Veiled Secrets

[Daliha]

Gwen drew up short when he stepped in her way. Her eyes flew to his, shimmering with a sweetness that had not been there before. He was either a very brave man or very foolish. He knew nothing of her, but she could not deny his attraction as she felt a pull upon her very soul each time he looked to her.

“You shall always be heard...but though you do not fear death, I fear it for you. Do you not know I will live far longer then you? But even that knowledge has led more than one to fall in love with a human. You break my heart Anastasius. Please...” She lowered her gaze from him and stepped past him.

“Do not ask for more than I can give safely.” She fled then into the chambers of the king and found him sitting by a fire reading. Quickly she went to his side and knelt there. “Lord...the humans ask that I led them back to their men and the camp. It is not they do not trust another it is that the men already know me by sight.” It was mostly the truth and he could hear it. His hand went to her head, softly stroking her hair. Gwen did her best not to move away.

“Gwen...there is talk that the leader has laid hand on you and looks to you with lust in his eyes. If I let you go...will you break my heart and our bond? Shall I kill him now for displeasing you with his attention?”

Gwen froze, her heart stopping at the thought. “No Sir...I shall not break your heart, though I cannot love you as you wish. He only meant to stop me to ask for my guidance, nothing more. “She took a soft breath, afraid of what he would say.

“You may go with them, but you will return to me Gwen my love...in two nights. By then they should be more then set up and understand some of the basic workings of our land. Make sure he does not touch what is mine.” He raised her chin so that he could see the truth in her eyes and smiled at the softness of her visage.

Carefully he kissed the top of her head and released her. Why did she not love him? He would give her the world with but a nod of affection. Still she was always at his side and unspoiled by any man.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He waited patiently for her to return. his men stood like statues and many of the elves gave them plenty of room. He could see why Gwen had said only 5. Some of the elven warriors looked on in a challenging way. He paid them little mind. He was here to protect the civilians not the soldiers. They were not the ones who could not defend themselves from an enemy sword.

His thoughts of his surroundings went away after catching sight of Gwen approaching them. He placed hand over heart and bowed his head. "What has your king spoken my lady?" He prayed that the king would give him a little more time with her. Any time was precious to him. Even if it was just conversing on trivial matters. Small things were just as important to him as grand things.

 

[Daliha]

Her smile warmed at the sight of him, watching as he placed hand to heart and bowed before her. "He has given me leave to guide you, but I must return to him in two nights." She stepped closer, lowering her voice.

"He has knowledge of your touch, but not of what was said. He wandered if it had affended me, but I evaded the question. Please...you must guard your actions. He will not touch your men, but he will take your life if he believes....believes you have touched what is his."

A sigh came from her at the thought. "I am not though...I am his servant and nothing more. His seer. " Carefully she stepped away from him and began to walk back the way they had come. She would not risk stopping at her home for anything. The breeze was not so chilly if there was a fire at night. She would be fine.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He listened carefully to what she spoke and nodded to his men. Then he spoke softly to her in return. "So he is not all knowing it seems. Is there anything within the city you require for your few days out with us? We could wait across the street while you get them." He would not give her any undue hardship after all.

He would address her situation when he knew they were in a more private setting. His men seemed a little upset at her being treated this way. A lady was never made to be with a man if they chose not to love them. But then their lands had changed drastically. He hoped their small fortresses were still secure and emptying.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen shook her head, but thought perhaps a few things would not anger him. "I will be quick..." With that she smiled warmly into his eyes and the other men there and moved off towards her home. It took a bit to get there, but once there it was quick work. She packed a bit of food, but not more then a days worth and took a change of cloths. She slipped into her cloak and headed back to where they were waiting for her. There were already a few things in her bag, but those rarely changed. A book, herbs and something to write with.

"Thank you for waiting. I do hope I didn't delay you any."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

They waited for her patiently. He was thinking of a way to solve this puzzle. A king that would kill him should the king learn of his desire for her. Her being stuck in service to the king and both will outlive him by forever. He would not bring her pain or suffering. But he would not give up on her either. Once they were in the camp he could talk a little more freely. until then he would remain as cold and professional as he could.

When she approached with her bag and spoke of being any sort of inconvenience to them even his guard told her that was impossible. He offered to carry her bag as he motioned for her to lead on. Reaching for it he made certain to brush her soft flesh as if by accident. His eye did not lie to her though. Letting her know that was intended. The guard fell in line and he walked at her side towards the camp.

"Do you know of battles and how they are fought or are you one who remains behind to keep the civilians at peace?" He did not wish to offend her after all. He knew female elves knew the blade and the bow as well as the males. But few knew how to wage a battle let alone a war and win.

