Ryk held Dylanna, stroking her hair gently, caressing her as she lay against him. He didn't utter a sound as he lay there motionless. It was not long before his lover fell asleep. He was contented to watch her as she slept. Soon though, he dozed as well. It was the most pleasant, contented sleep he'd ever had. Just an hour later though he woke. He'd never stayed in one position so long and his arm under Dylanna had fallen asleep. So very gently, he slid out from under her. She murmured in her sleep and he froze, not wanting to wake her. Sure she would stay asleep he lifted himself from the bed. He made sure the covers were securely about her, and kissed the top of her head as she slept. She was so peaceful. Such a beautiful creature.
Ryk went about collecting his garments, slipping back into them. His body was salty, and he longed for a bath, but there was something more important on his mind, so he reached into his pocket for the primper and gave himself a tap. The magic swept over him, cleaning him and his clothing. The primper tucked safely away again, he headed for her door. He unlocked it with a quick turn of the key and slipped out silently. He knew this mansions layout quite well, and it was a short trip to Sam's room. Dylanna kept the boy close, even before he was taken. Sam was her truest treasure. Ryk slipped inside Sam's room and heard the lowest of grumbles from the little wolf as he raised his bed from the bed beside Sam.
"Hey Lightning," Ryk whispered to the pup, his ears perking up. Ryk pulled a little treat from some hidden place and bent as he approached the bed. Lightning took it with a happy sound, and with a scratch between his ears the wolf went back to sleeping through his guard duty. Ryk looked his son over, sleeping so soundly. He could see himself in the boy now, but he saw more of Dylanna there. He would be a pretty boy if not handsome. He gently drew his hand through the tikes hair, then bent to place a kiss on his forehead. He gave a similar murmur to his mothers, and Ryk held still until he was once again sure the boy would stay asleep, then he was back out the door, into the hall beyond.
Ryk made his trip to Jasper's chambers on silent feet, his magic boots leaving no trace of his passing. Even as Ryk Handelaar, wealthy merchant, he found the leather treads useful. When he arrived he knocked lightly on the paneled door. He was sure Jasper was not fond of him, but Nammick Swinden had trusted the old man so much, and Nammick was rarely wrong about a man's character. Dylanna had kept the man around to care for her estate after her fathers passing, and it was likely a wise decision. Ryk could trust to do what was best for the Swinden's, so Ryk could trust him, as long as Ryk gave him no reason to betray him. Ryk would be an honorable husband and father. He hoped that would be enough for Jasper.
Jasper opened the door, seemingly prepared for his mistress. He was dressed and had a candle in hand. A moment of shock registered across the old man's face for just a moment before he hid it away expertly. Any regular aristocrat would not have caught it, but Ryk was also Rufus, the Red Wolf. Years of surviving only with his wit had brought him here.
"Sorry to wake you Jasper," Ryk said to the head servant, in a hushed voice, "but I was hoping you could help me send for some things from my estate. I want to give the Lady a wonderful day when she wakes, and I want to keep Sam occupied so his mother can sleep into the morning a bit. I'd have gone straight to whomever handles your runners and messengers, but I don't know who that would be. I left Dylanna sleeping soundly and I'd like to have everything prepared before she or Sam wakes."
