Veiled Secrets

[Daliha]

Gwen lay there, still and unmoving. Something was keeping her that way and she didn’t seem to even move when he carried her off. The mage kept chanting as the king sat there smiling. He knew what was going on as he’d asked for it. But he was also smart enough not to move closer to the camp. His guard should have been at his side, but he was unsure of why they were there at this hour. It was never wise to choose a young one to guard you even with a mage at hand.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He waited until the mage arrived. They shooed him out of his own tent and began working their magic. Meanwhile he ran to his war horse and lept onto its back. He turned the animal towards the direction Tanthallas went and rode the the camp quickly. Everyone stayed out of his way and his 10 honor guard were quickly behind him.

Tanthallas arrived at the edge of camp. Standing to his left their head mage. To his right another seasoned warrior with shield in hand and sword drawn. Up in the trees there were archers perched and ready to fire their deadly missiles. In his younger years he would not be able to look upon the king. But having been freed of his slavery he stared back with defiance. "What is the meaning of this? attacking an innocent within our camp? We have laws against this. Even in your lands these laws will apply. A vast host marches on your empire and you wish to turn your friends into enemies as well?"

He did not speak the elven tongue. He wanted his own men to understand exactly what he said so no fault may be found with him. Other men were coming out of tents as well. Prepared for an onslaught. When they saw the king and a mage and a young warrior only they were even more annoyed.

 

[Daliha]

The mages worked on Gwen and slowly she began to rise out of the sleep. Even without them saying anything she knew he was there for her. She couldn't let this happen. The war was coming and many would die if they didn't work together. Slowly she began to rise, even though the mages tried to keep her in bed.

The king looked down at the elf and smile brightly. "I have come for what is mine, nothng more. I do not wish to make an enemy of yours. I was told she was...in danger here and so I've come to get her. I'm sure you would have died to save her, but even you have your limits."

He was arrogant in his speach, but he did not stop his mage from casting his spell.

Carefully, she wandered through the camp, held up by the mage. "You can't do this. You can barely walk...you're barely even awake. Something is being cast upon you lady Gwen. Please, Anastasius will return shortly."

But she knew he might not and the fear had her stumbling towards the edge of camp.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas nearly drew his thin elven blade on the spot for the arrogance of this lowly individual. His hands were shaking but luckily for their peace Anastasius arrived. He dismounted and tossed his reigns to his waiting squire. before approaching the king. standing almost nose to nose with him. He made a signal with his left hand for his head mage to see. The man started chanting softly a counter spell that if finished would kill the opposing mage.

"You have come to my camp without sending me proper notice. How can I show you proper respect if you do not introduce yourself properly to my men at the edge of the camp? You show us dishonor this night. I have sworn an oath to defend your citizens from the oncoming horde. They mean to burn down your entire forest to find you. Yet you come like a thief in the night with the intent to claim something that does not belong to you?"

 

[Daliha]

A brow rose on the king as he looked to the warrior. "What does not belong to me? And just how do you know what is mine?" He did not move as Anastasius stepped up to him. "Besides she is in danger. I would not have been woken other wise. If this were not so she would be here at my side already." His eyes did move then, searching for her. "But as I do not see her I assume there must be something very wrong."

Gwen stumbled into the open then, her voice no stronger then a new borns. "I have come...please." She looked up at her king, begging him to stop even as her arms began to give way. If not for the other mage she would be flat on her back and out. It was a trick he'd used when she was very young and a single man was brave enough to think he could steal a kiss from her. The king had her guarded, claiming not to know why she slept.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Anastasius did not look back at Gwen. Not because he was not concerned. but because he would kill this arrogant good for nothing king. He nearly growled when he continued to speak.

"Yes I said not yours. I love her king of the elves. I love Silivrenniel with all my heart and all my soul and all my being. I will love her until I pass from this realm to the next and then I will love her still. I will sing my love to all who would listen. To your citizens and those of your court. To your friends and allies. Until all know what kind of man you are."

His eye narrowed while he spoke. lowering his tone though making it loud enough for the elven mage to hear. "You best stop casting your spell before my head mage finishes his. Lest you suffer 100 times greater what you do to her."

He raised his voice once more. Nearly a shout now. "She is not a trophy for you to set an a shelf and dust off when you feel like it. She . . . does . . . not . . . love . . . or . . . want . . . you!" every word was said in a threatening manner. His body quivered on the verge of action but he stayed his hand. It was not his place to kill one anointed by another people. He also swore and oath to Gwen and he was a man of his words.

When he finished speaking he stepped clear of the king and his mage. Then he turned his back on the man and strode to where Gwen nearly lay. Tanthallas moved to watch Anastasius's back as did the honor guard.

