To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird & Methos]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: NightBird on 20-03-2008, 09:25:12</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>20-03-2008, 09:25:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was Easter Day in York, and the city was celebrating not only the Resurrection and the end of Lent, but this year there was the young Edward's decisive victory over the usurpers, Henry and Matilda. Mass had been conducted in the nearly-completed Minster, with people crowding in the square outside despite the cold, jostling and craning to catch a glimpse of the King, cheering at every possible excuse. The Lancastrians were defeated. Oh, their leaders had escaped the battle on Palm Sunday just past, but they'd run like the mangy curs they were, and those poor fools who'd followed them now rotted en masse in hastily-dug graves. Dinner had been a sumptuous affair, followed by a mystery play, and now there was music and merriment, dancing and a full dozen minstrels, all trying to outdo each other and possibly find a permanent place in the King's household.<br><br>In the confusion, it had been a simple thing for Lady Eleanor Butler to slip into the castle with a group of maids, then toss away the dark woolen cloak that had hidden a brocade gown beneath, red and gold and lined with sable, very fine, but not the latest style. Her hair she left loose and long, suitable for a supplicant, but also an enticing difference among all the hennins and veils. Threading her way amidst the merry-makers, she drew ever nearer the throne and the group clustered there, the most ebullient covey in the hall, but none challenged her, or even seemed to notice her, at least not until she had thrown herself at the King's feet.<br><br>"A boon, my liege! I beg you on this holy, blessed day of celebration, right a wrong done to a widow by her husband's own father!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>21-03-2008, 05:20:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King of course was found at the centre of the throng, sprawled rather comfortably across his throne. Life in short was good – for his enemies had been driven before him, and he’d had ample time to hear the lamentations of their women folk. Now he was surrounded by throngs of well wishers and supporters, well aside from the meddlesome presence of one of his younger brothers. After all that ingrate always seem to hold his birth order against him. However, after a feast truly fit for a king, he sat with a rather large goblet of claret in hand, and a larger measure of it already within him. The sound of minstrels singing accompanied by both the harp and mandolin drifted to his ears, although his idle conversation with his confidants was interrupted as a woman managed to push her way through the assembled crowd and throw herself down at his feet.<br><br>The King was a rather youthful fellow, as yet being rather shy of 20. Having spent the better of the last several years upon the battlefield, his form which was remarkably tall for the time had filled out rather nicely. The six foot four king, looked the picture of health, with a muscular frame clad at the moment in garments befitting one of his station. Black leggings where fitted to his form, and a black velvet doublet rested against him form. A golden chain with heavy links rested around his shoulders and bore a medallion upon his chest bearing the white rose formed in diamonds, as well as the symbols of the realm. A crimson robe was loose worn overtop these garments edge in ermine of course. A golden circlet rested upon his brow with black hair spilling out beneath it, as dark eyes turned to regard the woman before him.<br><br>The King looked at the woman and thereafter glanced at his supporters as he noted “Evidently I am beseeched.” He smiled as he looked towards the woman in a jovial enough fashion, and he lofted a brow to her. “A boon you say, and a wrong done to you by your late husband’s father? Then what pray tell is this wrong that you would have me right hmm?” He inquired as his eyes slide along her in a not so subtle appraisal of her form. His eyes noted the fine but slightly dated clothing that appeared upon her, after all in some respects his reputation likely preceded him. His fondness for women, and many of them had develop rather swiftly, and indeed his eyes seemed to linger upon the form of the young window before him. Those about him seemed rather aware that his interest likely lay not solely in being the arbiter of her dispute.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 07:11:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As if unaware of how Edward took in each rich curve of her body from the press of her breasts, womanly full but still high as most girls', to the supple lines of her waist, tapering sweetly before swelling out again at her hips. Even something of her buttocks was visible in the position she'd taken, with her forehead almost touching the floor. When he spoke, she sat back, but remained on her knees, the gown pooled around her like gold leaves floating on blood, her dark auburn hair shining like copper where the light hit it. She raised her face to his slowly, revealing lovely, fine features, lips she'd bitten hard to make them look already kiss-stung, hazel eyes shining with the tears that spiked on dark lashes. <br><br>"Your Majesty," she murmured, a quietly fervent tone to her voice, no doubt in it at all that