Audric, as usual, knocked on Calent's door and scarcely waited for an invitation before entering. It wasn't his business, of course, what Calent did or did not do with the woman waiting in the parlor -- but he'd been a soldier too long not to notice...certain assets.
And, he, for one, approved of her gifts. Some might find them odd, but whoever operated as the Chandos Family rumor-monger had done an excellent job in assessing Calent's personality and interests. Yes, it was certainly unusual...
"Lady Kathryn of Highheart has arrived," he began without preamble. It usually wasn't his duty to announce visitors, but he had volunteered this time around... With his usual, roguish grin, he added, "I can see why the King of Thieves wanted to propose to her. She's not hard on the eyes."
OOC: I won't lie that this title amuses me greatly and also fuels a certain ego XD *sparkles*
IC:
Calent had buried himself away that day. It was an obsession of his, and the last two unaccounted for coppers would not be missed the second time through. He didn't know why he paid these tax collectors, but he supposed he shouldn't make such a fuss over a petty two coins, but.. even still, the money had to account for something. This was not his money, after all, but the money that went back to his people, fixing roads, building a new and giving leniencies where necessary if the funds proved fruitful that year (an idea that seemed to keep the people more appreciable of their taxes).
Papers were everywhere, and an extra ledger was brought in from storage. Calent continued to scribble with his quill, making a fuss over this and that, writing furiously before finally, with a sigh, tossing the paper aside and peering up and through a ledger at his friend.
He almost seemed to wrinkle his nose, but rather gave a sniff when the famous thief was mentioned.
"If you approve, perhaps she should just be dismissed." Though his tone seemed cold, Audric might know that it was his soured attempt at humor. "I still haven't found those two coppers. But I think I know what two villages it could have been missed by." Ignoring what Audric was presenting, he went on to talk about the tax as she leaned back in his chair.
"The tax collector near the river was new, his position heir ed to him when his father went ill. Though they know my strict policy, I wouldn't put it pass him to make a mistake." He rubbed at the bridge of his nose, smudging just the faintest blot of ink high upon his cheek before he turned to Audric.
OOC: Yeah, I totes have Christina Aguilera stuck in my head now. What a girl wants, what a girl needs~
Audric grinned at the sight of the smudge. He'd let the lady outside point it out to him later, if she chose to do so. If she didn't, well, then, Calent would walk around with a smudge of ink on his face until he himself noticed! Either way, it would be good fun.
For him, anyway.
Calent could talk about taxes all he liked. Audric's sisters both had heads for math and coins; Audric preferred the subject of Anatomy -- female in particular, but he was also quite good at knowing where to stab a man to bring him to his knees without necessarily dooming him...
"If coins are all that you're interested in, I could, perhaps, interest you in a dowry proposal? I hear the Duke of Highheart would pay a man handsomely for the privilege of seeing his eldest daughter wed within the year." He shrugged lightly, although he was still grinning. He knew he sounded like a nag, but Calent did need a little encouragement. What sort of a man preferred taxes to the company of a woman?
"Or, perhaps, you would like to hear about the gifts she has brought from her father as an apology for the stain upon your name. There's no coin, but I do think you'll enjoy them, Calent."
Calent only stared, and continued to stare at his friend before sighing.
"You've peaked my interest, I'm enthralled," he replied flatly, again, another way he'd ever show his jest as he pressed his hands to the table to rise. "I am well aware of the gossip, a certain man posing as myself is not only a smack at the duchy of Highheart, but my own reputation as well." he frowned outwardly for saying it, though he knew he had already stated that before in privacy to his friend.
"It is flattering, their notion, but what do you think the people would see if a false proposal had occured, then a real one, of the same effect, soon after?"
His eyes caught something on the paper as he moved away, growling.
"The two coppers.." he growled, snatching up a paper and sighed, smacking his hand on the paper.
"The fees he forgot when tolling across the Norther bridge."
And the frown Calent wore now was immense as he sighed, not even bothering to note it as he tossed the damned thing aside and pressed his thumb ad finger to his eyes and sighed.
Wrinkling his nose, he pulled his hand away and looked towards Audric.
"So, I suppose you're waiting for my cue to allow you the luxury of offering me all of the details." He almost smiled, a twitch on his lips as he shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest. "My approval never halted your tongue from just telling me before." he stared at Audric, simply waiting for him to dish out all of his knowledge about this woman-
After all, who knew...
Maybe it would be intriguing to wed the girl who was falsely proposed. It would put an end to any of the gossip around himself- who currently was at such an age that no bride and no heir was almost scandal in itself.
Audric chuckled at his friend. "Yes, but I do have to make sure you're paying attention, don't I?" he asked smugly before accepting the invitation.
"Lady Kathryn Chandos is said to be quite beautiful -- a fact I can attest to now, and you shall see for yourself shortly. Her beauty is only exceeded, in equal parts, by her modesty and piety. She attends Church at least three times each week -- enough for both of you -- and is a pillar of charity and kindness towards the poor. Her people love her dearly, and even your people, after hearing such things, are enraged that the King of Thieves would prey upon such an innocent creature." He paused, then added, "And there is a particularly nasty rumor that the man killed one of the Lady's suitors -- a Lord Philippe of Brisaelia -- and two guards for interfering when the villain attempted to have his way with the Lady." Audric wasn't quite sure he believed that -- it was quite fanciful, although he wouldn't put it past the King of Thieves to stoop to rape.
"All of that aside, she loves to hunt and to ride, they say, and she is a charming hostess and obedient daughter."
Audric shrugged lightly. "You could do worse in a bride. And the other nobles are looking to you to set an example. Turn her away, and the family will be shunned. Treat her kindly, and the rest of the Kingdom would treat you as a hero, I imagine, for rescuing the poor, innocent girl."
OOC: Oh.. Brisaelia! XD *remembers!*
IC:
Calent listened to his friend in relative silence, the list going on and on about the woman without a vice. THough, he supposed , that was just the way. Yes, a fine catch, any would say, though the last phrase had him peering curiously at his friend as he asked, "Do you find yourself imaging me as a hero?"
It was actually hard to tell if the question were serious or not.
Oh, there were sure to be vices. The important thing to remember was her vices were so well-hidden and so discrete that they meant nothing.
Audric outright smirked in response to the question. "I seem to remember you used to dream of being one. Surely, that's one childhood dream you haven't forgotten and out-grown?" He posed it as a bit of a challenge -- and smugly at that.
"I'm not saying you have to propose to her, anyway. Oh, I wish you would find a wife, just to give the tongues something new to wag about. But be kind to her, in the very least. And accept her gifts with a smile."
That made him pause again, and he couldn't help but add, "I really do think you'll like them, though."
Calent eyed his friend. He wouldn't be lying if he admitted to just plain forgetting those memories. His mind, as of these last few, wretched years, had long been distracted by so many turmoils obstructing the few finer things in life he had once enjoyed.
But he knew a jest when he heard one. He only stared.
"I will find one in due time, and if she's already within my castle, perhaps it'll make it all the easier," he said, then gestured for Audric to lead onward. "Let's not keep the lady waiting."
Kathryn rose as the pair of men stepped into the parlor. She recognized the guard, of course, and assumed the man in the finer clothing must be Calent.
Well, she thought, he wasn't bad looking... There was a certain familiarity about him that reminded her of Dekka -- but, perhaps, it was just something of the coloring...
"Duke Calent? I am Lady Kathryn Chandos, daughter of Harald Chandos, Duke of Highheart. My father bade me to deliver to you this letter in his hand, as well as some items which he dearly hoped would make amends for the recent events in Highheart."
She assumed he already knew of those events...
The greeting was conducted in proper as the Duke bowed humbly before the lovely lady before him. Yes, she was young and beautiful, as predicted, but, as it were, many women could be.
He listened to her statement with interest and nodded his head.
"It was an unfortunate circumstance," he replied coolly, then gestured for Audric to retrieve the letter. "I am humbled you wish to make amends, though your duchy would hardly find itself in such a predicament had I not initially declined the event." Calent took her hand and kissed it lightly, before raising his eyes to meet with hers- the ink still smudged across his face.
"But I am grateful for your arrival. Perhaps we can boast that within our time spent together our duchies can build a better and more social alliance."
Kathryn became momentarily distracted by the smudge of ink, made suddenly apparent as he stepped further into the room. And, of course, once seen, the ink could not again be unseen...
The smile that answered his greeting was as cool as his own, although her blue eyes sparkled with humor that remained apart from her mask. "You do me a great honor to welcome me with such kind words to your beautiful duchy," she murmured lightly.
She glanced towards the guard that had accompanied the Duke, noting that he was watching their exchange with a fair amount of interest...and with a smirk. She had to wonder if the ink smudge on the Duke's face was no accident at all...
"As I said earlier, I do also have gifts my father wished presented to you. Due to their nature, they remain outside in my carriage. If you wish, we can view them at your leisure."
Calent couldn't figure out why Audric was smiling, even if it wasn't fully realized on his lips, he knew there was something about the one in his eyes. But he'd inquire about it later. He was probably just pleased with Calent's civil tongue. But of course he'd be... after all, this was a Lady.
He bowed his head at her respectful compliments, then his eyes followed towards the great front doors where she had come. Then back to her he looked and nodded. "If you wish, we could move on to the presentation."
After all, a gift was a gift, ad he was, if anything at all, a little curious what Highheart were to bring. He gestured towards Audric, a silent word spoken to have him and the guards lead the way.
"As you wish, Duke Calent," Kathryn stated prettily. There was the small problem of the smudge... Given the solemnity and formality of the occasion -- and the fact she had heard only of his reserved, almost cold nature -- she wasn't at all sure it would be proper to simply blurt it out...
She would have to compromise.
She followed Audric willingly towards the doors, then paused in front of the large mirror set beside the doorway. "May I have my jacket and gloves, please?" she requested of one of the servants hovering beside the door. As he scuttled off to see to her request, she turned towards the mirror as if just noticing it.
"This is a beautiful mirror, Duke Calent," she offered, as though making small-talk as they waited. In truth, she wanted to lure him over to the reflective surface so that he might catch a glimpse of the smudge himself... "Is it an heirloom?"
At her inquiry about the mirror, he moved towards her side to oblige her with a reply.
"Yes," he said. "A few genertions." And the he looked at his reflection.
A little color became loose from his face, as did the muscles in his jaw as he noticed the ink smear and turned away suddenly, trying, as discretely as he could, to wipe away the ink blot that was there, and also tossing a slight glare Audric's way...
Then, his eyes flickered to the mirror again, just a bit more remained before he wiped at it again then cleared his throat, hands clasped behind his back.
"Shall we continue outside, Lady Kathryn?" he said, still keeping his cool.
He didn't need to thank her- the silent respect was there.
But Audric...
Audric was due for an earful that night...
Just he wait......
Kathryn turned away when it became apparent he had noticed the smudge himself, becoming rather engrossed with the door as the servant helped her on with her coat. By the time she had her jacket buttoned up and her gloves on, she saw that the smudge had vanished.
And the captain of Calent's guard was looking about as pleased as a cat in the cream.
"Of course," she answered, as though nothing were amiss. Out into the courtyard they went. Kathryn led the procession over to her carriage. A footman bowed lowly to them, then set down an ornate chest.
Kathryn opened the trunk herself. From it, she withdrew two items: a beautiful bow bearing Calent's coat of arms, and a quiver of fine arrows. Each piece of the collection was a piece of work by itself, and, although it likely had been expensive, it was made to be used rather than hung on a mantle; Calent would find no gaudy gemstones or flashy, unbalancing fixtures.
"My father shares your passion for hunting," she murmured respectively, as she held out the items towards him. She handled them carefully -- and she seemed to know her way around a bow. "He hopes you will have occasion to use this bow. He hopes you may accept a future invitation to the Valley for a hunt so that the bow comes to serve as a symbol of friendship formed through a common endeavor."
Calent, was indeed, impressed by the gift and found himself staring in aw of it's weight and craftsman ship. It was evident Highheart had done it's homework well, as he bowed politely towards the lately, forehead nearly touching the wood before rising again to address the lady face to face.
"A more than fair assessment of my passions," Calent admitted. "The bow is beautiful. As is the the daughter of his blood line." he bowed to her proper, taking her hand and kissing it fair. "IF you would be so kind enough to accept the compliment, and also of engaging me as your traveling companion back to Highheart. When you return, as I am afraid I do not know how long you wish to stay in Allar, I would be pleased to return with, if only to make amends on my own part and to make use of the bow on your father's bountiful hunting lands. And for repairing the damage done by sending a feebled attempt at a regret to the ball. That of which, I can assure you, is still weighing heavily as guilt upon my heart."
Kathryn smiled through her blush, peeking at him through her long lashes. She was genuinely pleased -- it was the sort of thing Dekka disguised as Calent had said, and it did appeal to her ladylike sensibilities.
"My parents will be honored to hear of your decision, Duke Calent, and I, myself, am overjoyed at the thought of traveling in your company. And overwhelmed by your kind words." For some reason, she hadn't expected him to be so similar to the role Dekka had played... She half-expected him to say something scandalous next. "My only duty in Allar was to deliver my father's words and gifts to you. It is a beautiful country, however, and had I a proper escort, I should have lingered to cherish the sights. And the company." Her smile widened slightly, and she glanced modestly away, although her tone left no doubt as to who she meant. "Unfortunately, my father had pressing business, and I have no brothers nor uncles who could provide me escort." Obviously, the handful of guardsmen that had accompanied her didn't count. And she certainly wasn't about to suggest he put her up -- that was a decision he would have to come to on his own!
Audric's expression, meanwhile, was just short of gaping. For Calent to suddenly decide to accompany the young woman was...well, something of a miracle. He liked to barb his friend -- and lecture him -- but he hadn't imagined he would warm up so quickly to the girl!
Calent blushed, but only subtly, enough for him to steel away as he nodded at her words.
"Well, perhaps we can remedy the situation. Please, do come inside and join me for a proper meal and stay as a guest at my residence for the night. It's not everyday I get a chance to entertain a lady from far away. And, Perhaps, if you feel it honorable, we could decide on travel arrangements back to Highheart come the morning?"
"Of course, Duke Calent. And, I am certain there would be no dishonor in spending time in the company of an esteemed gentleman such as yourself." Assuming, of course, their time was not spent in his bedroom or entirely in her carriage... He was a Duke, after all, and more credit was given to him than to, say, a lowly thief.
"I do hope my presence here is not an imposition," she went on with a warm, grateful smile. "My footman can see to my baggage." She made a vague gesture in aforementioned servant's direction. She assumed he would find room for her servants -- the footman, the driver, the maid, and the handful of guards in her company. "I'm embarrassed to confess we did not give you proper warning of my arrival."
A letter had been sent, of course, but a mere letter stating that an envoy would be sent was not the same thing as the Duke's own daughter turning up...
"Yes, we have many guests quarters for you and your servants," the duke went on, bowing to her with natural grace as he offered her an arm. "We can send a messenger out to notify your father that we will be arriving, so as not to surprise him with an unexpected guest as you return. Naturally, I would only offer you the finest rooms in all of my castle, the entire guest hall being yours. And you needn't worry yourself over the surprise, it was.. a refreshing change from the bland daily occurrences I feel chained to here in Allar. Come, let me show you the grounds."
And as he moved away with Kathryn on his arm, he shot a nasty glance back towards Audric.
As the two strolled about the castle, the Duke informing her about each and every room, and even the details behind some of the portraits, the would find themselves infront of a great painting of Calent and his mother and father, a family portrait baring the stoic faces of the Allarrick breed. Though Calent was much younger there, it was evident he was even handsome in his youth and his green eyes, nearly appearing lost in the canvas.
"This is our family portrait. Painted some time ago," The duke informed, hands clasped behind his back, shoulder's straight and at attention. "It is only a sad regret my parents are not alive here today to help tend to the castle." He forced a smile for her, a professional one. "But I'd like to think we do alright for here."
Audric's eyebrows rose at the look, but his only response was a mock bow. Well well well...
Kathryn enjoyed her tour -- it was the sort of things young ladies on the arms of handsome gentlemen should enjoy, at any rate. If she had to do this every day, she would quickly tire of it -- but she considered the tour to be a form of exploration, and that satisfied her curiosity nicely.
She gazed up at the portrait, noting, with a smile, the features Calent seemed to get from each parent. His eyes from one and his skin tone from the other... But all of them seemed so...stern.
She glanced at him curiously, wondering if he ever allowed himself to smile -- a real, genuine smile and not the ones they wore now for each other.
"I should certainly say so! You are, after all, one of the wealthiest and most respected men in Connlaoth!" And the most eligible bachelor... "Of course," she amended, "Success is not measured merely in riches or the opinions of your peers, whatever some people say." As if realizing what she had said, suddenly, she flushed lightly and turned her attention back to the portrait. "You must forgive me. I'm a bit of a romantic, I'm afraid."
Calent was a bit surprised at her blunt tongue, though perhaps it was still civil. However, coming from a lady to be so bold well, a slight smile curled his lips, eyes remaining on the portrait.
"Indeed, success is measured by many things." he informed her, eyes almost glowing beneath his stoic face as he gestured for her to take his arm once again. "Shall I show you to your room?"
Catching a glimpse of Audric, who would, most naturally be nearby, he afforded him on real answers visually, but... once again, made sure to catch his eye before returning his attentionst o Kathryn and taking her, leading her away.
Down the great hall of guests, her room was at the very end. Gesturing to a servant, the large double door was open and in the group stepped into the most marvelous of rooms...
A hand carved wooden bed, the posts depicting the form of true angels, the bedsheets, pure as snow, and the furniture, as lavish as the rest of the palace.
"I hope this room will suit you for the night," the duke spoke, humbly. "And if you need more servants at your disposal during your stay, I can make amends and fetch them into your powers merely at your request." Bowing towards her, he waited for her acceptance, at best.
Kathryn's expression was one of delight as she looked around the room. It was luxurious, to say the least -- and beautifully furnished!
"Thank you, Duke Calent. You've made me feel quite comfortable here." Really, for a man who so seldom accepted guests -- on a personal basis, anyway -- he was quite the charming host! "And, I thank you for your offer, but I have only need of one maid." They weren't preparing for a ball, after all! "I will see you downstairs for dinner?"
And when Calent left the room, he would find Audric waiting for him at the end of the hall with his arms crossed and wearing an amused expression.
"I am glad this suits your fancy," he spoke, bending over and taking her hand, kissing it light before rising.
"Take all the time you need. Rest up, the trip from Highheart can be a long road, I trust." He nodded. "I will have a servant call upon you when dinner will be served."
Then with another regal bow, Calent walked off...
Finding Audric at the end of the hall, he simply gave him a side long glance and walked pass him without nary a word. Two could play at that game of silence!
Audric didn't seem to mind; he fell into step beside him smugly. "It was funny," he said with a chuckle, admitting to his crime rather promptly! "And the lady rather skillfully maneuvered around it, I thought."
That gave him pause.
"And you're rather skillfully maneuvering around her. What in Angsar's name has gotten into you? She isn't quite that pretty. And if you're only going to break her heart after you've won it with such grace, I can name several very pretty ladies who would show you more gratitude and not resent you in the least for breaking it off afterwards." For a price! He was only half-joking -- well, maybe a quarter joking.
Calent kept walking, keeping silent.. still walking, remaining long in his strides.
"Her politeness, perhaps won me over," he said bluntly, then turned to hsi friend, giving a trying sigh. "I suppose she's as good as any other." was all he stated, staring at Audric without amusement as he kept his friend under a well guarded gaze, as if trying him to prod beneath the surface of any sort of scandal he so studiously believed could be presented here.
"I thought you said yourself I was becoming too old to wed. Do you find her a poor catch for a man of my status?" his words were cool, his manner, the same as he stared at Audric listlessly.
"Ah, now there's the man we've come to know and love," Audric teased, as immune to that gaze as ever. "Be that as it may, you are doing the lady a disservice. Unless you intend to keep up this charade every moment of your marriage? Flowered words and chaste kisses and compliments enough to keep a maid sated?"
Audric had some experience with women -- whores, mostly, but that was besides the point. Women were women, after all!
"If you only show her your true self on your wedding night, she is bound to take it hard -- blame herself and come to hate you, eventually... It may seem a kindness now, but in five or ten years, she will consider it an act of cruelty. Anyway, she seems to be a sensible girl. Young, yes, but sensible. She probably knows well enough that love has little to do with marriage."
"I never mentioned something so bold as love," Calent replied plainly. "And I was simply playing a game you started." he tossed Audric a gaze, then looked away, continuing down the hall.
"And her presence here makes it easy for a man like me to just accept what Angsar has tossed at me and play off of whatever drama had taken place in my stead. You know, my name is a mockery after such an event. It would almost be cruel for me to lead her on, as the second advance of a man under my name. Though, perhaps more jarring if the reality, when the real Duke, such as I, proposes the claim in truth. Marrying her... I could, indeed do worse." he said, having paused to speak, hands behind his back, then he pressed on. "Besides, what would you know about love, Audric?" the man pressed, not looking back at his friend as they made their way down the long, exhausting hall of Guests.
Audric shook his head slightly. "Maidens fall in love easily, Calent. Particularly when the man wooing them is as handsome and wealthy as you are said to be." He didn't approve -- but he could scarcely make the Duke behave himself. If he was determined to break the girl's heart and embitter her, well, he would do it.
Clearly, he didn't realize he was going to have to live with her. Oh, certainly, they would each probably rattle around a separate wing of his palace...but it was much more fun, he imagined, when you didn't despise the other party!
"As for love, not all of my trysts have been bought with coin, Calent. And I've seen my men spurn too many women to not know what will happen next." Spurned women did tend to become erratic... He'd seen spurned women do all kinds of crazy things -- and had heard crazier stories!
"So, after you suggest the choice of marriage, now you disprove of it?" Calent was amused, though never wore a smile to commit to the expression. "I find it rather jarring that you, as my closest ally, might believe I am toying with some girl. Perhaps there is some fancy with her, but I can not say. Her family is being honorable in their gifts, and I? Merely accepting them. They are not the only ones who need to patch up the bruises called here. Reputations are at stake, not the fate of my bed mate." he replied flatly.
"Though she seems well enough, young enough and pretty enough to make some handsome heirs." he resigned with a sigh, and continued to move towards his study- the place he normally hid himself before the dinner hour.
There were, taxes unfinished, after all.
"Only trying to protect you," Audric answered with a hint of resignation...or perhaps it was disgust. "As always."
No, this was not going to end well...
At the door to the study, he added, "Good luck with your taxes, Calent. I'll see that everything is ready for our departure in the morning."
(OOC: Lame post is lame!)
Damn him. What turned out as a civil game, he now made it sound like it had turned into the repercussions of war. What did Audric care if he faked love for a wife and fancy? He was bitter, and his night's- mostly sleepless..
and now, thanks to that God Damn pirate he met before..
He had, well, needed the company of a few courtesans ever since. But still... he did not feel sated, and his heart continued to simmer in it's own poison.
Disappearing down the hall, he was a foul mood and even more foul as he sat before his taxes..
staring at them near an hour before taking his hand across the table and smacking all of the contents tot he miserable ground as he called out in anger, the noise echoing across the tall spaces of his personal study.
Gods be damned! He'd find himself a wife!
Kathryn had never dreamed Duke Calent would be so charming. All of the things she had heard had described a very cold man indeed...
And to invite himself back to Highheart! Imagine! She knew her father did not wield so much power that this could be the reason... Though, perhaps, he was simply so incensed that he meant to take advantage of the offer...
Well, there would be plenty of time to figure it out. With Molly's help, Kathryn had soon scrubbed all of the dirt from the road off of her person. Molly braided back Kathryn's hair neatly -- in much the same way she had worn it when encountering Dekka for the first time, in fact -- and they turned to Kathryn's trunk. Of course, they had prepared for such an invitation... It was the polite thing for a host to do, after all! And so Kathryn was soon dressed in a fine outfit of an emerald green.
And that left Kathryn to decide jewelry. An emerald to match, or something less flashy? She had a lovely pearl necklace that she was quite fond of...
It didn't take long for the King of Thieves to sniff her out. After all, their parting had lest him, more or less, intrigued. And also, with such a craving.
Though as it were true to his character, he remained, lying out, stretched across the great width of the open window to her room as he admired her..
the massive, ivory drapes floating before his form, shrouding him like the pillowing effect of a ghost.
His dark green eyes sparkled as he watched from the shadows, admiring her every time he caught a fresh glimpse of her colored clothing.
Yes, my my..
She was quite the catch..
Then, when it seemed she might be alone, the maid wondering just enough out of ear shot, he finally spoke.
"Who would have thought I'd find you all the way out here?" came the intriguing voice- a familiar voice, and certainly not the voice of the drapes.
Kathryn started slightly -- although her expression quickly lightened into a smirk. She glanced behind her in the mirror, though he was, of course hidden. Rather than give him the satisfaction of turning, she lifted her chin slightly and went on admiring her jewels in the mirror...or at least pretending to.
"You should be careful. I'm beginning to get used to you doing that." Even though it really was only the second time...
"Were you stealing from the Duke and just happened to discover me here?" she wondered. "Or were you planning to steal from me and failed to catch me on the road?" She didn't seem particularly alarmed either way...
"The life of a thief, though well planned, can have it's time for unexpected and delightful distractions." was all he replied, the drapes settling as did the wind, so that she would be able to see his silhouette behind.
After a moment, she might have been able to hear his laugh.
Then he spoke.
"Hello, Lady Kathryn."
"Hello, Dekka," she answered -- pleased far beyond what she should have been to see him again. Of course, in reality, she probably should have been screaming her pretty little head off for aid...
"Are you going to hide behind that curtain all evening, or are you just waiting for me to invite you out into the open?" she asked, finally spinning to regard him with an amused expression. Yes, far too pleased...
Perhaps it was because she didn't know what to make of him. He was dangerous, after all, and a magic-user...and a wanted criminal. And, yet...
"Or," she asked with a note of triumph and mischief, "Has your beard still not grown back?"
Dekka rubbed his chin.
"It's.. coming back." he informed her, still remaining a lazy figment behind the drapes of white. Another wind rustled them, but they never parted to reveal his form. But he was looking at her, quite easily through them- an interesting silhouette pitted against the Allarrian style vanity.
"You could come see for yourself," he invited, slowly moving to stand, though his ass remained somewhat perched against the gaping stone window sill, and the drapes, finally settling to a still when the remains moved on.
OOC: <3
Kathryn stared at him a moment, cautious...yet intrigued. For a moment, it seemed she might refuse, for she returned to her jewels -- but only long enough to fasten the emerald around her throat.
Only then did she rise. "You're being quite mysterious today..." She sensed some sort of trap -- though, for the life of her, she could not imagine what sort of a trap it could be. They were only curtains, after all...
Curiously but slowly she approached the window. She paused in front of them, then, with a hand outstretched, the fabric grasped lightly in her fingertips.
"You aren't afraid Molly might announce your presence to everybody, are you?" she wondered, looking at the gauzy shadow. Really, why else would he be hiding like this?
He smiled, standing up tall now, as he could more easily see her face before him and through the curtains that was keeping them apart.
"Perhaps I like a little mystery," he said, raising a hand as he pressed against the drapes, fingers moving through it as a hand formed out and touched her cheek, then drew softly down to her neck before he dropped his hand away, eyes admiring her jewels.
"Nice choice of jewels," he commented, but naturally it wasn't the only thing he admired before his eyes returned to her, the drapes wafting between them like a dream.
"I shan't keep you long," he began, staring at her face, white washed outline through the curtains. "I think duty will call you to the dining hall soon, I'm afraid, but I did want to stop by in my travels. After all, it's been... sometime now, hasn't it?" His eyes sparkled, and perhaps she could see their playfulness, despite the drape- the only thing keeping him from going to her.
"Well," she answered, leaning, so gently she failed to notice, into his caress. "That does explain a lot..."
It didn't really clear up any questions -- but it didn't quite surprise her either.
"It has been some time," she answered softly. Quite a while, in fact, since that night... She still thought on it with a smile. She was too embarrassed to admit it out loud, but she had watched for him... She had peered into every shadow or strained to listen to every odd creak in the night, hoping, foolishly, that Dekka would appear. Apparently, he was not to be so easily captured... "And I suppose, if this is all just happenstance that you are here, you will be gone by the time I return..."
She hesitated just a moment more, then flicked her wrist swiftly, flinging the curtain backwards. Her patience, it seemed, was somewhat limited...
As the curtain's moved, so did his arm as Dekka reached out and snatched her wrist, drawing in her throught he settling breath of the curtain and sealed her lips passionately to his. It had been to long and the triumphant of his expression well embedded in the kiss, as he held her, breathed through her lips and craved more..
"Perhaps I came just to wait for.." another kiss, to her neck then lips, to throat to mouth.. "for dessert.." he panted, breath and lips pausing at her ears as he held her.
Another cool wind came by, fluttering at the drapes but kept their bodies pressed in heated shadow.
Kathryn didn't resist -- she couldn't; he had stolen her breath away with his first kiss. She was all-too content to let him kiss her and hold her, and, suddenly, all-too aware of how close they were...and how familiar and right this all felt...
Calent who?
She struggled to control her pounding heart, her breath that seemed to be coming just a little faster than usual as a thousand new sensations assailed her senses -- the feel of his body against hers, his scent (somehow woodsy), the tickle of his breath against her ear...
"You scoundrel," she murmured, albeit appreciatively.
One of her hands had, at some point, gone to his jaw, and she smiled at the stubble she found there. It was prickly -- but not unpleasantly so -- and she traced her fingers down the curve of his jaw.
"It seems to be growing in nicely..."
OOC: warning! Some adult content XD~
IC:
He nuzzled the rough patch of beard against her throat.
"Other things are growing nicely," Dekka breathed against her neck, and up to her ear as he smiled, nibbling on it before fasting his lips to her. A scoundrel? Why yes.
"I see you came to Allar on my behalf," he whispered against her, kissing her again. "Did you think it would go unnoticed?" He pulled back, if only briefly, teasing her to reply, only if she tried to speak, he'd seal her lips away, capture her breath as he pulled her fiercely to his body. Yes, she'd find things had already grown.. nicely as he hugged her hip to his.
Kathryn really thought she might stand there in his arms all day, lost in his kisses that were growing more heated. It brought a flush to her skin, pretty as the sky at sunrise. It made her head spin, her breaths deepen, and her hands search for purchase as her stomach fluttered in the wake of...everything he was doing to her.
She reveled in it, helpless against these new sensations, until...
She drew back a little -- not forceful enough to pull away entirely, but enough so that, for a moment, she could breathe. "Is that...?"
Well, what else would it be?
OOC: More Dekka being erm.. Dekka >>;;
Maturish themes! *flails*
IC:
Dekka clenched his teeth, his own cheeks ripe and red as hers, his hair, a mess across his face.
"Gods, don't stop.." he breathed, voice husky and hungry as ever as he snatched her up, sealing body to body, lips to lips and entwining their fingers together.
"I won't lie.." he said, pausing after a moment as he perched her against him, letting her know his excitement. "I have been thinking about you since the forest..."
His lips went to hers, softer this time, then softer again.
"I..." he wavered, uncertain as fingers drew down her cheek.
"I just wanted to find you again for a kiss." he smirked, but she'd know.. well fuck, he'd want more than that.
"So.. about that dessert.." he moved to kiss her neck, then down tot he opening of her shirt, lips traipsing over the curves of her bosom. "Would it spoil your dinner if you had it a little early?" His face now was devouring her breasts.
Kathryn's face went from red to white to red again in a matter of seconds. It felt good -- oh, it all felt good! And if she had been a peasant with nothing to lose, she may have let him go on...
But, the fact remained, she was the daughter of a Duke...and that came with...certain responsibilities.
"Dekka!" she gasped, alarmed more than frightened -- although there was some of that too, like a ghost waiting to return. So she did the first thing she could think of -- she pulled her arm back and slapped him as hard as she could!
He paused a moment, hair over his face before he would rise and lifted hand to delicately touch his cheek.
"I suppose I fucking deserve that," he grumbled, delightfully as he stared at her with a smile. "Perhaps there will be dessert next time?" he said, moving to stand, as he pulled himself up onto the window sill and stood, towering over her. "After all, I believe dinner will be served soon." He gave her a suave grin. Yes, he was just about the smuggest man out there as he admired her appreciatively from where he perched.
And if on cue, there was a knock at the door.
"Lady Kathryn?" came the voice from the other side. "The duke wishes to see you escorted to the dining hall."
At least it had gotten his attention!
She peered up at him, glaring initially -- although her expression faded to a smile at his reaction. "I am a proper lady, remember?"
Or so he had once said.
