Spirits of the Earth

The Autumn Festival in Falkenrath was always a favorite of hers. Though it had been years since she had been there, many fond memories of her childhood were created here. That was, until she was 'old enough' to begin her training, and just like that, she managed to vanish from the social elite. But now was her time to come out in graces, and re-introduce herself to society as she was 'coming of age'; and also, to begin her training more properly in flirting with men. She might not be old enough to bed, but she was certainly damn close, and her 'Madame' reminded her well of that.

"How well you do tonight, and the many nights after this, will help string along men who will be intrigued by you. Your first purchaser will indicate your status and how well you will do as a courtesan, Renna, so keep that in mind and eye up the most lonely men with the largest of pockets. Keep in mind, just about every man tonight will be 'for sale'."

The words echoed inside her mind as the carriage rolled down the muddied path. Thankfulyl she had brought a second pair of shoes, for her first had gotten quite covered in mud, and it would not do to show up with dirty shoes on her first day of public acknowledgement. Though she was budding into a woman, she was still getting used to the idea she had cleavage, and idly played with her corset and pushed her smooshed, ripe boobs up even more.

"Stop playing with those," Aunt Maudy reprimanded with a frown. Blinking, Renna turned to peer up at her Aunt with those crystal blue eyes of hers.

"But they seem about ready to pop out."

"That's the idea," Maudy said wit ha subtle smirk, then glanced over at the Brennick Manor house as it rolled into view. The trees were already bleeding into the colors of autumn, and as Renna Parnissa Catriste stepped out of the carriage, her lovely, autumn colored, apple red hair stood in beautiful contrast to a set of yellowing trees behind her. Her dress, a soft hue of sea foam, hugged her body in just all the right ways, and gave just enough advertisement of her cleavage to allow for men to salivate.

And that's just seemed to be what was happening as she waltzed into the room on her Aunt Maudy's arms. So many men and women were looking her way; and men of all ages and sizes. She smirked at the youngest, and was uncertain how to accept the stares from the eldest as Maudy discretely elbowed Renna on the side.

"Smile at all of them dear," she informed her, keeping her chin held high. "Remember, 'all' of these men, are for sale. You just have to be sweet, play up your naivity, and bat those long painted lashes of yours."

Renna swallowed down the knot inside her throat, feeling her hands become sweaty, a fact Aunt Maudy did not ignore as she frowned.
"And do keep those sweats in check. You do not want to sour any first impressions today."

Renna nodded, smiling sweetly towards all of the men when a familiar face was spotted amongst the crowd. If it wasn't Brandur Brennick, whom she had taken great efforts to in her youth to chew out for tormenting her only closest friend during her child hood, a boy whom she recalled in that moment as her blue eyes swept the crowds, seeking out Oakley.

What would he look like now? It had only been what- four or five years since they had last seen one another? She could not even recall, but he was the reason why now she sweat. She had communicated with him discretely via letters, though lately, the letters had been few and far between, and she hadn't even mentioned to him she'd be here today.
Then again, their last letter was over 6 months ago.

Too bad for her, (or perhaps, luckily for her?) a man had caught her attentions, and soon Renna found herself immersed in a long winded conversation about the silk trade. So this man was a merchant lord.. interesting enough, and Renna tried to play it off as best she could she knew what she was talking about. And sadly enough,s he knew enough about business and trade (due to her Aunt Maudy's expert advise and training) to be able to hold a conversation of her own. It seemed, by the way the man was smiling at her, she might have herself a first buyer, though it still hadn't quite settled into her about 'what' she'd be giving away, though she had seen enough 'education' on the matter of sex and breeding to have a portion of her prudence already watered down.

Even still, Renna was still as young, youthful and naive as ever, and perhaps it was this that helped win her over several other men of interests. Not only had the silk trader wanted to dance with her and speak in the gardens later that night, but a few lesser nobleman were flirting it up with her as well. ANd a few older ones, too. She had almost too many men now flirting with her that she was almost runnning out of memory space to recall them all. But still, every once in a while, her blue eyes would scan the crowds looking for any sign of Oakley.

Then there he was, or what she thought was him, and found herself suddenly excusing herself from all of the commotion in the corner. But as she tried to rid herself of one set of potential 'buyers' she almost ran into the first man again. Feeling trapped, Renna did the only think she could think about to escape from the 'Sea of Men' as she discretely dropped to her knees and crawled underneath the table.

Thankfully no one had spotted her as she crawled around on the ground, and thankfully the floor was clean so her skirts would not get dirty. Thank Gods this was the upper class. Sighing, she took a moment to collect herself before peering out curiously from beneath the table over to where Oakley awkwardly stood.

A wicked grin crossed her lips as she thought of all of the childish things she could do to him in their first greeting after so many years- but whihc was the most fitting? Steal a frog from the gardens and put it down his pants? Trip him lightly, steal his shoe and refuse to give it back all evening so hed' have to suffer without it?
But speaking of shoes, another, yet familiar pair stepped in front of where she was spying on Oakley as she gasped.

"But I don't wanna go to the Festival," Oakley grumbled.  He sat at the edge of his bed and was soon popped on the back of his head by Brandur as his brother was busy fussing with the folds of his cravat.  Oakley seethed and rubbed the back of head, his curly hair falling into his face.  Brushing it out of the way, he glared at his brother and sighed.  "It's gonna be boring and the same people from before are going to be there and they're all gonna ask the same questions as before and we'll just give the same answers and - "

"Oakley, you fuss worse than an old maid," Brandur grumbled with a scoffing laugh.  "Maybe you'll finally find some girl to bop your bongo."  He laughed manically as his hands finally finished tying the cravat and he could see in the mirror his younger brother suddenly grow beet red at the insinuation.  It was clear he was taking far more enjoyment from it than he should have. 

Oakley just turned away and brushed his hair back out of his face and finally got up to get dressed, moving behind the partition.  "That's all you think about, Bren.  No wonder girls want nothing to do with you.  You've got slime for brains."

"And all the girls want nothing to do with you because you're just another girl, and they can hardly have any fun in a roll in the hay with your dick like a limp noodle and just as big."

"I have so rolled in the hay!  What would you know!?"

"Pfft, right.  With who?"

"I promised I wouldn't say."

"And hell as promptly unfrozen itself.  As if I wouldn't be able to tell you had a romp and when you're clearly lying."

Oakley peeked out from behind the partition, looking half dumbfounded.  His blush only deepened and he nervously played with his coattails.  "How could you tell?"

Bren looked at him with a raised brow.  "You've still got that dumb, goofy look on your face and the baby's blush all over your cheeks.  Face it, Oakley, you'll die an old maid.  But I'm already bored with this conversation.  It's about time we've gotten down to the carriage below.  Don't make me tell father.  Remember what happened last time?"  Brandur walked over to the door and gave his younger brother an obvious glare.

Oakley finally turned his head up to face him and his face now blanched where it had once been rosen with color.  "I'll be down in a bit," he said with a nod.  Within the hour, the young Brennick Brother had gotten into the carriage and soon found himself standing before a crowd of Falkenrath's rich and powerful.  There were all manner of nobility here and every face, passing glance, looked exactly the same, as if a clever conman had managed to reproduce the same portrait in a master stroke.  He paled and felt his feet ever so cleverly back away when a rush of people pushed him inside.  His father lingered nearby and soon he found his face heating beneath the scrutiny.

Oakley smiled a little and moved to disappear within the crowd, hoping to become lost within it enough to steal away.  The gardens near the back of the building would prove a suitable escape if only he could make it in time. 

Meanwhile beside him, he could hear the voice of the maitre d' fussing about with someone who had the gall to crawl underneath a table.  Oakley turned with mild interest, pushing his curls out of the way and saw the waiter pull out a young girl with reddened hair.  "And just what do you think you are doing?" the old man scolded, the baldness of his head shining in the sconce-light.  "This is a gala hosted by the most powerful family in Falkenrath.  I should kick you out for this.  As a matter of fact, I think I will!"  The old man took the red-head by the wrist, twisting her arm and just about to yank her out the door when he collided into Oakley.

The young man stumbled backwards and was silent amidst the apologies of the maitre d', who still held the girl in his other hand.  Oakley brushed himself off and shook his head.  "No, no, it is quite all right," he said softly and gestured to the young woman.  "Please don't tell me, you're kicking out this nice young girl?  What has she done that was so awful?"

The maitre d' paused, unsure of his reply, exchanging glances with Oakley before releasing his grip upon her.  "I'm sorry, sir.  But it is my duty to ensure the smooth continuation of this function."

"And I think you did just that.  It's all right.  The guests still seem to be enjoying themselves.  No  harm done."  Oakley gave a meek smile before the maitre d' finally bowed and walked off, apologizing again.  Oakley blinked at the red-headed girl and nodded.  "Well, there ya go.  Now you won't get kicked out..."  He stared at his feet then and put his hands behind his back.  "Well... I guess I'll see you around.  Enjoy yourself, please."  And prepared to walk away out to the gardens.

Despite having found herself in quite the predicament, and about to ruin her career long before it begun, she couldn't help herself when she found a moment to laugh. A laugh he might find all too familiar as she reached out and took his hand to halt him from leaving.

"Oakley? Oakley Brennick?" she giggled again, blue eye trying to find his. "Have you really forgotten me after so few years?" SHe gave a dimpled smile. "You'd think finding a red-headed girl in trouble would have at least triggered something in that curly haired head of yours. Though I suppose I should play nice." And she dropped her hold on his hand and clasped them behind her back. "Considering you did just save my reputation." And she paused, smiling sheepishly as she looked him over. "So thanks." and her smile rang out more true as she kept her gaze upon his eyes.

Oakley blinked at her stupidly when she addressed him without introducing herself.  He just stared at her, a little awed that she had the gall to reach for his hand.  He frowned for he did not recognize her, though she seemed to feel as if she knew a great deal about him.

He backed away just a bit and kept his arms behind his back.  "I'm sure you must be mistaken, young lady.  Please forgive me, but I have no idea who you are," he admitted with a deep, shy frown.  Her red-hair seemed the most familiar but his brother had been sleeping with a lot of red-heads lately so it was difficult to tell who was who.  "You must be a companion of Brandur Brennick.  I can find him for you if you'd like."

Renna wrinkled her nose.
"A companion of Bren's?" she sounded so offended that she might strike him, though instead, her twisted face of anger faded away as she laughed. "Then you really must not remember me at all! How much has changed in these last few years?" And with a laugh, she finally revealed her name. "It's me, Oakley. Renna Cartiste."

Still Oakley blinked at her stupidly until the name echoed in his mind for several resounding seconds.  "Renna?" he mimicked until his eyes suddenly grew wide and he lunged a hand out forward and shook her hand.  "Renna, hi!"  He smiled shyly at last at the realization and shook her hand vigorously before letting her go.  "Hello, Renna.  I think I do remember you...you're not as mousy as before...  How have you been?"

Renna's face soured at his reaction. Mousy? Had she really been so shy?
Thinking back to when she had first met the curly haired boy, she realized.. oh, perhaps she had been. But then again, that was because she hadn't liked the rest of his family, and had no idea her parents (before their untimely death) had high hopes for her to wed into the Brennick family. Too bad it things fate had other things in store for her.

She snorted through her nose.
"Just because we hung out together when we were kids does not make me mousy," she protested, hands on her hips. "Besides, you owed me like five letters or something. I wrote to you almost a year ago and if you had replied, you'd know how I've been." And she tapped a foot expectantly.

Oakley squinted his eyes at her.  "You wrote to me?" he said softly, looking almost saddened at the thought.  "But...I-I never recieved any letters from you."  His frown only deepened when he began to suspect why.  That Bren had gotten to them first before he did.

 Renna's face twisted.
"What!?" she took a step back, eyes wide.
"But you wrote back to me. And I've been writing those letters for years!"
Was he lying to her? Though she had known Oakley well enough in their youth that, surpsingly, his mannerisms seemed to be the same, and it was evident in his large eyes that he was not.
"But.. but..." and now she felt quite the fool, and not certain how to digest all of that, for that meant he honestly HAD forgotten about her. And with wide eyes, she said "Excuse me," as she whirled around on her heels and began to walk away.

Gods, what an idiot she was! They had been friends for so long... her Aunt had warned her that her and Oakley could never actually be friends, not even acquaintances now because of their status.. and herself.
Though, unless he became a client...
her cheeks burned at the idea.
Gods, she was a fool, and to think, he hadn't even gotten a single letter..
but thens he had to consider..
who had? ANd her eyes searched the crowds angrily, for Bren.

That expression...he knew that look before.  And recalled her most clearly in that moment.  He knew what she intended to do and immediately lunged forward to grab her arm.  "Don't please," he begged her.  "Don't make a scene.  Please.  Just let it go.  Please.  We only just met again.  Please, Renna."

Yanking her hand away from his, she was about to chew him out and explain just why she had to knee his brother in the groin, when her own priorities set in as she held her breath, cheeks puffed. Finally exhaling in attempts to calm herself down,s he grew quiet, but paused a moment to look out into the crowd.
Oh, Bren would pay. She didn't know HOW in that moment. But he would!

"Look, I-I'm sorry I didn't get any of you're letters.  After your mum and dad died...I didn't know what to send you...Father said it was best if I didn't say anything at all.  I'm sorry," he pressed.  "Well, if you're all right now, I suppose I'll leave you to it now.  It was nice to see you, Renna.  You're very pretty."  He smiled meekly and bowed before ducking his head and moving to turn directly back to the gardens.

Gasping, Renna turned back to where Oakley was just so quick to abandon her on the spot.
"Oakley Brennick!" she said with a stamp of her foot, then a grab to his shirt collar. "Just where do you think you're going? YOu make a big fuss about it being nice to see me after all this time and then are quick to run away!"
Her cheeks were rosy pink now as her blue eyes flashed a bit, hurtfully. Maybe it wasn't his brother that had kept their letters after all. Maybe Oakley didn't want to be her friend anymore.
It would make sense...
especially if he knew what she was to become...
and that today was her first day 'for sale'.

Oakley blanched immediately when she snatched him by his collar.  He stuttered, saying nothing but gibberish, unable to find his words and peered stunned, at the hurt in her eyes.  "I-I-I-I'm sorry," he murmured.  "I didn't know you wanted me to stay.  Most girls just want me to go away after a hello.  But I guess I forgot you're not like most girls."  He gave a shy laugh before straightening his collar.  "Would you...maybe wanna go on a walk with me?"

Renna gave a snort, but couldn't hide her smile through her anger. She rolled her eyes at him. It seemed not much had changed. He was still the shy boy like before, only this time, he was starting to shape out into a man.

"That seems like a good idea to me. You've got a lot to update me on, Oakley," she said, staring at him with a broad grin, then she waited there, patiently waiting for him to take her arm. "Well, are you going to escort me or not?" she said with a playful laugh.

Oakley blinked at her.  He smiled meekly before offering his arm. "Sorry," he laughed and proceeded to lead her through the crowd and back out to the gardens.  "I'm not sure where you'd want me to start."

Renna gave another playful roll of her eyes, accepted his arm and pressed herself close to him.
"The gardens would give us the most privacy. We have a lot to talk about! A lot to catch up on!"
And not to mention, she was already tired of flirting with dirty old men. She figured she had done enough, though as she caught a few gazes from them as she left the room, she went awkwardly quiet, her face going pink.
"And let's move a bit quicker, shall we? I had forgotten your feet are as slow as a snail."

And she took the lead, guiding him out into the gardens before sighing with relief once the pair were immersed a few layers deep within. Then, after checking a few more times to be sure they were alone, she turned back to Oakley with a grin.

"It's nice to see you again after all these years. I was afraid something might have happened to you, but then again, all of Falkenrath would know...."
She idly twisted a toe into the grasses, not sure where to take this conversation as she clasped her hands lightly behind her back.

"So you wanna go first, or should I?"

He nearly tripped over his own feet when Renna ushered him along to move more quickly into the gardens.  He laughed nervously, trying to avert his eyes.  But even he could feel the fire and strange looks from the various guests that lingered throughout the early levels of the gardens.  She was quick in her movements and Oakley was hard-pressed to keep up with her.

When at last they had some privacy, he took a seat on one of the stone benches and gave another nervous chuckle, though he wasn't sure as to why.  He gestured for her to come closer and welcomed her to sit beside him.  "I-I'm sorry to admit, but...you know me, I-I couldn't lie even if my life depended on it...  But I honestly thought I'd never see you again.  But, now I'm glad I have," he smiled sweetly and opened his hand for her to take.

He blushed and looked at his hands.  "Not much has changed, if you want to know.  I guess I got a little taller.  But I'm the same skinny boy you knew those four or five years ago.  How long has it really been?  I can't remember.  You know me, always caught in my own little world..."

Yes, she never could be mad at Oakley Brennick, and any anger she had quickly faded as she sighed and smiled down at him before graciously taking a seat at his side. Her blue eyes scanned the gardens around them in silence for a moment, her feet kicking lightly beneath her dress.
"Yes, about five years or so," she remarked softly. "I'm sorry it's been so long, but I wasn't allowed to leave my Aunt's manor." And she hesitated before adding, "This was my first real day out."

Then she glanced back over to him, taking him in with a lopsided grin.
"Not much has changed that I couldn't recognize you, Oakley. I still see you've got those long gangily legs and arms." She giggled. "And that puff of curls for hair." And she gave a light pat to his head, giggling more freely. "But I can see you're maturing. I like the stronger jaw look on you. Makes you look more handsome,"s he teased.

He was rather cute in this stage, between a man and a boy; with too large of hands and awkward all over. She found her heart fluttering at the sight. Gods, she had missed him far more than she wanted to admit. After all, he was her only 'real' friend.

He really was an awkward thing to look at, almost like a young horse just barely finding it's legs as they wobbled underneath him.  His curls once again fell into his face and hid a blush that took his cheeks.  He couldn't take a compliment as it wasn't often he was given one.  He just peered up at her through a head of curls and laughed.

"No," he shook his head.  "I'm just the same plain ol' Oakley.  If anything I got uglier.  But you, you're prettiest girl at the festival!  You're certainly the most fun."  He laughed again.  "You've proaably got lots of boys that like to hang around you, trying for your affections!"

Renna rolled her eyes. He never had much self esteem. Seems that hadn't changed. But at his last comment, she forced a laugh and shook her head.
"You could say that."
Ugh, did he have to remind her?

Oakley blushed again.  "Well, what has been going on with you?  You were never like me, shy and reserved?"  He gave a trying smile and he squeezed her hand.

"To be honest, you'd probably wouldn't like to hear it," she said, forcing a smile for him before awkwardly looking away. "But what about you? Why are you here at the festival all by yourself? I would have thought you'd be betrothed by now."
Cause, after all, that's what she had believed had become of him, and part of her was still hurt from it...
even though it wasn't true, and was a story she had made up to help heal her wounds. She had missed Oakley greatly since they had parted,a nd to 'never hear from him again' was a heavy blow to her heart. Her Aunt had planted the seed of doubt, but she hadn't pressed the issue of their friendship. She knew it was doomed anyways, considering what Renna was to become...
And even now, when she should be flaunting herself, she was enjoying this moment stealing away from it all to catch up with Oakley in the gardens...
alone against the falling leaves of Fall.

If he was blushing before, Oakley went beet red now and he stared at his feet, which he tucked underneath the bench and rubbed one leg behind the other.  "B-betrothed?  Why would you think that?" he murmured softly.  "No, no.  I'm not married.  Nor engaged, though Father would probably say a wife would probably shape me up into a man."  He blushed more and tried to meet her eyes, but he couldn't muster the strength.  "Besides, what girl would marry me?  Much less kiss me.  No, no.  I just like my notebooks and gardens.  Shush though, Father doesn't know too much about me hanging out in the gardens.  He wants me to mingle.  But I don't like crowds.  I just like you.  You're good company."

Renna wasn't about to admit how happy she was that he wasn't betrothed, but as naturally as wen they were younger, she found herself giggling at his insecurities.

"Don't worry, your secrets safe with me..." and then recalling her childish nickname she used to call him, she leaned in real close and inquired, "Are you afraid another woman might find out you have stinky feet.... Stink foot?"

One would think a girl of her age might have grown out of old, silly nick names; but then again, this was Renna, and the devious look she was giving him leant an extra sparkle to her blue eyes. And even though her giggling had ceased,t he echo of laughter was there, but so was the warmth and closeness of their friendship that might have been presumed faded, or dead.

Oakley frowned, not finding amusement in her jest and dropped his head lower at the dreadful memory.  "I don't have smelly feet anymore!  It was cured long ago!  You don't have to go bringing that up all the time," he grumbled, letting go of her hand.  "I'd have thought you'd forgotten.  But then again, it's you.  You don't forget things you can use to tease me.  Most never do."

"Come on, Oakley. You know I jest," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Besides, I don't do it to be entirely mean," she said, leaning in real close to his face as she wrinkled her nose playfully. "Besides, do you want in on a little secret as to why I really called you that when we were younger?"

"Because you lied and you're actually mean," Oakely groaned and wouldn't look at her.  The gardens were suppose to bring him peace and quiet, but all it was bringing him was a face full of fire.

Renna giggled. "How did you know?"
But then she shook her head, brushing some hair from her face that wasn't really there, and tucked in her lower lip.
"It's weird, we met sort of the same way we were reunited today... Under a table." She afforded him a genuine grin and went to take his hand, despite him having yanked it from her from earlier.
"ANd there I was, crawling around and dirtying up my skirts when I noticed a foul smell. I think they were your great Uncle's feet.." she said with a wrinkle to her nose, but then I saw you and I rememebred how much your brother's had teased you, so when I started blaming you for your stink foot, I just thought it was my only way to becoming friends with you. Though I won't lie, it was fun making your cheeks pink, but I never meant it to be mean. I was just being playful."
She gave his hand to squeeze.
"But I didn't know any better back then..."
ANd she drew in a careful breath, looking away from him as she gave an idle kicking of her feet.

"I just knew I wanted to be friends with you. You seemed.. different than the rest, and I think we were both pretty awkward. After all, no one wanted to be friends wiht the girl with carrot frizz for hair and freckles all over."

