do anything to take advantage of the situation. It will not be easy but I will not dishonor you like that."
 
Kaitlyn

She nodded still frightened by her own reactions whenever he was near her. It was sinful, wanton lust. It had to be right? she heard about this.. Catholics loved to preach to them about it. Behaving wantonly. She sighed, she would do her best to sleep, but she did not see it coming anytime soon.
He laid out the bedroll and climbed inside. Since it was not big enough for much he had to lay on his side and give her room. She looked down at him, gulping the lump in her throat down. She kicked off her shoes and climbed inside. Her head came down and made contact with the soft grass beneath her head. Her body was tucked closely to his, his front to her back. "Sorry" she bumped into him once and then twice trying to get into a comfortable position. This was deffinately going to be a long night. She ducked her head down under the blankets and closed her eyes tightly, not letting her mind think of how closely he was pressing against her backside.
 
Eric

Eric held his breath as she brushed against him getting into the blankets. It was all he could do not to sweep her against him and hold her there tightly feeling her soft body next to his. Closing his eyes he tried to go to sleep and did drift in and out but his sleep was never deep and that, combined with his viking instinct may have been what alerted him for in the middle of the night he heard the snap of a twig and his eyes shot wide open.

Listening carefully he noticed that all was silent and that worried him. It was as if the nightlife of the surrounding forest had suddenly stilled and, since neither he nor Kaitlyn had been moving around in the last few hours that should not have been. Shaking her awake he bent to whisper in her ear,"Don't move. We are not alone. Pretend like you are still asleep but keep a close ear out."

Sliding his hand down he lifted his leg, brushing it against her but it could not be helped. Taking a knife from his boot which he slept in when sleeping in any place other than a regular bed he handed it to her. "Take this just in case you need it and don't hesitate to use it."

The fire had died down and the area was now dark. Slipping from where Kaitlyn lay Eric moved into the shadows to see who would come out. He was close to Kaitlyn and her body in the covers made it impossible for anyone to tell he was not with her in this dark as the moon had passed behind a cloud. Waiting and watching he had a short sword drawn and ready when the first man entered the clearing. With a silent step he came behind him and put the sword to his throat.

"Don't move. Don't breathe. Just think about what you are going to tell me about why you are sneaking around my camp." He didn't get much farther than that because suddenly the world exploded in pain coming from the back of his head and he sank to the ground as darkness passed over his eyes.
 
Kaithlyn

She jerked awake, her heart racing from the sudden way Eric woke her. He moved as he whispered in her ear, her heart beat harder, but she nodded in agreement. He left her, and her heart lept again even further up her wind pipe. She could barely breath or think. She gripped the hilt of the dagger. Worried that all was not well..
She heard Eric speak to someone then heard a sickening thud.
"Go take care of the woman.. I will handle this one.. Alicia wants him dead.. She is a prize." Listening to the two men talk was scaring her worse and worse. She quickly hid the dagger in the folds of her skirt. "Please Eric.. be alive.. dont leave me again!" Where did that come from? he never left her, why was she feeling this way?
"wake up lassie.. We wants a bit 'o fun with you.." She fiened sleep, trying hard not to breath too raggedly. The man bent down by her as the other started to drag Eric off through the underbrush. She moved as quickly as possible, the dagger in her hand, She lept up at him from the ground and stuffed the dagger into his throat. She flinched as his red hot liquid spilled forth over her arm and down her dress. A gurggling sound came from down deep in his throat. His eyes wide with surprise and fear as he saw death coming to greet him.
She turned poised and ready to strike but the other was gone, dragging Eric somewhere. She quickly jumped to her feet and followed. Her heart racing wildly she still moed silently in the night. her feet barely grazing the ground, careful where she stepped. Her eyes alert and watchful, too scared to blink really.
She caught up to the man, He was fishing around for something. Rope perhaps? She did not know, but she heard Eric groaning. She had to think of something to keep that man's eyes and ears from hearing Eric coming too.
"OH BY ODIN! HELP ME!" She cried out. Hurriedly she dropped the dagger. It was her only choice. There was nothing more she could do this one wasnt unexpected. She ran towards him, fear clearly on her face.
"HELP ME! he is trying to Rape me!" She grasped the front of the mans tunic in both of her fists, shaking and hanging on for dear life. "please please pleaaaaase you must help!?" She glanced up at him as Eric moved again out of the corner of her eye.
"Please eric, Hurry!" her thoughts screamed out for him, she was at a loss of what to do.
"Aye wee lass.. I tolt him to.." She gasped in pretend astonishment. " But why?!" She kept backing up as he kept advancing on her..
 
Eric

Thankfully the graze to the head was not bad enough to keep him out for long. His mother always did say if he fell on his head she would have to replace the flooring, groaning, his next clear recognition was that he was being dragged into the woods by someone and then Kaitlyn's voice calling for help. Damn all the gods! His body was not responding fast enough.

