Veiled Secrets

[Daliha]

Gwen drew up short at the sight of the stranger. One moment he held her within his sights and the next she was watching as he fell to the earth. To her eyes it all seemed to happen slowly, though in truth she knew it was only seconds. She glanced over her shoulder to Tanthallas and smiled softly. But it was all she could afford him for the moment. She had to reach Anastasius, though with the sound of a horn she had the feeling he was well aware of the breach.

Once more she paused, watching the magnificent sight that lay before her. She’d never seen such strength in a single man. Anastasius sat upon his mount as if the world had not turned into a night of blood and chaos. Her heart leapt and calmed as he drew his sword in arches against a creature that tried to dance about the horse. But his mount never moved a muscle unless urged by his master. She gasped as the creature lunged and then sighed as Anastasius drew his sword through him. Her skin tingled with the spells that were being cast all about the courtyard. She knew they were strong spells meant to push the enemy from within the walls.

Slowly she began to move back. The horror before her was nearly too much for her to bear. Visions slowly began to wash over her, clouding her eyes. Gwen knew she had to reach safety before the over took her completely. She would not put either warrior in danger. Her eyes danced around in her bid for shelter.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas Continued rushing to catch up to her and while she was backing away she bumped into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her along with his elven cloak. She became invisible to any eyes save his for he was with her. His sword put up for now as he held her close to him. His eyes looked outside to the battle below and could see Anastasius was preparing something. Well he would have to do so without him. Tanthallas whispered softly into Gwen's ear in elven.

"Shhh my love. None can see us. Calm love shhhhh." The gift he had received was from his quest. It was very handy to be able to go invisible when one must but it only worked for so long and only once per 12 hours. He found this moment was worth the use and risk. He did not know what had Gwen so worried but he knew she was.

Anastasius quickly assembled all his warriors and turned towards the gate. He commanded loudly, "Open the gates!" When they opened the enemy poured in. Howling with rage and hate. But those howls changed dramatically. A set of volleys cut down the first rows. Then the ground beneath the enemy's feet began to burn from the oil scattered there. When that fire began to die down the horsemen charged.

Dark fleshed elves scattered but not nearly quick enough. Trampled beneath horses hooves and skewered upon long metal lances as heavy cavalry charged out of the gates. The enemy had never before seen such war acts and were confused and terrified. Anastasius seemed like a Giant to them and he cut through them like a scythe through wheat. He took injuries to his arms and legs but those were minor. Before long the enemy broke ranks and began to run. Anastasius withdrew his horsemen and once more the gates closed tight. The enemy did not mount another assault that night. His mages continued their work and the clerics started seeking out the injured.

 

[Daliha]

She’d not seen the wall that she ran into nor the man that it belonged to. For a moment she struggled against the arms that held in a firmly, enveloping her in a cloak as if to hide her. His scent began to fill her nose and the arms became a familiar comfort. It was Tanthallas that held her, guarded her from the dark creatures that lay dying upon the earth. But it was his voice, spoken in elven against her ear, which finally calmed her. For a fleeting moment he was the only sound that she heard and the dearest. Slowly her form melted to his as her body shivered. Her cheek rested against his hard chest, hands gently curled over her own.

All too soon the spell vanished as the sounds of battle reached her. It was Anastasius’s cry for the gates to be opened that broke her. Her eyes rolled and a vision began to fill her mind, drawing a scream from her still ravished lips. She clung to Tanthallas as her knees began to give. Soon the world she stood in would not be that which she saw, but there was no way to tell him this before the vision over took her. Within her minds eyes Gwen saw blood everywhere and yet more came. There were bodies, human and elf alike, strew about the ground. She saw Anastasius’s sword plunged into the bloodied earth and a woman of black skin standing just beyond it, laughing.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas held her protectively and continued speaking calmly into her ear. A soft whisper until she began to cry out. They were safe from the visible world as long as magic was not used to find them. Though seeing through this magic would be quite difficult. He held her more firmly when she was ready to fall and Scooped her up in his arms. Careful to keep the cloak around them both. He walked away from the windows and looked for a safer place to defend her. Perhaps a servants bedroom. They were small and hard to break into. He was very worried for her and his feelings carried through the bond he shared with Anastasius.