Still, it was a disappointment when there was a knock at her door. She sighed softly and extended a hand out to him -- like a lady might. "I expect a proper goodbye before I depart."
Dekka's eyes sparkled at the prospect, a slight twitch coming to his lips.
he took her hand, bent down and kissed it softly, before his lips went up, and up..
and up and up her arm until they settled across her shoulder, neck..
then lips.
"Enjoy a raspberry tart for me, won't you?" he asked, his voice husky and playful all at once as he pulled away, his hair, once again, falling over his eyes as he stared at her, still standing on the window sill, still holding one hand as he bent over, keeping them connected by that simple link of fingers and flesh.
Kathryn grinned at him -- at least he could pretend to be a proper gentleman! "Goodbye, Dekka. Try to surprise me next time you decide to make an appearance." Her eyes glimmered with as much humor as his own -- because, of course, he did surprise her...repeatedly.
She lingered for just a moment more, until there was another insistent-sounding knock at the door. Such bad timing...
"I'm coming!" She called out, eyes still on Dekka. "Bye."
So saying, she hurried towards the door, pausing only when her maid stepped forward to straighten her outfit -- which had become, inexplicably, skewed.
Dinner had gone on as expected, though the host arrived a little late, leaving poor Lady Kathryn at the mercy of perhaps boredom..
or perhaps, not. Calent, who had been so kind, decided to let Audric tag along- if not to keep the damned fool sated for now.
So when he arrived, he bent over and apologized.
"Forgive me for my tardiness," he said, but nothing more as he took a seat.
"Is this evening one for the Devil's Ham?" Calent replied, and the servant was cordial to return, bowing as Calent nodded and waved him away.
"Very well then," he sighed. "We shall begin. Bring in the course."
ANd the servants filed into the room, bringing in silver plates and platters and stacking them on the table, and as it went, they dined and dined divinely, though as Audric might take notice, Calent seemed put out, and a little less charming and dazzling with his false airs as before, and a little bit distracted as he chewed on his meat in relative silence, seeming not to care to strike up a conversation in the least....
Kathryn was at a loss. She had smiled, complimented, prattled, and questioned, and Calent had become, seemingly, an entirely different man. He said scarcely a sentence at a time, and even that seemed forced.
And Kathryn liked to think she had no small skill in engaging others in conversation...
At last, she set down her fork upon her plate and wiped her fingers upon her napkin. "If I may be so bold as to ask, is there something troubling you, Duke Calent?"
Calent looked up from his plate.
He, though brewing internally, and quite used to his peace, suddenly felt ashamed, his cheeks reddening when the lady inquired of his condition. Lowering his gaze, he sighed.
"I apologize for my lack of enthusiasm, Lady Kathryn," the duke began softly.
"During our time apart I had become distracted by frustrations of which I will not bore you on the details." He forced a smile, at least for her and let his eyes return to hers.
"Perhaps a brisk walk out side the castle after dinner might help clear my head of it, if you would be so kind as to join me? After all, it is the least I can do as a humble apology for seeming disinterested now."
Kathryn smiled prettily. "Think nothing of it, Duke Calent. I did request that you carry on with your business as if I were not here," she reminded him lightly. "It is my fault for interrupting your day." It was indeed -- though not on purpose, of course; he might have sent her to Highheart without offering her rest nor a meal.
"However, if there is anything at all I might do to relieve you of such frustrations, you have but to ask." It was a gracious offer and delivered with the sweetest and most innocent smiles. There was no double meaning to the words; she meant it as a kindness, clearly.
Calent studied the woman. She was charming. That was something.
"Indeed. Than perhaps when we are done enjoying our meals," he said, raising his glass towards her. "Let us walk in the gardens. There is much to admire there and I would be honored to show you the care my servants take towards maintenancing it."
Clearing his throat, he then raised. "But I think I can not enjoy another bite. There is much on my mind. Would you mind I call you within the hour to make claim to that walk?"
Kathryn lifted up her glass in return, bowing her head slightly to indicate her acceptance of his toast. She did so with a smile, pleased that she might help him vent any of his frustration.
"The gardens of Highheart are beautiful this time of year. My mother takes great pleasure in managing them." She smiled dreamily, thinking of the gardens -- and a similar conversation held there not too long ago with a very different Duke of Allar. "And I take great pleasure in exploring them."
And, of course, other less ladylike areas of the palace grounds...
"You may call on me as soon as you like, Duke Calent," she offered, again with a genuine smile. "Your chefs are truly talented, but I am afraid I have all-but reached my limit as well. I shall await your summons eagerly."
A tour of the gardens did sound lovely... And, although he had lost a bit of the charm from earlier, his company was not so terrible...
He bowed to her, taking her hand and lightly kissed it.
"Then within the hour then." and he waved towards his servants, and he offered her an arm. "Allow me to escort you back to your room. For the inconvenience of my demeanor."
ANd with her secure on his side, Calent lead her away.
"Please do not worry yourself about my.. condition. I know what people say of me." he informed her, being uncharacteristically blunt. "But only some of the rumors are true." he paused at her door, releasing her gently from his arm ad bowed before her.
"So in an hour then?" he spoke, eyes meeting to hers.
Kathryn gave him a quizzical look, good-natured though it was. "Duke Calent," she began lightly, her tone upbeat and almost playfully chiding, "Allow me to assure you that your behavior has been that of a gentleman. I can honestly say that I have you enjoyed your company, and I look forward to our walk, as well as to our ride to Highheart together, and I hope I have occasion to enjoy your company again in the future." Her eyes caught the firelight, making them sparkle like blue gemstones in her face.
"I am, after all, the daughter of the Duke of Highheart, and I am no stranger to the sorts of burdens a Duke must bear. You are a generous and charming host, and that is all any guest can ask for."
With a brilliant smile, she bowed her head slightly. "Until then, Duke Calent."
For all it was worth, the Duke found himself at a loss of words, his face blushed.
"Yes.." he bowed his head. "Until then."
Moving away, he felt himself become rigid and his face burning more and more as he walked..
He kept his posture erect and hoped not to see-
Ah, his hopes were dashed, for it was indiscriminately Audric lingering in the corner.
Sighing, he kept his head up high, hoping his friend wouldn't notice the red on his face.
"You can stop your prying now, Audric. I know you're there." As if the man really meant to hide but...
the Duke continued onward on foot.
"And if you have to ask, it was simply over taxes." he hoped his friend would drop the idea before bringing up his melancholy at dinner.
And well..
maybe the blush could be over taxes, too.
"Still?" Audric asked with a smirk. Naturally, it wasn't the taxes nor melancholy that put such an expression on his face...
...But, rather, it was the expression on (and color of) Calent's face.
"That's an interesting color on you. I wonder, what could have transpired between yourself and yon fair lady to produce such a shade on your face?" He was all charm and innocence -- but he really did want to know.
At the mention of color, Duke Calent cleared his throat.
"It must've been the wine." he stated simply. He wouldn't admit to Audric he was... charmed. But he knew the twit would figure it out. Damn him!
"And I am a busy man, do you not have rounds to make?" Calent asked simply as he paused at his door, peering over his shoulder at his friend.
"You're correct, of course," Audric answered, looking entirely too smug. "I had best go see that the garden has been opened and lighted for your walk this evening." He chuckled knowingly, then moved away with a soft whistle on his lips. Well, well, well... Stories of Kathryn Chandos of Highheart were, apparently, not exaggerated...
Speaking of Kathryn, she was revising her costume for the evening walk, choosing instead an entirely different ensemble than her eveningwear. Not knowing what to expect -- either in Allar nor on the road -- Kathryn had been forced to pack for a variety of occasions... She chose next an ensemble that looked as though it would be perfect for a garden tea party. Given the chill in the night air, however slight, she added a fur lined cloak. She was relieved, somehow, to replace the emerald at her throat with the string of more modest pearls.
And as she dressed, she watched the window behind her, hoping to catch sight of Dekka...
Despite the flaps of the drapes in the cool evneing breeze, that was the only remnant of the King of Thieves.
Time had passed, and a knock came at her door.
"Lady Chandos," came the voice.
It was the duke's.
"Are you ready for our evening stroll?" he asked, speaking through the door.
Kathryn was disappointed -- but, she felt, she would always be disappointed when it came to the King of Thieves. He was elusive, yes, and a criminal -- and not a man to be trusted, nor even a true gentleman... And, yet, his every appearance left her watching for him and hoping for another glimpse or faint caress... And kiss.
She was glad to see the Duke. He was a welcome diversion -- and a different kind of man.
"Of course, Duke Calent!" she answered back with a final glance in the mirror. A moment later, she opened the door with a brilliant smile, happy, indeed, to go for a walk and to escape even this luxurious room. "Thank you for the invitation! Do you often walk in the gardens in the evening?"
The duke offered her his arm and began to escort her down the hall.
"You are most welcome. It was the least I could offer. After all, you had prepared yourself, as woman often do, with extraordinary beauty and finesse for a dinner your host had notably ignored." He simply nodded. "And the gardens are lovely, even at night. It's a nice area to gain a sense of peace."
As they stepped out side, he continued to lead, speaking soft, gentle, but even his voice held that caution, that power and regality of a leader.
"These are the Southern Gardens," he gestured, sweeping his free arm before them as a wide expanse of cobble stone spread open to an array of exquisitely tamed flowers and bushes sculpted into figures of men, and the bush sculptures were also scattered through the sculptures chiseled from stone- to display a small, garden of Eden, type feel with a center pool of water, no deeper than a foot, rectangular in shape that strength lengthedly across the path and held a intricate sculpture of a naked angel, waters spewing from her hands as they gushed down her white body.
Kathryn's cheeks glowed a soft pink at the compliment, and she laughed lightly. "My dear Duke, if you had told me I would dine alone, I would have dressed just as I did in the hopes I might have even a moment of your company. Believe me," she murmured, her hand pressing lightly against his. "You made the effort well worth my time."
Her eyes turned then to the garden as they stepped out into the night air. She gasped softly in awe, completely taken by the differences between this and the garden at home. "It's so beautiful..." With her free hand she reached out, lightly caressing the curve of a lily's petal. Her eyes traveled up the bush behind her, studying the topiary sentry there.
"Our gardens are entirely different. And, I'm embarrassed to admit, not as grand..." The cool breeze blew suddenly, bringing the perfumed scent of flowers to her nose. She inhaled deeply, eyes closed lightly, simply enjoying the sensation.
It was as her flattery continued that he realized, to a degree, he and the lady were very much similar in person. Propriety spoke out from their tongues, rather than truth, though it was the subtle truth behind her charms that intrigued him.
"Come, the gazebo where we can enjoy tea during the sunset is towards the north."
He guided her away, walking tall and even a little stoically, his eyes drifting as far away as the clouds over head. But soon they reached a break in the wall of hedges, and out spilled a great open expanse of lawn and out to the far corner- a grand gazebo of pure white and vines twisting around it's sides.
He guided her up the steps as a servant greeted them.
"Fresh tea, my lady?" the servant asked, after she and the duke were seated.
They moved through the garden at an easy pace rather than the brisk walk he had spoke of. She was grateful; it was easier to take in the beauty at a slower pace. Her fingers brushed over petals and granite, tickled buds and traced the careful curves of the topiary as they passed.
Her smile brightened, excitement renewed, as she caught site of their destination. She accepted the proffered seat with a smile. "Yes, please. A spoonful of honey."
"Your gardeners have outdone themselves," she complimented Calent warmly, eyes roving over the view from their seats. "Do these vines bloom?" Oh, how she would love to sit in this gazebo with the flowers all open...
If they had such a place in Highheart, it might, temporarily, anyway, cure her of her wanderlust. She felt she could spend countless hours in such a place, doing all sorts of things...
Her expression, lit from within, looked like that of a young girl presented with her first jewels...
Calent nodded, sipping delicately at his tea.
"Yes, perhaps another time you can view them in bloom."
He stared off towards the distance, the stars fading into glittering dots upon the sky. The sun was still there, but slowly crawling it's way behind the horizon as the sky bled into colors of hot pinks and deep violets. It seemed the heavens went on forever, ever spinning in a circle.. in a cycle...
Setting down his tea, he helped himself to a raspberry tart, one of the many flavors offered upon a tray the servant placed before them on the small table.
He couldn't help but admire the young girl, her expression, reminding him of a time long lost, and he found himself staring past her in a gaze that took him back to days less.. dark and disturbing.
When was his last nightmare? Would he even sleep tonight.
His eyes moved away as he lifted up his cup of tea, taking another small sipa nd enjoying just a simple moment of silence in the garden.
"So, is Highheart full of the hearty stags, like the one you brought int hat cage?" he stole a glance towards her, but kept a cool composition about him. He would not ignore the other gift he hadn't used- after all...
that was best left for the voyage back; as cruel as it might seem. "Do you enjoy watching archery?" he changed the subject again, taking anothe rsip of tea.
"I would truly cherish the memory," she answered brightly, and the brilliant glint of excitement that made her eyes light up seem to lend truth to those words. "I'm sure it seems a silly, girlish fancy -- and, in truth, it is -- but I can imagine nothing nearer to being in a dream."
Kathryn's eyes moved back to him at last when he changed the subject to the hunting in Highheart. It was, with an effort, that she pulled herself away from thoughts of flowers and dreams to her host.
"The Valley has the best hunting in the land, or so my father says," she agreed warmly as she, too, turned her attention to the tea. Although the look of wonder faded, she spoke with no less enthusiasm. "My father endeavored to trap the stag I brought along as an example, but it is truly the finest I have ever seen. It must be decades old, and I'm sure he commanded a fine herd before my father trapped him." To trap a huge stag like the one she had escorted was no small feat; her father had not told her own he had done it, although she had already promised herself to ferret it out of him.
His next question made her laugh softly. "I'm afraid I do. My father, longing for a son he will never have, I suppose, has attempted to teach me to shoot, but I have neither the eye nor the arm, he says." It was a long-practiced speech, said so often that it seemed natural now. She set her tea cup down, then, knowing well how some men felt about the fairer sex even considering lifting a bow. "I'm sorry, Duke Calent. I hope I haven't offended you."
Calent studied her in silence. She was interesting indeed. If, he considered a proposal for a wife, she seemed to fit the position like a glove. The flowers, he realized, would be of no waste on her, and perhaps, the gardens could even become more grand under her watch.
Though he stuffed the idea inside as he took another sip of tea.
"You speak highly of your father. You must have a good relationship. And I understand his worry for an heir, though I heard you have a younger sister? Perhaps one of you will get a chance to inherit the estate?"
He took another sip of the tea before setting it down.
"Perhaps I could show you some tricks on the bow before the moon rises?" he offered, staring towards her with some cool interest. It would be.. a rather interesting way to end the night. Taking bow and arrow to the wooden marks out back.
"Though, perhaps it might be getting too late.." he realized the time, the stars, after all, were already glistening more brightly than before.
"My father is a dear man," Kathryn answered warmly. "We are blessed to have such a father. My poor mother spent my childhood trying to raise me as a lady while my father wished I were a son." She laughed lightly at the joke, but it wasn't far off the mark. Her father had instilled her wanderlust and desire for adventure at a young age.
"Of course," Kathryn answered cheerfully. "But, of course, it will ultimately be Father's decision who inherits his title in his choice of husbands for my sister and myself. Fortunately, my father is a healthy man and still young, so he has some years yet to weigh potential suitors for the position."
But that was all old news. Kathryn's face reanimated when he mentioned the bow. "It may be too late indeed," she agreed as she glanced around at the garden. It was already falling into shadow, lit only by the torches placed along their path back to the palace.
"Duke Calent," she ventured after a moment of consideration, having risen to her feet to peer into the darkening garden. She turned back to him, her smile caught in a nearby lantern. "I have no right to ask, but I wonder if you would indulge me? It is a clear sky and a full moon. If we were to wait a little while -- perhaps a second pot of tea or another walk about the gardens -- the moon should rise and provide enough light to see by." It had been some time since Kathryn was able to spend a night in the woods -- and she had certainly never practiced archery at night. There was something lonely and romantic about it, reminding Kathryn of heroes of old... "I should think, even on a night such as tonight, it must take a great deal of skill to hit a target by moonlight."
Calent warmed at the idea.
But, propriety broke the dream.
"I would love to spend all night being enchanted by your presence," he told her, securing her hand and kissing lightly the top of it.
"But what sort of host would I be, to attend a woman at so late an hour when both parties are unwed? Alas, it is true, the moon full and lit over the skies would make for perfect lighting to try a practice round with the arrows, but perhaps.." he smiled a little. "Perhaps we could at least enjoy a second round of tea?"
He hoped this would suffice, but the idea, indeed, enchanted him as it did her.
The idea of archery at moonlight...
Yes.. perhaps.. there would be many times in the future for such things... and for a moment, his mind drifted, nonchalantly, to the pirate....
"Forgive me," she responded softly. Her disappointment was evident, as was the blush in the dim light. His words and gesture had softened the blow, however, and, in spite of everything, she was still smiling. "I was so excited at the prospect and so carried away by the starlight and adventure that I forgot my manners altogether. Thank you, Duke Calent, for reminding me of them." She was, truly, grateful for his reminder. It was not one of her prouder moments -- but it was still something she would love to see. And do.
"But you are quite correct. It is late indeed, and we are bound for Highheart tomorrow morning. As much as I would enjoy the opportunity to continue our conversation, I'm afraid it is time for me to retire." She was still blushing, but that did not make her smile any less genuine as she made herself ready to depart. "Thank you," she told him warmly with another gentle press of his hand, "For a most enjoyable evening, Duke Calent. And, again, thank you for being a true gentleman tonight. I count myself fortunate for your company and advice."
And this time, it wasn't entirely lip service.
Calent bowed his head.
"Yes, there is a long day before us," he offered her a rare grin before offering out his arm, then slowly lead her back inside, taking his time to allow her to see the gardens one last time as the stars continued to blossom over head.
Once inside, he bowed to her properly before her guest room.
"My lady," he said, taking her hand and kissing it soft. "I hope you find dreams well in your private suite. I will have my maid summon you in the morning when it is time to break our fast."
And then he was off, leaving her to just that..
the soft, simpleness of dreams......
Though another man had a very different idea.....
after all...
Dekka still wanted his dessert...
Kathryn wished him a good night with a smile of her own. Archery by moonlight... What a terribly silly thing to say to a man -- not to mention, her poor mother would have died instantly if she had heard Kathryn suggest such a thing!
Nonetheless, it had been a pleasant evening. She hoped to glimpse the garden again by daylight before they left for Highheart.
In her suite, her maid helped her change into her nightgown and saw Kathryn's bed prepared and the fire stoked before leaving the woman to her own devices. Not quite ready for sleep to take her yet, Kathryn remained at the mirror. Her younger sister liked to have maids to do everything for her -- but Kathryn took pleasure in doing some things herself. She could brush her own hair, for example, and she did so now with long, smooth strokes as she admired it in the mirror. She did so love her hair and the way it fell like molten gold through her fingers.
Today, her thoughts were not entirely on her hair. She was turning over the events of the day in her mind and musing over the possibilities of the journey to Highheart. Perhaps, if there were a clear night there, under the watchful eye of her father, she might have a chance to watch Calent's skill in archery. She was curious to know if he was really as good as rumor said.
It wouldn't be right to interrupt. His style was more subtle than that, even though the urged itched at his tongue. He merely remained, lounged across her bed as hands rested behind his head, legs crossed, one over the other. Though, if she were to take her eyes away from her own reflection for a moment, she might notice the man laying, quite contentedly, across her bed as he smiled.
OOC: SHORT POST OF SHORTNESS!!!!
Valia would be interested in every detail, Kathryn imagined with a smile. What did he do? What did he say? And, most importantly, did you kiss? Why was it every line of questioning always came back to kisses with that girl?
Still, she thought, humming a slow, soft melody to herself, she could tell Valia about the flowers -- she would like those -- and how surprisingly charming Duke Calent was. She would also tell her about the indelicate suggestion Kathryn had made -- because she would have found it romantic. But there was one thing she still hesitated to tell her sister, because she knew precisely how that vixen would react... Setting her brush down, Kathryn began to swiftly pull the right side of her hair into a braid, weaving the red-gold strands in and out.
She could hear Valia already if she did tell her all of the sordid details of today's misadventure behind the drapes... What did it feel like? Where did he touch you? Did you make out with him? WHY NOT? Kathryn chuckled softly. For the first time, she wouldn't have been so opposed to it... Especially not after the way it felt... No, her sister couldn't know about him, or she would make Kathryn curious too... Curious about doing certain things with...
"...Dekka?" Kathryn stared at the reflection in the mirror a moment, then whirled around in her seat to face him. Great God, how long had he been there?? "What are you doing in my bed?" Her hair, pulled free from her hand, unwound slowly, falling back into place. Realizing, suddenly, that she wore only her nightgown, she blushed redly. It was a dress, after all, and made of the flimsiest material for comfort. It was meant to be comfortable and private. She would have been even further mortified to know that the lamp beside the mirror behind her gave Dekka a perfect silhouette of her form beneath the thin material.
Dekka took in the view for all it was worth, eyes tracing over every lamp-glossed detail before his green eyes met back to hers.
"I got bored waiting and wanted a nap?" he smirked, wondering if she'd believe him as he sat up on the bed, admiring her again with more.. obvious intent before looking up at her.
"Enjoy your evening tea with the Duke?" he inquired. Yes.. he had known about it, seen it actually, as his roof top perch made it a choice location for.. er..
tea spotting.. or what have you.
Kathryn frowned slightly, suddenly feeling a bit guilty -- although she had no reason at all to feel that way. "He has a pretty garden," she answered, just a bit defensively!
Spotting her dressing gown laid over the chair beside the bed, she strode across the room to it. It would provide her a small measure of decency, anyway, if not very much...
"But why are you here?" she asked, wrapping herself neatly in the thicker material. "I assumed you'd disappear again..."
Because, well, that was kind of what he did! And, also, until she felt no longer naked (which, in her sleeping gown, she practically was), he had her at quite the disadvantage!
Dekka grinned as she tried to make herself more modest.
"Do I look like I've.. disappeared?" he inquired, twirling around a small flower he had procured during his castle rendez-vous. 'It wouldn't be proper not to say goodbye." he hefted himself from the bed, his form towering over hers as he approached and handed her the single rose.
"So I'm here to say.." he brushed her hair back and looked into her face. "My goodbye." and his lips sealed over hers tenderly, softly as he his hands rested gently upon her arms.
The flower, naturally, caught Kathryn's eye. She smiled as she took it, enchanted, the state of her dress entirely forgotten as she traced the edge of a petal with her fingertip. He really could be...quite the charming gentleman.
"Of course," she murmured appreciatively, looking from the flower up into his face. "I seem to remember liking your goodbyes..." Almost as much as his hellos, for that matter...
When he kissed her, there was no protest this time. She let the moment take her -- and Dekka, of course. It was...all so perfect...
The first kiss was chaste-
the second was not, as Dekka's lips melted into her and his hands, moving down the form of her dress. And soon, those curious hands were slipping hungrily beneath the dressing robe as lips continued to meet to hers, again and again and again.
Then he moved them away, pressing them across her cheek, to her neck and...
Pressing his lips to her ear, he moaned, "Lady Kathryn... might we take these activities to the bed?"
and his voice was husky and hungry... and all the sweet, serenading doggedness of the King of Thieves who tried to be, the King of her Heart.
OOC: I will have you know it took me forever to type the simple word 'hands' in this reply!
@_@
ALSO I COULD NOT HELP BUT MAKE THE LAST SENTENCE CHEESY X3
Kathryn's cheeks were soon flushed, and though she should have probably slapped him again, there was that inexplicable thrill that pulled her to him...
That, and, she was finding, she did enjoy being kissed...
As for his hands, well... There were clothes between them, right? So as long as he didn't get...overly feely...
"I did tell you I was a lady," she reminded him sweetly. "And I intend to remain a lady."
Really! Did he enjoy being slapped?
Dekka smiled as he kissed her lips.
"Surely a fun romp under the sheets would not mare your reputation as a woman." he said, kissing at her neck, the soft skin between her shoulder, then to the shoulder and down... and down still until he was on one knee, lifting up her skirts and kissing high up on her legs.
"Why is it that woman have such soft skin?" he breathed hotly against her, kissing up and up... hands moving beneath her skirts.
OOC: Yeah.. he's going to get like slapped or kneed in the face XD
Even Kathryn understood how one's wedding night was supposed to go...and what a man might look for if his bride's virginity were called into question. And she, too, knew that the romp Dekka spoke of would ruin everything!
She glared down at him, though her expression quickly turned to embarrassment as he lifted her skirts, then, once again rage.
Just what in Angsar's name was he doing?!
She wrapped her hand around his neat braid, then without any consideration as to how he might feel, pulled him backwards -- nearly double! -- in her anger! A blue flame glowed in her eyes now as she glared down at him.
"Dekka, you are alive only because you rescued me from the last man who tried to have his way with me after I told him no. Would you care to remember what I did to him?"
Dekka made a noise and stared up at her with a wide, wolfish grin.
"Why, my lady, I have no intentions of taking away what you want to give out on your wedding night, though the thought has crossed my mind." he took her hand and kissed it.
"There are... ways to having fun simply beyond intercourse in bed." He raised himself off of the floor, bowing to her as he slipped another flower, though it was a bit mashed, from his pocket.
"Perhaps this is a more appropriate goodbye?"
The blue rose sat delicately in his hand, slowly opening and blossoming, trying to push itself back to the shape it had once adorned before being smashed inside, hidden somewhere secret beneath Dekka's clothing.
Kathryn made a sound of disbelief and turned away from him, quite deliberately!
"Really? Did you come all the way here just to treat me like a common whore?" One paid in flowers, obviously! She had left the new one sitting untouched in his hand, clearly refusing to accept the gift.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she began to plump her pillows, as if that were the end of the conversation. It would be, too, unless he decided to correct her...
She was not some common harlot -- and if that's all he wanted her for, then he could just go...rescue some other damsel or steal from another family!
Clearly, this hand't gone as planned.
Blinking, Dekka flushed a little as he watched her return to the bed.
"You would be upset towards me for just being a man?" he inquired, hesitating, but then he approached. "I wouldn't be here if I was only interested in what lay beneath your skirts." he told her, placing a hand tentatively on her arm as he stared at the soft profile of her angry face.
"Were I truly that uncivilized, you would have skewered me back in Highheart." he smiled at her, hoping to ease her tension...
but propriety be damned!!
he did want under those skirts..
Kathryn shot him a look that all-too-clearly said just how unamusing she found his little joke.
And he was obviously an idiot.
She sighed heavily and set her pillow back down, turning around to face him so that he could suffer beneath her expression of disapproval.
"You've been a thief so long you've forgotten how it is civilized people act, Dekka. You can't have something just because you want to take it. And if you offend someone, you apologize." She glowered at him indignantly. "And I would prefer to be wooed properly." The lady glanced down at her hands, then, added truthfully, "It's bad enough that I'm not likely to know my husband. I would at least like to know my..." Words failed her. She turned scarlet, then, and hastily amended, "You."
Dekka stared down at her face, his own growing long as he blinked. He, naturally, felt the sting of her words and turned away a moment, smiling and scowling about it as the truth in those words rather hurt.
"Well, forgive me. it's been..." he thought over the words. "Quite a while since I could indulge myself in any sort of wooing..." he leered her, but let the fire faded away as lips sagged to a frown.
"I'm sorry." he said after a moment. "You're.. " he laughed briefly, just once. "You're right." he turned around, rubbing at the back of his stiffening neck as she shook his head, pacing.
"But I suppose it's what one is to expect when they confront me. It is all about the chase and challenge." he admitted, then studied her, her face beautiful when scarlet.
His lips lifted leftward.
"So you want to know me?" he gave a smug grin, not commenting on.. what she had meant to say of it.
Two apologies in one speech! Well, well, well, it seemed he did have some manners after all!
"You're forgiven," she answered with a slight smile, reaching out to pat the mattress beside her. It was an invitation to sit, and a sort of peace offering. He had apologized, after all, and it had gone no further after she had put him back in his place.
"And, yes, I do want to know you. I don't think it's a selfish request." Her hand smoothed out the sheets, and, hesitantly, she added with a slight smirk of her own, "And, just so you know, I do like the kissing..."
So, she wasn't willing to give up all of the naughty things... Just the Big One!
Dekka leered her, but only cautiously before he took a seat, slumping over slightly to be more at her level as his hands rested on his thighs.
"I thin you forgive to easily," he said, slicking back some of his hair. He stared at her, listening to her intents and couldn't help but try to suppress his grin, but it soon won over his face. He shrugged.
"Yes, kissing can be a fun game," he said, eyeing her up, but not daring to make the first move as his eyes captured hers into his own.
"And I do like games.." he informed her, suavely.
Kathryn's eyebrows rose, although she was openly laughing now. "Are you complaining? I could take it all back..."
She wouldn't, of course -- she liked him too much (inexplicably!) to do that. No, he would remain comfortably forgiven...
Of course, that did leave the question of just where they did stand... She eyed him for a long minute -- but, although she wanted to get to know him (and, really, she did!), neither of them were exactly forthcoming in their information.
She blew out another sigh -- a sort of resignation -- and said, "Oh, come over here, then. But slow this time, Dekka. I've never kissed anyone before." Well, except him...and those hadn't exactly given her time to really figure out what was happening before they sent her head spinning.
Dekka's smile broadened, his face, wrinkling in wicked delight.
"But Lady Kathryn, you're giving up too easily," he told her, slipping closer to her side as he pressed his hands on the bed around her and leaned over her, lowering his face close to hers.
"I thought I told you I like a challenge," he breathed, ensuring his breath was cool upon her lips, and also, ensuring that she would make the first move...
It was quite more exhilarating that way as he leered her, more hungrily this time.
OOC: Yep.. worse conversationalists EVAR
"I thought I made it clear," she murmured, her smile growing slowly as he moved in closer to her. "I don't care what you want, dear Dekka." It certainly seemed that way -- though, of course, it wasn't entirely true... She just wanted to be treated with some measure of respect!
Her hand went to his jaw again, settling against the beard that was, slowly, growing back in. It was still prickly, and it made her laugh a little to set her hand down upon it.
"You poor, poor thing," she teased as her hand moved down his throat to rest on his collar. She didn't move to meet his lips, however -- at least, not right away. Her fingers slipped into the collar of his shirt, guiding him with her as she leaned back on her mattress. Only once she had made herself comfortable did she finally lean forward to join their lips once more.
Fingers spread across her body as his lips melted to hers. A fire burned in his belly, in his loins, in his breath and against her lips as he kissed her, pressing his body over top or of hers as their lips ground together, and together, and together as he cupped her face, only parting to breath.
"Gods... Kathryn.." he moaned against her lips, but saying nothing more, she'd be able to feel the reason he moaned through her dress, but he didn't press the issue, only let his lips become ever tamed by hers.
OOC: Wandering into mature territory, kiddos! Cover your eyes!
Once again, she found herself swept away and into a very different world, where all that mattered was the way their bodies felt against one another and the deepening kisses they shared. Of course, all of this was new to her -- the quickening of her heart, the rush of blood to her head making her dizzy, and the longing she felt to let him touch more of her...
It was invigorating -- especially because he shouldn't be here. Of all the men in all the world, the very last man she should be letting kiss her like this or touch her like that was Dekka Blade. And that made the moment so much more delicious...
She rolled her head back against the pillow to offer him her throat, sighing in delight as his mouth soothed away the tingles left by his rough beard against her skin --and at other tingles as well. And she hadn't minded his hands on her hips, she thought, reaching up to capture his hands and guide him there.
It wasn't entirely appropriate -- but they hadn't crossed any real lines yet...not the solid red ones, anyway; the little gray lines were already miles behind them.
OOC: A mature moment D:
*holds up stop sign* do not read if you are offended by such things!
IC:
The King of Thieves shivered as his hands were guided south, and he gripped her fiercely, smiling through a kiss before he began to nurse against her throat, the hair on his chin digging, scraping at her throat as he began to move his lips downward across the soft skin just above her breasts and slowly, ever so slowly he began to grind his hips into her, as a soft moan escaped him...
while his hair tickled at her skin, his face now buried heatedly into her chest as his lips worked away at her, his beard nearly rubbing her raw.
"Kathryn," he moaned, his face returning to hers, breath against her lips, tongue rolling over them to taste them. "Kathryn..." he spoke her name again, lips brushing her cheek...
then again.. "Kathryn.." into her ear...
OOC: Mature things are still a-foot!
Kathryn couldn't deny her desire to open up for him, to let him do all of those marvelous things she was only just beginning to sample. To let him carry her away to new heights as his hands and lips teased her in places she hadn't known were so sensitive. To...