 

[Daliha]

At first she held to her bag, smiling softly as they all agreed that she'd been no trouble. It showed in their eyes that they spoke the truth. Slowly she turned back to the leader and fought the softness of his touch. She wanted to lean into it and though his eyes showed her it was no accident his actions spoke otherwise. He took chances that he needed. Soon enough they would be away and he could dare then.

Carefully she put a bit of space between them as they walked. It would be a longer trip as climbing the canyon wall was a bit more difficult. “I have never fought a war, but I have never shied away from a just fight either. I am good with a sword and the bow. My mother thought being a seer wasn’t enough. “

Gwen stole a glance now and then, making sure that none would really see her doing so. Again she wondered about his eye, but didn’t have the courage to ask about it. It didn’t take away from his beauty but added to it.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He listened to her and learned of her what she was willing to tell. He caught her glances and made certain his own glances were discreet. His men were helping them both with enough distractions to keep them honest. Asking about important city matters and laws. About how they were going to get food to the legion and what would happen when the rest of the Dark Horse company arrived. The entire company was self sufficient. It had workmen, farmers, teachers and families. All of which was sneaking away to make their way to here. By the time they would arrive there would be 3000 people. Another 1000 for regular army and the 3rd thousand the crafts and trades people.

He waited until they had cleared the canyon wall before putting his fingers to his lips and whistled. Tanthallas stepped from the foliage with his horse in hand. He motioned to some other trees not far off. There the rest of the horses waited for them. He smiled at his second in command and gave a few orders.

"Make certain we cannot be watched without our knowing. Magical or otherwise." His second in command nodded. "Secondly be certain to have fast riders at the edge of the trees watching for the rest of our people and for the enemy. Hopefully our people will arrive first. We will have to negotiate some land we can have and work on. We do not wish to be a burden to the elves here. Third we are having a distinguished guest for dinner. Prepare a feast and include some of those fruits I had saved." Tanthallas left with a nod to the camp. Anastasius led Gwen to his steed where he mounted and offered her a hand. The 5 guards mounted their steeds and another five men came out of the woods as if by magic.

"Come lady gwen. I would not have you walk when you can ride. Worry not for you will only be touching my armor." He said that last part to let any other peeping elves know, atleast in their minds, that he meant it as a professional courtesy. Really though he just wanted her closer to him.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen was simply amaze at the amount of people followed him. If this had been another land he might have been thought of as a king himself. But she didn’t bother saying so , at least not still so close to the city. She’d have to speak to the king about giving them a place they could call home. It would not be right to have them all huddled in such a place. There was the valley beyond the canyon that could be given to them. She would have to think on how to present this to the kind. If not done properly he’d ask for her hand in exchange for his kindness. Perhaps she would bring the question to one of the elders and have them ask for her.

Once they had cleared the canyon Gwen slipped to the back as he gave orders. She didn’t wish to be in the way, but as the horses were brought forward she could not help but step to his steed and gently stroke his forehead. She spoke softly in her natural tongue and smiled when the horse responded to her. It was his command though that had her facing him once more. “As you wish Sir.” She gave him her hand and carefully allowed him to pull her up. She made sure her gaze was cast forward and did not lean into his chest, though something inside her wanted to do just that.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He held her gently next to him as he guided the warhorse towards the camp. waiting until they were just past the edge of their camp before removing his gauntlets. Now his warm hand rested softly on her hip while the other held onto the reins of the horse. The men were very efficient and had set their camp up in a circular pattern. Staggering their tents so there was no straight line. This would make it harder for anyone trying to rush in and take the camp to get to the center. He rode holding her gently and enjoying the closeness of her.

"Do you still hold fear to speak freely to me lady Gwen?" He motioned to the trees where she could see his scouts keeping an eye out. He also motioned to the ground where magic rune stones were placed. "Those prevent magic from seeing this camp and from using magic to listen in here. Useful for keeping out prying eyes." He smiled warmly at her.

 

[Daliha]

The further they moved into the trees the more relaxed she became. It became harder to ignore the fact that she was in his arms and gently she rested against his chest. When she felt his hand upon her hip she jumped just a bit. He was tempting fate and winning only because they'd just entered the camp. She looked to the trees as he pointed and then to the stones. Once she was sure she relaxed again.

"I seem to have little fear when I am with you...at least here." She looked over her shoulder and up into his face. "I am no lady though. What do you wish to speak about?" Yes, she knew, but that did not mean it was something she wanted to talk about. He was already planning a great feast and she wondered just who else was going to be showing up.

Carefully she removed her eyes from him before she found that she could not.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He continued to guide his steed towards the center of camp. Another few minutes and they would be there. A main pavilion had been set up for either a war room or banquet place. Depending on the need at the time. His tent was to the north of the pavilion and almost as large. Tanthallas had his tent to the south. Two high ranking lieutenants had their tents set up east and west of the pavilion.