Oakley did look at her then and blushed all the more.  He gave her large wide eyes and then glanced down at her hands.  "Hmmmm, I'm not sure I believe you," he grumbled.  "But I guess for this moment, I'll let you have a free pass."  He gave her a soft smile.  "And don't say that.  You're pretty.  Prettier than most girls I've seen.  But I haven't seen many of them, so I guess the range of options leaves a lot to be desired."

Renna smirked when he didn't believe her, but she didn't look up at him until his last statement, then her eyes grew large as she laughed.
"So you can tell a joke!" she said, laughing all the more. "Unless you actually mean it, then I'll pinch your arm and call you stink foot all night!" she threatened with a smirk.

Oakley laughed and snorted at that.  "Why do girls think they can just bully any old boy they want?  I didn't say anything that wasn't already true," he smiled at her.  "But I do mean it though.  You are pretty.  Almost pretty enough to be beautiful.  To think you'd want to be friends with me...sometimes I think I must be dreaming."

It was Renna's turn to blush as he kept pressing how she looked. Her Aunt Maudy had kept telling her she had the look, but naturally, Renna was too humble to want to believe her. It was her eyes, or something like that, that her Aunt pressed, that would draw men towards her, and for that moment remained quiet in thought.

That's when she turned to Oakely suddenly and lightly pinched his arm.
"You liar!" she said with a laugh. "You're about as bad as your brothers!"

Oakley was smiling too for the long moment of her silence - as refreshing as it was.  He didn't know what to say anymore, and frankly he didn't want to.  But when she pinched him he bent away and laughed.  "Okay!  I was lying.  You're just a brat," he smiled.  "An old dirty rat."

"Oh yeah? Well at least I don't have stinky feet, stink foot!" she said, reaching forward to pinch his arm again.

Oakley rubbed his arm and shifted off the bench away from her.  "Ouch!  You need to cut your nails," he grumbled.  "You've got dirty rat claws!"  And disappeared behind a rosebush.

"Hey!" she said with a laugh and sat up, grabbing onto her skirts. "Where do you think you're going, Stink Foot?" and seeing him disappear behind a rose bush, she gave chase. "I wasn't finish pinching your arm! I owe you lots of pinching from all of those years we haven't seen one another!" And she laughed as she dove after him, trying to snatch onto his arm.

The young Brennick brother spooked and he ran away from her arm, slipping out just like a small fish out of the grasp of a larger monster in the pond of the garden.  He slipped out and away and dove for the bushes, not caring if he ruined his clothes, even if he knew his father would be livid.  "No!  Get those meat hooks away!"

"I thought you said I had claws, not hooks!" She said, sticking out her tongue childishly and dove for him again, she too, seeming not to care if she soiled her pretty new dress.

He didn't know whether to stop and catch his breath or to turn about to chase her right back.  But he knew one thing: he wasn't about to let her capture him.  So he twisted and slipped away again, running through the brush, laughing loudly.  "You've got both!" he cried out.  "One hook!  One claw!"

"I'll show you one hook and one claws, Oakley Brennick!" she shouted in a most non threatening way (even though she tried) as she held onto her skirts and ashed through the hedges clean after him, and once she realized he was quickly approaching the walls, she wasted no time to spring upon him, laughing as she tackled him to the ground- losing a shoe along the way, a few hair pins, and collecting some shrubbery in her hair and dress.

He buckled immediately when her weight came around his legs.  He yelped and fell right into the bushes, smashing through the shrubbery and hidden from sight.  He squirmed underneath her, but her weight no longer allowed him to put up a fight.  "Okay!  I surrender!  I surrender!"

"HA! AS IF I'D LET YOU SURRENDER SO EASILY!" she shouted, and suddenly jabbed her fingers into his arm pits, before crawling her fingers all along the sides of his body, hoping to bring the tickles out.
"I'm going to make you laugh so hard, Oakley Brennick, that you're going to pee your pants!" she teased with her tongue jutting out at him.

Oakley howled.  Damn her fingers were sharp.  He wiggled and squirmed underneath her, trying to hold back the laughter.  But to no avail as he blurted out and grew more in pain from the laughter than the sharpness of her fingers.  Reaching down, he grasped her hands tightly, to get her to stop and peered at her.  "I surrender!  Please!"

"Oh com on, Oakley as if I'd-"

"Oakley.. is that you?"

Renna went quiet a moment, her face paling as she mouthed the words. 'Your father..'

Crap! They were so dead!

Michael Brennick's voice echoed though the shrubbery they were well-hidden beneath and Oakley immediately paled.  He knew for a fact his father would beat him until he was an inch shorter if he found him in here with Renna.  He knew the old man hated the girl, though for reasons he couldn't quite explain.  His father called his name, but he said nothing and instead put a hand up to his lips to keep her quiet.

He motioned for Renna to curl up, to get small and follow him.  Oakley crawled through the brush, moving carefully underneath the shrubbery, away from his approaching father.

Keeping a hand over her mouth, she obeyed his request for silence. She'd rather not have either of them found out, considering what it could mean for 'her big day'. She also knew these little antics couldn't go on forever, but even still, it was becoming increasingly more difficult for her to stifle her laughter as the two crawled along, Renna's face nearly in Oakley butt.

"Hey, Oakley, move towards the south end of the gardens. There's a side entrance we can sneak in through," she whispered. And as they crawled along, she added, "Oh, and whatever you do. Don't fart. Ok?" And she smirked, and again, was stifling another giggle behind her hand.

He couldn't help the light kick he 'accidentally' gave to her face as they crawled through the shrubbery.  It was in that moment that Oakley was most thankful for being as slim as he was, crawling underneath all that dirt was much easier than he if was bulkier like his brothers.  Recalling her directions, he scurried through the shrubbery until he moved south and was finally out on the other side.  He could see the feet of his father where they once were and quickly motioned for Renna to follow.

Renna was quick to follow, but unlike him, she had layers of skirts to deal with. Good thing she was smart enough to hef tthem up and all of the dirt got on her legs rather than staining her skirts, so shwen she stood up, she sighed and was brushing her hands furiously all ove rit to knock the dirt and shrub pieces from. Then she paused to observe his clothing with a gasp as she slapped a hand ove rher lips.

"Oakley, you can't go in there looking like that! Your.. your clothes! Look at your pants!"

"I'm not going in anywhere!" Oakley hissed.  "Now quiet.  My da is still out here.  Shush!"  He took her hand and minded the brambles stuck in his curls.  He ducked behind some roses until he was certain Duke Michael had walked off.

"God," Oakley breathed as he slumped on the ground, his ass hitting the ground hard.

Giggling, Renna dropped down beside him, unable to stop smiling as she leaned against his side. And she took his hand, threading her fingers into his before giving a squeeze.
"Angsar's shoes, I've missed you," she told him with a sigh, eyes peering out into the gardens.

Oakley was too flushed from that brief exertion to notice she'd taken his hand and he slowly looked down at his side when he did.  A small, why smile touched his lips.  "I missed you too," he said.  Branches and leaves stuck out from his hair as he smiled at her.

Turning towards him, she giggled and wrinkled her nose, reachign forward to pluck some of the debris in his hair.
"We might want to clean up before going back inside.."

"I don't want to go inside," Oakley said with a sudden frown.  "I just want to stay here all night.  There's nothing more beautiful than the garden at night.  Don't you agree?"

There was no denying that, but what would her Aunt think? After all of the work she had done over the years....
For now, she ignored her obligations and smiled at Oakley with a nod.
"I couldn't agree more," and she noticed another few twigs in his hair and leaned forward as she plucked them out. "There.." and she paused a moment, realizing how close they were as she blushed. But then soon she was smirking and twirling the small twig between them.
"You've got quite a lot of these in your hair."

At their proximity, Oakly did blush and her comment, he blushed even more.  "Y-yeah," he chuckled.  His smile widened and before he knew it he leaned forward and kissed her cheek lightly.  "I guess I'd never do it if it wasn't now."

At the light peck on the cheek, she gasped and dropped the twig. SHe was so surprised by his actions, that Oakley would have kissed her at all, even on the cheek in such a moment... and it numbed her mind as she stuttered lamely, "D-Do what?"

Oakley's smiled faded as he looked at her stupidly.  "Well,  uh, what I did just now," he replied.  "Well, don't you remember?  It just happened a few seconds ago!"

Renna went cross eyed, then realized with a blush, "Oh." Then sort of stared at him stupidly before she laughed. "You mean that you kissed me on the cheek?"

"I think so," Oakley said as he stared at  her with wide eyes.  But seeing her blush, his idiocy faded away a little.  And he leaned in once more and kissed her cheek, his own cheeks burning like fire.

Two kisses on the cheek in less than a minute from Oakley Brennick? Her cheeks were on fire from that one, and her mind in a whirl from the rush of it. Here, she was having her 'debut' in society, to show the men of the upper class what they can get for a fee as a companion, yet here she was, rekindling a friendship, and something more, with a boy she had thought all but forgotten her from years ago.

Though despite feeling awkward over this sudden show of affection from Oakley, she found herself laughing before she simply leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

"RENNA CARTISTE!"

The girl jumped clean out of her skin as she whirled around at the sight of her Aunt who had (thankfully) only caught sight of her bright red hair.
"Shit! I think she saw us!" Renna said, paling as she scrambled to her feet. "Gods, if she catches me with you and me like this...."
Her Aunt would kill her!

Oakley's face burned with a sun-like fury when her lips plastered themselves on his and his eyes shot wide.  He nearly choked on his own saliva in that brief second.  Thank Ansgar Renna pulled herself away from him just in time for him to catch his breath.  He looked up and saw with horror her aunt standing in the distance.

"Go," he pushed her away.  "Go, I'll hide."  He gave her a small, shy smile and shoved her off.

Oakley didn't have to tell her twice as she leaped to her feet and savagely raked her hands through her hair and dusted off her dress. Stepping onto the other side of the gardens, she grinned up at her Aunt, before a gasp was heard- then a slap came to her cheek, then a second one to ensure the mark was concealed by a 'heated' blush look rather than a slap.

"You look atrocious, what is the matter with you? How will any man want to pay for you looking like a savage?"

Though in truth, Renna could have looked a lot worse for wear, and had only a subtle stain on the edge of her gown, barely noticeable, and before Oakley might have been able to detect what Renna's Aunt was going to chew her out about; the two disappeared further into the gardens.

Oakley blushed when he heard the slap for it was loud and echoed through the garden, even amongst the peace of the flowers.  He frowned then as he heard them depart and stayed seated in the dirt with little more to show for it than a few tears brewing in his eyes.  He felt powerless at the fact, that her aunt treated her that way and there was nothing he could do about it.  He just sighed and when the coast was clear, he stood up and carefully dusted himself off, shaking the branches out of his hair.

But it was then that a savage hand came up and grabbed him violently by the collar.  "BOY!" his father growled.  Oakley paled and quivered under that powerful hand when it came down on him.  It clapped him on the head and he turned it away, his head pounding.  "You'll get back inside now.  You look like you've been crawling in the grave.  Which is where you'll be if you don't get back in there," Michael growled as he dragged his son back inside.

When they reached the door, he straightened him and his collar and dusted the boy off before pushing him inside.

The party went on with a sea of fluttering dresses moving about as easy as winds through a field of barely. Men were as starched as their clothes, their cheeks rouged now from the apple wine and beer as women's fans fluttered against their cheeks. Though it was this sea of civilized fools that separated them, as Renna Cartiste had freshened up and represented herself to many of the men she had met and flirted with before. Though she seemed a lot more distracted this time around, that, in itself, seemed to perk up the interest of a few men, especially with how now more easily flushed the girl became, especially on her cleavage that was on display, and more of it now so than before after her Aunt helped readjust her garb.

But she pretended to love the attention and batted her pretty painted lashes at each men she took attentions to, and even got a little light headed and giddy from the cider and wine. It was the only thing that helped her remained focus, lest her eyes stray too much to seek out Oakley amongst the crowd, but more often than not her flickering gazes were met with a cold glance frm her Aunt.

Oakley was locked in meager conversation with a few nobody's here and there trying to get in good with the Duke's son.  He had no recollection of what anyone spoke of for the duration of their speech and when at last an announcer moved to the head of the room to announce the beginning of the first evening's dance, Oakley's head spun around, trying to get a glimpse of Renna anywhere.

At last he saw her far up the room with another man and he was caught in the wave of people that were moving from one side of the room to the other, parting the room with men on one side and women on the other and with various couples joining from opposite ends of the hall.

'The Autumn Hitch' was the name of the dance, and that of the song; as it was most appropriate to start off this evening of festivities. As the men and women all took to their appropriate rows, Renna smiled politely towards her partner as she bowed her head and curtsied, as did all the other women in one single motion before the cello was struck, and the dace begun.

Rigidly the line of partners came together in the center, they'd bow and take hands, then would trot off down the line before returning to their rows. As this dance went on, eventually the partners were swapped out in an organized fashion, so that the partner to your left met the partner to your right, and then back again to your original partner you would go and walk down the line of guests.

The man who's arm Renna was attached to was so much older than her, that the grey of his hair and wrinkles in his skin stood out in contrast to the bright colors of Renna's dress and hair, and the perfection of her still youthful skin. And it was here, as she was walked down the line for the second time, more men began to perk up to this new lady.

It was no secret what she was; or who; for the way she was dressed rang clearly that she was for sale. And all of the men knew that on a day like today, wtih a new girl like that...
that she was still untouched and tainted like many of the other courtesans that were dancing around...
and that some lucky fellow could pay to be her first...
and Renna was fortunate a lot of men knew this game well, and those men who were hungry for a virgin, for a youth, had a lot of money lining their pockets, and a lot of saliva wetting their mouths. Yes, the pretty little red head was making quite the impression- and it only took an extra inch of cleavage to do it.

Oakley almost passed out from his nerves as his father stood beside him and pushed the small boy to get in line for the dance.  Michael looked at him sternly and knew the boy would probably try to squirm his way out of the crowd around him.  "Just try to relax, Oakley," Michael insisted, through he had an iron hand on his shoulder.  "And try to have a good time."

He shoved Oakley forward as he let a few people get between them.  When it was time to switch partners, the boy awkwardly stepped forward through the crowd and was dumbly searching for the partner he was paired with.  The girl in front of him cleared her throat roughly before stepping in to take the lead instead of him.  He blanched, then blushed and apologized before accidentally stepping on her foot.

She squeaked and huffed and stepped a few inches further away.

"I get better, I'm promise," he said.

On her third walk, Renna was feeling more confident, keeping her head held higher and her blue eyes dazzling for the men. It seemed she'd have quite a lot to choose from later, which was a relief. Some of them were young enough for her to consider to be attractive, and then she spotted Oakley and almost tripped over her skirts. Her partner helped steady her, and as they returned to the line, she thanked the man softly.

"A lot of men are watching you," he said.

Renna nodded, and told him, "I know."

He squeezed her hand as they stood together at the end of the line now, where the couples began to stay together, rather than apart.

"I just hope I have enough money to make a bid on you first. That is, if you will accept an invitation to my manor," he began. Renna avoided his gaze. "How does tomorrow seem?"

Renna remained quiet, then looked up as she caught sight of her Aunt's approving gaze.

"It sounds lovely."

Oakely had seen her too when at last the girl he'd been next paired with and watched the man grow sweeter on her when they moved across to the couple's line.  The girl beside him, squeezed his hand a little.  She must have been no older than sixteen and already she was debuting to high society as she peered shyly at him.  At last someone who could tolerate him and yet his eyes were no on her.

They watched Renna from across the room.  The next dance was beginning soon and the girl pulled Oakley back to the floor when the next song began.  Now the couples were set for the next few rounds and as they spun across the floor, Oakley felt like he was going to be sick from both the motion and from the older man that was holding onto Renna.

The night passed one precisely as her Aunt had planned, and not only had she found one man asking her for an evening at their manor, but at least two others had extended invitations before the end of the second sessions of dancing.

Thank God she had found a moment to herself as she stole away to the powder room to hide not only from her potential buyers, but her Aunt as well.

Oakely was sweating through his clothes and his cravat was drenched by the time he could catch a break by the punch bowls and drinks.  The girl had taken to his side and when she was sure her escort was out of view, she kissed his neck and his cheek and then his lips as she shoved him into the nearest powder room.

"No!  Wait!  Stop!" Oakley pleaded.

Renna really needed the peace and quiet to herself; so when just moments later a couple came spilling into the room,s he spun around with a gasp. She was about to say something, but when she noticed who the boy was and that he had lip stick stains all over his face and neck, she paled and felt her stomach drop and turn to ice.

She wasn't sure when she had rushed out onto the balcony, but the cold air hit her like a ton of bricks and cooled off the tears heating in her eyes.
Oakley! Oakley Brennick with another girl! And here she thought... how silly o fher... to consider she'd be his FIRST kiss when it'd had been so long...
Perhaps he was no different than the stories she heard about his brothers, and now she stood out there, a few tears stealing down her cheeks as she felt like the fool.

Oakely panicked when he noticed the girl running out of the powder room.  He gasped and struggled with the girl on top of him as she tried to push him against the wall.  "Please!  Stop!"  he said frustrated.  He pushed her away and jumped up and headed out the door, barely catching her in time as he saw her running down the side up toward the balcony away from most of the guests.

He rubbed his face from her lipstick and his neck as best he could and calmly followed up until he was behind Renna's familiar form.  "Renna," he said softly.  "Renna!  I'm so sorry..."

Renna whirled around, the night sky catching on her tears, but she hadn't a moment to respond when her Aunt suddenly stepped out onto the balcony.

"There you are, Renna. Charles Higgins and Westley Bennett have been inquiring about you." Then she paused to notice the boy beside her, raising a single brow.
"Oakely? Oakley Brennick?" The smirk on her face showed she was amused, but also impatient. "It's nice to see you. Tell your father I should call him for tea." Then her eyes went to Renna, who's tears she seemed to ignore as she grabbed the young girl by the arm."Dear me, seems this nightly fog has done something to your hair." Never mind the tears marring some of her make up. "Let us get you to the powder room at once. You don't want those men thinking you anything but perfection."
And she gave Oakley a cold smile as she pushed past him, ushering Renna away.

[The Old Maid Aunt.  The second ****block!]

Oakley stared out at her aunt for the time she spoke and could find no words to speak before she walked away, hitting his shoulder as she passed. 

He watched Renna pushed away and he stepped back toward the balcony, his head dropping as he stayed where he was, leaning against the edge of it and watching as night descended on the gardens below.

Renna felt wretched, and even when she attempted to stifle her tears in the powder room, she got wrung out by her aunt. If she didn't pull her act together, she'd find herself homeless. And that frightened her enough back into submission. So a few fixes of make up later, and Renna was back out there, wooing men and getting herself noticed. And the night couldn't have ended sooner. Fortunately for her, her Aunt felt it was wise to leave earlier, to make men linger over her, so as she was curtsying and saying her goodbyes, she caught sight of Oakley from the corner of her eyes before she was escorted out of the manor house and possibly out of Oakley's sight forever.

She had never been so sick in all of her days. She cried endlessly into her pillow until it hurt, and until she vomitted three times over it. She even tried starting to write a letter to him, but nothing came out,a d all of the scribblings of ink got water logged from her tears. It was over her desk she finally passed out, completely exhausted. It was also there her Aunt found her when seh came to check in; and frowned when she read the name that was cried over on the piece of paper.

Oakley.

Oakley was quiet the entire ride home as the carriage rolled out back to Briarwood, the Brennick family estate and felt blank, empty just as the cart rolled through the driveway.  He spoke little, seemingly shy once more as his father questioned on him on anyone he'd met during the dance, mentioning the girl and a few others and eventually saw himself to bed.

He laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling unable to sleep as his thoughts of Renna's last expressions came into mind.  She looked so torn, though she smiled.  He knew it was fake, he always did and  when he found himself troubled by his thoughts he climbed out of bed and carefully dressed, heading for the window, and climbing down quietly to the garden's below before stealing away to the stables.

Perhaps if he could make it before the night ended, he might explain.  Perhaps he might even earn her forgiveness.  He pulled a horse away, a quick colt that was antsy and ready for an evening run that he quietly saddled and tore across the path toward the direction he remembered her aunt's house being.  Or at least he hoped it was.

She slept horribly, and found herself waking up to every noise- the clatter of a tree to her window, a stumbling maid in the hall; and lastly, the approaching gallop of a horse. Blinking, she lifted her head from her desk, still dizzy with sleep as her ears strained. Clearly she must be dreaming- was a horse really approaching at such an hour?

The horse stopped a distance away and Oakley leapt off the saddle and tied him to the closest tree in the nearby orchard.  The night was quieter than he hoped, with only a few noises of the people that worked the grounds.  He didn't know how, but he knew he'd have to try and carefully crept through the grounds, hiding in the shadows before he found a lattice up toward the nearest window.  It was slightly open and he climbed up to peek inside of it just a little.  "Renna?" he whispered, eyes adjusting in the dark.

The sound of the horse faded, and a moment later,s he swore she heard someone climbing up the outter wall towards her window. Hesitating, she rose from her desk, only to pause a moment later when she saw a familiar face outside her window.
"Oakley!?" then she slapped a hand over her lips, realizing she had spoken too loudly. "What on earth are you doing here?" she inquired, a lot more softly now as she rushed towards the window, helping him quickly to climb into her room.

Oakley hung weakly on the lattice that climbed up toward the window and he waited for a response, all the while his heart beating in his stomach at the dread he was feeling about everything all at once.  What if Michael were to find out?  What if he had the wrong room?  Oh, he should just climb down all at once right now and be done with it!  He was just about too when Renna appeared in the window, and helped him climb inside.

"Oh, Renna!" he whispered.  "I just had to see you, at least one more time.  I know what going on and I just had to tell you that it was all an accident.  I just...I didn't kiss her!  I really didn't!"

Renna stared stupidly at Oakley for the longest time before bursting out, "Wait, you mean to tell me you came all the way out here in the middle of the night just to tell me that?"

"Shush!" Oakley hissed.  Just as she spoke outloud, his hand came flying toward her mouth and he covered her lips as best he could.  "Yes!  Yes!  Ansgar's boots, oh, I think my father knows I skipped out here....but I-I-I...  I couldn't sleep with you thinking I'd just want to hurt you with some other girl 'cause I couldn't dance with you.  Oh, Renna, I wanted to dance with you.  I really did!  Please!  Not so loud...Oh, I know your aunt will tell my father and he'll kill me for sure."