...What the hell was he doing?
Pulling back from him slightly -- and having to bury herself in the mattress to do it -- she placed both hands on his chest to stare up at him quizzically. "What on earth?" she demanded, expression becoming one of alarm. "Are you having a seizure?"
Dekka pulled back dizzily.
"Eh?" he blinked down at her, then breathed out a simple laugh, before his body began to shake with it.
Peeling himself off of her, he moved to the side of the bed beside her and sighed, his face and body hot with blush.
"So you weren't lying when you told me you were a virgin," he said the thought out loud, giving a whimsical breath. He shook his head. "Forgive me, Lady Kathryn."
"Perhaps we should stop here.." he eyed her over..
No, looking at her was a bad idea as he moved to rise, adjusting his pants.
"Besides, we shouldn't start a scandal while you're in Allar," he told her playfully as he began to fix at his shirt, admiring himself in them mirror as he fussed at his hair.
Kathryn was utterly perplexed -- and she wasn't sure whether she should be infuriated, confused, embarrassed, or worried!
Which, naturally, only infuriated her!
"Of course I wasn't lying!" she exclaimed, barely remembering to keep her voice down. Honestly! What kind of a woman did he think she was, anyway? Just because she was letting Dekka kiss her and paw at her and...oh, that might have something to do with it.
With a blush on her cheeks, she said slowly, "...So you're alright then?"
OOC: Mature!
Only becuase.. SUCH LANGUAGE AND THEMES D8
IC:
Dekka grinned as he turned around to face her, approaching her within just a few strides.
"I'll be alright.... later," he said, eyes sparkling. After all.. couldn't finish what he'd like to start here!
"Just keep in mind you're a very beautiful and intoxicating woman.." he leaned forward, face inches from hers.
"You could make a man do a lot of crazy things."
He smirked, eyeing her up slowly before looking back into her eyes again.
"I suppose we could... play another time, then?"
And of course, many more times after that...
"I'm afraid if we continue in this manner, my good Lady Kathryn, I'll have to fuck your brains out."
Kathryn's eyes widened slightly, and her blush deepened. Well, there was no point in scolding him for using such language... That, she thought, was probably an incurable trait.
"Oh."
It wasn't much of a response, but it was...something, anyway. Self-consciously, she tucked her evening gown tightly around her slender frame, thus protecting at least her pride.
"Then I suppose I'll say goodbye, Dekka..."
She was really utterly baffled and was still trying to figure out what, exactly had gone wrong -- and why he was suddenly running out on her after they had put down some ground rules! She was so out of her depth here she was half-certain she would never find her way out.
Dekka's lips twitched into a wider smile at her expression. His next smile showed off his teeth.
"So..." he eyed her, again, her night gown and robe appearing all the more delicious in the light. His body tingled as he tried to shake his head from his gaping look. He grinned.
"Do you wear that dress every night?" he had to ask, dark eyes sparkling with lust.
OOC: He's horrible- he can't just leave without getting in ONE more awful thing to say XD
and to get another look at her in her night gown >>
In spite of her better judgment -- and opposed to all sense -- a smile slowly grew on Kathryn's face.
She just couldn't help but tease him back, of course.
"No," she answered honestly. "I have other nightgowns, too. Some like this. Some a little different. And, sometimes, in summer, when it's so very hot out, I sleep in nothing at all."
Her eyes were sparkling at the admission, watching him from the corner of her eye as she neatly tucked the blankets in over her body. So she was a bit mean to tease -- but so what? He deserved it!
"I thought you were leaving?" she asked innocently, looking up from the soft, down blankets to meet his gaze.
Dekka only stared at her.
And stared..
And stared some more before shaking his head...
"Oh, Gods, you're going to deserve this.." he spoke, crossing the distance between them again before crashing on top of the bed, lips meeting to hers hungrily as he held her shoulder in one hand, cheek in the other.
"So.." he said after another kiss.
"Am I allowed to come back in the summer?"
OOC: So awful he is!
Kathryn laughed out loud once their lips parted. Oh, it was too, too easy!
"That depends on whether you've learned to behave yourself," she teased, gently tracing the line of his jaw with the back of her fingers. More softly, she asked, "You never said what you thought of my proposal for you. Do you think we can get to know each other? Or will it always be like this between us?"
She wasn't looking for love -- at least, that's what she told herself. All she really wanted was to be on the same level as someone for once in her life -- at least for a few hours in the night. And what was so bad about wanting that?
His eyes seemed to smile as he looked down at her, long hair tickling her face.
"So you really want to know the king of thieves?" he inquired, taking her hand as it kissed it lightly, starting at the points of her fingers, then making his way across her palms, to thumb, then turning it over to kiss the top.. then to her wrist as he breathed.
"You know, a man like myself, as many secrets..."
And many stories gone untold..
ones of which the world might never, ever hear.
His lips paused when they made it to her shoulder as he rested his bristled chin against her skin with a sigh.
"I bet you have a few secrets of your own," he mused, warmly, kissing at her neck.
Kathryn's eyes closed lightly against her cheeks as his lips made their way across her skin. So maybe she wasn't complaining, exactly... She did, after all, love his attentions...
"You already know most of my secrets," she answered him with a quiet giggle. He knew more than even Valia. "You are one of my secrets, after all."
The biggest and worst secret...
"Yes," she answered, "I do want to know about you. You can't trust rumors, after all... Just look what they say about me." And Angsar knew none of that was true!
"Well, what secrets would you like to know?" he asked, seeming indifferent to her request as he breathed against her neck, nursing at it softly as he enjoyed their intimate moment for him to flex his skills. "That I was born a bastard? That none of my history really matches up?" the hair from his growing beard scraped her neck as he worked a delicate trail of kisses across her flesh. "You know.." he said, breathing hotly across her chest. "This reminds me of something.." he turned to pause, resting his head as he collapsed gently upon her, staring at all of the rings upon his fingers, though most notably, the one he lifted up on his pinky- forever swollen and to remain there until the day he died.
He continued to stare at it, mind drifting off in thought....
Yes, now he remembered.
It was all so very similar.. though.. very much dangerously different story of a blooming love.. a blooming passion....
That wasn't entirely what she had meant... Yes, she wanted to know about him, but he was only giving her little tidbits. "The important things," she decided at last. "I want to know the important things. The things that make you...you. And..." She pulled her hand lightly over his head, fingers caressing his locks lightly. "...If this is who you really are, or if it's all just another show."
Because he wasn't just some thief. He had helped her -- many times -- and had done things that no other thief, she thought, would have done. Somewhere beneath those leers and smirks, he was a good man. It was something she would always hold onto.
"What is it? What does it remind you of?"
Dekka breathed a laugh against her dress.
"You would like the story," he told her, musing outloud as he wriggled his fingers at the feeling of flesh and metal both. His finger had already taken shape around them, but again, he kept eyes trained to the swollen flesh around the simple pinky ring.
"I suppose you could call her my first love," he began, his mind drifting back to that day, and to the many days that had followed. "Perhaps a story as intriguing as you." he turned to her with a smirk, lifting himself up if only but to kiss her lips but once, almost seeming to want to silence any pressing comments on the story, even though he honestly had not divulged much.
His first love? Her expression was soft and curious as she looked up at him. He sounded...sad... It was not, therefore, a story that ended well.
Outside of the story books, first loves seldom do.
"Tell me," she requested quietly as she looked into his face. She glanced once towards his hand, unsure what it was he was looking at, before, naturally, her eyes returned to his.
This was no story book. She knew that -- but then, probably, so had he once upon a time. It wouldn't stop her from wanting to play this out, to meet him in secret as her father planned her wedding... No doubt, once, he had felt the same way.
"What?" he lifted his gaze to her and smiled. "I should have known you'd like a story about the young and reckless." He eyed her up. "I was probably about your age. She, perhaps the same. She was a nobleman's daughter. And we met in autumn." He smirked, recalling a similar circumstance. "Out it he rain. It was cold, but I tried to pick pocket her, and also flirt." His eyes danced at the memory, then slowly slipped back into a shade of grey, smoldering as he thought.
"Her kisses tasted like apples and rain." he commented after a moment.
Apples and rain? It made her wonder what he thought her kisses tasted like...and that, in turn, made her self-conscious for a moment.
But this wasn't their story. It was the story of another girl, a very long time ago... And, well, she did enjoy a good love story.
Her hand settled on his larger one, and her fingers wound through his as a gesture of support.
"And you fell in love instead?"
"If that's what you want to call it," he spoke softly and through his hair. He eyed her body, eyes soft as he took her in. "But can anyone really love when they're so young.." his fingers went through her hair, combing it gently as he raised it and let it sift through like gold sand.
"She was destined to marry another," his voice was less soft this time, perhaps a little sharper. "And as all tales seem to go, we parted ways after I stole.. something from her on her wedding day." he stared over at the ring on his finger. "I haven't seen her since."
"Maybe that's the only time you can truly love," Kathryn countered, her dark blue eyes watching his changing expressions. It certainly sounded like he had loved her -- how else would he remember what her kisses tasted like?
She tried to imagine Dekka -- so much younger and so in love. He was probably much the same man then -- but younger, and his mask was probably only half-formed then...
"I'm sorry," she offered quietly. It sounded lame -- even to her -- but she had no other words to offer him. But he surely wasn't the only one in pain... Surely, that girl, too, had cried the day of her wedding...because her heart belonged to a man she could never be with. "Being here with you, like this, and asking you about yourself... I didn't know. And I didn't think of the consequences." She glanced away from him, staring at the wall with a defeated sigh. "It may be less cruel -- for both of us -- to stop now."
Dekka didn't realize the duality of his own fate, and laughed suddenly at her solemness.
"DO not fret your pretty head," he said, patting her hand as he leaned up over her, leering down at her with a heated gaze.
"You have nothing to apologize for.." he told her, stealing a kiss. "And there is no reason to stop once we start.." he kissed her again.
There was a reason, in point of fact! She frowned up at him, not to be swayed so easily from her sudden depression.
"Dekka, I thought..." So, maybe it wasn't the stuff of fairy tales, but she wasn't sure what love was anyway. He excited her -- in more ways than one -- and was everything she wanted and would never have. He was even royalty -- in a way -- and could at least pretend to be a gentleman sometimes... And she had thought that those feelings might be the beginning of love.
But what happened if she did love him? And when she was married, she would have to break it off with him, as his previous love had done. Would she always stare out the window and think of him and his kisses?
"I don't want to have to live with that kind of heartbreak," she told him decidedly, and, perhaps, quite naively. "So, for as long as...this..." Whatever this was! "...Is going on, we're friends. Nothing more. What is it the commoners call it? Friends and benefits?" It was something like that... They could be friends, and they could do this -- but, when it ended (and, someday, it would) -- they could walk away with their heads held high and their hearts intact. It would be easy!
His lips sealed over hers to stop her from speaking.
"Does it matter what you think it is?" he said coyly, hands running through her hair, the other, down her body as his eyes took her in. "These moments are whatever we claim them to be." His lips met to hers. "The end... well..' his lips twitched, trying to ignore the pang of sadness that remained of an affair best left forgotten. "Well, perhaps it never has to end."
It would have to end someday, of course. He really didn't expect to sneak into her room while her husband was laying beside her, did he?
But, that was better left for the future...
"Fine," she murmured, lifting her arms around him to pull him closer. "I suppose for that you do deserve a reward for being so...forthcoming..." She leaned up to capture his lips with hers, deepening the kiss beyond the small pecks he had been giving her.
A reward indeed!
OOC: Some what mature-ish warning XD
He moaned through her kiss, the mane of his hair still tickling her face before he pulled away to breath. He swept a hand across her hair, pulling fingers through hit as he met her heated kiss with one of his own.
"If I tell you another story.. do I get more?" he asked, smiling slyly through half lidded eyes. He appeared hungry, his hair a mess in his face, eyes, as if drunk, and face, flushed to match.
He kissed down her neck, nibbling some before moving to her ear, pressing his body against her to remind her of his plight, hoping she'd feel his need against between her thighs. The notion made him pass a hot breath over her ear as he moaned.
"I do have.. a lotof stories.." he told her, his tongue slipping across her lobe.
OOC: Matureish!
"I thought you were leaving?" she reminded him, practically squirming under his affections. Her body was responding to his kisses and caresses automatically, leaving her little choice in the matter but to simply enjoy the new sensations.
"Because, if we get carried away..." Well, he had said he might do something to her that she didn't dare repeat, even in her mind... It made her blush to think of it, however...
"I might have to slap you again." And that was not particularly something she enjoyed! Really!
OOC: Dekka being.. Dekka..
so still mature XD
IC:
"I am leaving.." he spoke, lips crawling across her skin as he pressed himself against her, ever so subtly to remind her why he was still there. His breath moved across her, hot and long as he drew his lips across her neck, then up to her ear.
"Don't you see me going?" he told her, allowing her to feel the smile against the soft skin of her ear.
Kathryn's giggle was soft, made almost silent against his shoulder. "You are truly the most persistent man..."
But, of course, she should have known that...
"I can't, Dekka. You know I can't. And I won't." As much as she would have otherwise liked to... Her fingers moved over his shoulders, smoothing the fabric in their wake. She leaned back against the pillow fully, trying to catch his gaze with her own.
"I'm to be married someday, Dekka. And if I were to reach my marriage bed spoiled, my family would never recover from the shame -- especially not after what happened on my mother's birthday." There was just too much at stake for her to give in to such impulses...
OOC: more mature XD
Dekka nibbled on her ear.
"There's no harm in playing pretend," he told her, hand moving beneath her dress to cup one of her soft breasts as he moaned, body moving slowly, ever so slowly against hers.
"After all, who said we had to do anything more than this?" he pressed against her again, grinding the bulge in his pants more tightly between her legs.
"I won't spoil you unless you want me to.." he then breathed into her ear, lips hot against it in more steamed kisses. "For now we can... just play.." his voice was husky against her mouth before he claimed it, pressing hot and heavy into a kiss.
OOC: All of the maturity!
Kathryn shivered in delight as his hand moved against her bare flesh, cool and rough over her sensitive breast. It felt wicked -- and it seemed to increase the fire burning in her belly, besides. The press of his erection, too, acted as fuel for that fire, and she found her thighs spreading invitingly, in spite of the layers between them.
Because, as long as they weren't actually joined...as long as those layers stayed...
She whimpered softly into the kiss, her own hands moving with a will of their own to explore the muscles in his shoulders and back as his continued to tease her. "Just so long...as it's just pretend..." she managed to pant out between kisses.
OOC: Mature content below!
"Just so long as it's pretend.."
Her voice rang clear in his ears, and he pushed himself against, her, pressing needful and released a breath against her. It wasn't sex, but it was just as exhilaration...
To think, here he was, trying to breed with a noblewoman- the daughter of a duke, no less! If they were caught...
the scandal...
The very idea had him moving more hungrily against her, hot breath splaying her hair from her face as he worked at kissing her, hands moving, pulling this way and that at her dress until the top half was off, and his lips, made hungry, began to devour across her exposed skin.
OOC: Maturity! Still. Obviously.
This wasn't bad at all. In fact, it was downright pleasurable, and it was hard not to let herself get completely caught up in everything he was doing... She didn't trust him fully -- she barely trusted herself not to get carried away, and, well, he was a man, and she had some experience with how men treated pretty girls...
Still, that hesitation did not keep her from helping him slip the top half of her nightgown down to expose her breasts to his mouth. Her cheeks were flushed, and her breath was coming in soft pants as his attention left her, somehow, wanting more.
It did make her wonder, though... How far was he going to take this?
OOC: Still mature!
It was when he felt her grow comfortable, needing beneath him that he moaned against her skin, the hairs on his chin scraping her flesh, the hairs from his bangs tickling. His lips began to move down, his arms suddenly taking hold of her shoulders as he moved around, pulling her against him as he laid back on the bed and moved her to sit over his body as he arched up, playfully pushing up at her with his groin. And he bared his teeth, breathing through it as he grunted.
"Oh, Lady Kathryn, how I long one day for this clothes to simply melt away.." he told her, words playful as sin, and as hot as molten lava as he moved again, holding her hips as he ground his sex against her- wishing he had the power to just melt away their clothes and let her know how it all were to feel... could feel... if they could just escape for one moment into paradise.
OOC: M-themed. For Mature!
Kathryn gasped at their sudden change in position, panic momentarily lifting the pleasure-induced fog that had surrounded her mind. The fog descended again as he ground against her, and she, quite unable to help herself, pressed back against his hips with her own.
"Were you my husband," she answered breathlessly. Oh, it was more complicated than that, but...
She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror -- blonde hair falling in loose waves everywhere, skin flushed, with her nightie bunched up around her waist... She looked like a common harlot! The thought was...positively wicked...and she leaned down to capture his lips with hers once again.
OOC: Mature! D: Dekka is horribles!
He could have taken her all night, but continued to guide her through a series of scandalous, and almost moments of bliss. When she was on top, he let her control it, then he moved her to her side, and let fingers massage at the soft, silk hiding her sex, holding her tightly against him as she remained curled and nestled in his arms and breathed into her ear...
"I might need to say that goodbye now.." he said huskily, his body itching over the feeling beneath his fingers. He was so close to an area so delicate, so soft, so private that...
if they did continue..
He would no longer be able to keep his words..
"Gods... Kathryn.." his fingers slipped beneath as he shivered, but remained frozen, hoovering just above her skin. "Your body is so hot and slick..." he purred. "You do know.." he informed her, pressing his face against her shoulder. "That this means your body wants to fuck?"
He gritted his teeth, holding his breath away from her before expelling it across her skin.
"I... please remove my hand from here or i'll.." his fingers itched, ready to dip into her.. but if any part of his skin got a real taste...
THere might not be any turning back.
OOC: Yes, horribles!
OOC: Surprisingly, still mature!
Kathryn was all-but willing to let him continue. Her body yearned for it, to find release from the spell he had put her under... She was tired, and, yet, she would have been willing to keep going if he requested it, to continue exploring...
She blushed heatedly at his observation. Yes, she supposed, her body had opened to his advance. If only...
Well, if wishes were horses and all that.
For a moment, she did nothing in response to his request. Even if he touched her there, she rationalized, it would not be the same as sex... Still just a game, and, yet... Tilting her head back, she looked into his eyes a long moment, wishing, more than anything, this could go on, but...
It was not to be.
Her hands reached down to surround his, gently but firmly guiding his hand upwards, coming to a rest against her bare chest in a tender, non-sexual gesture. She was certain he would be able to feel the pounding of her heart -- and he would certainly feel the way her breasts shifted with every breath she took. She clung to him like that, struggling to find some sense of reason or an apology... Instead, the only thing she could think to say was, "Thank you."
OOC: Still somewhat mature XD~
Dekka became frozen, tense at her gesture before realizing a breath.
His entire body was flushed, muscled tense over heart, sweat staining his clothes.
He slowly shook his head, but smiled and mved forward, lips pressing to hers.
"Lady Kathryn.. I think you've gone and bewitched me," he told her, lips claiming a second kiss, though this one softer, gentler as he pulled his lips away, the lower lip peeling away secondly, clinging before his dark eyes opened again.
He released another hot breath.
"What I wouldn't give to just fuck you." he said in earnest, and laughed through a breath in his nose.
"That's nonsense," she replied, although her expression appeared quite pleased indeed. "And you know it." If anything, it was the other way around...
He was a mage, after all! She frowned at him suspiciously for a moment, then laughed outright as she turned over onto her back. This was all so ridiculous...
The air felt cool against her flushed skin, and, for a second, she simply relished the sensation with her eyes lightly closed and her fingers wound through his.
Instead of answering him -- they'd already been around and around that particular problem -- she asked, "Are you staying in Allar now?" He had made some mention earlier...
Dekka settled into the bed beside her, staring up at the ceiling glossed in moonlight. He released a breath before replying, "Yes." He turned to her. "There are a lot of good pockets to be picked." His lips twitched into a smirk, leering her a moment before he rolled back ontop of her, stealing a kiss. "And desserts to be had.."
He kissed her again.
"Do you think I could spend the night?" he asked, softly against her cheek. "Or, at least could you find it in your wicked heart to procure me a raspberry tart?" he kissed at her neck again, smiling.
Kathryn laughed softly. "I'll see what I can do," she told him with a warm smile.
She was surprised, in fact, to realize she did want him to stay... She hadn't shared her bed with anyone since she and Valia were old enough to have their own rooms -- except, of course, for the odd misadventure. But to snuggle into his arms... It seemed so...cozy.
"If you stay," she murmured, smiling, "You'll have to promise to behave. The candle's almost out... And, as lovely as you think I am now, you have not seen me go without sleep. The effects are...less than charming."
Dekka couldn't help but laugh.
"Perhaps I want to see that then?" he mused, kissing at her chin, then cheek, then lips.
"But how do you know how I sleep?" he leered again, a very common look on his face when she was dressed. or rather, hardly dressed in her night slip.
"Who's to say if I start fucking you in my dream, it won't happen to you, in reality, while I sleep?" he teased, eyes coy and sparkling in the weak, candle's glow.
"And," she said with a twinkle in her own eye. "Who's to say if I dream of stabbing you with my knitting needle, it won't happen while you sleep?" She was only teasing, of course -- well, maybe warning him just a little...
Pulling away with him, with some reluctance, she moved to her feet in order to return her nightie to its proper position. "Now, maybe you'll be a little more cooperative," she said, levying him with a stern look as the fabric slid back into place. It was still terribly improper, but...after what they had just done...
Settling back on the mattress, she turned onto her side to face him, looking almost innocent in the dim room. "Do you think you'll ever come back to Highheart, Dekka?"
He admired her, body glistening like silver in the night's glow.
"I reckon I would have many reasons to," he said, still admiring her from the bed.
"But.." he sighed and turned away, laying onto his back upon her bed, enjoying the soft feeling of it beneath him. It was like sleeping on a cloud.
"Perhaps I ought to leave for the evening." his dark eyes met to hers. She would, hopefully, understand his need to part.
"After all, you do leave rather early in the morning..." his eyes hungrily traced her form before he looked away, eyes shifting to the draped blowing against the window.
"And what would be said about you to be found in bed with the King of Thieves?" he grinned wickedly, casting a glance her way. "After all, there is already much gossip about us in Highheart..."
Yes, scandalous, fun stories about a young lady being swooned by a pretend Duke! the king of thieves of all things!
"We could lock the door," Kathryn answered glibly. "It's likely to be a maid who knocks in the morning anyway. If it were the Duke or if he learned of it, I could always claim it to be the habit of a maiden." She peered at him through her long lashes, wearing an expression of such innocence that few could doubt her intent. "And if it's Molly -- and it probably would be her -- she wouldn't tell anyone anyway."
She stifled a dainty yawn with her hand before continuing.
"So, since you're not using your cabin anymore... Can I have it?" she asked, her expression smug. "Or did you burn it to the forest floor when you left?"
Dekka grinned at her.
"No, I kept it around. Though, it's a shame I can't use it for most of it's intent." He studied her before moving off the bed.
"Perhaps we can keep it as a memory?" he began to pull off his shirt, then worked at loosening his pants.....
OOC: Short post, but yes, he's randomly getting undressed NOW of all times... XD
<3 Dekka is the specialest of specials!
So he obviously wasn't leaving!
From long habit, she glanced away as he began to undress -- but she had already seen it once before, and he had seen most of her body as well now, so there was no reason at all to be shy. Even so, she was blushing lightly as she watched him in silence, examining his features in the flame's flickering shadows.
Yes, by God, he was a handsome man, wasn't he? And in superb shape... But, then, he was a thief, wasn't he?
"Don't forget to lock the door," she put in with a smile. This was almost as exciting as what they had been doing before!
Unlike before, this time, when he slipped his clothes off, he slipped off all of them, not even bothering to go to the door to lock it.
She might have been able to catch the grin on the thief's lips as he stared at her, body glowing in the living light of the candle's flame. Though the shadows hugged him just as handsomely, he didn't move, merely stood there for her to see, just in case she was curious as to why he might have been trying to seizure on top of her before...
Kathryn blushed hotly as everything -- absolutely everything -- came off. She hadn't been expecting that, and she spent a good moment simply staring before turning her eyes away.
"I thought you were going to behave?" she asked, finding quite a bit to be interested in on the other side of the room suddenly. Really! She should know better by now than to trust the King of Thieves -- and, yet...
"Or do I have to take out my knitting needles, Dekka?"
Dekka only grinned before picking up his clothing.
"Just wanted to let you know what you're missing between your legs." he commented, laughing as he began to re-dress. Securing his kerchief last, and he did so slowly, twisting it into a knot at the memory, he looked back to her and stood between the bed and the window now.
"I'm a man of my word," he bowed before her. "After all, one of us has to keep the fire in this scandalous affair." His smirk reached his eyes, glittering them in the darkness between them, the candle's like waning, nearly snuffing out as the dying flames lapped across his freshly dressed body.
"You don't mind if I pretend I got a goodnight kiss instead of..." She made a vague gesture with her hand, blush returning instantly. "...That, do you?"
Who cared? It was just her own little fantasy world anyway!
Pulling the blankets up over herself, she smiled sleepily at the shadow at the window. "Good night, Dekka."
She wished she had something more profound to say -- but, she was suddenly quite exhausted!
Dekka only smiled.
"It's only pretend." The smile was fading, so was the light, then the candle snuffed out. "You can make of it whatever you want."
A smile was cast across his lips in the dark.
"Good night, Kathryn."
And then he was gone.
The beautiful morning was, all-too-quickly, giving way to afternoon as the procession made its way towards Highheart. It would be a lengthy journey -- made more-so by the carriage and cart -- but they were a necessity the lord and lady could not do without.
Kathryn herself rode her horse today to better keep Duke Calent company. She wore a riding outfit of tans and whites, and her jewels were safely tucked away in their chest. The road was no place to openly display such things, even in such armored company as this! Her hair had been pulled back into a ponytail, then divided and braided into countless tiny braids with the ends tucked neatly back into the pony tail. Because they were in public and on the road, she had donned a veil that covered the lower half of her face. The white, translucent fabric fluttered in the wind as they rode, but, accustomed to it as she was, the lady paid it no mind.
She handled her horse effortlessly as she rode alongside Calent, looking both proud and, somehow, completely at ease as they made their way south. She was a lovely creature, and the veil added a hint of mystery to the otherwise simple (if finely-crafted) outfit. Although they had already been riding for some time, she looked as comfortable in the saddle as she had when they had first set out.
"The land is so different here than in Highheart," Kathryn murmured appreciatively as her eyes swept over the long, open fields. "The way the fields wave in the wind... It's so beautiful. Like yellow waves swelling and preparing to swallow us all." At that thought, she laughed softly. "Really, the things I've said in your presence! It's a wonder you haven't called me a ridiculous child and parted company!"
Of course, it was not quite as simple as that... The comment about moonlit archery aside, Kathryn had been raised to speak carefully and to always appeal to a man's senses. And Kathryn had long ago detected that Calent shared an appreciation for the landscape, and, moreover, he seemed charmed by such childish dreams than offended!
The duke afforded a small grin. He wasn't ignorant to her choice of attire, or that she chose to ride on her horse rather than in the comforts of her carriage. He knew the topic was already answered, after all, that was the first thing he inquired when she saw fit not to ride in it and perhaps, the duke had been smiling a bit ever since that.
"Do not concern yourself. You just speak in truth."
He turned his gaze to the tall grasses swaying in the wind.
"Your observation would be keen. If I were a painter of words, perhaps I would use that in a poem." Though he couldn't help but note the grasses appeared restless, and he, too, felt as restless as the tall grasses in the wind.
OOC: Sorry it's short- but LOOK I posted *_*
Kathryn laughed at that. "More prettily than I've said it, I would hope." She glanced at the carriage some distance ahead for a moment, and then she smiled at the Duke. "Will you excuse me for a moment?"
With his leave, she sped up her horse to a light trot to catch up to the carriage, where she leaned over to say something to the maid riding inside. After a brief exchange, the lady returned to Calent's side. It wasn't anything close to her usual rides, but it was a bit better than the otherwise dreary pace at which they traveled.
"My maid says we should stop soon for lunch. There's a grove of trees just on the horizon there." She pointed to the splash of green color against the golden-colored fields. "There's probably some water and sweet grass there for the horses, and, if we're lucky, somewhere comfortable we can eat."
Her expression was bright and her eyes twinkled lightly as she added, "And as long as we stay within sight of the guards and servants, I see no reason why we shouldn't scout ahead to see if it is indeed an ideal place to picnic." In truth, they weren't that far from it, and the guards would be able to watch to ensure their safety -- and their manners as well.
"Yes," the duke agreed. "Selecting a spot to dine is of grave importance." He found himself smiling at her,a nd in her presence, he almost found himself forgetting who he was and the exhaustion from his lack of sleep for so many days, and the nightmares that interrupted when he did sleep.
"Perhaps we could have a small race to that meadow. I spot a large willow tree that might work as a lovely canopy for our endeavor," though as his reigns grew taunt, his eyes shining as he looked at her, a small smile drawn wickedly across his lips, he snapped the reigns and said.
"Let the race begin!" and his horse suddenly thundered off past all of the men and out into the wide open expanse of clearing that seemed to roll endlessly before them.
A race? Kathryn's eyes shone at the prospect -- but, oh, her mother would have been horrified at the prospect! The thought of her mother's appalled expression only widened her grin -- but the Duke scarcely gave her time to respond before he was racing towards their goal.
Kathryn laughed out loud, spurring her own horse after him. "That isn't fair!" she accused good-naturedly as her horse leaped forward. More than accustomed to such adventures, Kathryn let the bay beneath her have his head. Not accustomed to having to play with other horses, the bay bolted towards Calent and his mount, intending to overtake the pair. The lady herself leaned forward to press herself against the horse's neck, much more accustomed to such mad dashes on bareback where there was precious little to keep her on the horse's back. She looked as natural riding at a full gallop as she had enjoying tea in Calent's gardens, with her face flushed in pleasure and a laugh on her lips.
Behind them, the guards looked startled, and a few bleated feeble protests. Before they could urge their horses to catch up, however, Audric rode between the guards and their charges, stopping his men with a shake of his head. Calent was...playing? He never thought he'd live to see the day! And he certainly wasn't about to let the men ruin it! "Let's take our time in catching up," he advised them with a smirk.
The duke was surprised when the woman caught up so quickly as a smile reached across his lips.
"I see you've got quite the horse," the duke commented, leaning forward as he felt the raw power of his horse's thundering hooves beneath. However, he was hardly focusing his eyes upon the horse, his eyes admiring the natural look of the grace and beauty that was most becoming of Lady Kathryn. With a holler, he slammed his heels into the horse and it cried out, racing forward with gusto as the duke called back,
"The last one to the willow has to forego their tea!"
and quite an appalling idea indeed, for one or hte other to give up such a drink on this delicious afternoon!
Kathryn laughed in delight at the surprised expression on Calent's face. Of course, she was only 17 -- still a girl in many respects, even if Connlaothian society treated her as a woman. A race through a meadow was an adventure -- and surprising the Duke by being able to keep up with him was another sort of adventure altogether!
"C'mon, Evoric," she murmured to her horse, urging him needlessly to go faster. Annoyed by the audacity of Calent's horse, he, too, sped up. As he moved to pass the Duke's horse, his lips curled up, and he snapped audibly at the other horse in an attempt (probably) to show the uppity horse just who was going to win!
The Duke's horse responded in kind -- although his chomp was no warning. Beneath Kathryn, Evoric stopped suddenly. Had Kathryn not been clinging to his neck, she would have soared right over his head onto the hard ground; instead, she found herself suddenly atop a rearing animal.
THe duke was startled when the horse began to kick and buck, halting his horse and giving the reigns a sharp pull as he spun the horse around, ordered it forward and latched out, snagging onto the reigns of Kathryn's beast to halt it's tantrum.
"Woah, woah, calm down, calm down..."
The duke's horse was surprisingly well behaved now, keeping it's head low, but eyes sharp on the other horses while they were close again as the duke tried to stroke it's neck to sooth it. He was on his feet by now, having dismounted in the process, using only his muscle this time to keep the horse at bay. The horse eventually settled, knocking it's face a few times against Calent's hands before snorting through it's nose and giving an angered swish of it's tale.
After all ws said and done, his brown hair was a mess about his face as the duke looked up through green eyes at the lady.
"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" he inquired, still holding the reigns as he moved towards her side.
Kathryn had held onto the beast for dear life -- and found herself fascinated by Calent's rescue. It wasn't that she expected him to continue on with the race, but for him to leap to her rescue at the risk of his own life...
It made her blush lightly, reminding her all-too-suddenly of another man who had a habit of doing the same...and was a bit less gentlemanly when he went about it!