he was the rightful ruler of England, and its ultimate secular authority. She spoke clearly, but softly, certainly nothing that anyone a few feet away would have been able to hear well enough to recite later. The timbre of her voice was warm, not harsh or shrewish, a honeyed tone that more than one minstrel there would have envied. "My husband, God rest his soul, was Sir Thomas Butler. Upon our marriage, his father, Ralph, Lord Sudeley, bestowed two manor houses on us. When my Thomas died without heir, Lord Sudeley took back one of them. There was some license he had not obtained but should have known to do, Lord Treasurer that he was, so a man of yours rightly took them both back to you for his failing. I am left without a home or place in the world because of Lord Sudeley's despicable actions against his word, against me, and against your laws."<br><br>Reaching out, the fingertips of one hand barely touched the fabric of his hose just below his knee, then fell again as she bowed her head, chestnut hair falling like a veil in front of it. "I beg you, my King, restore even one of them to me that I not suffer for the greed and arrogance of a Lancastrian fool who forgot his place." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>24-03-2008, 07:46:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King leaned in towards her. His head leaned upon his fist as he gazed from the throne towards the woman who prostrated her self at his feet. He offered her a rather benevolent smile as he nodded slightly as though to indicate his was listening to her tale of woe. His eyes lingered upon her, sliding over her form as he drank in the swell of her chest and flare of her hips. His eyes gleamed slightly and to those around him it was a rather familiar look – with but a look King Edward IVth had decided that he would have this woman and it would likely take the intervention of rather grand forces of heaven and earth to dissuade him from having his way.<br><br>He listened to that sweet honeyed tone, which seemed to strike exactly the right sound of reverence when addressing him to properly stroke his ego, as she described the events that had transpired. He nodded slightly to indicate he understood the problem that she placed before him. “Ah so, I have both of these manors now.” He looked faintly bemused “Your father in law commits some villainy and it is I that profit?” He smiled to her as he chuckled softly “Transfer without a license, its always the details that get them in the end is it not Richard?” He asked rhetorically as he turned towards a fellow who was a good deal shorter than himself but bore him some resemblance. It would take little in the way of guesswork to determine that he spoke to his brother the duke. Who offered no more than a shrug in response before returning to some private conversation with a fellow standing beside him.<br><br>His head turned back towards Lady Eleanor as he regarded her. “That was very well said milady.” He turned towards those who were assembled around him as he inquired “Was it not well said?” The murmur of agreement made the statement rather rhetorical as whom among them was going to contradict the king, save Warwick and he was hardly going to begin a quarrel over so trifling a thing. He smiled to her as he leaned down and let his hand slide across her cheek, stroking it rather gently. “Be of good cheer, madame, I shall not let you leave here penniless.” <br><br>The King turned towards his chamberlain as he stated “Find Lady Eleanor quarters, she will stay here and dine with me.” He had remained silent as to whether he would actually grant the specifics of her request, although his words clearly seemed to favour her. Far more likely was that he was aware that if he gave her precisely what she wanted, she would be grateful, praise him and thereafter leave. It would be a good deed done by Edward and people might speak well of him, but it did not advance his agenda which had nothing at all to do with land or manors. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 07:41:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Through the veil of her hair, Eleanor followed Edward's gaze to his younger brother, examined him briefly, then dismissed him from her thoughts to focus on the king, instead, nodding and murmuring a wordless sound of agreement to his comment that he had profited, the tone of it not unlike what a man might expect to hear in a different sort of acquiescence. She smiled at the compliment, and only turned her face from his touch slowly, a soft flush hinting that the reluctance might well be just for show.<br><br>"My liege is generous," she replied, her eyes lifting to meet his boldly before she cast her gaze back down to her clasped hands. At the command that she would stay, to dine and linger after, that soft sound came again. "The Holy Mother shall bless you, Majesty, for your charity to one who has none else to whom she could turn for justice."<br><br>It was clear he intended to have her. There was no way he could know that it was she who would then have him, but for now, she remained gently shy. Young men's hot blood rose well to a chase, and she had tests for him yet. The first, though, the first he had passed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>26-03-2008, 08:23:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King heard her soft murmur of agreement with his assessment of things, and thereafter spied the faint stain of a blush upon her cheek as his hand brushed against her. The reticence indeed only seemed to entice him, whether it happened to be false modesty or not. He offered her a charming smile as he noted “I should hope any of my subjects should feel comfortable seeking justice from my hands milady. I propose that my rule shall have method and order to it. Far too long has the realm descended into lawlessness as its lords busied themselves with war and intrigue. I wish my people to have the peace they deserve and the justice they desire.”