Down below Anastasius looked up to the empty window for only a moment. His lone eye trying to see what had his friend so worried. But he did not have time for such things because of the stupid oath he had sworn to the elven king. The gates began to open further and finally the horsemen charged. He was in the second wave to direct the attack. Bolts from crossbows whipped by him as he led the second group into the enemy ranks. Blasts of fire balls threw enemies into the air but he saw strange creatures. Large black spiders ridden by females with long halberds.

He felt a bolt strike his shoulder and at the same moment a large spider jumped to take him from his horse. Now he fought on the ground with the animal after having picked himself up. His horse was mangled by the spider which annoyed him beyond belief. He was trying to defend against the spider and also its rider. The pain in his shoulder was excruciating but it was someone else's pain. He did not have time for pain. His armor saved him from several wicked slashes from the spider. Arrows struck the spider from above which slowed it down. Allowing him to have a chance at perhaps defeating the creature and its rider.

 

[Daliha]

She barely felt his arms lift her as the vision swam over her. She watched the battle rage on, breaking her heart at the senseless death of many. “Anastasius....” She called his name, but it was barely a whisper. Slowly she began to calm, but she remained motionless for a moment. It was not long before she began to wake, lashes fluttering as she fought to surface. “He needs you...or he will die this day.” Her eyes met his and she was sure he could see the truth in them. “Leave me here. I will be fine in the servant’s halls. I will find my way to hiding.” Carefully she sat up a bit even though his arms were tightly about her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas nodded and did not argue with Gwen. He set her down gently and moved so the cloak was still wrapped around her. He leaned forward and kissed her gently. He whispered softly to her "I love you, be careful." Then he sprinted down the corridor. Moving gracefully over the stone floor and silent as a shadow. As if the very hounds of hell were on his heels.

Anastasius fought the spider. His shoulder burning as he did his best to keep the creature at bay. He had wounded it several times but it seemed quite resilient. The rider was attacking others who wanted to assist as well as stabbing its halberd towards him like a spear. He was tiring and the rider knew it. The creature upon the spider was impressed. No one had ever lasted so long like this but she was also frustrated. Finally she managed to knock him on his back. As Anastasius fell he prayed to whatever god would listen.

The spider reared backwards ready to strike with its fangs. The only problem was that arrows stuck out of its open mouth as if growing suddenly from his flesh. The spider toppled backwards and started twitching. The rider was thrown free and landed on her back. She started to rise and felt two arrows pin her to the ground. She cried out in agony and standing by Anastasius was Tanthallas. Swords drawn now and bow discarded. He said to his friend, "Stop laying around, Gwen sends her love and get up."

 

[Daliha]

Gwen drew the cloak about her after she’d returned the tender kiss from Tanthallas. She ached down to the bone and hated that he’d witnessed her in such a state. It took a couple of tries, but finally she stood and turned to watch as a giant spider, ridden by a woman with black skin, attacked Anastasius. She prayed that Tanthallas would get to him soon. With the cloak wrapped about her thin frame she began to make her way down the hall to the servant quarters. Within that hall were private exits that they used to carry things throughout the castle as well to the outer city. One such passage lead to her home. The king had the passage made many years ago in case she needed him and did not wish to travel the streets because of the weather.

It did not take her long to find the door and sliding the tapestry aside she trigged its release. She grabbed the torch just inside the door and lit it with a stone she carried in the pouch at her hip. Quickly she sealed herself in the tunnel and began to make her way. She could hear a bit of the fighting above, but not much. She moved quickly, finding the last traces of the visions effects vanishing. At the end of the tunnel she came to stairs and then another door. She went to it, placing her ear near the edge and listened. No sounds came to her and she knew somehow her home was safe.

Gwen stepped through the door as it swung open. The torch was set in place and left to burn as the tunnel was carved from stone and posed no threat. Once the door was secured she made her way to her room and curled on the bed, wrapping the cloak about her. Her eyes were closed, but her mind ran over chanting prayers that she offered up for the men that fought and for the two she knew she was falling in love with. How odd that realization was. Two men, one woman, yet both loved deeply and equally. Could she do such a thing? It was something to think on later, much later.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Tanthallas helped his friend to his feet and began steering him out of the battle. The legion began to pull back into the city and the very confused army outside did not pursue. Having lost a few generals on spider back has thrown them into disarray. The city gates shut once again and the wounded were being tended to by the clerics.

