Veiled Secrets

[Daliha]

She listened and watched, not missing the few smiles that seemed to be directed to her. It was something so special and found at such an odd time that she did little more than smile in return. Gwen found herself relaxing against Tanthallas as she watched the crowds begin to thin. Children were ushered into the castle with the old. Others were running home to secure things she was sure. But even those not use to battle knew how to defend themselves at least. When she heard the whisper she found herself leaning back till she felt his lips brush her ear.

“I can find a place. I don’t want to take you away from your duties. People rely on you far too much for you to worry over me.” But it was sweet that he did and for a fleeting moment she found it thrilled her just a little. “I will go back into the castle and help best I can with the little ones.” She turned her gaze upon him again, smiling warmly.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled at her and tilted her head just a little more. He kissed her a little more passionately. He let it linger as he tasted her sweet lips. She could feel his body warm up as she was so close to him. When he gently broke the kiss he whispered softly to her. "As you wish my lady. I will see to the defenses here." He obviously did not want her to go but he would not hold her back either. After all it was her choice on where she wished to be. He lifted his hand from off her thigh and moved to gently brush the fingers over her cheek. He gently let his fingers brush over her firm bosom before they did reach her face. The touch so soft and delicate.

 

[Daliha]

Her own heart responded to his, but in a way that it had not responded to Anastasius. For a moment she thought of betrayal, but she’d not given her heart to the man or a vow to belong to him, had she? Her thoughts clouded with desire as Tanthallas captured her lips in a passionate kiss. He was bold and took what he seemed to desire. Perhaps it was that fact coupled with a few others that had her responding to him as if they’d been lovers. A soft purr slipped from her lips as the kiss was broken.

Gwen longed for more, but the sounds of battle quickly intruded on them. “If you only knew of my wishes...” She let her words die there, feeling his hand lift from her thigh and his grip about her waist ease. She kissed him then, leaning against him a moment longer, back arching as his fingers brushed over her breast. His warmth held her longer than she’d intended and when the kiss was broken she found her breath a bit short.

Yes, very bold indeed. Already a need for him was beginning within her. Was it possible for her heart to wish for another, yet her body crave the one she leaned against? Once more she looked towards the castle. “Do as your commander has bid...I fear we wrong him, but I cannot find the strength to do otherwise with you so close.” She spoke without looking to him this time. “But know this Tanthallas...I have not promised or vowed to belong to anyone...yet.”

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He was more bold then she could even imagine. He noticed the arching of her back at his touch. A soft warm smile played upon his lips as he let his fingers trace over her breasts again softly. Not grabbing them but definitely feeling them as his hand moved softly. Then he kissed her again deeply before finally completely releasing her. He waited until she was able to move steadily before he helped her off his mount. He then spoke softly to her ear. Whispering something quite heated. "I would love to full fill your every wish right now Gwen. I would start with soft passionate kisses over your entire body. But that will have to wait until we can find a time to be alone with one another."

 

[Daliha]

Pleasure raced over her frame at the second caress, her body bowing into his touch. She drank the taste of him as he kissed her once more. When he released her she was more than a bit surprised to find the ground moving beneath them. As she was set on the ground her hand rested on his leg once more, her eyes searching his face as he leaned down to whisper to her. The words alone were enough to cause a deep blush, but the reaction of her own body didn’t help. “As you wish.” She lingered a moment longer before turning and rushing into the castle. If she stayed many would have been in danger and all for the lust of two that could have protected them.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas watched her go before turning his steed towards the gate of the castle defense. He was shouting orders to the men gathered there. The courtyard was to be emptied for the returning soldiers should the wall collapse. It was not long before he saw it happen. He made his way to the top of the castle wall and looked out towards the main gate. Dark skinned warriors were starting to pour through. The elves were trying to retreat but could not get away. Then Anastasius charged in with the 600 mounted soldiers. They cleared the backs of the retreating elves. They held the gate as long as they could. Giving all the elven soldiers time to retreat to the castle. The elven king was bloodied from battle but still standing at least. Anastasius held the gate until the retreating men made it to the gate of the castle. Then the Dark Horse Legion retreated as well. Riding hard to make the gate as Tanthallas ordered the gates be closed. It was a precise action. The last horse made it through as the portcullas slammed into place. The invading army were hit with a flight of arrows from the battlements as the large wooden gate was swung into place. The 600 men dismounted and began moving their horses out of the way. It seemed an organized chaos.