<br><br>He offered Eleanor a slightly bemused smile as he noted “Or such are my aspirations, I suspect that however, I might strive to establish peace over my lands there will be those that seek to foil me. Undoubtedly they would chiefly be those who malinger in their allegiance to the House of Lancaster. Thus I suspect I can yet use whatever blessings I may receive.”<br><br>“Do rise Lady Eleanor, I am a King not God. Hence I don’t require you to remain upon your knees for the entire length of your audience.” He offered her a sly smile as he noted “And my brothers are ever so eager to remind me that I once rough housed with them among the gardens behind this palace, as opposed to having descended from the heavens divinely anointed as king.” He slouched slightly back into his throne after having downplayed the need for a measure of formality, he turned towards one of the servants “Bring the lady a glass of wine.” <br><br>The King seemed to shift subjects as he noted “My condolences on the passing of your husband. Was his death rather recent? It must leave you very lonely. I still feel the lose of my father rather keenly.” He inquired into her husband's death and thereafter without allowing her much pause to answer “Where have you dwelt since your former father in law caused both these manors to comeinto my hands? With your family? I trust you’ve been adequately provided for hmm?” Oh indeed she had certainly managed with her plight to attract rather more of the King’s attention to an issue about missing manors than would normally be the case. The fact he took some interest in the matter as opposed to foisting her off on some official, said everything about here and nothing about the problem itself. As he spoke he leaned in towards her, dark eyes seeming to scrutinize her reactions and emotions rather carefully. He hunted her, even if she wished to be caught.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 07:47:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eleanor smiled back at Edward for his intent in his rule, another flash of a glimpse upward at him allowing their eyes to meet for an instant, and the subsequent jolt to settle somewhere in the pit of their bellies. It was the sort of thing she'd wanted to hear, and his embarrassment about saying so made it more likely that the feelings were genuine. She thanked him in that same soft voice as she rose, lifting a hand to tuck a lock of her flowing hair behind one ear. <br><br>"You honor me, Majesty," she added, looking again to the royal brother not far away, then back to Edward, her expression lighter. She liked the image of the boys playing around the castle, and didn't mind that he saw it. With the wine in hand and seated on a small stool another servant had set beside the throne, she leaned a bit toward the king, not completely beyond the limits of polite interest in conversation, and explainable by the level of joyful noise in the hall, but flattering, nonetheless. Her mouth full of wine, all she could do was nod that her loss was recent and she did miss her husband. She'd swallowed by the time the next batch of questions had aired, however, and could reply with greater coherence. "I've been a widow just over two months, my liege. My Thomas died of a fall from his horse before he could follow his father to rebellion against you, so as much as I miss his... companionship, I cannot but see a divine hand in his death before he could dishonor himself. His father drove me out wearing what you see me in now. The good sisters at a convent near Shrewsbury gave me shelter, and sent one of the lay-sisters to travel with me to the Minster, here that I might... cast myself upon your mercy, sire."<br><br>Grasping the goblet of wine with one hand while she spoke, a finger of her other hand stroked along the goblet's rim, revealing something of her remaining nerves, perhaps, to be in such exalted company. Her eyes remained lowered until the last brief pause, when she looked up at Edward again, and smiled, gratitude shining in her eyes almost as great as if the king had been God's hand on earth for her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>28-03-2008, 08:57:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward noted her meeting his gaze for a brief instant. His dark eyes gazed into her own orbs before he noted her looking away. He scrutinized her as she rose thanking him for the apparent privilege of doing so and thereafter sliding upon a stool beside him with a cup of wine pressed upon her. As she leaned in towards him, he in turned leaned his head towards her as they spoke.&nbsp; He nodded slightly to her as she relayed that she was recently widowed and her current circumstances.