Calent's voice finally broke through the spell the incident had left over her, and she laughed quietly. "Let me apologize for Evoric's behavior," she said with a friendly pat on the horse's neck. "It's my fault, really, for not socializing him better. He isn't used to other horses competing with him."
She dismounted swiftly and steadily, finding herself looking up at the man in front of her as she did so. "That was quite brave," she said, still smiling but more serious now. "You might have been killed."
"I only helped out of duty and pride," he assured her, a small grin across his lips as he turned to look at her horse, patting it's nose carefully.
"It's a fine beast," he said, . "But perhaps we should continue to the tree with a more safer vantage point inside the carriage?"
OOC: Sorry it's short XD
*shakes fist* this is what happens when I multi-task - cleaning AND posting, AT THE SAME TIME *gasps*
"He is," she agreed with a proud grin. A bit naughty, obviously, but a good horse, nonetheless!
Slipping around the Duke, she lingered on the other side of Evoric long enough to kiss his long nose gently. "Now, you be good, Evoric. I'll be back for you later."
Instead of relenting to the idea of the carriage, however, she said, "You can ride in the carriage if you like, Duke Calent. But I mean to beat you to that willow tree."
Kathryn flashed him a grin -- impish but full of pure happiness -- and then she suddenly darted away, leaving only the sound of her laughter in her wake as she ran towards the tree.
A little adventure like that could never spoil her day!
Calent was left- slightly appalled and more so jarred than anything as the woman simply rushed off.
He looked from the horses back to her, then to the horses again and then the carriage then-
"Confounded..." he dropped the reigns and took off after her, strong legs pulling him in wide strides.
"Does the lady often run across the fields in foolish pursuits of a tree?" the duke called after her, still behind her but gaining ground fast.
"It may not be the tree I am pursuing!" she tossed back over her shoulder with a laugh. They had agreed on terms, had they not?
The ground was remarkably flat -- excellent, really for running. Kathryn didn't do a great deal of it -- she preferred the feeling of a horse beneath her. However, races, regardless of their means, were fun -- particularly when she was winning!
Still, he was catching up to her -- and quickly! He had longer legs -- which wasn't fair! -- but she only put her head down and tried to run all that faster!
"You had a head start on horseback, Duke Calent! It's only fair I get a head start on foot!"
"That is a rather unlady like comment!" he spat after her, still running fiercely across the field and swiftly gaining. "I wouldn't think a lady so dastardly to accuse a man of such atrocities!" THe duke played back, now huffing, grunting, racing at her side.
"You will rue the day you asked to race with the Duke of Allar!" he panted, then added her title so cruelly in good fun. "Lady of Highheart."
His smile was good natured, but now the two were running neck and neck and the willow tree was finally pulling into view...
"You know what they say," she answered tartly, shooting a grin in his direction. "All's fair in love and war!"
The tree still seemed so far away! Nevertheless, she had one last burst of speed she could summon, allowing her to pull ahead a few precious inches!
The tree was just in front of them now, almost in her grasp! Together, they passed beneath the spread branches, parting the heavy, vinelike leaves with a whisper. The branches swayed in the wake of their passing, secluding them from the outside world.
He would beat her to the trunk -- but only by mere seconds. She reached it a moment later, breathing hard but smiling at him. Somewhere along the route, her veil had come undone and was hanging just by one pin on the side of her face, revealing her happy grin in full.
"Next time," she said with a laugh as she leaned against the trunk. "We should swim too. Riding. Running. And swimming." She grinned at him a moment before adding, "And I shall graciously admit my defeat, my dear Duke Calent!"
The duke was panting heavily after his hand had slammed to the tree first, claiming it. He looked down at her, his face flushed from the run and his lungs still burning. He licked his dry lips, drawing in a breath before he smiled down at her and suddenly cupped her face, kissing her beneath the willow.
It seemed in that moment, that time would stand still-
Even the winds seemed to shift, a sense of change swelling in the air as the distant rumble of thunder alerted the world there would be an arrival of rain. But time stopped for him- lips still to hers in a long and hungered kiss. It was only after a time his lips parted and green eyes sought half-liddedly to hers.
"Lady Kathryn," he began, his voice husky and soft. "When we return to Highheart, I think I might need to ask your father a question."
Kathryn didn't have time to protest -- or even to brace herself. One moment, she was simply basking in the shade of the willow; in the next, his lips were against hers...and Angsar help her, she was returning the kiss.
When he finally drew away, she was blushing from his attention...and from other, less appropriate thoughts of who had entertained her in the dead of night under his roof... She wasn't sure this could even rightly be called a betrayal...
...And though she did feel bad, it would have been a lie to say there was no attraction to the man in front of her; on the contrary, he was attractive for many of the same qualities she found attractive in Dekka. And his kiss! It had left her dizzy! She had never been more grateful for a tree to lean against in her life!
"Duke Calent, I'm not sure what to say..." In spite of her hesitation, she was smiling prettily at him, once more the blushing maiden of modesty. It was just happening too fast!
His eyes sought to hers. He felt peculiar, numb..
As if in a dream. At her comment, he felt himself smile a little.
"Well turn me down now, before I assume other wise," he told her in short. "And perhaps, with a union, we can quell the rumors with truth, give the people the wedding they had been gossiping about for the past month." He couldn't help but let his smile raise a little more at the thought-
To think, a fake proposal to be swapped with a real one...
Whoever it was, was it. the King of thieves who played his face? Yes.. the man who played pretend...
Clearly he had good tastes...
Her blush deepened, and she giggled softly. "I would never turn you down."
Even if she had wanted to... It was the match her parents had been hoping to make for her, and she wasn't likely to find another man who enjoyed horseback or foot races through meadows. No, she should count herself fortunate...and she did!
So why was it there was a sliver of guilt over the King of Thieves?
Pushing away those thoughts, she smiled brightly, adding aloud at least part of what was on her mind. "I just never thought I would be so fortunate. I've never met a noble like you before. You're..." She paused delicately, then looked up at him with a smile. "...Fun." Her eyes twinkled at him. "Among other things."
The duke felt awkward at her statements. The words used to describe him...
Fun....
They did not seem to suit. Or, perhaps it was only through this woman that he found himself letting a bit of his person go. He stared back towards the slow approach of their carriage and the men. Audric, would no doubt, have much to say over this.
But what did he care
Turning back towards Kathryn, he stole another quick kiss to her lips, before pulling away, taking her hand into his and kissing lightly the top of it.
"Then perhaps I will have more to talk about with your father than just the hunt."
"I expect so," she answered with a warm smile. Her fingers curled against his, squeezing his hand affectionately before pulling away so that she might replace the veil that had slipped during their run.
A peal of thunder echoed across the meadow, and this time Kathryn looked upwards in response. It was silly; she could see little of the sky through the leaves of the old willow. "The sun is out yet. I suppose we will have time for a quick lunch before the storm begins..."
Dark clouds were indeed gathering. They would blow in quickly, carrying the rain with them...
"Will you be riding in the carriage with me, Duke Calent?" She didn't bother disguising her expression. She hoped he would indeed.
The duke smiled at her appreciatively.
"If you so desire it, Lady Kathryn," he informed her, stealing another kiss. It was fun, after all, to be able to express himself in such a way towards a woman when it was not all haughty and needed, like he would with a courtesan or whore. No, a lady, as was proper, had a more delicate roll to play, one that as playing at the cards within his heart in just the right manner of play.
His fingers now laced delicately into hers as he stood, towering before her beneath the willow tree, eyes only for hers in that moment.
Nightmares and dreams be damned!
If he was to pick a woman to be his bride, it might as well be one with respectable company..
and one wit such sweet lips..
and he couldn't help himself... he dove in for another, taking her breath away with yet another kiss as lips sealed to lips...
his mind ever drifting away to that single moment he had captured with a certain piratess not so long ago...
but the memory faded, or burned away, perhaps even turning into her-
his obsession over the pirate would be quelled, he believed, by the simple serenity of this young, and beautiful woman-
one he could now make plans with to call his bride.
It was not, of course, strictly proper -- particularly as his intentions had not yet been approved by her father. Yet, if he didn't care...then she certainly had no reason to care either. After all, she was scarcely the naive and modest girl she pretended to be...
"I would desire it indeed," she answered with a warm smile for him.
A cool breeze blew suddenly around them, making her, a bit involuntarily, shiver and lean just a bit closer to him to share in his warmth. "Perhaps our picnic might have to wait," she murmured, looking back towards the darkening sky. "As loathe as I am to leave the shelter of our willow, we should probably catch our horses to hasten our journey towards Highheart." And if the weather turned particularly foul, they may have to stop somewhere to wait it out...
"Perhaps my man, Audric, might work as a chaperon, to ensure proprieties are maintained,"t he duke commented, just to remind the girl they still had rules to abide by.
But my my.. wouldn't Audric have something to say!
"But I do not think I'd like to abandon our spot quite so soon." Though there was a distant call of thunder, he ignored it, smiling at her and the gentle smell of rain against a sweeping breeze. "Have you never had the luxury to dine in the rain? The willow's branches might serve well to protect us from it, and we could also indicate to our servants to prepare parasols for when the rains do fall."
His eyes never left her as he spoke, feeling his chest beat heavily under her influence.
It might not have been love, but captivation was an inspiring thing...
"If you like," Kathryn answered innocently. After all, Molly would also be available to act as a chaperone... Although she'd turn a blind eye to whatever Kathryn told her to. Calent certainly didn't need to know that part, however!
"No," she answered with a laugh. She didn't count her shack as dining in the rain, although, with the amount of water that poured through the roof, she might as well! "But, if you believe the willow will provide us shelter, then I would love to."
A squeak from high above caught her attention, and she peered upwards into the boughs. A pair of chipmunks came into view, and she grinned up at them. "Do you think those chipmunks would mind if we shared their tree for an afternoon?"
The duke lifted his head, staring up at the wonder and beauty of the willow tree and it's branches gracing the world all around them, limbs being caressed by the air like a dream. He drew in a breath, tasting the prelude of the storm before he turned to her, stealing another kiss.
"I suppose if we do not disturb them," he said, then pulled away suddenly at the sound of his men approaching.
"Duke Calent!" one of the men cried.
"Lady Kathryn!" Called one of the men.
"The weather, it looks like a storm!"
The men were quite a few ways away, and still he held her, but slowly slipped away, to step forward and stand just outside the skirting branches of the tree. He kept his head high, though a warm glow was about his face as he raised a hand towards his men.
"It does seem like there might be rain," he commented, green eyes drifting towards the skies.
Kathryn watched him move towards the edge of her world, using the time to compose herself just to ensure she wasn't smiling like a giddy girl at her first ball.
"I think," she began calmly as she stepped up to join Calent, "That we would like to enjoy a picnic before the rain begins."
Audric looked openly suspicious as he regarded the pair, looking from one to the other. He opened his mouth to ask a question, but Lady Kathryn's maid was suddenly there as well.
"My Lady! You'll be soaked!" she exclaimed, looking somewhat unhappy at the thought!
"I've been assured this tree will provide us adequate cover," Kathryn answered with a smile. "No more arguments now. The sooner we are able to eat, the sooner we return to the road."
The maid looked curiously towards the Duke, but she only nodded and hurried back over to the wagon for the picnic basket and blankets, enlisting the aid of several guards in the process. Still, Audric sat there, one hand on his saddlehorn, watching the pair with a curious expression on his face that was threatening, any moment, to become a smirk.
It was decided then-
Tea and lunch were set up beneath the tree, and it wasn't long before Calent was enjoying his, almost in mockery towards her in the subtle silence they shared in the jest.... well, SHE Couldn't very well have tea. She lost the race!
The world was enchanting to say the least, despite the small smiles over tea and lost tea, well...at least for the two royal guests who appeared nonplused by the affects of the winds, merely staring at one another as if the storm brewing closely did not affect them. Though the wind tossed look had looked rather good not he duke as he sipped his tea and dipped delicately a short, hardened cookie into it and went about to stir it around to gather up the flavor.
They held civil conversations, conversations that seemed to whisper on another breath-
but Calent would not give Audric the satisfaction to see him... outlandishly flirt iwht the girl,a nd kept it subtle and real-
"How is your tea?" the duke inquired, enjoying another sip, just as another swell of wind swept across them, bringing with it the promise of rain. He finally had to bring it up that she hadn't gotten one- nd he offered her a small smile as he went about sipping his tea- but her tea cup, would remain empty.
And he seemed EVER to enjoy every, single sensuous sip about it, too!
"I think the flavors came from the south. A real unique flavor. And I Must say it tastes better with the smell of the fresh grass."
Two could most certainly play at that game!
Lifting up the empty cup, Kathryn pretended to sip it delicately. She was smiling -- a polite smile -- though her eyes were dancing with good humor above her cup.
"Oh, this certainly isn't from the south," she said, playing along with his game. "If it is, it isn't from the valley. We prefer our teas sweet, and this is much too bitter. Perhaps some sugar..."
Reaching across their little picnic, she pretended to help herself to a spoonful of sugar, miming the actions cheerfully and even going so far as to pretend to stir the tea afterwards.
"Mm," she said after another sip of her imaginary tea. "This is much better. Is all the tea in Allar so bitter, Duke Calent?"
Calent couldn't help himself. He was.. smiling indeed at the way she played.
"Yes, we like it very bitter." he said, then went about fussing over making a second cup for himself, adding sugar, lots of sugar, even a dab of honey before stirring it about and blowing his lips softly across it's surface, then he handed it over to her.
"Why don't you try some?" he said, his dark eyes glittering with mirth.
That caught her attention, certainly!
She peered at him through her long lashes, as if trying to read his mind, though she did so with a grin.
"And what punishment will you exact on me if I do accept your offer?" Kathryn wondered suspiciously. "Surely, you would not allow me to break our pact so easily... Not when you're so obviously enjoying your victory!"
She did, however, accept the proffered cup and saucer, using the spoon to stir the real tea around in a slow circle in her cup as she watched Calent and awaited his answer.
"Perhaps I'll call on that offer later," he afforded her a small smirk and watched her stir the tea.
"After all, I think there was certain talks about an engagement.." he didn't bother to look over at Audric, or any of the servants near by as he went about picking up a raspberry tart.
"Would the lady like some tart with her tea?" he inquired, offering it to her gently upon the palm of his hand as it rested upon am ivory, silk napkin.
"It might go well with your tea."
Audric nearly choked on the jerky he'd been chewing! He inhaled sharply, not even noticing for a few seconds that the jerky had been sucked in with the air. Fishing out his canteen, he discreetly moved to the other side of the tree to cough and fight with the jerky lodged in his throat.
Kathryn's answering smile wavered at the sound of coughing coming, suddenly, from behind the tree. She accepted the tart kindly. "Thank you, Duke Calent." Then she asked politely, "Is your guard well?"
It sounded like a nasty cough!
OOC: You and tarts. :D
OOC: Maybe if she tastes it and realizes it's raspberry, she'll think of Dekka XD~
And you should read mine and Paradox's threads, lol WINDCHIMES, WINDCHIMES, EVERYWHERE lol
IC:
Calent smiled but didn't bother to look Audric's way. It was an... interesting response.
"I'm sure he's alright. It might be this weather," the duke replied in nonchalance, lifting up a tart to his own lips and enjoying it. His was cherry.
"Do you like chocolates my lady?" he inquired, the rain only beginning to mist down upon them through the leaves, and a few times heavy, fat droplets would come down, splattering around them as they picnicked beneath the tree.
Yes, the air smelled refreshing and cool, and the sounds of the winds rustling through the leaves were like heaven.
So far.. it was becoming a very good day.
Trusting Calent's word -- after all, the guard was quiet now and had apparently recovered -- she turned her attention to her own tart. She nibbled on the edge of it, smiling as the flavoring leaked into her mouth.
Raspberry... It made her smile -- not so much at the flavor but more-so at the thought of the person she had come to associate with raspberry tarts: Dekka. He was definitely another person she wouldn't mind enjoying the company of in a rainstorm beneath a willow tree...
"Chocolates?" she answered, pulling from her reverie. Her smile grew, and she nodded almost shyly. "I do indeed, Duke Calent. I'm especially fond of milk chocolate with fruit. I suppose you're fond of dark chocolates?"
Calent gestured towards his servant.
"The fruits and chocolates, then," he ordered and it was only momentarily they were produced forth. With a gold box in hand, he set it down between them and lifted the lid, which showcased a beautiful variety of dainty chocolates to be had.
Dark and Milk alike..
even some with fruit, some with nuts...
A bowl was then brought forward and the duke motioned for it to be set between them. A group of cherries and apples to go along with the sweet variety of chocolates.
"I suppose you could say I enjoy both sorts," Calent finally commented. He reached down for a cherry, picking it up slowly before popping it into his mouth. He stared at her, letting her be the one to choose her first choice of candy.
After all, these were made local and at the duke's request-
a heavenly blend of milk and chocolate and sugars so refined..
it was meant to melt in your mouth, not in your hands.
"Do you always have such luxuries on hand?" Kathryn asked, her eyes wide as she took in the variety of treats set before her. Chocolates, fruit, and...well, everything, it seemed! Her awed expression returned to Calent, and she couldn't help but add, "If you'll forgive me for saying so, if you intend to make this a habit, we will have to enjoy many, many more races to keep our trim figures and pretty faces."
She made the declaration with a grin, however, as she neatly selected a chocolate at random.
It was heavenly! She enjoyed the bite slowly, looking about as pleased as a kitten in the cream. At last, she said, "Have you tried melting the chocolate over the fruit? My father brought home strawberries covered in chocolate once. They were so good!"
Calent smiled at her comment.
"Only when I know I'm here to entertain," the duke replied. He admired the way she took in the candies. Yes,.. it was rather pleasing to be able to entertain a lady and fuss over her. Courting could be... rather interesting, he dare say nd he stole a look towards Audric, then back towards the young lady.
"I have had many chances to sample such an idea," he replied to her later comment about the chocolate drizzled across fruits. "There is never a shortage of ideas in ways to please a man's tongue when he is a duke."
He popped another cherry into his mouth, simply enjoying the sweet flavor and the sweet moment.
Not many chances in his life, as of lately, would he find himself allowed such luxuries, and for dutiful reasons, no doubt.
After all... courting was courting, and still very much a part of his duty.
Perhaps he was meant to put it off just to find a woman like Kathryn. Yes, she would do well and produce rather handsome children, he assumed.
"And do you always like to place yourself into such a trifled situation? A race.. perhaps one everyday, might stave off losing our figures at such an age."
Though he worked rigorously on various things- from sword play, to hunting, to fencing and the likes- almost every day with a hard hand, and hard play. But, he needn't bring up the intricacies. After all, she was a lady. Probably fancied she'd sit inside most days drinking tea.
Or whatever it was that the fairer sex might do to entertain themselves in such a position-
and he had to wonder..
perhaps she was one to ride a horse, race across a meadow..
she was still, so very young, after all.
"I don't often have the pleasure," Kathryn answered, looking both embarrassed and a bit sad. "It isn't a very ladylike past-time, after all." Nor did she have any brothers to play with, where it might have been a bit more acceptable, at any rate...
"But I did tell you how much of an influence my father has had on my life. I prefer to be out of doors when I can get away with it." Under her mother's watchful eye, that wasn't very often, sadly! "My father spoils me by taking me hunting with him. He's taught me everything I know about riding, and he let me train Evoric...mostly...by myself. And he taught me a bit about tracking and hunting." Though, of course, she would claim not to be very good at those things...
Calent listened with much interest to her story.
"An interesting idea. Perhaps if I were to ever have a daughter, I'll be sure to make note to ensure she's instructed well on how to race and ride."
After all, it seemed a rather.. interesting way to gain a prospective husband. It seemed it had worked for her, after all.
"If your father.. consents, in due time, perhaps we can make arrangements for the wedding to take place outdoors? Perhaps in the gardens, come spring." It would be fitting for a long engagement, but not too long, he hoped. After all, there was the duty of producing heirs and well, he was well behind in the race.
"So you've trained your house on your own?" he changed the subject, eating another cherry. It was an impressive idea.
"Oh, I don't know about that," Kathryn answered with a sad smile as she turned her attention to the sweets in front of her. "It isn't quite fair to her to introduce her to so many wonderful things, then take them away and forbid her from doing them."
Selecting a sweet at random, she added, "If you were any other man, you would have been mortified by my behavior today. Perhaps, even you should be, Duke Calent. Proper ladies don't ride or race. They don't try their hand at archery or swordplay. They certainly don't suggest archery demonstrations in the dead of night." She was turning the chocolate over in her hand, studying the dimples and its shape, but, finally, she looked up to meet his gaze. "I think those ladies are dreary, and I think those men are bores. I resigned myself to a life of duty a very long time ago, and it's only now, in your company, I begin to hope I may find happiness after all." She stuck the chocolate in her mouth, swallowing it before adding, "So, although I am grateful to my father for all he has shown me, I think, sometimes, it would have been easier to have let my mother have her way."
Though most men might even have been offended by her comments and professions, his lips only smirked as he looked at her, almost adoringly.
"I should say, that despite some threats of etiquette, you have become a fine lady indeed. Lest I not waste my lips and breath on a woman of any smaller amount of caliber. After all, I have already proposed the idea and thought of marriage, well before to you, before I have even humbled your father over the idea. So it is not only you, who is trying to bonds of our positions and formalities, and perhaps, there is a certain charm to it."
And he leaned forward, as if to steal a kiss, smiling slightly, in-spite of himself when he hesitated, but leaned forward and sealed one there, in public, before them all.
"And something else, though I'm not sure," he added in a soft murmur as he looked at her through his dark lashes and rich, green eyes.
Kathryn's expression slowly brightened, becoming a slow smile as he spoke. When he leaned forward to kiss her, she, too, leaned forward -- just an inch or so -- though, she, too, hesitated. Stealing a few kisses under the willow tree and in private was one thing, but to be so bold in front of servants...
When he pulled away, she was blushing prettily, and her smile had grown as well.
"If that's how you feel," she murmured happily, "Then I'm not sorry at all any longer." It was, after all, a pretty persuasive argument...
And all around them, the servants and guards -- who had long ago mastered the art of listening without appearing to -- hung on their every word, committing them to memory to pass on to their friends later.
"There is nothing to apologize for," he assured her. "Though I think we'll have to make it back swiftly to your kingdom. Your father should not have to hear about rumors any longer on an engagement between his daughter and the duke of Allar."
Really, how it would be a thing to quell such rumors with the gossip becoming truth.
"But I think such bold notions would be an honorable way to quell the gossip lingering between us. I think it's only fit that the rumors turn into truth, and the truth, a marriage. But let us see if your father agrees."
And if he says no? Well then... that's something he would have to think on then.
"Are you ready to head out, my lady?" he inquired, moving to rise as he lent out a hand to her.
"We can discuss this matter in my carriage, if you so wish to accompany me." he bowed politely and awaited her answer, though he already knew it.
"I very much doubt you have anything to fear in that regard," Kathryn answered with a warm smile. On the contrary, her father would likely be thrilled with the prospect! It would solve their country's current problems so neatly...
...And she very much doubted there would be other proposals while she was away.
"Of course, Duke Calent. I would be delighted to join you." She accepted his hand and allowed him to lead her back towards the carriage, only pausing long enough for her maid to tuck a shawl around her and to open an umbrella up over her head.
The procession made its way towards Highheart with little in the way of excitement. The servants and guards found entertainment in the blossoming relationship between the Duke and Lady -- and no one took as much interest as Audric. When he had made his suggestion to the Duke, he hadn't expected that the man would follow his advice -- nor commit himself so quickly and wholly. It was refreshing -- but he couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding.
When he at last found the opportunity to corner the Duke alone -- apart from the Lady, the servants, and the other guards -- he made a point to make the most of the chance. "You seem to be getting along with the Lady well enough," he observed, looking at his friend curiously.
The duke found himself, for once, enjoying the simple pleasantries of polite conversation as their carriage rolled onward towards Highheart. The rains had all but halted by the time they had arrived, and the Lady was waved off to proceed back into her manor while the Duke gathered around his men to prepare for his arrival, (after all, the arrival of a duke could be somewhat of a fanfare, and it would only be proper the lady inform her family she had arrived, with company in tow befor ehe made his presence known.)
And it was during this moment Valia noticed her sister had returned, and danced around her in silence for a moment to catch her alone. When she did, she blurted out, "You brought the Duke of Allar with you!?" then more giddily, she pressed against her sister's arm as she held it in a fierce hug.
"I want all of the details!"she pressed. "All of them!"
And just as Valia was pressing her sister, Audric had approached the Duke...
He was fussing over the collar to his jacket when the question was raised and the duke casually answered, "So it would seem." a did not humor Audric with any more than that.
Kathryn couldn't help but laugh at Valia's enthusiasm. She should have expected as much from her younger sister, but, surprisingly, Valia had been rather far from her thoughts these past few days.
"I'm not I have the time," she teased with a grin as she peered into her mirror. She had come upstairs to freshen up, after all! "The Duke is awaiting an invitation, after all." Her eyes flickered to Valia's in the mirror, and she smirked. "Maybe I could just summarize..."
Audric made a face. "You can't spend the entire day flirting and playing with Lady Kathryn, then answer me like that!" It just wasn't fair! With a sigh, Audric said, "Here. Let me." Reaching out, he straightened Calent's collar for him with a few tugs. "You told her you intend to marry her."
Calent let Audric fuss over the collar.
"So you've heard the news of my intentions?" Calent asked coolly, feigning ignorance and surprise all the while Valia only stared at her sister.
"Get out of here!" she said. "You had better inform me on every little detail!" her sister persisted, pressing herself up closely to Kathryn's side.
"When you spent the night in Allar, did you share the duke's bed?" she finally found herself asking with much seriousness. "Is this why you can't keep him waiting. Or father?"
Audric gave Calent a sharp look. "I will hit you. Don't tempt me." Well! Maybe not...hard... "Spill, Calent. What's gotten into you?"
Kathryn gave her sister a sidelong look, her expression horrified. Or was that embarrassment? "Valia! Of course not!" Her face was crimson! "Make yourself useful and help me with my hair if you're going to stay here." Because, with her sister pressed up against her like this, Kathryn could barely move!
"He's been a perfect gentleman!" She, on the other hand... "We had tea at sunset in his gardens -- and such gardens they are, Valia! And then we parted company." Nevermind what had happened in her bed that night... "And we spent the afternoon on the road." Kathryn had been unwinding her hair, but she paused to smile at her sister now. "He challenged me to a horserace. So I challenged him to a footrace. And then he kissed me." An awful lot, considering!
Calent smoothed down his clothes and tugged at the cuffs of his gloves before glancing over at Audric.
"I do not think I follow," the duke feigned ignorance. Really.. it was too fun NOT to!
All the while Valia's jaw dropped. Then her face twitched into a twisted version of a smile.
"You.."s he gripped her sister's arm fiercely. "You can't be serious!" Valia pressed even closer. "Duke Calent.. Duke of Allar... most handsome and eligible and richest bachelor ..... kissed you!?"
Valia let out a squeal, jumping up and down excitedly in her pink dress.
"What sort of kiss!? And how man!? Did he use his tongue!?" she pressed.
She had to know ALL of the details.
ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!
The corner of Audric's eye twitched alarmingly as his lips were pressed so firmly together they were nearly turning white. How did he become the butt of this joke?! He folded his arms over his chest to glare at the other man. "I'm not going to beg." Really!
"Shhh!" Kathryn hushed loudly, shooting an alarmed look towards the door. "You're going to start the servants gossiping!" And that was the last thing she needed... "Just calm down. I told you he was a gentleman, didn't I?" With an indignant sniff, she turned back to the mirror and began to comb out her hair.
Still, she was smiling.
"It was a sweet kiss. Chaste. And he kept doing it... He even kissed me in front of the servants during our picnic." She blushed, although this time with pleasure. Yes, she was looking forward to more of those kisses... "And he said he intended to ask Father for my hand." Also in front of the servants... It was so bold of him!
Valia was so enthralled by her sister's affairs she thought her nose would bleed.
"He did what?" she hissed in a whisper, hands gripping her shoulder tight. She could NOT believe this! How utterly delightful!
"But you still didn't answer me!" Valia pressed, moving forward to finally help her sister fuss over her hair. She peered at her sister's reflection, studying her smile before leaning forward and whispering warmly in her ear. "Did he use his tongue?"
Calent, on the other hand, had still not given in to the satisfaction Audric so desired.
"Are you sure?" the duke pressed in nonchalance, brushing off some invisible dirt on his sleeve.
Kathryn blushed redly. "You have a very strange idea of what a gentleman is. And obviously no idea what chastity is." Really! Her sister had the dirtiest mind!
...Which, strangely, made her think of Dekka, and her blush deepened.
"No," she told her tersely. "There was no tongue." Though, she glanced away as she said it, refusing to meet her sister's gaze in the mirror....
Audric frowned at him a moment, then strode over to the door. Leaning out, he said, "Edward! Prepare to leave for Allar! Immediately!" Turning back towards the Duke, he met his gaze with a glitter in his eye. "Obviously, there is nothing left here for you to do, then. We've seen the Lady safely home, so it is time to depart for ours."
Calent smoothed down his attire and turned to Audric, catching him with his words.
"Now, we simply wait for the invitation. I've extended it through Lady Kathryn." Calent kept his eyes steady on him. "And I intend to meet with the Duke before I leave...." then he added. "And secure myself a bride."
He stared up at the castle, watching the banister and flags carrying across the winds.
"What brave is the blood, the blood of fallen me, who raise up arms and sword. In Angsar's name, to kill again, no skies will be left unpure."
The words were recited, gently sung in the softest, most quietest voice from the duke before he turned his green eyes on Audric.
"Once I marry. I aim to stake my claim towards the capital. I've dragged my feet long enough to implore my wants on the position of the grand duke. With a wife in tow, she can grant me an heir, and with my duchy on the rise... well.." a small smile slipped across his lips. "Things are looking up for Allar." Though his smile was there, there was something a bit cold about it as the winds continued to drag high white clouds across the blue skies above.
...
Valia scoffed.
"Really! No fun!" Valia whine, but then she noted her sister's blush and gave a wicked grin. "So what about that thief you ran into the other night..." her sister pressed. "What of him if you marry?" She continued to fuss over her sister's hair, weaving careful braids. "Would it be scandalous of him to appear at a time like this- when the REAL Duke of Allar asks for your hand?"
And quite delicious indeed!
Valia had hit the nail right on the head! Kathryn blushed even more furiously -- but she couldn't storm away while Valia had her hair in her hands, could she?
It took her a moment to find her voice, but when she did, she spoke in a whisper. "You can't tell anybody about Dekka. Ever! If Duke Calent found out..."
Audric stared at Calent, looking...disappointed. "Is that really all she is to you, Calent? Do you really feel nothing for her?" Because, looking at the pair of them playing in the meadow, Audric himself would have sworn that their lord had felt the stirrings of love -- or something like it, anyway. But to find out differently, now... It felt as though ice water had been thrown in Audric's face! How much did he really know about the man he served?
Calent studied his friend's face.
"Are you questioning my intentions?" the duke asked coolly. "I was charmed, yes, and so have found a woman in the perfect position to become my bride." He tilted his head to one side, frowning little as he thought back to one of his songs he had composed on the cello several nights ago...
The Rush of Wild Tides...
His fingers itched to play, but instead, found the words humming in the back of his mind against silent airs that blew across the great Duchy of HighHeart before him.
"To have feelings for one's wife is arbitrary." the duke informed. "But it would please me to see them through." and the duke moved aware, noting a carrier approach.
"Duke Calent!" the man saluted. "Word from the Duke of Highheart. He requests your presence immediately."
Calent's eyes went long towards his friend before he began to move away.
"I'm here to get a bride, nothing more."
--------
Valia slapped a hand over her lips.
"K-Kathryn!" she squealed, then suddenly wrapped her arms around her sister tightly. "What ELSE are you hiding from me?"s he asked, her own cheeks blushing at all of the naughty stories she began to make up.
"So did HE use his tongue?"
And by he, clearly Valia meant the King of Thieves!
"Keep it down!" Kathryn hissed, trying to squirm away from Valia's grasp. "Hush! Or you'll give me away!" And that would be bad -- very bad indeed! "Promise me you'll keep this to yourself -- and you'll stop shrieking?"
And Kathryn would stoutly refuse to divulge a single word until her dear sister promised! But, once that promise left her lips... Well, she'd been itching to tell somebody!
