Veiled Secrets

[AnastasiusFocht]

He watched her enjoy the fruits he had brought with him. He took another strawberry and dipped it in the creamy sugar mix. This time though he just let her bite into it while he spoke.

"I thought that as well. He wants to rule all the lands. From ocean to ocean. Enslaving any who are not born Harditian." He fed her a 3rd strawberry and brushed his fingers over her cheek softly. His gaze caught by hers.

"I wish I had eternity to love you my lady." he whispered these words softly. Almost as if he did not mean for her to hear. No human could. He spoke louder a moment later. Another soft blush to his face. "The king wants me back because he wants my skills on the battlefields and my men to do his dirty work."

 

[Daliha]

Gwen smiled, blushed, but never turned away from him. She ate what he offered though she could feel the eyes of others watching. It was a feeling that felt all to familer and for a moment she wondered if those rune stones really worked. If not it might just very well be her head the king came for.

She tried to push the thoughts and feelings from her mind as she listened. "Yes...well at least he is smart enough to realize he is nothing without you. One does not let the best of his men wander far. But if he does really wish you back...perhaps then you could bargin with him, make him see that owning all would mean he owned nothing. For land without people, without loyalty and with love is nothing."

Her voice dropped to a whisper out of habit. "My king may have his faults, but he loves his people and does right by them with every breath he takes. He's kind and caring. It is why I have not left. I hope you can understand."

He spoke of loving her, yet had he meant for her to hear? It had been a whispered moment, a wish upon the wind, but had he meant for her to hear? She would not ask for if it was private then she would be intruding and it was a wish she was unsure she could grant. Already he was becoming very special to her and she'd not allow himself to be placed between her and the king. He would die for the effort and what good would that do them.

When he brushed her cheek she raised her hand to rest over his, holding it to her a moment before she released him.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He listened to what she said and smiled at her touch of his hand. It warmed his blood and raised his desire for her. "Yes but he claims to love you and is trying to force you to return this love when you do not. All of us are imperfect. I must try to reason some way of . . ." he was going to say making you my wife. But instead he let the sentence die off.

"My king. . . my former king is drunk with power. He has conscripted children no older then 12 into the army. They would not do much and he means to use them to slow down the enemy. Wear them out before the veterans engage." He shook his head softly. His hand reaching for hers. Just to hold it gently. Many were finishing up with their own supper and were up dancing and celebrating once again.

"My lady Gwen where will you stay this night? Did you bring yourself a tent that I may have set up for you? If not I have a spare room in my tent you may reside in." He would not let her sleep under the stars on the hard cold ground.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen listened and knew he was right, but her king had never harmed anyone nor forced himself on her. She wished she could make him understand, but it was not her place to do so. He had his own thoughts on the matter and trying to change them would waste what little time they had.

Her hand curled into his, enjoying the rough feel of it against her own soft flesh. "It is cruel to use the young in such a way. Perhaps...we should seek the help of a mage. There could be a way to remove the children without harming them, but I am not certain."

She watched as other couples began to dance and smiled at the simple pleasure they took from the act. Humans were simple people after all and it warmed her to see them like this.

"I brought a blanket. I will be fine sleeping under the stars. The nights are chilly but not so much at a wool blanket can't warm me." She'd thought about taking his offer. It would be much nicer then her own plans, but it wasn't proper and even she had a few lines that she wouldn't cross.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He shook his head when she suggested sleeping out under the stars. "No unacceptable. you sleep in my tent in the spare room. I won't be spending any time in there tonight anyways. I have to plan the defenses and when I am done with that even if we wanted to do anything together I will be far too tired. Besides I would not make you do anything you would not wish to do."

He hoped that settled the argument. "Shall we dance some more my lady?" He asked as he stood from his chair. still holding onto her hand. He wanted her close to him as often as he could have her. He wondered what would happen if he challenged the elven king to some kind of duel. Maybe he could arrange something . . . anything to have her free of this bond she has. He did not wish the king any harm. he just wanted what the king thought he already had.

The song was a slow one and if she wished to dance he would hold her close to him once more.

 

[Daliha]

Her eyes lowered at the displeasure she heard in his voice. Even the king did not question where she slept or how well she slept. Then again he had furnished her home for her. There was a war in her mind between proper and pleasing him. When he'd said he would be gone all night she thought just to stay awake, to be with him just a little longer, but she would also be in the way.

"If that is your wish then I shall stay in the spare room."