<br><br>He lofted a brow to her as he murmured “A nunnery? We cannot have that.” He remarked rather firmly, as he appeared to have decided that this was one woman that should not be lost to god. “You shall stay here as my guest until this matter is sorted out Lady Eleanor.” He smiled to her as he noted “And I shall send seamstresses to attend you. As I should imagine that you require rather more than your former father in law left you with.” He paused a moment as he observed “We all miss those whom are parted from us before their time, it is one of life’s tragedies. I will say that I am pleased that the wars that have consumed this kingdom played no part in your late husband’s death. The struggle to block the rightful ascension to the throne first of my father and then myself have left far too many women widows and far too many children fatherless. It is fortunate that your husband was never able to join the Lancastrian forces, I should not have liked to have had any part in your misfortune. Nor can I imagine that I should have been able to receive you as warmly had he thrown his lot in with my enemies.”<br><br>The King smiled to her as he noted “I shall have to remember to reward the convent in Shrewsbury for its generosity. I’m sure some token would not go amiss with them.” He smiled to Lady Eleanor as he inquired “Well you’ve cast yourself upon my mercy, what think you of the wisdom of having done so?” He asked with a slightly light tone entering his voice, teasing her to some small degree. He noted the reverential and grateful look that crossed her features as she smiled at him. “I should be pleased if you would remain my guest here at court for some time Lady Eleanor. You’ve proved rather engaging company thus far and now that you’ve arrived I’m rather loathe to lose your conversation. But you must tell me if in the meantime you require anything aside from chambers ad further garb. I shall see that its sent to you.” <br><br>Although a royal request, was shy of a command very few tended to see it as differing in any substantive manner. He wished the woman to linger although undoubtedly for more than her conversation. However, being set up in a royal palace and having the royal purse dispensing largess towards her good condition undoubtedly was a more attractive prospect than being ensconced in a nunnery.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>30-03-2008, 07:40:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At Edward's offer that she remain, Eleanor's hand tightened on the goblet, and she looked up at him with a smile that lit her face with a burst of joy. She looked down again soon enough, but not before the warmth of a flush had spread across her cheekbones. "Remain at court? Oh, I should dearly love that! I'd always dreamed of such a thing, but it was never practical. Few signs of your grace would be more deeply felt than such a privilege when I have nothing but my good name, and even that not entirely untarnished after my father-in-law's actions."<br><br>Sobering quickly, she added, "But of course you are right, sire. There are far too many who are worse off than myself. I am blessed, indeed, that I never had to make the choice between my loyalty to England's rightful King and my marriage vows. To be forsworn whichever way one chose... well, it would be a hard thing, your Majesty, truly a hard thing." Not wanting to seem like a scold, she touched on the lot of women lightly, returning with barely a breath in between to more immediate matters in discussion. "Still, despite all the woes of the world, if I am to be your guest here, then I would be immensely grateful for enough clothing that I not be an embarrassment, but it would be wrong of me to batten on your charity. I'm sure the sisters would be equally as grateful for a gesture of your appreciation. They held firm while Sudeley pounded the gate with his fists and threatened dire consequences." <br><br>She glanced back up at him again as she took a deep breath and quaffed a rapid drink of wine, letting her reticence hint at the fear she'd experienced. "I... don't know what would have become of me had they not kept the door barred. Truly, the dream was a true one after I prayed to the Virgin for guidance." Her smile returned, and she shrugged lightly, lifting her gaze high enough to meet his this time. "I cannot say the wisdom was mine, but turning to your Majesty looks to have been the wisest choice of my life. You have heard my plea, and I <em>am</em> honored that you wish me to remain for a time. I will speak if there is aught I need. As you wish, so do I promise. As it... as it please your Majesty." <br><br>Her blush deepening, she looked down at where her hand was again toying with the rim of the goblet, rubbing a drop of wine along the edge. She well knew where her hints would lead a man's mind and wished to set the hook deep without giving the appearance to all and sundry that she was no better than the painted women that even now circulated around the edges of the hall, looking for a protector for the night or perhaps a little longer, common women, their honor long sold for coin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 05:35:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward smiled as he saw the flush and the eager response his request she remain at court received. He offered her a slightly mischievous smile as he noted “Lady Eleanor I think you wrong yourself claiming no more than your good name – for I think you are rich in charm, beauty and wit.” He chuckled softly as he noted “Something many with rather vast estates are poorly endowed with. However, I’m pleased that you are more than content to remain.” He grinned slightly “I worried slightly that you may have grown to comfortable in the nunnery.”