Anastasius made his way to Tanthallas and the two of them spoke softly. Then Anastasius made his way into the castle. He wore his armor proudly and his strong presence seemed to fill the entrance of the castle even more. The elven king was taken to his chambers to rest and recover. That did not bother Anastasius though. His eye only searched for one person. When he saw her he began to make his way to her. Proud strong strides carried him to her in mere moments and a warm smile rested upon his face.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen felt his eyes on her, but didn’t turn for fear of needing him all the more and calling him to her side. She had a feeling that he’d do the calling, but she was sure he’d have come to her this once. Before long she was getting the children settled and the aged were helping to make bandages and other dressings that might be needed. She heard when the wall fell and ran to the door, leaning against the frame as she watched the chaos. Her heart leapt at the sight of Tanthallas as he commanded his men and sighed when she watched Anastasius charge through the gates.

Gwen was the one that ordered the King to his chambers to be taken care of. “You need your rest sire. “ She leaned down and whispered in his ear. “You were very brave my dearest friend. I could not be prouder.” With that she motioned the King be taken away. She was busy with more wounded when he’d entered the castle and though she did not see him she felt his eyes upon her as he strode across the room. His warm smile was met with one of her own.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He wrapped his strong arms around her slender form and kissed her deeply. He knew the taste of her lips and had longed for that taste since the last kiss in the encampment. He held her close to him as he gave her little choice. His hand gently run up and down her back softly while his other arm was firmly planting her against him. He kissed her as if he had not seen her in years. His idle hand dipped just a little lower, gently brushing over her rear before it came to rest upon her hip. He broke the gentle kiss and just held her softly.

 

[Daliha]

She was a bit breathless when he broke the kiss and just held her. It felt good to be wrapped in his arms and she found that he was the only one on her mind as he did. She sighed happily and rest her hand upon his chest. She could hear his heart beating as if it only did so for her and found that that too warmed her. Slowly she raised her eyes to his and smiled softly. The patch didn’t even faze her as she smiled at him.

“You know...you should not allow my presence to distract you. There are things you must tend to as I should be tending the wounded.”

Even though her words rang true Gwen made no move to leave his side, though with the way he held her she was not sure she would be allowed to.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He just smiled a little more warmly. "It is completely impossible for me to not be distracted by someone as beautiful as you are." He gazed into her eyes openly. He probably smelled of battle and sweat and he prayed it did not offend her. But he could not delay in being with her. "I have a cleric to help tend the wounded and as for the rest they know what to do. I am going to check on the king and bring him back his crown." He kissed her lips softly so she could not argue. "You go see if Tanthallas needs anything. He is in the courtyard." It was hard letting go of her. He wanted to love her and make love to her, not walk away. But duty was always heavier then a mountain and lighter then a feather.

Tanthallas stood out in the courtyard ordering the men about. Making sure they were in the proper positions should this gate fall. 100 mounted near the walls to take down the rushing men should they break through and all the rest on the ground. Horse bows ready and swords close to hand.

 

[Daliha]

She nearly purred in his arms as he kissed her again. It was no fair to stop a protest in such a manor. For a moment she was puzzled. Why did he need to take the crown back to the king? But the thought was chased away with another kiss. It did not steal her breath, but it did warm her. But the moment he bid her to check on Tanthallas she felt everything in her shiver with a warmth that heated her blood.

Gwen watched as he went, smiling warmly at his retreating back. She was playing with fire and being so very unfair, but the two spun her head till she knew nothing. Once he was out of sight she carefully made her way to the door again, watching Tanthallas order people about. The smile that warmed her lips now was for him, for the strength that stirred desires in her she’d not felt before. She could say one thing. They both drew feelings and desires that she thought long dead and each different for each man. She waited for him to see her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He watched them scurry about and before long they were all in places. He doubted the enemy had the ability to even get through these gates. Magical as they were but it did not stop him from being prepared. He turned after a few moments and spotted the loveliest sight in all the world. He smiled warmly and beckoned to her to come to him. His arms held out towards her and his eyes shimmering softly for her. The sight of her made his blood seem to run faster. A feeling he began to cherish.