Of course just the mere thought of him wanting her, even thinking of the possiblity of them sharing a bed, drew a deep blush to her cheeks. It wasn't that she'd never thought of such things, only that she'd never thought of a man wishing to be with her like that. Even the king did not speak of such things.

Slowly she rose in answer to his question, gently going into his arms. She kept her emerald orbs lowered, laying her cheek against his chest as they moved about, dancing. She could heart his heart racing and wondered if it did so for her. He was wrapping her in a spell. One she didn't wish to wake from.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He danced slowly with her and held her gently yet firmly to him. Wrapping his strong arms around someone so precious. He said nothing until the song was most of the way finished. He wanted this moment to last forever.

"My lady, what dreams do you have? where do you see yourself going or doing. If you were free of your current obligations?" His dream was to live in peace. Watching over those who followed him loyally. At least that was until he had arrived here. Now his dreams included a beautiful maiden of surpassing beauty and wisdom. Was he foolish for wanting this? some of his men thought so. But she already had him wrapped around her little finger without any effort at all. He would do anything to hold her and keep her by his side. He would make such passionate love to her as to make both of them weep with joy.

He had to stop thinking of these things or his body would betray him to her of his thoughts. Already his heart was racing and his blood burning with a deep need for her. Not just for physical needs but emotional ones as well.

 

[Daliha]

Dreams, yes she had dreams, but long ago she'd given them up, or at least the hope for them. Now he asked about them and she wasn't sure what to say. Her eyes closed, listening to his heart and feeling safe for the first time in a long while. It was enough to loosen her lips without meaning to.

"I once dreamed of having a beautiful home, a small creek running along the side, a garden with beautiful flowers and food. I thought there would be children and perhaps a few horses. A husband that charished me and that I loved. I'd have that if things were different...but now..."

She let her words die as the music stopped. Carefully she eased out of his arms, missing them even as she did.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled at her warmly. He wondered if perhaps she did not like a man with only one eye. The last woman he liked and had tried to give his heart to called him a cyclops and threw stones at him.

"But now what my lady? That is a wonderful dream and much like mine. Save for the wanting a husband part anyways. I already have the house with a private stream. A pool of water also rests upon my land in a private location. So what is stopping you from having this dream? what is this oath you have to the king?"

There he asked her. Now he needed the answer so he may find a way of removing it from off her shoulders. He would have to plan soon. Already they were clearing away the empty dishes. No food was ever wasted here. He made sure she was gazing into his eye so he could see the truth of the matter. He just held her hand gently and if she looked down he would lift her chin softly to meet his gaze.

 

[Daliha]

How could she tell him it wasn't truely an oath. In fact she wasn't sure what it was. The simple fact was she would not allow another to be harmed all because he loved her. Instead of answering his question Gwen began to draw him outside, her hand in his, lightly pulling on it.

"Walk with me..." Already the night sky was filled with stars sparlking as if they carried hope with in them. She paused before a tree, leaning back while gazing up. Her look was filled with daydreams as she looked from Anastasius to the stars.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He still held her hand as he stood before her. her back now pinned to the tree and leaving no escape. His eye sparkled warmly as he watched her gaze up at the stars. A sense of anticipation coming from him. He did not speak and no one moved close enough to overhear. In fact most seemed to stay well away from the pair. Giving them privacy. Something he was certain she did not often have a lot of.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen smiled watching as a star fell from the heavens. She turned her gaze up to find him watching her instead of the stars. Again she was overwhelmed with what she saw there and blushed, lowering her emerald eyes. He made her feel like a young girl again with that knowing eye of his.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He lifted her gaze once more gently. He did not understand her need to always look down but perhaps it was part of her being stuck where she is. This time though he was a little braver. He gently caught her lips in a soft tender kiss. Passionate enough for her to know he loved her and there was no mistake. He let the kiss linger as long as he dared before he gently broke it. He spoke in a breathless whisper when he could speak.

"My lady, I would not have you throw away your dreams because you are in a situation like this. You have the right to live as you see fit. You are no slave nor a serf. You are no criminal and you have sworn no deep oath to serve and obey."

He hoped she would not slap him for kissing her. The last thing he wanted was to make her angry with him. But he could not stop his heart from speaking either. It was past time to have kissed her. He should have done so before the king. Except he did not know if she felt as he does. He was still not certain but here it would be just between them.

 

[Daliha]

She sighed softly, watching as if time had slowed, as Anastasius leaned down and kissed her. She'd longed for him to do so, but thought he never would. As the kiss lingered her hand came to gently rest upon his chest, eyes closed, marking this memory for all time. The kiss was returned softly. Gwen could feel her knees weaken just a bit and the tenderness his lips held and she found herself leaning against him instead of the tree.