<br><br>He nodded slightly as he noted “Wars within a nation are the most brutal for they turn neighbors and families against each other. A sad day when that happens, more difficult truly for those the find themselves caught in the middle.” He smiled to her as he noted “I can conceive of few ways you might become an embarrassment.” He assured her as he added “And do not worry that you impinge upon my generosity – for if a King cannot be generous then who can?” He grinned slightly as he noted “Ah they barred him at the gates did they? Well for that I shall have a sack of gold coins emptied onto an old door. When I can no longer see the wood beneath that shall be sufficient to reward the good sisters for holding firm and turning away one with ill intentions.”<br><br>The King leaned in towards her as he assured her “You have nothing to fear now milady. There could not be a safer place in the whole of them realm than in this palace.” He winked to her as he noted “After all I’ve made your well a matter of my own personal interest. And should any seek to trouble you further I shall see they dealt with by my own hand.” He seemed to straighten slightly as his chin lifted in a rather regal fashion, as he promised to stave off any wishing her ill. There was after all something irresistible about those that positioned themselves as a damsel in distress; riding to the rescue was almost subliminally ingrained in the mindset of the knightly class – their king included.<br><br>He grinned slightly as he heard her assure him that she was honoured that he wished her to remain – not to mention that as he wished she would do. His mind indeed had already a number of things he ‘wished of her’, although the presence of many others about likely prevented him from voicing them rather specifically. He would however respond “Your reverence for your King becomes you Lady Eleanor – would that everyone too my desires to heart with such enthusiasm as you.”&nbsp; He spied her blush, as he sipped his own goblet of wine – the subtly and embarrassment were truly more captivating than if she had simply thrown herself at him. Pursuing her proved far more satisfying, after all that which was not so readily offered was more certainly coveted. He seemed to respond to that which she hinted at and indeed in so doing revealed his own want for her.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 07:33:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eleanor's smile was warm in return, and while far from bold, the wine and her relief seemed to make her a little less reticent. "Your words are as kind, my liege, to put me at ease, here, as you are generous with the good sisters who gave me shelter. They shared all that they had with me, and grudged nothing. Nowhere save with your greeting this night have I ever felt so welcome. I should blush to admit it, but their life is not for one such as I." A look of mingled embarrassment and lively humor crossed her expressive face as she leaned forward a bit more, confessing just above a whisper, "There is only so long that I can remain on my knees before I require a change of position, you see, my liege." Sitting back, she took another quick drink of wine, shrugging slightly, her gaze briefly meeting Edward's then gliding away again. "Now you know the scope of my sins. Their holiness moves me, but I fear God made me for this world, and its creature comforts."<br><br>His wink brought the blush back full force to her cheeks, but it was clear that her eyes angled up through her lashes as Edward assumed a regal pose, and just as clear that the sight quickened her breathing a noticeable amount. Her hand tightened on the goblet, and it was ever-so-slightly unsteady as she lifted it yet again to her lips, draining the last of its contents before replying.<br><br>"I could ask for no greater protector on this earth," she breathed, then looked back up at him, leaning close once more, her gaze bright with earnest intent. "You are our King, sire, the man chosen by God's will to lead us. Those who protest are worse than fools to set their hands against God's anointed, as if they knew better than He. Angels were cast from Heaven for such offense. In every way that matters, your Majesty, you <em>are</em> England, and every true son or daughter of this land should be proud to serve you in any manner that you desire."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>04-04-2008, 08:53:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King felt his lips twitch in an amused fashion as he heard her first state that the religious life was not to her liking and thereafter he heard her reasoning for it. A soft chuckle escaped his lips, and he leaned in towards her as he murmured into her ear “You did look quite fetching upon knees, although I rather imagine I should rather like the look of you in all manner of positions.” A suggestive tone coloured that murmured statement as he let his eyes slide over her form, a lingering look that seemed to indulge in viewing her feminine charms. A smile graced his lips as he noted “I believe I’ve yet to get the measure of either your capacity for sin or salvation Lady Eleanor but I’m sure all such things shall be revealed in time.”<br><br>Edward saw her blush deepen and thereafter heard the quickening of her breath. He sipped his own wine, although he watched her drink rather deeply from her own goblet. He seemed to notice that she downed her wine as though seeking to gain some measure of courage or ease from the beverage. He offered her a rather reassuring smile and raised his hand to briefly beckon over a servant to refill her glass.