Renna blinked, her face twisting questionably at his words before her eyes lit up and she took his hand and lowered it from her mouth.
"Oh, Oakley..." she began to say, her eyes watering with tears. "I wanted to dance with you, too, but my Aunt she.... and I... I..." and here, she paused, realizing, as her neck burned, that Oakley had no idea of the truth.
"Oakley, I'm sorry." she found herself saying, well before she even had a chance to explain as tearsbegan to roll down her face.

"Oh, don't cry," Oakley pleaded with her as he reached into his pocket and produced a handkerchief.  He only then realized his hands were fumbling and he tried to still them as he blotted her eyes.  "Please...I-I know why you....were really there," he said.  He grew quieter and took a seat on her bed.  "Michael thinks I have no idea.  But I know why he really wants me to stay away from you.  Because.....because you were being sought for buyers."

Renna's eyes widened once he admitted what he knew.
"You... you knew?" she said, her eyes still sparkling with tears.

Oakley found his own chin wavering at the thought and he slowly nodded before her.  He reached for her hands and held it gently in his.  "But...but what can I do?" he said softly.  "I-I just...I don't know if I'll see you tomorrow or in two weeks or ten months.  I just had to see you tonight.  Before you go away forever."

Renna was too stunned to respond at first, her hands trembling within his, more tears swelling at the corners of her eyes.
"Oh, Oakley..." And now more tears were rolling down her cheeks. "I'm so sorry, but nothing can be done. When my parents died, it was either my Aunt send me to an orphanage, or I agree to become a courtesan. I... I didn't even know what that was. And now I just...." She lowered her face from his, shame faced and flushed as she shook with sobs, tears falling down and soiling the ivory colored night gown that clung against her ripening flesh.
"I'm sorry, Oakley," she cried, then clung to him in a tight embrace, burying her crying face into his shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

Tears fell from his own eyes as he watched her cry and stumble over her words.  As soon as her arms came around him, Oakley wrapped her in his own.  His was a strong embrace as strong as he could muster with his thin arms.  He pressed his face into her shoulder and squeezed her close.

He choked on his words and eventually he turned his head up and wiped away her tears as best he could. "No, I'm sorry," he murmured. "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have forgotten you...I promise I never will again."

Renna shook her head.

"But it's not that, Oakley.." she said, unable to stop the next series of tears. "Maybe if you had forgotten me it would have been easier. I had been sweet on you all this time, but when I had thought you forgotten me, it was easier to pretend I didn't care. But now I'm stuck to my fate in all of this and I can't get out, and now I fear you'll be worried over me and I just- I.. I..." and she found herself unable to talk again as she cried.

"Shhhh, shhhh," Oakley tried to soothe.  He rubbed at her back and leg her tears fall on his shirt.  He did understand now, he died and he wanted to deny it for the longest time but reality had a way of crashing into you when you least expected it.  He kissed her cheek, in the spur of the moment and tried to still the sobs within himself.

His kiss made her only break into more sobs than before as she buried her face against his shoulder and held him tight.
"Oakley, I'm.. I'm scared," she admitted after a time, finally lifting her tear filled eyes to his. "I don't want men to buy me. I just want to be me, to do what I want, not to have to find myself at the whims of old, ugly and balding men."

Oakley didn't know what to reply for he knew that was the fated truth.  Instead he just held her tighter and nodded against her.  When a sob choked out of him, he finally turned his head  to look at her.  "Whatever happens," he said.  "I'll be right here with you."

Renna was thankful to have a friend. It had been years since she could trust anyone, confide in anyone...
Well, except for the animals. And it was peculiar that during her time away is when she realized her unique gift. And it was then she wondered.. what would Oakley think or say if he knew?

But her thoughts were broken from her when she heard her Aunt's voice at the door.

"Renna, are you awake?"

Gasping, her eyes widened.
"Quick, hide under the bed!"

She didn't have to tell him twice before he dropped down onto his belly and scurried underneath the bed.  He held his breath and curled his limbs up to keep himself from view.

Renna hesitated a moment before answering her Aunt's call.
"Y-yes. I woke up. I was.. having trouble sleeping."

A moment later the door creaked open and her Aunt stepped into the room. Her feet shuffled against the hard wood floors, the boards creaking beneath her weight. Eventually, she made her way to Renna's side and noted the tears in her eyes.

"You're still upset from today?"

One would think the question might have been one of sincerity, but the way her Aunt asked it,t he air turned cold. Renna shifted uncomfortably.

"I just..."

"I told you, you need to forget about that boy. His parents want nothing to do with you, Renna, and there are rumors already spreading that young boy will soon be engaged. Now, please, is something else bothering you?"

Renna wrung her hands, uncertain what to say to her Aunt.

"I was also afraid."

"Afraid?" her Aunt's voice perked up.

"Y-yeah... we've gone over everything I have to do but.. erm, not exactly what I will be doing for the nightly entertainment... and I... I don't know if I'll like it."

Her Aunt chuckled between closed lips.
"Renna, Renna darling, come here, come here. A woman's body is a sanctuary. It won't matter if you like it or not, just think of it as a job. A miller mills, a butcher, well, butchers, and the dukes rule the land. You're a courtesan, you'll court, be courted, and bed the wealthiest men in Connlaoth, and for this, you will have powerin your own right." She patted Renna gently upont he hand before kissing her forehead.

"Now, come on, we can discuss more of this come morning. Don't forget you've made two engagements for the morrow."

Renna sighed but nodded.
"Goodnight, Aunt Maudy."

Aunt Maudy was already at the door when seh paused and turned to glance at Renna upon the bed.
"Goodnight, girl."
And she stepped out of theroom, taking her candle with her and Renna was once again cast into darkness, with the threat of tears returning.

Oakley heard the whole conversation and stilled his very breath at the thought of what her position really meant.  He stilled himself and felt his eyes grow wet in the darkness when her aunt finally left.  He'd almost forgotten that he was still underneath Renna's bed when at last it was safe to come out.

Tears fell silently down her cheeks and many moments passed before she recalled the boy hiding beneath her bed. Wiping her tears carelessly away on the back of her hand, Renna stepped down from her bed.
"Oakley..." she began, lifting up part of the bed's quilted bedding. "It's safe to come out now."

Oakley jumped when the bedding moved afraid it was her aunt coming back so quickly.  And even as  he looked up at her he hesitated in motion until he saw the coast was clea. He crawled out and stood warily beside her.  No words would spring from his lips and the sorrow evident in his eyes showed through more than he wished.

Suddenly his arms went around her and he hugged her so tightly, he might have squeezed the breath out of her.

When his arms came around her she broke down and sobbed, clinging onto him as fiercely as he did to her.
"Oh, Oakley...." And as she was about to speak more, she found herself consumed in sorrows as tears streamed down her face.

Oakley's mind was in a flurry of emotions all conflicting around him at once.  He couldn't focus on a single one save the one that burned from his eyes.  He'd never been one to feel sorry for himself, at least not for long.  He wanted to be happy, he wanted to live in peace but it seemed life had other plans and he felt his heart ache all the more at the thought of losing Renna for the rest of his life.

It was in that moment that he realized what he must have been feeling for the longest time, why it would be so unbearable to never see her again.  All the old feelings came flooding back to him and Oakley pulled his head away to get a good look at her despite her tears.  His thumbs came up to wipe away her tears as his own glistened in the moonlight.  He trembled and his  hands trembled on her face.  But he couldn't think, he didn't want to and before he knew it, he lunged his face forward and kissed her lips.

Before she knew what was going on, Oakley Brennick kissed her. If he hadn't knocked the wind out of her before, he certainly was now as she found herself breathless. His lips were soft, and for the first time in her life, she had thought of something Oakley had done was powerful. It stunned her into silence as she murmured against his lips,
"Oakley.." which was the only thing she managed to utter as she found herself kissing him back as more hot tears spilled from her eyes.

Though it certainly was a lepp of faith for Oakley, it was a chaste kiss nonetheless, closed mouth but soft as his lips pressed against her.  For a good long moment, his body heated up and his heart sped as he felt her lips press against his willingly.  He gave her a soft breathy moan and pulled away to catch his breath.

"I heard what she said," he whispered.  "Those men wanna paw at you with their wretched, wrinled hands.  They wanna pay to be your first..."  Tears spilled forth from his eyes.  "But what can we do?"

Renna stared back into Oakley's eyes, feeling ashamed and scared all at once.
"It's not just that, Oakley. My Aunt prepared to bring me into the world of courtesans.. I'll be doing this for the rest of my life..." and a few tears fell off her face.
"And I don't know if there is anything we can do, Oakley. I don't know. I've already begun, and now I have appointments tomorrow and and and..." She found herself shaking, her voice growing softer. "I wish things could go back to the way when we were young. Just kids again, you and me." She took his hand and squeezed it. "But now I understand why you couldn't see or write to me. I bet your parents knew what I was to become."

"Michael knew, that's why he wanted me to keep me from you," Oakley said.  "But my mother...she never told him, but she liked you.  A lot before she passed.  She said she had half a mind to take you away from your aunt...  But..."  Oakley went quiet and juts pulled his arms around her.  "...Renna....what if....what if we....don't let them have....your first night?"

Renna's eyes flickered as they looked into his, brows raising.
"What do you mean?"
But another knock at the door had her gasping and jumping clean off her feet.
"Renna....?" And the door began to creak open. It was her Aunt.

Without a second thought, Renna rushed towards the door and flung herself into her Aunt, distracting her from (hopefully) catching the boy in her room.

"Goodness, you're still upset?" her Aunt inquired, stroking her hand through her nieces hair.

"Y-yes, I'm sorry, Aunt Maudy," the girl sobbed.

"Here, come down with me at the table down stairs. We'll drink some white-silk tea. It should sooth you and help you sleep. I knowyou had a big day today but this is just the beginning.."
and the door closed shut behind her- leaving Oakley all alone in Renna's room.

It all happened so fast it left Oakley's head spinning as Renna threw herself at her aunt to draw her attention away from him.  His heart leapt into his throat but he knew he could stay no longer.  As the door closed behind Renna, Oakley moved toward the window again, he gast one final glance back at the door before shimmying down the lattice.

But as he did so, he felt a hand grab him roughly by his shirt and he turned in horror to find Bren standing before him.  "Looky looky," he said with a smug grin.  "I had a feeling I'd find you here."

"B-Bren!  I-I can e-explain!" Oakley croaked in horror.

"Don't worry, I won't tell father if you leave now.  I just came to pay a visit to lil Aunt Maudy," Bren said.  He let go of his brother's collar and brushed him off before he patted him on the shoulder and shoved him off.  Oakley took a few steps until he was out of his brother's sight, but paused long enough to see Bren walk around the yard toward the front door.  He rang the calling bell and waited to be let inside.  Oakley gasped, as he ducked in shadow, as he saw the door opened for his older brother and at last be let within.  Only one word escaped his lips.  "Renna..."

"Young Lord Brandur, whatever brings you here at such an hour?"Aunt Maudy inquired warmly as she opened the door. Renna, who had only finished half her cup of tea, perked up as her Aunt's voice traveled into the room. And then she heard Bren's voice and gasped, dropping her tea cup onto the floor.

As Bren entered the home, he heard something drop into the floor and he only became all the more happy to enter into the house.  He bowed to Aunt Maudy as he took off his coat and hat and held them in his arms.  "Well, I just wanted to pay an evening call," he said.  "To perhaps catch up with a cup of tea.  It's a good thing I came by when I did.  I found someone snooping around your property and saw them running off as I came.  I guess I spooked them.  Most likely some coward looking for an easy score."

Maudy was taken back by the directness of his words.
"Oh.. you don't suppose?" and she lifted a single hand to her lips. "But Renna has only presented herself this evening!" Then she began to wonder.. had someone gotten into her room? If so... my my.. what a tantalizing little woman she was becoming! To think, someone would want to slip into her room for a taste! Maudy tried to hide her smile as she took his coat.
"Here, give that to me. Renna was having trouble sleeping,t he poor girl. We were just sitting down for tea ourselves. Come, come join us."

Renna could NOT believe her luck! Furiously she wiped her tears away and looked around for a place to hide..
too bad there wasn't any!

"Oh don't mind if I do," Bren said.  He bowed his head again after handing off his coat and pulled his hands behind his back as he slowly stepped into the sitting room, hearing a scuffling until he saw Renna before him, as if she was about ready to run away.  A clever smile crept onto his face, but one that could just as easily have been mistaken for a sweetened grin of greeting.

"Oh, good evening, Miss Renna," Bren said softly as he entered into the room and bowed his head to her.  He stepped in beside her and tried to help her off the ground where it looked like he'd caught her in a moment of scurrying away.  "Pleasure to see you.  Again."  He looked her over like lunch meat.

Renna paled at being caught in such a position, but a cutting look from her Aunt had her addressing Bren politey as she rose to her feet, bowing her head.
"Hello, Lord Brandur. It's good to see you..." And she swallowed the knot in her throat before adding, "too."

"Oh, I assure the pleasure is all mine," Bren said, closing his grin with pursed lips.  He motioned for her to take a seat while taking one just across from her so that he could watch her out of the corner of his eye and he turned back to Aunt Maudy. "I'll take a dash of sugar and honey in my tea, Miss Maudy!" he called out.

Then his eyes cut back to Renna.  "I heard you had your introductory party earlier today.  I'm so sorry I missed you.  I must have been mingling with the wrong...ladies."  He gave her a smirk.  "Tell me, did you have a good time?  It's a priority of the Brennick's that all our guests have a good time at our functions.  And no less would be expected of you.  Did you see anyone familiar?"

It was hard for Renna to concentrate with her heart drumming inside her ears. Though she managed to catch mostly what Bren was speaking as she nodded her head numbly at his questions before replying, "Why, yes, I had a lovely time, thank you for asking. And you- did you-..?" But at his last statement, her sentence was cut short and she stared at him, mouth gaping like a fish.

Bren gave a pursed lipped smile and he casually sat back in his seat.  "A few here and there, but if I'd have known that it was your introduction, I would have gave special honor to you," he smirked.  "I wonder if Oakley has seen you again.  The boy always was so awkward and always had a shy eye for you."

Renna's cheeks went pink. But she wasn't any good at lying, so she simply replied, "Oh, I had seen him, but nothing more was shared than a quick hello..."
Leaving out the details of his nightly visit, the other girl, and well...
the fact Oakley found her under the table and was crawling around with her in the gardens then the kiss... well, kisses....

She dropped her gaze to her cup, growing awkwardly silent again.

"I'm sure there were just too many things going on for the both of you," Maudy sat, patting her hand over top of Bren's. "Though, still, you know what sort of hour this is. What am I to assume about this visitation, young master Brennick? Was the events from today so intriguing that you felt you missed out on some important opportunity? You, of all people, must know what her introduction entails. Though, it really is quite a lovely thing," Maudy said with a wondrous sigh. "For the first time a flower exposes herself to the world." She chuckled and sipped at her tea. "A lot of men were impressed with her." And she sipped her tea again. "So was I. She looked so beautiful. I am only sorry the pair of us are not better dressed for this nightly meeting..."

They were both in night gowns, with laced, ruffled robes; her own in a dark blue while Renna wore a sweet, innocent white peace that rarely did a thing to hide her budding woman hood.

"You do realize what this implies after her initial meeting, don't you?" Maudy said, cutting right to the chase. "To see a courtesan after her first outing..."

If there was one thing that Brandur Brennick knew, it was women and his eyes carefully appreciated the soft blossoming flesh of Renna Cartriste.  But he was subtle and turned his eyes away when Maudy addressed him.  "I do indeed.  But I'm afraid to say that my motives are nothing short of gentlemanly for this evening call," he said with a soft grin.  "But I'll keep your words in mind."  He took a sip of his tea and never took his eyes off Renna until he set it back down again.  "Though perhaps...if it's business you wish to discuss....I wouldn't be opposed to it."

Renna was almost relieved by the way the conversation was going- that was, until Brandur mentioned he was interested in purchase. She felt her blood chill and recalled all of those times in her youth she chewed him out in defense of Oakley.

Bren! Bren Brennick, the stupidest of them all, wanted to purchase her. Fear quickly grounded her as she shifted uneasily within her dress. But where as she was squirming and appalled, her Aunt raised her brows curiously, before her smile grew wider.

"Oh, really? So you are in the market for a companion?" Maudy's chuckle was only heard in her eyes as she delicately lifted her tea to her lips. "Well, I'm sure you might know how these things work, but we start with a figure for her first night; and things go from there. After all, a woman's flower is worth quite a lot." And she paused to consider, "Are you willing to make the first bid for her? Or are you seeking a more permanent relation? After all, even fi you don't buy her for the first night, Renna is very much ready..."
And Maudy's eyes sparkled. "For a price."

Though the hunger in his eyes could be mistaken for a simmering fire, Bren peered over at Renna gestured to her.  "Let the lady leave the room and then we'll talk business.  Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement."  He smirked at Maudy before taking another sip of his tea.

When they had a semblance of privacy, Bren sat up and peered over to Maudy.  "I think we're friends enough that I hope you can take this criticism.  Now I don't think it's very fair of you to choose to give Renna away to just the highest bidder.  Surely the girl that's going to sell away her womanhood, ought to have a say in who buys it?  Doesn't she?"  Such words were unexpected from a man like Bren Brennick, but his eyes were serious, even if a playful smile spread on his lips.

"Imagine how she would feel having some crusty older man sagging all over her," Bren argued.  "I'm disgusted at the very thought.  I think someone as ripe as Renna deserves someone of the right age, don't you think?   Someone younger, virile and who knows what the hell they're doing...don't you think?  I hope you understand my meaning."  His brow rose and soon he set the tea down and leaned in closer to Maudy.  "I think I know just the person too.  And you might be surprised by the thought."

"Really, Lord Brennick, I would have thought you'd understand the policy and procedures. It is not up to me who can afford Renna. Her first night, her first price, will dictate what sort of life she'll lead. If she were to ignore the opportunities, even with.. the much older gentlemen, she will be selling herself short."
Though her eyes moved curiously as she inquired, "Who would you suggest?" and it was asked in nonchalance as she reclined back in her chair, all the while Renna was pacing down the hall, before she had the gall to press her ear as silently as she coudl against the door... then realizing the mouse hole nearby, she droppped to her knees and peered into it, and soon she was inside the little mouse's mind.

Racing across the floor,t he little mouse scurried beneath the pair unseen, listening in as it's whiskers twitched about, and Renna, on the other side of the wall, appeared to be staring off into a listless space.

Bren hadn't noticed the mouse when he leaned in and aave her a grin.  "I believe Oakley Brennick would pay a fine price to pluck the blossom of your lovely niece. That was why he's always been so shy about her.  He doesn't want Father to know and he'd certainly be ashamed about telling him...and asking you.  I'm sure you found him hanging around Renna at the festival did you not?"

Maudy's face fell at the mention of his younger brother, then she laughed.
"And here I thought you'd suggest your father or older brother!" and she laughed again. "I thought you were here for serious business," she said, lightly wiping a few tears away.

Bren's smile promptly faded and he lunged his hand forward, grabbing Maudy's wrist in a powerful grip. "I couldn't be more serious," he said. "In truth...I know the boy seems awkward enough to look at it, and I've be willing to double, perhaps even triple whatever offer was your highest.  Trust me, Oakley wants her."   He just didn't know it yet, he thought.

Maudy stared at her hand, then up to Bren's face as her own smile faded.
"Really," she began, plucking his hand from her wrist. "Your father would never allow for it. Besides, could he really even afford her, let alone to have the gall to bid himself? Besides, he.. wouldn't know where to start. That boy... I'm sorry to say this.. most think are gay. Besides," she sighed impatiently. " I doubt he could match what offers would come to the table. Renna has attracted quite a lot of.. wealthy entrepreneurs in the market for something fresh."

"What Michael doesn't know won't hurt him," Bren said with grim resolution. "And honestly...I feared as much myself.  I had hoped that perhaps we could work something out...  See, I'm worried about Oakley...I would gladly pay for him.  I suppose you're wondering why not just take him to a brothel.  But you know how sensitive he is.  Father would find out.  But a secret meeting withaa freshened courtesan would be a learning experience for both of them."

Maudy looked him over.
"That would be a generous gift. I'm sure your father would think you wasted it on several women yourself. Do you even know how much this will cost? Because I'm sure if you did, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Besides.." She smirked. "If the monies there, she's his. Her virginity goes to the highest bidder. If it's Oakley Brennick, then so be it. Or.. even if it's you."

Bren's grin only grew.  He sat back and  placed his tea on the table.  "That...is another stipulation I wanted to discuss," he murmured softly.  "The money would be no object, trust me.  But I know I wouldn't want my brother to come to someone so completely unseasoned...  I would gladly allow you a bonus for a "training" session if you will for the young woman.  To learn how to treat him...how to properly...arouse him."

Maudy sighed through her nose.
"Forgive me for being so blunt, Lord Brennick, but the rules are in place. Renna must remain a virgin on the day she is purchased. Think of the scandal if she... were to become deflowered sooner." She was no fool. She knew what would happen if she allowed such things before Renna was properly bought!

The mouse int he room had heard enough, and Renna let herself slip away, falling to her knees as tears filled her eyes. She didn't waste anytime as she rushed back to her room and buried her face into her pillow.

Bren laughed at her words and threw his head back.  "I never said anything about deflowering," he went on.  "I merely meant just as I suggested.  A training session.  How to touch and feel a man properly...  I never mentioned penetration.  That would be Oakley's part."

Maudy set her lips.
"Courtesan's.." she began, "Do things a little differently." ANd she bat her eyes prettily before inquiring, "But how much money are we talking? Surely you don't mean... you think you could be her teacher?" ANd she tried to suppress a laugh. "Please, we have our own methods for teaching her exactly how she ought to... deal with her first night." And Maudy's eyes sparkled at the idea. "But really, this is all about money. So tell me what you're proposing exactly.. and the offer."

"Ten percent of the total bill," Bren said.  "I offered twice the total of the highest bidder, plus ten percent.  How does that sound?"