"I have sworn no oath Anastasius, but how can I condem a man to death and all because he loves me? I could not live with myself and thankfully as of yet none have wanted to take such a risk with the king."

She turned from him, walking further away from camp and into the woods. He was breaking her heart and she couldn't let him see that. Her emotions were echo'd in her eyes far to often and was the major cause for her lowering them so often.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He walked behind her slowly and put his hands upon her shoulders to stop her from continuing to walk away. He then wrapped his arms around her waist holding her from behind gently. "My Gwen. You need never fear of my death. I would die happily knowing that you love me. I have no plans on dieing and I do not think your king would wish to push this issue. I will stand fast and not give in. I know in my heart that I love you. I loved you the moment I saw you Gwen. Nothing can change that."

He stopped for a moment. hugging her just a little tighter with his arms while gazing up at the heavens. "I will face your king and I will set matters straight. He will come to understand reason or he will come to understand loss. Either way you will not have to lower your eyes before anyone again."

 

[Daliha]

Gwen stiffened and then relaxed at his touch. It was done out of reaction not fear. She leaned back into his embrace, breathing deep of his scent. They'd know each other less than a day, but already she could pick his scent from any other.

His Gwen, she liked the sound of that, perhaps to much, but she wouldn't turn him away. Not this time. She turned and kissed his cheek, smiling softly. "I think...I maybe falling in love with you and it frightens me. You facing the king frightens me and I don't know if I could handle if anything were to happen to either of you."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He gently brushed his fingers over her cheek softly. moving to gently run them through her hair playfully. His gaze taking in hers while he spoke gently. "Gwen. . . My sweet angel, I do not wish harm to your king. I certainly do not wish harm to myself. I will watch carefully what I say and how I act. But I will not let my honor be questioned or my love for you be thrown away."

He kissed her lips softly again. The taste of her sweet and perfect. His arms held her a little closer and his eye closed with all the sensations he was feeling. He had deepened the kiss from the first one. Trying to show her just how deeply he did love her. When he finally broke the kiss he remained silent. Unable to speak for all his breath was gone for the moment.

 

[Daliha]

His words made her heart shutter with happiness. The fear was still there, but now it was joined with hope. Hope that she'd be free to love this one openly and honestly. Hope that her king would finally heal his heart and find another to love that was worthy.

When his lips captured her it stole the very breath from her being. She sank into the kiss, arms sliding over his chest to wrap about his neck. For the moment there was nothing but him and the deep love he poured into the kiss. Her eyes closed as his one did so that there was only the two of them.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He held her gently and played softly with her hair. The cool night breeze flowing over the pair of them. So content was he that he did not want to move from this spot. But duty always called to him while he still held this position. While still holding her gently he spoke softly to her.

"My love, I must begin planning. If you wish you may have one of my books in the tent to read. Perhaps you could bring that book to the pavilion and remain there with me. I would be more then happy to have your presence there. Unless you are tired from this days events?"

He would not let his entire company down by doing his job half hearted. He was in fact quite glad the enemy had not yet marched to the edge of the trees. But he knew they were coming. Likely at first light they would arrive. knowing they were at a disadvantage at night against the elven people.

 

[Daliha]

She thought about it a moment before answering him, enjoying the feel of his touch as he played in her hair. "I think I will lay down for a bit, but then I will join you...if I won't be in the way." She didn't want to distract him from the task at hand. The enemy would be here soon and they had to prepare.

Tenderly she raised on her toes and brushed her lips against his before ducking under his arm. With a bright smile she near ran back to his tent. She'd watched when he left to change cloths so didn't have any trouble finding it.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He watched her go and smiled warmly. Then he cleared his throat and shook his head a little just to help clear his mind. He was happy though that her scent still filled his senses. The taste of her warm lips lingering upon his own. He strode to the pavilion and entered. Already Tanthallas was there with the head scout and his command leaders. He gazed at the map they laid out before him and his mind began to work.

He could see where they would approach from. Setting up the catapults further back to help ignite the trees on fire. He showed the horse commanders where the best route to hit them unawares would be. 200 horsemen would have to be enough to stop their dastardly plan. The rest would split up evenly 400 per side to sweep the flanks of the ground forces. Running when the horsemen of the enemy forces advanced on them.

"Now if our ground troops arrive they will hold the lines in front of our horse troops. Pikes and long spears at the ready. When you need to retreat from their cavalry you will be protected by them. Then you will draw your short bows and fire at the enemy. When they are on the run prepare your next charge on the standing army."

