Veiled Secrets

[AnastasiusFocht]

He watched her depart and heard her words. He prayed to all the heathen gods that he would survive their daring gamble. He began making his way to his tent as well. Knowing he had little time to suit up and get ready to head out. He was glad she would not be watching the battle. His plan was very dangerous but if it succeeded the elves would have very little losses.

He wanted nothing more then to go with her to the castle and forget about wars and troubles but duty was heavier then a mountain. The camp was a buzz of activity. Half way through the night the archers and pike men had arrived. They were already marching out to their respected locations on the battlefield. Joining the elves and preparing to help defend a foreign home.

Anastasius left behind a mere 3oo soldiers to defend the camp under the orders of his squire who had earned the right. He approached the squire now and gave his final orders before the battle. Tanthallas arrived with his steed and with a final fare well to his squire he lifted himself up into his saddle, adjusted his eye patch and then turned his warhorse to meet up with the 199 other men. Their job was the most difficult and deadly. Take out the catapults. He would not leave such a charge to another. Dispite their arguments. He whispered softly on the wind. hoping it carried his message to her. "I love you deeply my beautiful Gwen."

 

[Daliha]

Gwen gathered the few things she’d brought with her and began to make her way back to the castel. She kept to the woods and away from the paths. It wasn’t that she thought the enemy could be there, but she’d not take the chance of being wrong.

Once back in the castle she changed and went to see the king. He was in his war room with a few others and greeted her only with a nod. There was something odd in the greeting, but she let it pass. Carefully she eased her way to his side, listening close to the talks.
It wasn’t long before everyone was dismissed, but she remained, hoping to speak privately to the king. Before she could say a word he moved away from her. “I’m sorry I’ve harmed you. I let my love for you blind me and not done as I was guided to. You will...not be returning to your Knight.” He turned then and she could see the lust within his eyes.

Carefully Gwen began to back towards the door and her only escape. “Sir...I hold no ill will against you or deeds that might have been done, but I cannot stay. I’ve only come to ... I’m not sure why I came, but I could not leave things between us as they were.”

Fear began to shimmer in her emerald orbs and for the first time she truly feared him. Quickly he closed the gap and trapped her in a deep kiss that she didn’t return. “You are mine Gwen. I have always loved you and held you above others. By right I will have your hand and you family will give it to me.” She pulled away then as his laughter began to gather. “Silly child, did you think I would wait forever? I am not mad no matter what you think. I will have you one way or another no matter what the human says. Even if I have to wait till his death Gwen....You will be Mine.”

She ran from the room then only to find guards waiting for her. They escorted her to what they said were her chambers. Inside the room was set as if expecting a queen.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

The battle proved long as the massive human horde arrived. Their catapults were taken by surprise with the quick ambush tactics so well developed by the Dark Horse Legion. They were thrown into disarray at having to face two charging cavalry from both flanks and the elven archers proved quite effective against the rest of the troops. The battle lasted hours and the elven soldiers watched as the legion hit again and again until at last the enemy ran for their lives. They would not try this attack again any time soon. The elves sent scouts to make sure the enemy did not regroup and try tactics again. Tanthallas rejoined Anastasius. They put their heads together as they made their way to the elven people.

"You have all done proud to your people this day. It was an honor to serve by your side." He saluted them before making his way towards the castle. Tanthallas joined him and the rest of the legion followed in behind him. Something itched between his shoulder blades. A feeling that he needed to get to the castle immediately. He sent orders to have the camp packed up and the men on high alert. 100 riders peeled off to see that this was done with the regular army close behind. He though made his way to the elven city with Tanthallas as his guide. It took an elf to get through the maze and he had one.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen watched from the window of her chamber. It still amazed her at the lavishness of it all. There was the best linens on the bed and a fur blanket with lots of pillows on the bed. By the window there was a seating area and just off of that was a dressing area where more than a few gowns hung. A large mirror was gilded in silver and embraced by an almost filigree design. She’d wandered the place after finding the door locked. There had even been tea set out as well as food. He’d seen to every need but one, Anastasius.

As she watched from her window she could see the army returning and with it came his men. Anastasius was talking with his men and those of the king’s army as he entered the city. He was unharmed, the fact giving her great relief. Already cheers were heard even from her window. She was in a tower it seems though the room was quite large. Gwen knew he’d never hear her call to him.

The king himself came out to greet the returning warriors. “Well done warriors. Come I’ve a feast prepared in your honor.” He turned and began to lead the way to the great hall. Somehow she didn’t think it was an honor she’d get this night.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Anastasius noticed the absence of one lady Gwen. His eye searched the crowds but he would have expected her to be waiting for him at the foot of the castle. He dismounted along with all the remaining riders with him. He whispered a few orders to find out information on his love while he made his way before the king.