Maudy raised a brow.
"Twice the total?" She looked surprised, and didn't bother to hide it. "Not even for a fuck?" She began to laugh. "Forgive me if it seems too much to believe for someone who won't even deflower her. If that's how you get your kicks.. you could just take her for your own."

Bren gave a sigh and finally laughed.  He laughed so loud that he grew red in the face and finally slumped back against the sofa.  "You certainly know how to take a joke, Miss Maudy," he said with a sinister grin.  "Did you really believe I would dish out twice the highest bid for a sullen rose like Renna?  I've had better women, many in fact...  But Oakley...I don't know if I'd really want to do him such a courtesy.  The boy is hopeless and I doubt he even knows what an erection is.  How seriously WOULD you entertain an offer of him for her anyway?  I mean, say...two hundred thousand.  Maybe two and a half..."

Maudy raised a brow before sighing.
"Lord Brennick, why are you really here?" she said, tryingly. "If you want some sort of blow job, you could be the first. After all, that hardly counts as deflowering," she said with a smirk. "And if you're quiet about it, we could do it at half the price. Renna needs practice... as you say," she adde dwiwth a smirk. "It's the least I could offer you.. for your time."

Bren gave her a smirk in return and patted her hand.  But at long last he rose and fixed his shirt.  "No, I don't think such a thing will be necessary," he said with a sigh of his own.  "I was only jesting, Miss Maudy.  This was little more than a night call.  Pleasure, not business.  But thank you for the offer."  He leaned down and kissed her hand.  "Don't worry, I can see myself out.  Good night."

Maudy nodded and watched as the boy left. It was... peculiar to say the least, and she couldn't help but be curious if Oakley Brennick would pay such a steep price for his childhood sweetheart. She rubbed her chin thoughtfully at the idea before checking in on Renna,w ho had passed out from tears. She smirked, then closed the door, silently moving to her own room.

Tomorrow was another day. People to see, attentions to gain, men to charm...
But she might add a house call tot he Brennick's...
Even if Oakley might not want to pay, there were.. other sons.
And their father, after all. Who knows? He might like something.. fresh.
But she kept thinking back to Oakley...

Oakley.. Oakley and Renna...
had things been different, the pair could have wed like normal. She only felt mildly guilty before rolling over to her other side and closed her eyes to sleep.

Oakley lay asleep that night, his eyes glittered with tears as he stared out the window.  The curtains blew slightly and he jumped a little when he heard the gate open of the estate and the slow, quiet greeting of the servants as Bren finally came home.  Within a few minutes he heard his door open slightly, his back toward it and a smug scoff before it was closed again and Oakley bit  back the tears he'd been sobbing all night.

But the cool air soon dried them and soon he fell asleep, exhausted from the torrent of emotions that had coursed through him the entire day.

The next day was a busy one, and after sleeping fitfully, Renna wanted nothing to do with any of these affairs- but she had promised to take a garden walk with one potential client, and another to have over for tea; and another for a stroll around town, and by that time, Renna was completely exhausted, but the elder man sitting beside her in his fancy carriage, a certain Samuel Watson, was smiling jovially as the youthful beauty beside him made his expression shine.

And Renna was nothing but perfect and sweet, and as beautiful and shining as she had been before; and the man was ready with his wallet to please her, and to remind her,w ith a quick kiss now and again, that he was willing to pay for her patronage for good- first night included.

Renna's face heated up as they walked through town in silence, and samuel chuckled at her blush as he pulled her red hair from her face.
"All young girls are nervous their first time. I've got experience, so it will be good for the both of us," he told her. "And it's been a while since I've been able to woo a girl as young and pretty as you. It makes me feel like a kid again, and I can only hope you are enjoying my company as much as I am enjoying yours."

Renna lifted her gaze and smiled softly towards the man, and as she continued on in polite conversation to assure him, she was, inwardly, her stomach was twisting into knots and chills were racing through her blood. So as the pair walked along the streets, she idly looked around to find something of interest.. anything of interest, to keep her mind from what was to come.

First time or not, this man fawning over her would bed her, and many times in her career..
thankfully, some of the men interested in her were a bit younger, but most were as old and white hairing as Samuel Watson-
and just as rich.

"Now, Will, what have you gone and done that for!?" Oakely whined sheepishly as his younger brother went and snatched his book from underneath his arm.  It was a blank sketch book, one he'd just bought recently and one Willian was taking great enjoyment in watching Oakley try and snatch it back from him.  "Give it!  C'mon!"

"I'd like to see you try!" Willian chuckled, smiling widely as Oakely, who was but a few inches shorter than him, flailed his arms around, trying to get it back.  He just held him back at arm's length.  But when that was no longer fun, the younger boy crouched down and ducked underneath his embrace and spun around him, making Oakley slip suddenly and land on his behind. 

"Will!  Please!  C'mon!  We've got to get back!"  Oakley stood and brushed off his trousers.  He made a face at his little brother and ruffled a hand through his hair.  He blew a stray curl out of his face and watched as Willian backed away, trying to dog him on, to grab it from his hands.  Michael had gave them leave to go into town, to expend a little testosterone before the ball about to go on in a few weeks, one of Michaels attempts to yet again find a suitable girl for Oakley.  And maybe Willian too.  He'd sent Oakley out to watch his younger brother, and while the boy wanted to go visit one of the more reputable whorehouses, Oakley was less inclined.

"What are you, a faggot?" Willian had teased, when Oakely protested.  The curly-haired boy only blushed awkwardly and denied it furiously, much to the joy of Will.  No, they didn't visit the brothels.  Instead, Oakley led Will around town, exploring until they'd come across a bookstore.  Oakley purchased a small writing book for his botany, but as they were walking back to the carriage they'd left several blocks away, Oakely just knew his brother would resort to back to Bren's lovely influence.

"Give it!  Or I'll tell dad!" Oakely huffed.

"Tell dad, you bought the book to draw your stupid plants again!  Maybe I'll tell dad about your secret garden," Will baited.  He laughed when his brother grew red in the face.  He could have sworn he was about to cry and Will only rolled his eyes and groaned.  "Here!  You pussy!"  He tossed the book back to him, which promptly landed in a puddle and Oakley bent down to grab it, letting it drip dry as they continued down the block.  As they walked on, he bumped into his brother. 

"Hey!"

"Shush!" Will growled at him, hitting his chest, pointing across the street.  "Hey, isn't that that Renna girl?  Who's that old fuck with her?"

Oakley blushed a little, looking across the street, and there she was glowing underneath the lamplight.  His breath caught in his throat as he watched them.  He didn't even hear Willian as he touched his shoulder.  "Aren't you sweet on her or something?" he said, smirking at an unresponsive Oakley.

It was about that time Renna caught sight of someone familiar...
Oakley..
But in the same breath she was smiling at his sudden appearance, her own face went white- then red, as she timidly turned away from him and leaned in closer to Samuel Watson.

Oh Gods! Why did Oakley have to see her in a time like this!? And not to mention, Mr. Watson took her sudden clingyness the wrong way. He saw it as a sign, and he leaned forward and gripped nice and firmly to her ass. He even went as far as to lean down and whispered into her ear, "Tonight, since you're still not open for business.. i have.. other creative means for us to discuss. And if you'd be so inclined, we can go to a hotel now..."

He didn't know what to do and when Will kept speaking, he just turned to him and put out an arm when his brother offered to go across the street and slug the man a few times.  "No," he protested.

"Ain't she your girl?"

"I-I don't know," Oakley breathed.  He ducked his head down and simply turned and left, striding down the street.  Willian paused and peered at Renna with a distasteful expression before moving to catch up with his brother.

OOC: Mature content warning!

----

Her mind was whirling a million miles a minute, and before she knew what she was doing, she was agreeing. Oh no! That's not what she meant to do! Her Aunt warned her about this! Not to get alone with her clients before it was official...
But there she was, walking clumsily with Samuel Watson int the hotel.

And, she'd find soon enough, like all men, he just wanted one thing....

"Come on, just let me see it all. Just a peek. Not like I'm asking for a poke."
Renna had only obliged him, letting him feeling up her legs and even massage the space between her legs. HIs hands were all over her,a nd now he was asking her to remove her clothes- or, at least her corset, to get a peek at her breasts.

Being it was her first time, she reluctantly agreed, and let him slip the threads out and loosen her corset. SHe felt the clothing give way, and although sh ewas young, her body still budding, it was just what Samuel Watson needed.

Leaning back int he bed, he pulled his dick out, and it was the first time she had seen such a thing. She thought hse was going to scream, and she watched his hand pump along it while his other hand felt her up. And he pulled her close and breathed into her ear, "Touch it.."
And she shivered, but obeyed.

When it was over, the man was washing his hands out in a nearby basin while Renna worked at fastening up her corset. He grinned at her through the mirror, allt he while her mind was in a whirl, worried, not for herself, but for Oakley.

Gods... was this the sort of life she'd have to live? As nice as it was to have men flaunt over her, it was.. jarring. ANd as much as she  like dot be called pretty.. to make a man...
Do that...
She still didn't know how she felt. And she was happy when Mr. Watson helped her re-dress, and hwen they left the hotel, he simply escorted her back to her home, where, as she watched his carriage pull away, she peered out into the street, feeling the guilty weigh down upon her, and thinking back to what Oakley had said before...

Oakley surprised himself when he returned home that evening, his new book conveniently hidden in his coat.  Willian and he did not discuss what they'd heard or what they'd seen and merely went back to the boyhood banter made Oakley whine and pout until they came back to the house.  The day went by uneventfully with dinner and drinks and no visitors for the night. 

Oakley had not thought of the man he'd seen touch Renna, or what he wanted or who he was.  That much was obvious, and for once, it almost seemed as if he didn't even care.  He felt numb to it and he simply retired to his room and began to draw the new geraniums he was growing in his garden.  He smiled as he did so, writing what color he hoped they would blossom into and planned to get started as early as four in the morning, preceding the dawn.

He did, rising well before his brothers and went down to the gardens in his recreational clothes, leaning into the dirt, sifting through it with his bare hands.  The smile spread across his face, feeling the earth between his fingers.

Renna barely slept a wink that night, sleeping fitfully as she tossed and turned for hours.

Had he seen her? Of course he had. And he probably knew exactly what she was up to. It made her entire stomach twist in knots and when it was all said and over with, why...
Who was she hurting int he end? The two had shared a kiss, but oh! At what costs?
Oh, Oakley! If only they lived in another time!

Unable to stand it, she snuck out from her house and found her way over to Oakley's, but hadn't the heart to go inside or wake him, or even call for someone. So instead, she found her way to the gardens by moonlight,a nd was surprised to see Oakley there too. The sun was just about to rise, and here he was, playing int he dirt!

She couldn't help but smile as she watched him in silence before approaching from behind and admiring his handywork.
"I hope they come out yellow. I like yellow flowers."

Oakley had heard footsteps crunching behind him, and he stiffed for a moment, thinking it was his father.  But he knew if it was, he'd receive little more than a swift cuff to his head and being yanked up by the collar and escorted back into the house.  At the pause, he felt a stone drop into his gut and he knew who it was even before she spoke.

"I want them to be violet.  It's a more pleasant color," he said simply as he played the dirt some more.  He pulled his hands out at long last and dusted his hands, cleaning them on his pants before taking a small shovel and sifting through the dirt.  He pulled the seeds out from his other pocket and began to carefully take one gingerly between his index finger and thumb, inspecting it first before he planted it into the soil.

"What are you doing here?" he asked idly as he worked.

Seeing how Oakley ignored her, she frowned. She felt terrible, but knew not even how to begin. This was never a side she had seen of Oakley. Oakley was never so.. so cold towards her. Yet there he was, digging in the dirt, and pretending as if her presence didn't even matter.
But she couldn't help herself, and when words failed her, she choked suddenly as tears began to roll down her cheek.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come." And she brushed her tears away and turned to dash away. OH! What a fool she was! To think he would have cared for what troubled her when what troubled her hurt him the most! And she hadn't even the gall to approach him. No...
He deserved an answer, and that was the only thing that stopped her from running to the gate. But she had to stop her crying, and she furiously wiped at her tears.

Funny.. normally Oakley was the one that always cried...

His eyes narrowed quizzically at the sound of her sudden tears and he just watched her sputter, nearly trip and hurt herself as she suddenly made for the gate.  He didn't understand what such an onset of emotions that was or why they came at a moment like this.  He sighed and turned back to his seeds, shrugging a little and planting the next seed into the dirt, and each one the same after that, approximately three inches apart.

Once she had calmed herself, she was surprised to find Oakley still int he dirt. Though part of her wasn't quite so surprised. His first love was gardening, after all. Finding herself smiling, just a little, she approached quietly and watched him work.

"Oakley I... I came over cause I wanted to talk to you about today..." And when he seemed to keep his focus on the plants, she began to grew more angry. "And well, just to say that.. that.. that I'm sorry." ANd her anger grew evident in her voice as she blurted it out. "That.. and I.. I,-" And that she what? Was angry at herself for being trapped in such a life? Wish she could do somethign to get out of it? Wish Oakley actually cared? Oh! But maybe...

"Look, I know you must hate me now for this, but I don't have a choice. Since my parents passed away, this has become my fate I.." and oh, there were those pesky tears again!
"Oakley! Why won't you just say something instead of playing with your stupid flowers!"
and she didn't mean it like that, but she was so upset and angry, it just came right out!
"Gods, i don't wnat to do this!" and she dropped to her knees and buried her face in her hands.
"I'm sorry I've come here.  I should go!"
Oh, how she was making a mess of things and oh! How Oakley could be so.. so.. OAKLEY!

OOC: lol

She kept talking as convenient background noise to the gentle quiteness of his gardening.  He paid careful attention to each see as he planted a set of twelve in one row and  then moved to start the next one.  Oh, they'd grow to be so beautiful when they blossomed at last and that thought made Oakley smile.  Still the background noise went on and he answered between pauses, "Shh, people are sleeping," in a soft whisper as he smiled.  Of course she didn't hear him amidst her own frustrations.

Oakley peered up at her from her last phrase as she cried and he felt tears well up  in his own eyes.  "They're not stupid," he said, voice breaking a little as he went back to gardening.  "They're lovely."

She took the hint. He didn't have to say anything else as she picked herself up off the ground and dusted her dress off. She said nothign and simply walked away, feeling numb and pathetic. And as she left the gardens, she promised herself no longer to cry for Oakley Brennick.
At least.. after today.
And to think! She had considered going against her Aunt to make Oakley her first! Now she never wanted to talk to him, or any other boy again! Her aunt had warned her about love and well, she had always been so quick to get emotional an well-
Oakley had not. He was always playing with his flowers and seh- always talking away...
She brushed away at her tears, recalling the kiss Oakley had given her, and blushed.
Gods! she wish she could hide that all away! Why did she have to see him again? Why? It wasn't fair. An dit didn't matter, and by the end of the month it wouldn;t matter. The season would end, she'd be sold to the highest bidder...
and start her full life as a courtesan.

She supposed it was time to grow up and move on.
But why did it have to hurt?

OOC: So dramatic XD

It saddened Oakley that Renna left so suddenly.  Since she didn't really give him a chance to respond to her after she insulted his flowers and hurt his feelings.  He couldn't understand why she was crying or what it mattered to linger on that brief moment in the street. He didn't understand why anyone would linger on horrible memories.  But that's what humans did: wallowed in their misery until they were put out of it, but Oakley didn't want to be like that.  He wanted to be happy, and he was content with his flowers.  He suppose it wouldn't be a mistake he'd get to make again in thinking Renna, of all people, would listen to him.  Nobody ever listened to him after all.  He shouldn't have expectd any different from her.

Life would go on as usual, and Renna continued her training under her Aunt's orders, all the while trying to forget about Oakley. Unfortunately, she could never be like him, to simply forget things and let them go, but she could pretend.
And that's exactly what her training helped her to do.

"Pretend you like them, even if you don't," her Aunt pointed out. "Flirt and flaunt yourself. It's your body your selling, and companionship as well, but please realize that it's what goes on at the end of the night that keeps them paying you." Placing her hand upon Renna's shoulders, she smiled. "You're a doll, think of it that way. And you'll do everything they say."

Too bad tha'ts not what she wanted. But she was given little choice, and had little freedom on the matter as word continued to spread that she'd soon be for sale. It had been long enough that she had tucked away the memories of Oakley so far back into her mind, that if she did not, she'd find herself sobbing eveyr night.

But this was her time to shine, and there was only one final ball left for her to entice men for their money. After this ball, the bids would be placed- and then..
her career to truly begin.


And she wore a blue dress, most fitting, as it amplified her countenance and hair. It also helped bring out the sparkle in her eye and shape of her forming, curvy body. Tonight she had to make count. Tonight, Renna Cartiste would make history.


Never the one to go without a companion, she slipped a mouse up her sleeve when her aunt wasn't looking before going into the carriage. She ignroed hte tickling of the mouse as it crawled up her sleeve, and actually found herself smiling as the carriage pulled down the road. Ah yes, it was the start of a new day, a new life...
But also, a place where Renna could flaunt her magics. She hadn't the chance to really listen in on things,but hse was curious what people were saying, and perhaps her Aunt's vanity was rubbing off on her.

Not that she had any choice. Sh ehad to accept this life, or find other means. ANd Renna was too naive to know other wise, and too dramatic to simply throw herself tot he streets and well..
Too afraid to do so, as well. Either way, she tried to force herself intot he mindset her Aunt had built for her-

To play pretend, so she put on a pretty face and walked into the Hellvion Ball.
Here, in a duchy quite far from any others, was a place that always tossed parties. It was a place to be seen, a plce to be heard, and you always wanted to be in Duchess Melora's good graces, so that next time, you could be invited yet again.

And as usual, the decorations were exquisite, and the crowd lively and thriving. Today was a day for change. Today was a day for a new life...
and to do a little bit of spying!

So once she had a moment, she excused herself from her aunt's side nad slipped into a private corner, and dropped to her knees, letting the little mouse from her sleeve out.
"Go on little one.. let's see what we can hear."

The mouse sniffed around a bit before taking off, discretely against the side of the wall. And there, int he corner, where (she hoped) no one would disturb her, she closed her eyes nad focused...
and soon her mind was swimming, her body felt light and warm, and her mind, tingly...
SHe focused on the mouse and it's soft fuzzy body, and the way it moved. soon she could FEEL the way he moved and opened her eyes and oh! How large everyone appeared from the vantage point of a mouse!

And while her mind was inside the mouse, Renna's body remained unmoving and slumped against the discrete corner wall of the hall.

Of course, Michael had recieved the invitation to attend Duchess Melora's ball.  Anything hosted by the Duchess was always highly exclusive and always an honor to recieve an invitation from her.  And so it was that Michael decreed that only two of his son's would attend. Willian and Oakley, each courting a girl on his arm.  For Will it was Abigail Neil, and on Oakley's arm was the bright and beautiful Andreya Amirov.  She was a from a small barony fat to the east and her family had fallen on hard times and were looking to pair her off with the son of a prominet family.  And who better than the shy Oakley Brennick.

He was quite different than the rest of his brothers, less rowdy, slightly effeminate, but she felt at ease in his presence.  And being only sixteen, Andreya needed all the comfort she could get.  Thankfully, Oakley felt much the same in hers, and the short time they'd spent together, they'd grown quite close.

And soon they arrived at the ball, by carriage no less, and entered into the doorway.  Oakley and Andreya found a quiet corner to reside in to quietly speak between each other as the dancing started to begin.

The little mouse bound away, towards the scent of food, and it didn't take it long to find a pair of two love birds nestled in a corner. Peering up, Renna found to her horror, it was Oakley Brennick.
And a girl. If she could pull herself from the mouse's mind she would, but for the life of her, she could't back out of her spell!

Oakley warm in the comapny of his companion and he didn't notice the little mouse in the corner.  A serving man had come by and offered them a drink which Oakley gladly accepted, mostly for Andreya than himself, and took a tiny sip of his wine.  The servant turned and saw the little vermin in the corner and promptly set his foot on it, hopefully discreet enough to not disturb his guests.  But Oakley had noticed and said nothing as he turned back to his date.

With the mouse dead, Renna felt it. She felt it all, and was broken from her spell by a scream-
She had just seen death. Just felt death, and fell to her knees, pale and ghostly white while her entire body shook in fear.

[Quite the drama queen]

Oakley jumped a little at the scream that no one in the main hall seemed to hear.  Andreya reached for his hand and squeezed it.  "Is some thing wrong?" she asked softly, pale green eyes peering up at him.

"Huh?" he said, visibly shaken.  "Um, uh...  Please excuse me."  He gave her a gracious smile and he left the table, stepping into the hallway.  And when he turned the corner into the drawing room, he found Renna on the ground.

OOC: She is a red head lol
But she just felt DEATH
that would be TERRIFYING

-----------

She hadn't noticed anyone approach, her fear becoming her as she shivered and leaned against the wall. ANd whens he move dto brush her tears away, she noticed a pair of boots ad looked up with a gasp.

[Lol!  Well then you must know exactly what it's like.]

Still Oakley said nothing, not wanting to make his presence know when he saw her lying on the floor.  But it seemed she was all right, or so he would believe and he shrugged and gave her a soft smile, before turning to leave.

OOC: Man, this is going to be a short relationship XD MIght have to rewrite our other thread, lol.
Way to be insensitive, Oakley! And I seriously have no idea what to write.. *pukes out a post*

And my hair is STRAWBERRY BLONDE :P
there's only some red in it u_u *sniff*

----------

Watching him turn from her, her voice came out in a questionable whimper.
"Oakley?"
And as she moved to stand, she frowned at the back of his head.

[Why is Oakley insensitive?]

Oakley turned to Renna with raised brows when she caught his attention.  He smiled kindly at her, as he would anyone.  "Yeah?"

OOC: As if you don't know :P
Not many people can just blatantly ignore a lady in distress as much as he XD
I mean come on, Renna showed up at his house at 4 in the morning, an dinstead of caring she was crying and at his house at some unusual hour,- he just focused on his plants....
She had to friggin' walk to get there and needed someone to console in and he just ignored her D;
I know I wouldn't be friends with someone like that :P

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

Renna opened her lips to speak, but instead, she just set her lips into a frown.
"If you really don't like me, you can just tell me..." she said, as she slowly picked herself up off the ground. Not that Oakley would have offered to help... he appeared much more interested in a hasty retreat. But she had to know.... If their friendship, if one could even call it that, was over.