They were in agreement. He would take charge of the right flank. Perhaps their harrassment of the troops will help weaken their resolve. Make them break and run. After all these were not use to fighting their own hero's. The banner would fly high when it happened.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen slowly walked around the rather large tent. It was nearly as big as her home. Why did one man need so much room, she pondered. It didn't really matter though. When she found herself in his bed chamber she couldn't help but run her finger over a few of his things, like the armor that stood in the corner. He looked so handsome and fearsome in the suit.

Smiling she stopped at the side of his bed, picking his pillow up and pressing it to her. It smelled like him and quickly she traded it with the one that was kept in the spare room, giggling. A chill sent a shiver down her spine and she wondered if it were a bad omen. Taking his blanket she drew it about her shoulders as she left the tent, heading towards the pavilion.

It was time she lent a hand if she could. She might not see anything, but she had to try. To many things had been right, to many had been unsettling and she had to know. Holding his blanket about her shoulders she entered, pausing as her eyes went to the table spread with maps and things.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He looked up from the map where he was sitting and smiled at her warmly. "I see you decided to remain awake my love?" the others in the tent regarded her with a sense of happiness. The earlier worry gone now. Tanthallas even smiled quite friendly towards her. He being a fellow elf though not of the high born. A lieutenant stood and offered her his chair which was right beside Anastasius.

On the map she could see small stones and carved wooden images of horsemen, triangles and boxes. He noticed she held onto his blanket which he did not mind in the least. He let her choose where she wished to sit while he continued to study the map.

Tanthallas spoke next. "Sir, what of the elven mages? will our mages be sufficient?"

Anastasius contemplated the question before answering. His eye seeming to peer into a distance. "No. We wont rely on them. Not that I do not trust the elven people to fight or even to obey orders. But because they are not mine to command. Nor have they ever fought alongside us. Better we rely on what we do know and let them worry over the main body of the army. Our main concern is those catapults."

His eye would wonder over to peer at her as he spoke. partly to reassure her he held her peoples best interests in mind. Partly because she was so beautiful that he could not resist looking at her with the desire he felt for her but mostly because he loved her.

 

[Daliha]

For a moment longer she just stood there. It was odd for her to be welcomed so openly and by so many. There wasn’t an ounce of hate in anyone’s eyes nor did they shun her. Her heart soared from the kindness they didn’t even realize they were giving her. Slowly she entered the room further and took the chair that’d been offered to her. The chill was still with her and it disturbed her. It seemed as if she was the only one that could feel it.

Sitting next to him she read the board and the maps, listening closely to what they spoke of. When they paused and she felt his eye upon her form she turned and gazed up at him. There was so much love in him that if made her feel special. Once again she turned back to the table before her. “You should ask the mages for help. You will not be enough in force.” Her emerald eyes clouded as she began to see a battle field unfold before her. “He brings with him creatures you’ve not faced yet... elves with dark skin...there will be much blood spilled. He rides with them. Look for the tower of red and you shall find him deep within, hiding with a mage.” She trailed off for a moment. When she spoke again there was oddness about it. “He watches...it angers him and hurts him...what is his has been stolen and he will have it back...mine, mine, mine. Warriors come...they are on the edge waiting with him....he wants his answer...he wants his heart.”

When the last word was spoken in a whisper she fainted, nearly falling from the chair. Her flesh was nearly white and her flesh was clammy. If one tried to wake her they would find that it could not be done. An alarm was sounding at the edge of camp closest to the elven city. There stood three men upon horses. One was the king and with him were a mage and a single warrior. He looked half mad and the other two looked as if they were sad at being there. Sweat beaded the mage’s brow as if he was quickly working on something, or someone.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He caught her before she hit the table. "Get the mages." He turned to Tanthallas when the alarm began to ring. "Stupid elven king. He will throw all his people to the grave!" Already his men were moving. Tanthallas was running towards the edge of the camp where the alarm was sounding. Another of his soldiers went running for the mages. The runes were shining brightly trying to fight off the magic that was being used.

He picked her up gently and carried her form, blanket and all towards his tent. The runes on the tent walls were also glowing and it was the one place he knew she could at least have a fighting chance against whatever magic was being used against her.

He carried her gently through the tent and placed her gently on his bed. He then went and took a washcloth and began smoothing her hair back. Washing her face gently. He would not leave her side until he knew she could wake. He sat on the edge of the bed and held her close to him. Gently caring for her while his men moved about. The mages were not far in coming but it would take them a few moments.