"My lord, we are as honored to have served you and your honorable citizens. The victory was great though his allies will come here at some point. I am curious though as to the whereabouts of my love and my angel Silivrenniel. She told me she would be here at the castle after coming to speak with you."

He hoped it was not a mistake letting her go and see the king. But they were close friends and he was not in the position to deny her anything. He also noted the king's lack of a grand speech. Exclaiming a wonderous victory for his people.

 

[Daliha]

The king glanced over his shoulder, puzzled. “She should have been there. I dismissed her along with the others in the war chambers. I do believe she said something about going home for a while, but I could be wrong.” He shrugged and motioned for a squire to approach. “Please tell Gwen that the knight has returned to her and wishes to speak with her.” With that he turned fully to Anastasius. “I’m sure she is just brushing her hair or something.”

The king waited till everyone had a drink and then gave a rather wordy, yet grand speak, toasting to the warriors.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Anastasius listened but he did not eat. Nor did he touch his drink. In fact none of the legion touched their wine or their food. All of them wondering where their new sister has gone to. He noticed their lack of eating and gave a small smile. He would die for any man there and they would die for him. He held no interest in the banquet without Gwen there to share it with him. Tanthallas whispered into his ear that he was going to have a look around. Being one of the few in his legion to ever have surprised him.

Tanthallas made his way out of the large banquet hall. Excusing himself was easy for he was a mere wood elf beneath notice of even the servant high elves. He began asking around the castle to the servants. Inquiring of the lady Silvirenniel. Giving a perfect description of her as he went. careful of who he talked to.

 

[Daliha]

The King ate, drank and even flirted with the serving wenches. One might have thought it a mere show, but one look into his eyes would prove he was not putting on an act. Outwardly he was over what had transpired, but his heart was broken and he could not bring himself to give up his greatest treasure, even to a hero. She’d forgive him some day.

Tanthallas would find no one willing to give him answers. Those he questions would smile and shake their heads, claiming that the lady Gwen had gone home to change for the evening and was most likely taking a bit longer was all. Yet, if he looked into their eyes he would read the lie that had been fed to them. A few truly believed that Gwen had left for only a few knew the truth, the real truth of it and wished not to face the wrath of a King betrayed.

Gwen soft cried at first, wondering how long he would keep her there. He’d send a note telling her that he’d not allow a human to taint their friendship with lust. Humans didn’t know how to love; only to lust at what is not theirs. But she did not believe this nor believed that he did. What madness held him to believe he could keep her trapped here? She wondered.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas returned to the banquet hall and found his way back to Anastasius's side. He whispered softly into his ear. Speaking of his inquiry. A liar was this king. A sound of alarm was raised outside. It seemed the dark skinned allies had arrived to attack the elven city. Anastasius Stood for all his men to see him. He waved them to remain in their seats and turned to the king. If this elven king wished to lie to him and use him and lock away his heart from him. Then he could defend the city himself.

His blue eye showed just how cold he could become. Being lied to was fine but not when i came to his love. Not when it came to someone that the entire family of the dark horse legion accepted as one of their own. So they remained still and watched the king. Tanthallas had a small smile upon his face. Retribution at last for him.

 

[Daliha]

The king heard the alarm and turned to find Anastasius watching him. The look upon his face spoke more than words could say. Quickly he rose and went to the window. It was far worse than even his own fears could have made it. Already the enemy was at the gate. He sighed and said a small prayer.

“Take her...save the innocent.” He took he crown off, motioning to a servant to release Gwen even as he made his way to the armory with the hope that this would be the last night he walked. He’d failed to keep Gwen or his people safe. Now he would ride out with his men to save those that he could. Damn the human. He wasn’t the only one that felt. One day and as with all humans he believed his lust was love. Foolish, selfish, he chided.

Gwen watched with horror as she stood at the window. How could this all be happening.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Watching the king remove his crown he silently shook his head. Failure to all his people? Giving up so readily his crown because of a simple human? He turned to his men and shouted out orders. "Men secure the castle. The innocent people will need a place to retreat to. The king has given up his throne but that does not absolve us of our oath to the innocent ones out side. Tanthallas take a regiment and sound out retreat for the civilians to the city. Also make certain to grab as many provisions as you can. I will take the rest to face the enemy at the gates." Tanthallas nodded and gave a sharp salute before picking out 10 others and running for the doorway.

Anastasius turned to those who would be defending the gate. "To arms brothers and sisters. To battle for the innocent!" He raised his fist in the air and they raised theirs as well. He did not know what the future would hold but he certainly knew the present was to save as many people as he could. Let the king weep and throw away his duty. Let him wish for death's release. Anastasius was not one to back down or mix words.