<br><br>He smiled as he heard her rather breathily declare him the best possible protector to grace the earth which was of course flattering. “I am England?” He seemed to consider the statement as he seemed to toy with the notion. “I suppose I am, as God is all of creation so am I all of England.” His hand reached towards her and came to rest upon her cheek, his fingers lightly stroked along her jaw as he leaned in towards her as he inquired “And you Lady Eleanor? Will you be proud to serve me in any manner that I desire?”<br><br>Dark eyes seemed to observe her and to scrutinize her response to that rather loaded question rather closely. There could be little lingering doubt in what manner he wished her to serve him. A slightly mischievous smile graced his lips as he noted “For how could I be refused anything if my will is God’s?” His lips brushed lightly against her ear as he stated “Let there be no doubt Eleanor that I desire you to serve me.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 07:52:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eleanor couldn't help a faint shiver and sharper intake of breath at the warmth of his breath on her ear, and the heated gaze that lingered at her curves, ripe as a woman's, but still firm and lithe as a girl's. It had all sounded so easy when the vision had come upon her in the herb garden outside the chapel, but here and now, this charming of a king was a deeper game than she'd realized. She'd sunk the hook, and he'd bitten hard, but he was large, and strong, and so much <em>more</em> than her Thomas had been. <br><br>She thanked him sweetly for the renewal of the wine in her cup, and sipped at it again, but the blush lingered, her breath still quick, and when his fingers traced the line of her jaw, her pulse was leaping beneath it. She smiled briefly, a fleeting brightness to her expresson, as the notion of his place as England sank into his thoughts. Thus far, all was just as it was supposed to be, and his next question, so weighted with meaning, only proved it, sending the breath out of her in a rush through parted lips. Her eyelids fell closed, veiling her eyes and the mix of triumph and apprehension within them, the lashes fluttering gently on her cheeks, fresh proof of her profound reaction to him. The Virgin had warned her that his attention would be intoxicating, would call to the gift the Mother of God had given to her to hold for the king, but Eleanor hadn't dreamt that any physical attraction could come so close to a deep, aching inner need.<br><br>"Of... of course, my liege," she responded, managing to avoid either a choke or a true stammer at the sensation of his lips against her ear, a teasing carnality her rather-more-direct husband had never offered. Arousal blended with a sweet burst of triumph and the return of her confidence. She turned her face a fraction of a inch away and modestly downward, but well within his reach. "All that is not promised before God himself is yours... sire, tonight and... and always."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>08-04-2008, 09:25:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King had heard her rather sweetly thank him for having more wine brought to her, and his eyes observed the blush that coloured her cheeks. That Eleanor had him exactly where she wanted him, had never occurred to him. After all he was young, and a King – thus naturally if a woman came before him and he found he desired her he sought to have her. In some respects she wasn’t troublesome to obtain as her late husband had had the decency to die before he became a hurdle to the King getting what he’d decided he wanted. Thus he had set himself upon pursuing her with the same reckless enthusiasm he might possess for hunting down any other quarry – and there were certain similarities to it after all were he hunting boar or deer, he would yet be seeking to thrust a spear or shaft into them.<br><br>A measure of restraint was only displayed as they did remain in public. Hence Edward could only go so far as yet in sating his roused desires. His dark eyes gleamed as they looked at her, and a carnality was evident in his intentions. He gazed at the widow in a covetous manner, as charm and beauty drew him just as blood within the ocean would draw the attention of a shark. Her sweet feigned innocence, partial or entirely deceitful lured him in for he saw exactly what he expected to see and really expected no guile or agenda to be associated with it. Rather he wanted her in his bed and now he felt himself upon the verge of capitalizing upon it. A look of triumph would flash through his eyes as she seemed to follow her own logic that not could be refused to a king.<br><br>There was only so much time he could spend ensuring that Warwick and his wretched brothers did not cause him any trouble, all the while being expected to right all the wrongs of his predecessors. Toiling away at affairs of states could easily become a bore, and hence he sought his amusements with what were known to be rather considerable appetite. But here was the distraction and pleasure he desired, and she offered herself to him as she confirmed that she would serve him. His hand lightly strayed across her cheek and his fingers would brush against her lips as he regarded her. He nodded slightly to her as a slightly boyish grin crossed his lips as he seemed to accept her acquiescence to his wants in a pleased fashion.