Spirits of the Earth

Sixteen. She was turning, sweet sixteen. Though the girl was hardly sweet, and wanted to pretend to be a lot older than she mentally was.  Valia, the youngest daughter to Duke Harold of Highheart, was tapping her foot impatiently inside her room as her corset was fastened as tight as it could possibly be, giving her the smallest waist in all the land, and enhancing her ever growing 'assets'.

But she had quite the temper, and her cheeks was flushing as pink as her dress, which flowed about her body in lacy layers, like a cake. She finally stopped tapping her foot and turned towards her maid.
"Are you done yet?" she snapped. The young maid was taken back. Valia had been on her third new servant that week, and her patience was growing thin. It seemed she might be going on her fourth new recruit soon if this maid didn't pick up the pace. "One thousand brush strokes should not take this long! Now, where are my earrings? Hurry up and fetch them."s he prodded, pinching the maids arm angrily as the maid simply was staring at her in fear. "I said hurry!" The maid rushed off, stumbling through the jewelry drawers while Valia grew angrier.

"They're the gold ones! The ones with the pearls ad pink diamonds tiering down from them- REALLY!" she huffed and whirled around, yanking open the bottom drawer of her jewelry box and snatching them out, dropping a few other earrings carelessly along the way. "Here!" she shoved the earrings into the woman's hand, then dropped herself into the vanity chair and lifted up her hair to expose her ears. "Now, hurry! I don't have all day!"

As the maid stumbled to get the earrings in, Valia glared at her through their reflection in the mirror. It was taking too damn long, and when the woman went to hang the matching necklace and accidently dropped the thing about four million times, Valia had enough and slapped her hard across the girl's face.
"Can't you do anything right? Get out of my sight right now before I have you hanged for your insolence!"

The maid, terrified, flew out of the room in tears. Huffing, Valia picked up the necklace and rushed to her doors and thrust them open-
"DADDY!"s he wailed, her voice echoing across the massive gilded hallways. "DADDY! I NEED YOU RIGHT NOW!!" she screamed, stomping her foot.

Today was meant to be perfect. It was her sixteenth birthday party, but so far, it was nothing but trouble.  She knew the guests would be arriving shortly, and as she stormed across the hall, she peered over the railing of the grand staircase, her eyes coming across the draping leis of light pink flowers that hung down from the ceiling and the pink rose petals splashed across the floor.  The entire place was glittering, the normal gold accents of the room adding a romantic quality to her family's castle. And despite it being gorgeous, she looked well past it and screamed out again, "DADDY!" her voice echoing down the staircase.

Where was he!? Why wasn't he coming at her call? Would she have to wear out her lungs well before her party to get to him? No matter, perhaps she'd have to handle this herself as she snatched onto her skirts and rushed down the long, curling broad pair of stairs, following along the rightward path.  The servants were just finishing lighting the candles on the chandeliers, and lacing them with the same light pink leis and strings of pearls. One was pulling at the rope, hoisting up, up and away as the room was quickly cast in it's golden glow.  Valia was only irritated by this, pushing her way through the servants and screaming again once she realized her father was not there.
"DADDY!" she screamed again, then when she noticed a pair of servants look her way, then over towards the balcony window, she stormed over towards it in a rage.

"L-Lady Valia! Please, do not go out-"

But she wasn't about to listen as she thrust the doors open, storming outside and looked down over the gardens to see- with a gasp, the most beautiful white horse she had ever seen- and the father standing right beside it, leading it towards the stable. Some of the hair on the horse had been died a soft pink color and pink ribbons adorned it's mane. But Valia hardly cared for the horse, nor the details as she screamed out his name again-
"DADDY!"s he wailed, and her father turned towards hr, giving her a lop sided grin.

"Why, Valia! This is a surprise! It looks like you've caught me red handed!"
Valia angrily held her breath, chewing on the inside of her mouth as her father pressed on. "You seemed to have found out one of your birthday surprises. How do you like him? He's quite the beautiful animal, is he not? And he's all yours, Valia. Happy Birthday, my dear!"
Valia had done just about enough chewing on her cheek as she screamed out, "DADDY! I DO NOT CARE ABOUT A HORSE! THE NEW MAID I GOT IS A FOOL AND I'VE SENT HER AWAY! OH, DADDY!" she wailed, flying don the balcony side steps and over to him. "It was horrible, simply horrible! She could barely get my earrings in and my necklace!" she held it out angrily in her hands. "She couldn't even get my necklace on as her foolish hands were so shaky! I demand another maid at once! How am I to prepare for this evening if I'm not even fully dressed?"

Her father, taken back, but quickly smiled at his daughter and pulled her into a partial hug as his other hands held onto the reigns of her horse.
"Now, now, my dear. We will get you a proper maid, do not fret. I'm sorry that Annabelle did not work out for you. But say, chin up, my girl. You already look stunning. But please, do take a look at your new horse! It's a champion breed, the finest in all of he land!"
Valia, only somewhat sated by her father's compliments, held another hot breath as she glared over at the horse.
"I guess it is pretty, but what am I to do with it? You know I'm not a fan of riding. Will it be one for my carriage?"
"Landsakes! NO! We shall teach you to ride more proper. I know you've never taken as well to horses as your sister-"
"That's because I'm NOT my sister!" Valia snapped. Her father went silent a moment and slowly nodded.
"Well, there are more gifts to be had. Come on in, my little love bug. I've got more things to show you. But first, let's see to that maid of yours, hrm?"
Valia rolled her eyes, but obliged. After all ,there was the incentive her father had mentioned she'd be getting more gifts. And these gifts better damn well be more handsome than that horse. A HORSE! Of all of the damned things to get her for her birthday! If anything, her father should be working at hunting down a husband for her, not some animal!

But soon all of the preparations were in order and the carriages began to arrive. Valia, at her mother's judgement, wore her hair up that evening, which was quite a feat in itself, considering how long her flowing golden locks were. But she looked much older and wiser beyond her years, something even Valia appreciate din the moment. She had to wonder how many handsome knights or dukes might be at the event. After all, she couldn't stand the idea her sister was to marry one of the wealthiest dukes in the land. She would have to score one for herself, or, at least find one who was twice as handsome- though she would have liked to settle for a man that was twice as rich, as well. Though it would be hard pressed. After all, her sister was engaged to none other than Duke Calent himself. And she couldn't help but become anxious and worry over if her sister was to attend this event or not..
After all, the last letter she received did not have her making any promise. It always seemed there were always reasons in getting in the way. This Duke Calent she was to marry was already consuming so much of her life, and the two weren't even married as of yet!  Sighing, Valia pushed herself across the crowd and stole a drink. She knew the guests would be arriving soon, but a little bit of champagne never hurt,a nd after downing nearly the entire glass, her mind was a bit bubbly, a little more than tipsy, and she felt more able to handle the rush of people that were soon to come. Taking her place beside her mother, the massive doors were opened as the first set of guests began to arrive.

The party had begun.

The carriage felt terribly crowded, but perhaps that was just Gabriel's nerves getting the best of him. Or maybe it was the overbearing presence of his father sitting next to him. His two sisters, both younger and older, sat on the seat opposite them. Evelyn was glaring out the window, probably wishing she were anywhere but here. Lillian, however, was singing softly and swinging her feet happily. He couldn't help but smile at his little sister, with her golden curls and enormous green eyes she was going to break a lot of hearts when she became old enough to marry. And he was going to have to break a lot of necks.

The entire ride he'd been staring out the window, and the whole of the trip his father had been lecturing him non-stop. Every hour that passed he could have sworn that carriage got even smaller. It must have been the fifteenth time his father had repeated the same exact speech. He thought he could probably recite it in his sleep by now. 'Everyone is to be on their absolute best behavior. We want to impress the Duke and his family. Gabriel, you are to be an absolute gentleman to the Lady Valia, she's a very eligible young woman and she won't be without plenty of suitors. Make yourself stand out. It could be a good match...' It was endless.

"Father, I heard you the first fourteen times, I think I've got it. Just promise you won't start wedding plans yet?" He chuckled good-humoredly.

"I'm sorry, Gabriel. I just want the best for you, and there isn't a prettier maiden in the entire kingdom. I know looks aren't everything, but the duchy of Highheart is a good one, and you know her older sister is set to marry Duke Calent of Allar! You could certainly do much worse. Now, I know there are rumors that she's a bit demanding..."

"Demanding? The words I heard were bratty and spoiled. And I knew] it! You just want me to marry the sister of Duke Calent's future wife." His emerald eyes sparkled.

"Now that is not true! Lady Valia really is supposed to be quite fetching. Perhaps she's a little spoiled, as they say, but why shouldn't she be? She's the daughter of a duke. She could have her pick of the young, eligible men that will likely be at this party, but we need her to want you."

"Maybe I don't want her? I'm only seventeen, father, honestly. I think I can wait a few years before deciding on a bride. For the love of Ansgar, she's only just becoming old enough to consider marriage today." Honestly, for as much as he was protesting, Gabriel didn't sound or look all that upset.

"You're impossible, child. Stop arguing with me and do what you're told. Besides, I need to see to it you've got a proper wife before I'm too old to enjoy my grandchildren. Especially since your sister seems too stubborn to find a nice husband and give me any."

The look Evelyn gave their father could have withered the very flowers, Gabriel thought with a laugh. At twenty his sister should have been married and with her first child by now. She was pretty enough, but with her face always looking so sour, it was no wonder the men didn't approach her. They were probably intimidated by her.

"Besides, I've heard the young lady was gifted by Ansgar with a very impressive set of..." Micah coughed suddenly, not finishing his comment.

"Daddy almost said breasts!" Lillian squealed in delight, giggling manically.

Gabriel groaned and softly smacked his head against the side of the carriage. This was going to be a long, long evening. Lucky him, the carriage had just pulled up. A few of the guests had arrived, but they were one of the first. The wagon behind them was filled dozens of barrels of sparkling apple cider; a gift to the family, which the servants promptly began unloading.

Stepping from the carriage he turned immediately to offer Lillian his hand and she bounced down with a childish glee. His little sister adored parties. One of the servants brought him an ornately gilded chest of a dark wood and inlaid with gold scrollwork. The box itself was impressive, and a bit heavy, the gift inside was downright extravagant, as his father had insisted it be.  He felt absolutely ridiculous.

The party was ready to begin and his father lead the way, Gabriel brought up the rear, his sisters would present their presents first, saving his for last. They were properly announced as they approached, but the only thing that Gabriel could register at first was the sheer amount of pink. It was everywhere.  Lillian presented a beautiful pearlescent pink rose, it was in a pink pot; they were the roses his mother had grown in the gardens of their castle. Evelyn's gift was a string of pearls.

Finally he stepped forward and bowed, somewhat awkwardly with the chest in his arms. When he straightened, he shifted his burden to one arm and lifted the lid to reveal the gift. It was possibly the most extravagant gift Gabriel had ever seen, let alone given. Within the chest, resting on pink silk was a golden tiara, inlaid with sparkling pink diamonds.

"Lady Valia, the most beautiful piece of jewelry I could find and still it pales in comparison to your radiance." It wasn't necessarily a lie, she was quite as beautiful as his father had promised she would be, and it took an effort not to gawk at her considerable cleavage. Apparently his father hadn't been exaggerating about that either!

Arriving first were the Coleridge family. It was probably ages since she had interacted with this family, but had heard they had a son about her age who was a knight, or knight in training, or some such, so, at least for her, she had something to be excited for, but gave somewhat of a soured look when the sister's moved forward first. She did her best to hide it, but it was obvious the girl wasn't nearly as happy as the pink colors all strewn about, and had forgotten she had wanted to try oogling the son of this family until he was right before her. Yes, she had been too distracted about the simple rose and pearls for a gift (since they were rather disappointing gifts, to say the least, for she knew her sister would have gotten an entire rose GARDEN and perhaps even an entire DRESS made of pearls- but, she wasn't Kathryn, now was she?) , that when the intricate box was presented to her, she blinked. Staring down at it, she tilted her head and furrowed her brows angrily when the lid was suddenly clicked open-
and inside lay the most beautiful tiara, sparkling and lovely with it's pink diamond settings.

It was only then she lifted her head, pink eyes taking int he strong hands, the strong neck and shoulders, then the most handsome face of a man she had ever seen. And found herself staring at him, pretty pale pink lips gaping like a fish.

He had unruly gold hair that lay about his face, framing brilliant green eyes that she (so cleverly) wanted to believe were sparkling because of her.  And he was handsome with a strong jaw, framed with some sort of beard hair about his face that made him seem more clever, more older than he ought to be. Though she enjoyed men without beards (after all, they tended to tear at her skin when kissing..), this one looked rather charming on him, and she liked the idea she was having trouble guessing his true age. Was he 18? 19? 20?

She blinked again, realizing she was staring as she gently closed her lips, then threw her nose arrogantly to the air and accepted the gift with a bow.
"You are most gracious." But she spared him no more words than that as she remained rigid and nodded to him, expecting him to move along in line as the next set of guests began to arrive behind them, lining up for their turn to pay their respects to the royal family and the birthday child.

Yes, she would have to keep tabs on this one as the night transpired. His hair already looked like the pair had been romping in the hay. And if she played her cards right, perhaps the pair would? At least now she'd have her own stall or two because of the dumb white horse she had gotten as a gift. Really, what was her father thinking!?  She would have to talk to him about that later. Really, wanting to teach her to ride better? Whatever for!?

Gabriel had never felt more scrutinized in his entire life. Lady Valia seemed to be taking in every detail, sizing him up and measuring his worth. His emerald eyes did sparkle, though, as he watched her, careful not to let his eyes wander places they shouldn't. Whatever judgments she were making, the lady seemed to like what she saw, if her parted lips and wide pink eyes were any indication. As she came to the realization that she was staring he couldn't help but grin as she closed her mouth and arrogantly dismissed him with a few curt words.

He let his eyes linger on her a few moments longer; they were warm and laughing eyes, before he gave a polite bow and followed his sisters away. Gabriel grunted softly as his father clapped him on the shoulder with a grin and muttered a few words of encouragement. After that he found himself disturbingly alone. His sisters had dispersed to find other women of their own ages to gossip with and his father had gone to mingle with the older men. No doubt he'd try to get in a few words with Valia's father. Gabriel would need to impress him too, if he wanted a real chance of becoming acquainted with the extremely pink, but very attractive birthday girl.

It took him only a moment to hunt down some champagne for himself. Idly he wished for something stronger, but most of all he wanted more of his peers to arrive so he could mingle with the young men of the other duchy and hopefully avoid getting himself into too much trouble. Not only that, but Valia would not be the only eligible young lady here tonight, and he would be all too eager to distract himself with a bit of harmless flirting.

His wish was quickly granted when someone he recognized made their appearance. Derrick was twenty, short, and was just a bit on the pudgy side, but the man knew how to shoot and ride. Plus, he was accompanied by his willowy sister, Rachael, who was also seventeen. They were from a less wealthy family, but they had enough to warrant social desirability. He waited patiently for them to present their presents, and then they immediately joined him, Derrick was grinning from ear to ear.

"Glad to see my father wasn't the only one intent on delivering some cruel and unusual punishment! Girl's parties are always such a bore. At least we can keep each other company? I bet there are going to be some really pretty girls, though, so that makes up for it a little..."

Gabriel smiled politely at Derrick, letting him go on and on about all the girls they could discreetly leer at during the party. His real attention was on Rachael, who kept eyeing him appreciatively. He'd known them both since they were children, but it had been a few years and he and Rachael had both done some growing up. He noticed she was certainly more developed than the last time he'd had the pleasure of her company. Gabriel found her pretty, not stunning, as Lady Valia, but certainly pleasing to look at, and as he and her brother spoke about women, hunting, and business, she would find excuses to touch his arm, looking up at him while batting her eyes.

Ah, father would so not approve...

The guests arrived, and it was well over an hour affair of standing there and waiting for gifts to be presented, one family (and occasionally one person) at a time. But Valia, chained to her position, begrudgingly would courtesy or offer a hand for a gentleman to kiss, or this or that. All in the name of propriety.

Though she itched all over to be free of this restraint, to just stroll amongst her guests and wow them with her femininity and charms. She at least had that going for her- and a nice developing figure to boot.  But Valia's charms were normally vain and had to do with flaunting her body, rather than brain, and let the men remain to think she was nothing more than that- something simple, but someone willing to listen to their heroic stories, and their own charms.  Men liked that, and it was why she had so many crowding around her. Birthday or no, when she was old enough to openly flirt, she did so, and it caused quite a stir. Though her sister used to chastise her, telling her not to seem too eager, she hardly cared and continued to keep at it.

Now having herself a swarm of men all about her, she batted her lashes, pressed together her cleavage and gave a simple twirl of her finger into the few loose curls of her hair. But as the night went on, she began to wonder whatever had become of the Coleridge boy. What was his name? Gavrelle or something?  She had been well distracted for a time, and was only reminded of him when a man resembling him, though far less handsome, had become the center of her flirtation. And this man was huge. So tall and clumsy in his manner, but handsome enough she supposed. But he was positively blotting out her range of vision, and beginning to hoover over her in an almost possessive manner that made the number of men crowding around her, shrink.

This man was some young Captain of the Guard, or some fancy title like that. She had stopped listening since for the past half an hour- or was it an hour?- it was all he ever talked about and her patience was wearing thin. I twas only after a time that she finally pressed a request- for him to get a drink- so with the man off and away, she sighed, thrusting out her fan and began to flutter it beside her face. Her eyes, now idly scanning the crowd, fell upon the handsome blonde boy from earlier.

Oh, so that's where he was hiding.
And the way he was smiling at the woman on his arms made her blood crawl with ice. She glared daggers at him, pink eyes growing poisonous so when the General, or captain (or whatever he was) returned, she was taken back, and when he presented her with some wine, she smacked it angrily out of his hand.

"I wanted the strawberry wine. Do you not know anything?"
And the tall man just stared at her. Valia gave a huff.
"I need some fresh air."s he pressed. "By myself." and she whirled away from him excusing herself and storming out onto the balcony, the cool air hitting her as she folded her fan and dropped it to her side. As much as she was enjoying herself , in the same breath, she was not.
Her sister had still yet to arrive (if she was even going to) and all of the men who fussed over her were stupid and borish.

What did she care about politics and the military anyway?
Sighing, she leaned against the gold paint on the carved balcony railing and peered down boredly at the gardens. She needed to think of something fun to do and fast. Maybe she should have kept flirting with those pair of twins from earlier. It might have been fun to play with them both in the gardens...

but even still, her mood was too soured for her to get up and make any attempts like she usually was. And here she was the birthday girl. Sweet sixteen,a nd all she could think of was the soured, wine drink the stupid captain tried to offer to her. Seriously- didn't he know any better?

More and more guests arrived, and as they did, more young men and women joined him; especially during the long procession of arriving guests presenting their gifts. Most came long enough to exchange pleasantries before drifting away again. Gabriel watched as the party quickly divided itself into small groups. The thought amused him; mostly they would all mingle with their immediate allies and friends, while being little more than polite and courteous to the rest of the guests.

As the evening wore on Gabriel had one constant, which was Rachael practically hanging off of his arm. While he remained polite and smiling, he found her constant flirtation tiring. Her coy and demur advances weren't going to sway him. Not that he disliked her, far from it, she was a good girl, but not for him. His father would never have allowed it, for one thing. Her position in society was just too low for such a match to be gainful in any way to his family.

Not to mention he kept stealing glances towards Valia. She really was stunning to look at. Of course, once she finished accepting presents and was free to mingle catching sight of her became nearly impossible with as many men as crowded around her. Gabriel refused to be one of them. She was beautiful, certainly, but he wasn't going to be fawning over any girl like a complete scoundrel, although he noted her shameless flirting. No wonder the men flocked around her.

Keeping tabs on Valia through the evening, it was hard for him to miss the sudden commotion. Apparently she had slapped a glass of wine right out of a guard's hands when he'd tried to offer it to her. Not a moment later she had dismissed herself in a huff. He really wasn't sure what to make of that, but the man in question had certainly had been hovering about her for a time, so perhaps he'd been getting a bit too forward with the lady when his affections weren't wanted.

Prying himself away from Rachael with hasty excuses, which were not well-received, Gabriel fetched himself a glass of wine, and one also for Lady Valia before heading out onto the balcony. For several moments he stayed quiet, just admiring her as she leaned against the rail looking down into the gardens. Putting on a dazzling smile, he walked up to stand next to her at the balcony, looking down at her with a twinkle in his eye.

"I had overheard the Lady requested strawberry wine." He offered Valia the wine, hoping to get a slightly better reception that the poor guard had. "I hope that the fairest maiden would grant me the pleasure of her company."

Valia assumed she'd be bothered by one of her admirer's sooner or later, though was a bit surprised when she turned around and found herself glaring back at the Coleridge boy- mouth open ready to cut him down.
But then her eyes went wide, her cheeks going as pink as her dress color before she flattened her lips and simply stared at him. She had almost not heard what he spoke, but in the same breath, she caught it all- it just took some time for the words to catch up with her. Blinking, her face softened somewhat as she stared down at the drink-

And was surprised to hear him mention it was strawberry wine. Her eyes shot back to his, staring at him for a time. His choice of words were like that of any of the other men who tried to get her fancy, but his words made a bit more of an impression. Her heart fluttered lightly within her chest, but did not deter her from setting her jaw and lowering her eye lids at him skeptically.
"I am rather fond of it, it's my favorite drink, after all," she informed him with a sniff. "And yes, I suppose you may entertain yourself at my side if you wish," she said, waving her hand in the air,t hen realizing she was still carrying her fan, she hung it's rope around her wrist and reached out to the offered wine and took it.

She took a dainty sip (though she really wanted to just inhale the whole damn thing) before she swallowed it down polite and slow, while taking him in with her eyes, nice and slow.

"So your family owns lands with many apple orchards?" she didn't know why she brought that up, and inwardly kicked herself for such a lame way to begin a conversation. She should have started with his green eyes, but found herself stumbling over more direct things to say to the man now that he was well within her clutches- yet.. he was still so far away. "Come, why don't we go see where they've taken those gifts you have brought. Cider might mix well with strawberry wine." And having to sneak off to the cellar to get to it might be a rather fun adventure, too. Yes.. this was definitely more where she'd like to lead the conversation. They could have a fun time down in the cellar. Her smile perked up, as did her um.. other things, as she leaned a little nearer towards the young man and waited silently for his reply.

At first Gabriel wasn't sure if he'd made the right choice, the look on Valia's face when she first turned to face him wasn't exactly welcoming. However, she seemed to soften, just a bit, when she realized who had come and that he had brought her the wine. He particularly enjoyed the wide eyes and blush that kissed her cheeks.  Again he couldn't help but think that she was quite lovely to look upon. Not that looks were everything, but they sure didn't hurt. Gabriel wanted to be attracted to his wife when he married one day.

For the second time that evening he felt her scrutinizing gaze and had the feeling that it was likely not going to be the last time she observed him so keenly. Gabriel was not an arrogant man, but he was confident. He knew that his family was wealthy, that his looks were appealing, and that he was quite eligible. With a duchy secured in his future, well, there would likely be more than one woman wishing to wed him for political reasons, if nothing else. It made sense for women to be sizing him up. Just as it made sense that his green eyes surveyed her appreciatively, and not at all shyly either. He was admiring her and didn't care if she knew it. That was the point, wasn't it?

A slightly triumphant grin crossed his face as she took the wine and consented to his company. She seemed to be stubborn about something though. Gabriel took some pleasure in trying to decide in his own mind what she was thinking. It would be fun to find out if he could accurately judge her opinions of him. So far he was fairly confident that she found him attractive, but that was about as far as his mind had managed to decide on.

As she took a dainty sip of her wine he couldn't help but grin again and raise his own drink to his lips, being polite and taking only a sip. Gabriel was not drinking heavily, couldn't go making a fool out of himself, now could he? Especially not at such a large social event; one where he was trying to scout out potential brides. He'd tried to think of a conversation starter, but Valia beat him to it and asked about his family.

"Oh, yes. Our duchy is, I believe, one of the largest producers of apples in the kingdom. Apples and cider aren't exactly exciting, but the orchards are beautiful when they are in bloom. Perhaps you could visit while they were and I could give you a personal tour." It would be a very interesting prospect, if he could convince her father to allow it. Perhaps the duke himself would like to visit?

Gabriel had kept a proper distance between their bodies, and he raised a brow questioningly as she suggested they go find the casks of cider his family had brought. They would have been taken to the cellar, he knew, and they had no escort, it wouldn't exactly be proper to go wandering off too far alone with her. If they were spotted sneaking off, well, tongues tended to wag when there was a juicy piece of gossip to be had.

It was a struggle to keep his eyes from lowering past her face as she leaned towards him and her chest became more pronounced. He was afraid her impressive assets were in danger of becoming exposed. Her dress was indecently low-cut. He knew his green eyes were a bit wide, and his face probably held an expression of disbelief. Just as he opened his mouth, there was a bit of a commotion from within the party. They had announced that the music and dancing were to begin. As the birthday girl, Valia would be expected to be the first to dance.

A grin once again took over his features; he took her hand and held it to his lips as he bowed. "The offer is enticing, but would you give me the honor of your first dance of the evening?" He straightened up and offered her his arm, like a proper gentleman. "I will admit that I had started to worry I wouldn't get the chance to have a moment of you all to myself, so perhaps after a few dances, when our absence would be less noticed, we could go look for that cider?"