From the castle doors blew a beautiful silver horn. Turning their attention to the doors the legion saw the elven army once more coming forth. At their head rode the king who looked to be in much better health. Anastasius was being tended to and did not order the cleric to stop as he watched the elven king approach. Tanthallas stood protectively beside his friend as his eyes scanned the army. They were replacing the legion on the walls already and helping those who were wounded back towards the castle.

When the elven king rode close enough Anastasius spoke softly. "Pardon your highness if I do not rise and bow." He motioned towards his wounds with his free hand and waited for the kings response. Others in the legion were watching as well. Wondering what the elven king would do. Past the gates the enemy was reforming battle lines with fewer generals to lead them. "I have also learned something of your enemy. They are ruled by the women. Strike those down and they will flee your gates Mi' Lord."

Both Tanthallas and him wondered what the state of Gwen was right then. If this dishonorable king has done something to Gwen they would soon find an enemy within their gates as well as on the outside. Anastasius almost sent Tanthallas to go find out about their love but to do so now would be very rude and he was not one to start a fight that did not need starting.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen made it home without harm and finally felt as if she could breathe once more. Her mind ran over the vision once again and she found herself shaking with fear. No matter how she tried to tell herself that her new lovers were but a passing tryst Gwen knew that her heart had been captured by them both. Perhaps it was as it should be, but somehow she could not manage to straighten her thoughts out.

Carefully she eased her form into a chair and prayed that they were both safe, but even from the distance she was she could hear the call of the kings men. He was joining the battle and she could not help but feel as if it might be her doing. If only she’d denied them within the throne room, but no. She’d have known if they’d been watched. Gwen shook her head, feeling as if her mind had been shattered into tiny little shards. She couldn’t seem to focus on a single thing. Her eyes closed as she took deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself. She prayed that Tanthallas would remember where her home was so that her absence would not cause them to worry, if they were even thinking of her.

 

[Daliha]

The king turned tired eyes at the two men. He’d gained his people’s saving grace through them and lost the one woman he’d always loved. But as long as she was happy he would not interfere in their romance. “You can find her in her home. She forever hides there, though she believes that I never knew.” He could read the distrust of his words in their eyes and shook his head. “Believe as you will. I thank you all the same brave men for defending my people, but you should rest, heal and eat before returning to battle. Retrace your steps and you will find her. Gwen’s heart....belongs to you.” With that he motioned his men onward. He’d not allow strangers to do all the work. Besides he felt the need to regain his peoples love and perhaps the respect of a dear friend, if she would have him.

Gwen made it home without harm and finally felt as if she could breathe once more. Her mind ran over the vision once again and she found herself shaking with fear. No matter how she tried to tell herself that her new lovers were but a passing tryst Gwen knew that her heart had been captured by them both. Perhaps it was as it should be, but somehow she could not manage to straighten her thoughts out.

With shaking legs she wandered towards her bedroom, praying that all would go well. Visions had a way of draining her to the point of collapsing. Carefully she eased her form down upon the edge of her bed, praying that they were both safe, but even from the distance she was she could hear the call of the kings men. He was joining the battle and she could not help but feel as if it might be her doing. If only she’d denied them within the throne room, but no. She’d have known if they’d been watched. Gwen shook her head, feeling as if her mind had been shattered into tiny little shards. She couldn’t seem to focus on a single thing. Her eyes closed as she took deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself and found herself drifting. With a soft shake of her head she gave up and laid back, curling against her pillow, having faith that all would be well.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Both men studied the king. Looking for lies within his words but could find none. Perhaps he did mean what he said but perhaps he was just another politician looking to pull the wool over their eyes. Their trust of kings was limited since the last one had murdered their wife. When the king left Anastasius turned to Tanthallas.