"I mean, you're treating me like you do to your brothers..." And she knew how hard he worked at ignoring them!  "I would have at least thought you would have told me first before making it clear you didn't like me anymore, that's all." ANd she had her eyes dropped momentarily to the floor, waiting for him to agree as she forced herself to smile.

[I'm sure you would, because you're a glutton for punishment.  And of course, she's the victim (right?)  and would want someone to feel sorry for her, like Oakley doesn't have his own feelings, which she just stomped all over by the way when she insulted his flowers, among other things]

Oakley just shrugged and smiled at her.  "Of course I like you.  You're nice.  Not many people are nice to me.  But you're a nice girl.  Why would you think I wouldn't like you?"

OOC: Yeah XD unfortunately she's still a kid, a girl, and has the flair for dramatic :P
And she wanted a friend to talk to, but got burned (and he was her only one!). And not saying she isn't imperfect. Oakley should know her personality well by now. It's not like she woulda changed that much from childhood but he's acting like he doesn't know her...

-----------

Renna blinked up at him.
"Because you never ignored me so much before." She lowered her sameful gaze down tot he floor. "And I was mean about your flowers, and that one night, back in my room I-" oh! She hand't meant to bring that up as her cheeks went pink and she went silent.
"What.. what I meant to say is... I would understand it if you didn't want to be my friend anymore. Beside... I know your family doesn't want us to."
And neither did her Aunt. She was just feeling so sorry for herself, she just wanted her old friend back. Her only friend back. The only boy she ever loved to at least acknowledge she existed...
or at least told her it was done. She was a courtesan. What did she expect? For Oakley to just accept it? And at the very idea of it's cruelty, she felt more tears sting her eyes.

[He wouldn't really know her as well as you think since he hadn't seen her in years.  He's been pretty introverted his whole life and it's hard for him to feel comfortable around people and relate to them.  People he hasn't seen in years would be like meeting them all over again for him.]

"I never said you weren't my friend.  Only father ever gave the silent treatment.  Of course we're friends.  And you should know I never really did what my family wanted.  You saw me in the garden after all," he smiled sweetly at her.  "I didn't ignore you either.  You never really give other people chances to speak.  You just talk and talk until you run out of breath.  But that's okay, I never really talk much to begin with."  He shrugged again.  "It's nice to see you.  You look nice."

OOC: Says the person that wrote him kissing her. XD

---------

Renna looked up at him with teary eyes.
"You're too sweet, Oakley. Quiet... but sweet. You always had patience for me when others did not." And as she tried to brush her tears away she informed him. "That's why I.. I came by your place the other morning because I needed a friend. I... I didn't know where else to go.." ad she looked down at her feet. "You were the only one I was ever close to... and now I...."
she choked on her last words, not daring to say it.
"Oh, Oakley. I wish I could turn into one of your flowers. Then I'd never have to come here or become some woman for sale. Gods, it's so awful and I.." and she felt herself tearing up again.
"I just wish I could go back to the days when we were little. When we could just hide away from these occasions beneath the table."

[And apparently he didn't know her as well as he thought he did.]

At the mention of her fate, to be bought and sold like common cattle at a farmer's market, Oakley did frown and his smile had all but faded from his eyes.  "I don't want to think about that," he said flatly.  "I don't want to dwell on that knowledge.  Like you said, nothing we can do about it anyway.  Might as well just accept it.  Some dirty old man will buy you and make you squeal and you'll be set for life."  He gave her a trying smile  and shrugged again.

"No use in trying to pretend things are different when they aren't.  So we just gotta move along with them," Oakley said.  He pulled the geranium that he'd grew, which had grown orangey-red, from his pocket and handed it to her.  "And next time you want to talk, Renna, why don't you try listening for a change?  But I guess I'm asking too much."  He smiled again and reached up, putting the flower into her hair.

Renna looked sadly down at the ground, tears running down her cheeks. She couldn't look at him. It was like a slap to the face.
"I'm sorry." Was all she could say.

"I think you misunderstand me," Oakley said, not moving away from her and instead cupping her face.  "When I saw you in the street, I knew this...thing was not something I could fight.  I guess technically, you could marry me and be equally secure in your future - financially speaking - but you're already set on this path, with no way out.  What I mean is, we can't let it separate us.  You'll live this way and I'll live mine and it's just something we have to accept.  But that doesn't mean we still can't...be together, in a manner of speaking."

"But I... if we did, wouldn't it hurt your reputation?" After all, she never wanted to hurt Oakley by any means. But the idea of him suggesting marriage made her heart flutter.

"I have a reputation?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by the notion.  Instead he let go of her face and reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief and dabbing her eyes with it, absorbing the tears.  "What I mean is, nothing changes between us.  We'll still be friends.  Just like we always were."

Renna looked into his eyes. It was true, Oakley never cared for sucha things, but her Aunt always forced her to swallow it down. After all, a woman was only worth her salt that went along with her reputation.
"But you kissed me," she whispered, wondering if there was anything even behind that anymore as her own hand moved to touch his.

"I did?" Oakley said, making a perplexed expression.  He furrowed his brows, but gave her a little, playful smirk.  "I don't remember kissing you.  As far as I know, you kissed me!"

At first, her heart was broken but upon catching his smirk, she exclaimed, "O-Oakley!" and lightly hit him on the arm. "You would try to tease me after you find my crying on the floor!" Ok, one of his brothers was more likely to do that, but the fact he did...
She gave a shake of her head, gripped her hands into fists before leaning forward and taking Oakley by the face-
And then smashed her lips powerfully against his.
"There.." she said, stepping back some so she could look him in the eyes with a mean look. "Now your story is true!"

Oakley blushed a firered, when she grabbed his face and kissed him.  She literally stole the words from his mouth and just struggled for words.  He stared at her for the longest time, completely speechless.

Seeing his face, her grin grew more smug.
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" And that's exactly the animal that jumped out from behidn them- scaring the living daylights out of Renna as he gasped and clung to Oakley, only to sigh with relief to see it was just a white cat who was making it's way into the other room.

He hadn't seen the cat, only heard Renna yelp and cling to him.  It was enough to startle him again, but this time didn't seem so bad as Oakley's arms slowly moved around her waist in an awkward hug.  He smiled shyly and he chuckled.

Hearing his chuckle, she turned to him with a gasp.
"Oakley!"
And before she had a chance to chastize him- another familliar voice came from the other side of the hall.

"Oakley?"
It was his father!
Paling, and realizing the pair should not be caught, she grabbed onto his hand and, without a word, dragged him into the nearby study.
There was a piano set befre some heavy drapes, and it was dark and dimly lit by a few scones lining the wall. The piano would be perfect, but now they were too old and surely some one would see..
But behind the curtains..
She was quick to drag Oakley along, holding her breath as she stepped behind the curtains and went still.

When he heard Michael's voice he felt as if the very hand of Ansgar had just taken his soul from his body.  Eyes wide, he would have been frozen in place if it hadn't been for Renna pulling him into the study and then behind the curtains.  He held his breath, his expression clearly in fear of his father as he heard his footsteps approach into the room.

"Oakley!" Michael said sternly, but frowned when he heard no response.  "If you're hiding from me, I'll strip the hide from your back when we get home!  You know better than to leave a lady unattended.  Ah,  stupid boy."  And slowly vacated the room.

Oakley paled and felt his stomach drop, he forgot about Andreya.

Renna waited for his father to go before releasing a breath. Frowning, she looked over at Oakley.
"That was a close one." Oh! How was this even to work? If they got caught, his father would murder them both! "Maybe we should head back to the party.." she said, peering out from behind the curtains to see if the coast was clear.

"Maybe, maybe we should just," Oakely paused for a moment, waiting for Renna's signal.  But though the thought was a hard one, he reached for her hand.  "Maybe we should just get out of here."

At the weight of his hand, Renna turned around with a gasp. Was he serious? But this was Oakley- and he wasn't one to tease so meanly.
"But where would we go?" Did it matter? "I've only been to Hellvion a handful of times. I'm afraid I'd simply get us lost."
But even after saying all of that, she simply shook her head and squeezed his hand back, smiling brightly up into his eyes.
"Ok. Why don't we?" And at the very thought, a thrill rushed through her as she pushed the curtain aside with a laugh."Come on! Before my Aunt or your father can catch us!"

"It doesn't matter," Oakley said with a smile.  "Anywhere but here!  We'll be back before the party's over, I promise."  He smiled wider when she finally accepted and he moved toward the window of the study.  He carefully popped it open and stepped carefully out on the ledge, holding a hand out to her to help her out as well. 

They resided over the gardens, with some guards patrolling the area, so they'd have to avoid them too, as well as make it down safely.

"Oh, Oakley! I can't believe we're doing this!" she said as she kept a firm hug upon his arm. "This is so unlike you! Well, at least the soft, quiet, sweet Oakley I knew! You're being so adventurous and oh! Look out!" and she hung back as she noticed a guard moving nearby. "Woah, that was close.." And after a moment, she found herself giggling and leaning into him, and it felt nice and warm and wonderful..
something that she could call her own.

Yeah, it freaked him out too.  Oakley wasn't used to being this high up.  They'd have to shimmy down a lattice, that thankfully wasn't too far away.  "Careful," he managed to whisper, feeling his fear begin to get the better of him.  He released a breath when he reached the lattice and carefully shuffled down, holding his arms out to help, Renna just before a guard would pass them.

Renna was fearful too, but she couldn't help but stare in awe. "I wonder if this is how birds feel like, when they perch up so high," she murmured, then kept her breath held for most of the way down. Unlike Oakley, she had to deal with her skirts and heels! Though once at the bottom, she paused nad bent over. "Hey, wait a minute." ANd grunted as she tossed her shoes aside. "I'll get them later. Come on!" And she took his hand, smiling as she pulled him down a garden path.

Oakley didn't like the idea of her leaving her shoes behind her and though she yanked on him toward the gardens, his hand reached out and snatched the shoes from the soil, covered in dirt as they moved toward the gardens.  "Hey!  Careful!  There are rocks 'n' stuff!"

Renna only giggled and pulled him along, deeper into the garden.
"Here, I'll take those so you don't have to carry them." And as she reached for her heels, she plante a soft kiss to his cheek.

Oakley blushed like a small child caught with his pants down and just smiled nervously at her.  But soon that smile grew into something that was truly enjoying their current activity and he just ran a little faster, pulling her along with him.  He tugged her to go faster.  "Let's just get out of this whole place!  Out of this stinkin' garden.  Out of this whole country."

Renna, although she laughed, loved the idea.
"But where would we go? I haven't any money and I'm horrid with a map!"
Though she gave his hand a squeeze as she ran with him. "But I guess it doesn't matter. So long as I'm with you."

Oakley laughed, smiling widely and freely in a way he never had the chance before.  Soon they were clear of the garden and soon deep in the orchard.  He wanted to keep going, to never stop and look back.  To leave the world behind.  Soon they were in hilly ground and Oakley was out of breath.  He plopped on the ground and let himself lay in the dirt, smiling up at the sky.

A moment later, she dropped down beside him, smiling and draping  a hand across her forehead.
"Oh Oakley, look at the sky! It's so pretty out here!" and she fanned her arms ad legs out and took in the smells. "And it smells so good. The grasses are so sweet and I can smell the flowers. Oh Oakley, let's just stay here forever."

"I wish we could," he muttered, smiling.  "I wish we could just run away together.  Just run and be happy and never look back.  I don't think my father likes me much anyway, so he wouldn't be missing me.  Though Bren, yeah, he'd be mad.  Wouldn't have anyone to push around anymore.  Guess we'd both win."  Oakley turned his head to look at Renna, his eyes searching her face.  "You've got twigs in your hair."

"Yeah, my aunt would't miss me either. Though I think she really needs the money.." and she went quiet, realizing, he'd rather not talking about that. So she swallowed it away, then blinked at his comment about her hair.
"Yeah?" and she picked up a handful of leaf debris nad threw it at his face. "Well now you've got stuff on you too!" she said with a laugh.

Oakley turned to look at her and laughed when she threw debris at him.  He grabbed some of his own and stuffed them in her dress.  "I think if you're aunt wanted, she should be servicing those men herself.  She shouldn't be using you like that.  You deserve better," Oakley commented.

Renna let out a shriek.
"Oakely!" ad tried to shake the dried leaves and twigs from inside her dress. Though she paused at his last statement and frowned, and tunred away, moving to brush out the twigs from her hair.
"I don't think anyone deserves that."
Even her mean old Aunt. She stared down at the grasses, recalling that one day in the hotel.

Gods, were all of her days to be like that? She shivered at the thought.

"I know," he smiled again and sighed the matter away.  He laughed and turned over on his belly, looking at her.  "So, lemme ask you, if you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would you be?"  He smiled and had a few twigs sticking out from his curly hair without him knowing.

Renna grinned nad moved to lay on her belly as well, kicking her feet idly behind her as she curled her toes.
"Hrm, I dunno,"s he said, resting her cheeks to her fists. "I suppose anywhere with you might be nice. Though I think you'd have a wonderful time in some sort of tropical forests. I've seen some drawings in books about the unique flowers there. Though those sorts of forests are so far away. They say you have to travel through the desert to get there!"
And as she stared at his hair, she giggled ad tossed a nearby berry into one of the holes in his curls.

Oakley didn't even feel it when the berry went in his curl.  He just scratched his head a little and smiled enthusiastically at her.  "That sounds fascinating.  And scary all at once!  I imagine there's all sorts of monsters and bugs in there!  Oh, that's the only thing I hate about gardening.  The bugs."

"Yeah, bugs are pretty creepy,' she agreed, kicking her legs kicked as she looked at him, studying his face. "You know.. you have nice eyes. Not everyone has nice eyes you know. I like the color."

Oakley blinked at her, touching his eyelids and feeling the lumps underneath.  "Oh these ol' things?" he smiled shyly.  "You have nice..fiery hair.  It's long and unruly and I just wanna run my hands through it."  He reached a hand forth and ran some fingers through the front part of it, brushing some parts of it.  His smile grew.  "I like your freckles too.  They make you look real spotty."

"Spotty? You make it sound as.if I'm diseased!" she protested with a shake of her head. "Besides, I like your eyes because.they remind me of.mouse droppings!" She teased, trying to stifle her.laugh which she could not. "But in all honesty Oakley, I think you've grown up into a most handsome man!"

"No, no," Oakley shook his head, the twigs shaking as he did so.  "That's very nice of you, but I'm not.  Bren says I have a baby-face.  And he's right."  He touched his cheeks and felt they were red with embarrassment.

Renna laughed at his comment and reached forward, plucking a twig from his hair.
"Well, I don't care what Bren has to say." She told him playfully as she looked right into his eyes. "All I see is a handsome young man I'm enjoying this party with." nd seh wrinkled her nose happily, lightly kicking her feet.

"I think you must be a little tipsy," Oakley said.  "But thank you.  That's very sweet.  And I'm sorry about that other night-when you came and I didn't say anything.  And-well, I didn't want to cry  that night.  But you look pretty with that geranium in your hair.  It came out reddish, not yellow or violet."

Renna's smile went crooked as he spoke.
"YOu don't have to apologize, Oakley. I just... I've missed having you around."

Oakley gave her a sweet smile at her words and his chin wavered a little.  "I-I missed you," he smiled, tears building up in his eyes.  But his hand wiped them before they could slip down his cheeks.  "I never want to lose you from my life."

At his words, she felt her heart swell. Her own eyes, spotting his tears, began to water a little as she sat up.
"Oh, Oakley," and she moved forward and hugged him, and hugged him tight. "I wish this moment would never end. That this day was something else, we were somewhere else but I.." Her lips wavered a moment as she looked at him.
"Can we make love?"
Gods, if that's all she had, if that's all she was worth..
Why not give it to Oakley? Someone else would just take it by the end of the week anyway!

Oakley embraced her back when her arms came around him.  He buried his face against her shoulder, tears almost coming to him at her words, but he fought them back.  Then she said something that made him freeze, and he turned his head back to her, blinking.  "M-make love?" he breathed, though his eyes were wide, he did not remove himself from her grasp.  He smiled nervously at her.  "I-I..I wouldn't even know where to begin."

Renna's eyes implored him, tears wavering within them as she cupped his face.
"Then just kiss me." At least he could give her that.

It was all he could do, awkwardly at best.  And he blushed underneath her and leaned forward and gently pecked her lips, pressing them slowly deeper and bumping noses with her.  He retracted a little and he blushed furiously.  "Sorry!"

Renna smiled and warmed through the kisses before opening her eyes to look at him. THen, leaning forward, she rubbed her nose against his. "Don't be sorry, Oakley." she said sweetly. "Just kiss me again."

Oakley smiled, comforted by her words and he leaned up, pressing his lips to hers, feeling their warmth, and grinning all the while, reassured.  His hands reached around her and pulled her against him, hugging her like how he saw Michael hugging and kissing his mother often when he was younger.  It was the only way he knew how.

Renna became breathlessly surprised at his actions, and smiled against his lips as they kissed. Her own kisses became heated as she held onto him, feeling her body begin to burn as she softly gasped between kisses when she needed to breath.

As they became more and more intense, Oakley was as afraid as he thrilled by their actions, the danger of it, the fear, the passion.  He moaned against her lips, deepening the kiss and opening his mouth to hers, slipping in a little tongue hear and there.  When he lost his breath, he panted against her lips.  "Let's make love."

Renna's body warmed at his proclamation as she peered up at him through long lashes. SHe couldn't say anything in that moment, simply nodded as she held her arms around him and continued to kiss him. Some of the men had tried this on her, but she was always so repulsed- but with Oakley..
kisses came out natural, and wonderful, and she wasn't so repulsed by a man's tongue inside. Infact, it enticed her, and made her gasp as she frenched him back now, holdin ghim possesively as their tongues wrestled and she rolled onto her side and was helping to pull him over top of her. now laying on the grass beneath him, she peered up into his eyes, her own shining.
"Yes, let's make love."

Renna's touch brought him a warmth so foreign to Oakley, it almost frightened him, but when he realized it was all apart of the moment, he relaxed and began to feel hot and stifled in his jacket.  He pulled it off of his shoulders as they turned and kissed her all the more, moving atop her and just wanting to feel her close.  He didn't know much else to do other than touch and kiss her, though he could feel a strange sensation in his groin that made him jump a little.

"So...that's what happens.  And that's just from the kissing," he smiled breathlessly against her.  "Maybe...maybe you should show me what to do next.  I-I don't know what more other than to get undressed, I think."

Renna stared up at him, blushing a little as she smiled at him endearingly, noting the hardon in his pants.
"Well.. Oakley, I don't know if getting undressed all the way is wise..." Thoguh as she paused to consider- who would catch them? Sitting up, she grinned a bit broadly. "Do you want to see me naked?" It was an innocent enough quesiton, her eyes shining at the idea. "Because.. yeah, let's do this. Let's take of our clothes. I want to see you naked, all of you, for that to be the first man I see like that, truthfully." Samuel Watson's dick aside. She wanted to erase that memory, and make a real one And make it with Oakley Brennick.
"here.." and hse turned around. "Help me with my corset."

Oakley was blushing all over, but he couldn't help himself when he complied and helped her with the strings her corset, fumbling around and pulling them loose as well as he could.  He was sweating beneath his clothes and he bit his lip.  "Oh Renna...  If we get caught," he whispered.  "I won't regret anything."  He smiled at her and helped her slip out of it.

The words sent a thrill through her and naturally- she agreed.
"Oh, Oakley." Sh turned to him with a blush. "Me too." Now facing him, with her knees int he grass, she slowly wriggled inside her loosened corset, before timidly, letting it drop.
Now, fully exposed for him he'd be able to see her soft, forming breasts, the tips of her rosy nipples, which were now erect, and all of the hidden freckles on her skin.
She gave him a smile and saw the way he looked at her, and while one hand was half covering herself, she eventually let that drop away as her other hand took his and guided it towards her.
"Here..." she said, letting his small hand rest over a breast. "You don't have to just look."

His cheeks were beyond rosy and he was breathless.  And while he was unsure what to do, he didn't feel as hesitant as he thought he would and carefully watched her slip out of the corset.  She was budding and beautiful and he gasped at the way she was shaped.  She grew into her curves and would further grow into them the older she got, and just when he thought that was shock enough, she reached for his hand.

And when she did, he realized he was shaking, but not with fear.  He reached forth, his hand cool to the touch as he carefully touched the skin just underneath her breast.  And when some courage came to him, he took his other hand and cupped both of them.  He smiled at her, just a little, though still partially unsure.  "Um...I'm not naked yet," he obviously informed and took only a moment to remove his shirt and boots, though his hands remained still at his trousers.

Renna giggled and wirnkled her nose. "And I still am in  my skirts. But boys first." And she moved forward to help him- giving him a grin as her fingers worked with some forming skill, a this buttons. A few pops and it was undone, and thenshe let her fingers hesitate a moment against his pants before drawing in abreath... then letting them drop.

And for the life of her, she hadn't seen anything so wonderful. Sure, the first cock she saw was old Mr. What's his face! But oh! To see Oakley's, so young and eager and... well..
It made her blush to know that she could do that to him.

She smiled at it then looked up at him.
"My turn again.' An she stood up and let her skirts drop to the grass.

If he thought he couldn't get anymore embarrassed, he was wrong.  He blushed furiously and peeked up at Renna through curls that had fallen in his face.  He smiled and had once covered himself, and carefully released his hands from his groin, exposing his erection.  He gasped a little himself, having only seen himself swollen so a few times and he gulped, unsure if he could ever get used to the idea of having it so large.

But then he turned his attention to her and he grinned softly, as her skirts soon pooled around her ankles.  He stepped out toward her and slowly gathered his courage, stepping toward her and carefully touching her sides.

Seeing Oakley approach, she remain where she was and just let him look at her. If he wanted to see, she let him. If he wanted to touch, he could, and her smile was welcoming and eager as she just let the boy explore.

Oakley was just as overwhelmed looking at her as he was just getting undressed.  But her expression soothed him and though he was hesitant at first, he stepped forward and carefully pressed a hand against her belly, feeling the softness of her skin beneath his palm.  He was surprised by the sensation and gasped, laughing a little with it, that it wasn't as bad or intimidating or frightening as he thought it would be.