(OOC: Lol, he should totally not be promoting her horrible ideas XD )

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Valia blinked. She was dumb struck, even as the music began to play and she knew she was chained to these obligations, though it softened the blow from her other wise scandalous idea that was thwarted by fate, but she was ok with that. After all, the handsome young man just asked her to dance.

She wasn't sure how to smile, or knew how she was smiling as she simply nodded and accepted his hand.
"I would be delighted."
And her pink eyes twinkled, excited that the man gave her hope for some more fun later... after all, it seemed, from his wording, the two were on the same page, and this sent a thrill of excitement through her, fluttering at her heart and tickling down through to the tips of her fingers. Then, hand in hand, the pair moved out into the center of the dance floor, one hand to his hip, the other secure within his hand as they would remain poised, Valia's eyes locked upon his gaze- the same deviously playful look as she wore before plastered about her face...

and then the dance begun.

One, two, three.
One, two, three.

A waltz, and a pretty one- for a maiden so fair-
a traditional song of Connlaoth to play at a coming of age party for a woman-
one about love from an older man who had been waiting his whole life for her and how fate made this day perfect for them to finally proclaim this growing love.

Valia knew the words, most nobles did, for they'd sing them in parlors and in carriage rides somewhere. Valia did this a lot growing up-
and for the first time in her life, she wanted to believe the words that fate made this day-
and perhaps made this day for her and Gabriel.

She knew not the obligations of being a wife, just that if her sister were marrying, she was next and that well, she supposed if she were to be stuck with one man, she might be very well off staring at him until he was old and grey- though she never considered that either could turn old..
naturally, being so young and beautiful, she believed it would last this way forever- as her heart and imagination was caught up and away with the music.
Yes, she would be very ok perhaps being stuck with a handsome husband like him someday.

(OOC: Haha! But it will be all the more fun later! They are on totally different pages right now about this trip to find cider. xD)

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The evening was going perfectly. Truly, Gabriel could not imagine things going more smoothly in his favor. As she accepted his invitation to dance, he led her inside, to the center of the dance floor. Valia was the most radiant young woman to grace these halls, and she was the birthday girl, to have her at the center of attention was only fitting. To have them, together, as the center of attention, would be making a statement; although he would not dream of trying to outshine her. He doubted he could even compete.

As all young men of royalty, Gabriel had been well-taught in all levels of society, including dancing, which was expected of him at such occasions. The irony of the first waltz to be about finding love was not lost upon him, and he hoped that perhaps it was an omen of good fortune to come. As he twirled Valia about the dance floor, they were met with looks of envy; Rachael glared and sulked, refusing invitations to dance by other young men. Gabriel noticed none of it; his entire world had shrunk to the two of them.

His green eyes sparkled playfully; his smile was itching to turn to laughter. Yes, this was turning out to be quite a wonderful evening indeed. Here he had caught the eye of the loveliest girl he had ever laid eyes upon; thankfully he had not yet experienced her temper firsthand. The night was still young, however, and he had suggested they retreat quietly and alone once the evening wore on. Gabriel certainly hadn't forgotten about that, and wondered what he had been thinking in suggesting such an outrageous thing. Of course, they had been thinking of very different ways of spending that time alone together.

The song came to an end and he found himself reluctant to stop dancing. Both because he enjoyed it, Valia was a graceful dance partner, and because he wished to prolong the closeness he felt they were beginning to develop. However, he dutifully paused as everyone clapped in appreciation of the first dance. Now it would be perfectly acceptable for other eligible young men to attempt to cut in to dance with Valia and he really didn't want to give her up!

Smiling his brilliant and charming smile, he leaned down to softly speak in her ear. "If I could but keep you all to myself I would! It would be terribly impolite to refuse to share your attention, however. Please do not forget that you offered to find some cider with me later." With that he stepped back, so that another could step in, if Valia so wanted.

(So tired, but I felt like posting XD and I wanted to post something earlier but got busy~  and sorry that this post is short D:)

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Valia reveled in the moment. She had always dreamed of her coming of age party, and so far, despite some souredness in the beginning, things were finally heading in the right direction. Gavrin.. Gavrel.. Gabriel? Whatever his name was, the Coleridge boy! He danced divinely, and like himself, she was drawn to him, but, perhaps for different reasons. And she too, would not forget such a promise (she was a hard woman to drop a grudge, too..)
So when the music ended and he bowed and moved to step away, she stepped forward before another could cut in, raising her brow at him inquisitively.
"But why not? I am the birthday girl. Why not have another dance with me?" and already she had her hand upon his wrist, her eyes foxish and her nose to the air.
What did she care about ALL of proprietorial laws? It was HER party.
She was going to dance with him if she wanted to!
Stepping forward she curtsied.
"That is, if you'd be so kind to oblige my request?"

And he had better, lest he also full victim to Lady Valia's wrath.

Gabriel didn't really want to stop dancing with Valia, it had simply been the right thing to do to give other young men a chance to ask the young lady to dance. So when she stepped forward and seized his wrist, her words were not at all unwelcome. He grinned at her curtsey, bowing humbly in return. "I merely wished to be polite, but how could I possibly refuse such a request? If it is the lady's wish, then I am but yours to command."

Green eyes laughed silently as he stepped forward again, putting his free hand on her waist and moving to grasp the hand that had so grabbed his wrist. Even when dancing there was expected to be a certain distance between the dancers, but Gabriel pulled Valia lightly against him with a grin. Already he knew that there were going to be whispers about how taken they were with each other, but he didn't really care. Let them talk. His father had been pushing him to speak with Duke Harold, but now Gabriel knew for sure that he wanted to of his own accord.

The music began again, another traditional coming of age song about growing up, about duty, honor, and tradition. As they danced he leaned his head down to once again whisper in her ear, soft enough to not be overheard, but enough that she would be able to hear him over the music. "Since you seem to be unconcerned with doing things the absolute proper way, I wanted to tell you that I intend to ask your father's permission to court you, but only if it please the fair maiden."

Normally a man would have spoken to her father to gain permission, with little regard for whether or not Valia wished to be courted.

Despite how free spirited and untamed Valia was about boys, her cheeks gave way to a ripe blush when Gabriel moved closer to her as they danced. She felt her heart do a tumble, thumping heavily a few good times in her chest as they moved about the dance floor. She could feel her hands sweating beneath her gloves as her body melted away within the moment, only to be brought back as she shivered when he whispered into her ear.

Permission to court her? She felt dizzy for it, her mind whirling over the idea. It was the first real time someone was allowed to ask for such things (though she had been out with boys before, and each time was scandalously delicious- after all, who needed permission to flirt, kiss and roll about in the hay?)
She wasn't sure how to respond, and found herself feeling awkward.
Did that mean she was limited to just one man courting her if it would be approved of her father openly? She wasn't sure if she'd like that. After all, it was much more fun to sneak around after dark....

So, Valia did something that was very Valia of her. She simply gave him a coy smirk and leaned in closer and whispered back into his ear.
"I could consider it. The idea is not repulsive, but..." she smirked. "I'll have to let you know before the evening is over. Ask me then to see if my mind is made up."

Because yes or no just wouldn't do, and perhaps she could give him an answer after their little romp in the cellar.
After all, why court a boy who might kiss horribly? She stared at his lips a moment, wondering how they'd taste. But oh, would it not be scandalous for her to just kiss him infront of everyone? Her pink eyes went to his, shimmering with mischief.

Gabriel loved the way Valia looked when she blushed, even more he loved that he was the cause of that blush. As well brought up as he may be, the Coleridge son was still a young man, and was not immune to the hormones that all adolescent males had to contend with. Since the moment he'd arrived, Gabriel had started shamelessly flirting with Valia, and admittedly with other young women at the party, but now he was determined to enter into a courtship with the beauty that was pressed against his chest as they danced.

Many courtships ended in a marriage proposal, after a respectable period of becoming familiar with their potential bride. It was a huge step to make. So when she whispered her response into his ear, while slightly disappointed, he could understand her hesitation. Keeping his head lowered, he replied softly. "Of course, take the evening to consider it, but please don't keep me waiting too long, I fear a woman as fair as you will not remain without many suitors for very long. I only hope that I can win your heart over any other."

Perhaps that was laying it on a little too thick, but Gabriel wished to do as his father wanted, and also he found himself more and more liking the idea of eventually taking the overly pink lady as his wife. She was gorgeous, and they would produce very beautiful children. He had truly begun to worry that she might find a more appealing suitor.

As his green eyes gazed into her mischievous pink ones, however, he couldn't help but feel just a little bit hopeful. Valia could have any man in the room wrapped around her finger in a heartbeat, but she seemed to have chosen him for the time being.

The game was on.  Now that she had Gavrel.. Garnel... Gatrelle? Whatever his name was, Coleridge, within her clutches, she could spend the evening working at getting him to become more or less her slave. She would make him beg for that courtship if it killed her. After all, it would be fun to have her future husband eating from the palm of her hands...
and who knew? Maybe, if she was lucky, she'd learn a few lessons about him when she took him up on his offer to travel down, alone and unescorted, to the wine cellar much later that evening.

For now, the dance had ended, and she obliged him the best she could.
"I will try to be prompt in my reply," she said, grinning as mischievous as a fox before curtsying and pardoning herself when another dance partner approached.
"It has been lovely,"S he told him, lifting her hand for him to kiss before she took off and danced with many other men that evening that her legs began to feel like noodles. She finally took a rest, disappearing amongst another sea of male admirers as she enjoyed a few drinks of strawberry wine. And she was quite happily floating on cloud nine.
She was drunk. She was surrounded by men- all laughing and happy and seeming to be employing thoughts of courtship about her- though none had been so bold as the Coleridge boy to openly state it. She had come to wonder where Gabriel had gone.

That was it. His name.. wasn't it? Her mind swirled a bit beneath the bubbly feel of the alcohol. Where had he gone anyways? And was he jealous and yearning for her attentions? he had better be, or she might change her mind about the cellar and snatch up somebody else. After all, her hormones were coming on full swing, as was her flirtations, and maybe of the men nearby her had some trouble keeping their eyes on her face.

Gabriel was reluctant to let Valia go, but he kissed her hand as she curtesied and excused herself. It would have served no purpose to argue or cause a scene, and so he watched as she took off dancing with other men. He was surprised by his own jealousy. Valia did not belong to him, not yet. That thought did little to comfort him and certainly didn't make him want her any less. What he was getting into, he had no idea, but sooner or later he was going to find out that there was a lot more to the young lady than what met the eyes.

Actually, as the evening wore on, his mood just seemed to sour. Most notably because it seemed every man was fawning over Valia and not being at all shy about leering at her. Also, she didn't seem to mind the attention at all. Why she should not enjoy being paid attention to, he couldn't say for certain. Perhaps the sheer level of attention, or the nature of it. He hated how the men's eyes, not excluding his own, kept moving down to her cleavage.

Rachael had found him again and tried to simper on his arm as she had before. Gabriel waved her off in annoyance. She was becoming more than a little annoying, and she kept trying to flirt with him, more than he should like. A few coy smiles, that was fine, but hanging off him like she owned him was more than he could take. A few more glasses of wine steadied his nerves somewhat as he watched Valia dance again and again.

He thought to try to cut in again, but the sheer number of men trying to dance with her made it hard to even get near her. Finally she had stopped dancing, only to drink. Gabriel kept a keen eye on her, and noticed that she seemed to have consumed more than her fair share of wine. The fear of a less than noble man taking advantage of her in a disoriented state crossed his mind and he finally pushed his way past the other men.

"Lady Valia," He bowed and offered his hand. "Would you indulge me in a stroll with some fresh air?" Gabriel had drunk a bit more wine than he had originally intended, but he was still steady enough and his voice did not slur.

Whirling around at the sound of the voice, she was taken back that Gabriel had found her. But she quickly smirked and accepted his hand. It was as if on cue that he had returned to her, and her grin grew even smugger as she took a few more daring steps nearer to him so that their bodies were almost pressed.

"Some fresh air would be lovely. This room has become quite stuffy and overcome with guests." Stepping away from her hoard of men, as if they meant nothing to her, she nodded to her 'rescuer' and hooked her arm into his.  "Then perhaps we could check out that fresh cider in the cellar." She added, her eyes drinking him in and wondering how long it would take her to get her hands beneath his shirt... and pants.  One fun thing about nobility were the layers- though they were cruel in these such games, it added to the fun and somewhat dangerous frustration in the game Valia wished to play.

"Very stuffy." Gabriel grinned as Valia looped arms with him and he lead her away from her crowd of suitors, no doubt to some of their displeasure. That thought alone brightened his mood. He had her all to himself again, which is exactly how he wanted it. If this was the girl he was going to court, then he certainly didn't want to share her attention. Hope still bubbled in him that she would agree to it. Of course, he could always just ask her father anyway, but he really would rather Valia want him than try to press himself upon her.

Once they had broken away from the party a little, his eyes glinted playfully as he let his eyes roam over her again. Gabriel felt only slightly guilty that he'd been silently condemning the other men for doing the exact same thing. With him it was different, though, he assured himself. "Now about that cider..."

The cool air outside was refreshing to her skin, but she was still flushed all over from exertion, that- and she was drunk and quite content to be hanging onto this handsome man's arm. She did note the way he eyed her up, but feigned ignorance. After all, she did like that sort of attention, and he'd get a better view later when they had some more private areas to themselves.
As they walked, she idly fanned at her face, but when the man brought up the cider, she smirked. Perhaps they should just cut right to the chase. She leaned in, her hips hitting against his side as she whispered, "If we cut across the gardens, we could come in around to a side door,t hen slip through the kitchen and be down there before anyone would notice we are gone."s he informed him, her own eyes still sparkling at the prospect.

He had no idea. And Valia planned to be ruthless in her assaults, her mind bubbly and floating freely from the alcohol. Ah yes, this day would turn out to be just as fan as planned, if not..a nd she played her cards right, even better.

As badly as Gabriel had wanted to have Valia all to himself, now that he had her alone as they walked through the gardens, he was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. They had both consumed probably a little more wine than they should have, and just being alone out in the garden was a little inappropriate. They weren't even officially courting yet.

Of course, Gabriel wasn't stupid, he knew plenty of things he could be doing with Valia once they were safely tucked away in a private corner. Connlaothian noblewomen were expected to be virgins on their wedding night, the men had no such stipulation, and as long as they were discreet, no one called attention to it. He'd kissed a few of the young maids, practiced his charming ways on the young servant girls, but they were not ladies. He couldn't very well go kissing her in some corner without causing a stir.

Didn't stop him from wanting to, though. Surely Valia's lips would be far sweeter than any silly maid. He grinned at her directions and changed course, heading for the cellar. If there was no risk of being caught, and she was willing, then there couldn't be much trouble in few harmless kisses. He was confident that they would be entering into an official courtship before the night was over anyway.

"I'm really glad I came to your party, Lady Valia. Although, there should be a lot of wine down in the cellar, so now that we're free of the rest of the party, maybe we can have a little party of our own." Green eyes were gleaming playfully, mouth twisted into a lop-sided grin. That was perhaps the most indecent suggestion that had ever crossed his mind, let alone spilled out of his mouth. Yes, definitely should have switched to water a few glasses ago.

Valia was enjoying their little stroll, and the fast pace walk the two had to endure to get toward the cellar just a little bit quicker. Occasionally, she'd toss a pink-eyed glance over her shoulder, to see if anyone was following, or watching- though she was hardly paying attention, just going through the gesture with a giggle. Though at the Coleridge boy's suggestion to have a party of their own, her eyes gave off the most amazing sparkle imaginable- one that burned with hormones, giddiness, and lust.

"There would be indeed, an endless supply of wine and fermented fruit juices to savor. Perhaps we could dip into some of the more potent, strawberry wine my father had been saving for my sister's wedding. I'm sure they wouldn't miss one bottle's missing."s he pressed herself ever closer to him, taking in his scent, his smells, that of which sent a thrill through her as she rubbed her breasts, pressing them into his arm. She was glad the man was implying an evening of fun, for it would be horrid to get down to the cellar for him to hardly be on the same page as she. And so she took his hand, guiding him deeper into the bowels of the castle until the pair were in the cold, dark cellar, with not even a candle to light their way. But it did not matter. This was the fun part, not being able to see, as she began to grope her way into the darkness, giggling and pausing after a moment before she turned around, a hand going to his face, the other dragging him against her so that he was pressing her against a shelf full of wine as she held onto him fierce and kissed him with such a hunger, he'd be able to feel the fires of her passion through that kiss-
that, and her hand more or less was gripping onto his ass tightly and forcing his body to grind against hers. And it wasn't just a normal kiss. No.
Their first kiss Valia added in her tongue- all of it, shoving it right between his cheeks as she used it to seek out and wrestle naughtily against his.

Gabriel grinned at her confirmation that there would indeed be more wine. What he'd had so far had already impaired his judgment, but that just made him think that more was a good idea. Because logic. Especially drunken logic. As she pressed close to him and led him down into the darkness of the cellar he couldn't help but laugh softly.

Without so much as a torch or candle being lit, it was impossible to see, but after they entered the privacy of the cellar he didn't need to see anymore. The feroicity of the 'attack' was enough to draw a startled gasp from him. All he could do was feel, and what he felt was scandalous, but that didn't quite register with his alcohol-addled mind.

What Gabriel did register was Valia's body being pinned between his and a shelf of some kind, a wine rack perhaps? He didn't care. Her passion only fueled him as he sank into the kiss eagerly, one arm moving around to pull her tight against him and the other sliding down to grasp her hip. If he had been thinking clearly he would have bolted from that cellar and to the relative safety of the party, but he wasn't thinking. All he could do was feel, and damn, but it felt good.

Valia wasn't about to let this moment pass. She clung to him and seemed to suck the life out of him like some sort of monster, hungry, needing, feeding on her desires through him as she continued to aggressively kiss him, her hands wondering down his back, but then swiftly moving to the front where her gloved hands began to fumble drunkenly over the buttons of his suit as she turned him around and pinned him viciously against the wine rack now, inadvertently breaking the shelf as the entire rack of glass bottles smashed onto the ground around them- but Valia seemed not to notice, even as one of the cooks from upstairs called down into the cellar.

"Hey- who's down there!?"

Valia only giggled and gripped onto the lapels of Gabriel's suit. If he thought a bunch of broken glass would stop her- he might have another thing coming, if anything, it made her more ferocious, more aggressive as her teeth sunk lightly into his lips before her tongue was crammed right back into his mouth, body pressing against his yet again.


Courtship..
Maybe.
Mating? Perhaps the pair would get lucky in the cellar tonight!


OOC: Lol, Valia is so horrible XD

Gabriel had fallen into something of a drunken stupor, filled with lust. At first Valia's aggressiveness didn't really impact him. Obviously neither of them were thinking clearly, or else they wouldn't be in the position they were in. It was so scandalous that once he'd come to his senses he might never recover from the shame. If they were caught surely both their reputations would suffer. Her as a harlot, him as a skirt-chasing womanizer, or worse.

It was that fear of being socially disgraced that started breaking through the alcohol haze in his brain. Especially as she roughly shoved him against the wine rack, causing bottles to spill and shatter. The sound was enough to pull his mind and make it actually take a look at what they were doing. At the sound of the voice yelling down a panic almost set in. They were both about to be ruined! His father was going to skin him alive.

For whatever reason, the severity of the situation didn't seem to register with Valia, perhaps because she was drunker. Her tongue was in his mouth again, and though only moments before he'd been all too eager to kiss her, now he could only think about getting away from her. His body wanted her, that was sure, but his brain knew that this was not the time or place. Valia should only be doing this in the privacy of her own marriage bed.

His hands reached up to try to push her away, pulling himself up to his full height to escape her lips. Large green eyes blinked owlishly as he realized that his hands had ended up on her considerable chest in his effort to create space between them. Gabriel could not move, his body froze as he became overwhelmed by the entire situation. Here he was ruining his chances of getting Duke Harold's permission to court Valia.   

"We are going to be in so much trouble when our fathers find out about this."

Valia only giggled at his words.
"I know!" She said, silencing him with another kiss,t hen she gave a laugh, kissing him again. "Isn't it exciting?"

"Who's in the cellar?" The cook heard voices, their shadow stretching down the cellar steps before they made a sigh, grabbed up a butcher's knife and began to descend. Almost getting caught was always the fun part, and she wasn't about to have her fun ruined just yet. Taking Gabriel by the hand, she dragged him away from the broken glass.
"Come on. There's a back passage that leads to the rest of the castle. We can escape through there." And before he might know what she was up to, both of them seemed to disappear into the shadows of the wall, and they'd find themselves in a very narrow path that crept up alongside the cellar walls and would spiral up in long, seemingly unending stairs as Valia lead the way, one hand to her skirts, the other onto Gabriel's hand and a smug grin stretched across her lips.

"Come on, we could sneak back to the stables this way or-" she paused at the top of the steps, a smile stretching across her entire face before she spun around. "Or we could head back to my room!" she said her entire being drunk and flushed.
Oh.. she never got to have any real fun in her own room....

"Exciting?" Gabriel wasn't sure that was the word he would use to describe the fear of being caught. A scandal could ruin everything, for both of them. Reputation was everything. There was no denying that his heart was racing, but if that was her only definition of exciting, then no, no it wasn't. It was terrifying.

A moment later he was being dragged, and he followed her eagerly. Escaping detection was right up there on the top of good ideas. Of course, Gabriel was amazed he was even capable of making a good decision tonight considering all the bad decisions he was making. First bad decision was to agree to go anywhere alone with Valia. Second was getting drunk.

Gabriel stumbled through the dark passage, keeping a tight grip on Valia's hand. How long had they been away from the party? How long before people noticed they were gone? They stopped at the top of the steps and he blinked as he was offerred two options on where to go. "Your room?"

Oh he was in way over his head here. "Valia are you trying to get your father to put my head on a pike?"

She was the most beautiful, wildest girl he had ever met, and Ansgar curse him but he wanted to go with her. What they were doing was positively sinful, but it felt good to break free of the strict social constructs with her.

Valia only laughed at his words, seeming not to have a single care in all the world.
"Of course not. That would only happen if we got caught," she seemed to purr, her cheeks as pink as her eyes.  She grabbed a hold of his hand and began to pull him towards her room, only take a few steps before she heard someone coming from that direction. A breath caught within her throat and she whirled around and began to push Gabriel back.
"Change of plans. Let's head to the stables!"s he said, grabbing him roughly by the hand and pulling him along as they raced down the narrow halls, and were soon spilling out into the scent of wood and manure. God, she hated the smells of barns and animals-
but if it were the only decent place to run away with a hot boy....

Before Gabriel would know what was going on, she had him pulled against her again as her lips met to his, her hands moving all about his body while fussing over the golden buttons of his shirt.
At least, she deduced, if they WERE to get married, he was a rather good kisser...
And as her tongue began to explore mercilessly against his, her kisses intense, she had to wonder, as she held onto the back of his head and kept him in real close, what else could he be good at?

Gabriel silently prayed to Ansgar that they weren't caught. The amount of trouble they would both be in was astronomical. Either his chances at courting Valia would be completely dashed, or he would be forced into an engagement. Arguably the second would be getting what he wanted anyway, since the entire purpose of the courtship was to eventually gain her father's permission to marry. Socially and politically speaking, it was a fine match, but Valia was also gorgeous, making her a very fine choice of bride. Love was inconsequential; everything else they needed was there. Love could come in time.

Valia seemed intent on dragging him to her room, whether he was willing to go or not, but there were voices and he found himself shoved back into hiding and then being hauled along to the stables. Gabriel didn't put up much resistance. Physically he wanted everything Valia was offering him, he couldn't deny that. Morally he knew what they were doing was wrong. It was an extremely frustrating position to be in. Add in the alcohol and the lines became blurred even further.

They reached the stables and Valia was on him again. She seemed insatiable, demanding, and so different than any other girl he had fooled around with. All the girls he had toyed with had been more than willing to let him take the lead and dictate the situation. Not Valia, not at all. She was definitely the one in charge here, and Gabriel helplessly relented to her whims.

She was trying to undress him, he should stop her. Gabriel didn't care. He surrendered to the lust, returning her fierce kisses with abandon. The pleasant fog of drunkenness was threatening to consume him entirely as his hands roamed over her body, fumbling with her dress, trying to find how to loosen it. How the blazes did women get dressed and undressed? It must have taken at least two maids!

"Gods!" Valia shouted, growing impatient as she huffed and abandoned her own mission on the buttons of his clothes and began to work at hiking up her own fluffy, layered pink skirts. "Just.. just move them out of the way, there are too many laces to remove to get the damn thing off," she said, lips meeting hastily with his as she growled. As if they'd have much time to do this the proper way! Half their clothing could stay on so long as she got to have a little fun, and that's what she was aiming for.
But just as she was lifting up layer after layer, she heard a noise that startled her and let out a gasp, stumbling onto the ground and inadvertently dragging Gabriel on top of her. Their heads painfully collided, but after a minute she blinked and realized Gabriel was on top of her-
Oh,... well this was sort of what she wanted, she smirked, somewhat dreamily in her drunken ambitions but then she heard the noise again and looked up, just in time to see her new white horse staring down at them and she opened her lips as if to scream-
It was, after all, a terrifying sight to behold in that sort of lighting at night.