"Go to her. I cannot make that journey just yet." He knew Tanthallas would argue but he motioned to all the legion close at hand. "Do not worry over me. Go to her and express my concern for her and my love." He waited until his friend left before he lay back and closed his eyes. The clerics had done what they could for him. He hoped the elven king was true to his word and would let them settle somewhere on his lands. A place to call their own. Then he could leave the business of being a general and just be himself. Perhaps the three of them could travel together. Explore the world and see the sights.

Tanthallas was quick on his feet. Moving through the throng of people. He began to retrace his steps. His memory was picture perfect and so he was quite certain it was her house he stood before. He thought of knocking but instead he slipped inside without much trouble. He called out softly because the last thing anyone wanted was to startle the one they loved. "Gwen? Its me Tanthallas. Are you here my love? Is everything okay?"

 

[Daliha]

Gwen lay upon her bed, sleeping, dreaming of a summer day and an opened field of wild flowers. Tanthallas stood in the middle of the field with his arms open to her, calling her name. Softly she whispered his name in her sleep and smiled. “I am here love....” In her dream she was running to him, but then another voice rang in her ears and she turned. There on a small hill stood Anastasius, his hands on his hips, smiling warmly at her and calling her name. For a moment she was not sure what to do so she stopped in the middle between them both.

The dream was cut short though as she heard her own front door open. Her eyes flew open and for a moment she thought to curl into herself and hide, but the voice was all too familiar. “I am here love.” Carefully she tried to sit up, not wishing him to worry, but where was Anastasius? Her heart froze, waiting for Tanthallas to find her and tell her before she let her emotions run away from her.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He moved silently to her room. Removing the belts that held his weapons and setting them against the wall near her bed before he sat on the edge of it. His eyes gazed softly into hers and he brushed some of her hair away from her face. He spoke softly to her as he gave her his absolute attention.

"I am glad you are okay. Anastasius and I were worried about you when we saw the king moving about once more." He leaned down and kissed her forehead softly. Wanting to keep her calm before he continued. "Anastasius is resting at the moment. He had a hard battle but he will recover." He brushed his fingers along her cheek gently. "He sends his love my beautiful angel." He had a thoughtful expression on his face as he considered the next part of his message. "Your king has made quite a bold statement this day. He had said you are ours, but we do not view you as a possession. Both of us would be hurt but we would understand if you choose not to marry us." He knew the king had meant she was theirs to pursue but to him it still sounded like he was passing her over as some kind of trophy. "Now, before you get worked up my love you need to rest. I will be right here when you wake. Watching over you and protecting you from all the monsters in this world." He leaned down and kissed her lips softly.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen could hear him moving closer, his weapons being removed as he drew closer. When she felt his weight ease upon the bed her eyes opened. She was still very tired, but she would met his gaze so that he would not worry. “He’s moving about? But he should be resting still?” Of course she had heard the horn, but honestly she hadn’t remembered till after she spoke.

When he began to speak about Anastasius she placed her hand beside her and tried to rise once again. “I should go to him....” She was still so weak that the moment she put weight on her arm she collapsed back against her pillows. If she’d not already been robbed of her strength the news of what the king had said would have pissed her off and gotten her moving. “I have not decide yet Tanthallas...I’m sorry love. But the king has not right to give me a way like a plate he no longer wants.” She sighed and lay on her back, gazing up at the ceiling, but even as she lay, upset, she could feel her eyes closing and his lips softly brush her own. “Yes...okay my love.” She didn’t have it in her to argue. Her hand moved till she found his and held it as she drifted.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

Anastasius slept softly. His pain keeping him from a restful slumber but the magic was working on him. Before long he would be healed and moving about once again. Then he would deal with the king once more.

Tanthallas stayed by her side and watched her sleep. His ears alerted to any sounds around him as he kept her safe. He knew she would need time to think for herself. He would have let her be alone to do such things now except for the possible threat of the enemy lurking in the city somewhere. She looked very angelic as she rested. He held her hand softly and imagined their future together. Traveling where they wanted to. Seeking fortune and adventure. No longer with a lumbering army but with the three of them to rely on. Seeing places in the world no one else has ever seen. He smiled warmly at such thoughts as he watched her rest.