He was dropped and the man who had been dragging him approached her and Eric's face grew angry at the words being spoken. The thought that these men would set out to despoil his woman made him see red. Pulling himself off of the ground he lunged for the man grabbing him by the throat and crushing his windpipe even as the he struggled beneath him. Even when there was no more movement in the man he still grasped his neck with a fury that only a viking can show and it was not til he heard Kaitlyn's voice that he calmed enough to let go.

Hearing her call his name he wondered how many times she had said it before it finally sank in. Letting the man go, Eric stumbled to his feet and pulled her against him letting all of his inhibitions go in the relief that she was okay. His mouth came down to cover hers and he pulled her closer to him, enfolding her in his arms as he deepened the kiss.

Lifting his head he looked down at her in the moonlight that was now shining upon them and said,"By Odin I thought that they had harmed you for sure." His eyes caught the red on her dress and he pulled her away from him far enough so that he could examine her. "Kaitlyn, your hurt! What did they do to you? By all the gods! If they hurt you...."
 
Kaitlyn

She jumped back as Eric gave a fierce war cry and launched himself at her would be attacker. She was stunned speachless as Eric's anger. She stood stunned only a moment before she relased he broke the man's neck with one grip.
"Eric? Eric?!" She franticly tried to get him to stop, he looked fearsone. "ERIC!" he finally turned to her, his eyes clearing and the anger vanishing before her very eyes. He grabbed her up into his arms, and she felt everything whirl around her. His lips meeting hers in a hungry consuming kiss. And yet he didnt stop there, he used his tongue to probe into her, taste her .. Allow her the pleasure of tasting him. She groaned out, the men forgotten. All forgotten but his touch. He set her back and said something but she was still reeling from the kiss. His hands groped her body a moment, somewhere. She faintly felt it before reality set in.
"By odin! I was so worried they killed you! then that they would kill you! And he said.. he said they that.. Alicia wanted this done and finished.. And they!" She felt her eyes tear up a moment.
"Oh Eric, I almost lost you!" She launched herself back into his arms, tugging him to her. This time her lips were the ones demanding. She kissed him with all her fear, and worry. All her passion and happiness he was alright. Her mind whirled again, she pushed back a moment, panting for air.
He stood as stunned as she did, what just happened? She wasn't sure but it felt good.
"No.. I am not hurt this isnt my blood.." his face seemed to melt into relief a moment then their eyes locked again.
"I.... I need to wash.. His blood is all over me.. I do not feel well like this.." She moved into his arms, holding him tightly, her head just under his chin. She needed comfort, proof she was alive. But how did one get that? She needed something, and she wasn't sure what exactly it was. But she did know it was him who could give it to her. "what do we do with the bodies? Who is Alicia?"
 
Kaitlyn

"Leave the bodies for the wolves. A deserving resting place for these worthless scum." His voice was hard edged but softer now. he held me as we walked back to camp, his arms never far from me incase something more happened. I felt a little shaken, but i was settling down once again.
"Who is Alicia?" I whispered my question, almost afraid to know who it was those men were referring to.
"My intended bride." his answer stunned me speachless a moment and I halted in my steps. I turned to face him, seeing his pain I thought perhaps it was because of her betrayal.
"I am so sorry Eric...I.." He held up his hand interrupting my appologies.
"Dont say sorry for her actions. I am not hurt by this, just deeply upset. And Upset with myself for putting you in harms way. let's go to camp and move for the night. Perhaps tomorrow when we reach my Father everything will be settled. I will settle this, mark my words.... I will settle it.." I believed him, the look in his eyes would scare even the mightiest of warriors. We packed, I washed and we moved camp a few miles further down the road. This time in a safer location out of sight behind some large standing trees. Curling up into his side, I slept peacefully even after all that had happened tonight.
I dreamt of holding him to me, our lips meeting as passion engulfed me. I jerked awake, moaning. I felt Eric's hands tighten around me.
"Are you alright?" I nodded my head, feeling the heat rush over me where his hand lay. I was alright for now. Laying back down I pressed against him and dozed back off to rest once again.
 
Kaitlyn

Dawn arose bright and early, although I felt no true desire to get up and get back on the horse once again. I had forgotten Eric was ill, he looked worse today. Someone was attempting to kill their Liege Lord's son, an offense great enough to be put to death. But why?
Packing up everything, Eric and I both sat in silence as the horse rode along the worn road. His mind on the things he heard and seen, Kaitlyn's mind on was it safe?
Only time would tell at this point, once the infidel was uncovered perhaps Eric would or could smile once again? We stopped for a mid afternoon rest. Stretching out legs and getting drinks of water from a brook just off of the road.
"We are close kaitlyn." He sounded so sure and yet there was something else in his voice as well? Determination? Perhaps regret for bringing me along with him?
My heart lurched a little, my hands shakey. Hiding them in the folds of my skirts, He helped me to mount back on the horse. Jumping up before me he turned a little to look at me and I gave him my best smile.
"It'll be alright Eric.. Let's go." I fell silent and slipped my hands around his waist. He was riding slowly for me but I knew he needed to reach his father and soon.
"Ride Eric, I'll be alright.." I smiled again and nodded when he stared at me.
"Hold fast.." I didn't need further prompting.
 