Gabriel wasn't thinking clearly at all, he shouldn't have been trying to take off her dress, he shouldn't be moving it out of the way either. If he had good sense he would have told Valia that they were being insanely stupid and would have went back to the party, with or without her. But alcohol clouded his good sense and his hands moved to help pull up the layers of skirts as she kissed him fiercly again.

Then something happened, he wasn't even sure what had happened, but they were on the ground, he was on top of Valia, his head throbbed slightly, he realized they had bumped their heads together while falling. His green eyes moved up to blink at the horse, then looked down at Valia as she opened her mouth to scream. Gabriel knew that he couldn't let her scream, if she screamed someone would come running, and with her screaming and him on top of her, well, it would look really, really bad.

He crashed his mouth to hers, this time he was the one kissing aggressively, hoping to muffle a scream if she couldn't stop herself. Stupid horse was going to get him into all kinds of trouble. After a few moments he withdrew from the kiss, leaning down to kiss at Valia's neck and murmur softly into her ear. "Just a stupid horse. Do you want to stop?"

OOC: Some mature content cause Valia is a horrible, horrible girl

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Did she want to stop!? Of course not! Rage scorched through her blood, as did passion. After all, his kiss had been powerful and intoxicating and her hormones were raging, crying and screaming to be sated. Grabbing him by the half unbuttoned collar of his shirt, she dragged him away, collapsing into a nearby hay stack as her lips met hungrily to his again and again.

"What an ignorant comment!" she barked, pressing her lips against his fiercely as she twisted her face to one side.  "Why would I want to stop?" Her pink eyes went to his,a nd they were brewing with rage and lust, her hands still gripping onto his clothing, her cheeks still glowing pink. "Now get ontop of me and show me what it means to be a man!"
She had waited her whole life for this moment, to finally let herself go all the way with a man. And Gabriel Coleridge was as handsome as any, those charming green eyes, the messy toss of his blonde hair, and the feel and look of his skin as she continued to work at his clothes. Once all of the buttons of his shirt were dealt with, she smoothed a hand across his chest, still kissing him, lips unyielding as she moaned.
God damn gloves!

She worked at taking them off, biting into the tips of the fingers and pulling, then tossing them carelessly aside. Now her hands roamed across his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin against her own as she pushed open his clothing and let her hands slip down his stomach, heading south.
And it didn't take long for the girl to find her hands undoing the last buttons of his pants before she grabbed onto the rim of them, hands tense and threatening to pull them down. But she hesitated, lips meeting hungrily and almost sweetly to his.

For a brief moment, fear chilled through her. Would it hurt? Would they be caught? What was it like? Would it be like those almost times before? Would she be able to walk afterwards? Would they make a mess? Would everyone know? Would she have to marry him afterwards? Would this ruin her family? Could they do this again?

And it was the fear that drove her to do it, her breath hitching at the back of her throat, her skirts still hiked up, though she spread her legs, guiding him to rest between them- and even though both parties were still mostly clothed, she found herself moaning and moving as if in the act to try to make love, she grinding upwards and pressing her hands onto his backside so that she could feel the swell that was threatening to spill out from his pants and take her.

Ah... sweet sixteen and somehow still a virgin!
What would her sister say to that!? To find out she had lost herself on her birthday evening- and in the stable no less! Ha! Kathryn's wild stories about a romp with the elusive 'King of Thieves' would seem tame compared to Valia's tales of running around wildly with the Coleridge boy.
And she had many plans for this if she liked where it was going-
after all, if he courted her-t hey could have fun each time they met..
In the gardens, int he study, in the library, in the cellar, in her room...

Oh, how scandalous! And it would make it all the more satisfying-
too bad for her, the almost sex part made her scream-
and she was moaning out, begging him and breathing him in as she captured him in a wild kiss.
"Gods, make love to me!" she shouted, holding onto him fierce, her hips still rolling beneath him. "I want to know how it feels! Show me that you are a man and make me scream!"

And Valia had no clue, except that a flame was set between her legs, her entire body on fire and she wanted nothing more than to have Gabriel Colerige fuck the living daylights out of her in that stinky old stable-
Too bad she was being rather noisy, and her breath hitched suddenly, hearing voices-
"Gods.." she held onto him suddenly, breathing against his lips. "Someone.." but she still kissed, still moved beneath him with need. "I think someone is coming.. we need to.." but she was only kissing, still kissing as her heart raced within her ears, hands still working to peel off his clothes. "We need to hide.. Gods, make me yours. Right now before I scream again."
But the sound of foot prints alerted her that they might not ever get that far-
someone would find them and find them soon. But fear and lust made her want this all the more, and reason had been thrown out the window. And if she didn't get some Gabriel Colerigde between her legs soon- as she had threatened- she WOULD scream! And let all of the duchy of Highheart hear it!
Thankfully the haystack they were laying upon was rather massive and recently stocked. If she was thinking clearly enough- oh but she was... and she gave Gabriel a tug as she began to squirm and sink deep inside the stack.
"We can hide in the hay," she panted, pulling him with her, swimming, stroking, pushing about the hay. "And while they're looking for us..." her teeth nibbled at his lips, her world soon becoming swallowed wiht the itchy warmth of the haystack- but Gods above!
Would it not be something to tell!
"You'll have to try to keep me quiet- Gods, Gabriel..." that was his name, wasn't it? Gabriel Coleridge!
She was going to have sex with Gabriel Coleridge! She could have screamed at the mere idea of it, but instead, she simply breathed hotly against him as the pair disappeared inside the stack of hay- just in time as she stilled suddenly, hugging Gabriel to her at the sudden clapping foot steps of boots on the stable floor.

"I thought I heard something," came a voice.
And Valia giggled, nearly snorting as the pair of them were tucked neatly away. Gods, this was so much fun. And as the man- or men, rather, began to look around a bit, her lips began to suck and nibble at Gabriel's neck. He tasted sweet, and smelled of musk and hay and animals and sweat. Mmmmm... what a treat.

During their shuffle haphazardly into the hay, she had somehow managed to slip off her panties, which, while they were trying to hide, she suddenly pressed the silky, pink laced things into his hand.
"What are you waiting for?"s he asked, breath hot on his ear as her tongue moved against it. Her fingers then moved to grip his pants, sliding them down; all the while there were still men walking through the stable- while the two teenagers were just about to get it on.

OOC: Very mature content going on here kiddos, no peeking. Scram. Vamanos.


--------------------------------------------

Asking Valia if she wanted to stop might have seemed pointless, and Gabriel hadn't really thought that she would want to give up now, but he'd felt compelled to give her the chance to turn back. What they were about to do was risky for not only their own reputations, but the consequences could reverberate through their entire family and the reputation of their families could be damaged. Even worse, there were more than reputations at stake. Not that Gabriel could coherently think of all these things at that particular moment, but even in his drunken haze he knew that they were about to do something extremely serious, with potentially very serious consequences.

Before he knew it he was sucked back down into the warm embrace of lust and passion, kissing eagerly as her hands work on the rest of his shirt. His own hands were not idle, pushing and pulling Valia's skirts so they were bunched up around her hips and only a small amount of fabric still protected them from succumbing to their sinful desires. He was between her legs; her moans drove him wild as her body moved against him. Valia's words seemed almost an effort to provoke him. His clouded mind was a surging need that he had not quite experienced before. Also immense frustration as men approached the stables, looking for them.

By this point, even the threat of discovery couldn't have dissuaded him. Valia would not be his first, but he wanted her more than he'd ever wanted a woman. Perhaps it was because he wasn't supposed to have her, not yet, not without the proper ceremony and procedure. They wiggled into the haystack, Valia's panties were pressed into his hands and she asked him what he was waiting for as she pulled his pants out of the way. It was the moment, now or never.

Gabriel took Valia's lips in an aggressive kiss, to muffle their moans or any outcry Valia might make at losing her virginity. They were both sufficiently drunk and certainly ready for it as he bore down on her. He groaned into the kiss as he moved inside of her. This was a night he was never going to forget, that was for sure.

Oh there were too many words to describe the feeling. As her frustrations and dreams were sated beneath the heat of the haystack, it only took a few minutes before Valia's lips were no longer repressed by Gabriel Coleridge's and suddenly they were being pulled apart. It was hard to discern what happened after that, but the two were brought before her father in a private room and the party since, disbanded.

"But daddy-"
"No, buts, Valia," her father said, giving her a stern gaze as he drew a hand down his face. "What were you thinking!? My dearest, youngest, sweetest child! Of all the things to do on this day of days, on your birthday!"

Valia was only beginning to feel the weight of the circumstances as her neck grew stiff, and she, less drunk as she stood more awkward before her father- straw still lightly strewn throughout her skirts and hair.
"But Daddy, we were only-" Valia tried again, but her father would hear none of it as he approached Gabriel, glaring at him reproachfully, his entire face red.
"And you, young sire, to think I've heard many good things about you from your father this evening. What do you have to say for yourself!?" He shook his head. "I would have considered a proposal of courtship, but now this.. no, no. There is only one thing to be done for such an occasion -a nd that's the immediate acceptance of an engagement. "

Valia's eyes went wide. Engaged!? She turned to Gabriel, her face flushing even hotter.
"But da-"

"But these can be discussed once your parents arrive." he gave both a stern look, though his eyes were even harsher on the man who dare deflower his daughter in such a scandalous way, on such a scandalous day, in such a scandalous location! Oh, he should have kept better tabs on her. He knew something about the way his youngest daughter acted.. but even her father, Duke Harold, was not prepared for the full force that was his daughter Valia.
He shook his head, and when there was a knock at the door, Duke Harold gestured and called out, "Come in!" still shaking his head about this dirty business. He could strangle this Coleridge kid if he could! Gods! His youngest daughter was going to give him a heart attack!

Their minutes together were blissful, but short-lived and ultimately their act unfulfilled. Gabriel was dragged along beside Valia, after hastily fixing his clothing to be decently buttoned back up and Valia's skirts had been put back down. Straw and hay still clung to them both, their clothing and hair. Had the drunken haze not lifted at being caught, Gabriel would have been wildly dissatisfied and angry at being interrupted. However the situation was remarkably sobering now.

He stood there and wanted to shrink down, to simply hide or fade away completely. What in Ansgar's name had he been thinking? Out of all the stupid, foolish things he could have done! He had let alcohol and his baser urges override his common sense. This scandal would ruin him, his family, Valia, her family...if they could keep it under wraps and not let it get out the situation might be salvageable. To some degree. Well, bitterly he thought that his father was going to get his wish!

Rather than cower, he kept his shoulders square and looked straight ahead, not at Valia, and not at her father. His face was flushed in embarrassment, for sure, but his jaw was stubbornly set, though his green eyes were highly troubled as he clasped his hands tightly together behind his back. His father was going to be so angry with him. Thank Ansgar his mother was dead, because this would have broken her heart and he would not have been able to handle the shame in her face. He could only imagine what his sister's would say. Would this hurt their chances of finding good husbands?

Gabriel shifted slightly as Duke Harold mentioned that an immediate engagement was the only solution. He'd expected that would be the case. One thing was for sure, hopes of having a good relationship with his father-in-law were dashed to pieces, at least for some time to come. Perhaps eventually Valia's father would forgive him, but he wouldn't hold his breath on that. He kept his mouth shut, though, not wishing to dig a deeper hole for himself.

There was a knock at the door and as soon as he was given permission, Micah Coleridge swept into the room. The man shared a good deal of his looks with his soon, he was older, his face had lines of age and his blonde hair was speckled with grey, but his green eyes sparkled as sharp as a youth. He'd been working on bragging about his son all night, and he came into the room with a jaunty demeanor. When he'd been summoned he thought that Gabriel was to be arranging his courtship with Valia, but the mood in the room turned his cheer immediately into confusion.

"What in the name of Ansgar is going on?" Micah's eyes fell to his son and he examined him with a sharp eye. He noticed the hay on the young couple in the room and his eyes widened in realization. "Gabriel you didn't!"

"Father I can explain..." Gabriel started but immediately stopped, his head falling into his hands in shame. He had dishonored his family. So disgraced them, how could he even look at his father?

"Just keep your mouth shut, Gabriel." Micah turned to Duke Harold. "A hundred thousand apologies would not be enough. My son will make this right; he will take responsibility for this disgraceful behavior."

"I should hope so!" Duke Harold began, moving with angered strides past both Gabriel and his daughter.  "I'm going to be frank with you, Micah. We have our acquaintances, you and I, an amicable relationship. I must say I am appalled we will have a union of families under such.. conditions." Harold shook his head, sighing hotly before looking back over at his daughter, then to Gabe.  "It was brought to my attention the pair of these two had done a most despicable act in the stables. They had been caught, thankfully by my own men and brought here right away." Sighing, he then looked to Lord Coleridge.
"Now I know youth can be foolish, and perhaps we should have kept better tabs on our children, however, today was meant to be a monumentus occasion for Valia. She was turning a woman today, or at least I had thought. But today will forever be known to me, and to this family, the day she brought us shame." Shaking his head, he turned to his daughter. "There had always been the hopes that today she would be engaged, I just thought it might be on happier terms. My only demands over this incident are that the two become engaged, and, just incase the worst had come to fruition from their little time spent in the stable, to be married within a month's time."

"In a month!?" Valia looked horrified, but the look her father shot her scared her into silence. Flattening her lips, she swallowed the knot in her throat, standing there, too afraid to do much else. The severity of the situation was beginning to weigh on her- and it was only then she realized her free nature would be severely hampered upon getting married-a nd getting married to him.

Why couldn't they have just gotten away with it? It all could have been such great fun...

Micah listened to Harold with a stony face; his eyes were filled with a seething anger. He had a lot of things to say to his son, but not now. They would have to have a private talk after this meeting, man to man, or man to boy, as it seemed more like to him. He let Harold finish, nodding his head slightly.

"I came here tonight, I will admit, with hopes that our children would enter into a courtship that could bring our families closer. My son has brought great shame to me this night as well, these are far from ideal conditions to join our families, but I agree that an immediate engagement with a swiftly followed wedding is for the best." No, a bastard child in this instance would certainly be unacceptable. He gave a silent prayer to Ansgar that what had been done had not caused Valia to be with child.

Gabriel had remained silent, face in his hands as he tried to compose himself and figure out what to even say. Finally he lifted his head and looked at both his and Valia's fathers. "Duke Harold, I beg your forgiveness, to bring shame to either family was not my intent, I did not mean for this to happen this way. I wished to marry your daughter, she is most beautiful and headstrong, a fine woman that any man would be lucky to call his own. After tonight I do not deserve her, but I promise to you that I will be the very best husband that I can and will do everything to make her a happy bride."

He trembled slightly, green eyes brimming with tears, obviously shamed beyond words by what he had done that night. Nothing would spare him his father's fury later, but he did wish to at least make some positive impression on his future father-in-law. Less than a month! Few engagements were quite so short, mostly only when something of this nature had happened, even when no one would speak of it outright.

"I would never slander Valia's honor. If we can contain this, no one has to know about what happened. Please, I would keep my bride-to-be's shame to a minimum, never would I breathe a word that she was not a virgin on our wedding night." She had been a virgin just a short while ago; he had taken that from her. It should have been a happy occasion, in their marriage bed after a beautiful and joyful celebration, not with this dark cloud of shame hanging over them. This was his entire fault. He should never have let himself be put in the situation.

Valia's father's face was red at the mention of his daughter's virginity, and the dramatics came out.
"Oh my daughter! My poor, sweet, sweet daughter!" he wallowed, and suddenly Valia found herself being smooshed by her father's embrace. She cringed. Was he about to make a scene?
Thank goodness when he pulled away. Valia felt beside herself, and awkward and stiff as she smoothed down her dress, only to find a moment later her father was taking her hand, then Gabe's. Her pink eyes flared defiantly when her father made them touch, patting the tops of them lightly.
"Yes, this will have to be very hush, hush. But look at the bright side, Valia, you'll have a lovely spring wedding, and it seems your husband to be may very well care for you after all."
Sighing, Harold turned to Micah. "Well, there isn't muhc to be said here since what done is done. The children should wed and we have much to plan. Perhaps each Friday, or Thursday or some such we can arrange personal meetings to go over the wedding plans without delay. After all, Highheart weddings are a big deal, especially when they are of noble and royal blood."


So this was it, Valia thought. She was already to be married off within a month. Oh how the fates were cruel. She was pouting, and obviously so, and stared dejectedly at her skirts.
But then upon seeing the wrinkles and hay, she smirked. Well.. maybe it wouldn't be so bad. She picked up a piece of straw and twirled it in her fingers. Maybe she and her husband could do this all the time? Though then again.. it did bring up the question...
What about.. other boys? Valia had yet to taste the fruits of other labors... was she now to be tied off with.. him?  Her pink eyes lifted curiously over towards Gabe. I mean, the pair didn't even get to finish. How did she knew if he was really good in bed?
At least he was a good kisser, oh ! and listener!


OOC: lol Valia... horrible, horrible

Gabriel had half a mind to point out that Valia was far from what he would call sweet, but kept his mouth firmly shut. No need to draw even more wrath upon himself. No doubt he would take the better part of the blame for the situation, while the greater helping of shame would end up on Valia. Or her family, he wondered if the beautiful and wild young woman felt ashamed of herself for what they'd done.

While she pouted as Harold touched their hands together, his expression was something more akin to resignation. What was done was done. They had sinned and now they would pay for it. Getting caught had been a possibility, and a forced engagement was one of the more likely outcomes. Even if he hadn't been thinking clearly, by letting himself succumb to Valia's demands, he had accepted the possibility of drastic consequences. For fear of causing Harold another outbreak, he stayed quiet as his green eyes stole glances at his...fiancee.

All in all, things could be much worse, he supposed. His father would get him married to the girl of his father's original choosing, perhaps a bit sooner than expected, but there was nothing to be done about the timeframe. If he had to spend his life with one woman, at least he knew that he was vastly attracted to Valia, and she was a bit on the wild side, he was certain his sex life was going to be quite appealing. Still, he knew next to nothing about his future wife except that she was sexually charged and seemed to be excessively fond of the color pink, and strawberry wine.

Micah ran his fingers through his hair, looking older than he was. "Of course, Harold. A wedding is a huge event, there is much to plan and not nearly a suitable amount of time to do it. Gabriel and I will begin arranging for Valia's dowry as soon as we return home, of course. Shall we plan for a wedding here or at Orchy?"

It was then Harold stopped to think. For some reason, he had assumed his duchy would host it, as he was giving away the bride, but no real law dictated this so. He ran hand down his white cropped beard and mulled it over.
"I suppose, if you wish, we could have it here. I think Valia might like to have a closer say on her wedding. That, and her older sister, Kathryn is engaged to the Duke of Allar, and their wedding would be there, so if it's all the same to you, I wouldn't mind hosting my youngest daughter's wedding here." He sighed, hoping the wedding wouldn't ruin Kathryn's plans with Calent but...
well, their wedding would happen much later in the spring. And the flowers here are marvelous. The church in town had planted Valia's favorite trees, which ought to be in bloom at the end of the month. Yes, I think that should be most appropriate of a choice."
He turned to Valia, who only looked up, appearing uncertain at the idea.

It would be nice but..
She still felt so awkward over this thing. Yes, getting married was exciting, but the fact it was going ot be done so swiftly put a damper on fooling around with all of the other boys before mkaing her choice. However... as her eyes slid over to Gabriel Coleridge, she had to admit to herself again, at least she caught herself a handsome man. Maybe they could cause some more trouble, later?

And well, she had to smile a little. To get married before her sister, it felt like she was trumping her. That's what she got! She had missed her birthday party, after all. What was she doing with her time with the Duke of Allar anyways? She couldn't say but obviously her life had been busy. Too busy to correspond enough for Valia's tastes. She should write and visit more, Valia even pressed this in her letters, but it seemed her wishes would go unfullfilled.
Well, it seems she'd probably see her next at her wedding. Or else well..
She'd hate her sister forever!

Micah considered if for a few moments, before nodding. "I think you hosting it will be a fine idea. However, if you are to host the wedding then perhaps an engagement party in Orchy so that the people can meet Gabriel's bride-to-be? She will be their Duchess one day, meeting her before she moves in would be courteous. Although, this is their wedding, despite the circumstances, so perhaps we should at least hear the children's opinions on the matter. Gabriel?"

Gabriel didn't really care about planning the wedding; he hadn't really been thinking he would be getting married for at least another year. Everything had happened so fast that evening he was still reeling slightly from the idea that he would be married in less than a month. He looked up and blinked at his father before glancing at Valia and licking his lips nervously. "Whatever will make Valia happiest, Father. That's all I want, is to make sure Valia is happy with her wedding."

It was the least he could do. After all this, after the hurried engagement, after not being able to do anything else properly, he could at least make sure she was pleased with her own wedding. Perhaps the timing would not be perfect, but hopefully it could still be the wedding of her dreams. He'd never thought much about weddings. All the decorating and planning was something the women got excited over, not him.

The more the conversation pressed on, the more Valia threatened to explode until well, she finally did.
"I don't care about this stupid wedding right now!" she snapped, her words echoing across the chamber like a slap.  "You thrust all of these ideas on me at a moment's notice that it's making me sick!" Her pink eyes were flaring, cheeks going hot as she turned to her father and demanded with an impatient stomp of her foot. "Get everyone out of here! I just want to be alone over the matter! This doesn't need to be decided now and I most certainly will not cooperate if we try to!" Her hands were now in fists at her side. "Let us deal with this later! It's still my birthday and I'm not going to let the rest of my night be ruined by some forceful, boring nonsense over my wedding plans! We've got servants to do that! Do I look like some maid!?"

Her father was taken back, taking a few steps away to observe his daughter who was very readily blowing her top.
"Now, now, Valia, mind your tongue and temper infront of company!" her father scolded, but Valia's eyes merely threatened to broil over as they bore right back into him.

"I will scream and cause a fit all that I want! This is a matter about my own life we're talking about here, not Kathryn's! You can play games with her and her marriage all you want, but this is about me!" she barked, stomping her foot again."ME! ME! ME!"

Again, her father was taken back, uncertain , for a brief moment, what to say, his mouth gaping.

"Valia, this is not about Kathryn. When did you ever think it was?" Really, what was wrong with her? Why was she bringing up her sister at a time like this?

"Oh, come now father, you know it was! Why, Kathryn was doing all sorts of scandalous acts with her fiance and I don't see you rushing her wedding!" the girl pressed.

Her father was again, at a loss of words as he stared down at his daughter, but quickly grew angry, considering their company.

"Come now, Valia. You are being rude. Do I have to punish you on your birthday?" he threatened.

Valia was taken back. What!? HIM threaten HER!? Oh hell no this wouldn't do.
Hell hath no fury like Valia's scorn. Taking up her skirts, she let the rage broil inside her before she suddenly bellowed out the most ear splitting of screams, a scream that cracked the air, tore through it and wavered around like a torrent of echoes and before anyone could do anything about it, Valia tore off, skirts in hand as she rushed clean out of the room.

"Valia!" her father called after her, ear's nearly bleeding from the ordeal, but his feet fell short as he turned back toward the Coleridge family. "I apologize for my daughter's rude behavior. She will be disciplined and this will not happen again. But perhaps we ought to disband this conversation for another week, to let me daughter cool off about things. She has a fiery spirit, the poor girl, but I can assure you she will comply for all our namesake." He bowed to both the men. "Gabriel," then to his father. "Duke Coleridge. Please, let us keep this at a hush. We can announce the wedding tomorrow. We'll say it was at Valia's will, the duchy here will understand, considering they all know her love for flowers and well, she is known for her impatience. But alas, I only wish we could settle these details more quickly, but my daughter is right. There is a more proper time for this." He shook his head. "Shall I see you both out to your carriages?"

Valia's outburst was met with stares of disbelief. Both Micah and Gabriel watched her storm out with wide eyes. A look of uncertainty passed between father and son before Micah took the conversational lead once more. "Quite right, I think it is definitely time we took our leave for the evening. We will see you soon to form more offical plans. For now, I think it best that everyone get some rest and be given time to adjust to this regrettable situation."

Gabriel bowed respectfully to Harold, murmuring his good-byes before hurrying out with his father close behind. It wasn't until Gabriel was back in the carriage and nearly a mile down the road before he finally began to relax again. His head was pounding and all he could feel now was exhaustion and pain. A terrible hangover was undoubtably in his immediate future, not to mention the stress of his upcoming wedding. What the hell had he gotten himself into? It was a miserable thought as he recalled Valia's outburst.

For the longest of hours, Valia was chewing over the events that unfolded. She couldn't sleep, and for that, the next day, she refused to eat, and in fact, for the majority of the day had refused to leave her room. The nerve of her father trying to win back over her affections by bringing her fresh cut pink roses! No, no! Valia's bitterness could not be sated so easily, and the wedding was a constant threat, a thorn in her side.

Eventually, well into the evening hour, she showed her face with just enough time to enjoy supper, of which she ate most the dessert rather than the supper, and gave her father only short, curt remarks. Her father only saw her as being trying, and just let her mope the rest of the day by herself, as Valia took back to her room, mind wondering towards the night before.

Her toes curled at the thought.
She was no longer a virgin.
She smiled, eyes sparkling lightly as her spirits began to perk up. Well, at least her husband would be handsome, she kept reminding herself. But had nothing more to think of than that. After all, she was already planning to do something silly the next day. Why yes! She'd plan to run away! That would show them! That would show them all!