"It started after the ball. He kissed me. In the bathroom. After you'd gone to bed. But I never expected to see him again..." How wrong she'd been! "And then he came to me again last night. Well, once in the afternoon and then at night. And..." She sighed softly, smiling at her hairbrush as she thought them over. "Well, things might have happened. But, I am still a virgin. And I'm not condoning what I've done. It was wrong." And, yet...
Audric thought about it a minute, then said, "I suppose I am. I was hoping..." Well... Wasn't that obvious? "I just need to know what you're getting yourself into. But you're right. She will make a fine wife." For the first week or so. And then, Audric predicted, the entire marriage would head south. But, then, she was the daughter of a Duke, and she seemed to understand how to behave properly enough... And, since Calent clearly wasn't looking for a companion in his wife, well, the state of the marriage would really matter little to him...
But that did not make the man before him any less cold. Audric felt a bit like he had just sent the girl to the headsman.
He only wished Calent had wooed the father rather than the girl...
Valia's smile went wide, than wider still, ripening into dimples and a blush as her sister divulged more and more of he rlittle secret.
"Kathryn!"s he squealed, then slapped a hand over her lips and moved to stand in front of her, hands to her shoulder.
"Now you MUST spill on what happened!" she squealed, though much softer this time, beneath her breath. "What DID you two do!?"
SHE HAD TO KNOW!
Even if she was still a virgin, what sort of playing round had occurred!?
----
Calent turned to Audric.
"You were hoping, what?" the duke raised a brow. THen at his comment, he mulled over it and knew his friend wanted to say more. He lowered his gaze.
"She works well for a distraction." he turned away, staring towards his caravan of men. "I.. haven't been able to enjoy myself in weeks. It's only fitting if I found a woman who could distract me and pleased me in such a manner, I should consider it a blessing that she is within the bloodline and can be made of contract for a wife."
But really, to him- how could it be much of anything more?
OOC: Slightly maturish content!
"Kissed, mostly," Kathryn answered, still blushing. Yet, she couldn't keep herself from going on... "Everywhere. Except, you know, down there." She smiled broadly as she considered it. "I let him undress me. Down to here." She indicated with a hand. "It was...intoxicating."
Her eyes lowered to her brush as she set it carefully down. "But it doesn't matter. Because I have to marry the Duke. We both knew that."
Audric sighed softly. "I'm just a romantic, I suppose," he allowed. "But if she makes you happy, then I will be happy for you."
OOC: Slightly MATURE girl talk XD
IC:
Valia's pink eyes went wide at the comment, face going read, smile meeting her eyes. Her body trembling as she tried to suppress a laugh, then collapsed onto her knees before her sister and took in her hands.
"You.. you can't be serious!" she exclaimed softly, pink eyes sparkling as she examined her sister, then inched forward on her knees and pressed the issue.. "How.. how did it feel? Did you want him to take your virginity? Did he try to at first?"
So many questions, but she HAD to know!
----
Calent smiled, warmly for once, at his friend, but said nothing more as he was guided away from his friend and moved towards the castle.
The duke of high heart was waiting after all...
and he had a marriage to propose.
Kathryn suppressed a groan. Oh, she should have known!
"I told him he couldn't -- and he was true to his word." Mostly. As for her own feelings... She smiled shyly a moment, thinking over the event to herself, and then, quietly, she said, "If I had been free to do so, yes, I would have let him have it." In an instant! "But I'm not. And neither are you, Valia. Remember that. No respectable man would want a ruined woman."
Valia's smile could not grow any wider, and the curls at the ends of it were positively cat like as she rested her elbows against Kathryn's thights and pressed her own fists to her cheeks and sighed up at her longingly.
"That sounds so romantic," her sister stated, pink eyes lovely and distant. "If only I were so lucky."
But at her sister's next comment, Valia stuck her nose high up into the air. "You needn't worry about me, Kathryn. I've only had a few make out sessions with some hot knights."
And well, ok- maybe a bit more but..
she was still a virgin! That had to count for something!?
Kathryn laughed softly. Reaching out, she tucked a few loose strands of Valia's hair back into place with a smile. "I know. You're smart. But it would have been so easy to get carried away..."
She jumped about three inches off the stool when there was a sudden knock at the door. Putting her hand to her heart, she yelled, "I'm coming!"
Trying to will the blush off of her cheeks, she extended a hand down to her sister. "Well, wish me luck, Valia. I think, if he doesn't propose, I'm going to be inconsolable." And Valia would be stuck dealing with her!
Much had occurred as much thought it would, and soon the halls were whispering with gossip.
The REAL Duke of Allar had showed up, with many promises and propositions!
At first, it was a curious thing, for him to appear alongside their own Lady Kathryn, but then when he was presented formally before the Duke, the man requested a meeting in private-
and there, much was discussed.
Apologies were exchanged, and promises were made-
After all, the Duke requested two prideful things:
The request of a royal hunt...
and to join Lady Kathryn in holy matrimony.
Both were hastily agreed upon, and a marriage date was only scarcely mentioned- Spring or Autumn? Though it would be a long way to the spring, eventually the duke of allar settled upon it, even though he itched for the union to happen much quicker-
But then, it did not matter, the Duke of Highheart was ever elated as he called forth to have his daughter summoned.
"It is time to divulge the news! Come, come to my throne room as we wait!"
and wait he did, standing tall and handsome before the Duke of Highheart, eyes glued towards the massive doors as he awaited for the Lady to arrive so that her father could spill the good news.
Valia turned at the noise and rose to her feet, simply nodding at her sister and taking her hands and squeezing them soft.
"I don't think you need luck!" she informed Kathryn with a wink, then kissed her cheek. "Just tell me how the wedding night goes."s he requested, her grin reaching her ears yet again.
"You are truly incorrigible!" Kathryn exclaimed -- though she did so with a fond smile. She cast one last look in the mirror, exhaled loudly, then moved to the door.
She entered the throne room a moment later with her head held high and looking positively regal. There, too, was a glow about her -- the glow of youthful expectation and happiness. Nevertheless, she followed protocol for the presentation of a daughter before an esteemed guest.
"Good afternoon, Duke Calent," she greeted with a regal bow. "Father. Forgive my tardiness."
Valia supressed a smile, giggling after her sister when she left.
"Good luck!" she called-
and soon her sister disappeared down the hall..
and into the throne room she went where the Duke's were ever waiting-
and her father, not being one who was any good at holding in a surprise, was all smiles as he gestured for her to approach.
"Nonsense, do not fret yourself my child, I have some very good news to relay, that is, if oyu accept my permission and I accept yours, but Duke Calent of Allar has come here to well, ask something rather special, and I well, I am not a man to ignore such a request, but I do want you to be aware I respect the will of my children, and I would not entertain such an idea of a union had I not deemed it worthy." His smile broadened. "That being said,"he continued, a soft pat to her hand as he swept the other towards Duke Calent who stared at her with cool reverie.
"The Duke of Allar has come, my dear, to ask for your hand in marriage."
His eyes seemed to sparkle as they met hers, peering into her very soul.
"ANd if you say yes, then I, my dear, can only say yes and oblige for you." He gestured for her to move forward. "So what shall it be my dear?"
Calent's eyes never left hers.
"Do you want to marry this duke?"
Kathryn smiled at her father, and everything she could not say in that moment was conveyed in that expression. She loved her father -- and dearly, even more-so for offering her the choice in the matter. But, yes, she would marry the Duke of Allar -- looked forward to it, in fact!
"Dear Father," she murmured with a kiss upon his aging cheek, "You've chosen well. I would have none other than Duke Calent for my husband."
Straightening, she smiled prettily at the Duke of Allar. "I would be honored to accept your proposal, Duke Calent."
OOC: And this is when he..
SOCKS HER IN THE FACE!
OMG..
IN THE FAAAAAAAAACE
XD
I kid *goes to actually post now*
IC:
"Then it shall be done!" her father exclaimed as Duke Calent placed out his hand, taking Kathryn's smaller one into his own and soon the entire kingdom's bells were ringing, trumpets blaring and men shouting'
"HEAR YE! HERE YE! THE REAL DUKE OF ALLAR TO WED LADY KATHRYN! ALL BELLS ARE RINGING! ALL IS WELL!"
It seemed nothing could be more exciting than all of the festivities now gracing hte streets. Musicians took to fiddle, women to dance, men to drink as the entire duchy turned alive.
The duke, for once in his life, found his heart nearly pounding to a flutter outside of his chest as he and his bride to be were guided in a fanfare throughout the town. The women fawned, the men even swooned, children laughing and dancing int he streets as their two horses strolled together, side by side, joined near the cheek (and for once, seemed to get along despite all of the fuss) as they made their way through in a processional fanfare- confetti sparkling, falling and shimmering across the air.
Now that the wedding had been announced, Kathryn was reacting almost shyly towards the Duke. She was still charming, but she was ever so bashful and quiet now as she docilely allowed her father to lead them through town.
It would be some time before the feast would be prepared, and it was already too late in the day to hunt, unfortunately. Still, the press of the crowd and excitement was dizzying and oppressive, and Kathryn found herself unable to withstand it a moment more!
Finding an opportunity to speak to Calent, she asked softly, "Are you enjoying the fanfare and celebration, Duke Calent?"
Calent was glad to have a moment alone. The day had been long, trying with marvelous festivities and bursts of colors of confetti and spiraling flames of light. When it all seemed to settled, he hadn't noticed his hair nad clothes were covered in the colorful litter of debris until he heard a soft voice come from behind him and spotted Lady Kathryn. He afforded her a tired smile.
"I am, though I must admit, the travel has made me worn. I am anxious for the dinner, but I think we still have but an hour to spare." he studied her, and moved closer, brushing a few loose pieces of confetti from her hair and smiled down at her before letting the pieces drop into the grass.
"How are you fairing?" his smile grew wider, even smug. "Are you enjoying all of this attention?"
It was not truly for him- but it seemed those of highheart (and even his own) loved this sort of celebration- especially her younger sister, who appeared to be a trying sort.
Kathryn laughed softly at his attempts to help clear her hair of confetti. He should have, perhaps, been more worried about his own. Still, it felt nice to be so near to him in the quiet of this courtyard, away from those still celebrating elsewhere.
"I suppose I might have warned you that my father and his people enjoy nothing half so much as a celebration." It was, admittedly, uplifting -- but it was wearisome, and Kathryn did not care much for the attention. She had secrets to keep, after all!
"As we seem to have come upon a quiet moment amidst the festivities, I wonder if I might interest you in a stroll? After all, it's only fair we be given a moment to enjoy the announcement in our own way. Once you leave, with little exception, we won't see each other again until the wedding." Her smile had lost a bit of its luster at the thought. It seemed a long way off...
Calent lifted his eyes to hers, then took her hand into his own and kissed the top of it gently.
"It would be a pleasure." Taking her arm into his own, he found himself renewed in spirits. Despite what he had said to Audric earlier, Kathryn had a unique affect upon him. Perhaps it was her youth, her beauty, perhaps more. It was hard to say, but she was a necessary distraction to what ailed him, and would make a fine wife, he was sure, for it. After all, he didn't honestly need someone to help him run his duchy, he was doing fine on that all his own- but she seemed, like most women, to fall right into the supportive role.
And hopefully she wasn't baron. Her first task, as his wife, would be naturally to bring to fruition the idea of an heir-
and they would have handsome children, he was sure.
"Perhaps you can show me the garden your mother tends?" he spoke softly, fluidly-
and somewhere, nearbye, behind or perhaps even INSIDE a push, Valia's pink eyes peered out, ever watchful of the strolling duke with her sister....
Kathryn smiled broadly and nodded. "Of course, Duke Calent. I'm afraid it is not as grand as yours in Allar. To see the whole of it, we would have to begin on the balcony, as my mother has designed it to be pleasing to the eye specifically from that vantage point. Perhaps we can end there?"
So saying, she began to guide him aware, entirely unaware of the girl in the bushes!
Moving around the courtyard, they passed through an archway and into the private gardens of the Duchess of Highheart -- for the Duke had little interest in such things!
The gardens were indeed designed to be seen from the balcony above, but even from this angle, one could see the way they sloped downwards away from the house in a series of terraces shaped by meandering pathways. In the center, a fountain sprinkled water into a blue pool that stretched down and away, each subsequent level forming a slow, gliding waterfall. Here in the front of the gardens nearest the palace, there were mostly low flower beds. Further away, taller flowers swept into bushes, and, at the back of the garden, stood flowering trees.
Much more at home in her own gardens, Kathryn stepped away from him just long enough to collect a violet with which she could play as they walked.
"My mother often has tea out of doors when the winds are not too troublesome," Kathryn explained. "But I prefer to lose myself among the flowers."
OOC: YOU CAN NOT ESCAPE VALIA'S EYES lol
IC:
Calent followed her lead, letting her guide him through their gardens. Though not as expansive as his own, they had a charm about them that was homely. There was even an air about them that seemed... well...
The feeling it gave off was something he had only felt in mute reflections before-
after all, he had never been at all that close with his parents. They were very...
professional.
Standing beside her, he took in the flowers but felt himself growing tired. HE should have been enjoying this more, but.. well, he had become introverted as of lately, and he had been showered with such affections in the spot light, he began to feel uneasy. But it was still nice.
He guided Kathryn with him to the fountain...
while Valia anxiously crept forward, knees to the ground, pink skirts scraping off the leaves as she peered out, ever watching the two- ready to squeal the moment they would kiss!
And they would have to kiss!
The scene... the light..
It was just too romantic.
The sky had turned pink, casting them in it's glow. Stars sparkled against it and the fade of the crowd was way off in the distance..
and here, as a pair of white dove's fluttered from the fountain as the two sat, it showered them in a light snowing of it's feathers as the two sat there in perfect harmony.
It was as if fate promised them this moment, and this moment only- something to share and treasure while a cold darkness loomed, that neither would be prepared for as the duke admired his bride to be and the way she glowed before tenderly moving forward, and kissed her softly on the cheek, then lower, then lower still until his hands were cupping her face and his lips had finally met to hers.
The silence between them felt comfortable as they explored the garden, Kathryn asking him to pause now and again as she admired the flowers. She selected some, seemingly at random, and gathered them into a small bouquet against her chest.
As they sat down at the fountainside, she let her fingers dip into the cool, shallow water. Goldfish flittered up to the surface to curiously investigate this invasion of their home.
She looked to him with a smile and light blush as his lips touched her cheek, and showed no resistance as his lips settled over hers. In fact, her hands lifted on their own to his cheeks, one leaving the flowers behind on the marble of the fountain's base, while the other unthinkingly left drops of fountain water against his jaw.
But it was sweet, just as it had been beneath the willow, and she found herself surrendering happily to his advances.
The kiss was magical, if there ever was such a thing to call it in Connlaoth, and would have lasted several minutes longer had the snorted, snickering and squeals from a certain nearby bush not have suddenly made the Duke shy and pull away, cheeks flushing as he peered over towards it.
"Is someone there!?" he said, dragging out his sword and giving a menacing growl towards the shaking bushes.
Valia gasped and clapped her hands over her lips, but began to tremble with laughter again.
She had SEEN it!
Her sister and Duke Calent!
So they were engaged but...
NOW they were evidently LOVERS too!
"Whoever is in those bushes, show yourself!"
ANd the sword point looked angry. Valia swallowed hard, putting up her white gloved hands and stepped out lightly.
"I'm sorry, your grace, I didn't meant to intrude,"s he said, blushy faced and smiling much like a cat as Kathryn's younger sister stood before them.
"L-lady Valia?" Calent stammered, lowering his sword as he blinked in disbelief.
"Yes, uh, hi!" she smiled a bit charmingly, fluttering her lashes and giving a gentle wriggling of her hands before lowering them. "I was.. erm, just on my way through the gardens when you two had come in."s he said, turning away bashfully and twirling her golden locks between her finger. "And well, I didn't mean to stick around but I didn't want to interrupt so I.. um.. hid myself in the bush?"
she was just the most incredible of liars as she returned her sweet charming smile to the pair. "I'm just glad to see my brother in law to be is quite smitten with my sister."
Calent flushed, but sheathed his sword, keeping his shoulders squared proudly.
"I should say so, Lady Valia. I am intending on marrying her. Do you not think it fitting for a ma to be so taken with his future bride?"
Oh ho ho!
Valia could not CONTAIN The smile that curled wickedly across her lips.
"Oh, no. I definitely agree."s he said, trying to suppress a laugh. Oh, how lucky her sister was to bag a handsome and clever one!
OOC: I COULDN'T HELP MYSELF
Kathryn had flushed as well, though she remained seated behind Calent. He was the one who was armed, anyway! and although she doubted that whoever stood in the bush would be a serious threat, one never knew.
Seeing who it was, however, turned Kathryn's face scarlet.
"Valia!" Kathryn gasped, striding past her would-be protector to her oh-so-charming sister. "Excuse us, Duke Calent." Putting an arm on her shoulder, she began to guide her away with low, hissed words. "It is very unladylike to spy on people, Valia! And you have leaves in your hair -- at least three different kinds! What is wrong with you?!"
Kathryn was mortified! To be caught in a kiss like that...
Valia was cruel, and despite her sister's venom, she giggled and tried to hide it by planting a hand over her hips.
"You should have offered him some tongue," she whispered, once they were playfully enough out of ear shot. Then she turned to her, a smug grin like a fox. "Or did you?" Really, Valia's questions were so scandalous! But hse had to know, and grinned more fox like as she leered her sister.
OOC: Valia, the most insensitive sister EVAR XD
"Valia!" Kathryn gasped, horrified at the thought! Really, what did her sister think she was? Some sort of tramp?
Lowering her voice back down to a hiss, she demanded, "You need to leave!" And, well, she may as well play her trump card. She loved her sister -- dearly -- but there were some things that were simply inexcusable! "You're ruining my engagement day!"
And she was, too. Mood was a delicate thing...and they weren't likely to find that romantic, secluded mood again.
Valia's face only fell when the words were finally uttered from her sister's lips. And she appeared hurt, pained even as she flinched visibly beneath her sister's gaze and turned away.
"I was just.."s he began, but really, she had no good excuse! She WAS being horrible.
Throwing her arms around her sister, she hugged her tight.
"I'm sorry, Kathryn. I really am. I'm just.." she squeezed her again, pressing her face into her shoulder as she sighed, taking in her sister's sweet smells. "I'm just happy for you, if not a little jealous."s he added in a gentle whisper. She peered over lightly at Calent, who waited for Kathryn to return at a polite distance.
"It's just.. you're actually engaged now..." she began, then looked up at Kathryn most seriously. "ANd soon, you'll be married. ANd we won't have any more silly moments like this to worry about." She pouted visibly and averted her gaze. "Who will I stay up with late at night and talk to about boys with? Who will I get to spy on when she's kissing her fiance in the garden? who will I come to when I don't know what to do..."
She finally looked up at Kathryn.
"I will miss you, sister."
Kathryn's face softened, and she sighed softly. Valia always knew just what to say or do to pull at her heart strings...
"I won't be that far away, Valia," she murmured, giving her younger sister a tight hug. "And I'll come back to visit. I promise." She held on to her younger sister for a moment, then said, "But, for now, you have to go. We'll have all night to gossip and cry and laugh -- and do whatever you want. But, for now, it isn't polite to keep him waiting, alright?"
Valia gave a leeringly cold look towards Calent, then sighed and turned back towards her sister, stealing a quick kiss to her cheek.
"Visits are not the same." she said, then was off, disappearing at the other end of the gardens where she would disappear inside her room for the majority of the night. As much as she was selfish, and perhaps this even showed for that, she cared tremendously for her sister.
But the air breathed change, and change was inevitable. All creatures had to bare this burden, for it was an inevitable as death....
And once they were alone again, the Duke smiled at Kathryn again, placing a gentle hand on her cheek to still a single kiss again against the fading light of day. It would be evening soon, and the shadows were long, meshing together as he drew Kathryn into his arms and held her in a simple moment.
Calent, too, felt the change, and despite the peaceful hunger that existed between he and his future bride, he felt anxious and unsettled, but proceeded to ignore it to kiss her again. It was so much easier to forget what was wrong with the world but sealing off their breaths with a kiss....
Kathryn smiled after her a moment, only able to shake her head. Valia would have her own Duke someday -- well, a soon-to-be Duke. Perhaps one of the knights she was so enamored with would step up and request her hand...
Kathryn returned to Calent, his lips stealing away the apology and explanation that had been upon her own. It wasn't proper -- not really -- but they were engaged now, and so, Kathryn felt, allowed just a moment to celebrate on their own...
Spring suddenly seemed a long way off. Her night with Dekka had only made her wonder what other pleasures awaited a bride -- because, as sweet as such stolen kisses were, she longed to experience more.
Eventually, however, there was a call to dinner. Kathryn smiled at him as the evening breeze washed over them. He still had confetti in his hair, she realized, and with a soft laugh, she lifted a hand to gently pull out a ribbon. "I'll be sorry when your time in Highheart comes to a close."
Calent smiled warmly, affectionately towards Kathryn. It had been many, trying years that he had actually ever felt close to the way he felt now, and it was somewhat addicting. Though, chaste, he was not;t he idea was present. She, a sweet, noble girl; soon to be his bride-
and his future and heir secure in her genes.
Yes, the wedding night would be something she would remember.
At the beckon to dinner, he smiled down at the lovely lady before him.
"As will I. But in spring, you will see the gardens in all of their glory, and it will be a day that you can claim those gardens as yours." He leaned forward, gently pecking her cheek before offering his arm.
"Shall we?"
Dinner at HIghheart had turned into a grand affair. The entire atmosphere was as golden as the chandelier. The mood was hardy, much laughter filling the air- laughter that came from everyone but seemingly the duke. He was, after all, not a man on such rich formalities, and in fact, it was always a silent chuckle through a motion, not a noise, and a smile that he ever adorned.
Valia was seated next to her sister, finding herself less than amused at these turn of events. She watched Calent like a hawk, studying him.
Yes.. he was rather handsome, and she could see herself hefting up her skirts to a man like that well before her wedding day...
but something about him was off as she stuffed a piece of pheasant into her mouth and chewed Turning to Kathryn, she took more of her drink- having already becoming slightly red faced, tipsy... and said...
"How come he never seems to really laugh?" She swallowed her food, staring at him and how their father ws exploding into laughter beside Duke Calent, where as the younger man beside him would only smile.
Kathryn watched the pair of Dukes as well. "I hadn't noticed," she said softly, and, just a bit, defensively. After all, their father was a jolly man -- some might say he laughed a little too much! But thinking back on it, Valia was right -- Kathryn couldn't recall a laugh.
Even so, the way he was now, stiff and formal, was not the man from the gardens or the meadow. She supposed she had warmed up to that other man quickly and had, perhaps, overlooked a few of Calent's faults...
But he was her betrothed, after all.
"I like when he smiles," she said instead. "Really smiles. When we were racing or out in the gardens or talking about archery. There's this...this light, I suppose, in his eyes. And it's bright enough that it lights up his own face."
Valia made a face, picking at her food. She supposed she could see it. Again, it wasn't that the man wasn't handsome. It was this man was taking her sister away!
She angrily stuffed another piece of meat into her mouth, then ungraciously spoke with her mouth open.
"I suppose a woman in love cares not for faults," she stated, quoting obnoxiously from a book.
"Though, I will admit, I'm a bit jealous of your catch." Valia finally said, sighing after swallowing her food. She kept her nose in the air. "But all in all, you still are my sister. No man is good enough for you and I will just have to try extra hard to prohibit this wedding from ever occurring!" Though the way she spoke, it was hard to tell she was joking- though partially she was, though deep down, partially, she wasn't.
"Come now," Kathryn answered with a knowing smirk. "You wouldn't want to have me withering away while you lure away all of my suitors, would you? The only reason he noticed me at all is because my lovely little sister was nowhere nearby."
Kathryn gave her head a slight shake to the servant pouring wine. Her sister had clearly had enough already! It was a subtle gesture, however; they would probably just give her a quite watered-down version to keep her happy.
"Valia, you'd have to take care of me. I'll be much too old to marry by the time you've come of age. And I'd be so bored that I would be constantly meddling in your marriage..."
Valia made a soured look, not seeming to be really comforted by her sister's attempts at a joke, nor about the idea to honestly keep her home and unmarried.
Poking at her food again, she sighed hotly, "Yes, you might be right, but it won't change the fact you have to leave me." And she lifted her glass to her lips, guzzling down more of the fine wine.
The dinner went on much like this before the men were lead into the parlor room for a brief game of cards, cigars and other such manly activities, while the women were lead to the other side of the parlor, the women's section, and the doors were left open for well, mingling. Valia had perched herself against a couch, idly picking at a chess piece but not particularly wanting to play. Her eyes would flash from time to time at Calent until she spotted Audric and a fox like grin crept across her lips.
Slinking closer to his side, she fancied herself up with another goblet of wine and listened in on their conversation....
Calent, who had made adequate conversational with the Duke of Highheart, was all smiles as he continued to pursue the issue..
"And I would be honored to spend the week her under your gracious hospitality. Naturally, I could not refuse the idea to a hunt. If the weather holds up, we could find a few occasions for the sport before I must make my leave back to Allar." THen, noting Audric's gaze, Calent excused himself and approached his friend, also taking notice that Valia was lingering around like a fur-less cat. Really it was hard not to notice her in that guady, pink dress.
"Audric, something seems on your mind, but I want to make something clear based on what I said before." and here, Calent downed his liquor in a great, burning gulp.
"I think you might have been right about Lady Kathryn. I don't know what it is about her- but I think I've found what's missing in my life." and he patted his friend on the shoulder, and approached Kathryn on the other side of the room where he noticed a spinet and stared at it fondly, drink still in hand, though it was empty. He was in a curious mood- considering he seemed complacent, and drunk and well, he hadn't stopped smiling since the booze kept coming.
FOr once it seemed, the Duke of Allar was having a good time.
Audric had been trying hard not to notice Lady Valia as she made her way towards his end of the room. Instead, he remained at attention; perhaps, if he simply ignored her, she would lose interest and go away?
Calent, however, surprised him altogether. Had he been munching on anything at all, he surely would have nearly choked again! As it was, he could only stare after the man he had come to expect to behave spectacularly as the world's biggest three-year-old. Nevertheless, after a moment of shock, a smile slowly spread across his face. "I am glad to hear it," he confessed as his smile grew into a grin.
Kathryn had been chatting with her mother -- about weddings, no doubt! -- when Calent approached. She blushed prettily (because the subject had, naturally, turned from the topic of the wedding to the wedding night), and she rose to meet her fiance. "I'm afraid that's hardly used," Kathryn murmured lightly as she followed his gaze. "It was my grandmother's. She loved to play, I'm told. I sing a bit, but I'm afraid my playing would drive you away, Duke Calent. Would you like more wine?"
Audric would not be so lucky. Valia had already spotted him and had eyed him up like a piece of meat, and found a way to gracefully bump elbows with him.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry!" she said, touching his arm and leaning in, and also making sure to squeeze her breasts together nice and firm to give him a show "How clumsy of me to bump into you. But I don't believe we'd met."S he held out a white gloved hand. "I'm Lady Valia." And her face blossomed into the sweetest of smiles witht he pinkest of lips, the faintest red of cheeks an the most dazziling array of batting of her painted eye lashes as she could!
"More wine would be lovely."
Calent made himself at home before the small piano, fingers gracing across the ivory keys. Listeing to it's noise, he closed his eyes and pressed more fingers into it.
"It still sounds beautiful." he said, and began to let his fingers bounce together, composing a tune on the spot. One that was.. oddly different for a man like him, for it had warmth and valor- perhaps something due to his intoxicated mood, and the lovely lady standing at his side and soon the sound subsided, blending into another cheerful tune from his youth, one about a young nobleman courting a sweet lady who lived in a castle upon a tree...
Audric could be charming when he put his mind to it. In fact, as a bachelor and a soldier, he had become rather adept at navigating such treacherous waters. As the Duke's eyes and ears, he had unearthed information that could only aid him in this particular instance...
"But we have met," he said, leaning over to kiss the back of her hand softly. In spite of his resolve, his eyes wandered -- momentarily! -- to her freely offered cleavage, and he quickly straightened again. Though he continued to speak to her in a low, pleasant tone, his arms clasped each other lightly behind his back and his attention remained on the opposite wall. "Do you not recall, my Lady? Your father threatened to have me killed if I should ever look at you again."
Kathryn beckoned a servant over to refill both her wine glass and the Duke's. Turning towards him, then, she listened to his composition with a soft smile of amazement, enchanted by the way his fingers moved over the keys to produce such an exquisite sound.
When he changed tunes, a flicker of recognition crossed Kathryn's face. She hummed a few bars quietly to herself, then, after setting the wine glasses down on a side table, she settled down beside him on the bench.
Her voice was soft, but it carried well in the room. For a woman, it was a deep soprano, and, although she began hesitantly, the chorus came back to her and raised her confidence.
"And there beneath the tree they met,
And sang and danced and laughed and wept.
When the wind whispers through the leaves
And sunlight sparkles 'cross the seas,
We'll remember a boy and his love,
A lovely maiden from high above."
OOC: D'awwww <3
I luffed it. I could DEFINITELY hear that song in me head XD
:3
and now.. poor Audric has to deal with Valia XD
IC:
Valia's cheeks turned pink, heart fluttering when she recalled-
oh, but it had been some time ago, had it not!?
Her eyes sparkled dangerously and deliciously before she peered over at her father, then moved closer towards Audric, pressing her breasts even closer together so they were in full bloom. She might as well use the ladies since she got them! ANd she was proud at them and how heavy and full they were at such an age, and because she had been blushing on her cheeks, the peeks of her breasts,too, were flushed, ever so lightly and deliciously.
"Well, my father is hardly paying attention. Perhaps you could refresh my memory," she said, leering him and giving him a bat of her darkly painted lashes. "I hear we have a lovely area to speak upon, out on the veranda. Would you care to join me?" She hoped so!
Was it this handsome man whom she had the fun time in the back of the kitchen? She hoped so! Perhaps they could continue on the balcony instead?
The song did a number on Calent's sense, especially to hear it from a woman he found himself beginning to fall for.. to fall in love. If that's what he could call it as he stared up at her, something inside him began to melt, a smile stretching warmly across his lips, and even reaching into the depths of his eyes.
Yes, he had chosen well for his bride.
"You sing lovely," he told her in a gentle voice when the song ended, and he turned the music into something more idle so he could still play, and the music could turn bland unto thebackground while his green eyes kept her gaze. "It seems we've both shared a love to memorize a song from our youth." his lips twitched and he looked away, staring down at the ivory keys beneath him as he continued to play.
"Do you have a favorite song? It is rumored I can play just about anything."
And really.. he could.
"I'm rather attached to my head," Audric answered blandly. Well, that bluff certainly hadn't worked. She seemed rather determined to catch his attention and to lure him away from the party...
But he hadn't missed the dark looks she had given his friend during dinner. She didn't approve of Calent, it seemed. And Calent seemed so happy just now... He sighed softly, feeling that he was really in no danger of falling prey to her, er, charm and deciding to let her have her way...lest she ruin the moment for Calent.
"Stay put," he said, finally looking down at her. He crossed the parlor to her father, who was watching Kathryn and Calent attentively. Audric crouched down in front of him, and they exchanged a few short words before Audric rose and returned to Valia's side. He extended an arm to her -- a perfect gentleman -- in invitation. "You shouldn't worry your parents by sneaking off with strangers."
Kathryn smiled warmly in answer to his compliment. "Thank you, Duke Calent, but without your accompaniment, I feel my voice would have been unbearable." All the hymns she had sung in Church clearly paid off!
"I do, in fact, have a favorite song, though I'm not sure you know it." She glanced at her parents, who were trying to act as though they weren't watching every move she made. "It's something I've overheard the servants singing on Festival Days. Have you heard them singing Jack O'er the Hedge?" It was, in fact, not in the least an appropriate song for high society... In fact, it was something of a tavern ballad about a troublemaker called Jack. It was a bit bawdy (though, compared to others, entirely tame) and hilarious.
Calent smiled humbly at her claims. Then, as she mentioned the other song, his eyes flickered in thought. He knew many a songs, though the commoner's favorites weren't always at the top of his memory list.
"Perhaps if you sang it for me, or hummed it, I might recall?"
----
Valia blinked, watching as Audric stepped away and spoke to her father. Her face paled. What on earth was he doing!? Then when he returned to her side and informed her, she appeared like a soured cat, almost glaring at him and doing a miserable job of covering it up.
"Yes, but that removes half the fun,"s he informed him, taking his arm as they moved out into the veranda. Twirling her light pink shawl, she looked around, almost bored as they walked. "So did my father really want your head before?"s he inquired, becoming skeptical, if only because the man so boldly faced her father- and well, SHE, if given the choice, might not have been so brave. she tried to leer him, but was becoming distracted as they walked past the large windows that incased the room housing the piano, and with the gold glow of the chandelier's, she stole a glimpse at the perfect scene both her sister and Calent had made.