 

[Daliha]

The King readied for battle and quickly left before he could be swayed from his decision. He’d let everyone down with his foolishness and it was time regain a bit. He rode out and waited with a legion of his men at the gate. He wasn’t sure what he was waiting for until he turned. There she was, standing at the window and watching with horror. Their eyes met and without words she forgave him and he seemed to beg for just that. With a smile, near to his old one, he turned and motioned for the gate to be opened, sword drawn.

He was still young and she hoped he had finally grown up. He was without crown, but she knew he would come back to reclaim it. There’d been something in his eyes a second before he’d turned from her. Gwen did not hear the locks turn or the door when it opened. But when she could no long watch she turned and found it open, yet no one stood there. For a moment she hesitated, unsure if this was a trap by a servant or if he’d granted her freedom.

She turned back to the window and watched him begin to fight his way out the gate with the rest of his men. She was frozen in place at odds with herself. Her mind argued for her to stay even as her heart screamed for her to run.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

What Gwen next saw from her window as much as heard was the marching of Anastasius with 600 of his legion. They left the front of the castle and mounted their war horses. Each warrior settled in and turned their steeds towards the front of the city gates. Many of them were eating chunks of bread for they had not eaten at the banquet. She also could see Tanthallas leading the people of the city towards the castle. The ten soldiers with him guiding and helping the civilians carry provisions inside with them.

When the civilians started streaming into the main gate she could hear the sounds of heavy armored soldiers through out the castle moving to walls and corridors to join the elven archers atop the battlements. The remaining men left behind to defend the castle. She could also hear the approach of men towards her room. Their armor easily giving them away.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen watched with shock as Anastasius mounted his horse. She waved to him, called to him. But her words merely drifted on the night air. Foolish she thought. Quickly she turned, gathering her wrap. She would go to him if she could. It mattered little if the open door was a trap any longer. He was going into battle and no clue that she’d not left him.

The sound of armor stopped her cold. It seemed to echo from the walls all around her. Surely they weren’t coming for her? For a moment she couldn’t move, thinking the enemy had somehow breached the castle though she’d seen Tanthallas guiding people to safety. She clutched her wrap to her chest and waited, holding her breath as she did.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Gwen's eyes fell upon two of the legion. Both saluted her formally. One spoke softly while the other remained quiet and alert. "Mi'Lady it is unsafe with the attack coming so soon. WE are ordered to protect you and go where you go without question." He noted the nice room she had been put in. She could see that he seemed a little confused. Wondering if infact she were a prisoner or had in fact chosen the king over Anastasius. But it was not his place to ask her. They did not block her exit either. She could hear the clamor of the city people being ushered into the castle and the commanding voice of Tanthallas over the din trying to keep order.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen thought for a moment, watching the way the soldier had looked about the room. It would do no good, she thought, to explain. He would believe what he believed and report such. When the sounds of chaos reached her she knew what had to be done.

Carefully she eased towards the door. "Take me to Tanthallas...please." She could hear the mans voice yelling and giving orders. They must be moving people further into the castle to keep them safe and so that there would be room. Gwen wanted to help, to some how help, though she wasn't sure how. She wasn't even sure they would let her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

They gave a quick salute and one took the lead going back down the many stairs. The other waited and followed after. Both moved fairly quick despite the heavy armor. She found there were no other elves along the passageway until she got to the main court yard. Sitting upon his mount Tanthallas was using a conical shaped metal tube to help project his voice over the crowd.

"You there with the children, go further into the keep. You sir can you use a bow? good get to the wall then. You there, can you help that woman with her burden of food please?" They moved about methodically though frightened. The throng seemed endless as the legion kept organizing and shuffling elves further into the castle. Sometimes having to take hold of them and lead them inside. Many did not wish to give up their homes outside. Some did not want to be inside the castle at all. It was not their place as commoners after all. Tanthallas had his back to Gwen and the two soldiers as he watched the throng and kept them moving about.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen paused only a moment before she began to follow. It was odd not to see any of the elven warriors within the walls of the castle, but she didn’t stop to inquire as to the reason. When she reached the bottom her eyes went to Tanthallas and a warm smile curled her lips as she watched the way he commanded. It did her heart good to see him in his element, and thankful that it was not the element of battle for the moment.

With his back to her she carefully made her way to his side and lay her hand upon his leg as she gazed up. “Is there anything I can do to help?” Her gaze lingered on his face a moment longer than it should. She wanted to remember this moment, feeling somehow it was very important. Carefully she drew her eyes from him and watched as her people were lead into safety.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas stopped to gaze down upon her and smiled warmly at her. "So you were not out in the city after all? This is most gratifying. We were worried you had been chased away or something even worse. Until I caught the lie in the servants of the king here when I asked of your whereabouts."