A wicked grin broke across her face, twisting mercilessly as her dark eyes pierced into her own reflection in the mirror, as she guided a silver brush through it.
Yes! They would all pay! They would see how much they missed their precious little duchess to be and would wallow and lament how they wished they had not been so harsh on her and let her have an extended engagement, one where she could meet many illustrious men throughout, then settle in to marry Gabriel Coleridge at the end.

It wasn't that she minded marrying him, it was the idea she would be chained to him, not able to enjoy the fruits of other men's.... labors, as it were. So when the sun rose the next day, the little 'princess' slipped out of her room, climbing down through from her window, which, during half the thing, she began to realize was a very, very terrible idea.

And she would come to find that day might come to breed MANY terrible, terrible ideas.

The trip back to Orchy seemed much shorter than Gabriel had expected it to. His father remained blissfully silent during the trip, and his two sisters spoke together in hushed tones as he drifted in and out of consciousness. His dreamy state was pierced only sporadically by excited giggles from his younger sister. They had been told that he was engaged to Lady Valia. No other details had been divulged and after a quick silencing from their father they had not pestered him with questions.

It wasn't until late in the afternoon the following day that he woke up, blinking and bleary-eyed, confused at finding himself stripped to his small clothes and comfortable in his own bed. Gabriel didn't remember arriving home, or undressing, or climbing into bed, for that matter. No one had disturbed him this entire time and that made him more than a little suspicious. He'd expected a long lecture from his father, but he supposed that it was probably still coming. His father had probably decided to wait until he was good and sober for yelling at him.

With a sigh he rolled out of bed and found his clothes still piled unceremoniously on the floor. Apparently Gabriel had indeed stumbled up to his own room and undressed himself, but couldn't remember. Picking up his clothes to put them neatly aside for the maids to collect for washing, he felt something lumpy and fished something from his coat pocket that set his face on fire with embarrassment.

In the confusion of being caught the previous evening, Valia's panties had ended up in his pocket and they had remained there undiscovered and forgotten. Thank goodness he'd found them before sending his coat to be washed. It would have been impossible to explain that away without getting himself into even more trouble. Putting his own clothes aside he shoved the incriminating evidence in a drawer to deal with later.

Calling for servants, the maids took away his dirty clothes and drew him up a bath before leaving him in solitude again. Once he was cleaned, combed, and dressed, Gabriel made his way to the kitchen where one of the cooks gave him a plate, which he ate, although the food seemed tasteless. All he could think about was what had happened the previous evening. He was engaged to Valia; no doubt the news had been announced to the entire duchy by now. With some luck they could keep from having a highly public scandal, but for the two families it was pretty bad.

Considering the circumstances, Gabriel couldn't object to the engagement or the hasty wedding. It was his own fault for breaking social customs and completely shattering what was polite behavior. Not to mention that it was sinful. He mulled over that thought many times, but the two ultimate things that stuck out in his mind was making love to Valia, no matter how briefly, which had been pretty amazing, he couldn't lie. Again he felt annoyed that they had been interrupted. The other thing was her outburst right before they had left for home. Their families would not accept no for an answer, but what if Valia would come to hate and resent him for this? He hated the idea of being married to someone that despised him.

To be fair, she had been the aggressor, the initiator, but he was the man, and he should have shown more restraint. That brought up another disturbing thought. Had it simply been the wine that made her come after him so fiercely? Did she truly find him attractive? Would she have done the same with another man? The idea of Valia giving herself to another man made his blood boil, but no, she had been a virgin, he had felt it. He was the only man she had given herself to so completely, at the very least. It was something she should have saved for her husband, but now he would be her husband so it had just been given a little early, he supposed.

It was evening before his father called him into his study, and they had a long and surprisingly calm conversation. Gabriel went back to his room that night feeling better than he had thought possible all things considered. Still, he found himself having trouble sleeping. After having slept for most of the day he was restless and there was still too much on his mind for sleep. What crossed his mind was insane, unconventional, and improper, but he couldn't fight the urge, it wouldn't go away.

Rising and dressing quietly, he fetched Valia's panties from where he had hidden them and snuck from his room to the stables. It was late and everyone was sleeping, save a few guards that he easily slipped past. In less than an hour the castle was out of sight as he rode along the road that stretched from Orchy, and eventually branched to Highheart. By the time he reached the castle, the sun was beginning to rise.

He left his horse tied to a tree where it wouldn't be seen and slowly he slipped through the gardens, searching for Valia's room. There might be a way to climb up. Gabriel's heart was hammering in his chest, every small noise startled him. If he got caught Valia's father was going to be even angrier with him than he already was, he was sure, but he found he didn't care. More than anything he wanted to talk to Valia, and return her panties, of course.

Finding her room was even easier than he thought it would be. She seemed to be trying to climb down from it! His face was obscured, he'd worn a hooded cloak and his mouth and nose were covered by a scarf. Having people seeing his face as he rode through was something he had wanted to avoid. It was only a matter of time before his father realized he wasn't at home. Sneaking off wasn't going to sit well with his father at all, but he had been in enough trouble already that a little more wasn't going to hurt.

"Going somewhere?" He called out, keeping his voice low and husky, perhaps even completely unrecognizable. Also keeping it quiet so as not to draw unwanted attention.

Wearing pink heels and climbing down the side of a building as a mistake. Thinking the lattice work and vines would be easy peasy and would carry her weight with all of her skirts and hair- another mistake. But she was cursing and swearing, and pausing a moment in horror when she broke a finger nail, only to have another real fear strike her like a the whip at the sound of a voice. Whirling around, she noticed a horse and rider below, only a moment before her heel slipped from it's precarious position and the girl began to drop like a ton of bricks towards the ground, with pink skirts and blonde hair streaming behind her as she fell, screaming fluttering unflatteringly in the mix.

Calling out to Valia had really not been a good decision, and Gabriel hadn't really considered that he might startle her into falling. As she lost her footing and dropped towards the ground his heart leapt into his throat. Ansgar preserve him he was going to accidentally kill his fiancée! That would be fun to explain, yes, she was just climbing down the lattice work and slipped and broke her neck; not very believable.

Rushing forward he tried to catch her, which in a way he was successful.  At the very least he broke her fall as Valia fell into his arms; the forced sent him sprawling onto his back, the breath knocked out of him and her on top of him. The hood of his cloak had fallen back, exposing his messy blonde hair. Gasping for air it took him a moment to wheeze out any words. "Are you alright? What were you thinking?"

She fell into his arms- HARD, both of them toppling over in a pile of her pink skirts. It took a moment for reality to catch up to her, her pink eyes staring up in wide eyed surprise that it was her new fiance that had caught her. Never mind she could have fallen to her death, what the HELL was HE doing here!? Her entire face turned red at their proximity, and despite being completely turned on by the scenario, his second question reminded her that her plans had just been thwarted.

"AM I OK!?" she snapped, pink eyes burning. "I should be asking what you are doing beneath my window!"
What was he doing here, spying on her!? "And what's with the grubby outfit?"s he pinched at the clothe, gritting her teeth and wrinkling her nose in disapproval.  Oh.. he wasn't running away, too, was he!? The idea made sense to her anyways. But then why come to Highheart!?

Their proximity was not lost upon Gabriel and a blush came to his face as his green eyes stared widely at her. It almost seemed silly to still feel modest around her when he had already taken her virginity. Still, even now that they were engaged, their physical contact was supposed to stay at a minimum until they were officially married. Social norms were suffocating. When she lashed out in anger, confusion took over his features.

"What am I doing? Saving your spoiled, ungrateful neck, it seems like. Why in the name of Ansgar would you try to climb out your window?" He'd made a face when she pointed out his clothes. They weren't fancy, made more for traveling then being presentable. Being a solider made him sensible about his attire. He'd just made a several hour ride on horseback. "I didn't want anyone to recognize me; easier to escape notice when I'm not dressed up like the son of a duke."

How dare he speak to her in such a way! That ungrateful little-
but oh- what was this? He had rode out here and didn't wish to be caught? That was intriguing, and enough to divert her attention to something else.
A costume! Why didn't SHE think of that?

"Well, since you're making yourself useful, give me your scarf!" she demanded, putting her white gloved hand out towards him expectantly. "I didn't think I'd need to hide myself but you've got a point. Now hand that cloak over to me so I can use it to sneak into town." And he'd best hurry, her patience was wearing thin!

Gabriel gaped at her for a moment as she demanded his scarf and cloak. Had she gone completely mad?  Sneak into town? For what purpose? Somehow he knew that Valia was going to end up getting him in trouble again. "Why do you want to sneak into town? I think it'll take more than a scarf and cloak to fool anyone, you've got enough pink skirts that a tent couldn't hide you."

Maybe that was exaggerating just a little bit, but his green eyes sparkled ever so slightly, playfully. He'd nearly forgotten one of the reasons he'd come all the way out here. Of course, the panties were just an excuse to see her again, but it was better than no excuse. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled the pink fabric out, grinning. "I think these are yours, my dear. You know, I almost decided to keep them for a pleasant reminder of the other night, but then again, we didn't even get to finish, so..."

He dangled the panties playfully at her, rather enjoying the highly inappropriate display.

At the sight of the panties, her entire face went red.
A scream quickly followed, then a nice hard smack to his face.
"What are you crazy!?" she snarled, grabbing onto the hand that held the panties and tried to shove it in between them more discretely. "What if someone sees you holding that!?"
If she could breath fire on his face, oh  ho ho, she totally would. She was seething mad.
"Are you trying to hang them about like a flag for everyone to see!?"
And as if on cue, a series of guards came rounding the bend.
"Halt- who goes there!?"
Panicked, Valia clung onto Gabe.
"The guards are coming!" in a panic, she was flailing about her limbs, only then realizing she was holding her panties and out of a gesture of sheer exasperation, she stuffed them back into his hands. "What are you looking at!?" She scrambled to get back on her feet. "We need to get out of here and fast! My father can't know I've climbed out the window."

Or fell out.
Especially not to let him know she FELL out of it.

OOC: Just let me know if I need to change this! He's kind of sorta kidnapping her, but not really. lol

------------------------


Gabriel couldn't help but grin as Valia's face went completely red. Oh so she did have some sense of modesty, did she? Of course a moment later his head was ringing slightly and his cheek was stinging painfully. Had he just been slapped? Giving it a moment's consideration, Gabriel simply grinned again, it had been worth it. Of course, that moment was short-lived and he let out a groan as guards came around the corner and the panties were once again shoved into his hands.

Jumping to his feet he shoved the thin fabric back into his pocket, they could deal with it later, they had a bigger problem right now. Even being engaged to Valia, the guards, and certainly her father, were not going to take his presence well. He'd come unannounced and was sneaking around the grounds, now with Valia to boot. Yeah, just the kind of impression he needed to make with his future father-in-law. Still, he felt a rush of adrenaline as he pulled his hood back up and covered his face again with the scarf. They would not have recognized him.

With a whistle he grabbed Valia's hand, his horse trotted up and with a smirk he shoved Valia up and into the saddle before leaping up behind her. Grabbing the reins in one hand he put his other firmly around his fiancée's waist before giving the horse's flank a solid kick. The horse tore out of the gardens and made for their escape. Slipping quietly away would definitely be impossible now, but still, this was wildly exciting.

"Wait- what on earth are you-" Valia began, and let out a noise of displeasure as she was hoisted off the ground and onto the saddle of the horse and immediately froze up. She had a great fear of horses, one of the reasons she wasn't fond of riding (or the fact her father had bought her one for her birthday- how insensitive of him! (though she never admitted of her fear... so really, no one would know, (until maybe now..))) And in one swift motion her fiance was behind her, clinging onto her, the horse and reigns and suddenly they were tearing across the ground.
Had Valia not been so petrified she might have screamed out right but instead, irrationally clung to her fiance once she felt any strength and bravery return.
"NO! NO! GABRIEL COLERIDGE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" she wailed, hugging onto him for dear life and nearly in tears. "You're going entirely too fast and I hate horses! I HATE THEM!"

Well, if she wanted to be discrete about it EVER, the cat was now out of the bag and she, for once in her life, found herself clinging to Gabriel like a mad-woman, her heart threatening to thunder clean out of her chest.
"YOU JUST BETTER NOT LET ME FALL OFF THIS DAMN THING!!!!! GABRIEL!!!!!!!!!!" she wailed, her voice echoing around them as the horse continued to tear across the grounds.

Gabriel hadn't known or even thought that Valia was so afraid of horses, but her clinging and screaming made it quite clear. His arm held her tighter even as she clung to him for dear life. He really wasn't entirely sure what he'd been thinking when he put her on the horse and took off. Mainly he just wanted to escape the guards, who were far behind him now. Hopefully they hadn't been caught. Surely they recognized Valia, but hopefully not him.

So he had come to accomplish something he wasn't even sure about, and ended up kidnapping his future wife. Yes, this had gone so very well. Gabriel would have to think of something, but for now all he cared about was not getting caught and keeping Valia safe. They had hit the forest and his horse jumped a fallen log, jolting them both. Feeling safer, he pulled on the reins and they slowed before finally stopping.

His heart was pounding so hard he thought it might explode; his green eyes glittered with excitement. What a rush, a chase from the grounds of a castle, with his beautiful bride-to-be in the saddle in front of him. Yeah, she was probably going to be furious with him, but again he thought perhaps it had all been worth it. Pushing his hood back again he leaned down and pushed his lips against hers in a chaste kiss.

She was so frazzled after the entire ordeal that when the horse finally moved to a halt, she was visibly shaken. Her skin was paler, her hair, a total mess, tears clinging to her eyes, running her make up as she visibly shook. So when Gabe reached down and kissed her, she was struck.
What!? What did he think he was doing!?
Instincts had her slapping him hard, but after a fleeting moment, the anger turned on him as she gripped his face and kissed him hard, passionately and with need. After all that he would only give her a small kiss!?
But after smothering her mouth all over his, she realized something and pushed away.
"Goodness, what am I doing!?" she stared at him in wide eyed shock for a moment the proceeded to beat on him with her fists. "Are you trying to cause a scandal!? This is like totally kidnapping you know!" She roared, furious at him as she continued to beat on him with her fists. "My father could have your head for this!"
And oh...
didn't that make it all the more dangerous..
Though still! Even as she lusted for him now more than ever (after all, she apparently had a turn on button for being in dangerous situations), she was FURIOUS and her fists would not stop pelting on him. Thankfully she was just a girl. Her angered hits would hardly cause a dent on him...
maybe.

Gabriel had kind of been expecting to get slapped again, so when the stinging in his cheek returned he could only blink before Valia had pulled him into a passionate kiss. Talk about mixed signals. Still when she started berating him and hitting his chest with her fists he sat back slightly dazed. The entire situation was pretty insane, but at the same time, he was getting a thrill out of it. All his life Gabriel had been a stickler for being proper and doing things as they were expected to be done, never stepping out of line or even toeing the line.

Over the past couple days he'd not only crossed the line, but clean sprinted past it and kept right on going. How could he have known that getting into trouble could be so much fun? The absurdity of everything struck him and he threw back his head and laughed. After a moment he looked to Valia with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Create a scandal? I think we're well past that, Valia. And your father isn't going to have my head, I'm not kidnapping you. I just did what you told me to. You said we had to get away fast, and your wish is my command." He chuckled slightly.

Valia opened her lips to protest, then quickly closed them and set her jaw.  He was right. But that didn't stop her from being angry as she looked away, huffing as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Getting engaged is hardly a scandal,"s he sniffed, even though she knew what they did in order to get engaged was.  It was of no consequence to her, though it was very consequential and in effect, was at war with herself. Part of her wanted to run away screaming from this young man but another part of her, the part that made her heart flutter and electricity shoot and tickle at the tips of her toes, made her want to make good on his words.
Your wish is my command.

"Fine," she said, huffing again. "I suppose if you're my fiance you should get used to obeying my command." She looked at him challengingly, threateningly, and even a bit deviously as she threw back her shoulders and jutted out her heavy chest. "You are going to help me run away."s he said pointing directly at his face, before poking that sharp finger into his chest. "You're going to help me get as far away from here as possible. I don't care how. You're just going to do it. Might as well make use of you since you're here."S he gave a sniff and fluff of her hair, peering at him now with scrutinizing half lidded eyes.
"And seriously, why the heck were you at the bottom of my window anyways?"
Was he going to be one of those silly suitors that threw rocks at her window in the dead of night?
Oh... maybe he was..
and then she could sneak out with him in the moonlight and....

Gabriel gave Valia a flat look. They both knew very well that the only reason they were engaged was because of what they'd done. Yes, he'd wanted to get her father's permission to court her, but that wasn't an engagement, and certainly not one that was to last not even a month! Part of him still felt dizzy at the thought of being married in such short order. It was a lot to take in and it was coming way too fast. Gabriel wanted to get married and have his family, but he'd thought he would probably not actually have a wedding for another year, even if he had begun courting Valia at her party.

It was funny how things worked out, and were still working themselves out. He was learning things about his bride, though. She hated horses, while he was an avid horseman, and she was rather spoiled, entitled, and bossy. Spoiled and entitled were things he expected from girls from wealthy noble families. Being bossy wasn't, though. Women were supposed to be demur and obedient, typical thinking for a patriarchal society like theirs. Somehow he couldn't imagine Valia ever being obedient. Perhaps it was that very thing that made him attracted to her on more than just a physical level.

He grunted and made a face as she poked him in the chest. "Kidnapping or helping you run away, neither would sit well with your father. If I keep this up, there won't be a wedding; your father will call off the engagement, no matter what we've done." Gabriel thought about that a moment, would he really? Despite everything, he did want to marry Valia. The thought of losing her made him pause, they had only just begun to get to know each other, what would he be missing out on?

"I came because I wanted to see you again. Do I need another reason?" Gabriel shifted his weight and they started moving again, this time at a walk, further into the forest and away from Highheart. Well, if she was going to run away, it was a good thing he'd caught her first.

Valia was taken back.  See her again? Her face visibly twisted at the notion before she turned her nose up into the air.
"I suppose you came back here to finish what we started?" she tried to ask the question seriously, but as her arms remained folded angrily across her chest, they pushed together just a little more, forcing her breasts to squish together and become appealing and plump and ripe. After all, Valia was ridiculously horrible at trying to get men to eat out of the palm of her hand. She loved the attention, craved it, and with raging teenage hormones..
Why, she wouldn't exactly protest if the man admitted he was coming back for round two...
Though, she wouldn't admit it. It was part of the game anyways, and besides... they'd have to find another hay stack or something. She couldn't see herself being taken in the forests..
Oh.. or maybe she could.

OOC: Valia, so special... lol

Valia was incorrigible. Of course, since she insisted on flaunting her assets, Gabriel didn't even try to be modest or discreet about looking at them. It didn't matter if it was improper to leer at her; there was no one here to call him on it anyway. A grin came over his face as he tilted his head down to lightly nibble at Valia's neck. "Mm, you know, the thought had crossed my mind, but I'm not getting interrupted again, so first we're going to get away from here. Your father's guards saw you being spirited away by someone, so there's going to be a massive search party looking for you. Hopefully they didn't recognize me."

If the guards hadn't recognized Gabriel, then he might be able to keep from completely destroying his chances of marrying Valia. Still, they would undoubtedly think she'd been kidnapped. Should guards catch him, he highly doubted they would believe him if he told them that Valia was actually running away and he was just going with her. "So you're running away, did you have a plan? Or a purpose? I didn't think marrying me would be that horrible of an option."

Valia kept her face turned away, her jaw set, though her face was still burning, as was her body, when the young man had been nibbling at her neck. There was a fire in her eyes, of anger and of passion, so when she had thoroughly digested his question she spat out, "Of course I had a plan!" but then the silence that followed most certaintly would assure him: No, of course she did not.
But she kept those pink eyes away, staring off into the forest as she was bounced along grumpily from where she sat upon the horse, still gripping onto Gabriel, still afraid to be dropped.

"And about weddings and things, I know it's meant to be, those things happen. but I was just hoping for a little while longer, that's all. You know, with the engagement." she said with a grumpy fluff of her hair. Sighing, she then added, flicking out her wrists. "Besides, at least now I can gloat to my older sister I shall be wed before her." She gave a sniff, nose still to the air though her eyes were closed in her snootiness, she didn't notice the lower branch over head as it suddenly scraped into her hair, snatching into it and taking hold.

Gasping, she found the pull of her hair and the forward movement of the horse had her forcefully pushed back into Gabe and with a gasp she demanded, "STOP! STOP! STOP THE HORSE!"S he winced, kicking her legs about while her eyes began tearing up, as she clung onto her immensely long golden hair, and once the poor man would obey her, she turned back to look at the flowign stream of her hair, now held taunt and pulling, and still very much entangled upon the tree that had reached it wicked branches out to snatch it.

"My hair! My hair!"s he exclaimed, seeming about ready to cry.

Gabriel could get used to this. Valia was gripped onto him and he held her close, breathing in her scent. The blush on her face only proved more seductive and he found himself once more lusting after her, but this time his mind was clear. It had definitely not been just the alcohol that had gotten him into trouble, he decided. Maybe her attitude was trying, but physically all the attraction he would ever need was there. Plus he found something about her refreshing. Annoying, but strangely alluring.

He gave a soft chuckle when she snapped at him. She could slap him, hit him, and berate him all she wanted. Gabriel had the patience of a saint. Or so he'd been told. When Valia said that she knew it was 'meant to be' he wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. Did she mean she knew she was meant to marry him or just that she was meant to marry? That was a thought he didn't even want to begin to contemplate, so he instead focused on something else. "I completely understand about wanting more time. This is all kind of sudden."

What was also sudden was the tree branch that tangled in Valia's hair, and smacked him on the forehead. Served him right for not paying attention, but ow. Then he snapped back to attention when he realized Valia was snagged, with a quick nudge of his boot, the horse stopped and took a few steps backward. "I'm sorry, just hold still a second, I'll get it."

Gabriel grabbed the tangled hair and pulled it towards Valia to hopefully keep it from hurting so much, then his other hand reached up to gently pull the hair free as best he could, trying to do as little damage as possible to the golden strands.

Valia was visibly cringing as well as whimpering and whining as Gabriel moved to free her hair. It hurt and pinched and pulled, but eventually the man had it free. Taking the lock of hair, which was now frayed and full of tree bark and other tree bits, she pouted.
"Gods, this will take at least another thousand brush strokes to get it shining again!" And it look as though poor Valia was about to cry. Her hair! Her poor, beautiful, golden, bountiful, long, flowing, luxurious and radiant as the sun, hair!
"LOOK AT IT!"s he wailed dramatically, clutching it into her hands as her eye began to well up. "Some of the strands are broken! Even ruined! ABSOLUTELY RUINED!" and she wailed again. "What sort of lady has terrible dirt in her hair or frizzes like that!?"
The ugly ones, that's who! Oh, and she could have cried at the thought.

Gabriel had tried, he really had, but regardless of his efforts, her hair did suffer a few minor damages; nothing major, certainly nothing to get all fussy over. Of course, this was Valia. He winced at her wailing, the sound grated on his nerves, and his poor, poor ears. Now, Gabriel knew that women could get fussy over their appearance, he had two sisters, after all, but Valia was surely overreacting.

"Valia it isn't ruined.  You'll wash your hair and brush it and nobody will even notice. A few misplaced strands of hair aren't going to kill you." A bunch of hay in both of their hair hadn't seemed to bother her at all, now she was going to bemoan a tiny bit of bark and dirt? She was being ridiculous. Well, when he did marry Valia, at least he knew he'd better prepare for an extremely, absurdly, high maintenance wife. It really didn't surprise him.

"Just calm down, everything will be fine. I hope. You've run off from home with me and it's your hair you're worried about." Really, he wasn't sure if he should laugh or cry.

Valia gave a huff, abandoning her hair drama for the moment as she glared at him.
"Well that's easy for you to say! Your hair ca be a mess and you'll still look hot."
She turned away from him, still angry, as she folded her hands against across her chest, this time not intentionally plumping up her chest, however, it happened anyways.
"Let's just bet out of these miserable woods and off somewhere else. Anywhere, I don't care. Just pick a location and go." She sighed and settled back against him, still pouting a bit as she kept her eyes forward and her grip about him still fierce.
Damn horses. Seriously- why did anyone ever invent riding on this stinky things?

Gabriel could only shake his head. Everything about Valia was vain and superficial, wasn't it? So he could be a little scruffy and still be attractive, but unless everything was perfect about her appearance, she wasn't? That made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Rolling his eyes he nudged the horse forward once more, keeping one hand around her waist so as to help keep her from falling. "If you ask me, you still look amazing with your hair a little tussled."

The things he did for...well, love wasn't the right word at all, was it? No, he didn't think he loved Valia, but he did have a sense of duty towards her. They were to be married after all. Also, there was the desire to stay in her good graces so that he could continue to touch and kiss her to his heart's content. "Well, there's a town to the east, but we'll want to get out of the duchy if you're running away. Otherwise guards will just hunt you down that much faster. We could go to Orchy, but then my father would be looking for me." Gabriel pondered their options. He could just take her back home, but that would probably not end well for him.

He headed south. They would have to keep to rural areas for a while, but they could probably escape detection for a while if they really wanted to. Gabriel knew a thing or two about evading attention. Mostly from learning how to ambush enemy troops or to move undetected through hostile territoroy. Things he would need to know if he was to lead his own men into battle someday.