Anastasius walked up to where Gwen was barely standing and held her in his firm strong arms. Holding her close to him in a loving embrace with his back still to the king. "She is no ones property king. Not yours, not mine, no ones and I mean to see that it remains this way." His voice was nearly a whisper at this point.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen listened and feared that the men would kill each other. She tried moving but found that the effort just to get there had taken everything from her. The king began to look as if he'd been struck. She could see his heart breaking, but thankfully there was no anger within his eyes. But the sarrow there nearly broke her own. "I'm sorry...forgive." Her words were weak and she was unsure if he even heard her.

When Anastasius came to her she could not fight him. Instead she just leaned on him and let her eyes close.

The king sighed watching what he'd done to her. He motioned for the mage to stop and watched as she collapsed in to the Knights arms. "I...I will always love you. I never meant to harm or keep you as I have...forgive me." His words were in elvish and he cared little if anyone understood but her. "You've been...my greatest friend." She sighed then and turned, heart broken.

Gwen would have wept if she'd been awake instead she slept now and with no help.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He turned to look at the king without turning his body too much. Others came to assist with Gwen but he waved them off. Holding her close to him he spoke softly but loud enough for the king to hear. His mage stopped the spell as soon as the elven mage stopped. Lucky for that one.

"You are honorable. You could not see what you were doing out of blinded love. But all in your court had become angry and jealous of her. They stared daggers at her when I was presented before you yet you did not see. She has feelings for you as a friend. I am certain she will want to continue that close friendship but that is all there is. Nothing more. I hope you will abandon this foolishness and start concentrating on the bigger task at hand. I can only do so much against that oncoming army. Your people will have to do most of the work. We can only prevent your trees from burning and keeping their army disorganized. Your mages will have to strike at theirs and your archers and warriors will have to stand toe to toe with theirs. My cavalry will do everything they can. Everything including death. Do you understand all I am saying here honorable lord?"

He adjusted his hold now with Gwen. He cradled her next to his chest preparing the walk back to his tent. But he waited for the kings answer.

 

[Daliha]

The king paused for a moment, listening to what he said. A sorrow gripped his heart at the knowledge that he’d hurt her in such a way. “I’m not even worthy of her friendship, but I will try and earn it. Take care of her, love her true or you’ll have to answer to me.” When he glance over his shoulder the knight could see true malice in the king’s eyes. He meant what he said. It was hard loosing the only woman he’d ever loved, but at least she would be happy and perhaps that was more important.

“We will be ready when they come. I thank you for your help.” With that he mounted his horse and left with a heavy heart. Perhaps she wouldn’t want the Knight after all. He was after all only mortal and would die soon enough. If he were lucky he might die in battle.

Gwen slept on, not hearing either men. Her silken locks draped softly over his arm, head resting against his chest as he adjusted his hold.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He carried her delicately in his arms. Tanthallas followed on his heels as they walked towards his tent. The men were ordered back to sleep and The rune stones were becoming quiet once again. The master mage was also walking along with Anastasius. His eyes worried over what was done to Gwen. She had been accepted by everyone who knew the general so far. Many a soldier who were awake looked worried for her.

Anastasius spoke to his master mage once they were well out of earshot of anyone who could be listening in. "I am glad that little ruse worked with the counter spell." The mage nodded. Tanthallas smiled at the pair and he said just as softly, "Better then the alternative." The three silently agreed to that statement.

They made it to the tent and he entered it with them holding back the tent flaps. He carried her to his bed. His squire brought him his blanket and pillow. He placed her in the bed and covered her up gently. Letting her rest on his pillow. He smiled down at her gently and spoke to Tanthallas.

"Would you be kind and get a few female warriors willing to help make her more comfortable. Sleeping in this may not be all that nice to wake up in." Tanthallas nodded a quick salute and left. He turned to the master mage.
"Everything ready for tomorrow?" The mage nodded. "Good I will select my company soon and get some rest in my spare room." The mage turned and left leaving just the squire. He studied his apprentice a moment before speaking. "Thank you for getting my blanket and my pillow. But you are no servant. Remember this for I will not treat you like one. Tomorrow you may rest and stay with the camp guards. I will leave you in charge of them for your kindness." The squire beamed with pride. His young voice speaking softly for he remembered the sleeping lady. "Thank you sire."

He watched his squire go before turning to his new found love. He stood guard over her sleeping form. gently smoothing her hair away from her face while she slept. He wrote a letter explaining the goings on between him and the Elven king. The words that were exchanged and the final outcome. He set it in a place he knew she would find when she woke with her elven name written in a bold graceful hand. When the females arrived he took his leave and went to his spare room. A few hours rest would not hurt him this time of night. Not with the battle to happen tomorrow.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen slept, unmoving except for the deep breaths that moved through her. Her tresses lay spread like a fan behind her. Even when the female warriors entered to change her cloths she did little more than murmur.