 

[Daliha]

Without thinking she ran to him, slowly only a moment before she stepped into his arms. She cared little for who was watching. It was the look within his eyes, heated and wanting. Was it not every womans desire to be wanted and loved. In one she saw the love and the other the pure need and want of her. But for now she lay her hands upon his chest and enjoyed the way he looked into her eyes.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He gazed upon her for a short while. Drinking in the beauty of her before he found himself kissing her softly once more. His arms encircled her and held her to his own form. Filled with a burning desire and deep passionate need for her. It was almost a painful need. His heart so insistent on being one with her and showing her just how incredible she truely was. He let all these thoughts flow into his kiss with her. Enjoying the taste of her lips and the feel of her form so close to his own. He had removed the majority of his armor for he had little need or use for it. But it no longer sheltered her from what his body wanted.

Being so close together she could feel the strong desire pressed against her. The need of him hot against her form. He did not hide his feeling for her and he really had no reason to. Not that she knew this. But in time perhaps she would learn the secret between he and Anastasius.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen leaned against him and found a soft blush warming her cheeks as his gaze lingered. As his arms encircled her she stepped into him, closing the slight space between them. She felt his need for her rise, the hardness of his need and could not deny the way it pulled upon her own. Already she could feel the tender moisture of her velvet lips as an ache began to caress her body.

Her eyes fluttered softly before closing, blocking the world off as he kissed her. The mere taste of him was enough to make her earn for more. Now was not the time though and though her mind spoke this truth over and over she could not break the kiss. A soft purring began in her throat, hands moving over his back as she pressed firmly against him.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He allowed the kiss to linger a long while. Moving his body slightly against her with his need pressing against her body. The warmth of it was driving him crazy with a deeper need. He knew it was not appropriate for the situation but his body denied his mind. He held her close with one strong arm while the other slid up between them to play softly over her breasts. Feeling them through the cloth and so desperately wanting to touch the flesh beneath. He let out a soft moan into the kiss and gently broke it. Moving to place soft kisses to her beautiful neck just below the ear.

 

[Daliha]

Her need rose with his and unable to keep herself from responding. Her body swayed under his, her hands roaming his back as he teased her. When the kiss was broken she found herself breathless and wanting him desperately, but she did not move to renew the kiss. It was bad enough that his lips ran about her neck, tempting her further.

“We must stop...here in the open...in battle.”

She found it hard to speak even those simple words, but this truly was not the place to be acting as they were. Her hips swayed over his hard mass, wanting to feel more of it. Gently her back arched against him before she slipped her hands between them. He was driving her mad and if he kept kissing her she would be helpless to stop him from taking her then and there.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He moved to kiss her again deeply and let his fingers trail over her body more sensually. He did not seem to care that they were out where anyone could see. He did want her so badly. His body yearned for her touch. moving with her as he became more and more aroused. He thought he heard her trying to speak but the blood was thunderous in his ears. His arm holding her close to him pressed them just a little closer. His other hand that was feeling her breasts softly moved down over her belly to rest softly between her legs. Moving gently over her treasure through the material. Not yet able to feel her wet desire.

When he did feel it he softly broke the kiss and breathed deeply. Just holding her close to him. After a moment he removed his hand from where it had rested between her perfect legs and just held her gently. He was unable to speak for the moment. So caught up in rapture and need for her. When he finally spoke it was a soft whisper. "You are so lovely Gwen. You make my body do things they have not ever done before. defying even my mind."

 

[Daliha]

She moaned softly, lost in the pleasure he brought to her. Slowly the world beyond them began to melt away leaving them alone. It was dangerous to allow such a thing, her mind rambled, but Gwen pushed at the thought and drank in his kiss. Her fingers slid beneath his shirt wishing to rip it from him, but he held her to close and teased her so that soft moans whispered from her lips as they kissed. When finally he relented as found it hard to catch her breath.

“And you make me forget myself. Here in the middle of battle we paw at each other as if were but 100 again. You are a dangerous man...and I fear soon we shall find out just how dangerous you are.”

Carefully she brushed her lips over his and smiled. “Now...I do believe you have a battle to win.” She prayed her words would be enough for him to release her for she could not take the aching need much longer.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled softly at her and kissed her deeply once more. He did not prolong this kiss though for he knew it would end his ability not to take her right there. When he broke the soft kiss he placed his hands on her rear and pushed her more firmly against his hard needy mass. Moving his hips softly before he spoke.