Valia's cheeks burned at his words. Well then, there was that. She could say the same about him, but Valia was never one to like to make things easy. For some reason, she didn't want to divulge that she too, found him attractive in that sense, so she simply sniffed and put her nose to the air and waved it off with a flick of fingers through her hair.
"Yes, but what separates a great, noble beauty is her ability to keep her looks unscathed."
And her poor hair-
it took her YEARS to get it that long, refusing to have any of it cut since she was able to give anyone around her a piece of her mind.

So the trek south came with considerable agitation. She'd complain here or there about insects and things along the way, lament still over her hair and grip to Gabriel when the horse was going too fast for her own liking. It wasn't until she saw a small town stretch into view that she gasped and took a hold of Gabriel's arm and tugged.
"Look. There's a town. Now let me off of this beast so I can use my legs. I think I've had enough time on a horse for one day." ANd she scooched a bit within the saddle, antsy to get off.

Gabriel still thought she was overreacting, but he bit his tongue and let her complain. Their trip was mostly uneventful, Valia would complain, quite a lot, it felt like, but he was sure it wasn't as much as he really thought. Other than that, there was nothing interesting. Trees, brambles, bushes, and more trees. While he could have done without her incessent whining, he did enjoy the moments where she clung to him, and he found himself intentionally encouraging the horse to pick up the pace every now and then. Although he was subtle about it. No need to get her too annoyed with him.

As she griped his arm he nodded, having seen the town before them as well. Of course, he'd known it was there when they first started in this direction, but he was just a little surprised that it had come into view already. He'd rather liked having Valia clinging to him and practically in his lap. Oh well, he hardly needed excuses to be pressed against her. As she squirmed Gabriel shook his head with an eyeroll. If she wanted to walk in heels, then fine.

"Just hang on a second, let me help you down." Ansgar forbid she twist her ankle or something. He slid out of the saddle smoothly then turned and held out his arms for her.

Perhaps she was too antsy to be getting off the horse, and the moment Gabriel had dismounted, she was ready to throw herself clean at him. So when his arm came out, she snatched onto it hastily and wriggled against the saddle as she dismounted, only to find herself misjudging how hard she pushed off and found herself crashing into Gabriel's chest as she fell into him with an 'oof!' Blinking, she pushed herself up and out of his arms. She was feeling smothered by him, and well, more precisely, by him and the horse (yes, as irrational as that sounds), but with a 'hmph' she attempted to take a step while smoothing out her hair, stating, "I can walk fine by myself, I'm just not used to-" only to find her legs had turned into jello from the long ride and her heel connected at the wrong angle, so with a gasp, Valia's legs buckled and she was going down.


OOC: Valia-t he girl who is more problems than she's worth XD

Gabriel would have laughed if he had known that Valia thought he was being smothering. She was the one that had ordered him to help her run away. As it was, he grinned as she fell into his chest in her hurry to get off the horse. When she pushed away from him with her haughty attitude, he let her go, watching her as she soon was falling. A long ride could be brutal on the legs, especially when you weren't used to it. He knew it, and let her find out the hard way.

He didn't even try to catch her as she fell. If she wanted to be stubborn and ungrateful, then fine. It wasn't like falling down would kill her, although he was sure he was about to be thoroughly berated. Or maybe not, sometimes it was hard to tell. Still, he hid a smirk as he turned and took off his cloak and scarf.

Down into the dirt she went, as a puff of dust swelled up around her. Tiny pebbles and sticks had dug into her hands and embedded themselves into her skin. Her hair was in a mess, tangled this way and that, so when she raised her head up after pushing herself to her knees she gave a sharp cry of impotence, then was quick to her feet, angrily stomping her feet about, starting to tantrum right in front of Gabriel.
"I thought you were a man!" she said, clobbering him suddenly before drawing away, venom in her eyes. "Aren't gentleman supposed to help a lady!? You didn't even try to catch me!"s he hissed. Oh she was mad, and her entire face was pink from it.

Gabriel couldn't stop himself from laughing. In some ways she was the wildest girl he'd ever met, and yet, in other ways she was the most uptight, hateful bitch he had ever met. "But you said you could walk fine! I just assumed that you would be able to manage a step without needing me to swoop in. Besides, I think I've held your hand quite enough for the day. Run away, honestly, you couldn't run ten feet without getting caught if I wasn't there."

He held out his scarf and cloak to her, she'd asked for them earlier and he hadn't given them up, but if they were going into town, his clothes stood out a lot less than hers would. "Here, cover up a bit, you're going to get recognized, or assulted." Yeah, that's just what he needed. Then again, knowing her she'd probably like it if some town drunk tried to paw all over her, that thought came to him sourly.

Valia glared daggers at him. She could have slapped him, but she resisted the urge as she snatched the cloak and scarf from his hand.
"As if I really need your help!" she sniffed, dusting off the dirt from her pink dress with an irritated sigh. "Besides, I'm running away because of you, so if you'll kindly return back to where ever you've come from," she began, after having secured the cloak over herself, it covering most of herself, except the peeping of her pink skirts at the bottom, before taking the scarf and hooking it around her neck a few times as she began to walk off.
"I hardly am in need of your escort any further." ANd with her nose to the air, she began to stomp off towards the town.
Really, the nerve of him!

"Because of me? Oh no, don't even go there, Valia. I didn't get us into this mess. You were the one that just couldn't keep your hands off me. You knew we were about to get caught but you just couldn't wait and be a proper lady about it. I'm also not the one who forced us into an engagement. Do you really think I want to marry you in a month?"

Gabriel followed her, he wasn't about to let her just walk off after that. Besides, no matter how infuriating, annoying, prissy, or bitchy she was, he still felt obligated to keep her safe. He'd been the one to spirit her away, and no matter how much she didn't like it, she was going to be his wife.

Valia could not believe the audacity! How DARE he blame this on her! Spinning around, she glared at him, pushing him back then placing her hands to her hips.
"In a month!? HA! Who said we ought to ever get married!? Sure, it was fun, but I like having fun and I'm NOT having fun here right now with you!" she snapped. Whirling around, she continued storming off to town, but then paused and turned to face him.
"And another thing, you might be a good kisser, a good looker, but you don't know the first thing about courtship. Women need their space!" she said with a sniff, then turned her nose up and made her way right into town.

That ought to show him. She liked her freedom, her ability to make people listen and crumble at her command. But now that this Gabriel GHOULridge boy was hounding her, she was beginning to like him about as much as she liked a mosquito bite! Hmph! ANd to think he was SPYING on her outside her window! The nerve of him!

Keeping herself as far in front of him as hse could (which sadly, probably wasn't very far), she huffed along the streets, needing to pause to catch her breath. Gods, it was hot with this costume on. She fanned off her face with her hand, wondering, with idle interesting where she ought to go next when she saw an enormous barrel full of apples. Her eyes lit up. She was famished. So she walked clean over and helped herself to a one, munching away happily hwne the vendor turned around to notice.

"Eh? Hey girly-" he said, poking her wiht his stick from where he sat behind his apple cart. "You got money to pay for that?"

Valia wrinkled her nose.
"Pay?" She gave a snort. Ignored the man and went on eating her apple in peace, not realizing what she was doing illegal, and the apple seller was completely baffled the girl just took his apple, snorted and walked off. Turning to the guard that was standing just a few feet away he waved over to him.
"Guards! That woman! She just stole an apple from me!"

Blinking, Valia whirled around, glaring at the man. "Excuse me?" but she was caught red handed, well, red as in it was a red apple in her hand and also the other meaning.. BUT STILL
The guard was quickly moving her way. She was taken back.

"APPLE THIEF!" the man pressed, barking like a yipping dog. It grated on her nerves as she shook her head.

"I'm no thief!" she spat back, but the guard only looked at her sternly, folding his arms heavily over his chest.

"If you're no thief, are you going to pay for that apple, girlie?"

Valia made a face, "What on earth on you talking about? why would I pay that ugly man any money for an apple?" Really.. she hadn't a clue.  BUt that was a signal enough for guard to react, as his massive hand came crushing down upon hers.
"You're coming with me!" he spat,a nd gave a jerk and tugged her along.
"Wait- what!?" Valia looked appalled, then winced as she tried to pull away. "Let go of me! LET GO!" she snapped, and before the poor guard new what was going on, her pink heel stomped onto his foot. The guard let out a shout, grabbing onto his poor foot while releasing Valia's hold.

Stumbling away, she balled her hands into fists.
"That's what you get for-"

"MEN! AFTER HER!" he shouted, and the sound of drawing steel caught her attention from behind, and as she whirled around, three massive, and very armed men, were suddenly approaching her. and not one of them looked very happy, and it wasn't long before they had her surrounded and were man handling her, threatening to take her to jail.

Gabriel had taken about as much as he was willing to take from Valia. She was infuriating. Everything he had done from the moment he'd met her had been done for her. She had wanted him, even though it was forbidden, Gabriel had given in to her demands. Despite the incredible amount of trouble he was going to be in, when she had wanted to run away, he had helped her. Well at least they could agree on one thing.

"You're right. We shouldn't get married at all. You've got nothing to offer me but a pretty face, which won't last forever. Good luck ever finding a man to actually put up with you. You're the most selfish, spoiled, snobby woman I've ever met! And don't flatter yourself; I'm not trying to court you. We're already engaged, I don't have to impress you anymore, but not for long."

He didn't care what people would say about him, he was going home and demanding that his father call of the engagement immediately. There was no way he was going to be subject to Valia for the rest of his life. Fuming, he let her go. So what if she got caught and dragged home? Once he got back to Orchy he would make his father announce that she wasn't his problem anymore. Climbing back into the saddle he turned and started home. That woman was far more aggravation than she was worth.

It all happened so fast. One minute she was attempting to dodge, but her damn high heel got stuck in a stone on the road. The next minute, Valia was being over whelmed by armed guards. They had grabbed onto her roughly, so roughly it made her scream out- not only because they were being so rough and rude, but because her skirts were being torn along the way- and most definitely her hair was going to be in knots after this. Then with a squeak, she was tossed inside the back of a barred wagon, one used to transport criminals to the jail.
"Wait- do you even know who I am!?" Valia spat, attempting to scrambling to get out of the wagon, but the door was slammed clean in her face. The guards laughed.

"Save your breath for the jailor, girly. We're taking you and locking you up in a cell. You have to learn to respect the merchants. We do not take kindly to thieves around here."

Valia blinked, then quickly grew mad as her hands clutched onto the bars of the wagon cart.
"LET ME OUT! I AM THE DAUGHTER OF DUKE HAROLD AND HE WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD ON A PIKE IF HE CATCHES YOU-"

The guard suddenly was laughing, as were the entirity of them, and each time they laughed, it made their armor clang together, creating an interesting series of noise. Valia was taken back by their laughter. Did they not believe her!?
The head guard approached the wagon, eyeing her up.

"You might be a pretty little thing, but I'm hardly going to believe you're the daughter of a Duke, After all, what would Lady Valia or Kathryn be doing all the way out here? Besides, I'd think the daughters of a duke would know better. ANd not wear such hideous clothes."

That did it- rage over took her as a hand came out and clawed at his eye, sending the man reeling back.
"YOU IMPOTENT FOOL!"s he roared, baring her teeth, and that little outburst was enough to force the guard to throw the wagon door clean open, and the rage in his eyes terrified Valia to the bone. She backed away, pressing herself against the back of the cell,but he came for her, grabbing at her arm and throwing her to the dirt and drawing out a whip.

"I'll SHOW YOU SOME MANNERS YOU LITTLE BEGGAR!" the man roared, cracking his whip up into the air and ready to pelt her clean across the back with it.

Gabriel had hardened his resolve and washed his hands of Valia. Every step his horse took he reminded himself that she wasn't his problem, and that she wasn't worth more trouble than she'd already gotten him into. The best thing he could do would be to go home, ask his father for forgiveness for his transgressions thus far, and insist on ending the farce of an engagement. Oh his father would not be happy about it, and he was sure that neither would Duke Harold, but he wasn't going to marry a woman that was going to make him miserable for the rest of his life, given the chance.

He didn't get very far before he stopped again. Valia was a horrible person, but she was liable to get herself into more trouble. Why should he care? So what if she got in trouble, it would be no more than she deserved. Even as he thought it he felt horrible. Gabriel was not a heartless person, and even if Valia was rude and hateful to him, he really didn't want anything bad to happen to her. Besides, he'd helped her escape Highheart, if something happened to her because he left her there it would be his fault.

With a sigh he turned again and headed back for the town. She was going to yell at him again, remind him just how much she didn't want him around, but he had to make sure she was alright. He would just check on her, he told himself, and then he could head home and tell his father everything. When Gabriel rode into town there was quite a scene going on, there was a jailor's wagon, and a small group of guards gathered around someone on the ground. One of them had a whip in his hand.

Immediately he knew it was Valia on the ground. He'd been right to worry about her; fool girl had definitely gotten herself into trouble. Quite a lot of it, it seemed like. There wasn't a lot of time to think things through, so threw himself off the horse and pushed past the other guards and placed himself between the whip and Valia. "Stop you fools! How dare you raise a whip to a lady!"

Everything happened so fast. The whip was raised, she drew back in a flinch and when Gabriel stepped into view, she let out a scream the moment the whip cracked across his chest. It was only then the guardsman realized what he had done and he was taken back, gripping the whip more tightly in his hand as he stared at the boy.
"You are a fool! Why did you step in the way?" the guard snarled.
"Yeah, she was stealing apples from a local vendor. Everyone knows the penalty around here for stealing is a few months and jail and a good lashing!" Another guard added in.
Though Valia, for once in her life, had no whits about her to offer her normally, jabbing two cents. She merely remained on the ground, eyes fragile with tears, her entire body shaking, her eyes glued to the cut now open in Gabriel's chest, the blood there evident as it seeped out onto his clothes.
The only thing she could think of was - 'Gods! They had really meant to strike me!'

Gabriel honestly had expected the guard to stop when he had commanded him to. Maybe he shouldn't have, considering how far from home he was, but he was used to his orders being followed. At first he felt no pain, instead staring at the guard in shock. Blinking his large green eyes, he looked down at his chest, where the whip had cut through cloth and skin alike. The fool had actually struck him! He raised a hand to tenderly touch the wound, and gasped softly as the burning pain set in. He'd never been whipped before, had seen people whipped, but never felt the bite himself. His fingers came away tainted with blood.

Fury overcame his features. How dare this common sot hit him. That strike had been meant for Valia, he reminded himself, but that only proved to anger him further. "How dare you call me a fool, you blundering idiot!" Gabriel practically roared the words. "You were about to strike Lady Valia, daughter of Duke Harold, and my future wife!" Okay, he had forgotten for a moment that he meant to call off the engagement, but he was too angry to think about that. "I could have your head for this! I am Gabriel Coleridge, son of Duke Micah Coleridge, and heir to the duchy of Orchy."

The guards were taken back by his words, and once taken in the young boy, the guard began to stammer.

"What? Truly you claim to be of noble blood?" the man had to ask, his face contorting in disbelief at the phrase. But sadly, it seemed believable, the man held himself as any other noble would, and, as his eyes caught over his attire, he found his family crest on his attire. Biting into his lower lip, the guard knew he was in trouble.

It was here Valia finally peered up, her eyes going wide once Gabriel came to her rescue. She found her heart doing all sorts of ridiculous flips at the notion- that was, until she remembered, it was HE who left HER to rot in this pitiless town! Sniffing, she tried brushing at her tears and tore back the hood on her cloak.

"Yes, he is who he says he is, as am I, daughter of Duke Harold, Duke of the mighty dukedom of highheart!"s he thrust out her chest, kept her head high and pressed herself at Gabriel's side. If he was goign to play hero, she might as well jump on the boat with him. After all, it seemed a sure way to get out of this god foresaken town!
"My father will have your head for this! How dare you try to strike a lady!" She ground her heel into the ground and made a noise of disgust. "And to strike a man of noble blood when you are so beneath his station.." she wrinkled her nose at the idea. They would have his head twice!

But it was only then the guard began to question-
"Wait, if you are both children of dukes, what on earth are you doing all the way in this little town? And without escorts?" The guards, now realizing they had an alibi on their on side, didn't fall back, but rather pressed their eyes towards the pair, hoping they could cough up a believable excuse..

and if they did.
Boy were they fucked!

Gabriel glanced down at Valia as she pressed against his side and started berating the guard. Sure, now she was just dandy with him being there. Fickle woman. Of course, he knew that the moment his presence didn't suit her, she'd just tell him to shove off again. Already he regretted coming back for her, his chest stung and burned where the whip had sliced his skin; so much trouble for a spoiled brat that didn't even like him. Even still, he was glad it was him wounded and not her. She was still a lady, after all.

His emerald eyes flared in anger at the guard's question and he stepped forward threateningly. "How dare you question me, peasant. I am free to go where I please, when I please, however I please. I am a man, I do not need an escort, and I am Lady Valia's escort." It was unusual, yes; technically they should have had guards escorting them, for protection and so that they were not alone together. Still, Gabriel knew he could hold a commanding presence and hoped that his outrage and forcefulness would be enough to get the guards to step down without further questions.

So much for passing through undetected, surely both their father's would hear of this soon enough, and they would know that they had come this way, and that they were together. Well, Harold was sure to be displeased with that, and his father wouldn't be happy either, but his father would be more receptive to hearing him out.

After a moment, the guards eventually did break down and the curl to Valia's lips grew wider. She stared over her fiance for a moment. Well, perhaps he could be useful. Then she turned back to the guards with a sniff.

"Yes, I hardly think you want TWO angry duchies wishing to hang your heads. Now the lot of you should get to your knees and apologize. You struck the son of a duke and you should all be punished for such transgressions!"
Valia had no idea when to quit, but the men seemed obligated, looking to one another before bowing their heads and lowering their weapons before Gabriel.

"We are sorry for the confusion, my lord. But it just seems.."

"Just seems what!?" Valia snapped, then hooked an arm with Gabriel's. "If we wanted your excuses we'd ask for them. A lord ad lady's business is not your own." She squeezed Gabriel's arm. "Well, are you going to punish them?" Valia jabbed. "They struck you and we ought to strike them back!"
The nerve of those men! Really! And poor Gabriel.. she tried not to appear squeemish at the blood, but it was something she wans't quite fond of, or use to.

Gabriel could have breathed a sigh of relief when the guards backed down. If they knew what was really going on they would have probably taken them into "protective custody" and sent word to their fathers to come fetch then. That would have gone over really well. He knew they shouldn't press their luck and the sooner they left the better. Valia just couldn't leave it at that, though. He threw her an annoyed look as the guards apologized to him, and he would have dismissed them if Valia had just kept her mouth shut.

She did have a point. They had struck him. Not only had they struck him, but they had ruined his shirt and coat, and caused him to bleed. It would be expected for them to be punished in some way, but he wasn't sure he was comfortable doing it himself. "Lady Valia is right; you should be punished for your transgression. I could have you all strung up, but because it was a misunderstanding, I will instead see to it that you are all publicly flogged and stripped of your station. Guards should be more intelligent men than you have shown."

He gave Valia a warning look. She was wrapped about his arm again and he considered shaking her off, but that would look odd, considering she was still considered his fiancée. He settled for glaring at the guards. "Is there a doctor in this Ansgar forsaken town? I'd like to get cleaned up now, and see about fresh clothes." He had blood smeared on his chest and his shirt was stained with crimson around the cut. It hurt, but it was just a flesh wound, nothing serious, but it should still be cleaned and bound to prevent infection.

"Y-yes. Let me escort the pair of you to him. Dr. Warren should understand the details and not charge yourselves to be healed." The lead guard looked over the pair before gesturing to his men and leading the way.

Valia, who had been silent for a time, cast Gabriel a soured look. Why was he giving her those stares? Hrmph. As if he knew how to punish these men.
"I would have had them flogged right there in the streets,"s he hissed, hugging his arm a bit tighter as the pair was lead forward to a tall house on a corner of a long street. Valia craned her neck up at it, wrinkling her nose some before turning to Gabriel.
"It doesn't look like anyone is home." But when the bell was rung, an eccentric man appeared, wearing spectacles, hair that looked more like a wig than actual hair as it curled out in every which directon and was powder white. And he was tall and lanky, his body hunched forward as he noted the pair and listened as the guard explained.

"Good heaves! Well, he won't certainly die from such a strike, but it will need looked at all the same. Come, come!" Dr. Warren said with a clap and turned and strolled right back into his house, leaving Valia to cut an uncertain gaze at her fiance.

"Isn't he a strange fellow," she whispered under her breath, and felt even more bizarre as she stepped with Gabriel inside his house, to find it full of taxidermied animals, and one that kind of looked like a taxidermied man...
and at the sight, to see dead skin puckered around stitches and hollowed sockets for eyes- it was about all Valia could take before her breath was taken from her, her eyes rolled back and she resigned herself into a faint.

Gabriel shook his head as Valia clung to him as they walked together to the doctor's home. He lowered his head and his voice so that he could whisper to her. "I just want out of here as soon as possible. The longer we stay, the more likely we'll be found out. If they know we've run away they'll arrest us and send word to our fathers and we'll be carted home." That was the last thing he needed right now. Although, he hadn't really thought of running away until Valia told him that was what she was doing.

Looking up at the house, he would have agreed with Valia, the place did look as if no one was home. Ever. When the door was answered, he could only blink at the man that appeared. This was who was going to look after his cut? It really wasn't that bad...Rolling his eyes at himself, he stepped through the door and was taken aback by the taxidermy. This was a very strange individual. "Very strange." He agreed with her quietly.

A moment later Valia dropped in a dead faint. Gabriel caught her this time, rather than let her fall as he had done in the woods when she'd stubbornly insisted on walking. Definitely more trouble than she was worth he thought sourly. "Poor Lady Valia," He murmured softly. "It has been a long and overwhelming day. I'm afraid it has been too much for her." He felt pretty dead on his feet, actually. He had not slept the night before. With a sigh he lifted her into his arms.

"Do you have somewhere she could rest while you have a look at me?"

Dr. Warren was taken back when the lady fainted.
"My!" He clucked his tongue, but at his inquiry of a place to lay her to rest, he gestured towards the next room. "Come, there's a fainting couch over here you could lay her upon. But my, my, that is a nasty mark on you. Though it shouldn't take me long to apply ointment to it. Yes, yes, right here." he pointed to the fainting couch in the corner of the room, then gestured for Gabriel to follow him.
"Come, up the stairs I've got my supplies. We'll clean the wound then apply the salve and you ought to be right as rain. Though the mark might scar a little, and may sting for the next day or so, but I'm sure you'll live."

Gabriel carried Valia to the couch and laid her gently on it as he was directed. He hoped she was okay, but he was sure she was; just a fainting spell from all the excitement or some other such girly nonsense. Still, he found himself reluctant to leave her by herself again. The last time hadn't exactly worked out great for him. Assuring himself that he was being silly, how much trouble could she get into on a couch at a doctor's home? Gabriel was afraid of the answer to that question, as she seemed to be exceptionally good at getting in trouble.

Sighing he followed the doctor up the stairs. "Well if it scars I hear the ladies love a scar with a good story. Saving a young maiden from a whip-wielding brute should be impressive enough, I guess." Gabriel grinned, not seeming all that worried about the idea of a scar. It was the first time anyone had ever taken a whip to him, but he'd gotten worse injuries before. Son of a duke or not, the knights did not go easy on him while training. They couldn't afford for him to be soft.

After a time, Valia began to come to her senses, just as she heard Gabriel and the doctor vanish upstairs. Popping open one eye, she began to look around, her pink eyes scanning the room. It was vacant. Blinking, she sat up and stayed there a moment and only listened to the sound of foot steps and murmured voices upstairs. Then, ever so slowly, she tip toed over to the stair case, holding her breath as she listened and peered up.

"Here, just set your shirt right over here.." she could hear Dr. Warren instruct.
A smirk graced her lips. Without Gabriel around the fun could really begin. Slipping outside the room, she headed for the back door and was careful not to make too much noise. Then, ever so slowly, she closed the door behind her and snuck out amongst the crowd.

She made sure not to run into any stupid apple vendors this time as she fixed the hood more securely over her face. The marketplace seemed overflowing with people. She needed to find a way to get out of here and to the next town before Gabriel might suspect where she'd gone. But where? She hadn't a clue as to where she was going, and when she thought she heard the door slam open from the direction of the Doctor's, she gasped and threw herself inside the nearest building-
and as she closd the door shut, her nostrils arched, her brow twitched at a most pungent of smells. And as she whirled around, she was taken back to find she was stepping in a hog pit! FULL OF PIGS! FULL OF HOGS! All wallowing in their own muk and filth!
It was about all Valia could do to keep herself from fainting (well, the very idea of fainting onto such a nasty floor actually made her come back to her senses as she nearly resigned to it), and then she heard something- a familiar voice. SHe pinched her nose and held her breath, then peered out between cracks in the rotting wood of the pig barn she was hiding within.

Gabriel followed the doctor upstairs and took off his shirt as he was told, eager to been tended to and to be off again. It was too much to hope that Valia would stop causing him trouble, and again the thought to simply go home struck him. It would be the smart choice to return to his father and try to explain everything. Still, that was a difficult option and would cause him a good deal of trouble. There were only two other options. Run away himself, without Valia, which was both appealing and unappealing. He had a good life, why would he want to leave it? Why would Valia want to leave hers? The other was to stay with Valia until she came to her senses and let him escort her home.