She felt her heart grip immensely before she had to turn away.
"Perhaps we should just walk in the gardens.."s he said, moving hastily in that direction with Audric still on her arm, or rather, she on his.
Kathryn laughed lightly, a hand over her lips as she tried to recall the first verse. A blush had crept onto her cheeks, staining them a pretty pink. No, it wasn't entirely appropriate, but... There were worse!
"'Twas a cloudless autumn night.
He watched her through the window
Outlined in firelight.
Hidden by the creeping mist
All lonely Jack wanted
Was just one little kiss."
It began slow and even, picking up speed and becoming more lively as they moved towards the chorus.
"But lonely Jack could not see
The father of that lovely lady
And her older brothers three
'Til a club came down like an old oak tree
Then o'er the hedge went he!"
Audric let her lead him towards the back lawn before answering her question. "No," he answered honestly. "I thought you might withdraw if I told you as much." Obviously, he'd been much mistaken!
Following her gaze to the windows, he smiled at the pair. Calent looked happy -- happier than Audric had seen him since boyhood. It was a welcome change, and, if she truly won his heart... Everything would change, wouldn't it?
"What's wrong?" he asked as he glanced to the lady at his side. "He isn't stealing her away from you, you know."
Calent smiled.
He couldn't say he was familiar with it, a shame. But as she sang the tune, he waited, listened though,a nd tried to figure out the notes to it on the piano as he played it again for her, quirking an eyebrow at her inquisitively, as his fingers rained down and danced upon the keys.
---
Valia looked like she had drank some soured milk. So he wasn't a man from before? It did't mean she couldn't add him to her list Either way, she continued to pull him about, but gave a start at his comment.
"How rude to assume! I never said such a thing!"s he turned her nose to the air, eyes closed in snobbery. "Why would I ever accuse your duke of that?" Though her tongue was rather savage as she spit out her next phrase and just tugged Audric onward. "Come now, the gardens make for a good atmosphere for a walk!"
"A little higher for the last note," Kathryn instructed, leaning over the keyboard alongside him. To demonstrate, she sang the last line again. Laughing out loud, she nodded her head. "I think the rumors are correct. There's nothing you can't play! How did you become so skilled?"
Audric coolly lifted his eyebrows, letting her drag him along. "Jealous, then? You aren't happy about this arrangement -- anyone can see that, Lady Valia. I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of. She's your older sister. It's natural for you to resent this marriage, I imagine."
Calent obeyed, replaying the tune with a bit more speed and personality as he constructed the notes.
"I've played a lot." he merely said. "Ever since I was younger. It helps me well to pass the time." And then some. To him.. music was almost as natural as breathing- and was a part of him more personal than he could know. He could hide behind it, and, it was funny..
he had never played such a light-hearted ballad in years and felt weird on the inside, yet still he continued, staring up, almost sheepishly, at her.
----
Valia was NOT happy by his assessment. She wished the glare she shot him could have slapped his face.
"You know nothing of the sort!" she retorted arrogantly. "Now come along, your handsome enough, I bet we could find a grove of trees to make out in."
"You're very talented," Kathryn observed with a light laugh. "Frankly, I'm surprised you aren't receiving requests from everyone in Connlaoth to play!" Oh, she knew he was a difficult man to lock in to any social engagement. His appearances were rare -- and that made them valuable alone -- but with his talent for music, he would be an invaluable guest!
Audric blinked at her owlishly. Well, yes, he knew why she'd dragged him out here, but she was so angry that he'd momentarily forgotten! He turned away from her abruptly to reach for a flower hanging from a branch. "Lady Valia," he said, flashing her his most charming smile. "I'm afraid you've chosen your companion poorly." He offered her the flower with a patient smile. "This should, I believe, match your eyes, my Lady. I accepted your invitation only to enjoy your company, but I can promise you that I will do nothing more improper than, at the very worst, some gentlemanly compliments."
Valia set her jaw and chewed over his words. She smacked the flower defiantly away.
"Does it look like I'm here for just words?"s he said with a huff, giving an extra jut and puff to her chest, they, blossoming and pushing forth against the confines of her pink heart shaped top of her dress. She shook her head, golden hair spilling here or there.
"If I wanted just words, I would have remained inside and not out here, freezing in the gardens! NOw, if you don't want to suck at my neck and kiss at my lips, perhaps we should just head back inside the house!" but oh, how she needed to fool around and have a tossle inside the bushes! It would do her a world of good with some nice, devious distractions and her eyes carried past his towards the yellow glowing windows of the castle. Yes, surely there would be a man in there she COULD flirt with outside and have some fun, if not for this man how was just trying ot be charming. Charming she did not want. She wanted scandalous! And a kiss! Maybe even some tongue!
"I am a woman and women have needs!" and right now, her needs were to be preoccupied with him!
----
Calent blushed lightly at her comment, then began into a more soft and somber song.
"Yes, there are requests but I readily decline."
Sadly, most of his audience was nobody, but the servants who would walk past or make brief appearances in the room. He continued to be silent, fingers moving naturally, gracefully as they spoke across the keys.
My, my! She was...really quite something else. The rumors of her misconduct, clearly, were not exaggerated!
"You are a lady," Audric replied sharply. "And ladies should not behave like common harlots! You may not like it, but you're going to stand here for five minutes until I've said my peace!" Even as he spoke, however, he was working at the broach that held his cloak in place. As it came free, he gave her little choice in the matter; he simply wrapped the much-too-large cloak around her shoulders and pinned in on so that she could not wrench it free so carelessly!
"Better? Now, if you can't behave as a lady all of the time, at least be subtle about your indiscretions. Do you have any idea what sorts of rumors are floating around out there? Or how it makes you or your sister or your parents look?"
"I have heard your presence at an event is rare," she offered softly. "Is it rude for me to ask what keeps you away?" She smiled down at the keys, watching as his hands flittered over the ivory. "Or is it just that those occasions are usually so dull?"
At her question, Calent continued to play, but the notes came out more light, almost seeming brittle as the song worked out into decay and fell into an even more somber tune.
"I-" he began, clearing the hoarseness from his voice. "I just never truly cared for such events." He continued playing, though even he felt muted to the music. "It's not that they are dull.." he frowned, but could not think of the right words. "I suppose the mood never struck me much to care."
----
Valia was furious, and, despite the kind gesture to offer his cloak, she glared daggers at hima nd slapped him hard, suddenly, right across the cheek.
"How DARE you speak to me that way! You.. you ungrateful cad! You have no idea anything about me! And you speak of rumors!? HA! As if anyone would dare lift their tongue in clatter against me!" her eyes were hot pink and hot with tears as she bared her teeth at him, then whirled away, storming off into the gardens alone.
Kathryn's eyes lifted to his face, and she watched him for a moment in silence. "I'm sorry," she offered softly. She hadn't meant to offend...or to bring such pain into his expression! Instead of allowing either of them to linger on it, she reached for a small plate that the servants had left beside the pair. Scooping up a chocolate-covered strawberry, she offered it to him. "To repay you for your chocolates on the road," she murmured. "Oh! That reminds me. You have yet to exact your toll for my loss!"
It wasn't the first time he'd been slapped! That didn't make it hurt any less, however! He rubbed his cheek lightly, and then, with a shake of his head, his long legs carried him after her. "Lady Valia, I told your father I would escort you, and I intend to keep my word! And, I am only trying to help you!" In spite of the slap, he did feel bad. He'd made her cry, and that, certainly, had not been his intention! Reaching her with ease, he caught her hand in his. It was a tight grip he had, but, he hoped, not enough to be bruising. "My lady, I'm sorry. You're right. That wasn't appropriate. Would you like to slap me again? Would that make you feel better?"
Valia gave gasp when he dare grab her arm and welcomed the invitation for another brutal slap.
But she didn't stop there and started hitting him with furious fist fulls of rage across his chest.
"Do not follow me around with your mockery of cares! I could have you hanged for such things!" she warned, though still cried hotly and the truth of it all, it stung.
not only was the man not even going to offer her what she had wanted, but was going to remain at her heals as a sure, damnable folly!
"Just stay away from me!"s he cried, and tore away again, trying to break her grip of him so she could storm off in peace!
-----
Calent continued to play but the notes grew fainter and fainter until they were no more as he stared at the strawberry, then up at the girl. Shifting over on the bench, he made room for her and gestured for her to join him.
"No, I did not forget," he said, a slight smirk on his lips, enough to dimple his cheeks as he fetched up the strawberry, examining it before popping it into his mouth, and his cheeks swelled as he chewed.
And so he released her, just as she gave a mighty tug!
"Have you been thinking on it all this time?" Kathryn wondered as she accepted his offer. She took a strawberry for herself, of course, sucking on the end of it a moment to free some of the chocolate before taking a bite. Oh, how she loved these!
She smirked back at him, amused with their little games. "How long do you mean to keep me in suspense, Duke Calent?"
Valia toppled to the ground, ass to air. And she wasn't very happy how it all came about, pink skirts flying up to her shoulders, undergarments displayed for the world. It was then she gathered herself up, turned around with a huff and noticed a few people staring over at them from the window.
Mortified, Valia could do only what a proper lady could do while in distress, as she draped a hand across her forehead and dropped like led to the ground. Yes, fainting seemed more than appropriate!
-----
Calent smiled at her reaction, admiring the way she ate the strawberry before gliding his fingers back to the keys on the piano and began playing a more refined too- one of the ages, a classic about great mountains and mighty placid rivers of grey.
"I intend to play this for as long as I can," he simply replied, keeping his smile just as simple as he averted her gaze, fingers still playing over the keys, and he wasn't even looking, eyes glued to a back wall with idle interest.
Audric winced as she crashed to the ground. "Oh, fuck," he breathed out, hurrying towards her. She was on her feet in a flash -- and then, just as quickly, fainting dead away! As he was already coming towards her, he reacted on instinct alone, catching the swooning girl in his arms like the hero of some absurd story!
He looked down at her with a soft sigh. "Damn it anyway," he said, seething quietly. Carefully using his fingers, he positioned his cloak around her to better hide her heaving breasts -- which, after a cursory glance, he feared might burst from her clothing!
It didn't take long for him to reach the back door with his long strides. The butler met him with a frown, but he allowed Audric to take the girl up to her room, where she was set, gently, upon her bed still wrapped in the warm cloak Audric had given her earlier.
And what a room it was! As soon as Lady Valia had been set safely down, Audric glanced around himself with a deepening sense of horror. Was this girl mad?
"Is that so?" Kathryn asked, looking at him with a laugh. "You must truly be thinking up some terrible price for me to pay..." She mused over the problem for a moment, momentarily distracted by their banter as both of her parents were summoned off by the butler. It left the pair comfortably -- and quite cozily -- alone.
She scooted a bit closer to him on the bench, enjoying his nearness for the time being. "Are you and Father going hunting tomorrow?"
Pink. Everything was pink. From the wash of the walls, to the hot color and laced sheets of her bed. The dressers were pink, the desks were pink, the sofas, tables, even rugs that adorned the floor and the fainting couch on either side of the bed were of varying types and shades of the color: Pink.
Dolls were pink, stuffed bears were pink, even the frames around the paintings on her walls were glittering, shimmering, pink. Row after row, shelf after shelf contained pink rimmed books, dolls and pink painted sea shells. There, in her room, there was as much pink to behold.
And it took some time, but after she was layed upon the bed, she made a faint noise, a breath before her painted lashes fluttered open and she realized, with a start-
"Why am I in my room!?"
----
Calent noted the leave of her parents and looked over at Kathryn as she moved closer. He smiled, dimples cutting his cheeks as he turned back to the song.
"Yes, tomorrow morning, we will rise early and hunt the stag you wanted to present." she smiled at her, studying her subtly before looking back down towards the piano keys.
Yes, there was an awful lot of pink. Some would say an overwhelming amount of pink.
Just what was wrong with this girl?
He wouldn't call what he was doing snooping as he waited for her to awaken from her faint. After all, he only took note of those things that were in sight, studying them with a curious eye.
It was good, then, he thought, that the flower he had chosen for her was as pink as the rest of the room. He had turned to find it on the floor beside the bed, where it must have been caught up in the cloak and remained, wrapped within, until the cloak unfurled as the girl was set down. It was a bit bruised from its travel, but he lifted it up anyway.
"You fainted," he answered, setting the flower down on the girl's nightstand. "So, I brought you here. And waited to see if there is anything I might bring you." He halted, then admitted carefully, "I feel I am to blame for your sudden spell." Even if she was a brat!
Kathryn smirked at him knowingly. "It's a shame," she lamented cheerfully, teasing to see if she could provoke a reaction. "That you will not be the one to bring down the buck. My father is the best hunter in Connlaoth. And he knows the forest besides. What other hunter could capture such a powerful creature alive?"
Her fingers moved over the keys on her end, although she didn't press down with enough force to cause them to ring out or interrupt Calent's song.
Valia turned and gasped.
"YOU!" Her eyes narrowed, pink eyes burning fiercely as she recalled her plight.
"Of course you are to blame!" She spat. "But what on earth are you doing in my room!?" she looked around- was there no chaperon about!?
-----
Calent continued to play, though shifted his head to look at her. He raised his brows, smiling.
"Oh, is that so?" he looked back down towards the piano. "And what makes you so confident your fiance could not outshine your own father?" His smile remained still on his lips, fingers moving, music still playing but it was merely a second thought- drifting to the background of their formal occasion.
"I suppose you have not heard," he cleared his throat. "How well of a marksman I can be? After all.." he stole a quick, chaste kiss to her cheek. "I did sink the arrow into you as my future bride."
Oh, good. She remembered. "I'm glad to see you didn't lose any of your fury in your fall," Audric answered blandly. "I told you. I waited to make sure you're okay. And to see if I can get you anything." After a moment, he added helpfully, "Your butler went downstairs to collect your parents. They'll probably be up shortly to check on you."
Kathryn was watching him with a smirk -- although his line did make her blush most furiously...and momentarily grin like an idiot. She giggled lightly before responding.
"I seem to remember it happening differently," she murmured. "Oh, you snared me alright. But it was my father who let you capture me." Looking at him through her lashes, she added lowly, "And, anyway, perhaps I let myself be lured into your trap... I just wasn't expecting to find myself...so happily ensnared."
Calent couldn't help but smile.
"Well, we shall see tomorrow." His fingers continued to play. "Though, I hope your father doesn't let me just capture the stag. That way is no fun." He turned to her, giving her a sly grin before simply turning away, changing the tune on the piano to something with a bit of a bounce to it.
"Though I am glad you are pleased." he mentioned, noticing how not many were around before he stole a quick kiss to her lips. "It.. wasn't exactly something I looked forward to." he began, then cleared his throat. "The obligations of marriage."
-----
Valia jut out her chin.
"Well, let them come, " she said, and hastily grabbed Audric by the lapels of his jacket. "I told you what I wanted today and I always get what I want!" slamming her lips against his, she kissed him hungrily just as a knock came to the door and it began to push open-
Naturally, she pushed Audric away with a start, leaving a hot pink lip stick impression on his face.
"Cedric!" she exclaimed as the servant walked in. "Really, knock and wait for permission to come into a lady's room!" Her cries were shrill as the servant backed away. "I'm sorry, my lady, its' just that-"
"It's just nothing! Now leave!" the woman demanded as the servant shrunk out of her room.
Kathryn grinned. "I'm glad. My father enjoys hunting too much to let you have the stag." He was such a jolly man, but hunting was his passion, through and through!
Her smile doubled in response to his affections, and she nodded slightly. "I expected it to be different myself." She shot him a warm smile. "I expected to marry someone unattractive and unkind. I thought it would be more like a business arrangement." And now... Now, she rather wished they didn't have to wait so long! It seemed like a dream come true!
Audric flailed -- absolutely flailed. His arms moved wildly to either side, making him look ridiculous, as he tried to find something that wasn't the girl in front of him to grab onto. Fortunately, the servant saved him.
Audric's heart was in his throat as he waited for the man to leave. When he finally did, he breathed a sigh of relief, then turned his attention back to the princess. "What is wrong with you?" he demanded in a hiss, as if the servant might be lurking outside the door. "If the Duke things I've taken advantage of his daughter..." Oh, nevermind that it would hardly be the first time...
"Sadly," he pressed on. "It still is. Considering you would not have been a viable option to wed if you were poor." He grew silent, fingers pecking at the keys as he felt sheepish at the statement.
---------
"I'll show you what's wrong!" Valia challenged, snatching on roughly to his arm and tugged him with her, dragging him really, across the room. "Now you and I are going to make out in the closet if it's the last thing I do! No exceptions!" she pressed, still dragging him. "No one will expect a thing and it's the danger of it that makes it fun." she cooed, pressing a bit more to bounce her cleavage up a notch.
Kathryn's smile widened again, and she laughed, looking a bit sheepish herself. "That's not quite what I meant..." She understood that, of course. If he were, for example, Dekka... He never would have earned her father's permission!
"I only meant..." She sighed softly, searching for the words. "I thought I would feel the weight of my obligation to my family. But when I'm with you, I feel as light as a bird in the sky."
"We've been over this!" Audric replied flatly. "You can't make me, and I won't, so you can stop all of this nonsense! You're, what, fifteen?"
OOC: Short post is short!
As Kathryn spoke, he felt the song fade away from his fingers as he turned, green eyes examining her in silence. Though he said nothing. In fact, he appeared to be lost in thought, eyes drifting casually across the room until his fingers pressed and went into another somber tune.
-----
Valia gave a grunt, and a yank.
"No, we haven't!" she growled. She continued her attempts to drag him across the room. "And I'm old enough!" She huffed deliberately when suddenly there was a knock at the door.
"Valia?"
The young lady blinked, still holding on fierce to Audric's arm.
"Mom?"
Kathryn glanced away shyly when Calent made no response. As he started playing again, she rose to refill her glass.
"Are you looking forward to having a family?" she asked suddenly, pausing to sip from her glass. "I think it would be nice to sit like this. You could teach the children to play, and we could teach them to sing." It seemed a cozy thought...
Audric's bland expression sharpened at once. Thank goodness they were standing in the middle of the room, away from the bed or anywhere else that might look suspicious!
"I told you the butler was fetching your parents!" he hissed, momentarily swept away by panic. But they really weren't doing anything indecent just this second! There should be nothing to be worried about!
Calent thought of the question and answered simply.
"Yes, it is our duty to produce heirs for the future holdings of Allar. A child.." he hesitated. "Either the male heir or even a daughter, should learn the art of music."
He went back into silence, thinking over the question some more as she continued to play.
How did he really feel about fathering children? He was always so wrapped up within himself, plagued by nightmares.. unable to dream real dreams...
Yet here he was, finally making more headway towards a normal life- to secure the future of his blood line...
But why did he suddenly feel so depressed?
----
Valia dropped Audric's arm the moment her parents opened the door.
Standing more erect, her face flushed into a fierce blush.
"We had heard you had fainted."
They both looked at her with concern, standing at her side as her mother took Valia into her arms, gently stroking a finger through her hair before glancing over at Audric.
"Thank you for escorting her, Audric." She curtsied humbly then looked down at her daughter, still stroking her hair.
"Are you alright?"
Valia paused a moment, taken back by the sudden soothing tone of her mother.
Talk about ruining the mood even more.
She jut out her chin, almost defiantly, nose to the air.
"I am just well. You may all be dismissed."
Her mother was taken back a bit.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, I need some time to myself." she said, not bothering to give Audric the time of day any more.
"Very well then, we shall check on you within the hour." they gestured towards Audric for him to follow the royal pair out. And it was then Valia finally DID look to him, and her pink eyes were glaring with DAGGERS.
"You make it sound so...simple," Kathryn said, a bit surprised and a little taken aback. "I don't want to treat our children like that -- like we only had them, because it was our duty to do so. That isn't how my parents treated us, and a family should be more than that."
She stopped, wondering if, perhaps, Calent had not been so fortunate...
Humbly, she added quietly, "That's the way I feel, anyway."
Audric took no notice of her anger. Instead, he graciously bowed lowly to her. "Keep the cloak for as long as you need it, my Lady."
With that said, he hastily followed her parents, determined not to be caught by that vixen again!
Yes, daggers it was that ripped the man apart. And if looks could kill, Valia would have smeared his remains all over her pink walls! Throwing glass dolls and tables at him until he'd concede, and then..
THEN...
Well.. she settled back onto her bed, skirts pillowing around her as she gave way to a pout, which quickly turned into a choke, then a sob, and soon she threw herself into her pillows and began to cry.
--------
Calent listened to her words, frowning slightly at what she suggested. He did not entirely see himself having the time or devotion for such acts. He turned to her, seeing her appear more humbled beside him as he remained quiet.
Then, picking at the piano, he changed the tune to something more lively, something simple that most children new.
The Grasses are Always Greener.
It was a sweet tune, that popped at notes and gave way to light and airy trills. At the expense of his expert fingers, he made the song sound beautiful, as if young angels might be singing it through the piano keys as note after note struck the air.
"Perhaps, but we can not ignore our duty that they will be bred to be what they are." he said, clearing this throat quietly and averting her gaze.
"No," Kathryn agreed softly. "Of course not." Perhaps it would be their mother who tried to love them, then, and their father who remained distant... Yet... He was not incapable of it, she was sure, and the way they had played in the meadow...
She still had hope.
She glanced up as the guard -- Audric? -- and her parents came in. She would have paid it no mind, except... With a slightly panicked look in her parents' direction to ensure they weren't looking, Kathryn lifted a hand to her mouth.
Audric had followed the noble couple down the stairs and back into the parlor, his eye roving towards Calent and his bride-to-be -- who was trying to be subtle about pointing to her mouth. She was looking ever-more-desperate, however, and he didn't understand why until she mouthed two distinct words.
Lip stick.
Color appeared on Audric's face, and he quickly reached up to scrub it off with his sleeve. Great. Just great. Lady Kathryn probably thought the worst of him now!
Lady Kathryn nodded slightly to him with a smile, grateful her apparently oblivious parents had missed the tell-tale mark. She glanced to Calent, then put on a smile. "Excuse me for just a moment, if you please," she murmured politely. Time to go check on her sister!
Calent nodded, and with his fiance out of the room, his eyes went over to Audric, not missing the lipstick.
He smirked, then re-positioned himself before the piano so he sat in the middle and continued to play.
"So.. having fun with one of the ladies this evening?" the duke inquired, smirking up at his friend, then returned his gaze back down towards the ivory keys, fingers moving naturally-
how many songs had he played already that evening?
Audric made a face. "Not especially," he complained, working all the harder to scrub the unwanted make-up off his face. He certainly wasn't about to announce his problem, however; he'd whine about it to Calent later!
Kathryn knocked softly on her sister's door, pushing it open a moment later without waiting for permission to enter. "Valia?" she asked worriedly. She had been a bit worried to begin with (because Audric hadn't looked especially happy) but when the butler had said her sister had fainted...well! That had really made her concerned! "It's Kathryn. Are you alright?"
Valia gasped at the presence of an intruder, and had it been anyone else but Kathryn, she would have clobbered them to death! Seeing it was her sister, however, she gave a start, rising embarrassingly upon the bed.
"N-no," she began, pouting and throwing herself back into her pillows to sob. "I'm just fine!"
but it was clearly evident she was not!
-----
Calent couldn't help but smile.
"Well.." he continued, still picking at the ivory keys. "It seemed like she was at least having fun with you." He gave them man a look, before hurrying up to finish his song on the piano before rising.
Little did he know the truth!
"It seems the Duke has returned. I need to make good with him and his wife in the art of small talk," he bowed humbly to his friend before approaching the Duke and his wife as the group shared polite chatter in the corner. Hearing Valia had fainted was a surprise indeed, and he couldn't help but chance a glance back over towards Audric....
Even though she knew how Valia was with men -- which, apparently, was getting to be a bit of a family trait -- Kathryn immediately assumed it was Audric's fault. She took a moment to close the door quietly behind her, then hurried across the chamber to her sister's side. Dropping onto the mattress beside her, she reached out to gather the younger girl into her arms.
"What did he do?" she asked softly, although her tone was lined with steel...
Unable to do much of anything but cry, Valia threw herself into her sister's arms and wept.
"Oh, if only I could tell you!" she wailed, for in all truths, it was really QUITE embarrassing! ANd all of the horrible things she could make up..
but she began to choke up on her sobs-
WAS she that horrible to make them up?
OH how she could twist them with her bitter, bitter, bitter hate.
She let them roll around inside her mind, her sobs receding for but a moment as she remained firmly inside her sister's embrace, unwilling to let go.
"Shh," Kathryn soothed softly as she began to stroke her sister's back, sweeping aside those long, golden locks to prevent them from tangling with her fingers. "It's alright, Valia. I'm here now."
And she began to wonder just what that guard had done to her darling little sister!
"Just take a few deep breaths." And, holding her, she began to hum softly -- the same song Calent had played earlier to which she had sang...and her mind drifted back to her fiance downstairs, reviewing, once more, with surprise that he hadn't seemed at all eager to begin a family...
But she didn't want to relax! As much as her sister's company was greatly desired, at the same time it frustrated her. All because she knew it was her engagement that sent her in a fury-
and the fact that the STUPID guard of Calent's wouldn't just let her have her way!
Thinking it over again, she only fell to more hot tears and cried for a ridiculously long time against her shoulder.
"It's just not fair.." she finally choked after a time. Nothing was going as she wanted- but at the same time, she knew not what she originally had ever considered her future to be!
And too embarrassed and prideful to get into her feelings with her sister, she merely settled for the lamest excuse.
"He.. he, I just.. "she drew in a few ragged breaths. "Why didn't he at least want to kiss me?" ANd the younger sibling was in hysterics again.
Of all the things Kathryn expected Valia to say, that definitely was not it! It was probably a good thing her sister was so hysterical, or Kathryn's look of utter confusion might have made things that much worse!
What did you say to comfort your sister when a guard refused her? (Especially when she shouldn't be making such advances anyway?)
"It's alright, Valia. It's alright. Perhaps he's married or involved with another woman whom he didn't want to betray." That seemed like an acceptable excuse!
Valia looked up at her sister with a bitter face.
"I wouldn't know! He never said he had a wife!"
But she turned away, shaking her head and seeming to push her sister away as she gave a sigh of frustration.
"I just.. I think I need to be alone!" she said more quietly, sourly as she refused to look at Kathryn-
after all- at least SHE was married! ANd what of Valia? It seemed she would be left with none!
And she couldn't even use her feminine whiles to persuade a man of such!
What was the world coming to!?
Perhaps she should have targeted one of the knights- they seemed more easily persuaded to remove their armour and play hike up skirts when she flaunted it...
and really, what sort of harm came from playing those game anyways? If the boys were willing...
but this one was not! And she found herself having a horrible time repressing her tears!
OOC: lol...
Kathryn wasn't at all sure she was alright to leave alone, the poor thing! Nevertheless, she leaned forward to kiss her sister's cheek dearly. "If that's what you wish, Valia. But you can come to my room tonight if you find you need to talk."
With that said, she rose and hovered a moment, waiting to see if her sister would call her back or burst into yet more tears!
(OOC: LAME.)
It was here their mother appeared at the door, gently knocking on it as Valia gave a start. Her mother peered in, but did not enter, simply asking, "Valia, are you sure you are alright." Noticing Kathryn, she simply nodded and waited on the other side of the door, but to see her mother again only flared Valia's temper as she shook her head.
"You should go. I'll be fine. I just want to be by myself," Valia stated, trying to wipe away the tears that seemed to continually fall. They were so aggravating as she gave a growl and a swipe and kept trying to brush them away.
"Just go join mother. ANd I bet your fiance is worried about you,"s he said, somewhat hatefully as she stared away from her and at the other side of the room, hugging a pillow tightly ot her chest as she remained seatd upon her pink, fluffy bed.
"Father is probably entertaining him with hunting stories," Kathryn answered dismissively. More softly, she added, "But I will go if that's what you truly wish." She looked down at her sister a moment, then sighed and retreated back towards her fiance and parents.
"I'm sure Valia will be fine come morning," she murmured to her mother. "She's had a little much to drink, I think, and needs her rest." Or so she hoped!
OOC: I...have no idea where you're going with all this.
OOC: Valia is just being Valia, which just means she is being as difficult as humanly possible!
IC:
After her sister left, Valia had no idea what she wanted and part of her regretted shutting her sister away. BUt another part hated her for different reasons, and she felt torn inside. Her little selfish head had not quite expected to be so jarred, so torn at the idea she was going to lose her sister to marriage- a very real reality that had been there her entire life!
Upset and frustrated, Valia wiped away her tears and stormed back out into the halls, looking for trouble, but found, after a while, even some reluctancy in herself and began to drag herself back to her room so she could wallow more in her own self pity.
-----
At the return of his fiance, Calent looked to Audric as he finished his song,t hen raised himself from where he was seated on the piano bench and silently made his way towards her, but hung back at an appropriate distance to let her approach first, when she was done speaking with her parents in private.
"I'm so sorry for my delay," Kathryn apologized softly once she had left her parents' company. She curtsied prettily before the Duke, then straightened with a warm smile. "My sister required my presence for a moment."
Or two. Poor Valia! She glanced at Audric curiously, but, if he wore a ring, she could not see it. She wasn't sure whether to be grateful or angry for his rejection of her sister!
For Calent, however, she only smiled. "Have you and Father made your preparations for the Hunt tomorrow?" she inquired, curious to know if that had been their topic of conversation while the ladies were elsewhere.
The duke nodded, and as they conversed, it was deemed time to retire. Calent, thankful to be relieved from his duties to entertain his hosts, bowed gracefully to his wife to be and kissed her hand.
"I shall see you in the morning. Have sweet dreams, Lady Kathryn."
Though even as he walked alongside Audric, he audibly sighed as he approached his room.
"Goodnight, Audric. I shall see you in the morning."
And then he tiredly closed the door behind him, not sparing much expense on conversation between them.
Now finally by himself.... Calent needed to unwind and undress. He rarely used servants to fuss over him on dress, and refused the services now as he moved to unclasp the gold pins on his short cape, and set it aside, folding it neatly and putting it within a chest drawer. Then worked deftly at pressing buttons out of their holes until his green jacket was undone, and he slipped that off, then his pants before retiring into his evening clothes.
THough once he slipped into the refined comforts of his guest bed in Highheart, he found himself restlessly moving about beneath the sheets.
He dreaded now more than ever the nightmares that were to come, and just as he was about ot drift off to sleep- the blackness of dreams washing over him, he sat up suddenly, heart pounding in his chest, body laced in sweat.
He turned then- eyes to the windows and stood up, pushing the curtains aside as he peered over the fullness of the silver moon- and it's tranquility gave him some meager forms of comfort despite his heart weighing heavily in foreboding and despair.
Kathryn had retreated to her room as well. Finding herself restless, however, her mind drifted back to the conversation she had had with the Duke the previous night... Archery by moonlight. The thought made her smile and only increased her desire to be outside.
With her maid's help, she was soon dressed -- as a peasant, for it would not do for her good clothes to become muddy on a moonlit outing -- and on her way outside. She was wrapped in a cloak, but the nighttime winds soon blew off the hood and made the cloak flap around her slender frame. In the bright light of the moon, it would be easy to see that the prowler was a dark-haired woman of Kathryn's build and with, at the very least, similar features...and so she was relieved when she reached the garden gate unmolested by servants and guards alike.
Through the gate she moved, as stealthy as a thief, and out into the forest. Moments later, bow in hand, she made her way boldly towards a small clearing where she might practice a few shots...
Archery by moonlight... It was just the sort of thing she needed to calm her pounding heart and settling her nerves.
It was as he peered out into the lawn some figure caught his attention, and curiously he watched htem nearly disappear off into a field, nearly disappearing against a coven of trees-
but even from this distance he could tell they were practicing archery.
So for a time, he simply studied them- and not sure what compelled him, he slipped back into his clothes- but just wearing a simple, white under shirt and tan pants with oiled boots as he made his way out into the yard. It was quite a while before he grew near the figure, and remained, clothed in shadows as he peered out from behind a tree and found himself intrigued,
it as almost as if this figure were a woman....
OOC:AAAAAAAAND, Calent officially becomes a creepy stalker XD
By the time her unobserved stalker had found her, Kathryn had fallen into an easy rhythm that came naturally to her after so many years of practice. She had rarely had cause to shoot without properly aiming first, and so her shots were released slowly and without hurry, each finding its mark across the clearing.
It relaxed her as only archery could -- and there was a serenity she felt as the moon and stars bore witness to her practice.