 

[Daliha]

Sometime during her rest the dreams came once more and she called out to Tanthallas. “I am here love...” She reached out and in her sleep found his hand. Carefully she drew it towards her. Of course in her dream he came to her, but when in the waking world the movement did not match her eyes slowly opened as she woke. “Come love...lay with me...please.” She only wanted to have him closer to her. She could barely keep her eyes open as she spoke, but she knew he’d heard her. She only needed a few hours of rest and she would be fine. Gwen would have moved back for him, but even that little bit seemed like a great deal. “Tanthallas...I love you.” One might wonder if she was mumbling in her slumber or still awake as she spoke.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled warmly at her and moved carefully. Stepping over her without disturbing the bed too much. He lay behind her and put an arm firmly around her. He did not close his eyes because he needed to remain fully alert but the rythmic sound of her breathing was soothing. Like a soft lullaby to put him to sleep. He whispered softly "I love you too Gwen. With all my heart." He loved the closeness of her.

He sang softly to her. Almost under his breath. A soft soothing song to help her relax and dream. He wanted to play with her hair but he was torn because he also wanted to keep her close to him. He decided to leave his arm right where it was. Wrapped around her comfortably. There would be another day to play with her hair.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen smiled as he climbed over her and once she felt him lay beside her she used the last of her strength to move back against him, sighing when she felt his chest against her. Softly she began to drift again. “I’m glad...” The weight of his arm over her gave her a strong feeling of being safe. Her breathing deepened and within moments she was asleep and dreaming of him. Even in her sleep he was in her thoughts.

A few hours passes and she slumbers in his arms, pressed back against his chest as she wakes. Softly she yawns and stretches. “Tanthallas...” She knew he was still there; his arm was still draped over her. But had he fallen asleep with her she wondered. A small smile played over her lips at the thought of him drifting off with her. She wanted to roll over and face him, but she was afraid that she would wake him if he was asleep.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled warmly when she woke. He had drifted himself though not into the deep meditative state that elves slept in. Just a relaxed warm place. When she spoke softly he answered just as softly. His voice dreamy as if he were half asleep. "Yes my Gwen?" he loved having this time with her alone. He wanted to know more and more about her. The woman who had captured his heart so completely without having to do anything at all to attain it. He had known from that first day he would be hers.

His biggest fear was that she would not wish to be with him or Anastasius. Unless she demanded he wait until Anastasius passed on. He was human and older. Perhaps she would only want to be with him until he passed and then return to the waiting arms of this woodland elf. He would wait for her if she demanded that and he would live alone.

 

[Daliha]

Gwen smiled softly as she heard him speak. With a soft sigh of happiness she turned over to face him. Her hair spread over the pillow in a cascade of silk tangles. It had been some time since she’d slept so deeply and thought it was because he had stayed with her. “Did you have a nap too?” Her eyes sparkled softly as she gazed at him, her hand rising to gently stroke his cheek. They’d been intimate, but not like this. Her fingers traced over his face and then down his nose as she gazed into his eyes. She could feel her heart beating and it swelled with love for this male beside her. There was no reasoning behind it, it just was.

Gwen drew in a deep breath before she brushed her lips over his. She didn’t want to make love to him. No, she just wanted to be close to him for a while. “I’m sorry...about earlier.” She felt a bit foolish for not realising that she was going to have a vision, but then there were times that she never had an ounce of warning.

 

[AnastasiusFocht]

He smiled reassuringly at her. His fingers softly played over her face. Touching lightly upon her silky smooth perfect flesh. He closed his eyes at her soft touch and gently returned the loving kiss. He had no trouble focusing on her words because she was at that moment the center of his universe. "You my lovely Gwen have nothing to be sorry for." He gently kissed her again before he lay back and just hold her to him.

Feeling her so close to him made him become a little possessive and a little more protective of her. He knew it was just part of his upbringing but he could not help such feelings. His thoughts were easily confused by her and his desires burned hotly within him. He was very aggressive when it came to taking what he wanted but for the moment he wanted to just hold her and love her. "I had a soft day dreaming nap." He wouldn't sleep soundly until he knew the enemy was driven off and defeated. "When you feel up to it perhaps we could go for a walk my love? Or you may want to go visit with Anastasius. He will be healing and resting now. He asked me to pass on his deep love for you my angel." In his heart he knew that if any other man touched her except himself or Anastasius that man would be dead.