None of them really stuck out to him as what he wanted to do. All Gabriel really wanted to do at that point was find somewhere to get something to eat and to go to sleep without worrying about a million things. Not least of all Valia and what to do about her. He'd been quite convinced he should call off the engagement earlier, now he wondered if he was just being rash about it. His father had wanted him to marry her for political reasons, and those reasons hadn't really changed. Marriage wasn't about love most of the time.

He remained blissfully unaware of Valia running off yet again. That was just another headache he didn't need.

Valia could NOT believe her luck. She had initially thought Gabriel was out to get her, but now that her eyes fixated upon a rather tall and handsome knight, her heart lurched into her chest. Not him! ANYBODY but him, for standing just outside the hog shack stood Sir Dumalin, the most obnoxious of knights. Not only was he full of himself, twice her age, but he was arrogant, a down right prick, and not really that good of a kisser. Valia had made the mistake of making out with him too many times just because he was easy and she wanted to play. But the play hardly lasted. It just wasn't as much fun as she wanted. And she was glad she was smart enough to say 'No' when they nearly went all the way.
Yes, Dumalin. WIth long, flowing blonde locks down to his buttocks, half of it tied within a blue bow. His entire body was chiseled to perfection, but held behind bulky, glittering knightly attire that was glinting off the sun and that very light was piercing irritably into Valia's eyes. She thought she ws going to go blind. The man stood rather tall, with his chin up in arrogance, that same damn smile upon his face as his obnoxious laughter echoed down the way.
Oh HELL if she was going to get caught by stupid Dumalin. Her eyes darted around ad she found a door on the opposing side of the pig's gate, and carefully stepped through them, but just as she was about to open the door, she tensed at what Dumalin had to say.

"They say Lady Valia has flown the coop. A reward to bring her home. These are trying times. SHe must be upset she isn't marrying me, since I heard there was an engagement to some froo-froo of a boy from Orchy." Dumalin wrinkled his nose in disgust. He had all of the fluffy skirt women about him beneath his charms, all of them colorful and fluttering hteir fans, and he had a motely crew of men about him as she slicked bakc his wavy hair to keep it out of his pristine face. His chin seemed to elogate as he pressed on, even his nose seeming to become pointer.
"Yes, I do believe his name was Gabriel Ghoulridge, or something like that."

Valia seethed and stomped her foot from where she was hiding.
"Gabriel Coleridge," she growled, hands balling into fists. Speaking of that stupid boy, where was he now? Wasn't he SUPPOSED to be chasing her? Growing irritated, she snuck out the back, but remained around, keeping a careful eye on Sir Stupid and barely paying attention to where she was walking...

It took only a few minutes for the doctor to look after his chest, and Gabriel was back down the steps, looking for Valia. He'd been gone less than ten minutes, and yet still she'd managed to slip away again. Even as he cursed her, told himself a thousand times to leave her be, let her go, and wash his hands of the entire mess; Gabriel knew he was too involved now. There were witnesses that had seen them here together just a short time ago. If even a single hair on Valia's head was harmed, it was he who would pay for it.

Angrily he stalked through the streets, looking for her. She couldn't have gotten far. Gabriel rounded a corner and almost skidded to a halt before ducking back into an alley. Cautiously he peered around the corner at the strange crowd gathered, although it was the knight that most concerned him. He didn't know if he'd ever really met him, but he wasn't going to risk it. Especially as he listened in on what was being said. His emerald eyes blazed angrily as he was referred to as a "froo-froo" boy. He might have confronted the dolt on that alone, but he had heard the part about Valia.

If Valia was caught Gabriel knew that she would blame him. He should let her be caught. She needed to go home, where she would be safe until their wedding. Wait. What wedding? He had to remind himself again that he was ordering it to be called off as soon as he got home. Blast it all! Turning he moved back through the streets, doubling his efforts to locate Valia quickly. He should let that silly knight find her, he thought; she would probably like him more. Seemed more her type with how ridiculous he looked and his arrogance might even match hers.

He was still fuming over the situation so badly that he forgot that he was supposed to actually be looking for Valia. Or looking at all, because he crashed right into her on accident as he rounded a corner.

Valia let out a cry of alarm as the pair ran into one another. And she had to do a double take when she realized who it was.

"Gabriel!?" she gasped, slapping a hand over her lips when she realized how her voice must have carried.
And that's when she heard that same familiar voice- Sir Dumalin's voice, and she grit her teeth, her entire body tensing.

"Valia, is that you?"

"Shit."

Snagging onto Gabriel's arm, she hissed, "Don't ask, just start running!" as she began to rush out into the crowds of the busy street.

Gabriel winced as Valia said his name, listening to her voice carry. So much for finding her and sneaking out of town while they still could! He scowled softly as he heard the arrogant knight's voice calling to Valia. He didn't have time to think, however, because in an instant she had gripped his arm and begun dragging him through the crowd.

Picking up his pace he held onto her as well, the last thing he needed was to get separated from her again, especially now. All this trouble for a woman that didn't even want him. "What's the plan, Valia? This was all your bright idea."

His tone was one of exasperation. If they got out of this with their hides still intact, she owed him, big time.

Valia cut him a glare, before running smack into a large, fat man int he crowd.
"Ooof!" the man turned around, glaring at the pair of them.
"What's the big idea?"

Valia, who saw the way the man just stared at them, opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind when Sir Dumalin's voice cut through the crowd.
"YOU THERE SIR!"His voice was like nail's on a chalk board."HOW DARE YOU SPEAK THAT WAY TO A LADY!"

Oh, she could NOT believe this. Not only had she failed to run away from Sir Stupid, he was running their way just now, daring to play the rescuer. The fat man stared angrily at the knight, growling at him.

"This girl just ran into me! She didn't even apologize!" the fat man griped.

Dumalin tossed back his hair epically over his shoulder as he was swift to draw his blade, placing the pointed end at the man's throat.

"What- what the hell are you doing!?"

"Do you even know who this lady is?"

"D-Dumalin!" Valia squeaked.Oh he SO wasn't about to give her name away.

"This is Lady Valia of High Heart! And your filthy body got in HER way. Understand?"

The fat man visibly began to sweat, but simply nodded.
"Good. THan we are at an understanding. Now kneel before her, swine, and beg for forgiveness."

The fat man was taken back.
"What!?"

"You heard me!" Dumalin pressed. "Bow to her and beg for forgiveness, or I'll cut off your head."

Valia gripped onto Gabriel's arm, staring with her mouth gaping open, too apalled to do much else.
"Do something." she hissed. "You're above him in rank and nobility. See him off or something."

Gabriel had been ready to simply drag Valia away, to keep running after the collision with the heavy-set man, but he visibly winced as he heard that insufferably arrogant voice call out behind them. He whirled around to face the pompous knight, watching the display with his mouth hanging open. The man reminded him of a preening, strutting peacock and he wondered if the fool even knew how to use that sword he was toting around.

Come to think of it, had the moron even noticed him yet? He seemed completely concerned with Valia and the fat man and little else. Jealousy ate at him, for whatever reason. This preening fool was paying far too much attention to his fiancée. That and he hated the idea of being ignored by this pompous airhead. Valia didn't have to prompt him much to get him into action. Being called a froo-froo had made him want to get at Dumalin anyway.

"Ignore that order." He told the frightened peasant. "You will apologize to the Lady for your tone, but no one is going to be cutting off your head."

His emerald eyes were burning with disdain as Gabriel turned his attention to the knight. "Who asked you to interfere? Leave us; the Lady had no need for a silly, preening decoration." Yes, he had just implied that Dumalin was useful only as a pretty piece of background.

Oh.... my God. Valia couldn't help but smile at Gabriel's sudden display. It was.. heroric. And she rather liked this side of him, a soft blush growing on her cheeks. But then Dumalin's voice cut through as the sword from the peasant suddenly snapped directly at Gabriel. And that's when her smile faded as she stared at the scene, and paled.

"And who do you think you are? Wondering around with the youngest lady of High heart... What gall! Her father would surely see you hang for such a travesty, especially since you allowed her to even be touched by such a filthy and smelly peasant."

The fat man's face went flat, and he idly sniffed at his shoulder, wondering if he was as smelly as the knight had indicated.

"Allow me?" Valia's shrill voice cut through the moment. Oh, hell if Gabe would take all of the blame! "As if, Dumalin. He has been escorting me this entire time, and if it wasn't for your sudden interruption, I would NOT have been so distracted!" She huffed, glaring daggers at the fool as she gave a stomp of her pink highheels.
"Drop your sword at once! That is my fiance after all you are pointing your sword at!"

Gabriel didn't really notice the smile or blush; he might have even squirmed at the way she looked at him. He wasn't shy about women, he really wasn't, but something about Valia had thrown him all out of sorts. Ever since the moment he'd laid eyes on her she'd had his head all a mess. Thinking clearly wasn't something he found himself able to do around her. That made her kind of dangerous, he thought. The reason he didn't notice the look she'd given him was of course that the sword was no directed at him.

He opened his mouth, anger twisting his normally grinning face, but Valia quickly spoke up on his behalf and he raised his eyebrows in surprise. Valia was actually sticking up for him? Gabriel knew he shouldn't think anything of it, but he couldn't help but feel a flush of pleasure and warmth course through him. Maybe she did care, on some level. Why that should even matter at this point, Gabriel couldn't say. Still, some part of him wanted to think that maybe, just maybe, she did want him, even if she didn't want to acknowledge it.

"You heard her, get that sword away from me before I have you strung up by your heels and flogged for threatening your superior." Gabriel wasn't a violent or unforgiving type, he didn't like to hurt people or punish them; he really didn't. In this case, however, he thought he might be willing to make an exception.

OOC: Oh wow, typo XD I forgot the word 'fiance' in like the last line of dialogue :T whoops
*fixes it*

-----------------

Dumalin's face contorted and twisted over the idea.
"Fiance?" His eyes looked the man over, his face growing even more repulsed. "This gangly thing?" And Dumalin actually snorted.

What did he just say? What did that man just say about HER fiance!? Her pink eyes flared dangerously, like two pits of molten lava. And to make matters worse, Dumalin had not dropped his sword. Her hands shook as they clenched into fists, and she stomped forward, slapping Dumalin hard across the face, leaving Dumalin staring in sheer surprise.

"L-lady Valia?" the man stammered, finally lowering the sword as he rose a metal gloved hand to his cheeks in surprise.

Oh, ho ho, was she ever pissed.
"You arrogant, ungrateful, lout of a man!" Valia spat, beating into him with her fists. "How dare you mock those of your superiors! How dare you ignore our orders! I should have you strung up like a pig for this!"

Dumalin only stared down at the young lady as she continued to beat on him, but after a time, he suddenly grabbed her by her wrists.
"But your father ordered this!" he told her, and at that, Valia was taken back, and began to jerk at the hold Dumalin had on her wrist.

"Let go of me! I don't care WHO sent you. I came out here on my own! I can do whatever I want!" Valia spat.

Dumalin grinned, enjoying Valia squirming within his grasp a little too much before he cocked his head over at Gabriel as he drew Valia into his protective arms. And all Valia could think was 'What the FUCK is this guy doing!?'

"Yes, as you see, my orders come directly from her father!" Dumalin said with an arrogant rise of his chin. "And you'd do well not to threaten me. She has now bee confiscated on behalf of her duchy, and her father will be most pleased. After all, what would he think when he finds out it was you who came with her, unescorted, all the way to this little town?"


Valia was growing red faced, but sadly, Dumalin had a point. But she had just about as much as she could take of this. Dumalin's stupid arms were all over her and the fact he was trying to one up them did not set well. Sos he blew her top. Stomping her heel into his foot she threw her fists down, and let out a scream, then elbowed him hard in the crotch, which got her the exact results she desired as the man gasped ad wheezed, releasing her due to all of the pain.
Valia leapt out of his hands, struck him hard across the second cheek and stood over him.

"If only i knew how to wield a sword of my own I'd skewer you, Dumalin Rosalin!" she shouted, voice echoing in epic rage down the road.


OOC: I forget what last name I picked for Dumalin so I'll fix it after I scroll back to see if I gave him a last name or not XD

Gangly thing? Gangly thing!? Gabriel's eyes might have been a deep green, but at that moment they were practically blazing with the fire of his hatred. How dare this arrogant, prissy, lesser knight insult him so! He very nearly lost control of himself then and there, he certainly was seeing red, and might have pounced upon Dumalin were it not for Valia stepping up and slapping the fool. Again he felt that tingle of pleasure and warmth course through him. Why should it please him so much to have her concerned about him or his honor?

At first he thought that Valia was going to properly humble the idiot, but then Dumalin's arrogance returned full force. When the man grabbed Valia, Gabriel felt something, something he had never felt before in his life. This unbridled rage unlike any anger he'd ever known, and it drove all thought or reason from him. Some filthy, moronic cretin had laid his hands on Valia. Valia, the woman that was going to be his wife. His woman.

Valia didn't need his help getting free of Dumalin's grasp, although if she had waited a second longer Gabriel would have been on them both. Instead even as she screamed at Dumalin for being a fool, Gabriel was upon him. Tackling the annoying lout to the ground his fist came down hard on the idiot's face, not once, not twice, but three times. "How dare you lay your filthy hands on my fiancée you son of a whore."

In a blur, Valia witnesses her fiance lung upon the knight like a savage dog. She flinched, the knight's armor clamoring upon the ground. And then as his fist struck time and time again at Dumalin's face, her lips, which had once been left, gaping open, slowly twitched into an ever growing smile. She found herself simply watching in proud fascination as her fiance gave black eye after black eye, and a complimentary fat lip to the pompous 'dumbass' knight. Never before had she felt such a thrill, such pride as she did in that moment, and her pink eyes were positively sparkling.
But poor Dumalin, with his heavy armor weighing him down, he was no match for Gabriel's fierceness.

"S-somebody! Anybody! Get this man off me!" Dumalin squeaked, and it took a minute for his men to approach, pulling Gabriel off, but just as Dumalin thought he might have had a reprieve, Valia stormed right on up to the men that dare assist.

"Lay your hands off my fiance. This is his battle!" she said, grabbing one of the man's arms and ripping his grip off her fiance. The man was startled, as was the other, and they dropped their grip upon Gabe. Dumalin was stunned, his face bleeding as he blinked and backed away.
"What- what is the meaning of this? Valia, your father.."

Valia's eyes pink eyes were full of rage as they pierced back at Dumalin, like a sword.
"My father, what!?" Valia snapped.
"But he- I.."
"Gabriel... just knock his lights out." Valia commanded, crossing her arms across her chest. "That way he won't follow us to where ever we may go." And her smirk was wicked. Yes... they would go far, far away from here..
perhaps find a cozy little place and.....
consummate their little engagement a second time. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to be married to Gabriel Coleridge after all.

Gabriel was in a rage-fueled frenzy, Dumalin hadn't stood a chance against such an unexpected and vicious assault. The men literally had to drag him off the other man, and he fought them with all his might, struggling against the hands that held him back from Dumalin. This was not like him at all; he was a sensible, reasonable young man, not one prone to fits of rage like this.

Valia pulled one of the men off him and that was all he needed to wrench his other arm free, she didn't need to order him to knock the pompous ass out, as soon as he was able he took another swing at the offender, a hard blow to the jaw that sent Dumalin sprawling. Gabriel had been trained as a knight, he knew how to fight, and knew it well. He was more versed in swordplay than street brawling, but that hadn't stopped him or even slowed him.

Still, that last blow seemed to at least partially quench the fires of whatever fury had overwhelmed Gabriel. He turned from Dumalin without so much as a backward glance for him and his men. Burning emeralds settled on Valia and without a care in the world for the growing crowd he stepped to her, took her lovely face in his hands, and crashed his lips roughly against hers. He wouldn't be able to call the wedding off; that was for sure.

He didn't want to.

The kiss came like the heavy clash of wash, powerful and loud, and striking her with such a force her breath was stolen away. And if it had been winter, she felt surely the heat from that moment would have melted it all away, for her world surely did, turning into nothing but the pure focus on him, and her. She leaned into the kiss, both frustrated and happy for it, gripping onto his shirt so fiercely that, even if he would try to, he would not be able to get away.

This was her fiance. And hey, she might as well enjoy the best of him. Because he was bringing out some of the best in her.

Growling against his lips, she panted.
"Let's get out of here." And the words were spoke automatically, since she was still dizzy from that kiss. She wasn't even sure she could remember how to walk.

Gabriel wasn't even sure why he'd felt such a strong urge, no need, to kiss Valia in the heat of that moment. After all the trouble she had caused him since he met her, he had every right to try to run as far and as fast as he could from the spoiled brat of a Lady. None of the trouble seemed to really matter though. She was gorgeous and wild and irresistible. Never in his life had Gabriel experienced so much out of life. Perhaps that was it; maybe she just took the boring, stuffy existence of Connlaothian nobility and made it bearable. He had certainly never felt more alive than he had with her.

Valia's growled words brought him back to reality, realizing that he was passionately kissing her right there in the street. Oddly he didn't feel ashamed, just that morning such a display would have seemed unthinkable. Breaking the kiss with a gasp, his lop-sided grin emerged, that playful twinkle had entered back into his eyes. "You read my mind."

Putting a steadying arm around her, Gabriel lead her through the crowd, they got out of his way. He really didn't know where they were going, and he really didn't know if he even cared just then. As long as he had Valia, he was perfectly content to end up most anywhere, except home. "Where does the lady wish to go? As you may recall, your wish is my command." His voice was playful and excited and a little husky.

They were much on the same boat. Valia's body felt so free, so bubbly, that it was almost as if she didn't exist within this world.
"Anywhere!" she said, laughing lightly. "To the next town, to the woods, so long as we get there fast!" Because Valia already had plans for Gabriel, and she wasn't about to let the roaring fire inside of her just snuff out. It was then as they were rounding the bend she noticed a series of crates and barrels stacked much like a puzzle in the corner at the quieter edge of the market. Seeing it, her hand tensed and she pulled Gabriel suddenly, guiding him to run with her towards the crates, then between them. She was laughing through her smile now, breathing hard and fast as she slowed in her run, the place now too confining for much more than pushing through, then once she found herself at the very end of the maze work of boxes and crates, she turned around and yanked Gabriel to her, arms wrapping around him as her lips smashed to his, hands gripping onto his shirt as she moaned.

Gabriel's grin only widened at her laugh, it was a beautiful sound, and he liked her suggestions, or more just the idea of slipping away quickly. There was a fire burning in him, and he wanted her. More than he'd ever wanted anybody. Their brief tryst at her party had been nothing, cut short and unsatisfactory, he hated that it was the only impression of him she had in regards to making love. Gabriel wanted to fix that gross injustice as soon as possible.

When Valia grabbed his hand and pulled him along, he did not resist, although he eyed the crates and boxes with suspicion. He knew exactly what she had in mind, and while Gabriel was eager to satisfy his lust for Valia, he also remembered all too well the last time they had attempted to enjoy each other in a semi-public location. He didn't care if Duke Harold showed up with an entire army; he was going to get the full enjoyment this time!

Only vaguely did he truly regret the lack of a proper bed as he squeezed through the maze with his beautiful, eager bride-to-be. That sent another thrill through him. He was going to marry Valia, and while he had his doubts before, he knew now that any other woman would just be too dull in comparison.

They reached a little cul-de-sac and Valia was immediately on him, their lips came together in a fierce kiss, her arms were around him, gripping him tightly. Slipping an arm around her, his fingers tugged on the strings of her bodice, loosening it so that his other hand could tug on the front of her dress and expose her impressive breasts. They were always threatening to pop out anyway, might as well free them, since they seemed to hate to be contained anyway.

Valia gasped, feigning surprise that he'd so quickly work at her clothes. But once her breasts were exposed, she arched her back, jutting them out proudly as she guided his face down towards them, coaxing him to have a taste, all the while her fingers curled into his hair, while another hand smoothed down his back side, moving lower and lower. The excitement, the thrill, was too much for her to bare. Her entire mind and body was in heat, and she wanted him to feed the flames.

Gabriel's lips smirked against hers as she gasped; they both knew full well she wasn't really surprised by his actions. He would have been surprised, before, but not now. Valia had brought out a side of him that he hadn't even known existed before he met her.

Not one to disappoint, his lips trailed down to her chin, then across her jaw, down her neck, his teeth would lightly scrape against the skin here and there, only for his tongue to flicker out across her sweet flesh, tasting her and humming with pleasure.

He took one breast in his hand and gave a firm squeeze, letting his palm caress against a firm nipple as his lips closed around the other with a groan.

While the pair of them were in a world of sweet, sweet bliss; outside, some workers began to stir, their voices a hum in the background as a few crates, not too close by, were being picked up and carried away. The noise jostled Valia out of the moment, but it only sought to excite her when she realized they were not alone. It was like it had been before, and the idea they could be caught drove her crazy, so while he nursed at her breasts, her hands smoothed down his back, traced across the front of his belt and blindly she began to work on opening it, and once that was undone, she moved towards his pants, her hands settling inside. And what she found there made her gasp through a smile.

Gabriel heard the faint buzz of voices and moving crates, but as her hands slipped inside his pants, he could only gasp as he lifted his head growling softly against her throat as he kissed the tender skin there. "I don't care if they end up standing there and watching, if I don't get to make love to you, somebody is losing their head."

He pushed her dress, letting the fabric slide further down her body; he slipped a hand down her smooth stomach and under the dress where it clung lightly to her hips. The further down his hand moved, the more pressure he applied until his fingers pressed teasingly over her sex.

Valia whimpered at his words and touch, instinctively gripping his hard sex between her hand.
"We'll you're obviously ready for it," she breathed, her hand moving slowly up and down his shaft. "And now is as good a time as any.."
And if Gabriel Coleridge DID NOT have sex with her that very instant, why, she'd have to turn him over herself, and force her own self upon him, for she needed it just as terribly as he did!

A smirk spread across Gabriel's face as her words, his fingers moved to slide inside her, his eyes glittering as he slowly pulled them back out. Valia was wet and hot and obviously as eager as he was. "So are you."

He wondered how nice it might be if they had the luxury of taking their time, of teasing and exploring each other at their convenience, but for now this would have to do. Until they were properly married it was likely to be this way.

With a grin he finished pulling Valia's dress off her hips and down her beautiful legs. Even if he couldn't take his time right now, he wanted to see her body in all its glory, and she was quite lovely to gaze upon. He only took a moment to admire her form, though, knowing she was impatient.

Moving his pants out of the way he covered her body with his as he eased himself into her. She had been a virgin the last time, and though she was ready, he didn't want to be too rough.

At his reply, her cheeks turned as pink as her eyes, and though she didn't speak it, her eyes said the words, 'Then what are you waiting for?'  But clothing, always clothing was in the way, and was discarded as she grunted frustratedly, wishing, praying he'd hurry up. And as he looked upon her, her blush heated even more, as did the fire between her legs, her toes curling at how his eyes admired her. She wasn't one to think about how beautiful and wonderful sexual instruments might be, she simply wanted to enjoy the feeling. A penis was a penis, after all, though strangely, despite her philosophy on the matter, when she touched his, it really set a thrill throughout her body. To know she had made that was something incredible in itself, though was dismissed easily for her drive to simply be sated and to have a fun ride with her fiance.

So as he slipped inside her at last, a moan breathed out of her lips as her eyes fluttered closed. Instincts had her sex gripping fiercely around his, which made it feel all the better, like a dream, and Gabriel would be able to cut easily inside her, like warm butter, and she fit him tightly, like a glove.
"Gods.." she gripped at his hair, her other hand upon his shoulder, panting breathily, before instincts had her moving and rocking her hips, testing the feeling and the sensation,a nd not waiting for him to make the first real moves at this rhythm, for at first she really had none, just simply let her body to the talking, and coaxing his to reply.... all the while more crates and barrels were being moved away, the workers clearly unaware what was going on within.

Gabriel's world seemed to have exploded, fireworks going off in his brain. Valia squeezed around him, seemingly a perfect fit to his size. He let out a shuddering groan as his eyes closed, her hips moved against him, and he buried his face in the crook of her neck, kissing and sucking softly at her throat.

As he began to thrust, deep, powerful strokes, one hand reached up to fondle a breast, squeezing lightly. "Valia you're amazing." He murmured lustfully against the skin of her neck.

Oh, but wasn't this the picture of perfection? Here she was, caught in the back of an alley way, barely any light let in through the confining crates all around them while her husband to be was scandalously fornicating with her. And it felt heavenly. Truly there was no other words to describe it as she felt him move within her, with need. She felt like a volcano, ready to explode, and clung to him every step of the way, her voice hitching, breath growling before suddenly she was letting out a scream.

The men on the other sides of the crates dropped one they had been carrying, and the painful cries indicated that one man had smashed the crate ontop of his toes. But Valia didn't care, she was almost laughing, smiling as her Gabriel Coleridge took her right on into heaven.

Their passion burned hotly, both wanting, needing, the other with a ferocity and need Gabriel had not experienced with the secretive, but permitted trysts he had been involved in over the past year or so.  Being with Valia was a completely different experience altogether.

Valia let lose a scream as she climaxed, and a few moments later Gabriel found himself unable to hold back any longer. He collapsed on top of her, trembling all over as he held Valia tightly, breath coming in panting gasps. He didn't care about the workers only few yards away, he didn't care about much of anything except the feel of her warm body pressed beneath him and the seed he had spilled deep inside her moments before.

It was perfect. Everything was perfect. He was perfect, as she panted beneath him in a blissful daze.
"Gods..." she breathed, closing her eyes. "That was-"

"BY ANGSAR'S BEARD!" came a voice.