"You're shaking too?" he asked, a little quizzically considering what she'd been trained to do.  Oakley graced his hands down her hips, along her sides and up her back, stepping close enough, giving way a little to his instincts as he stepped in and kissed the corner of her mouth, lightly, with no small amount of trepidation.  But slowly his courage was growing and his arms wound their way around her waist.

"Yes, well, its a little cold without all those skirts on," she admitted, but that was only a half truth he might realize by her blush. And as he touched her, it sent a thrill through her, and her skin bumped over. But at his kiss, she warmed, and her own hands were now wrapped around him after having smoothed lightly down his chest.

His inexperience did have a brighter side that Oakley now was beginning to see.  Though he didn't know every part of her, and what it did, he was slowly becoming eager to find out.  He smiled against her lips, kissing her lightly.  There was so much room for exploration, for this was all new to him, and he felt perfectly comfortable with Renna.  If it had been anyone else, a prostitute of all things, he knew he would have just wanted nothing more to get away.

Instead he gently brushed his hands up her sides and his breath shuddered against her lips, cold billowing out if it from the heat.  He kissed her chin, bringing his mouth further and further down with every kiss until he reached the top of her breast.  There was but a moment of hesitation before he sealed his lips around her nip, kissing it lightly and wrapping arms around her waist, feeling her back, holding the small of it and moving lower still when his lips were on her belly and he was kneeling in front of her.

Renna could not believe the sensations she was feeling as Oakley Brennick was kissing her all over. And his movements were so light nad so sweet, as if he were drinking her up, as if she were some exotic wine, and she- she was in heaven. Even if they never had sex but this, had this moment forever, she could die happy.

She released a held breath from her lips as he moved lower, her body heated, as was her sex, and she simply stood there and just let him figure this all out. Her turn would come soon enough- for now, she loved the idea Oakley Brennick wanted to kiss her liks this, and for a moment,s he closed her eyes lightly to commit this scene, this moment- to memory.

Oakley's breath splayed hotly across her skin, especially as she stood in the cold.  Soon his body was becoming flush and heated and he could feel his groin becoming increasingly uncomfortable, his member swelling when his lips brought him to her belly button.  She tasted divine, and he was comfortable enough to take further liberties with her, pressing wet kisses along her hips and skin, using his tongue to taste her.

"Renna," he just breathed when he reached the top of her sex and kissed just above the hair, his hands holding her ass.  Afraid to go further, he kissed back up her body, his hands becoming bolder, hugging her closer to him, pressing his hips closer to hers, his member prodding her flesh.  He moaned a little, kissing up her neck and back to her mouth.

When he kissed so close to her sex, in that moment, she had forgotten how to breath. She was taken to a whole other world, her body electrified by him and sizzling all over by his touch.
"Oh, Oakley.." she whispered, her hands now finding his body and feeling him all over. Yes, by now, she couldn't keep her hands off of him, her lips finding his as she kissed him, hotter and bolder as she prodded his mouth open with her tongue, and was quickly wrestling his with her own. All the while she felt her sex light up on fire, growing warm, then hot, then wet.

Her fire stemmed into him, made him moan and shiver and grow breathless all at the same time when she kissed him like that, when she showed her body wanted him as much as  he wanted hers.  "R-Renna-!" But his words were cut short and of no matter as his arms came around her waist and lifted her up onto his hips.  Though he was a slight boy, he only staggered a little and fell to his knees, landing softly in the soil, his sex eagerly seeking hers.  When it found it, he gasped at the sensation that shivered through him, her sex so moist, so warm, so ready.

As they both fell to the dirt, she gasped as his sex prodded hers. Eager, her legs spread open for him, pausing just a moment to arch back and allow him access, allow him to taste her as he pleased while her lips met to his again, her face leaning this way then that, all the while her tongue wrestled heatedly with his. This wasn't about talking, it was about feeling and doing,and for once in her life she felt speechless as the sensations and eagerness to breed with Oakley drove her mad.

"Oh, God, Oakely.." she said, fingers going to his hair as he continued to kiss him. "I can feel you.." she whispered, her teeth digging int her own lower lip, befre she moved forward to nibble lightly on his. "ANd it feels really good.'
And he hadn't even gotten inside her, and it drove her mad. Just the mere touch o fhis cock to her sex had her soaking wet.

"Y-yeah..." he grunted, closing his eyes, feeling the soaking lips of her sex against his.  "Oh...oh Renna!"  He gasped against her lips when he felt his sex slip inside of her at last, for it came quickly and suddenly from the moistness that surrounded hers.  It was a tight fit, such a tight fit that he couldn't find his breath and just opened his eyes at last, looking at her, stunned and taken by pleasure all at once.

He moaned softly, against her lips, feeling himself move inside her, and waves of pleasure making him shiver and holding her harshly against him.  "Renna!  Oh god, I-I'm not hurting you am I?"

Hurt? Maybe, but only at first. She was too curious to let the burning pinch of having sex for the first time affect her. In fact, she was too curious and too ready for it that she merely gasped through it, and even as he paused, stunned to be inside her, she felt her body react suddenly as her sex pulsated around him. With her sex nursing against his member, she found herself soon in heaven, not knowing what else to do than to let her own sex react to his. She had no idea how to tighten up or take him in, just let her body sloppily react to his as it moved, and yes..
yes it did hurt. but in a good way.

Opening her eyes finally, she released a breath she had been holding and stared at him as if she were drugged.
"Gods.. Oakley... you feel amazing inside me." Nothing in the world could describe it. So she had a few fingers in her before, it was nothing like the radical feeling of his sex inside her for the first time. Her eyes then fluttered close as she held him, moving awkwardly, but in a way that felt good.
"And no, it doesn't hurt." She lied, then added, more honestly, "Well, just a little." She was so tight! But becuase she was soaking wet, he could move inside her like a knife. "But.. it's a good sort of pain.. I.. I don't even know how to explain it but Gods.. Oakley.." she gripped his hair lightly. "This feels like heaven."

"O-okay," he nodded to her.  His arms did the only thing they could do and pulled her closer to him, and down onto his hips and he gently moved his hips in a rounded motion, shoving all of him inside her and gently slipping out, then back again until he found a rhythm that felt all too good.  Soft moans escaped him, his arms wrapping around her, his mouth finding her neck and nursing there all the while.  Her sex hugged all around him, like a second skin, like they were made for one another.  The walls of hers made him shudder here and there.  "Oh, Renna.  This feels incredible.  God....I hope I'm doing this right."

At his uncertainty, she smiled and kissed him.
"Yes," she said, cupping his face and kissing him again. "It feels good to me, so I think it's being done right." And she kissed him again. "Oh, Oakley... I wish I could be only yours, and just yours forever like this." And she felt herself shiver, her sex tensing and gripping his. She gasped at what she was able to do, experimenting wiht the way her sex muscle would work against his eager and swollen member, the sensation all new to her and feeling amazing all the same.

Soon, he was gasping all his own, and his throat had grown hoarse as he began to buck his hips and move faster, holding her with one arm around her back and another at the small of her back, keeping her in rhythm with his motion.  "R-Renna-a!  You-you are mine.  No matter what happens.  You are mine.  And I'm yours."  His lips smashed against hers, kissing her fully on the mouth, tongue and all.

So eager she was to be taken by him, and her legs wrapped around him tight, moans being the only thing breaking their kisses as she continued to french kiss him, hotly, deeply, affectionately, lovingly, passionately. The sensation was just too intense, too much for her, and before she even realized it, she came. She didn't even know it until she was screaming his name and moving wildly beneath him, her sex pulsating wildly as she did. ANd gods, she was no where near being done as she held onto Oakley and begged and bucked for more

Well it was a good thing at least since Oakley had yet to come, his body was nursing on all sensations she inspired in him and he was calling her name again and again as the sensations building up, one layer on top of another.  She wouldn't give him a rest, and he didn't want her too.   "R-RENNA!  I love you!"  His voice caught in his throat and he buried his face in her neck, holding her possessively, one that would only be his.

At his proclamation, she felt her heart soaring and her body tingling with glee.
"Oh, Oakley," she said, lips smashing to his. "I love you, too."
Kissing him still, her hands moved through his hair and then down his back side.
"Do.. do you want to try another position?" she said, peering up at him timidly. "To see.. how you might like it maybe from behind, on our knees?" In truth, she wanted to try it all with him, she was so curious and heated, her body ready for whatever the two teens could think of while they tumbled in the sweet, tall grass.

Oakley blushed and slowed his motions, peering at her with wide eyes.  He was already flush from their activities, but the very idea that they could do this in more positions than one, sent shivers all through him.  "Uh....sure," he smiled at her, willing and eager.  He was curious and thankful that his curiosity overcame his apprehension and he smiled sweetly at her, allowing her to show him the proper position.  After all, it was worth a try.

Renna smiled and pulled away from him, eyes fluttering closed to feel his long, hard dick pulling out of her. Even though they were young, Oakley was equipped enough to please her, and for a moment, she stared in awe at how his dick glistened from her wetness. Smiling then, she turned around, red curls spilling over her shoulder as she got to her knees and looked back to see if Oakley was doing the same. And as she bent over, she exposed her sex for him.

"Here.. just come up against me after you get on the grass," she said, and helped guide him back into her, as she gasped to feel his entire length so deep within her.Then she began to move, bouncing her ass against his hips and as she did so, she felt his balls smacking her lightly. God, he could go in so deep!
"Oh, Oakley!" she moaned, gripping her fingers into the dirt.

Oakley watched her assume the position and he gradually got the idea of it as he moved on his knees behind her, grabbing her hips.  His member slid inside her so easily that it made a moan get caught in his throat.  He shuddered, as did his voice at this new angle, this new sensation that made him shiver with indescribable pleasure.

"Renna!" he felt himself groan, throat growing hoarse as he pumped in and out of her.  "This...was a good ....gods!....idea!"  He pulled her tightly against his hips and moved within her warmth until he began to feel himself cum.  But even afterward, he didn't want to stop.

A boy, so innocent and pure, turned into a man the second his seed filled up the tightness that was Renna Cartiste. And as he continued to go even after his girl took in his seed, she was over whelmed by it and screaming along with he. The sweetness of his ectasy dribbled down her leg, as her sex could not keep all of his seed in as they continued to fuck, but she didn't care. It was frightening to think so much ... sticky wetness could come from such an event, but she was so hot and heated she only begged for more.
"We.. we should try.. try something else.. another position oh, GOds, Oakley- what have you done to me?" she said, realizing all of the cum leaking down her legs. THough she blushed and kissed him, the question was a good thing, not a bad, and her tongue inside his mouth assured him of that.

"There-there's more?" Oakley gasped haggardly, doubling over her and feeling the moistness of both their sexes dripping onto each other.  Between the two of them, Oakley didn't know who made the bigger mess.  But he supposed it didn't matter and he needed a moment or two to catch his breath, laying her on her back as he kissed him.  He was breathless, and wanted more nearly as much as he wanted to rest.  But he just kissed her, feeling her teeth with his tongue, her tongue, the inside of her cheeks, brushing along hers.  "What more could there possibly be?" he breathed against her.

At his question, Renna gave a playful little smirk-
and soon the pair were standing, palms to palms, stomach to stomach, lips to lips as they made love standing, backwards, she on his lap, she bent over as he stood, one leg up, one leg down, against a tree until finally, she was beneath him, missionary style and screamed out in ectasy, finally sated with her curiosity of his body, of his love as she lay beneath him, breathing hard and smiled.

Oakley was spent multiple times over and peered down at her as he held hands on either side of her head.  No longer did the cold bother him, no longer did it make him shiver - at least not the way she did.  And now that they were finally sated, Oakley smiled down at her sweetly and blushed much less than he thought he would.  "That's what that's like...  Wow, I love it.  We should do this more often."

Renna gave a laugh, a musical noise against a breath as she kissed his cheek and ruffled his curly brown hair.
"Maybe." she said with a smile, then looked up into his eyes more seriously, as they only showed her love. "Thank you."

Oakley giggled and rolled off of her, laying beside her.  He wrapped an arm underneath her head and pulled her toward him.  "Thank you?" he asked, a little confused.  "I guess it was a performance worthy of applause."

Renna turned her face to Oakley at that cheesy remark and wrinkled her nose.
"What? Is that what you think? Applause? Pah!" and she ruffled his hair playfully. "Maybe if we tried a few more positions.." she teased, sticking her tongue out at him, then sighed nad nestled into the grasses nad up against him contentedly. "But truly.. that was perfect," she breathed. "And I wouldn't change that moment in my life for the world." And she looked into his eyes, her own blue ones dancing.
"I love you."

A wamrth spread through out his belly and Oakley blushed.  He leaned in beside her and took his hand into hers.  "Oh Renna, I love you too.  I don't regret anything," he muttered.  But his smile soon faded.  "Oh....oh no, we have to get back to the party...before we're missed.  Or maybe...maybe we should just stay out here all night."

It was here Renna sat up at his sudden worry.
"But I thought you said we were to run away?" And she gave him a teasing smile, but part of her had hoped it had been true.

"We are," Oakley said, smiling at her.  But his smile faded.  "But where would we run?  We would get caught...  We would be dragged back here and never see each other again.  What if we could just steal away and have moments like this?  And we'd still get to be together, even if it's only for a moment."

"Oh, Oakley.." she found her eyes shining as she peered into his. "That's just might crazy it could work! But how would we do it? How could we be so discrete? Should we make up some sort of code when the other is available? I don't know how my new life will be...but perhaps we could orchestrate some sort of letter arrangement? Some sort of code?"
ANd hope filled her chest as it swelled at the idea. Perhaps they could be real lovers after all, even in a world that forced them into cages... into separate paths.

"A code?  I hadn't thought of that," Oakley said, feeling thrilled at the prospect of doing something so secretive.  He blushed at her  and smiled sweetly.  "We could send letters to each other...but perhaps under different names?  I know if my father ever received a letter from you, with your name on it, he would throw it out.  We could...organize rendezvous with each other.  We'll need things...symbols to signify location and time and places."

"Yes.. perhaps I should write to you as a boy? Some sort of a friend you met at a ball or some other. After all, if someone were to read such letters, it would cause no scandal to be receiving a correspondence from a friend of the same sex."

it would certainly depend on the said nature of the letters," Oakley frowned.  "What if somethinh slips, then Michael would think me funny.  You know...effeminate."  He blushed, knowing his father already though of him in such a manner and shook his head.

"Oh." Renna blinked. "I hadn't thought of that. I just... well, if it's a woman, they might assume more..." And here she frowned and glanced down at her feet, before suddenly wrapping her arms around Oakely.
"Oh, Oakley! I do not know what to do with myself! If you were to ever marry, or I, to actually take this course in life! It's wretched! Positively wretched! And I wish more than anything that we would not ever have to play pretend."

But luck was hardly on their side...
and fate seemed to have a lot of horrors instore for both youths as war loomed over head, and the ball- still dictating their presence.

"Well there's no use in crying about it," Oakley groaned and shrugged, tired of the tears frankly.  "Why don't you say you're a business partner, or something?  Michael my be suspicious at first but I think he would consider otherwise if it was convincing enough."

"This is true," Renna said, sniffling back her tears. "But what sort of a business? I mean, Oakley, I haven't gotten a clue as to what I'd say, or what our code would be. Seems we've got a lot to think about."

"We will talk more about it another time then," Oakley replied, standing and reaching for his clothes.  "We should head back to the party."

Renna was hesitant to part with him, but she had to agree. Stealing one last kiss from him, she smiled at him warmly.
"I love you, Oakley Brennick. I know we'll make this work."

Oakley nodded to her and gave her a confident grin.  "I know it will...  Well I can only hope it will.  Let's get back now before Michael tans my hide."

Sneaking back into the party would prove difficult indeed, as Renna kept a hand upon Oakely's until they were too close for comfort. Then she let their grip loosen, before she moved away, heading back into the party long before Oakley was to return. It was out on the veranda she met with a few 'future clients'- giving to them polished, bright eyed smiles and she walked a lot more differently now than she had before. For now she walked with confidence and her chin held high and her eyes shining with the truth of love and affections. Oakley had changed her alot that day- having made love for the first time out in the sweet grasses....

For now she could go on with her life, knowing that, despite how the odds worked against them- she would always be with her love. And soon the night would come to a close, and she hadn't seen a spot of Oakley since. But her Aunt, who was beyond furious for her sudden disappearance, was glad Renna was able to save face in the end. It was only until the midnight hour had long since passed was it time to finally leave, and Renna found herself with quite a lot of engagements being set for the week- and a lot of eyes on her prize.

Come morning, she would know who was to bid on her virginity. Little did they know it was no loner theirs to take.

Oakley's beating was brief only at the behest of Willian who stepped in on Oakley's behalf and he was accompanying the girl he had brought on his arm again.  His explanation for his brief disappearance was due to a stomach flu that struck him suddenly, that he explained wasn't uncommon for him this time of year.  The night went on with little more than mild conversation and soon Oakley went home.

But all the while his mind was trying to come up with the proper code to contact Renna with, that their communication would be brought about safely, and they could still see each other again.  A small hope burned in his belly, though he knew they could trust no one else than themselves, no one would help them regardless.  Not his brothers, and certainly not her aunt.

A few days would pass before he'd hear from.Renna again, but the letter was delivered in a most unusual of ways when a blue.bird dropped a delicate, wrapped piece of paper on his bed side, the bird making just enough flapping to awakenthe poor boy. And when he was to read the letter it stated his lover's distress.
"Meet me in the gardens come night fall." And the letter couldn't have come fast enough, for the next day Renna's virginity had already been sold, and her true life as.a.courtesan had begun.

Oakley was coming in to his room when he saw the small carefully wrapped scroll gently placed on his bed.  He rushed to it after closing the door, afraid Bren was trailing right behind him and he tore it open, breaking the wax seal and reading the note.  "The gardens?" he wondered.  "My gardens?"  He didn't know which ones she met, but the only one he could think of were his own.

Sometimes he wandered the gardens after dark, when his father was asleep and Bren was away causing some mayhem or another.  It would be a perfect time to meet her.

While Oakley was making his rounds through the garden, Renna Cartiste was finding her way into it. It didn't take much effort to slip past any of the guards, for the Brennick house hold was in none such a focus for any sort of attack, even despite the war. So as she was making her way down the flower trimmed past, her eyes were desperately seeking him out amongst the foilage, and it wasn't until she caught sight of him through a thick rose bush that she smiled and  leaned forward to peer at him through a hole int he shrub.
"Psst.."s he said, hoping to gain his attention. "Oakley..." and her blue eyes sought to his.

The garden was even more beautiful in the evening than it was in the daylight.  And not to mention it was a perfect time to dig his hands into the soil.  He'd been working on the orchids when he heard a voice whisper to him from the rose bush in front of him.  He peered upward and smiled through the branches and leaves.  "What took you so long?" he whispered back, still kneeling in the dirt and digging in with his hands to replant the orchids.  "You said you would come an hour ago."

Limping around the other side of the gardens, she gave him a half shrug and looked down at her one foot- which was now missing a shoe.
"Well, I lost a shoe along the way, but it's a long story." And here she sighed as she looked at Oakley, who looked positively adorable and handsome to her all covered in dirt. "I see you were tending to some more plants? Which ones are you growing this time?" ANd she curiously tried to peek at them.

Oakley gave her a ghost of a smile amidst a rosy blush.  It was visible even by moonlight.  "Orchids," he answered, inviting her to come with with him.  "You should have brought servant's clothes.  This way you don't have to dirt your dress.  "Well here, you can sit on my old coat."  He set it on the dirt beside her and gave her space.  "I'm replanting the orchids in fresh soil.  The old one was filled with bugs in their pots."

"It might have been too conspicuous had I taken my servants clothing, but I'll consider it for next time," she told him as she wrinkled her nose with a smile. And she nodded politely at his offered and got own on her knees. "They're beautiful. You've been tending to them a lot. But do you think the bugs will be kinder to them out here? Seems they might be more at their mercy, what with this garden being so large and all."

Oakley's smile just grew.  "I think the bugs will like feastin on the roses rather than the orchids," he replied.  "They like the uglier plants.  Here dig out that hole right there and I'll stick in the root and you fill it in again with dirt."

Renna blinked, her eyes going a bit wide.
"You want me to help? But I-" And she laughed. "But what do I use? A shovel? My hand?" And felt silly for asking, but really, she hadn't had the chance to ever do such a thing, even dating a boy who had such a fascination with plants, she rarely got a chance to actually have time to play in the dirt.

"You're hands obviously," Oakley laughed and used his right to help show her how to scoop out the soft moist soil.  "It won't bite. Go on then."

Renna laughed at his words.
"I know that!" she said, and moved to scoop her hand sinto the dirt, her soft fingers and nails easily soaking in the dirt and when she was done, she stared at the dirt with a laugh. "Would't my Aunt be upset to see me now!"

Oakley smiled and nodded.  "She'd probably whip you til you couldn't feel your behind anymore," he laughed.  "Michael hates that I like to garden.  He says it's woman's work.  I told him I'm sure Grand Duke Calent has a garden.  He replied that the Grand Duke doesn't stick his hands in the dirt.  I didn't say anything, but I was thinking, he should.  He might be nicer if he did for once." 

"Are you not a fan of the Grand Duke?" she said, giggling as she swiped away some hair from her face, smearing dirt across her nose. "I thought everybody loved him." And her words were dripping with sarcasm.

"Hmmm, I don't feel anything for him one way or the other.  But I hear he is not a very nice man. I mean, he started this war.  Or at least wanted a reason for it.  He reminds me a lot of my brothers, and they always are looking for something to fight or bother or bully.  So I figure, why should the Grand Duke be any different.  It's not like he's God or anything."

Renna only smiled at his answer and kissed his cheek suddenly as she laughed.
"I'm sorry, I'm only teasing. But you should know as well as anyone that I have to pretend to like him, lest someone realize what I really am."

A mage! And if it were known, her reputation, and life, could very well be over...

Oakley smiled and blushed at her.  "What you are?" he said with a small smile.  "I think you're beautiful just the way you are.  I guess there's no shame in being a courtesan.  It's just how things turned out."