"You are quite right. I must go win this battle and you must return to Anastasius. He will be likely waiting for you inside the castle by now. Wondering at where you had gotten to. Go in peace and love Gwen and remember please how much we both need one another." He kissed her again lightly before removing his arms. Letting her be free from his need and the hardness of his body though not stepping away from her either. He desired the feel of her against him. He felt her wetness and craved it now more then ever. But he also knew he had to wait.

Anastasius was alone in the main throne room. He had returned the crown to the king who rested peacefully. Now he just waited for Gwen. He had left word for the guards to let her know exactly where he was. They were to escourt her when she returned to the castle and waited by the doorway for her.

 

[Daliha]

Her laugh was soft, but it was warm with happiness. “Funny that you should be sending me back to him when he was the one that sent me to you. I fear this shall be a puzzle that breaks my heart.” She brushed her lips softly over his and began to turn and paused. “Perhaps ... we... no. It might be that way with mortals, but not with our people. “ Gwen turned and began to walk back towards the castle. The whole thing was very odd, but she could not deny the fact that her body still ached with need for Tanthallas. Yet there she was heading right back into the castle and to a man that had already, after 24 hours, vowed undying love for her. A fact she found a bit hard to believe.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

The guards spoke respectfully to Gwen when she entered the castle. Informing her they were to escourt her to the throne room where Anastasius waited. They did not hurry her along but made certain no one bothered her while she walked along. Inside the throne room Anastasius was looking at the wall hangings. Admiring the art work of the elves. He heard the door open and turned to face Gwen. A warm bright smile spread slowly across his face. The guards turned and closed the doors to keep anyone else out. Only one person would be permitted past without permission and that was the king himself.

Anastasius opened his arms as he walked towards her. His eye studied her form and he certainly enjoyed what he was looking upon. A beautiful perfect maiden with vast intelligence and perfect grace. "Ah Mi' lady. I have missed you even these short moments that you were away from me." He had his armor removed and a bucket of water thrown over him to rinse off his body. Fresh cloths were given him so he did not look a beggar.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen gave the guards a soft smile and a nod, following them. There was no need for an escort, but it was a sweet thought and one she would not reject. As she entered the throne room her eyes wandered over and watched as Anastasius’ smile warmed. His arms opened for her as he crossed the room, but she waited for him, trying to puzzle out the words he spoke. “Hmmm...perhaps it’s because you always seem to be rushing about.” Or perhaps he was getting a bit sappy as humans could do and eleves as well. Perhaps that’s what love did to you.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He wrapped her up in a hug which picked her up off the ground and he swung around in a circle playfully. His eye gazed upon her face as he swung her about playfully for a short time before stopping and setting her down on her feet again.

"I am glad I did not listen to your king else we would have left. He told me you had went home but Tanthallas looked for you to be certain and found the lie to be obvious." His hand gently caressed her back as he spoke his thoughts to her. "Imagine what would have happened then? These invaders would have captured the king and I could not have let even this happen. But more importantly, I could not have handled losing you. Beautiful Gwen." He leaned forward and kissed her softly. His lips were hungry for the taste of hers.

When he broke the kiss softly he spoke in a near whisper. "Tanthallas will have the night time battle to watch and I The daytime until the siege ends or we are defeated." He was not certain why he felt the need to explain his lack of armor and not being in charge out there right then but he had already had a long day.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen’s laughter rang out through the chamber like crystal chimes in a tender breeze. There was so much about him she did not know, yet so much that drew her to him. Did one ever truly understand the one they are attracted to? It was something to ponder, another time. Her smile warmed and her lips brush over his cheek as he set her down.

“I’m sorry he has caused you so much trouble. I do believe he meant well...if not to do harm. It can be hard watching the one you desire charmed by another.” Yes, charmed was a good word for it.

She welcomed the kiss and returned it softly, playing her hands along his back. For a moment she wondered if he’d seen her kissing Tanthallas as there hadn’t been a need to explain the change of clothing. For a moment she thought to tell him, but the fear of coming between friends was strong. She was sure the fear reflected in her eyes as she looked to him.