Valia's eyes popped open as she found herself staring up at a man lifting a crate. And then the man dropped the crate, swearing was heard coming from the other side as Valia grit her teeth.
"So much for trying to savor this moment," she grumbled. Pushing Gabriel she barked, "Help me find my skirts!" ANd pushed again with more oomf. "NOW!"

Gabriel would have dearly loved to have just laid there curled up on top of Valia, enjoying the warm afterglow of their intercourse, but of course he could never get so lucky. He heard the exclamation and the crate being dropped and cursed. "Don't look you fools or I'll burn out your bloody eyes." He hissed angrily. No one needed to be looking at Valia in such a state of undress. Truthfully even he shouldn't be, but that was beside the point.

Scrambling up at her push, he quickly pulled his pants up and tucked everything in proper, reaching over and grabbing Valia's dress he shoved it at her and moved his body to be between her and the men on the other side of the boxes, trying to shield her from their potentially roving eyes.

With her boobs back and place and skirts on as best she could do, Valia gave Gabriel a push.
"Come on, let's get the hell out of this city before someone realizes who we are!"
Or worse.. Dumalin finds them. That's the last thing she wanted! ANd thankfully, none of the workers were really pressing,t hey realized what was going on and a good chuckle went through the lines of men, and they stuck around, curious to see who might be popping out from behind the crates.

Gabriel scowled softly; the feelings of bliss were swiftly fading, replaced with a simmering anger. Always they had to be bothered while trying to be intimate. Yes, they had gotten to actually finish this time, but still, he would have greatly enjoyed cuddling up to her for a while, maybe even finally getting some sleep.

Sighing he grabbed her hand and tugged her back towards the way they had come into the maze of crates. "I still don't know where we're going. Where can we go? Our parents are going to catch us eventually, at least, their guards will. Sir Dumbass proves that."

"I don't care if it seems they might be diligent. Let's just head to the next town, to the woods, I don't care, I want out of here!" she stated, hugging onto Gabriel's arm so tight her boobs were pressing into his arm, then before the pair of them spilled out from the crate maze, she stopped. And once he'd be able to feel her sudden halt, she grabbed on more firmly to his arm and said, "Hey, wait a minute.." and when he'd turn around, she'd kiss him. Long, hot and heated.
"Or we could find a little secret place around here..."s he said, fingers tangling into his hair. "Let's just make sure we don't run into that stupid Knight Dumalin again."

Gabriel couldn't argue about getting away from there. Far too much had already occurred in this tiny town. The guards, the whip, and then Dumalin. This place would be a hive of information on their activities and movements. If they stayed, they were sure to be caught. Before he had still wished to go home, but now...no. They couldn't go back, not yet. If Valia's father caught them now, after all that had happened, he might take Valia away from him, regardless of her purity being ruined. What if Harold went so far as to arrest him?

His stomach twisted into knots. If Gabriel was arrested, his father would not tolerate it, it could mean war between the families, between the Duchy. He did not want that, and he was probably over worrying himself with it, but it was possible. More than anything he just didn't want to lose her. Funny how that worked out, a few hours ago he couldn't wait to be rid of her!

She stopped and he turned, only to find himself drawn into another deep kiss. His eyes slid shut as her fingers moved through his hair. Small shocks of pleasure coursed through him, it was such a tender gesture, and he loved it when she ran her fingers through his hair. Hell, he just loved any positive attention from her.

"A secret place...just for us." He murmured. Well, it was possible; perhaps they could make that work for a little while, but what about long-term? They could not run forever. It just wasn't possible, unless they left Connlaoth completely. His gut wrenched at that thought.  He stiffened at the mention of Dumalin's name. "I couldn't even see straight when he put his hands on you, Valia. Ansgar help me, I've never felt so angry in my life. If he touches you again I might kill him."

Scarily enough, Gabriel knew he meant it.

The little smile Valia wore as they pair of them moved cautiously through the town, hand and hand, was so quaint, yet so large, it made the arch of a rainbow looked dull in comparison. Her own heart even fluttered, and at such a scale, she was sure she had never felt such a feeling before. It was nice, she felt as if she was floating, and her little steps on her pink high heeled shoes proved it.

"Well, maybe we should start off by finding your horse?" Valia suggested. "As much as I detest riding, if we want to go anywhere, it would be fastest with it."

Gabriel stole a glance at Valia from time to time as they walked, he couldn't stop a small smile from crossing his lips every time he did. Her hair was a bit tousled from their exertions, her dress wrinkled with a bit of dirt and dust clinging to the dainty fabric, but she looked gorgeous to him. She also looked happy, which made him happy.

Still, worry gnawed at him. This was going to be his wife, he had to take care of her, it was his duty. With little money, no duchy, and nowhere to really go that was secure and safe, he felt inadequate as a protector and provider. If they didn't go home, what could he possibly offer her? Well, with time he knew she would eventually be ready to accompany him home, but the thought of losing her to her wrathful father still gnawed at him.

"Yeah, we could maybe make it to the next small town shortly after nightfall with him. The tavern there might even have some rooms." When was the last time he had actually gotten some sleep? He felt exhausted. Lightly pulling on her hand, he lead her back to where he had first found her again. His horse was still standing in the street, looking bored and annoyed, of all things.

Smiling playfully he winked at her. "Shall I lift you into the saddle again, my fair Lady? The last time I did we had quite a wild ride."

Valia shot him a glare before sticking her nose clean up into the air.
"Of course you have to help me," she said, giving an indignant fluff of her hair. "What sort of gentleman would you be if you did not? And though I prefer to ride in carriages, I'll fair better even on horse back on the simple notion we're getting far from here. Now come on, you're trying my patience."S he didn't like being teased either, and if he kept at this, she might just have to pinch his arm. "Let's just get one with this." and she offered out her dainty gloved hand, giving him a most snobbish look as she waited for him to aid her.

And there it was again. Gabriel rolled his eyes as she stuck her nose in the air. Valia was such a spoiled brat. Could he not even be playful with her? Sighing he took her hand and dutifully helped her onto his horse. Climbing up behind her, he put his arms around her, loosely holding the reins as they started down the road at a brisk walk.

As happy as he could have been, he just felt exhausted now. Lack of sleep, the injury on his chest, which burned slightly now, the fight with Dumalin had left his hand throbbing now that the adrenaline was gone, and just all the stress of the past few days left him in a bit of a deflated mood.

Valia remained rigid for the first few moments as they rode onward. After a time, she eventually sighed, finding her mind wandering over what had just transpired. Currently, she was still stubbornly clinging to the idea of running away. Obligations to marriage were too much for her, even if she did enjoy the company of her fiance, who was even helping her run away. Which made her question a few things as to why she was bothering to still run away at the present moment, but, remaining childish, she ignored any questions and glared forward, feeling somewhat hollow at the idea of being angry. It was hard for her to sort through her own confusion, that stubbornness getting the best of her as she peered up at the sky, noting the sun was just beginning to set.

"How far do you think it will be to the next town?" she asked, sounding haughty and fussing over her hair.

Gabriel had remained quiet, just letting his mind wander in a state of only half-wakefulness. It was all he could do to rouse himself when Valia asked him a question. He shifted slightly behind her, tightening his grip around her waist a little. Tired as he was, he had been thinking about their situation, and about what Valia had said about finding a secret place just for them. "It's still hours away, but we're not going to the next town."

There was a turnoff from the main road, just wide enough to accommodate a carriage, and it was obviously a lane leading to a residence. Gabriel was somewhat familiar with this area, and he knew someone that he thought might allow them to at the very least spend a night, and might be talked into even being discreet about it.

The house that came into view obviously belonged to a lesser noble. It was small in comparison to the grand homes that Valia and he had, but it was much larger than a mere peasant cottage. The windows glowed softly with warm light, from candles and fireplaces.

"Sir Aram Thistle lives here. I trained with him several times. We might be able to get some supper, baths, and rest here tonight. I'm not going to last another mile on this horse without sleep."

Night had been lingering over head, the moon already out and full and the first soft dusting of starts glittering in the sky, though sunlight still bled through the trees, creating long, protruding shadows across the ground. SHe didn't want to admit it, but she was tired, too. But instead of fight it, she simply nodded. She didn't like the idea of being on horse back for much longer any more than he could stand it.

"Yes, a good idea. A bath after what we did behind the crates in the market would be wise." After all, it was.. sort of uncomfortable now after... that. She adjusted herself a little over the saddle, but a good washing was in order. It would make her feel right as rain. Too bad she doubted this house would let the pair have some fun while bathing...
Wouldn't that be scandalous? And she liked those sorts of things...

Gabriel could understand her line of reasoning, he felt a little sticky, and sweat was drying on his skin and clothes, making them itchy. A bath would be very welcome before a hot meal and a warm bed. The horse stopped in front of the house, it could use a bit of attention and rest too. Gabriel slid down, before reaching up to gently lift Valia down. Once she was on the ground he just held her close for a moment. "Wait here, I'll talk to him, see what I can arrange."

He hurried over to the door, knocking and disappearing inside almost immediately after a servant answered. It was only a minute before he reappeared, waving her over, a servant approached from the stables to fetch their horse. "We can stay here for tonight at least. We can count on his...discretion."

Valia's heart fluttered as Gabriel held her close for but a moment. And at his words, she simply nodded, her mind numb a moment and she wasn't quite sure why, so when he informed her that these people would be discrete about their visit, she peered up at him, her face warm, even shy a little as she had to simply trust him.
It was funny.. her fiance was helping her run away, and she had been seemingly running away from him, all the while she was now enjoying running away WITH him.
"Discretion would be nice," she mumbled, squeezing his hands and simply nodded for him, gesturing for him to lead them on inside.

Gabriel was rather relieved actually, just to know that he could count on Aram's silence on their movements and activities. It had been a hell of a situation to explain to him, but at least he seemed to understand the gravity of Gabriel's predicament. His emerald eyes were weary and slightly bloodshot, but he couldn't help but smile down at Valia, she was really darling when she was being reasonable.

He leaned down to give her a light kiss on her lips before leading her gently into the house. Servants were already scurrying about with their orders to make everything ready for their unexpected guests. Aram was nowhere to be seen, but Gabriel had expected that. A maid curtseyed to them before gesturing for them follow her.

Squeezing Valia's hand, Gabriel gently pulled her along with him, one arm around her waist comfortably. He was exhausted and didn't care what these people saw or knew. They would say nothing to anyone about it. They were lead to a wash room where a very large copper tub was being topped off with hot water. Clean towels and linens were placed neatly on a table for them, and then they were alone.

"After we get cleaned up we can be shown our room, trays with supper will be waiting. I'm going to owe Aram for all this, but it'll be worth it."

Valia kept quiet most of the time. She was more or less new to these sorts of things. So she stay quiet? What should she say? And as the pair were lead into a room with a single tub, she blinked and stared at it and the freshly steaming waters and soap.

Oh... perhaps she'd get that chance to share the tub with him after all. Her eye lids lowered a bit smugly before she turned to Gabriel.
"So just one tub between the two of us?" she said, her hips hitting against his before she sauntered on over to it, removing her gloves and setting them aside as her fingers gently tested the waters. It felt nice. It would be good to be rid of these confining, stuffy clothes and just lay naked in a bath. Though if they were to share, it would be a tight fit. Her lips curled at the thought.

Gabriel smirked faintly at her words and as she bumped her hips against his. He'd known there would be only one tub, of course. Not just a single tub, either. He had watched her intently as she had pulled off her gloves to test the water. Strolling over he put his arms lightly around her waist and lowered his head to whisper softly in her ear. "Yes, just one to share. Same for the room...and the bed."

He wasn't entirely sure how she would react to that, but considering how she behaved most of the time, Gabriel figured she might actually like getting to share a bed with him. He knew he would certainly enjoy being curled up next to her during the night. "Shall I tell them to prepare a second tub and room?" His voice was low and husky.

Oh.
My.
God.


Valia's heart was fluttering more rapidly than a humming bird's wings. A light sweat broke out against her skin, pink color flaring to her cheeks and chest and shoulders and well.. everything else that was exposed.

Oh.
My.
God.

If she was alone,s he'd probably scream and start stomping her high heels and spin around in a merry fit of circles.

Ohmygodohmygodohmygod. SHe wished she could fan off her face. This was far too hot and exciting. This run away scheme was definitely much better than her own. She'd get to spend the day, the tub.. the night.. the bed.. ALL OF IT.. with Gabriel Coleridge. Her lips curled even more over the idea.
Oh the things she could do.

"No, one room would be acceptable," she said, feigning a sniff. "They are, after all, doing us a favor. Why make them work more than they should?" Then smirking, she glanced at him from over her shoulder. "But I'll need help undressing. Perhaps we should call the servants for the lace?"

Though she knew quite well Gabriel would be able to help her with that. He did seem to work those strings just fine when they were scrambling to get their clothes off in the street.

Gabriel grinned as Valia began to sweat lightly, her smooth, creamy skin becoming tinged with pink. As exhausted as he felt, just being so close to her felt energizing. She was like a sweet, sweet drug, he decided, one he couldn't get enough of apparently. Everything that they had done together from the moment they had met was scandalous, and he didn't care. Their parents were insisting on this engagement, but it didn't matter, Gabriel would have found a way to make her his no matter what at this point.

He laughed softly at her feigned sniff, her words amusing him greatly. So she did want him, at least physically she did, there was no denying that they were completely smitten with each other, at least as far as lust went. He wanted her and she wanted him, it made Gabriel fill warm inside, he was the luckiest man in the world, because out of all the men in the world, she had given herself to him. Perhaps she was running from their marriage, but he knew she couldn't, wouldn't, run forever.

"Didn't you just get done saying we shouldn't trouble them more than necessary?" Gabriel smirked as his hands moved to slowly work on her lace, without the feverish rush of earlier, where they had both just desperately wanted to satisfy themselves. 

Valia visibly tensed as his fingers worked at the lace. Well this was definitely something different. Something nice. She felt she could get used to such.. attentions, as she felt her corset loosen, the fabric now barely clinging to her. Were her assets not so... well developed, her corset would have simply dropped to the floor (though surely her overly poofed skirts might have caught them). So she grew quiet, enjoying the moment, feeling another fire beginning to grow inside.

"Yes, and it does seem your fingers know their way around the lace," her eyes sparkled over the idea, and after a moment, she lifted the corset over her head, dropping it aside, so her bare back was exposed to him, long golden blonde hair hiding most of it..
Though too bad he was behind her. Her front was fully exposed.

And she was making leisure work of her skirts, keeping her eyes averted of his- but thinking of him all the same. Then after a moment, as her own skirts dropped to a pile against her feet, she pause dot consider... "Do you need any help with your suit? I know men have... many layers." Though arguably not as many as women.

She was completely naked by now,a nd if it were not for her long, full, thick wavy length of hair, hair the color of the sun, Gabriel would be able to see everything. And she knew it, it was why she didn't turn around...
yet.

Gabriel wondered why she tensed as he began working the lace loose, but she didn't try to stop him, and he figured it wasn't something he was doing wrong. Perhaps he was just doing something very right? He grinned at her words, though.

"Well I have gotten a little practice, haven't I?" A fire stirred in his eyes as Valia pulled her corset off, his hands moved to lightly caress her exposed sides, sliding forward across her smooth belly. Gabriel really enjoyed the feel of her skin, it was soft and warm. As she worked on her skirts, letting them fall to the floor, he moved his hands down across her hips, humming softly.

"Need help? I could probably manage on my own, but only a fool would say no to having such a beautiful woman undress them."

Valia smirked. Yes, he would be a fool to refuse, especially as she turned around to him, eyeing him up and smoothing her hands down his clothes. They had made love. They had made love in the streets. They had made love on her 16th birthday party, in the hay...
Though now they were engaged for it, she seemed not to care, fingers lightly tracing over the buttons of his clothing as she popped them out of the hole, one at a time. Then, with one layer removed, she worked at the next until his torso was completely bare.
Her smirk grew. Her pink eyes traced appreciatively over his flesh before allowing her hands to roam down his chest and flat belly. The feel of his muscles excited her, as did the warmth of his flesh. So her hands moved lower, hands pausing at the hem of his pants. That's when her eyes flickered to his and her lips twitched in their smirk.

Gabriel let his green eyes slide closed lazily, delighting in the feel of her hands moving over his clothes as she slowly undid each button. It took a great deal of effort not to pull her close and kiss her again.

As her fingers reached his bare flesh, tracing down his chest and stomach, emerald eyes flickered open to grace her with a smoldering gaze. The whip had left a fairly clean wound across his chest, but he didn't seem bothered by it, certainly not now with Valia's hands roaming over his body.

Her hands paused at his pants and with a grin he leaned down to kiss her sweet lips again. Gabriel found kissing her to be almost irresistible. Touching her was also hard to resist, as his hands moved to lightly grip her hips, fingertips lightly brushing across her gorgeous flesh.

"You're more beautiful than the dawn." He murmured softly.

Valia wasn't sure how to register his comment about her beauty, but her body did. She felt a warmth rise within her so potent, she felt on fire. So many men had told her she was pretty before, but now that Gabriel Coleridge was obsessing, she felt.. well, different. She moved uneasily beside him, her eyes then opening and going to the wound he had received, momentarily distracting her from the whirl wind of thoughts and emotions inside her mind and brewing between her legs and thundering within her heart.

"Does it still hurt?" she asked, fingers lightly tracing the air just above it, while her other hand remained in poised hesitation on the rim of his pants.

Gabriel could sense Valia's uneasiness, her hesitation, which seemed not at all like her. She was a rather confident, even pushy, woman. Green eyes looked down at her, expression softening slightly from the smoldering lust. Oh he was still highly aroused and wanted her, but he could put his needs off for a while.

He smiled slightly as she asked him if his wound still hurt. "Not really, besides, it was worth it. Better me than you."

She tried not to smile, but it showed. But she kept her eyes clinging to the mark across him before finally letting her pink eyes meet to his green ones.
"Not many men would take a public whipping," she said, not entirely sure where she was going with the conversation, but liking it when he talked about protecting her, enjoying protecting her. It made her feel vulnerable, but in a good way. She was starting to like this minute taste of dependency on Gabe and well...
what else would he do for her?

Her hands, still hesitating, remained where they were as she stared at him, her eye lashes hanging low, her lips paused, a moment to herself where she held her breath and leaned forward, waiting for him to meet her in a kiss.

A sparkle entered those deep green eyes as Gabriel grinned, looking into pink ones. Valia did have such unusual eyes, but they were beautiful even so. This woman had frustrated him unlike any woman had ever before, and yet the way he felt with her... "Actually I believe any real man would take a public whipping if he were protecting someone important to him."

It took an effort not to say more, but he worried saying too much would ruin the moment. Besides, actions spoke louder than words, and as she leaned in for a kiss his lips met hers. He tried to express his feelings in his kiss, gentle, but eager and passionate.

Someone important? And before she had a chance to protest, the pair were kissing, and she, moaning through it. That was all the confirmation she needed, her will power against him waning as her lips continued to move, soft and warm against his.
"Someone so important you'd make love to her in a pile of hay?" Valia asked, her kisses intensifying as her lips locked against his, slipping in a little tongue as she held onto his cheeks.

He loved it when she moaned, or blushed, every little thing she did that showed what he was doing to her. Maybe she had started all of this, but Gabriel was too deep in now to try to get away or make things "right", so why not enjoy the ride? He kissed her deeply, hungry, needing. What answer did she want? What kind of question was that at all?

With a soft groan he pulled his lips from hers just enough to answer. "I would make love to you anywhere."

Quite the response put the girl in quite the spell, as she felt dizzy and was seeing stars. Her heart, now quickening with her breath, left her having no idea how to respond except...

"Then make love with me here."

And her hands found the rim of his pants again, eyes warm, cheeks heated as he'd feel a few light plucks with her fingers as his pants were quickly unbuttoned, and his belt, undone and tossed carelessly aside.
"I've never made love in a bath before."
And her playful smirk returned, and just as Gabriel Coleridge's pants were dropped, Valia's lips smashed into his before she found herself, and he, playfully offset in their balance as they began to fall- most unexpectedly - into the bath.

With a crash and massive splash of water, Valia shook her head, hair now plastered over her face and nearly blinding her- but now they remained in quite the curious position, which she couldn't even appreciate through the veil of her hair-
For Gabriel was laying on his back in the tub, and she, over top of him, now wiht much less water than before, but a much more intimate position, one caused by the haste of lust and who knew..
a growing love?

He must have said something right, it was always hit or miss with Valia, Gabriel had quickly realized. Sometimes he could say the same thing a different times and get totally different reactions. At least she would keep him on his toes.

It took only a moment for her to have his pants undone and dropped. He wondered how much practice she had at undoing men's pants, and that was a troubling thought. Her words made him blush, though. "First time for everything."

And then their lips were smashed together again. Gabriel wasn't even sure how they ended up in the tub. He let out a grunt of pain, but then couldn't help but laugh. Wasn't this fun? Nice landing too. The view wasn't anything to complain about either.

Adjusting himself, he settled a little into the hot water, making himself comfortable with their position as his hands moved up to push Valia's long hair from her face before they skimmed down her back and gave her very nice butt a playful squeeze. "You falling on me is becoming a habit, though I have to say, this is much nicer than when you fell from your house."

The way his hands felt over her made her shiver, and all over she began to blush. Though at his words, she silenced him with a kiss.

"If you're not careful, next time I'll request we do this with you laying on a bed of nails," though the threat came out in a half purr as her lips met to his again, her body shifting over him before she gasped softly to feel his member prod at her heated sex. And those pink eyes glittered at the prospect, her lips, never ceasing to devour his as she pinned him down and worked at settling herself down over top of his hips more comfortably.

ANd just before they had a chance to actually go at it like animals again, Valia paused just as his sex was poking at her opening and took a moment to admire the wound from the whip. And at such a sight and recollection of events, she suddenly settled in on top of him, gasping as his sex cut into her like a knife. And she was so tight all around him. And she could feel every inch of him, her sex moving delicately as if tasting it before her hips began to move and her eye lids fluttered close.

Yes, as much as Valia loved to fool around, Gabriel Coleridge was the only man lucky enough alive to be able to deflower her and soon, the only man alive who'd ever be able to have sex with her. Sure, she had 'almost' sex a couple of times, and had fingers crammed into her body, and other naughty things she had done withe cute soldiers and other boys and the like, but nothing could compare to these moments when she was finally able to have REAL sex. And she was planning to enjoy every moment of it as her hips ground over his and she moaned out his name.

A bed of nails? Surely she was just teasing him. Then again, it was Valia.

Not that it mattered, nothing but her mattered in that moment. The world shrank down to just the feel of her lips consuming him hungrily. It seemed the tiniest spark could instantly fan into a burning passion between them. Certainly not a bad quality to have in your spouse.

Strong hands moved over her soft skin, skimming across her hips, down her thighs and then up again to travel the length of her sides before cupping her large breasts. Every movement her hips made caused him to groan as he waited impatiently for her to finally impale herself on his eager sex. When she did though his entire body shuddered softly at the feel of her sex squeezing him as she ground her hips.

Almost as erotic was the way she moaned his name. Gabriel could listen to her say his name like that all day and night and never get tired of it. He softly squeezed her breasts, his own hips grinding upwards, matching her movements as he moaned softly, leaning up enough to take a nipple between his lips.

Her movements were wild and frantic, body bouncing over top of his as water splashed around them in the bath and crashed over the lip and onto the floor. BUt she didn't care they were making a mess, because she needed this- and so did he. When his mouth found her breast, she gasped and leaned in towards him, her breasts still heavily bouncing as she road him like a horse- and the lips to her nipple were driving her crazy, which only caused more water to splash out as she moaned his name a second time, then a third and fourth as she continued to feel his sex slam into her. And though it was rough and hard, it felt better than anything in the entire world.
"Gods... Gabriel Coleridge," she moaned. "When we get married we'd better make a habit of this most every night!" ANd her eyes closed again in a flutter as she moaned, her sex gripping to his as she grasped the sides of the porcelain tub and bucked those hips again, the tub, splashing out more waters.

They could make a mess, he didn't care, why should he? That's what servants were paid to do, clean up after their betters. Besides, he couldn't even think about the fact that they were making a mess. Her wild bouncing and grinding drove all thoughts of anything else from his mind. Gabriel could hear her moaning his name over and over again, the sound drove him wild. He loved that he could make her do that.

When she spoke of making a habit of this every night he released the breast he'd been teasing with his lips and tongue and groaned as he gazed up at her. "Every chance we get." He promised breathlessly as he grabbed her hips and pulled her down as he thrust upwards, throbbing hotly deep inside as he shuddered and gasped her name.

When he assured her of her request, she moaned and her body flared up, sex melting over his as her lips met to his roughly.
"Every chance-," she moaned. "In our beds, in the stables, in our carriage, in the halls..." The words came out between pants and undulations, her voice nearly a whimper- for she could not contain how pleased she was he'd agree to it- to all of it as she grabbed onto his face and smothered his lips with her own, a tongue slipping in here or there between cranings of her neck.
"Gods... Gabriel..." and her eyes fluttered close, her body finding just the right angle as she gripped onto him suddenly. "Fuck me... right there. Just keep hitting that spot."
Yes, she was in heaven, and yes- her fiance was going to take her there, and beyond.
And her naughty language might have been quite a surprise to have him hear it but heck,s he didn't care. This moment was too beautiful and she needed him too much that nothing else in the world mattered but them- and the feelings they were making, creating and professing in Ansgar's name.
"By Ansgar's name- you're a God!"