Renna blushed at that and averted her gaze.
"That's not what I meant," she said softly, before lifting her eyes gently back to meet his, her look a bit more sad than it had been before, even as she tried to smile through it.
"Though that is sweet of you to say."

"Good," he smiled at her.  "Better sweet than sour.  Let's get back to digging.  I have another to plant."

Renna laughed softly.
"Ok then!" And she was eager to assist, and minded no longer that her fingers and face were becoming dirty.
"There!" She said triumphantly as the next was planted. "Another one in the ground!"

Oakley giggled madly.  "It's all crooked!" he snorted, laughing.  "But that's okay.  Here, let me help you."  Oakley shifted closer to her and took her right hand in his and her left in his and guided her hands into the dirt, palms first and dug out a little dirt and guided her other hand in training it to be straighter and promptly scooping the dirt back in once more.  "There, all better.  You did real good."  Oakley smiled at her and admired how the dirt collected on her hand and manicured fingernails.

"Well, I never claimed to have a green thumb, or any ounce of skill int his field, for that matter," she said with a soft laugh in reply. "It's not like I've been tending plants for years like you!" She told him, then gave a bashful grin. "It's good to see you still love plants, even after all those years we've been apart. Part of me worried your family might have tried to change you."

He gave her a quiet, soft, sad smile at her last sentence.  He shook his head and shrugged.  His hands focused on the dirt, smoothing it over as he played with it between his fingers.  "They still try to change me..." he replied.  "Michael wants me to become a man.  I thought I was a man.  But he says you have to earn that.  He...he says I have to get married.  Marriage makes you a man, I suppose."

Oakley wasn't the only one who grew quiet as Renna found her own smile growing hollow and her eyes losing their shine.
"Oh."
And she felt foolish and embarrassed for having brought it up.

"I suppose it's better to tell you now than later..." Oakley continued, chewing on his lip.  "But that girl at the party...  Michael said I was to court her.  He said she would make a suitable wife.  But I don't want her to be mine...  I want you to be mine...  Why can't we just run away together?  I know I don't like feeling sad for myself, but...I don't love her.  Michael says love's got nothing to with marriage.  But I don't believe him.  I know he loved my mother.  He still does."

Renna remained quiet at the intended engagement being revealed. And despite Oakley's professions on love, she couldn't help but feel numb for it. They both were forced to live other lives, forced to be puppets of society, and there was nothing that could be done of it- that running away almost seemed like a dream- and their only real option to be truly happy. But she found herself, a girl who normally loved to talk and talk, suddenly speechless as tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision, as a few rolled down her cheeks and wet the soil of the flowers both she and Oakley had but planted a moment ago.

He saw her crying from the corner of his eye and he didn't have to ask why.  He knew he shouldn't have said anything, but it would have only been a matter of time before the rumor came to her.  "oh Renna. Don't cry, 'cause then I'll cry," he murmured.  He took his hands from the soil and dusted them off, but when he touched her cheek, he left small traces of dirt.  "Oh Renna...maybe I shouldn't have said anything," he said, his chin wavering.

Renna shook her head, still crying, lips quivering as she threw her arms around him suddenly and clung to him tight.
"No,"s he breathed, tears now wetting them both. "I'm glad you let me know. Our fates are something we can not run from, even if we wanted to. Connlaoth is in too dangerous of a state if we were to try, and I'm pretty sure my Aunt and your parents would have our necks if we did and were caught." Finding herself still sobbing, she just buried her face into his shoulder and just took comfort in his smells and the feel of is body against hers while his arms held her tight.

Oakley took her in his arms and squeezed her tightly to him.  "Oh Renna!  I love you so..." he felt tears burn his own eyes.  He buried his face into her hair, which was filled with aromatics, scents unusual to her form.  But Oakley didn't care.  "Then that must mean we must cherish these momenst together all the more," he breathed.

"Oh, Oakley, you know I cherish every moment with you," she said against his shoulder, still clinging to him and wishing for anything else but their destined fate. "But I just wish our love could be more of a reality than fantasy, for when I'm forced to flirt with other men, if I don't pretend they are you, I feel myself growing so ill and .." and here she found herself sobbing again. "Gods, I hate myself so much. I only want to be yours, Oakley. Only yours."

"But you are.  I don't care about those other men! They don't even exist when I think of you.  I can't change reality...that I'm going to wed.  But what we have between us.  That will never change," he breathed against her, his own body shuddering with sobs.  "But you're always mine!  And I'm yours no matter what."

Renna nodded, and despite them having this conversation before, she only felt partially comforted by her lovers words. SHe held onto him tightly, sighing through his hair before she pulled away to peer back into his dark eyes.
"Could we make love in the gardens? I just feel so close to when we did it and... to feel ourselves out in nature, and if we can do it near the plants that you love..." And she felt her cheeks turning pink over it, but truthfully, she needed somethign to distract her, and to relieve the tension in her body.
"And it will help me forget everything else, just to steal a sacred moment with you."

Oakley blushed at the thought and he smiled innocently at her, letting her go from his embrace for a moment.  "We can make love here...and if we're careful, perhaps in my room," his eyes turned a little downcast at the words, shy even to mention it.  But his smile turned sweet and he peered at her in the darkness.  He could say nothing more and he kissed her then and wrapped her back in his arms.

Renna looked at him adoringly, for nothing in the world could break her love from him, and she too, blushed over the idea of making love in his bed.
"Sh-should I keep on my dress?" she said, blushing even more to ask of it as she peered back at him, tucking in her lower lip as she dug her top teeth into it with anticipation.

Oakley smiled at her and gave a shrug.  "If it comes to that," he replied and promptly stood, holding his hand out to her to stand.  "Come on.  There's better cover in the bushes over there, not so much here.  Oh and take the jacket!"  He blushed and hurriedly moved toward the other side of the garden.

Renna laughed softly as she plucked the jacket off the dirt and ran with him to other side of the gardens, and when he'd pause before the intended bushes they'd be hiding within, she touched his shoulder and leaned forward, kissing him softly, then more deeply as she leaned into him.
"Oakley," she whispered, her blue eyes seeking his. "I love you." And she smiled and hugged the dirty jacket to her dress. "So... "she sucked in her lower lip, peering sheepishly at the bushes. "I suppose inside there is as good a place as any." ANd she peeked in and smiled. "Seems pretty cozy." And she turned back to him, tucking some of her red hair aside to see if he wanted to guide her in. He knew the gardens better than she, after all.

Oakley's eyelids hung low and he stepped in close to her, both hands reaching up to cup her face.  He blushed a little.  "Well...if you want we could go inside instead," he suggested.  "The gardens are cold and dirty." He kissed her cheeks and smiled sweetly, hands reaching down for her hands.  "Anywhere with you is heaven."

Renna blushed at the thought, feeling herself becoming heated.
"But if we did.. are you sure we won't be caught?"

Oakley squeezed her hands.  "We might, but we might not," he replied, smiling at her.  "If we're careful I'm sure we'll be okay."

Renna shook her head, but was smiling none the less.
"Has my sneaky behavior from our youth rubbed off on you, Oakley?" she said, giving him a playful look. "To think you want to risk one moment with me which could cost us both a flogging.." and she giggled nad hugged onto his arm before leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "Alright. Let's do it."

Oakley's blush burned his face ear to ear, but it was worth it when she kissed him.  He took her hand and looked out to see if anyone was looking before stealing into the house, heading upstairs from the servant's stairwell.  "Ssshhh," he put a finger to his lips, before carefully tiptoeing to his room.

Following after, Renna cupped a hand over her lips to keep herself from giggling. It was so exciting to think they were sneaking up into his room, that this was forbidden, yet this was the one thing the pair wanted more than anything else. Perhaps they lived in the clouds, but at least through their naivety they had each other, and through it, a growing love was being formed.
Though as they neared Oakley's room, Renna found herself gasping when she heard a door open down the hall- and though it had been many years since she had been inside the manor, she knew who's room that was.
"Bren."

Oakley had heard the door too and paused immediately in the shadow created by a grandfather clock.  The door opened a little more with a quieted creak as Bren snuck out of his own room straight toward the stairs.

Renna, who had been pressed quite closely against Oakley, was relieved when she watched Bren disappear down the stairs. Bren always made her skin crawl. His smile reminded her of a rats.

Oakley knew better than to move from his spot even so soon after Bren had vanished down the stairs.  His brother was a sneaky one and he didn't know why he sneaking out of the house this late at night, but he only know it was better to have him gone than run into him after all.  When a full minute passed and a horse n carriage could be heard leaving the estate, Oakley finally released a breath and took Renna by the hand, taking her  to his room once more.

Only when they were in Oakley's room.did she release her.breath, half wilting against his bed as.she clung to the bed post.
"I was about to have a heart attack. How dreadful it would have been to be caught by him!"

"It would have been something awful indeed," Oakley said, rushing to the window to make sure Bren was indeed gone and wasn't about to sneak up on his little brother anytime in the immediate future.  He turned back to Renna and furrowed his brow, once his heart had gotten a steady beat.  "I wonder where he's gone off to this time of night.  Though, I guess it really isn't any of my business, as long as it isn't spying on me or you."

Renna went white at the idea.
"You don't think he is, do you?" her voice came out in a low, desperate whisper as she clutched a hand to her chest, recalling the one night he had showed up at a most peculiar hour- and was inquiring about some unique purchases- towards her. She frowned and bit her lip before finally glancing over at Oakley, her heart beating heavily within her chest.

"Hm, no, I don't think so," Oakley breathed and walked back to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.  "I think we are safe for now.  Our greatest threat now is Michael, but he fortunately sleeps like a log.  Besides Brandur goes out a lot at night, to the brothels or to gamble I think."

"Maybe Bren's gone there too," she found herself saying, not meaning for it to be offensive, but rather, in hopes to calm her as she was almost shaking with fear of them being caught! What would her Aunt say to find out she's been with Oakley for weeks now!?
Taking Oakley's arm, she found herself clinging to it as she leaned in towards him from where she now sat upon his bed. She couldn't find the strength to stand any more due to the circumstances, and she didn't want Bren to ruin this moment- or any other moment that they might be able to share.

"I'm sorry, just give me a moment. Oh look, my fingers are slightly shaking. How silly is that! I must seem like a ball of nerves!"s he said, shaking her head and forcing herself to smile. "We're supposed to be enjoying this moment together, not worrying about every possible way things could become ruined." She shook her head againa nd sighed before smiling up into his face.

"Come, sit here with me, won't you?" she said, squeezing his hand and patting the space on the bed beside her.

Oakley understood and could feel his own heart beating loudly in his ears.  He gave Renna a sheepish smile and nodded to her.  He crawled over her and laid at her side, sitting on his hip toward her.
 
"I love you Renna," he smiled at her and reached up to cup her face.  "I'm glad we have this moment together."

His words helped to melt her from her rigid state, but when she kissed him, it was cooler than normal and seemingly more forced.
"Oh, Oakley, I'm sorry if I seem so.... I just worry. I don't either of us to get into trouble for this."

He nodded at her.  "It's okay.  I worry about us too.  I can't help it."  Oakely leaned in and kissed her cheek.  "It's okay, really."  He gave her a sweet smile and simply put an arm around her, holding her against his narrow chest and burying his face into her hair.

Renna wouldn't lie, when Oakley put his arms around her it was the single most wonderful feeling int he world, and as he buried his head into her hair, she leaned in to rest against his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his warm body and just kept him close.
"I'm glad I found you back in my life again. It's been so hard not having you around all of those years before."

Oakley listened to the sound of her breathing, of her heartbeat against his.  "I missed you too," he replied quietly.  "I...  What happened all that time?  What did you do?"

"Bored mostly,"s he said with a shrug before she peered up at him with a smile. "My aunt wanted to educate me, so.. I learned. Though when it was revealed what she intended for me.. I had to learn other etiquettes, too."

Oakley blushed and laughed.  "Oh yeah, learning is pretty boring most of the time.  Boy things are so stupid.  Not that I like make up and dresses any better, but you know.  Michael always wanted me to ride harder and farther than Bren or Willian.  But I never really could.  I never liked swords.  I like drawing and painting.  I've got lots of drawings of my plants.  Do you want to see them?"

"Trust me, learning about fashions and propriety is not my idea of a fun time." Renna rolld her eyes but at Oakley's last comment she grinned and nodded. "Sure! I'd love to see them. I'm sure you've improved much since we were younger, and even then I was jealous at how good you could draw."

Oakley shrugged and blushed slyly at her.  "I was never any good," he murmured as he produced one of his notebooks.  He grinned widely and opened it up for her once he rejoined her on the bed.  "Look that's a dandelion.  I took notes on how to keep them from growing in the garden, that's what all the scribbles are.  And those are some roses!  Geraniums and chrysanthemums!" He got more and more excited as he pointed at the sketches and turned pages.

Renna smiled.
"These are all lovely. And your scribbles looking nicer than my attempts at calligraphy. You don't want to know how many times my Aunt had to smack my hand when I'd make such ugly curls." She shook her head and leaned over, smiling down at the drawings. "You have improved a lot. There's a lot of detail in them. And the way you shaded this geranium- looks like it's growing clean off the page!"

Oakley's wide grin turned small and sweet.  "I think your curls are nicer when they're all messy," he said softly.  His hand reached up to unfurl one and he gently tugged on it, watching it bounce back.  "But it looks like you learned pretty well."

Renna blushed, then laughed.
"I meant the curls in my calligraphy, but she'd yell at me if I didn't do the curls in my hair right, either! THough it wasn't too hard to get the knack of it. After all, most curlers you can just sleep in and wake up and have this sort of style. Apparently it's all the rage." She said, rolling her eyes.

Oakley blushed a giggled with her.  "Well, you look devastatingly beautiful," he said.  "As always."  He put a finger to his mouth and shushed.  "Not so loud."  But he couldn't stop giggling.

Renna tried to tone down her giggles, but it was near impossible.
"You lie! But I'll take the compliment anyways!"
And she giggled some more, shaking her head before scooting in closer to him on the bed.
"Do you have any other drawing books? Ones of animals or more plants you've been studying?"

Oakley nodded vigorously and son brought out a whole stack of notebooks he had been filling, some filled with animals and others with flowers.  Some of them filled with sketches of his brothers, Michael, and even some of the servants.  "You're in there too.  From memory mostly."

Renna blushed and had to smile.
"What?! You drew me? Let me see. I have to know what you'd remember me by since last we met. I bet I looked quite silly. And did you remember my freckles? And my unruly hair?" She wrinkled her nose at the idea.
"And you're very good at these drawings. I like the 'oh so serious' look on your father's face."

"Of course I drew you...I didn't know if I was ever going to see you again," Oakley said.  "I did it right after the dance, the one where we crawled through the garden."

Renna blushed at the memory.
"Fate is a funny thing," she said, finding her smile a bit sad at their predicament. "But even though the world tries to dictate we be apart, I know in our hearts we're meant to be together." And she moved to turn the page. "So where are these drawings anyway?" She teased. And when she turned and found one, she found herself frozen in shock to see the resemblance of herself staring back at her timelessly from upon the page.
She had never seen herself drawn before, and it was an interesting feeling of pride and sheepishness, for her blush grew, as did her smile.
"Oh, wow... you've captured quite a lot of detail in it."

"Do you really like it?" Oakley found himself asking.  "I think I got your eyes a little lazy...  But maybe they came out okay."

"I love it!" she said, suddenly wrapping her arms around him as she kissed his cheek. "And I think you did a nice job on my eyes. ANd I'm surprised you colored it. I didn't know my eyes were so blue!"

"I used blue?" Oakley asked with confusion.  "I could have sworn I used brown."  He blinked at her and laid on his side beside her.  "I'm kidding...You're eyes remind me of winter water so pure and clear...  I love them."

"And your eyes remind me of spring time mud; the perfect eye color for a young man who loves plants." And at this, she stuck her nose up playfully into the air and smiled at him, those blue eyes of her sparkling with mirth.

"It's winter mud!  For your information," Oakley protested and playfully jabbed her ribs and continued to tickle her lightly before retreating across the bed.

Renna let out a squeal, and promptly slapped her own hand over her mouth.
"Oakley!" she tried to chastise, but she was too busy giggling as she shook her head.
"And fine, winter mud!"And she grabbed up a pillow and playfully threw it at his head.

It didn't take long for Oakley to start grabbing for another pillow and smashing it against her body, playfully.  He stifled a laugh and crawled over to her, trying to plant a kiss on her cheek.

But the kiss wouldn't make it as suddenly Renna hit his face with a pillow, and he'd hear her giggling behind it as she was half pinned beneath him on the bed.

"You're supposed to be nice and let me win," Oakley protested with a flighty chuckle.  He shoved his head underneath the pillow and fervently sought her lips.  "Kiss me!"

"Let you win?" Renna inquired, peering at him as her eyes danced playfully. She shook her head, red curls bouncing. "As if, Oakley!" and she playfully bopped his lips with her pillow. "Where would the fun be in that?"

Oakley laid on her with mirth building in his eyes, as he sought her lips and kissed her cheeks where he could.  "You can't get away from me."

Renna let out a laugh, his kisses actually tickling as she rolled beneath him.
"O-Oakley!" she shouted, as quietly as she could, but she couldn't stop her giggles, especially when he'd sneak in a kiss her two before she hid her face behind a pillow, which her giggling could still be heard coming from behind.

Oakley did stop as she'd asked and rolled off of her, smiling and giving quiet giggles himself. "I won," he proudly declared.

"Oh, as if!" Renna retorted, throwing her pillow at his face before suddenly latching onto him and pinning him down to the bed. She laughed over him, her hair tickling his face as she stole a kiss for herself. "I think this means I won." She stated proudly, puffing out her chest as she grinned while keeping him pinned beneath her.

"Hey!" Oakley yelped.  "Why don't we be fair and call it even!"

Renna laughed.
"Oakley, you're playing with a red head. Don't you know red-heads are cheaters?" And at that, her grin grew more widely across her face as she leaned forward to playfully kiss at his cheek, making kissy-faced noises as she did.

"No!  Never!" Oakley laughed whisperedly and dodged his head back and forth where she tried to kiss him.  "Cooties! Cooties!"

"You would assume I have cooties!" she laughed back, though her laughter was slightly louder than his as her fingers now sought to poke the ticklish place beneath his arms.

"That's because you do!" Oakley squealed when she tickled him furiously.  He didn't laugh too loud, but his giggles were sharp and prominent and he grew red in the face with trying to hold it back.  "M-mercy!"

"Oh, as if I'll show you mercy, Oakley Brennick!" Renna retorted, grinning widely as she remained straddled overtop of him, her fingers setting to work to tickle him all over his body. "Take back that I have cootie and maybe I will stop! But until then, you will remained punished!"

"N-never!  Unhand me you villainess!" Oakley bellowed and rolled left and right, trying to shove her hands away.  "You're cooties are making me laugh.  They're getting in my hair!"

"I'm sure that many brown curls can thwart my 'cooties'," she giggled, remaining ever persistent in her tickling, even as Oakley tried to wriggle his way free. To thwart such an attempt, she sat on him as her skirts poofed out, this time sitting on his belly as she continued to jab her finger's beneath his arm.
"Say I'm the winner and I'll stop!" she said with a laugh, her blue eyes dancing with mirth and mischief before her tickling fingers moved up towards his neck.

Oakley shook his head violently.  "No!  Never!  And you can't make me!" he squealed, cupping a hand over his mouth.

With his denial, she kept at it.
"Say it!" she pressed, eyes growing playfully meaner as her fingers remained unyielding where they tickled and prodded his sides.

It was really too much.  More that he could take and still stay sane.  "Okay!  Okaay!  I submit!  You win!"  Oakley was crying with laughter and was red faced and grabbed a pillow on the side to bash her face with.

At her victory, Renna retracted her fingers and puffed out her chest.
"That's right! I win!" though she might have shouted it a bit too enthusiastically. Still sitting over him, she gave him a smug grin and playfully punched the pillow attack away. "You'll have to try harder than that if you want to best me, Oakley Brennick!" she teased, and stuck her tongue out at him and tossed one of the decorative pillows at his face. It was a small, round pillow with lace bordering it's edges, and came flying at his nose like a chinese throwing star.

Oakley lay there, trembling beneath her and wiping her eyes and sniffling, crying from the pain in his mid section.

Retrieving a kerchief from her breasts, she tossed it towards his hands with a grin.
"Here, to clean up that snot and tears!"

Oakley just laid there and cried pathetically.   There wasn't much he could do about it.

Renna blinked. "Oakley? What's wrong?" And then she sat back some. "I didn't hurt you from... tickling you did I?" She honestly couldn't believe it as she just gaped. To think! They were just having fun! Where did she go wrong?
"Oakley?"

Oakley proceeded to grab a pillow and slammed it across her face, knocking her off him and taking her handkerchief and stuffing it back between her boobs.  "Shush!  You couldn't make me cry even if you wanted to.  You can't leave things like that lying around," Oakely cackled and bunched the pillow underneath his chin.  "They'll find out if you do."

"O-oakley!" she said, taken by surprise as she laughed. She shook her head and stuck her tongue out at him. "Well, Oakley Brennick, let them find me! And I'll simply profess my love! And then the whole of Connlaoth will know our scandal!" she teased dramatically before attempting to steal his pillow.

Oakley blushed, but he jutted his chin out bravely to Renna.  Though, he knew the risk they were taking just by trying to be as discreet as they were, Oakley didn't have any shame in what they had.  He knew it was beautiful, something unmatched even in the love he was sure Michael had had for his mother.  Oakley smiled at Renna and lunged for her suddenly, planting his lips on hers.  After a moment of stolen breath, he smiled down at her and rolled off to the side.  "I wish I could sing it from the top of the Grand Duke's castle," he said.

Renna was taken back, and moved by his words. Her eyes shimmered with a new sort of glow before she leaned forward and kissed him.
"Maybe we won't get a chance to sing it from the Grand Duke's castle, but we can always sing it together here." And she threaded her fingers with his and smiled warmly, gaze melting into his before she kissed him softly again.

Her words warmed his heart and certainly his face as it started beating faster.  He blushed and averted his eyes as he leaned up to kiss her just as her lips met his and he released his awkward in hibitions, catching her completely within his arms.