If she’d heard anything she would has been very proud of Anastasius and the way he had handled the whole thing.

It was near dawn when she finally woke to find the letter. As she read tears spilled over her cheeks. The letter was held to her heart wishing she’d been there and praying that the king would not hurt for long.

Silently she rose, carrying the letter and went to find her knight.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

She came across the squire who was checking his sire's armor. The young man bowed when he caught sight of her. "Mi'Lady, He has gone to the small pool just north of here to wash up. Did you sleep well we were all quite startled when we saw that elven mage casting some kind of spell on you."

He was a little embarrassed having spoken so many words to someone so beautiful. He was also proud of his sire for finding his love here. A place that needs them more then anything and he still found his love here.

 

[Daliha]

When she spotted the squire she smiled warmly at him. “I slept well. I hope I didn’t cause anyone too much trouble.” In truth she wasn’t sure how she slept and barely remembered most of the night. All she could remember was a great sorrow and the feeling of a shadow holding her in the darkness.

She kissed his cheek softly. “Tell your lord...I’ve gone for a walk, perhaps to find a place I might bath.” With that she gathered her up her bag and left the tent. A soft tune came from her as she wandered through the camp, smiling softly.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He lifted his upper body clear of the water. His hair slapping his back with the movement. He shivered slightly from the cold water running down his body. He was bare chested with his tight breeches on and a pair of sandals. He let the cool morning air dry him off. His shirt lay on a cleaned off rock and atop the shirt rested his eye patch. The scar where his eye use to be was a neat line. Thin but it had taken his sight. A lesson in mortality he had called it. Now there was only a socket covered over with flesh.

His mind settled on the days coming events. The battle that would be arriving shortly. The stealth attack to the siege engines. The attacks upon the flanks of the army. But mostly he thought of her. A beautiful woman that captivated him with little effort. So beautiful she sometimes made him breathless. His eye closed he remembered how she felt in his arms. He carried her to the tent and truely did not want to set her down. The scent of her drove him wild with his desire to be near her. The taste of her lips set his blood to boiling.

He wished at that moment she would wake and come find him. He wanted very much to just hold her. To take her in his arms and kiss her until the end of time. Was that so much to ask?

 

[Daliha]

She had not meant to wander so far from the camp, but hearing the water she turned and wandered over. There she saw him, at least the back of him. For a moment she could not remove her eyes from his back. It was smooth, yet held many scars. Gwen wondered if he’d gotten them in battle and then prayed that’s where they came from. The other reasons would break her heart if they were true.

Carefully she turned, willing herself to leave without a word. He need not know that she’d watched him, even for such a brief time.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

A foot on a twig gave her away. but not before the soft wind had. carrying her scent to him. He smiled warmly not concerned that his upper body lay bare. He turned towards her though the movement was bent for he had scooped up his eye patch to put on hastily. Not wishing for her to see the scar.

"Do you think the scent of the woman I love more then life itself could escape me my love? My heart beats faster for it. Why do you go love?" He could not actually see her yet for she was hidden by the trees but he knew she was there. As certain as he knew he would be in a fight later this day.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen winced at the sound of his voice. It would seem that even the winds were conspiring against her this day. She'd not been caught in many years.

"I do not wish to intrude on your private time sir. I will leave you in peace."

Her smile was warm as she stepped forward. There was a tiredness about her eyes still, but other wise looked rested.

She turned to leave, but found she could not. "Thank you....for last night."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He did not go rushing after her like his mind told him to do. Instead he just conversed with her while reaching for his shirt. Not wanting anything to be too awkward between them.

"I felt it was my honor to reveal the truth to your king. I am just happy he saw the need to let change happen. My lady Gwen, he obsessed over you to the point of using a mage to hurt you. When I shed light on the situation I saw the look of understanding and pain in his eyes. I would not blame you if you wished to spend some time with him. To repair your friendship that he had damaged."

He pulled his shirt on over his head and stretched out. Very soon he would have to get into his armor and prepare for the coming battle. Until then he was very much enjoying her company. He stepped closer to her as he continued speaking.

"I know I am a mortal and prone to find my eternal rest long before you. But I find myself completely captivated by you Gwen. You are a perfect woman in both beauty and personality. I hope I can always make you smile with joy. I love you my lady."

 

[Daliha]

Gwen still found it hard to believe that he’s used a mage against her. It was not like him. For as long as she could remember he’d never done anything to harm her, not really. Carefully she made her way around the side of the pond, moving gracefully over the uneven ground.