Strong hands retained a firm grip on her hips as he thrust over and over again, wildly exuberant as he moaned against her lips. Gabriel had never been with a woman like Valia, she was so forceful, so eager, always knowing exactly what she wanted and not being coy at all about getting it from him. His heart was pounding wildly as she named off the places they would make love. "Anywhere you'll let me." He moaned again between vicious kisses. "Everywhere you'll let me."

His eyes fluttered, heart skipping a beat at her demand as she gripped him tightly. His hands moved from her hips to squeeze her firm, round bottom as he impaled her repeatedly on his throbbing sex. The heat was enough that he thought he might burn up it felt so good. When she proclaimed that he was a god he couldn't help but drop his head back, eyes closed as he choked out a strangled cry.

"Oh gods, Valia, I can't..." A few frantic thrusts later he exploded hotly inside her, his seed spilling deep within her, leaving him panting and gasping for breath.

The sensation was like that of a volcano between her legs, one moment they were grinding and bumping, sex to sex, and the next- actually connecting in the most passionate way. And to feel his hot cum explode into her had her groaning and rocking wildly until she too, was screaming for mercy as her body tasted all of the pleasure there was to be got, before melting over top of him in a heap of pants.  Shivering, she nestled in as comfortably as she could from her position in the bath and moaned between closed lips.

"And here I thought baths could not become more satisfying..." and she sighed and closed her eyes, smiling warmly and just glowing from the aftermath of their love. Little did she know the consequences of such actions, but in that moment-s he honestly didn't care. How many times had they made love anyways? Either way, the seed had been sowed, and Valia was already with child.

It took a while for Gabriel's senses to sort themselves back out after Valia collapsed on top of him. That had been everything he could ever have hoped sex could be. His arms wrapped around his shivering bride-to-be, hands running softly up and down her back as he settled himself more comfortably. "Mmm. Baths are nice, this was much better. Although I thought baths were for getting clean, all we did was get dirtier."

Emerald eyes sparkled playfully, a grin on his face as he sighed contently and kissed her cheek softly. They sure had given the maids something to talk about, hadn't they? Between the sopping mess of water on the floor and all the noise they had been making, the women that served here would probably be flapping their mouths incessantly to each other for weeks. As long as they didn't wag their tongues to others he didn't really care.

"We may need some fresh water, we've lost most of it and now it's getting cold."

"Yes, it is," she said, shivering as she curled up over top of him, her face now resting to his chest. "Though I'm afraid I don't very much feel like getting up. I'm positively exhausted and... and other things I don't even know how to begin to described." Sighing longingly, she looked up at him, her pink eyes shining. "Let's do it again."

Gabriel was happy to have Valia curled up on top of him, a tired smile crossing his lips as she rested against his chest. He kissed the top of her head, holding her close and hoping to keep her a little warm with his body heat. Though he was starting to shiver too.

When she said she wanted to do it again, Gabriel blinked and looked down at her, trying to decide if she was joking or not. "You're an insatiable, wild woman." He finally said with a laugh. Not that he was complaining, what man wouldn't want a woman that was eager to make love to him over and over again with a frequency that was difficult to even keep up with.

"If I make love to you again now, I'm going to end up going into that bedroom and crashing on that bed and those silky sheets will go to waste. Why don't we get a little cleaned up, go see what they've made us for supper, and then I promise to ravish you on that bed until you can't take anymore."

Valia was about to protest, but then clamped her lips closed and tried to hide her smile. Trying to save face (though he probably would have caught her giddyness) she resorted back to her normally, haughty speak.
"I suppose if that is all you have to offer..." And she gave a light, indignant sniff.

Gabriel lay under the sheets, arms wrapped about Valia, naked bodies pressed together warmly. He had promised to ravish Valia until she couldn't stand it anymore, and while it had been an exhausting challenge, he had fallen asleep satisfied that he had accomplished the seemingly impossible.

Heavily curtained, the room only lightened a little as the sun rose the next morning, and so deep was Gabriel's sleep that he wouldn't have cared even if light had been shining on the bed. After two days of sleeplessness and all the excitement of the previous day, sleeping in was just what he needed and wanted.

With her blonde hair a mess about the bed, half covering her face, and even some curls curled over one of his arms and her own, Valia needed a good rest as well. She was drooling on her pillow, half snoring as she slept- her being everything but the pretty little 'princess; she made herself out to be. Though, even with some of these uncharming characteristics, she still had that Goddess quality about her- something most men oogled and well- she was sleeping naked, with barely a clothe to keep her covered. Though it didn't matter, Gabe's body heat ensured she was adequately warm, it was only when she began to awaken, body stretching and pressing into his, did she realize what had happened.


"Oh my god!" she exclaimed, sitting up suddenly, her hair barely keeping her heavy breasts from his view as it hung in tattered, golden rags down from her shoulders and face.
"We're naked in a bed together!"

The sensation of having a warm body in bed next to him left Gabriel dreaming peacefully, when she began stretching it didn't disturb him at all, but when she jerked up with an exclamation he jerked awake, eyes opening wide as he looked about the room in confusion. Realizing that it was just more of Valia being Valia, and not something to be worried about, he fell back to the bed with a groan. He wondered what time it was, and if there was any chance to going back to sleep. That wasn't likely to happen though, he knew. They should really only stay as long as necessary, they were still too close to that town for his comfort.

Smiling suddenly as she informed him that they were naked in bed together, his green eyes sparkled with amusement and he laughed softly. "Mm, yes, well that tends to happen when you spend half the night wildly rolling about in bed together before falling asleep."

Valia blinked, her face blushing.
"Yes, well I- I guess you have a point there." But what started off with her sounding haughty soon turned int her smirking back at him and... appreciating what was before her. Though she tried to play it off as nothing, tucking back some unruly hair from her face, she turned from him in the bed and stared up at the ceiling, hiding her body beneath the blanket to keep herself partially modest.

"I wonder what time it is."
And a knock on the door from a servant had her nearly jumping out of hte sheets. Sighing, she turned to Gabriel.
"You know these people, you can deal with the door."

Gabriel laughed softly at her haughtiness, or attempt at it, her smirk caused his eyes to gleam slightly with mischief, but she covered herself with the blanket. It had been such a lovely sight, too. He was about to say something about it, but then there was a knock at the door and he jumped nearly as much as she did. They must have still been on edge. He supposed it couldn't be helped, they were still runaways. Fugitives, if not the criminal kind.

Groaning slightly he rolled out of bed and found his pants, pulling them on unhappily. Making himself decent he walked to the door and cracked it open enough to peek out in annoyance. They couldn't have left them be for another hour? Once the servant spoke, though, he nodded and shut the door before running over to pull on his clothes quickly.

"Time to go. The horse is ready, get your clothes on. There are soldiers knocking on every door between that town and the next looking for us. They'll be here any minute."

Valia remained lazily upon the bed. She could have slept for another few hours and gave a tired yawn and stretched out beneath the bedding, but the moment the door snapped shut and Gabriel was stumbling to finish getting dress and inform her what was going on...
Valia sat up in bed with a start.

"What!?"

Oh, hell no! Tossing off the blankets, she ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off as she scooped off her discarded clothing that littered the floor, breasts bouncing as she went. She paused at the end of the bed as she slipped her dress on.
"I need your help with the corset!" Damn those strings. THough did they have time? The last thing she wanted was to be shipped back to her father already! She was running away! She was trying to make a point!

It was a flurry of clothing as Gabriel threw on his coat, not really bothering to tuck anything in, or button or tighten. There just wasn't time to for appearances. He'd known they wouldn't be able to stay long, but he had hoped just a little more time than this. At least they hadn't actually been found, they were just about to if they didn't get a move on it.

As soon as his clothes were "on" he rushed over to pull the corset tighter. Valia might have been vain and wanted to look perfect, but she seemed as eager to be off as he did "It's not perfect, but there's no time. We'll fix our clothes later."

Grabbing her hand he jerked the door open and rushed down the stairs, pulling her through the hallways and down to the kitchens. A maid was at the back door and pushed a bundle at them.

"But, Gabriel!" Valia began to protest, finding herself suddenly jerked along, and her boobs nearly bouncing out of her clothes. She clung to him and clung to her shirt, and as they raced along, she couldn't help but feel both excited and fearful at the same time. When a maid approached them with a bundle, Valia took it and clung to it, uncertain what to say. She wasn't one to be so gracious, not towards servants anyway.

"Err.." and she peered over towards Gabriel, and when she over heard the back alley was clear, she slipped out back with him and kept close to his side.

"Do you really think we can out run the guards on foot?" Valia asked, hugging the rations back close to her body- partially out of trying to feel more secure, the other part- so her breasts didn't fall out of her clothing. She looked down at her pink skirts, barely hidden behind her cloak and frowned. As if this wasn't obvious....

Valia's protest went ignored. Gabriel didn't like it, but honestly, they didn't have time. If it wasn't an emergency, it could wait until they were well away from the house. Servants filed into the room to clean up and hide any evidence of the room's use as quickly as they fled out of it. Damn but he was a good man, even if they didn't know each other well, the guy was truly covering his ass. Though it might be more to cover his own, considering he might get in trouble for harboring them.

Either way, a Coleridge never forgot his debts, and he owed a huge one now. They bolted out the back door and he skidded to a halt. The sound of horses coming up the road was already distinct. Soldiers were almost here, would they even be able to sneak by them into the woods?

"We're not going on foot, my horse is over there waiting in the trees." He gestured in the direction they would be going, keeping his voice low and soft. "Keep quiet and follow my lead. We're gonna have to be careful if we want to get by them without being seen." God he hoped she would just do as she was told for once.

Leading her carefully along the back of the house, he peaked around the corner as the sound of hoof beats stopped nearby. They were in the front of the house, it would only be a minute or two before they were searching the back. Stepping back he pulled Valia with him as he tried to use the house to block the view of their escape to the woods.

Every step of the way she felt her heart hammering within her chest. It was dangerous, they could get into trouble- but she could not help but grin a little as they rushed together, hand in hand. The feel of the wind on her stick skin felt great, and he could be leading her to hell for all she cared. She just loved this moment, and as she looked back at him- she found herself loving Gabriel Coleridge.

OOC: aka- this means she actually listened to him and stayed quiet and close lol

It was a miracle, Valia actually doing what she was told to do! Well, Gabriel did believe in miracles, and right now they needed all the help they could get. He slipped into the trees and tried to keep from making too much noise. His horse was standing placidly, reins tied to a branch, looking bored, partially hidden behind a small strand of trees. It was almost too good to be true that they got away so easily.

"Alright, let's get out of here before they find us. We'll have to go in another direction. Does the lady have any preference? This is your master scheme, after all, and I'm just your humble servant." He teased, green eyes filled with excitement and a touch of something else.

"Anywhere, just not here!" Valia hissed.
"I mean does it matter? I was planning on just picking a random way and just.. going!"
Clearly, the young lady had not figured this out entirely as she continued to cling onto his arm.
"And if you're my servant," she went on, speaking now lowly into his ear. "Doesn't that mean you ought to obey everything I say? So find us a good road, a good city, and a good place to hide. We're run aways. We're supposed to just keep moving!"

They were as good as in the clear, couldn't she just lighten up a little bit? Gabriel sighed, well, it was Valia he was dealing with, and they were kind of still on the run. He wished that she was saying other things low in his ear, and at that thought he flushed slightly. Right then, they needed to get out of here.

"Yes your highness." Was the grumbled response as he wrapped his hands around her little waist and lifted her easily up onto the horse before pulling himself up behind her. A soft nudge to the horse's flanks had them trotting through the trees, heading in another direction, hopefully an unexpected one. Who knew running and hiding could be so hard and so easy at the same time?

"I'll have to see where we might be able to stay next...I'm sure I know knights from around here." Gabriel knew knights from all over Connlaoth, he had been knighted himself, and annoyingly, so had his half-brother.

"I don't care where we go!" Valia snapped. "Just be sure to find us some place... comfortable." And she added the last bit with a fluff of her hair as she settled in within his arms. She could get used to this...

Gabriel was getting tired of her bitchy and haughty replies, even his patience was wearing thin. Not to mention he was still tired, less tired than before, but he would have loved more rest before being forced to be on the move again. Again he was reminded of how ungrateful and unappreciative Valia was. Well he would show her.

"Comfortable." He said flatly, moving one hand up from her waist to pick lightly at her loose corset. The ride was most definitely not going to be a comfortable one. He would make sure of that. Gabriel began mercilessly teasing Valia's breasts to amuse himself with her reactions as his fingers gently pinched and pulled at her nipples, and while his hand was busy with that, his lips moved to her ear, neck, jaw, and shoulder, kissing and nipping at her skin.

At first, it seemed Valia were to thwart his advances, but htat was only because she did not realize his intent. But once she did, oh, she freely let him explore her, to taste her with his fingers all over her body until she found herself heated and well bothered.

"G-Gabriel.." she murmured, pink eyes hidden behind her lids that were closed tightly. "We.. we should stop.. stop the horse... I .. I think I should... should like to..." But her breath hitched when his lips met to a positively sensitive spot on her throat, as she moaned openly and loudly.

Gabriel shifted uncomfortably in the saddle, he groaned against her throat as his arousal rubbing against her as he moved. Teasing her and listening to her sounds of pleasure, and the way she was asking him so sweetly to stop so they could...

Breathing deeply, taking in her lovely scent, he reminded himself that he was trying to get her all flustered but the ultimate goal had been to not give in to her demands. "We shouldn't stop yet, we're still too close to the house. Besides, you wanted somewhere comfortable, do you want me to take you right here in the open forest?"

Valia whimpered.
"I.. I don't care." She panted. "I need you." And she moaned again. "Now."

"I want you too, but this really isn't the time or place..." Gabriel persisted in a low, husky drawl, watching her reaction with intense green eyes. This hadn't been the best thought out plan, but he was sure he had way more self-control than Valia.

Valia grit her teeth and whined again.
"But that just makes me want it all the more," she breathed, nearly whimpering the words out as a hand snaked back and fumbled over the front of his pants.

A soft hiss escaped Gabriel as her hand fumbled with the front of his pants and his hips shifted instinctively to press his erection against her hand. To her credit, she wasn't screaming or demanding him, just issuing breathy requests and pleas. Hadn't he said he would make love to her anywhere and everywhere she would let him?

Jerking at the reins with an unsteady hand, as soon as the horse stopped Gabriel slid out of the saddle and pulled Valia down into his arms, mouth claiming hers possessively as his tongue pressed  hotly into her mouth, tasting and exploring.

Who needed to breath when one could kiss? And the moment they were off the horse she basically was throwing herself at him, hand moving back to his pants possessively in order to either rip them off, or at least drag out his cock- because she was done playing games. She wanted him. All of him... And directing all of this energy into her!

"Right here, Gabriel. Just take me on the filthy ground!"

Gabriel groaned into the kiss as Valia's hand found his shaft and dragged it from the confines of his pants. Pulling out of the intense kiss with a gasp, he laughed breathlessly at her command. Green eyes flashed hungrily as he thought of a command of his own.

"Turn around and get down on your hands and knees, you'll get less dirty than on your back." Plus he thought it would be great fun.

"My knees? But won't that...?" Catching the sparkle in his eyes, her own did the same, and nothing got in her way now from obeying as she got on her knees like an animal and began to heft up the layers of her skirts as as they spilled up and around her hips.

As soon as Valia was on her knees Gabriel dropped to his behind her, hands eagerly helping hoist the voluminous skirts out of the way. As soon as he had access, he guided the tip into her hot sex before gripping her hips roughly and slamming the rest to the hilt with a moan, loving the feel of her squeezing, hot, and wet sex. They fit together so well, he thought.

The moment their bodies were sealed together she let out a moan. She was so tight,a nd his sex was so eager and swollen, he filled her up, and then some, testing the confines of her sex as she shivered.
"Gods, Gabriel,"s he moaned out, her sex tightening at the very sensation of his presence within her. Yes... it felt too perfect. He fit too perfect. This was all too perfect; a moment stolen away. A moment just for them.

The way she moaned sent shivers all up and down Gabriel's body, the way she said his name nearly made him come undone. He loved making her do that, it made everything so much more intense for him. To think, by a twist of fate and turn of luck, she was going to be his wife, which meant he'd get to spend the rest of his life making her scream his name.

"By Ansgar, Valia you're so beautiful." He groaned softly before pulling almost all the way out of her, hands still gripping her hips tightly before slamming back in with a shudder. "And you're all mine..."

Heaven. This was heaven, and the man striking into her with the passion of the Gods was soon to be her husband. This was dangerous. This was dirty- but this was a memory and Valia took from him all that she could, her voice screaming his name until she was raw- not aware that their little rendez-vous on the dirt road would be limited, but only by the sudden clop-clopping approach of hooves...
that of which Valia seemed ignorant of as she screamed out, "AGAIN! OH GOD, GABRIEL! FUCK ME HARDER! AHHH!"
And at such a scream, the horse that approached whinnied, and it was only then she realized- with a gasp- SOMEONE WAS WATCHING.

"G-Gabriel!" she exclaimed, scrambling from beneath him and clinging to him as she tugged down her skirts. And she peered over at the strange horseman, uncertain if they were friend or foe..
but as far as she was concerned, ANYONE who ruined a moment like that was an enemy, as she glared at the man and hugged onto Gabriel's arm.

The sex was intense and Gabriel could only focus on the sensations of drawing himself out and slamming roughly into Valia over and over again. The only sound he could truly hear was his own ragged breathing, their mingled moans, and Valia's repeated screams. Nothing could break his focus until the whinny of a horse and his lover's gasp brought him back to the present.

Oh yeah, they were out in the middle of the forest somewhere. Thank Ansgar they hadn't really taken off their clothes! As Valia rushed to fix her skirts to make herself decent he scrambled to shove himself back in his pants as she clung to him. All that happened in a few frantic seconds, and then laughter filled his ears.

A familiar laugh. Jerking his head up, Gabriel shaded his eyes against a bit of glare from the sun to recognize the rider.

Cyrus Orchards was a handsome man, tall and narrow, but body still sculpted into a soldier's lean muscles, his smirk and emerald eyes flashed with amusement, and his unruly curly dark hair bounced about his ruggedly handsome face.

"W-what the hell Cyrus! What are you doing here? And how the hell did you find us so fast?" He'd put a protective arm around Valia, and instinctively tugged her closer in a possessive gesture. His half-brother had quite a reputation, after all.

"Cyrus?!" she said, making an exasperated face at the handsome man who had count them, literally in the middle of a fuck. She turned sharply to her fiance. "You know this man?"

Cyrus was grinning broadly down at the pair of wayward children he had found. He'd known they had been at that house, he'd bloody known it! From there it had been easy to track them down. For once father was furious with Gabriel and not him, and he was loving it.

"Of course he knows me! Why, I'm only Cyrus Orchards, the most handsome young knight in all of Connlaoth, oh, and bastard son of Micah Coleridge, so that there's my baby half-brother you were just fucking, Lady Valia." With that he mock bowed to the both of them from his saddle, smirking from ear to ear.

"Shut up, Cyrus." Gabriel snapped with a glare as he pulled himself to his feet and helped Valia up, trying to brush dirt and leaves from her dress.

Valia's face went from white to red in seconds, and her stomach felt as if it dropped to her knees. She swooned a bit, and found herself falling into Gabriel, but caught herself against him as she raised a delicate hand to her temple.

"This.. this is your.. your.. brother!?"
Oh, what cruel fate was this!? And how embarassing! To be caught among brothers, and both so fair and handsome...
but oh! In such a way! It spoke scandal in volumes!

Gabriel was pissed, his expression was of a man ready to bite through nails and his green eyes were livid. If looks could kill Cyrus would probably be dead right now. Though he was stiff, his arms around Valia remained gentle as he stroked her arm reassuringly.

"So did father set you after me like a hound after a rabbit? Are you going to fetch us back to where we belong?" The young blonde man asked with no small hint of derision.

"Kind of, yeah. There's a lot of people that'll be hunting for the pair of you. Plenty of gossiping to be heard! You're both causing quite the scandal, aren't you? What with the sudden engagement, rushed plans for a wedding by the end of a month's time, and now the pair of you running away." Cyrus grinned deviously. "I'm so proud of you Gabe, didn't think you had it in you!"

Gabriel groaned and used his free hand to rub his temples. What a mess and what a headache. Word was spreading even quicker than he'd thought. Well, it was bound to happen and he knew people were going to talk about his marriage to Valia one way or another. "So now what?"

"That's up to you two, I guess. What do you want to do and what exactly were you planning on doing with this half-baked plan to run off? I mean, I guess I could haul you both home, but this is way more fun."

"What is way more fun?" Valia hissed, her eyes poisonous at the man's phrasing. Who did he think he was to talk to them in such a way? Especially for trying to chastise them for her very good idea to run away! Though then again... the idea was to run away from Gabriel and this engagement, not run away with him.

"Making you squirm, of course. I've caught you both in the act, so to speak, and in more ways than one!" Cyrus beamed triumphantly. Yes, he'd caught them running away from home and in the middle of having sex so very scandalously out of wedlock. Also, damn, but Valia had a set of lungs on her, didn't she? It hadn't been hard at all to find them! Then again, his brother must have been better than he'd have pegged the uptight kid as.

Gabriel glared at his brother, but squeezed Valia lightly, trying to make sure she didn't make a run for it. "If you're not turning us in, then get lost Cyrus. You seriously ruined a good thing here."

Oh yeah, he wasn't all that happy at being interrupted in the middle of their little play session. Not that he hadn't gotten to make love to Valia plenty the night before, but honestly she seemed as insatiable as he felt.

Cyrus smirked. "No way, can't have you two kids running about all by yourselves! What if something happened to you? Father would kill me if his precious heir got himself hurt while I was supposed to be finding him. Besides, you don't seem to have a real plan. You could use someone like me to help cover your tracks and keep you out of the way of search parties. I gotta know, though...are you seriously marrying that? I mean, daaaaaaaaaamn, you lucky bastard."

"Shut. Up. And stop leering at my future wife!" Gabriel snapped angrily, not liking the way that Cyrus had been eyeing Valia's considerable cleavage.

And considerable cleavage it was! For one so young, Valia was already a woman, and then some. And from their little fiasco, Cyrus might have even gotten a glimpse of something more, for she hadn't thought to adjust the front of her dress until he was eyeing her, and swiftly she worked to ensure her breasts were well concealed and her pert nipples not peeking out for him to see.

Giving a huffy fluff to her hair, Valia turned her nose up to Cyrus. For once in her life, she didn't think it right for him to look- even if he was dangerously attractive...

"Yes, he is," Valia snottily enforced, looking down her nose at him, even as she straightened out her shoulders so that her cleavage was even more presentable to him.

Gabriel couldn't help but shoot Valia a grin of pride as she snottily informed his brother that they were getting married. Sometimes he could appreciate her haughty attitude...if it wasn't directed at him! Still a little annoyed, though, he let his eyes rake over his bride-to-be's gorgeous form, the slight disarray of her appearance only added to her appeal, in his opinion, since it reminded him of what they had just been doing.

"Hey Cyrus, if you're not going away make yourself useful. We need a place to lay low for a few days. Somewhere private and secluded for just the two of us. Call it a pre-wedding honeymoon. A chance for my future wife and me to become better...acquainted." Gabriel's green eyes were flashing playfully.

Cyrus threw his head back and laughed. "You sounded to me like you were getting real acquainted just now. So you want a little hidey-hole to fuck like rabbits for a few days to get rid of some pre-marriage jitters? Or maybe, because I know your little dumpling there has a reputation, you just wanna make sure she knows you're the best man for the job." With that Cyrus chortled, thinking the whole situation was pretty great.

Valia's eyes pierced like twin stars about to strike the earth, or rather, to strike a certain Coleridge bastard son. And she wasted no time charging the distance between them and slapping the man, hard, across the face.

"You cad! SCOUNDREL!" she shrieked, and slapped him again. "Take back all of those words you said, all of them now!" And she demanded it, for this was no request! And to be certain he would listen, her eyes kept upon him with a dangerous fire. So what if he was taller than her, stronger...
She would not tolerate being spoken to this way.
Nobody spoke to her this way!
NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gabriel had scowled at Cyrus' words, but he wasn't really going to argue with his half-brother. The man was uncouth and vulgar, but that was just the way he was. What could you really expect from a man raised be a whore? It also wasn't really untrue what his brother had been saying, not really.

So when Valia walked right over and slapped Cyrus hard across the face, the initial reaction of both men was wide-eyed, silent surprise. Then Valia began screaming and slapped Cyrus again. Gabriel started laughing hysterically. Served his brother right!

"OW! GODDAMNIT WOMAN STOP HITTING ME!" Cyrus yowled, sitting up in the saddle and rubbing his cheek. His green eyes glared at Valia, his face now safely out of his reach. How he'd love to hit the bitch back, but something told him that would get him in a whole mess of trouble he didn't want. Gabriel would have pummeled him, and this his father would have too! Probably her father as well...So he settled for glaring. "Gabriel, your woman is a raging harpy, and I ain't taking back nothing! It's all true! Actually I will take one thing back. You ain't a lucky bastard, you're a doomed one."

And that's when Valia kneed the man in the groin. Hard.
"You inconsiderate, egotistical lout!" The young woman raged. "How dare you deny the commands of a lady! I should have my father throw you in the pillory for this!"