As he wrapped his arms around her, she did the same to him, pulling away from the kiss but to breath before finding herself kissing him again as her face turned leftward in their kiss. Eventually her hands found his face as she cupped his cheeks and smiled affectionately into his eyes.
"Oh, Oakley," she sighed, dreamily. "What a perfect night this is. I wouldn't trade it for all the world."

"Shush, this is only our second time.  Don't make me nervous," Oakley laughed and came in for a deeper kiss, eager to explore more of her than he was accustomed.

Renna blushed, the words silencing her by the reminder of the truth. She giggled and smiled through a kiss, but soon was melting beneath it as she kissed him back, her own hands smoothing down his sides.

Oakley had never been much of a romantic, but when he was around Renna, he found it was much easier to lose himself in her and, he hoped that she would lose herself in him. When her hands ghosted down his back, his back shiddered and he reached for the buttons of his shirt, peeling it off him and throwing it to the side, as his head turned this way and that to kiss her.

As their kisses deepened, she moaned softly through it as her hands smoothed all down his form. Though not a heavily muscled young man, his skin felt soft and was toned enough for her to find the  subtle muscles all over his back. And while he had worked at removing his shirt, she fumbled at her own corset.
"I.. I think I'll need your help untieing my dress,"s he breathed through kisses, though not once losing a beat.

"O-okay," Oakley stammered and gave her a sheepish look.  Skirting around her, he fumbled in the dark for her ties and eventually pulled them loose, taking nearly five minutes to do so.  But it was a success and he went back to kiss her once more.

Feeling the bindings come loose, she didn't have the chance to undress properly all the way before Oakley was kissing her again. But she supposed it didn't matter, for as they kissed, her dress was falling off her shoulders anyhow.

It was not a wholly lost effort for Oakley's hands came to her shoulders and helped peel her clothes off her body, pulling the corset away from her until her torso was exposed.  His hands felt free to explore, pulling her body up close to his, feeling along her back and sides.

She smiled through his kiss, adoring the feeling of his hands exploring her soft skin. Though it made her shiver, she didn't care, and let her own hands do the same, and giggled a little when she found his pants and... gasped a little to, to feel the bulge sticking out the front. She was delighted to see he was excited for her, and her lips captured his as she made quick work of his belt,but as she tried for his pants, her fingers were a bit clumsy as she was too busy and too focused on their kissing to care.

Oakley trembled beneath her touch and he shivered when she undid his belt.  But instead of blushing, for he was already flushed, he giggled and said, "Let me help you with that."  And helped her hands untie the knot and button of his trousers.  By then, his lips were taken to her jaw and lower to her neck.  "Find what you're looking for?" he whispered.

Her hands moved down to where his pants once were.
"Why yes.." she said between a kiss. "I think I have." And her soft hands worked across his member, feeling it's length, it's heat and it's excitement between her grip.

Oakley jumped when she grabbed him, but he didn't shy away from her.  He reached down toward her hips and pulled them as close as he could to his own, remembering what they had done their first time and trying to following up on that.  She made it easy for he only hoped he could satisfy her and surpass his own expectations.

Feeling their hips seal together, she wrapped her arms around him as a thrill rushed over her. Her lips gently kissed his, her legs spreading open, and soon he'd feel the warmth of her body caressing his, stroking him until his member was becoming slick from her sex as her hips continued to move, nice and slow.

Oakley was at the mercy of her body and he trembled at the memory of their lovemaking.  When he felt their bodies first unite, Oakley peered into her eyes, locking gazes with her for what seemed to the sweetest longest moment of his life before he began to move over her, guided by her body.

The pair seemed to move in awkward harmony at first, but eventually, their bodies were doing all the talking, and the rise and falls of their hips met naturally, coming in and out as his member prodded into her tight body. And he'd be able to feel everything, all the velvety softness of her walls, and the heat an the tenseness of her muscles, and also the slickness there in that only grew wetter and wetter as he continued.

"Oh, Oakley," she breathed, finding their love mesmerizing as her lips were left gaping and a breath hitched within her throat each time she felt his member thrust within. She clung to him, fingers digging into him, but the nails not breaking skin- just making his already pale skin even whiter from the contact the strain o fher fingers had on him as her eye lids fell down lower and she breathed more heavily with each thrust.

There was nothing else in the world that could plague them and Oakley and Renna made love without further interruption.  The one thing that couldn't be taken away from them.  Oakley moved with her, and let her guide him from one pose into another, feeling her, loving her, wanting her more than he could imagine.  He did not feel frail or awkward or nervous as he would in the daily world.  He was hers and she was his.  Simply.

Their love had been beautiful, and as they lay together in the afterglow, her fingers threaded with his as she sighed and melted in beside him.
"That was perfect," she commented with a soft kiss to his shoulder. "And beautiful." The last part, she sighed contentedly. Though she felt a bit messy after all this had happened, it reminded her that they had fully connected in that moment and had been as close as any man and woman in love could get. But recalling the consequences of their love, she turned to him.

"I... I need to tell you something that I hadn't thought of mentioning before we... well, you know." And here, she bit back her lower lip, feeling a bit nervous to say it, but he should know...
"Despite us making love, we can't ever have a child. I know we're too young to worry about that now but I... I'm going to have to take something before I go. To.. to ensure I can't get pregnant from this." And she blushed and looked away, feeling ashamed. But then again, she was a courtesan and it would be difficult to continue to do so if she got with child. Though, in all reality, would it be so bad if it was his? The maybe she could finally be rid of this terrible life! Oh.. if only such a dream could come true! But it seemed the world always had other plans for them- and none fr the better.

Oakley had not expected her words, truly.  But his expression, caught in the dark afterglow of the room, was not upset nor sad.  He sat up and  turned toward her, leaning on her back and reached a hand up to gently caress her arm.  "I-I know..." he said.  "Michael would kill me if he found out I had a child with you, or any woman out of wedlock.  But mostly with you.  I understand....  It's...It's okay Renna."

Renna grew quiet as she stared down at the foot of the bed. Smiling sadly over the situation, she avoided his gaze.
"Kind of silly to think- no one thinks we should be together... yet here we are."

"What does it matter what they think?" Oakley said.  He moved up to sit beside her and his hand sought hers.  "I thought we were going to do this no matter what...  I thought you wanted too...."

Renna turned to Oakley and smiled.
"Of course I'm going to do this." And she kissed the tip of his nose and laughed. "I'm just still in awe of the whole thing. But really, life can not get in the way of true love." And she nestled in closer towards him as she sighed contentedly. "I do love you, Oakley Brennick. You should marry me." And her cheeks flushed at the idea. "What if we were to secretly get married?" And the idea made her positively giddy. "And I know, I know. It sounds terrible, awful, scandalous even but hey, I just want to let you konw, if you ever wanted to be so crazy, I wouldn't mind being your secret wife." she said, smiling and squeezing his hand. "Mybe we cna just get our own pair of rings and make our own vows to each other?" And she sat up suddenly, the idea making her smile. "Oh Oakley, what do you think? Can we not do something like that? It sounds so romantic."

At her request, Oakley blushed and was taken aback.  Being young and naive, marriage seemed like such a preposterously large step to a boy like him.  "Marriage?" he mimicked, his eyes wide.  "I-I honestly never thought about it.  I-I don't mean never marrying you...but but...but...I don't even know the first think about being married.  I-I..."

But despite his stutters, he saw the look in her eyes and he settled down.  "Renna...I would be honored to make you my wife.  All this secrecy though...it's so...exciting! "

"I've got an idea!"And slipping off the bed, she tiptoed her way over towards Oakley's desk, and after tucking her hair back over her shoulder, she finally found what she was looking for. Returning to the bed with a freshly inked quill, she giggle and gestured for him as she put out a hand, palm up.
"Give me your hand. I'm going to draw our ring on you finger."her eyes sparkled at the idea and once she drew the ring on his finger, she handed him the quill to draw one on her.

"It might not be real and might wash off, but we can  at least pretend for a moment that to all of Connlaoth, to all of the world- we are married."

The bed had been warm with her in it and in the mere fifteen seconds it took her to come back with a quill pen, she brought in the icy night with her.  Oakley jumped at the touch of the cold air and rubbed is legs with a free hand to warm them up.  But nothing to wipe that smile from his face when she offered to draw a ring on his finger. 

"Won't that hurt though?" he asked as he winced at the sensation of the prickly quill running over his ring finger.  But he was satisfied with the lines she had made and he blew on it a little to let it dry.  "It's probably the most valuable thing I'll ever own."  His expression was naïve and innocent as he peered at the black-inked drawing along his ring finger in wonder.  But his smile slowly faded and he grew quietly somber.

"What if...what if I gave you something of mine...for real?  I have jewelry, most of it I don't wear so most people probably wouldn't recognize it anyway, but I could give you one of my rings...  As a token, to show that I'm really yours y'know.  I don't think your aunt would really think twice.  Lots of men give tokens to their mistresses, and vice versa.  I know Bren has given away a few rings, and gotten some of his own.  Except that mine...mine will really mean something."

Renna's blue eye's met to his, as she felt her heart flutter and her cheeks heat over the sentiment.
"Oh, Oakley... a real ring?" Her heart was now pounding at the thrill of such an idea, her hands sweating as she leaned curiously closer to him from where she was sitting on his bed. "Anything you give to me I would cherish." And she took his hand and squeezed it, after admiring the quill-drawn ring she had given to him.

Oakley blushed and nodded to her.  "Hold on."  It was his turn to get off the bed and he bounced across the cold floor before going to his wardbrobe and rummaging through it.  He pulled out a small jewelry box and hopped back into bed.  "You can pick whichever one you want."  And opened the box before her.

Renna's eyes went crossed as she looked down at the box and the shining rings within.
"Me? Pick?" She made a face of disbelief before blinking. "But I.. I wouldn't know whcih one to pick.." and she paused a moment to tuck back her red hair, studying the rings before peering up at him. "Do any of these rings have a story?"

Oakley shrugged at the question.  "I don't know much if they do.  I never wear them," he replied in a soft voice.  "But I do like them a lot.  They're pretty, like you.  Pick one that we can make a story for..."

Renna turned to Oakley with a blush.
"That's a good idea. We can always make our own." Spotting a sparkling gold ring with a clear blue sapphire in its center, she lifted it up and studied the detail.
"This one's real pretty, though I wonder if it'd fit."

Oakley smiled at the ring she picked and his own hand gently plucked it from her hand and took her hand within  the other.  Carefully he placed it on her finger, though it was a little bigger than he thought.  "That's okay," he said with a grin.  "We can get it resized.  And hang it on a chain in the meantime."

Renna held a breath as Oakley slipped the ring on her finger. It seemed to shine more so now than when it was in the box.
"Oh, Oakely. It's so pretty." Though as it clunked around on her finger, the weighted end of the sapphire rolling to rest underneath her finger rather than ontop of it, she gave a giggle.
"Yes, I suppose wearing it on a necklace for now would be best." And she flashed Oakley an affectionate, toothy gaze and blushed.
"Though what ought I give to you? I'm afraid my quilled ring won't last you very long."

Oakley blushed and peered sheepishly at the balck lined ring on his finger.  "I know, but you don't have to give me anything.  I know you love me," he replied, squeezing her hand and admiring the stone of the ring she had chosen.  "You have good taste.  I always thought that ring was probably the best of them all."

"Of course I have good tastes!" she said, playfully sticking her tongue out at him. "I did fall in love with you, after all. But maybe I'll think of something, or could give you a ring of my own. I'm still too young in my career to have any such gifts from men- so far, I've gotten earrings and necklaces, and I don't think they'd look very manly on you. Though, perhaps I could sell some of my jewelry and I could buy you one. But oh!" and here, her eyes grew wide. "Next time you're at my place, I can give you something that'll mean something. My father's ring. You can have my family's crest."

At that sudden outburst, Oakley blanched and he found himself catching on his words.  "B-but Renna!  You can't!  That's your father's ring...it should stay in your family.  I-I don't know if I can even be able to conceal such a ring...  Wouldn't people recognize it?"

"Oh..." Renna said, only then realizing this as she grew quiet. "I.. I suppose they would."

"What about one your necklaces...?" Oakley suggested innocently.  He gestured to the jewel that laid on her breast and he gave her a smile.  "Something simple...  Michael wouldn't recognize it and I doubt your aunt would miss it sorely.  Would it?  It doesn't have to be a ring?  It could be something simple, something nobody would suspect."

Renna touched a hand lightly over her necklaces.
"Oh..." Then to Oakley, she smiled. "Most of my nekclaces might be too fancy for you to wear.. howeer.." She lifted up a thin, silver chain, and on the end of it was a delicate, sapphire.

"It would match the ring,"s hes aid, pulling it off and let the necklace fold into a pile on his palm.

"It's beautiful," he said, smiling at the pile of glinting silver and the small sapphire that held the end of it.  "I love it.  I'll always wear it, even if I don't show everybody.  Let's see if it fits,"  He put the chain around his head and it just barely fit without tangling in his curls and he held it proudly.  "It's beautiful."

Renna's face brightened.
"Oh, Oakley," and she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight.
"When I think of you, I'll think of the sapphire ring you gave me. ANd you the necklace. ANd through it, I won't be alone."

At the sudden embrace, Oakley felt his eyes burn with the heat of tears and he felt himself suddenly tremble.  He put his arms around her and hugged her as tightly to him as he could.  He didn't know what to say.  All he could do was sob and suddenly feel a growing sorrow at the knowledge that soon he was to be engaged, and he wouldn't know when next he would see Renna again.

It was then a light rap came at the door, gasping, her eyes widened as she turned to Oakley.
"Someone's outside the door! What should I do?" she whispered, clinging to his hands.
If someone found them like this- they were both in boat loads of trouble!

Immediately, Oakley did the only thing he could think of in that moment and he tossed Renna off the bed while hissing, "Hide! Under the bed!"  and pulled the blankets up around him as he jumped off the otherside of the bed and quickly stuffed Renna's dress and other effects underneath it as well.  He slipped his trousers on and a loose shirt before opening the door.

"Martha?" he asked as he parted the door and saw the head maid peering at him from the other side.  He rubbed his eyes.  "What's the matter?  Do you know how late it is?"

"Aye, Master Oakley, you've been up all this time, I know it!"

He blanched a little but tried to keep his wits about him.  "What ever do you meant?"

"Me room is directly below yours, don't think I can't hear you!  And you've tracked dirt all up here.  If Lord Brennick catches you, he'll ring your ears for sure!  And I can't risk meself.  You've been digging in the garden again and likely, running around your room hiding seeds all about didn't you?"

Oakley unleashed a quiet breath and nodded, blushing.  "I know, I shouldn't.  But you know I can't do it when Michael's about.  He'd do more than ring my ears.  I'm sorry for waking you Martha."

The old woman nodded.
"Aye, but don't let us be catching you again." And she gave a bit of a mean look before closing the door.
Renna had been holding her breath beneath the bed, and even after the woman left, she kept silent. Oh dear- this had been too close of a call!

When Martha finally left, Oakley released a soft breath and sank down on his bed.  For the moment he'd forgotten about Renna and closed his eyes for just a second.  A second longer and he would have been asleep if he hadn't suddenly leapt up and rolled over to the side, looking underneath, his curls standing on end as he hung upside down.

"Oh, it's okay to come out now I think," he whispered.

Renna poked her head out and wrinkled her freckled nose.
"Are you sure?" And she looked over at the door, and when she saw no shadows of feet, she held her breath and pushed herself up off the floor.
"So muhc for not getting my skirts all dirty," she said with a chuckle, and began to fix her clothing, dusting them off here or there as she went.
"You know you have garden dirt and some seeds under your bed?"

Oakley blushed at her finding the box of dirt and seeds underneath his bed.  "I'm working on a new hybrid of geraniums and tulips!" he quickly said as he helped her up and dusted her off.  But despite the embarrassment, he smilled at Renna.  "I'm gald you came tonight..."  He leaned down and kissed her forehead.  "I'll take you home, or at least halfway...  Wait, how did you get here anyhow?"

"I've got feet!" she said with a giggle. "You don't live all too far from my place." She gave him a knowing grin and leaned in to kiss his lips.
"But that flower sounds lovely. I wouldn't mind it if you helped me with some of my plants. It would be a lovely addition to my balcony. Right now it's so plain and the fresh cut flowers die so easily. It would be nice to smell the some potted ones and know that they were from you."

It warmed him to know that she did not look down on his love of gardening, of flowers and soil.  "I would love to," he whispered softly.  "Then let me walk with you then, at least halways.  At least spend as much time with you as I can."

Renna squeezed his hand and gave a quick kiss to his cheek.
"Of course. I would never refuse. Come on!" And she jumped up and down excitedly before pulling him along, running towards the window.

"The window?  Let's just go out the back!" Oakley said and quickly wrapped his hands around hers in an attempt to still her from jumping.  "You'll wake Michael!  Hush!  Quietly now.  Maybe the window ould be better.  Lemme check first."

He looked out the ledge and saw that the coast was clear.  After that he shimmied down the lattice that resided below his window and jumped down to the garden below.

Renna was all smiles as she followed after him, but gasped when her blue dress got snagged. but upon hearing someone stirring inside the castle, she gasped and gave her dress a tug, tearing it away from where it had been captured on the lattice before she fled, not realizing she left a piece of ripped blue fabric behind.

"Come on, we have to hurry!" she told him in a whisper, as she took his hand. "I think someone heard us!"

Bren Brennich had thrown the stone that spooked Renna as he was watching from the otherside of the estate.  Oakley just giggled lightly as he took her by the hand and ran off with her toward the gates.

"Oh you little horny bastard," Bren smiled as he crossed his arms over his chest and disappeared within the confines of the Brennich household.  No, he wasn't going to tell Michael.  That wouldn't help anybody and Oakley was much more useful to him alive at this rate.

Making it to the gate, Renna stole a kiss from Oakely.
"This is so exciting, I've never been so happy, Oakley. Nor out of breath!" she exclaimed, before moving through the gate and out into the outter lawn, her hand was still linked to his as she began to run again and enjoyed the rshed feeling of the night time air.

Oakley ran with her and she ran faster than he.  She was swift for someone wearing a dress and he, well, he'd never been much of a runner.  He look at the path ahead of them and wondered if they should just keep running and never look back.  Oh how he wanted too.

They were about half way when Renna halted beneath a copse of trees, panting heavily as she turned to Oakley and leaned against a tree.
"Oh, my lungs are burning, but was that not fun?" she said, wrinkling her nose as she kissed the very tip of his, playfully.

Oakely was beaming, though he too was out of breath.  He didn't answer right away and just blushed when she kissed his nose.  He put an arm beside the trunk of the tree beside her head and leaned on it, catching his breath for the moment.  "It was.  We should have a place where we can do this safely.  Where we don't have to run.  Where we can see each other whenever we want," he suggested.  He stood straighter and peered at Renna, looking older, more mature in the moonlight.  "A place all our own."

Renna's eyes shimmered at the idea.
"Yes, wouldn't that be wonderful?" she said, giving a dreamy sigh towards him.
"I still can't believe we're really together- I mean, to think, all of those years apart, I thought our friendship was lost forever."

Oakley dropped his head a little.  "I wasn't thinking much then.  Michael had always been relentless.  He wanted me to forget you.  I very nearly did.  You surprised me back at the party," he murmured.  "I honestly never thought I would see you again."

"Yeah, though it was rather ironic you'd find me under the table," she said with a smile and blush.

"You were just trying to look up my pants," Oakley teased and leaned into her.  He kissed her cheek and put a hand on her shoulder.  His eyes still look distant, sad even, and he lingered close to her lips.  "Renna.  I just want you to know, no matter what happens, I will always love you.  I'll always be there when you need me."

Renna giggled.
"But you havne't got much to look at up there."
It was true, he was abit too scrawny to have a real ass.
"And I know," she told him, leaning forward as their noses touched. "And I for you."

It was a sweet moment, he relished in that fact.  He wanted to cherish them for as long as he could, for he knew that after this, who knew when he was going to see her again.  His smile turned into a frown and he leaned in further to Renna, putting his arms around her shoulders and hugging her fiercely.  "Oh Renna...  I wish you could stay with me."

Her expression fell, as did her arms as the wrapped tightly around him. She nestled her face in close to his.
"I know," she whispered. "Don't remind me." And she smiled up at him despite it, though the sadness was still there. "I should go." She said, her lips quivering. "Before I say or do anythign stupid to ruin this."

"Okay.  I understand," he murmured.  "But before you go."  Oakley didn't know how he managed it, but something in him sparked, awakened him.  He leaned in and let his lips met to hers.  He hugged her tightly to him, possessively even and kissed her deeply, passionately with more will and gumption than he ever could have mustered in his life.

The kiss was most unexpected, but not the kiss itself so much as the power and ferocity behind it; it left the little red head more than dazed as he stole her breath away. She melted into it, whimpering as she clung to him fierce.
"Oh, Oakley," she told him, blue eyes wavering. And her lips met his for a second, equally passionate kiss as she leaned on into him, one toe lifting in it's excess.

"I love you," she breathed, arms still around his neck. "Forever and ever."

"I love you Renna.  Nothing could ever change that," he murmured back to her.  Oakley Brennick, kissing her like his life depended on it.  His heart was beating so fast, so much so that.  His eyes looked at her desperately.  "Go, Renna.  Go before I keep you here with me forever."

Renna laughed breahtily at his claim.
"Don't tempt me." She told him, squeezing both his hands before kissing him once more softly.
"I love you, Oakley." She told him, her eyes glittering with tears for him. "Goodbye."
And she moved to disappear into the waking morning- to start another day, and to pray she'd see her lover again, soon.

Oakley turned back toward the old manor house of the Brennick's.  Oakley remember how once those old stone walls used to make him feel safe, the gates and the guards.  And now as he looked upon it, he suddenly felt like it seemed more of a cage than anything else.  He frowned and went back into the house, and walked quietly to his room.  But as he laid his head down on his pillow, he felt something crinkling underneath.  He reached uner and pulled out a note and he took it to a lamp, to  read, "You should know better than to think you can keep secrets from me Oakley Brennick."  And a sudden cold stone dropped down into the pit of his stomach.

OOC: This story continues here (http://www.spiritsoftheearth.net/smf/index.php?topic=16761.msg189903#msg189903)!