“That will have to be done, but I think it can wait till after the war. I’m surprised you are not with your mean preparing.”

She knew little of what it took to prepare for war, but she was sure one didn’t relax beforehand unless they were sure they would win. Who was she to say though.

A soft blush warmed her cheeks at his words. The king had said things, as he was doing, many times, but still she was not use to such words. “I’m hardly perfect sir...and worthy of your love, I cannot say. Only that it has only 24 hours since we met and I do not understand how you can be in love so soon.”

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He tilted his head to the side as he gazed upon her. Watching her graceful movements and delicate steps. He could watch her all day and never get tired of it. no matter what the task may be.

"It is simple my love. Unlike your people which have eternity we have a short time. We humans tend to move onto things quickly. When we settle on something though, it is nearly impossible to turn our attention away from that something."

He smiled a little warmer. His blue eye sparkled with love and a hint of mischief. He was not certain he would last through his planned assault. But there was no use worrying such a wonderful angel over matters out of his control.

"My life has fixed itself on having you in it. My heart demands it and though my mind may be shy to express itself properly my heart overrides this. That is how I know I love you so much."

 

[Daliha]

She watched his every move, smiling warmly as he smiled for her. Even his eye seemed to carry love within it. Gwen was puzzled though at his words. There were differences between humans and elves, but were they really so reckless with their hearts? It was something she was sure she’d ponder for sometime still.

“I have heard as much, though never did I think I would see such a thing. But if man is so quick to love, why is he not so with his trust?”

Gwen paused only a few feet from him, her head tilting now to meet his gaze as he towered over her. Perhaps it was his strength that drew her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

The fact that she was so close made his mind swim with thoughts of passion and love. Holding her in his arms late at night sharing a story or two of his past dealings. His adventures on the road while growing up. Thoughts of kissing her and making love to her also surfaced in his thoughts. His eye would give such thoughts away but he did not hide them. He would hide very little from her.

"Trust, well trust usually is earned. Depending on how one is met will depend on their willing to trust or not. Falling in love though, That is all the heart talking there." He stepped up to her and took her hand. gently pressing it to his chest where his heart beat for her when he spoke of it.

He knew he sounded silly. Like a young boy beginning to speak for his first time to a girl. But he could not help what his feelings and emotions had to say. After all it was not every day one fell in love with someone at first sight. He knew he would have to go very shortly as well. For the moment though, he remained right where he was. Gazing into her beautiful eyes.

 

[Daliha]

Her fingers brushed over his chest in a feathers kiss as she listened to him. He did sound foolish for his age, but it did not stop her from smiling into his eye. She saw his love and growing desire for her. In an odd way that warmed her more than the words. Perhaps the king had done more damage with just words than she'd ever thought possible.

Carefully she took a step closer to him, placing her other hand upon his chest.

"I would say it was more than just your heart, but I will not doubt your word on this matter. I can not offer that which only now begins to bloom. I hope you can understand sir knight, but I will not be coy or misleading in my feelings for you. It would be cruel to do so."

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He understood what she spoke. He could not ask anything of her he would not himself do. Instead he put his arms around her and played softly with her hair. Enjoying the moment of holding her so dear to him.

"I would not ask you to give me anything you wish not to. I can only share with you my deep feelings for you that will never die. Never fade away. Never grow old and tired."

He leaned down and kissed her softly. Not forcefully but tenderly. He did his best not to let the kiss linger long or grow too passionate even though he wanted to pour his entire heart into it. He wanted her to come to him when she was ready. When he finally did break the kiss he kept his eye closed and whispered softly, "I love you Silivrenniel."

Moments later Tanthallas joined them and spoke softly. "My lord, it is time. Your squire awaits." He bowed and left them alone. Anastasius sighed softly. Not wanting this moment to end but yet the enemy would not show such mercy as to let them have eternity together in peace.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen slipped into his arms as if she’d always been there, eyes closing as his lips held the kiss. He understood and she’d ask nothing more of him. Gently her arms went about his neck, holding him to her a moment. But as he softly broke the kiss and spoke she thought her heart had heard him this time and believed.

To long had she lived without love, at least welcomed love. She would see what the day and the future held for them. But before she could return the kiss or even tell him that he’d touched her with his words Tanthallas joined them. Could the man not have waited a moment longer. It was time and knew nothing to do but draw him down for a kiss, softly brushing her lips over his, and then releasing them.

“I will wait for your return at the castle. I would rather stay out here, but you’d only allow your mind to worry.” She turned and began to make her way towards camp, calling over her shoulder. “Return to me Anastasius.”