But, soon enough, she began to feel a tickle on the back of her neck. She had spent too many hours alone in the woods to ignore the feeling altogether -- or to react without considering her options.
Kathryn exhaled softly and allowed her eyes to flutter closed, long lashes brushing her cheeks lightly as she let the sounds of the forest speak to her. She could hear the wind in the trees, accompanied by the buzz of insects and occasional call of an owl. It was almost too easy to pick out where the stranger stood, for it was the only direction from which the crickets did not sing. Of course, she wasn't sure where, exactly, in the shadows he stood -- but perhaps a few words might intimidate him enough to draw him forward...
Swinging around quickly, she lifted her bow and aimed it in Calent's general direction. The wind pulled her dark hair free, making it stream out behind her like a banner. "I know you're out there," she called. "You may as well come out of hiding."
Shhhhhhnkt!
The arrows rang true, hitting the mark square in the center. Even at this distance, he could see, admiringly, this woman had aim. Though she was still a shrouded figure of mystery and he was pleasantly surprised when her attentions finally fell to him. He smiled, the notion appearing almost wicked in the dark. That voice...
Stepping forward, the moonlight peeled across the shadows, revealing the form of none other than her fiance. ANd his eyes sparkled like the night skies as he admired her.
"I see you're enjoying this lovely night to play archery in the moonlight, my dear Kathryn." ANd he paused to add, wearing a small smile. "You seem to even have some aim."
Even in the moonlight, the coloring on Kathryn's face was apparent. She had been ready for...almost anything...except for him. Her arrow remained fixed on him for a long second, until, recovering her manners, she lowered the bow at last.
"Duke Calent," she murmured, caution leaking into her voice. Although the bow had been lowered, she continued to hold it at the ready, as though he were a dangerous creature rather than her fiance. It wasn't as though she intended to put an arrow in his chest...but there was some comfort in her stance and in the feel of the weapon in her hands. She had been doing these sorts of things for years...and it would be Calent who caught her in the act, wouldn't it?
Politely, as though there were nothing unusual about the encounter, she inquired, "Are your rooms not comfortable enough?"
Calent had been approaching, but halted where he stood, green eyes going to the pointed end of her arrow. Then his eyes went to her.
"It was comfortable. But I could not sleep. Especially after I spotted something in the woods... I was intrigued." His eyes studied her before her put out a hand. "May I?" he wanted to inspect the bow. He also wanted his fiance to stop pointing that weapon at him. Was she foolish?
OOC: Ha,ha. it would be terrible if she actually shot him XD
Her dark eyes watched him, studying him in silence as time ticked by. Finally, reluctantly, she removed the arrow from the string and held it out to him.
"You'll find it a poor substitute," she murmured softly. It was indeed. After all, she had had to purchase the bow from a drunken soldier in order to obtain it, and that had been some years past. Even so, she took care of the weapon, although she would probably soon need another.
As he examined it, she said, "I didn't mean to disturb you. I was feeling rather restless myself, I suppose..."
No explanation, however, beyond that left her lips yet...nor an explanation as to the lie she had told him earlier about her inability to use a bow.
Calent's interest was all but on the bow, studying it, handling it's weight before notching the arrow, moving to where she had stood as he closed one eye, taking careful aim.
He could see now, against the silver moon's light, the series of arrows she had sunk into the target.
So with a casual breath, he drew it in, steadied his arm- and let loose the arrow-
It moved like a whisper, silent, nearly unheard of until it pricked just beside one of her arrows, landing to the right, while her's remained near, almost on the center.
At this, he smiled and turned to her, handing back the bow.
"It's not the quality of bow that is important, but the quality on how you handle it."
Kathryn accepted the bow back without a word, turning away from him to study the smattering of arrows against the target.
It was difficult to put into words how she felt. It was a strange sense of shame and relief, as though she had been balancing on the edge of a cliff for as long as she could recall...and, after so many years, she had, finally, tumbled off...and the ground was rushing to meet her. Instead of dread, however, there was only a sense of finally coming to a conclusion...
"My parents don't know I'm out here," she said at last, turning back around to face him fully. "Nor do they know I can shoot or ride." Dryly, she added needlessly, "Such skills are not valued in a woman." It was something he probably knew quite well...
Her fingers moved gracefully over the smooth wood, settling in a small groove on the back of the bow. "If you intend to break off our engagement, I understand. And I will go along with whatever reason you wish to give your people and my parents."
For a long while, Calent stood there, eyes upon her in the moonlight. What she spoke of would be obvious. Not many women in her position were allowed of such things. He had seen of them, however, in other countries, and found it rather intriguing she had gone about this foray and had honed it into an amicable skill. It was refreshing and he knew he had stumbled upon something secret and intimate with her then- though the dramatics of breaking off the engagement made him frown.
So he simply said, "Why?" His green eyes locking to hers. "Why would I break off an engagement when I could have a wife who would not only have the elite, social graces that are deserving of her blood, but the ability to defend herself, too? It is not common, but it would make you no less valuable to have you as my wife." and here he took her hand and kissed the top of it lightly.
"After all.. I must admit, your skills are rather shocking." he turned to look at the where the arrows lay and slowly approached, using his fingers to quietly measure them int he moonlight. Then he peered back at her after retrieving them and handed them out to her, arrows in his open palm.
"My lady," he bowed again, waiting for her to retrieve.
"And.. if I might be so bold to request, since we appear to be alone, perhaps you and I might enjoy a moment to share in a challenge- to sample some marksmanship amongst ourselves. After all," he smirked, admiring her. "Archery by moonlight sounds like an interesting and romantic option considering our plight. Don't you agree?"
OOC: I hope this makes sense XD trying to post and the dog keeps wanting to play X3
OOC: That's not a very nice thing to say about Lion! Poom. :P
Kathryn blinked at him, surprised and caught, truly, off guard. She had expected any other reaction...but that. "Duke Calent..." she began, but words failed her.
Her eyes fell to the offered arrows, and she accepted them from him slowly. Would it really be alright? Or did he imagine this was just some passing fancy that she would soon tire of? There would be time enough to ask, she supposed...
"You're at a disadvantage," she said slowly. "This is my bow. And you aren't familiar with its quirks. Without a handicap, you'll likely lose." That gave her pause. "And you have yet to claim your prize from our competition this afternoon... Would you risk losing it for such a game?"
OOC: I know of no such things!
IC:
Calent's lips curled into the smallest of smiles at her comment.
"We shall see." he gestured forward, towards the target and plucked two arrows for himself and tore the tiniest shreds of fabric from his cape, and tightened them to the end so the green clothe fell loose, but not in the way- a marker. "If you win, we can perhaps erase your debt. But if you lose.." he smiled just slightly larger than before, one that was shown more in his eyes than his lips.
"Perhaps you'll owe me more tea."
He then stepped back and bowed with a sweeping motion of his hand and said, "Ladies first."
Kathryn answered with a smile of her own. "As you wish."
The lady took her time before releasing her shot. The arrow shot through the air, flying true in spite of the wind, to land near the center of the target.
"Here you are, Duke Calent," she quipped, extending the bow out to him to take. "This is your last chance to accept a handicap," she reminded him as she stepped back, although, truth be told, she wouldn't be surprised if he didn't take it.
OOC: ASSSSSSS YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU WISHHHHHHHHHHHH *tumbles down epically tall hill*
Duke Calent accepted the bow gracefully, nocked the arrow and allowed his eyes to focus on the target on the other end of the small clearing. Just enough moonlight shown across the path, and just the slightest bit of wind to disturb any arrow's course...
He kept aiming, thinking back to her words before smiling.
"If you need me to have a handicap, I could always shoot with a blind fold." he said- and released the bow, the arrow sinking in, just to the north of hers- the metal ends kissing against the target.
Turning to her, he handed back the bow with a slight smile.
"I believe it's your turn, my lady."
Kathryn blinked at him, looking from him, to the target, then back again!
Well...that just wasn't fair, was it?
She sniffed in slight indignation (as though, really, she had a right to be indignant about anything!) and accepted the bow. Very well. Clearly, she needn't take it easy on him!
After all, she had long since made a game of hunting squirrels and rabbits with her bow. Few had the accuracy she possessed -- and she was her father's daughter!
Her second arrow pierced the target neatly beside his, near enough that the fletching of his arrow touched hers. Her look was one of satisfaction as she returned the bow to him once more.
"I apologize for underestimating you, Duke Calent. Believe me. It won't happen again."
The mood had changed the moment he saw it in her disposition. And his smile crept more widely across his face, stretching against the heavy shadows formed upon him by the light of the moon. He took the bow this time, offering little finesse as he raise dhis arms, took aim, closed one eye-
and let loose.
His arrow sailed true and...
A moment later, the end of her's splintered, but his bounced off the mark, and did not stick to the board as it disappeared into the tall grasses below.
Lowering the bow, he handed it to her with his head bowed.
"It seems you have won, Lady Kathryn," though there was just enough light she might have been able to see his smile, even through the draping of his dark hair as he waited for her to claim her weapon from his outstretched hands.
"By tournament law, so I have," she agreed solemnly, staring at the target a moment before turning to him with a laugh. "But this is no tournament, and the decision falls on those present." Taking her bow from him, she said simply, "And I say you won. You are truly an excellent marksman." She inclined her head slightly in a bow.
It rankled her to have to admit it, but it was only fair. After all, had his arrow stuck...
Crossing over to the target, she picked up her arrow to inspect it with a petulant frown. "You owe me an arrow." She waved it in his general direction, then collected the rest of her arrows -- all except the one that had disappeared into the shadowy grass. That made for two arrows in need of replacement!
With a more serious expression, she crossed the small meadow to rejoin him. "I intended to stop doing this sort of thing once we were wed," she explained, feeling she owed him that much, at least. "I meant to be a proper wife." Not a wife who sneaked out in the dead of night to shoot arrows by moonlight.
Calent tilted his head curiously at her statement, and his smile remained the same, if not, perhaps growing just a little more. Then he watched as she moved off. He would have helped her, but she seemed to almost want to do this. And his lips twitched ever so slightly, admiring her.
When she returned, he merely stared at her with a simple shrug at her request over the broken arrow, then at her mention about their wedding, he took her hand, drew it to his lips and kissed the top of it softly.
"If you are married to me, you need not be ashamed if you are as a good of a marksman as I. Or... if anything, you should at least aspire to become better than me since I would not damper this spirited side of you."
and here he rose, his green eyes meeting to hers as he moved his head away from her hand. "You may continue this display of skill when we are married," he went on, his eyes almost glittering dangerously, mysteriously- just like the stars and moon. "So long as you promise to join us in the hunt tomorrow."
Kathryn's smile was sweet and sincere. To be able to practice openly... What would that be like? She would miss that wild and dangerous life in the forest and, occasionally, into a town... But, she thought, she would have something else to replace it...
Her hands closed over Calent's lightly, and she nodded. "I would be delighted."
And, in fact, there was little that could have kept her away from such an event! Her eyes shone with mirth and moonlight as she added softly, "Even with all of your fine marksmanship, I still wonder if you will be able to win the stag -- or if my father will claim it yet again." She was only teasing, of course, unable to resist the temptation...
In spite of their chatter, her ear caught the sound of something suddenly. It was the same sound she had heard when Calent was watching earlier: silence. She turned from him slightly, peering into the darkened forests -- but she could see nothing but questionable shadows there.
Calent smiled as her hand went to his, and the smile grew ever more at her jab about her father besting him. He lifted his chin.
"We will have to see tomorrow." He told her, then when she tensed, he followed her gaze cautiously towards the bushes where the quiet had settled. He too, now felt it and it unnerved him. Narrowing his eyes, he motioned to her to remain.
"Stay here.." and he drew out a dagger from his side, slowly creeping, inching his way across the soft, dewy grasses- and then when he heard a noise, he gave a start, blade stabbing into the bush-
Just as a small rabbit came bouncing out, rushing off and away.
Blinking, Calent stood more erect as he peered over to where a bush on the far side now swayed. The rabbit was safe. Sighing, he realzied they were both safe , too. and gave a sheepish rub to the back of his neck after putting his weapon away.
"I'm sorry for startling you. One can never be too careful." And here, he offered her the crook of his arm. "Shall we head back to the castle?"
Kathryn did not think that it was just a rabbit... A single rabbit wouldn't have made all of the forest noises soften with its approach. She frowned into the shadows, searching...
But there was nothing there.
She smiled at her fiance and nodded slightly as she accepted his arm. "Of course," she agreed, allowing him to lead her back along the forest path.
"Thank you for your understanding tonight," she began, warming to his presence again. "I'm not sure many would have. My parents least of all." That would have killed her on the spot, she thought!
Calent nodded as the pair strolled along.
"Yes, it must be most unfortunate to be a woman with your talents." he said, then stiffened, realizing it might not have been the most appropriate of words, and he sighed, soon adding. "I'm sorry." and he paused with her, briefly beneath the shadow of the tree, the moonlight glittering through the branches. "This can remain our little secret." he said, before lifting her hand gently and kissing the back. "For now." His eyes sparkled slightly before he rose his head, straightened his shoulders and continued on with her towards the castle. As they neared, however, he realized their predicament and halted, frowning.
"Someone.. might question us entering together." He pressed his lips together. As much as they were engaged, it was not proper for either to be out so late at night with questionable reasons. After all, neither had a good alibi.
Kathryn smiled slightly at him, then murmured, "Leave that to me, Duke Calent. I learned at a young age that there are many ways in and out of Highheart Castle -- and there are some not even the guards know of. I'm sure your home has the same sorts of nooks and passages."
She gave him a knowing smile, her eyes fairly sparkling with the knowledge she was about to share.
Through the gardens they moved, and, once again, Kathryn had drawn her hood up over her hair, as much to provide some protection against the cool night winds as to provide her some shelter from a guard who might happen to look their way. Partway into the gardens, however, she stopped behind a massive trio of willows, long over-grown with moss and vines.
Kathryn swept aside the vines with a practiced hand, and stepped between them. From all outward appearances, she should have walked into the trunk of the tree; however, cleverly hidden here was a small space and a set of narrow, twisting stairs that disappeared into the earth.
"I'll have some light in a moment," Kathryn murmured. There was the sound of a match being struck, and then a wavering light filled the small space from a candle. "These passages connect most of the bedrooms in the castle. I suppose it was built in the case of an emergency to give the family a way to escape."
She glanced at him, blushing quite suddenly as she recalled who shared this moment with her. "Unless," she added, "You would prefer to walk across the lawn?"
OOC: I hope this makes sense XD
trying to type and listen to music at the same time is hard, ok!? D:
Calent had followed her closely, as silent as her shadows, and when she showed her family's secrets to him, the passage that would leave their private encounter in secret, he couldn't help but feel slightly guilty, but also a thrill over it. He did not understand it, but, it was as if he and she were almost on the same level-
except her secrets were not as dark as the unknown brewing within his mind, curling and curdling, waiting to strike the moment he fell asleep, so that his own darkness would consume him.
he could not realize the cruel twist of fate.. that one day journeying into the fell.. hunting down that one man.........
If he had known that he had the taint- would it have mattered?
And what of these dreams?
But for now, all he could see were the new dreams before him- a beautiful breath of a future that was supposed to be. OF he and Lady Kathryn....
Bowing before her, he stepped away.
"It would be proper for me to return to my room alone." His eyes met to hers, sparkling slightly in the twilight as the dusty willow branches swept around them like crying drapes, silent and silky in the night.
He took her hand, planting a kiss softly upon it as he looked into her eyes.
"Take your safe passage, I will go across the lawn, and this night will remain in our dreams."
"Of course," Kathryn answered with a light blush, although she couldn't imagine why he insisted on propriety at a time like this. There was no one who would see them slipping through the passage, and she supposed she trusted him enough to accompany her...
"Thank you, again, for a wonderful night, Duke Calent. I will see you tomorrow for the Hunt, then?" Even though she couldn't participate, it was still something she was looking forward to. Simply being on a hunt was exciting...and if Calent's archery tomorrow matched his skill by moonlight, he would certainly pose a challenge to her Father!
"Yes, tomorrow at the hunt," he assured her, then waited for her to be off and away, before stalking across the lawns in the dark. BUt he too, could not help but wonder if there were eyes upon him, green eyes scouting the area where the two had once been and shivered at the peculiar silence. ANd for it, he grew a bit paranoid,a nd he waited, until even the crickets seemed to return, and almost the entire night's atmosphere was the ordinary symphony of noise it ought to have been. Sighing, when he realized it had been a long enough interval of time, he crossed the rest of the lawn when he realized no one would be harming her, or following suit,t hen slipped into the confines of his own bed.
Dreams had come for them as they always did that night. Nightmares running him ragged, drawing sharp breaths and perspiration. There were drums now in his dreams, drums louder than the roaring flames of war, and it was that sound, the excitable will of death and force and power that excited him, that twisted his spirits...
but as always, the dream wavered, churning into something more; and into the blinding forests he was, then back inside his room, spilling through shadows, layer after layer until he was on the floor, staring up at the blood that coated the walls.
Blood.
There had been so much blood.
He looked down at his hands.
They too, were stained in vivid brightness of the liquid of death.
And then his eyes searched across the way...
and he could see it-
ALl of them had been brutally killed...
and there he was in the center-
his father...
Still and lifeless as death. And there was a fragment, just the briefest image of something gold, the flutter of hair, the soft giggle of a woman...
Then the cold stillness of death won again-
and his body broke into pieces as he reached out, his form twisting, writhing as they spread out- seeping into his mind, body.. and throughout the entire land-
wanting to strangle and burn everything and everyone whole.
The world would burn.
He awoke with a start, sweat coating his body and then heard the gentle knocking at his door. He ran a hand down his face, sighing through it before allowing the servant to come in. They were asking if he needed any help preparing for breakfast. He had wondered how long he had been out ad stared off silently for a time before asking for a bath. The servant obliged and one was drawn and once he was in privacy again, he slipped into the porcelain tub and found his minds drifting off towards the dream, before slipping beneath the waters, barely wasting the time to hold his breath.
It wasn't long before morning roused Kathryn from her own dreams. She had gone to bed somewhat unsettled, her mind too keenly focused on the differences between Duke Calent, her fiance, and Dekka Blade -- a man she never should have met and certainly never should have kissed.
Even awake and preparing for the day's activities in the morning light, she considered the pair of men who had struck her fancy. She was grateful, of course, that Calent had been so understanding of her secret past-time...but the entire encounter had remained tense and uncomfortable... And when Dekka had learned of her secret, it had felt...
...Well, different.
After the briefest of breakfasts, she found herself at the stables, ensuring that Evoric was ready for the hunt. Catching his mistress's mood, he pranced impatiently, ready to be out in the woods. "Not today," she murmured to him with a smile. "We'll go out again once the Duke returns to Allar."
The weather was agreeable- beautiful, brilliant and bright. If anything, it was a bit chilly as the trumpets called out the start of the day. It had been a most gay occasion, with horses gathering in a fluttering of regal colors and men breasted in their best hunting attire, the hounds breathing, and the lady, so divine, on her own steed.
Off to the side, Valia stood beneath her parasol, chewing on the inside of her cheek as she watched the hunting party gather. They were just about ready to go as she caught her sister's gaze, then Audric's before turning her nose to the air and not paying any of them a dime of her attentions as she simply twirled her parasol in hand.
Kathryn smiled at her sister, then glanced curiously at Audric when her sister glanced his way. She'd have to get the whole story out of Calent later...assuming, that is, that Audric had shared the story with his lord. To that end, perhaps, it would be better out of the horse's mouth.
Putting such thoughts away for the moment, she crossed over to her sister and leaned down with a brilliant smile. "Last chance to tag along, Valia," she informed her sister brightly, knowing, of course, that the girl would turn her down. "I'm surprised you don't care to tag along... There are lots of opportunities to get lost in the forest with a knight," she added, teasing.
She really shouldn't be encouraging her sister, but she looked so sad!
Calent remained silent on his horse, looking tired as always. He was conversing pleasantly with Duke Harold before the men parted momentarily and Calent made his way to Audric's side.
"It seems Kathryn's sister wants to burn holes in you with her eyes." He kept his green eyes on Audric, then looked over at the sisters, a cool breeze sweeping pass.
Valia kept her nose to the air, making a slight "Hmph," at Kathryn's words.
"Could you see me riding in such a dress?" she said, brushing her white gloved hands down the pink, flowering skirts. She went back to chewing on her cheek, glaring again towards Audric then away.
"There might also be knights at the stable." she said simply, knowing even her sister was aware of her.. little rendez-vous. THen she went back to chewing on her cheek, avoiding her sister's gaze. "I see the Duke of Allar has asked you to join him on the hunt." she gave her sister a side-long glance. "Interesting way to integrate his future wife into his life." She gave another sniff and looked away, twirling the parasol again. "Perhaps you should wait at his side and let your sister kiss your cheek so you can be off." And her nose pointed even further towards the sky.
Audric nodded slightly, agreeing wholeheartedly with Calent. "I have a soldier's tongue," he muttered by way of explanation. It really explained very little, except to infer he had offended her in some way.
Kathryn grinned at her sister, imagining Valia riding in that ridiculous outfit!
"Very well," she answered as she lowered her voice. "I suppose you aren't interested in hearing about a midnight rendezvous in the woods, then. And I know you don't care a fig for archery," she added, teasing.
Anger quickly forgotten, Valia turned on her heels to her sister.
"By moonlight!?" she gasped, then shrunk back, wondering if she had said it too loudly, then leaned in closer, moving nearer to her sister as she took her in with curious, pink eyes.
"Did he..." she said, wetting her dry lips. "Did he come last night?" Her eyes darted around, hoping no one else heard. She also did not think labeling who he was needed clarified between her and her sister.
After all...
who else would think to scandalize her sister but that infamous King of Thieves?
And she had an appetite to hear this sort of story, and surely her sister would not be so cruel as to leave her hanging onto this unsettled curiosity.
Oh! Did her sister lose herself in the moonlight!?
Her eyes were almost sparkling at the prospect- or rather, they were sparkling as her mind whirled with such naughty, naughty thoughts. Oh, how jealous she was!
Kathryn shook her head slightly, a coy smile playing about her lips.
"'Twasn't him," she answered, just as quietly. Although, she had felt as though they were watched there in the woods... It was probably just her imagination, but... She grinned at her younger sister, drawing out the moment to make her wait.
"I sneaked out last night to shoot some arrows by the light of the moon, but I was not alone. Apparently, I was seen leaving through the back gate, and I was followed...by none other than Duke Calent himself."
She glanced towards the aforementioned man, studying his profile a brief moment before turning her attention back to her waiting sister. "And when he discovered me, he challenged me to an archery contest."
Valia's jaw dropped open at the mention of Calent's name.
"No, way!" Valia whispered harshly, but the at her last statement, the girl's jaw seemed as if it might just drop clean off! She clutched onto her sister's arm, almost painfully so. "He challenged you?" Then she paused to consider. "Who won?" Her question came out, breathlessly. She had to know, the excitement.. it was... it was most thrilling! She gripped Kathryn's arm a little tighter, pink eyes never leaving hers.
Kathryn grinned down at her sister, pleased to see that the gossip was having the desired effect on the younger girl! It had snapped her out of her depression quite readily, it seemed, and Kathryn was glad for that.
"Yes," Kathryn answered with a quiet laugh. "By tournament rules, I won, because he only had one arrow in the target. However..." And here she lowered her voice even further, eyes sparkling, "The only reason his second arrow didn't stick is because it struck his first arrow -- in the center of the target."
It was an impressive series of shots...
Kathryn blushed softly, adding, "So I told him he had won, of course..."
Valia thought she had lost her breath, and was probably hurting her sister from how hard she was squeezing her arm. But in reality, she was simply holding her breath and when she released it, an anxious groan accompanied it.
"Are you serious!?" she squeaked. "Kathryn!" she pinched her sister's arm excitedly. "But if he won, then..." she grinned wickedly up at her sister. "Did you let him have his wedding night early?"
Of course she had to ask. Valia's mind revolved around few things.
Pink. Shoes. Dresses. Boys. And the idea of what could be scandalously done behind closed door.
That.
And gossip. This was no exception and she was so thrilled.
"You must tell me what you did since he won!"s he asked, hugging onto Kathryn's arm again, keeping it tight.
"I think he's far too proper for such things," Kathryn answered with a deepening blush.
If he had chosen to accompany her into the hidden tunnels, perhaps something else might have happened there, away from the prying eyes of guards and family alike. She rather doubted it, however; he seemed a proper gentleman, through and through.
And she should count herself lucky for that.
If it had been Dekka, however... She shook the thought away.
"We parted in the gardens," she answered softly. "And each returned to our rooms in solitude."
Valia's hold loosened, her face deflating at the lack luster response.
"Just like that?" she said, sounding very much annoying. She glared at her sister. "Really now, how do you aim to please your husband and woo him into your bed chambers if you can't have some fun escapades int he moonlight?" Valia fluffed her hair. It was, after all, one of the most exhilarating things to fool around with a handsome, well muscled knight int he straw...
and if they were ever to get caught..
That added all the more to the intrigue! Too bad it seemed her sister was not feeling the same way. So she huffed.
"I would have taken him down right there in the woods!" Valia pressed, matter of factly as she folded her arms over her chest. "Really, Kathryn. Think of your duties as a woman!"
"When we are married, perhaps," Kathryn answered with an expression of amusement. Oh, her poor sister... "I was mortified enough that he caught me shooting arrows in the dead of night... With most men, that alone would have tarnished our family name..."
She smiled slightly at that, glad that her future husband had simply accepted it.
"Anyway, if you absolutely must know, I nearly shot him for a poacher or a bandit before he came out of the shadows... And wouldn't that have been a nice ending to our engagement?" She sighed softly. "That, and..." She paused with another blush. "Well, if it had been you-know-who who met me in the woods..."
Well, the night would have ended differently.
Valia made a face, repulsed that her sister would have shot the duke. A terrible twist of fate indeed! (but then her sister wouldn't be getting married yet so...)
Sighing, she fanned her face off, but then grew more coy, her lips curling, twisting at the ends in amusement when her sister pressed her thoughts over.. if it were the other man.
"Oh? How so?" Valia just had to ask, fanning off her fast a little more quickly than before.
Realizing the pickle she had put herself in, Kathryn's face turned a series of ever-deepening hues.
"Well..." How could she explain? It certainly wasn't lust -- at least, not to the same degree from which her sister suffered! -- but it was something else...
"It just...isn't the same," she said, a bit lamely. "I suppose, like you, I like having that...thrill." Of doing something she wasn't supposed to do... With Calent's assent, it had taken some of the thrill out of the evening...and, although she had enjoyed their little contest, her contest with Dekka had been...so much more.
Of course, not even Valia was privy to that story in its entirety...
"But I am lucky that he's accepted my archery as he has," she murmured, trying to find the good in the situation. "And he hasn't told Mother -- can you imagine her face if he did?"
"Yes, it would be rather scandalous," Valia agreed, continuing to fan her face off more furiously, despite the growing winds. It seemed a storm was brewing- definitely at least rain. A good day for hunting, but Calent worried some, peering up at the darkening clouds and then over at his fiance.
It seemed everything was about ready to start, so he gave his horse a kick and moved over to her side- interrupting Valia before she had gotten a chance to ask more questions and the young girl all but faded to the background as she stepped aside, bowing humbly away.
"Lady Kathryn, Lady Valia." he bowed to them both then looked to his lady. "Are you ready? It seems there might be rain,a nd the men are all prepared."
"Of course," Kathryn answered readily, sparing her sister a smile, and adding, "We'll talk more later, my dear sister."
She then allowed Calent to lead her back towards the hunting party.
"Forgive me, Duke Calent. I had not realized the party was waiting for me. I thought more preparations were being made..." She sighed softly as she, too, glanced up at the coming storm.
"The rain should do little to deter the hunt," she offered, the sage opinion of one who had seen such storms and such hunts before. "The forest keeps the worst of the storm at bay." She offered the Duke a sincere smile as they made their way away from the palace. "Are you still convinced you will out-hunt my father even in such a storm?"
Calent gave a brief smile when she apologized before shaking his head.
"No worries, my lady." But at her next question, his eyes simply sparkled. "But of course."
With a quick kick, his horse moved before hers, eyes catching to her but once before he approached the others. The men all agreed to be on with the hunt- for the stag had been already off in running for nearly an hour.
A long, golden horn was raised, it's call wailing into the air and carrying over the forests...
Now the hunt was official! It was time to begin!
------------------------
Sitting upon a dark horse, a cloaked figure waited, studying the activity from the breast of a hill. Smirking, Dekka's eyes followed the form of Lady Kathryn as she and the other riders disappeared into the woods. The party was not the only one hunting. After a time, he gave a kick of his horse and tore off after them. After all, he knew exactly how to find what he was seeking for. She could not disguise herself from him so easily. Nor that horse.
Pressing further, the rain broke just as he was rounding a hill,a dn the winds suddenly began to pick up speed, nearly lifting the cloak off of his body. The sky was getting ominous and dark- and part of him was thrilled but also feared by it-
This sort of weather...
it was dangerous.
But he had to press on..
He had to find Kathryn. After all, he had waited far too long in this coy little game of cat and mouse, where he always enjoyed the role of the cat.
-----
Elsewhere, his horse thundered across the lands, rain soaking his dark green cloak, but hte heavy winds still tosseled it behind him. The nostrils of his beasts were steaming, hooves clattering across the rough and rocky terrain of the mountains and the bray of the hounds kept his spirit unjaunted. Kathryn's father, the expert rider that he was, was already gaining a lead, with Calent trailing not too far behind. THough his eyes were focused on picking out the stag amongst the woods, the rain...
He took a moment to peer back at Lady Kathryn- wondering how she might be fairing on this change of weather.
Kathryn looked as at home on her mount now as she had racing across the sun-soaked fields the previous day. She had dressed warmly, and, although she would have loved to participate in the hunt itself, Calent had promised to keep her secret...and, so, unlike the men, she was allowed to bundle herself in thick furs.
Even her heavy clothing could not keep the rain entirely at bay. Beneath the hood of her cloak, her dark hair was wet, and a few strands clung to her forehead and rain-flushed cheeks. Her eyes were bright and alert as she read the ground around them, searching as Calent and her father did for signs of the stag, and she rode with an easy grace that came naturally to her.
Her eyes lifted, and she looked visibly surprised to find Calent looking in her direction. She offered him a smirk and a quick wink. With a subtle gesture, she pointed to tree whose bark had been scraped by an antler. A single tuft of fur stood out on the trunk, caught, no doubt, when the large animal had rubbed against it. Up ahead of them, her father was looking down at the ground, searching, no doubt, for tracks he wouldn't find.
Her smile sent a shiver of excitement up his spine, and her gesture, not missed as his eyes followed it's course. Noting the markings and fur, he was quick to yank on his reigns, kicking his boots heavily at his horses sides and changed course. Smiling, he had to wonder how his fiancee had become to well versed. But perhaps it was something they could discuss at a later date, as he rushed off across a hill side, an action of which now split the hunting party apart. His horse moved faster than the roaring winds around them, as trees began to rock across the skies and the rains began to pound down mercilessly upon the ground. He would find the stag first. he would prove to everyone and make a name- he would prove to Kathryn she had married someone worthy of her as pride swelled within his chest.
A bolt of lighting lit up the area and the stag came into view. with his heart now in his throat, the duke pressed his boots into the horse and shouted, snapping the reigns and forcing him onward. THe chase was on.
------
Dekka had remained back, but as the rains got heavier and heavier, the world around him was nearly clothed in it's violent veil of cold rains and winds. His clothing was mostly soaked through,a nd he found himself slipping off his cloak as he halted his movement in the woods. He had seen Lady Kathryn come this way, had noticed the split in the hunting party- but which way would she choose? His horse moved antsily beneath him as his green eyes cut through the rains, surveying the area, but his efforts seemed fruitless.
OOC: Sorry it's short! I can add more later if you'd like? But I figured if you want, you could set up the next post with Kathryn following either one, but perhaps far enough back Dekka could make his appearance? Or maybe she spots Dekka?
OOC: *cackles* Oh, this post was perfect!
A chain of lightning arced across the sky above, momentarily lighting even the darkest corners of the forest below. Kathryn had turned in her saddle -- by happenstance alone -- at this perfect time, and she had caught a glimpse of a lone figure trailing behind the party.
Only one bandit would be so bold.
She let her fiance and father rush off in different directions, and she instead turned her horse towards a thicket off the path. By the time their shadow had reached them, she was lodged quite comfortably in a tree high above his head. It was nice to be able to turn the tables on him for once!