He motioned to all the people gathering slowly into the castle with his free hand while his other hand gently held hers for a moment. He was quite happy to see her. "All these people need to come more quickly into the castle. We do not know if or when the enemy will breach the outer wall of the city. I do not know if your military have specific training for when the wall is breached like we do. Anastasius will buy them as much time as he can before he pulls back to the castle. We require the use of this courtyard but the people are refusing to go further into the castle." His eyes gazed into hers a moment longer then they probably should have. The two bodyguards with her took no notice though. They were far to busy watching the crowd and protecting her.

 

[Daliha]

She felt at ease, almost safe, with her hand in his. The warmth from him seemed to spread over her. In less than two days she’d met two men that had stirred her and for a moment she was frightened, a shiver running over her.

“I do not think they truly understand what’s happening. Most would rather stay in their homes and perhaps that’s where they should have stayed. But there King is on the other side of the wall. Even now he fights to save this city. He will only retreat when he sees no other way.”

Gwen could still hear the noise of the battle as well as the people about her. “It might be best to allow them to go home. Some feel safest in what is familiar.” Her gaze warmed as she returned it to him, hand still within his. “But I will help where ever you ask me.”

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He did not let go of her hand just yet. He listened as she spoke and judged her words carefully before he replied. "They may feel safer there but we cannot protect them individually. If the wall falls and the enemy pour through it they will begin slaughtering everyone of these folk. We will do what you suggest if you feel this is best. But homes can always be rebuilt." He leaned down as if he were going to kiss her but instead he had let go of her hand and put his arm around her waist. lifting her up to sit upon the horse with him.

The legion within the castle kept moving the people. They had maybe half of the city inside but they would get no more in if the people would not go further into the castle. They had hit the wall Tanthallas feared they would. He was prepared to give the order to send them all to their homes but hesitated. Instead he handed the horn to Gwen. His other arm was resting upon her waist. Holding her softly yet firmly so she would not fall.

 

[Daliha]

What manor of elf was he to worry so for people that was not of his own? It puzzled her and drew her attention. When he released her hand she breathed easier till he leaned in for what she thought was a kiss. Her heart warred with her mind, but she did not resist when he drew her upon his horse. In fact she felt her own body lean against his as he held her there. He was only protecting her after all. But how odd she found it to enjoy the feel of him doing such.

Gwen took the horn, thinking on his words. “You are right, but they will be even easier to slaughter if they do not take some form of cover. If you like I can try and get those within to move further into the castle and help to guide the others into it, but you will have to allow some to take cover as best they see fit.” She glanced over her shoulder, eyes slowly lifting to meet his. What was wrong with her? She was not a child of 100, yet that’s just what she was acting like. Was it not good enough that his leader and friend was courting her, professing love for her? Had she not begun to feel for him as well? It was all a puzzle to her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled and gazed back into her eyes. She sat there close to him and so beautiful. How could he not find her so perfect. It was no wonder Anastasius had fallen in love with her so quickly. He leaned a little closer, brushing his lips against hers as he spoke softly. "We will do as you think best. These are our people after all Gwen." He let the tip of his tongue taste her lip softly before pulling back just a little. His heart beat a little faster in his chest. His arm was a little tighter around her waist. His hand resting upon her upper thigh just above the knee. He wished it was him who had gone to rescue her from the room she resided in.

 

[Daliha]

A blush warmed her cheeks at the feel of his lips, but no matter what her mind screamed she could not find the strength to pull away from him. Perhaps it was merely the strength in the middle of chaos that had turned her head. His lips were warm upon hers, his arm firm about her waist. She even felt when his heart began to beat just a bit faster as he tasted of her. Gwen knew she should pull away, that it was not fair to either men to allow such things to happen, but she sat where she was.

“I’d not wish to overrule you. It is your command that brings you here....I am sure Anastasius trusts your judge as I do.”

When her gaze moved from his she found her hand resting upon his chest, unsure as to just how it had gotten there. Carefully she let it glide over his muscled chest before removing it. She let both hands rest on the horn as she looked out to her people. They had no love for her, but she still held love for them.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled and called down to a lieutenant. "The lady Gwen has issued sensible orders. Pass around the information that those with family are to remain here in the castle and those who are single may depart and prepare to defend their homes. They are to move with haste but be organized. I will not see anyone trampled." The lieutenant saluted him and moved to give the orders. Many of the elves upon hearing the source looked in her direction and some even smiled a little at her.

Tanthallas still held her to him upon the horse and he whispered softly, "Shall we find you a safe place mi lady?" He knew of a few places in the castle that would be safe. wandering the city was not safe in the least. Especially if the dark skinned foe were Drow.