"How can you say you are no lady Gwen? You act as one." he was a little confused by her statement. "when you see things how is this done? You see the future? Can you see the past? Do you like to dance?"

They were close to the center of the camp now and he helped her dismount before he followed suit. His squire took the horse and he showed her to the great pavilion as they spoke.

 

[Daliha]

She could not help the laughter that slipped. It was just that he'd asked a few questions and then asked if she liked to dance. It was a bit hard not to laugh when it all seemed to rhyme so well.

She took a moment to think about her answers as he helped her from the horse. She watched as he dismounted and followed as he led her to the great pavilion.

"First I am not a lady for I was not born to the blood as the king was. Second...when I see things...I see things. I do call upon it, but it normally comes at will. I've seen the past, I've seen the future as well. Most it is the future that comes to me. It is not often I can see the past. Once or twice it came unbidden and I felt horrible for the intrusion, but it was something I could not help as I was young with the gift. As for dancing...yes. I enjoy dancing though it is something else I rarely do." Hopefully it was something he could figure out and she wouldn't have to explain it.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He nodded to her answers. "Well then before anyone else here asks I would ask if you would dance with me this evening. It is not often we have something to celebrate. But having found new allies and friends is always worth dancing." He hoped she would say yes.

He waited for her answer before showing her inside the great pavilion. "In here you will find water to wash up should you desire. there is food and drink here as well. I must go get out of this armor in my tent and get cleaned up." He motioned with his head the direction of his tent. "I will come back here when I have changed and being born noble or not you are still a lady in my eyes my lady Gwen."

He once more reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. This time letting the kiss linger just a little longer. When he straightened he made his way out of the north end of the pavilion. Taking one last look at her beauty before exiting and walking across the cleared land to his large tent.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen smiled softly. "Yes...I think I would enjoy that." But even as the words slipped from her lips she felt a fear grip her heart. No, she was safe here. But what if he came all the way out here to check on things? Fear ran over her eyes, but she quickly hid it from Anastasius. She didn't wish for him to worry.

Carefully she followed him into the tent and gazed about at the shear size of the place. "Thank You Anastasius you are very kind to." She watched as he bent to kiss her hand once more and felt the warmth of his lips move up her arm as he lingered. With no one to watch or listen she allowed herself to relax and feel the pleasure of the simple act brought.

"I shall be here when you return." Once he had left she found a place to sit and wished she'd brought something more fitting is there was to be a party. It was not something she'd thought of as they were on the verge of war. Humans could be so odd at times.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He was quick to change out of his armor. Removing it but keeping it together incase he needed to crawl inside it. Just because they were going to celebrate did not mean they were not going to be ready in case the riders approached. After seeing this was done he slipped from this room of the tent across the entrance and into the side far side of the tent. Here he began to wash himself and put his hair in a nice jeweled clip. He wore casual clothing instead of his best cloths to make Gwen feel more comfortable. All of this took about 30 minutes. He was smoothing out his shirt and making his way to the main entrance of his tent when the music was starting up. They seldom had fun it seemed anymore but they were eager to start already.

He left his tent and walked across the land to the pavilion once more. He now wore a white shirt with laced front undone. It was warm in the south after all. He also wore tight breeches over his muscular legs and soft boots upon his feet. His blue eye gazed over at Gwen when he entered.

"My lady, it seems they have already started the celebration. Care to join us while our cooks prepare food?" He certainly hoped they were not interrupted. War was a usual for this company. Always ready for it but they were always ready for celebrating just as much.

 

[Daliha]

She watched as people came and went out of the pavilion setting things up, even the musicians were early it seems. She sat, watching as everything was quickly gathered and laid out. It must because this was more of a military unit that things were done with haste. Of course one could never tell when the enemy would arrive.

A soft sigh slipped from her as she looked into her bag. About the only thing she could find were a few strands of silver which she quickly laced through her tresses, combing it first with her fingers. Why had she not thought of a comb at least.

When she heard his voice she turned, smiling warmly, the silver strands dancing about her. “If I am welcome I would be honored to join you and your troops.” She rose and smiled warmly.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He extended his hand towards her. Inviting her to come to him. They were lifting the sides of the pavilion. It would not be long before supper would be served. The women amongst the company partied harder then the men usually but tonight there was only a little wine to be served. Most would drink water.

The first song was a waltz. One he knew very well. He wondered if Gwen knew it. They would have different music after all. His feet were already tapping a little to the beat as he waited for her to join him. His gaze fell upon her eyes and there it remained. Fixed firmly on those lovely green eyes. He could get lost in those beautiful eyes. He knew why the king was having such a hard time letting go of her. He only hoped she found him as interesting as he found her.

"My lady, you are very beautiful. I do not know if you are told this often, though you should be told this every morning and every evening. You steal the breath of men away with your grace and your heart."