As Dekka hesitated beneath her, she pulled a pinecone down from the tree's branches. It struck him square in the back of the head, and she had to stifle her giggle with a hand pressed over her mouth. It didn't keep her from pitching a second one and nailing him on the shoulder, however.
"I think you're getting rusty," she teased with a grin when his eyes finally found hers. "You're lucky I'm not a guardsman, Mr. Blade. You'd be dead."
OOC: Ho, ho! And your reply was more perfect 8D
I really need to draw Kathryn/Dekka sometime >.>
I think the last time I tried the drawing came out poopy u.u
--------------------------------
Thunk!
A pinecone hit him square on the head. His eye wet wide, perhaps even a little cross eyed before he looked up.
Thunk!
Only to have another pinecone hit him square on the shoulder. Smirking, his green eyes danced at the sight above him. It was definitely an interesting way for them to greet one another since their last encounter, and he wouldn't lie, it put him a little on edge he was able to get such an advantage over him, if only because he realized her comment had rung true-
But to be fair. It was raining.
And storming..
And there was wind.
A flash of yellow light fluttered, illuminating them as Dekka bowed down to her, then lifted his eye once again to where she was positioned high up in the tree.
"I believe the stag went that way?" the thief said, gesturing back in the direction that headed North, but his eye never left her. Glancing down, he stared at the two pine cones, then back to the woman and his smirk grew wider.
"If we're counting in pinecones, I'd already be dead twice." he pointed out, his horse moving uneasily before he calmed him. The thunder made the beast uneasy, and the winds. The sky was growing darker by the moment, pulling his attention from the young lady only for a moment as he furrowed his brow in concern, before turning back towards her to study her with more interest, eyes moving across her body, despite the warm fur coat that clothed her.
"So what's a proper lady such as yourself doing all the way up there in a tree? Last time I heard, you got yourself engaged?" His eyes flashed a bit, knowing full well the pair of them played this exact game before.
After all...
her first proposal was by the fake duke of allar who was staring straight up at her now.
"Why don't you come down from there before you break your neck?" his horse seemed to agree, remaining antsy as the winds picked up, so strong, it felt as if it may have had the power to pluck the smaller woman from the tree. He clung fiercely to his reigns, but the horse remained, as did the rider, waiting to see what the woman would do.
"Unless you plan to drop pinecones on me all day.."
his smirk twitched a little at the thought. This woman might consider that..
"It's a thought," Kathryn answered with a wide grin. It was true that the wind was powerful, driving cold, wet rain and shaking the tree limb beneath her. But it was equally true that Kathryn was thoroughly enjoying herself and the adrenaline coursing through her system. "My, my," she added, laughing. "Don't tell me the King of Thieves is worried about my well-being... Anyway, I can't come down! I'm hiding from a dangerous mage," she teased.
A sharp gust kicked up, then, trying to knock her off as though to prove the thief below correct in his concern. Her foot slipped against the wet bark of the limb she was perched upon, and she fell back against the trunk with a yelp of surprise. Her arms quickly went around the tree, clinging tenaciously until the wind died down and she was able to catch her balance again.
Letting out a laugh, as much in relief as at the danger, she leaned down to look at him again. "Though you may have a point... Just this once."
Carefully, she began to climb down the tree, feet occasionally slipping against the slick surface of the tree. "What are you doing here in Highheart? I thought you were--"
That was all the further she got. Still a foot or two above Dekka's head, there was a sudden crack as a lightning bolt found the very tree she was climbing down! She never even felt herself let go; suddenly, she was simply airborne!
OOC: And that, Kathryn, is why you don't climb trees during thunderstorms!
Conversations could be reserved for another time, since while he was observing her climb down the tree, a chaotic series of events seemed to unfold. It was like a dream, or more like a nightmare.
The bolt of lightning struck, a near blinding force that nearly tossed him off his horse as the horse reared up out of fear-
and in the same instance he was fighting to keep himself within the saddle, he watched in horror as woman and tree began to crash towards the ground.
With a heavy kick, he moved swift, racing beneath her where she fell and caught her unceremoniously within his arms while her long hair fluttered about his face, fur coat scattered within his arms and winds as the horse tore across the muddied ground. He pressed all of his weight agaisnt the horse, and upon her, shielding her as the tree came down, scratching roughly ontop of them as they barely slipped out beneath the thing alive-
And then up over the crest of the hill he went, woman in arms, heart in his throat, beating, pumping heavily with the rush and mix of adrenaline. He only slowed down when another fierce wind blew, cracking another nearby tree and uprooting it. He found himself paused, watching in horror as the damned thing crashed down, smashing into the tree below it and nearly tear it from it's roots as well. He gritted his teeth, staring up towards the sky. It was almost as black as night- and the peeks reaching down from the skies gave him a sinking feeling.
But for now, he turned his green eyes down to the woman in his arms.
"That was a close call." he smirked and tried searching for her eyes. "Are you alright?" his eye flickered to the world around them- an ominous wind picking up and pushing against the horse.
"We should really find shelter. This storm looks bad."
Kathryn was half-convinced she was plummeting to her death -- and so, it seemed to pull all the breath from her lungs when she was suddenly caught by the King of Thieves. As the tree crashed down around them, she leaned into his embrace, huddled against his larger from for protection.
It was not until she heard his voice that she realized he was speaking to her. She cracked open an eye to peer up at him and nodded once, her voice seemingly lost beneath the flood of emotions that overwhelmed her.
Danger -- as bad as it seemed -- had always been something she enjoyed a little too much.
Her hand reached up to his forehead, tracing a cut that had appeared in his forehead a moment. A smile suddenly pulled at her lips, and she leaned forward to kiss him soundly -- a wild, passionate kiss that was fed by her adrenaline and near-death experience.
The kiss was enough for him to forget the storm. His breath lost, he found himself pressing the reigns into her hair, his large hands going over her face and shoulders and back.
But a bright burst of lighting had him gasping, and he pressing into her, chin into her shoulder as he coaxed the horse onward, fighting it as it became startled by the malevolent, stormy conditions.
"This is some fuckin' storm," the man swore, gripping on more tightly to Kathryn as he looked around, but it was nearly impossible to see through the rain. Wiping at his rain soaked hair, he peered down at the woman in his arms and-
instead of doing anything wise, he found himself overwhelmed by his desire to kiss her again.
So he did, scooping her face into his hands and crashing his lips again into hers-
that was, until the horse reared up again and Dekka found himself, and the lady, thrown from the beast, where the pair both crashed into the muddy ground below.
Thankfully, Dekka had the sense to wrap her into his arms and took the brunt of the fall.
Rollign to his side, they both lay in the mud as he asked, "Are you alright?" Despite being right next to her he had to shout. The rains were getting louder.
Kathryn, too, momentarily forgot about the storm. She was soaked most thoroughly now, but the heat between them was more than enough to keep her warm. When he drew away, the lightning flashed in her eyes -- or was that just an echo of her laugh?
"I don't mind," she answered glibly, only to have him kiss her again. As they fell to the earth, she huddled once more against him until they had safely landed.
"You sure know how to show a girl a good time," she shouted back with a smirk, reluctantly untangling herself from his arms. She extended a hand down towards him to help him to his feet, then turned to watch the horse bolt into the heavy brush. As well trained as Evoric was, he would probably be gone as well...
It seemed they were stuck with each other!
"Where to?"
Another bolt of lighting tore across the sky, lighting the blackening world around them and making the wind tossed world seem even more chaotic-
and Lady Kathryn even more desirable.
Though it was the storm that spooked their horse, Dekka cared not that the pair might be damned as his eyes took in her body and his lips met to hers again, fingers entangling within her hair, coming through it, hands moving across her body as he pressed her into the mud as the rains came down in cold, wild sheets about them, soaking them both to the bone.
"Right here," he breathed hotly through a breath, lips sealing back hungrily to hers. "Is just fine with me." Though the wind tore at them, threatening to take them away, his lips met to her with even more force and need, body pressing into her and mind reveling in the chaos and heat.
Kathryn had no complaints -- or didn't, anyway, until there was another sharp crack nearby that seemed to make the whole world tremble with its force. With some effort, she pulled away from him long enough to stand.
The rain and mud dripped from her slender figure, and her hair had uncoiled from its braids to fall around her shoulders. She peered upwards at the storm a moment, then looked to the King of Thieves. They would have to find shelter soon or die in this storm. The winds pulled and pushed heavily at the trees around them, as though trying to uproot them, and she could hear the dull crashes of limbs or, perhaps, entire trees, falling in the forest around them.
"Dekka, we need to find somewhere to wait out the storm!" she shouted, unsure he heard her words even though he was right in front of her. She wondered if her little shack would still be standing come tomorrow -- but that was too far anyway. "There is a cave!" she decided, then turned from him to get her bearings.
Choosing her direction with the care of a woman accustomed to the woods, she grabbed his hand and pulled insistently. "Come on!"
They reached the cave in one piece -- if just barely. It was a muddy hike of nearly ten minutes, fraught with the dangers of falling branches, high winds, and lightning -- but they made it. From the outside, it really didn't look like very much -- just a yawning chasm in the ground protected from the elements and sight by some large rocks. For Kathryn in her furs, the opening was a bit tight, but she slid through easily.
"Give me some light," she murmured. There were no torches nor lanterns down here -- only Dekka. Already, the storm seemed a world away! "This goes back some way," she said, pointing towards the back of the cavern. Once beyond the mouth, it opened up into something that was almost roomy. "There's a small pond in the back, and the water is color of an emerald. It's warm throughout the year."
As romantic and crazy as it seemed, Kathryn was right. It was getting down right dangerous, especially as heavy, old trees were easily getting uplifted, and even as they moved, he found himself needing to hold ont her, and nearby trees, to simply push through to get to the cave. Once inside, he didn't need to be told twice and let his power burn freely, where it started as a tingle within his blood, and soon as small flame was lapping around his hand. Holding it forward, it lit the way, and soon the pair were moving into a more cozier center while the storm still whirled outside. Everything out there seemed to go to black, and he heard a terrifying noise tear past. It was as if the winds were trying to drag them out of the damn cave.
"Shit!" he let the fire on his hand go out, his arms wrapping around her fast as he held onto a whatever he could and kept Kathryn close. Just when he thought his arm was about to break from the force of the suction, the twister outside moved past, leaving Dekka on his knees ad breathing heavily against Kathryn's forehead before he looked down to her, brushing a hand across her hair and asking, "Are you ok?"
Then, his lips twitching into a nervous, but suave grin, he had to ask- "So you say there's a small pond deeper within the cave?" He leered her a moment, though in truth, they both looked worse for wear, the storm doing quite a number on the two. A dip in the pond could work wonders on their nerves and the dirt.
Kathryn squeezed her eyes closed as the cave became a natural wind tunnel and the force of the winds tried to tear her from Dekka's arms. She clung to him as desperately as he held onto her, until, at last, the winds ceased.
And then, for a moment, there was only the sound of their breathing. She offered him a grin of her own, then pushed herself to her feet on unsteady legs. She was almost certain he would be able to hear her knees clacking together...
Even so close, the darkness in the cave was nearly complete, and there was only a shadow where the other stood. It was enough for Kathryn to find his lips with her own in a impassioned kiss. Her lips slid over his jaw to his ear, murmuring almost sweetly, "If you can find it. Count to 100. Out loud. If you move even an inch before then..." Her lips touched his lobe in a tender kiss. "I'll be very disappointed."
With the rules to the game laid out, she vanished into the darkness with a giggle that seemed to echo off the walls. Kathryn had been in the cave enough to know how to find the spring -- and that, for the most part, the path was clear of dangers to someone without a lantern. It didn't take her long to find the spring, and, for just a moment, she cocked her head to listen for Dekka's counting. Satisfied he still played her game, she removed the heavy garments that had protected her from the chill and stepped into the warm water. To the far edge she swam, and it was here that she settled on a natural bench in the side of the pool to await Dekka's imminent arrival.
Dekka quirked a brow, uncertain what she had meant, but then tilted his head back as he understood.
Ah, a game of cat and mouse- and the mouse got 100 beats on the count. He smirked at her dangerously but simply nodded, green eyes glittering in the dark.
"I suppose a little game couldn't hurt us." Truth be told, he could use the 100 beats to calm down his racing heart, and mind. "One... two.. " his voice would carry through the cool cave, hanging through the shadows with it's richness, with it's dense baritone as he continued...
"Ten.... eleven..."
And as he continued to count, his lips stretched into a grin at the sound of her ghosted laughter. This ought to be fun. But she ought to realize... he was very good int he dark. Especially since she was playing with fire.
"One hundred." Pushing himself up (though the cave was a lot more shallow here, so he had to lean over, lest he hit his head, he began to stalk forward, grinning from ear to ear as he called out, "ONE HUNDRED!" again to let the count repeat itself as it echoed around in the dark.
The chase was on.
It took some time, as he was disoriented, but eventually the storm outside faded away as he pressed on deeper inside the cave, his hands smoothing across the cool rock walls as his green eyes cut through the darkness. There was just enough light from the moon outside, and the storm, to light up a faint trail, ad she might have heard his boots crunching against the ground as he approached. After a series of short turns, eventually the cave spilled open into a larger room that felt warmer and more moist. He smirked, spotting a dark shadow of a figure inside what he presumed to be water. And as he moved forward, his boots stepped on something, and when he looked down, he realized it was her clothes.
"There you are! I nearly came back to search for you," Kathryn commented, her tone a languid and relaxed purr as she watched the shadowy figure enter the cavern. The water splashed quietly around her as she shifted from her perch, wading forward to lean against the opposite wall. The rock against her bare body was warm and smooth, formed naturally through centuries of water steadily eating it away. "You can swim, can't you?" she added, tone teasing. It would be a shame if he couldn't!
This was a dangerous game she was playing -- and with a dangerous man. The thrill of the hunt, the threat posed by the storm, the mystery of the Dekka Blade, the taboo of associating with an unrepentant mage, the promise of a tryst inside a secluded cave while her father and fiance sought her... It was an alluring cocktail, and it sent Kathryn's head spinning. It seemed the culmination of the wild side of her personality...and Kathryn could not stop herself from upping the ante that much further with a daring dip in the warm pool. She was helpless to it -- but, even in that state (and knowing just how unfair it was to ask this of him), she knew she could not compromise her family's honor by becoming too carried away...
"If you behave yourself," she added, "You can join me, if you like."
"Well, well, well," Dekka began, thumb snapping out the ties that bound his clothing, loosing first at his shirt, then pants, before kicking off his boots carelessly to the side. "Lady Kathryn, naked and alone in the water.." his voice was low, but deep as it carried across the haunting glow of darkness between them. "And here she asks me to play nice?" The question was posed just as his clothing dropped in a single motion to the ground. Those too, were kicked needlessly aside. All that was left of his clothing were his jewels, the metal glittering against his ears and the rings catching onto whatever faint light was reflecting deep within the cave, even as the storm winds howled and tore at the entrance. That meant nothing to him, for his green eyes were locked upon her.
And his gaze was predatory, leering her from a distance as he moved to take a few steps into the water, not even enough to clothe his naked form.
"You play a dangerous game, Lady Kathryn," he informed her. "Bad boys don't play nice, and you're toying with a thief."
Not just any thief.
The king.
"Am I?" she asked, feigning ignorance. Her eyes swept over his silhouette, the details of his form obscured by shadow, then locked onto his eyes as her smile grew. "Games are better when played with a partner. And so much more fun when you can't predict the outcome..." Her soft laughter sounded like a choir of bells as the sound cascaded off of walls and water surrounding them.
A dangerous game indeed...
"Be warned, Dekka Blade, I know this chamber well...and though you may have cornered the mouse, you have not caught her yet."
Dekka paused in his approach, tilting his head at her question and then slowly smiling as he rose a hand up, a gentle flame flicking off the tops of his fingers. An orange glow danced off her form, shadows hugging her, sweeping and fluttering about as the same orange light cast upon his own face, his lips growing into a wider smile as his silence, and simple gesture of magic, were to prove to her he was not deterred by these games she wanted to play in shadows.
"You seem to forget I have clever ways of taking what I want," and slowly, he let the flames die out from his finger tips, his eyes never leaving her body, even in the glow of the dark. "And I have a feeling you and I might be on the same page as to what we want." He took another bold step forward, voice soft, yet gruff as it carried between them like a hard whisper. "And what I want is well within my grasp." And then he reached out for her suddenly, aiming to gobble her up within his hold in attempts to seduce her with a hot kiss...
OOC: You can decide if he grabs her or not, I'm game for whatever you have in mind <3
He really did make this game so easy...
Kathryn's amused giggle was cut off by his sudden lunge forward. On land, he might have had her; the water, however, delayed him just enough for Kathryn to slip beneath the surface of the pool with a gasp.
Her hands and feet found the rock wall, and she pulled herself along beneath the dark, still water in silence. Her hands moved along the wall and the floor, searching for a familiar landmark that would tell her her position...while above her, Dekka caught only the wall in his attempt to corner the young woman. Silence but for his own movements in the deep pool were, momentarily, his only companions, and it stretched on...and on...and on...
Kathryn finally found what she sought just as her lungs felt about to burst. She was on the other end of the pool from him now, in deeper water near the spring that fed the pool, and it was here that she swam to the surface.
Her breath came in soft pants as she relished the heavy air of the cave...and then she laughed. "That was pathetic," she chided, purring even as she teased him. "Surely you're not to be outdone by the pampered daughter of a lord...again."
Dekka's grin cut even through the darkness.
Oh, he liked this sort of game she played. Peering over his shoulder to where she had swam away to, he slowly turned around and casually leaned against the wall.
"If I liked doing things the easy way, I wouldn't have become a thief." He prided himself in a good challenge, and raised his head, peering over at her form across the pool.
"So tell me, Lady Kathryn, are you really a virgin? Cause if not..." he let his voice chuckle as he took a few steps forward in the pool. "If I get my hands on you tonight, you most certainly will not."
Kathryn's smile was sweet -- so sweet that if it were bottled and sold, it could have been used to top cupcakes in place of frosting. "Do you think me a common whore, Dekka, that I should spread my legs so readily for a man? If I were so easily conquered, I do not think you would have taken such pains to pursue me..."
Which wasn't to say she hadn't considered it... She had dared to kiss a few farmers' sons and played merry games with them in the dark. All of it, however, had been innocent enough, restrained by the thought of her duties... Except, of course, with Dekka. With Dekka, things were different. It was harder with him, for some reason...and that both frightened and intoxicated her.
As he moved forward, she did too, moving with an equal measure so that they might meet in the middle of the pool. "Unless I am mistaken," she murmured, "You are not a man without honor. You would not condemn the life of a woman for a few moments of pleasure. I have but one duty, and I intend to see it through." She had stopped merely a foot from him, watching him and waiting to see if he would make a grab for her. The corner of her mouth twitched upwards into a half-smirk, then, and she added devilishly, "But you have shown me that there are...things...to be experienced and not so easily discovered..."
Dekka gave a tilt of his head, his eyes indulgent of her naked body, of which could be clearly take in, even in the darkness. The storm had all but faded from his mind, it's roaring winds but a muffle in the distance as he reached a hand out to touch her arm. But this time his touch was gentle, tender even as it slid lower and lower still before he raised those green eyes to look at her face.
"There are things one can discover, without the fucking mess of sex." He tilted his head the other way now, drawing in a careful breath. "However, I am a man of my words..." and quick as he could, he moved an arm out in attempts to grab her, pulling her close and smashing his lips into hers.
"And if you let me capture you, as it seems I fucking have.." he said, his breath hot, his hands finding their way down her body. "Then your sense of duty is soon going to fail." and he prodded her with erection to let her know exactly what he was talking about before his mouth found hers again.
Kathryn did not resist as he pulled her into his arms, even going so far as to tilt her head back to receive his kiss. They had done something like this before -- but there was nothing but water between them now and nothing further to protect her from his advances. Her hands, initially caught between them, slid up and out of the way, bringing them closer together still.
His body was hot against hers -- and hers, no doubt, against his, flushed as she was from his touch and kiss alone. Still, and he really should know better by now, she was not so easily conquered...
She laughed softly, turning her head slightly so that his lips fell upon her throat. "I let you catch me," she murmured into his ear. "So you could teach me."
His lips went from hers, then to her throat and to her ear as breath came out between kisses, his hands still roaming her body.
"Teach you?" he purred between breaths and nibbles at her lobe. "There's not much to teach.." he told her, a hand moving through her hair, the other one now resting at the small of her back as he moved so she could feel him between her legs. ANd Gods, was she ever hot. He wanted her now more than ever, but even he hesitated as his lips moved down her neck.
"All you have to do is let your body do the talking," he said, teeth scraping against skin.
Her whimper was soft, needful and submissive. Kathryn was probably utterly insane for putting such trust into the King of Thieves -- but he had yet to prove her wrong. Rough manners aside, he had saved her on more than one occasion...not that she often needed saving. It just seemed he happened to be present whenever she did!
Besides, she wanted this as much as he did. And she was willing, as her flushed body could attest. And she was willing, except... She couldn't. At least not until after the wedding, and then no one would know...
"Teach me," she affirmed softly but firmly. Her fingers twined through his, guiding his hand down her smooth skin to the opening between her legs. She had allowed him to capture her, after all...
OOC: I almost forgot but like there's TOTALLY adult content going on here so just an OOC warning~
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Dekka trembled at her touch as a soft whimper escaped his lips. His hands, now guided by hers, moved, without hesitation, between her legs to where the fire was and there, he paused, three fingers pressing at her opening while his thumb rested upon her clit and gently his hand massaged at her warm, soft skin. However, he did not penetrate, allowing his hands only to please her on the outside while his lips dragged against her's and he hesitated, breath splaying across her lips, always a mere touch away from kissing.
"What would you like to know?" he whispered, fingers itching to be inside.
OOC: Yep, totes mature...
A coy look passed over her face. She was enjoying herself -- and immensely -- but the games were not over yet. She had warned him she was not easily captured, after all...
"I want you to teach me," she purred softly, so quietly that he had to strain his ears to catch all of it. "How you like to be pleasured." She could be a very eager student...especially when it would ensure that she would be soon out of danger...
OOC: Still a mature content warning
Then again.. it's Dekka >_>
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Dekka shivered at her words.
There were so many ways he could fucking use to describe what he wanted, aside from fucking her brains out right then and there, that his mind instantly went to...
"Swallowed. Your mouth softly around it, licking and sucking," he purred, his voice husky as his lips began to move to suck at her neck before teeth found their way to her ear.
"Swallow me down, take me in as deep as you can go."
Hell, if he could't fuck her, might as well have her eat him up. At least inside her mouth would be hot and wet. Then again, how far would these games really go? If only he could get her intoxicated enough in the heat of the moment...
yes...
there was always hope for that. But he'd settle for a good fucking blow job if this is what it takes to get her to pleasure him. ANd gods, did he ever need her.
OOC: Obligatory maturity warning!
Compared to the ninnies at Court, he wasn't all that hard to manipulate... Then again, he was a man, wasn't he? And with a title like the King of Thieves, it should not be surprising his ego was as easily as stoked as his manhood...
Her smile was sweet in response to him, proving just how unopposed to the idea she was...
"Like this?" she asked sweetly as she lowered herself into the water. Her hands wrapped lightly around his length, running gently over the unfamiliar texture. A moment later, her head disappeared beneath the water, and her lips sealed over his penis.
OOC: Still mature 8D
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Dekka was in a daze. This scene was too surreal, and the thing that snapped him out of it was when her mouth sealed over his member. His eyes went wide before quickly lowering as he shivered under her ministrations.
"G-gooooods..." Her mouth was so hot and wet around him, she'd be able to feel his hard on pulsate against her lips as a hand moved to rest on the back of her head, gripping lightly into her hair.
OOC: Obligatory maturity warning!
Kathryn was new to this particular art, but she took to her study with curiosity and a willingness of which a true lady should have been ashamed. Although she couldn't hear him, she took his hands on her head to be a good sign that she was doing something right...
...In spite of her enthusiasm, however, there came a time when she had to breathe, after all. She released him, reluctantly, slowly rising out of the water to take a breath. She shot him a wicked grin as one hand replaced her mouth, and the other settled against his chest. Still kneeling before him, she pushed gently on his chest. "Move back."
Even a foot behind him, the floor naturally sloped upwards enough that she would be able to do this properly...otherwise, his pleasure would be punctuated by the occasional interruption.
OOC: Yeppers, peppers, this thread is still mature! Slapping on another warning label!
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When she resurfaced for air, Kathryn didn't have to ask the King of Thieves twice to move. With a half-lidded nod, he obeyed her, teeth gritting as he shivered with pleasure.
This was all he needed, all he cared about in the moment. The raging storm outside was nothing compared to the raging fire that hardened his cock as her mouth sampled him. Gods, if she wasn't careful.... he'd find a way to make her his, first. Lady obligations or not, he had the hots for Kathryn.
Then again, there was always something about 'things he shouldn't have' that drove the King of Thieves to be exactly what he was. And he smirked down at her, but said nothing. The light flush on his cheeks indicated how much he approved of her ministrations, and also, how hard his cock was as it itched to return inside her.
OOC: Obligatory maturity warning!
Her eyes remained fastened on his as he stepped back -- and as her mouth lowered to taste him once more. Kathryn had no idea what he liked -- or what to do -- but she was a curious girl who didn't mind experimenting with her lips and her tongue...and she watched him carefully, gauging his reactions to see what he enjoyed the most.
And she wanted him squirming and helpless to her charms...
Whenever she seemed to find something he liked, a glint shone in her eye -- one that looked, just a little, smug.
OOC: The continuation of 'adult themes' continues here. MATURE CONTENT IS AFOOT
|8*
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Dekka was infact, helpless beneath her ministrations, her tongue making him the most vulnerable as his cheeks and body heated into a flush. Groans and moans echoed around them, and as her tongue hit his most sensitive spot, his hips began to move lightly to fuck inside her mouth.
"Gods..." he breathed out, fingers gripping into her hair. Her mouth was so soft and hot and tight. Skilled or not, the fact he had a duke's wife to be to do his bidding made him extra sensitive as he was already leaking cum into her mouth. The build up would be intense, his shaft stiffening and aching as she lapped at him.
Gods, he could become a slave to this. And his hips continue to move, breath hitching before his hands gripped tightly into her hair as he came hotly inside her mouth.
OOC: Obligatory maturity warning remains in effect.
Kathryn was patient...and incredibly pleased with the results of her efforts. Once he was through, she ran a thumb over the corner of her lips to clean herself. Then, rising, she pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his jawbone, just beneath his ear.
"Maybe next time," she murmured softly, "You can teach me something else."
Her grin was impish and knowing as she stepped past him, rising unabashedly from the water to pick up her clothes. As lovely as this had been, she did, after all, have places to be and people who would be searching for her...
Dekka was a puddle of goo, and remained laying reclined against the rock walls and the waters, even long after she had dressed. Did that really just happen? Either way, he felt as if he could sleep the rest of the day away, that was, until her words caught up to his brain as he grinned and rose up from the water.
Splashing away the sweat on his body, he splashed his way over towards the edge and found his own clothes, stumbled into them and as he was buttoning up his shirt, he gestured towards her.
"Ladies first," and gave her a knowing grin. He'd have to take her up on that offer, later.
"I think the storm has let up," she answered, watching him dress even as she wound her long blonde hair back into a braid. There was little reason to be modest with him -- not after what they had done over the past few days. Her clothes were still sodden -- there hadn't been time enough for them to dry, and particularly not so in the moist cave -- but she paid them no mind at all.
"You should probably wait in here a bit," she added. "Just so you don't blunder into anyone..." Who knew which ways the hunting party had scattered? She trusted that few would find this little cave; it was not so easily viewed, and few would realize its depth.
"Try to stay out of trouble, Dekka," she murmured, knowing, of course, that he would not. With one last laugh, she moved confidently towards the mouth of the cave and back out into the rain. Taking a moment to get her bearings, she began to walk in the direction of her parents' estate.
The storm had devastated the lands. A tornado had torn out trees, sucking them out by their roots, or breaking them clean in half in a chaotic path. Not a man was in sight, but even through the drizzling aftermath of the rain, the voices eventually came clear over the mountain side.
ANd one voice quite familiar-
That of Duke Calent.
"Kathryn!" his voice came out, clear as the barking of a dog. And not even a moment later, his horse rushed into the valley, it's hooves splashing into the over flowing stream before he paused to observe some movement upon the hillside. ANd it was there he saw the wet and matted form of his fiance.
Giving a quick kick to his horses side, he was beside her in minutes and quickly dismounted.
"Lady Kathryn!" he called, approaching her without reserve. "Are you alright?" And there they stood, the future Grand Duke of all of Connlaoth and his bride to be, captured in a moment in the falling rain as his horse chuffed behind him and pawed at the soaken grass.
A gloved and muddied hand touched Kathryn's forehead. Was that a trace of blood? And for a moment, it seemed as if hte cold-hearted duke was showing the world, this woman... some concern, even as the presence of the fallen forest lay in heaps of snapped wood-sharded debris.
The sound of her name caught her attention quite suddenly, but before the girl could answer, Calent himself appeared. She knew she looked worse for wear -- for several reasons -- and so it was an honest blush that appeared on her cheeks.
"Well enough, Duke Calent," she answered humbly. "I'm so sorry. I must have frightened all of you terribly." And she did feel a bit bad about that... They were no doubt frantic, while she and Dekka were all cozy and safe from the storm...
"Evoric grew frightened when a tree was struck beside him. I was thrown and..." Well, there was no sense in going into too many details. "I think I must have slept through the worst of the storm."
Her eyes moved over him, taking in his clothing and searching for any sign of injury. "And you? Are you well?"
Calent digested her story before nodding towards her, his green eyes never leaving hers.
"Angsar must have blessed you. A few of the men were killed, and we have yet to find your father."
Then the question about himself, he frowned. "I fair ok. Now that I know you're safe, we can continue looking for your father now."
And as if on cue, Duke Harold came laughing over the hillside, arrow at the ready as the stag leaped into the air. The arrow sunk clean into it, and the animal was downed.
He was galloping through the valley below them, paused only a moment later to turn around and observe..
"Ah, so that's where the pair of you went. I should have known better than to allow my newly engaged daughter on a hunt with her betrothed," he teased, then as he tucked his bow away he gestured towards the stag.
"But it seems I've won this hunting contest."
And if his jesting was right, Calent might have won another...
Then again, Harold was a trusting man, and he was only glad to see both his daughter and her intended, alright and safe after such a storm.
"Did you see that cyclone? It was almost bigger than our castle in Highheart!" he reported.
Leave it to her father... It was little wonder Kathryn and Valia were the way that they were!
"Congratulations, Father," she answered him warmly enough, although there seemed to be some exasperation -- or was it embarrassment? -- as well. And who could blame the poor girl that?
Audric dismounted off his horse smoothly, his boots splashing into the mud at their feet. Poor girl indeed! As he had done with Valia, he swept his cape off and around the girl's shoulders. It was not dry in the least, but it would provide her with some much-needed warmth. She seemed far too calm -- and it made him wonder if she was going into shock...
And he could scarcely ask Calent to do the same!
"Take my horse, my Lady. I will not be able to return directly myself anyway." No, there was at least still one man missing that would have to be found before he could go back... He glanced questioningly at Calent, wondering if the man would choose to escort his bride-to-be back or if he cared to linger in the woods... Should it be the latter, Audric could always send the girl home with a guard. Her father, after all, seemed eager to show off his prize -- a prize won, very nearly, at the cost of his daughter's life.
There was some hesitation, but after a short debate, Duke Harold was to escort Lady Kathryn back, and Duke Calent- he was to remain with Audric to scout for the remaining. Though Duke Harold's humor remained ever present, a spark of seriousness had come out as the group was parting. PLacing a hand upon Calent's shoulder, he spoke, saying, "Duke Calent, I could have not asked the Gods to bless a better union for choice on my eldest daughter. Thank you for keeping an eye on her. We shall see you soon in order to prepare for the wedding." And wiht a grin, Duke Harold was off, daughter in tow on a long journey through the wet wilderness to travel back to HighHeart; that of which a series of questions directed towards Kathryn ensued- and a conversation that eventually went back towards the stag he so 'eloquently' slain at the end of the wild storm.
Once the two were out of sight, Calent's eyes remained lingering upon the spot on the mountain they had disappeared. He had been elated she was alive, but as quickly as they had been reunited, she was taken away. It was a strange feeling, and it left him partially empty, and also curious as he continued to stare.
Audric glanced at Calent's face, holding in a chuckle as his lord's bride-to-be was led away. He'd never thought he'd see the day when Calent looked at a girl that way. It was nearly the same face he wore when doing taxes.
(And who would ever have thought that comparing a girl to taxes would be a good thing?)