Kaitlyn

We rode hard nonstop all the way to his father's longhouse. He pulled up short, glancing around the area of the outter walls. None of the men were stationed on their posts... The bridge was drawn up and we could hear no noises from within.
I felt Eric stiffen under my hands and felt my own nervousness creep up my back. I hated to admit it but I was frightened by his responce and the very apparent lack of noise for a evening on the Lord's lands.
Things should be going on, peasants hauling their wares home, chickens making noises, horses... even the sounds of men walking along the outter walls patrolling.. But there was none of it.
Looking towards the lock, Eric made note of all their ships in harbor. None missing save his, which was left on the shores back at my home.
"I do not like this.." I whispered to him, my hands gripping him tightly.
"Aye, something is amiss here.." He whispered back to me. He turned to look at me and then once more scanned the area.
"I am going to get down and have a look around.. I want you to ride into the woods and stay hidden Kaitlyn.. Do not argue woman, just please do as I bid you. If it is safe I will come for you before nightfall.. If I do not come, take the horse and return home as fast as you can. Understood?"
I nodded my hear, my eyes tearing up as He slid from the saddle. I did not wish to leave him here, nor sit alone in the damp dark woods.
"Go on now, and do not come out. Ride south by south east and you will make it home before morning if you ride straight and hard. Follow the road but to the side of it.."
"But.."
"Do as I say! I can not bare to think what would happen to you if Alicia's men happen upon you.. Promise me!?"
"I promise.. " I could do nothing more, I couldn't argue with him and he was right.
"Come here.." He cocked his finger at me and bid me to come down closer. Trying my best to be strong and not a ninny I bent down closer to him. He placed his fingers on my chin and brought our lips together once more.. Perhaps for the last time.
The kiss was soft and sweet and brought tears to my eyes. It was almost as if he was saying good bye. IT felt like it.
"Go now.. Hide Kaitlyn.." His eyes reflected the sorrow I felt but had the hard edge of a determined trained fighter as well. Once I was gone I knew he would turn into a warrior once again. No emotion just action.
I rode from the trees and weaved into the forrest a good distance to make sure I was hidden from sight but still able to see the outter walls. Sliding from the horses back, I held the reins in one hand and sat in the deep grass. My eyes glued to those walls and bridge.
 
Eric

Walking towards the main gate I searched around for the gatesman. No one in sight, nothing around to indicate anyone was here.
Were they raided by an enemy and everyone slain? I found it hard to believe, my father was a powerful man as were his guards. Were they sent somewhere perhaps to aid an alliance?
All these thoughts swormed my mind, everything ringing hallow and too far fetched to be real.
So where was everyone?
"Eric of Earl!" I turned towards the voice. High on the wall stood the very lovely but deadly Alicia of Irnlei.
"I have returned home to speak with my father!" I yelled up to her, studying her features as best as I could. From this distance I could not see her eyes well enough to know for certain.
"Aye, you have." Her soft voice carried in the stillness. "But he is not here Eric." Behind me I heard the gate dropping. Turning I faced the lowering platform and awaited whatever would come.
Gripping both battle axes in hand, I had a premonition something terrible was about to take place.
In the distance I heard a high pitched screaming and a wild ney of the horse.
"KAITLYN!" I bellowed out with my worry and rage.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?" I turned to face the white witch. Her smile was twisted her gaze hard and cruel.
"You would have forsaken me for that trollop!? You would have ruined me for love! You are not worthy of my families name nor lands. YOU are nothing Eric.. Nothing.."
She turned and called out "SEIZE HIM!" Behind me a ruccus was heard as the heavy metal ringing sounds of footsteps could be heard jogging over the bridge. Again Kaitlyn screamed, the horse made another crazy sound and then it all stopped.
The guards stood before me, the horse silent and I felt my heart crush inside my chest as I knew Kaitlyn was gone.
"By Odin I swear you will Die! for this Alicia.." The men smirked at my threat. I was out numbered greatly, I was surrounded as well.
"Where is my father..." my voice calm but hard.
"He be feedin' the fairies in the Loch my lord.." A guards voice spoke behind me.
Tensing, the world turned red as my pain and rage wormed up from deep inside my belly. A war cry erupted from my swollen throat and I swung the axes...
And as I lay dying, a few of her mercenaries dying as well by my side, I knew this wasn't the end.. That I would get revenge on Alicia and once again I would hold Kaitlyn of Iyre.
 
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