 

[Daliha]

Her hand slipped into his even as a soft blush began to warm her cheeks. It was not that she'd never heard such words, but never by anyone but the king. From him it was different than the man standing before her. She took another step closer, finding the beat of the music intising.

"You are to kind sir...far to kind." She lowered her eyes from him unable to fathom what she glimpsed there. In his eye there was such kindness that she was sure she would melt if she held his gaze any further.

"I do believe you asked for a dance. Perhaps now would be good...before everyone comes. I'd not wish to disgrace you as I'm not use to your dances."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He gently lifted her chin with his finger so he could gaze into her eyes longer. He spoke softly for her ears alone. knowing that elves could here exceptionally well. "My sweet lady Gwen. Do you not know you could never disgrace me?" He put an arm around her waist. He then began to lead her in the dance.

The waltz was not a long song and it was not long before they were dancing a slower song. Some of the men watched wary of what could happen. They felt a little fear that this may be a short lived dream. They did not speak out but they prayed for the couple.

When the slow song started he held her closer to him. The scent of food was starting to fill the camp as the cooks were plating their creations. There would be several tables set up for all the company to enjoy the feast. Cooks having first selection above all others. He took no note of the food. To captivated by the woman in his arms.

 

[Daliha]

She let him draw her gaze back to him, unable to resist his need. Her smile warmed at his tender words and wondered, not for the first time, how this could be.

Gwen's steps fell into his, slowly catching the rhythm of the waltz as he lead. It was a simple one and one that only accentuated the grace she held. The waltz moved into another slow song and she found him holding her tighter. It only warmed her more. Forgetting herself and where she was her hand rested upon his chest as she gazed into his eye. It was no less because there was one, but somehow it was more. It held all that he felt and she knew his feelings were true.

Once the song was over the scent of food began to dance with her. “That smells amazing...” Her eyes never left his as she spoke, but gently she stepped back.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He already missed her closeness to him but he was not so rude as to do whatever he wished. The food was placed upon the tables under the open pavilion. Others were starting to make their way to the food but his eye was still gazing into hers.

"Not as amazing as your scent." He blushed softly at speaking so openly but he could not help how he felt about her. He did not have months to woo her. It seemed only tonight. But he would make the most of it while trying to figure out how to rescue her from her situation.

"I was not sure what you would like to eat. We have some wild game we were able to hunt. We also have various fruits I have managed to preserve." He motioned for a seat for her. A plate was set out for her with cold clear water to drink and a half a glass of wine. His seat was to her left with a plate already prepared for himself.

 

[Daliha]

Again he had her blushing, but this time she wasn't the only one. Carefully she pulled her gaze from him and looked to the food that was set before her. "It all looks so wonderful." Gwen sat and began to sample one thing after another. She'd had all that was there, but wondered if it would be cooked differently. It was foolish, but she'd not had a lot of dealings with humans.

Her hand brushed his as she moved to steal a grape from his plate. It made her giggle and shy away from him just a bit. Oh no, she was flirting with him and so openly that she thought her mind had truely slipped from her.

"Ummm...tell me about your home."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled and took the grapes upon his plate. He began plucking them off one by one. Gently feeding them to her if she would allow such a thing. While doing so he spoke of his manor.

"A place filled with flowing streams, a garden and a vineyard. It catches the morning sun to warm the rooms. There are servants for me there and I have just added an orchard. I do not think the king will destroy these things. He wants to try and win back my heart. But if it is meant to be I will rebuild on new land. After all it is just a house."

He took a strawberry next. A large ripe one just for her. He dipped it in a fresh cream mixed with sugar and offered her this next. Though he would gently trail it over her lips before letting her bite it.

"The people believe in honesty and fair treatment. It is only the king and those blindly following him that seek more then what they deserve. All of us in the Company feel terrible that we had to abandon them. But we would not have survived long staying in our lands."

 

[Daliha]

Though her cheeks warmed with a deep blush Gwen didn’t stop him from feeding her the grapes. Perhaps she should have, but tonight was like a dream and in dreams there was no real danger. She listened closely, pushing the fact that they were being watched from her mind.

“Your king isn’t so far gone it would seem. He is after all smart enough to want to win you back. A man that lets a strong warrior go such as you...well I would think he was not so bright. But I wonder...why he would wage this war if it so displeased you...and he wanted you back?”

It was a puzzle, but she had little time to think on it as he trailed a strawberry about her lips before she bit into it. He was, in her mind, seducing her, but she had no will for him to stop, yet.

“You’re home sounds so beautiful and the people wonderful. I can see why you fight for them so bravely. Perhaps your king will be willing to listen before all this starts. He must care for his people on some level.”

Gwen never wanted to see the evil in people and though she knew they were out there she just could not except such facts.