<br><br>He leaned in towards her once more, his lips brushing against her ear. “Let that rightly be so milady. For did not the son of god say himself ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and render unto me what is mine?” His tongue lightly flicked across her ear as he teasingly related “I commend your soul to god, and trust he has not been promised anything else of yours – such that it remains to proudly serve whatever I might desire.” A mischievous grin graced his lips as he murmured “For I begrudge god not your immortal soul, but should he deprive me of the rest of you I shall be most displeased with the almighty.” He smiled to her as his head withdrew slightly as he noted “But we must eat Lady Eleanor – how you shall serve me is a matter we can discuss once we have so indulged in the marvels the chefs have created. After all I should not later want your strength to fail you.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>12-04-2008, 07:07:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Eleanor saw the gleam lighting Edward's eyes, and felt the flush from her cheeks spreading down along flesh her gown barred from the royal gaze. That the King would want her so, the Virgin's blessing on her or not, it was a heady feeling. At the touch of his hand on her cheek, it felt like a flame licked through her belly from the inside. She shivered and took another sip of wine to cool herself, her tongue chasing a droplet that lingered on her lower lip, in the process brushing lightly against the tip of one of his fingers. His smile was infectious, and she found herself smiling back, happy at his pleasure and delighted that everything seemed to be going just as she'd hoped and planned... and dreamed, some nights along the road. Memory of those dreams heightened the color in her cheeks and warmed her own gaze back at him. She'd had no face or form to imagine, but now, they returned to her mind with Edward all too present in each heated imagining.<br><br>She knew what his companions had to think, the magnates and nobles closest to the King, not to mention Warwick, himself there, and Richard, the king's brother, but they'd not know the secret bargain she was pledged to strike with him, that would make all right for everyone, even the land itself. She turned her head as he drew close, as much overwhelmed with what she was thinking and feeling as in a show of coyness, but it brought his breath and then his lips to her ear again, and she felt her breath catch, first at the sensation, then at his words. Her lips parted on the faintest of gasps when he called her 'mine,' his tongue seeming to make the claim all too real, and hotly immediate. He was quite clear that he wanted all of her. Her eyes flicked, sidelong, to his, then veered away. She said nothing in response, only let her hand rest for a moment on his forearm before sliding back to settle chastely in her lap. He would be angry when she denied him, but she would tease him with everything else she had but that last sacred thing. That he would have of her only after his own words bound them together. <br><br>The turn of the conversation to food was a sweet relief after the deep waters they'd just been through, but she couldn't waste the opportunity to sink her hooks a bit deeper yet within him. Another fleeting instant where her gaze met his, lingering just long enough for her to whisper, "Nor I, yours." Straightening, she added, "Shall I serve you the boar's heart, sire? For valor, strength and endurance?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>13-04-2008, 04:38:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Those about the King were likely to see exactly what appeared to be forthcoming – another woman in a long parade of women shortly headed to the King’s bed. A few courtiers had rather slyly suggested that the King might wish to work a Stag into his coat of arms – because he was so fond of hunting of course. Edward heard her soft gasp and thereafter felt her hand brushing against his arm, his dark eyes regarded her as a smile played across his lips. His hand extended towards her and his fingers drifted through a few locks of her hair. He toyed with those soft strands of her long hair as he gazed at her. The cloudy look in his eyes, seeming to suggest his mind was on other things than dinner.<br><br>Edward briefly considered that she’s fallen silent, perhaps his advance had left her somewhat discomforted? How she could suggest that it was the duty of every last one of his subjects to serve him in any way he desired and then seem to become reticent now? A flicker of irritation crossed his features but died down as he heard her suggest rather softly that she did not wish his strength to fail him. His head turned over his shoulder towards the banquet that was well underway. He nodded slightly to Eleanor as he remarked “That would be appropriate.” He smiled faintly as he noted “Although I do not think I lack in valor, strength nor endurance.”<br><br>A slightly mischievous look was offered to her as he noted “Boar’s heart, perhaps you should find us some oysters as well. And the marzipan pastries.” He suggested what foodstuffs she should retrieve as he beckoned over a servant t o refill his goblet with wine. He took another sip from it as he leaned back in his chair as he noted “Though I do not fin myself overly hungry, so I shall eat sparely and then be on to …other delights.” As for the moment his appetites were chiefly of the flesh as opposed to any desire for food. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>13-04-2008, 08:27:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was terribly forward, to touch her as he was in public, but he was the King, after all, and not the only one in the hall to indulge himself in the sweet fruits of a woman's form that evening. Despite it being Easter, one of the High Holy Days, no priestly vestments were visible, and carnal intent was obvious here and there throughout the large room. Truly, court ways were less restrained, but is <em>was</em> the end of lent, and a day worth celebrating to its fullest for the House of York. It did seem that she was to be part of Edward's celebration, and that was what mattered most. <br><br>His hand toying with her hair sent a shudder down her spine and strengthened the pool of heat low in her body. She'd thought to strengthen the impression of a penitent to wear it loose, but it was sensual, as well, she hoped for them both as she licked her lips yet again. If the expression in his eyes were anything to go by, she would say it was. As he looked toward the still-laden tables of food and agreed with her choice for him, she noted his reaction to even the thought that he might be lacking.<br><br>Setting her goblet down beside the throne, she rose and curtsied deeply. "We all needs must eat, but your food beyond most should be suited to all that you are, in particular on a day of with so much to celebrate." Returning to her feet, the mischief seemed to travel from his gaze to hers, and she retorted, "They tell me patience is a virtue, my liege. Perhaps we shall have to pray for its grace... together this evening." Casting a last look at him from under her lashes, she half-bowed as she turned away, claiming a silver serving plate from a page, filling it with marzipan, a capon leg for herself, and several oysters, then snagged the golden tray that held the heart of the roast boar from where it was displayed above the half-eaten carcass.<br><br>When she returned to the king, she saw her own goblet had been filled as well as his, and gave a smile to the lad with the wineskin. Settling back on her stool, she offered the plate to Edward. "What will you taste first, your majesty?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>13-04-2008, 21:34:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward was indeed forward, however, he was also the King. Etiquette, manners and all forms of good behavior were essentially his to decide upon. Good taste did prevent him from acting further upon the urges he found Eleanor to inspire. Court always began rather formally, but whenever there was a celebration and wine was consumed in rather large quantities it tended to devolve rather sharply as the night wore on. Nor was the King the only member of the court rather clearly pursuing a woman, not dissimilar conversations were being held elsewhere about the room. His dark eyes lingered on Eleanor’s form, straying along the features of her face and thereafter along the curvature of her form. Desire clearly burning in his eyes as one might expect but for all the other people present he may well have pressed her down to the table before them rather immediately.<br><br>He watched her as she slowly slide her hair from his fingers and curtsied before him and heard her suggestion that everyone needed to eat and his food should reflect him. He offered her a faintly bemused smile as he noted “I’m sure I should wound the chefs for failing to appreciate their efforts to produce food whose nobility reflects my own, but in truth with food if the taste is pleasant what of the virtues it supposedly reflected?”<br><br>The King’s eyebrow raised as she suggested that patience was a virtue that they may well have to pray for together tonight. “Ah yes, patience is a virtue but not one kings have the luxury to much indulge in. It is for us to demand and see that what we need is provided most expeditiously. Patience is not for those who command.” His lips twitched slightly as he leaned forward slightly and noted “But I shall be happy to pray with you Lady Eleanor but I would much rather it be in tanks to God for delivering to me that which I desire.”<br><br>As she turned away from him and made her way towards the various dishes upon the table, he watched the sway of her hips. His eyes followed her as he raised his glass to his lips and took another sip of wine. Upon her return a fork was idly swept up in his hand as he responded to her inquiry of what he would taste first by noting “I suppose I shall get to the heart of the matter.” A knife was used to slice a portion of the heart, and then it was stabbed by his fork in turn as he began to eat it. After swallowing the first portion of it, he offered her a mischievous grin as he noted “Pity no one can confirm for me that the boar was Lancastrian.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>16-05-2008, 04:41:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The mischief in her eyes echoed his own, a little bolder now, hints in her gaze that she found his appearance as pleasing as his title, all of it but a fraction of what she felt, but as much as she dared to reveal just yet. She'd lifted an oyster shell to her lips after he had taken the first bite, but paused before eating it and laughed. "But of course the boar was Lancastrian, sire! Even in town it was widely spoken that he fought with both wicked intent and devious act, then fell at the hand of the one true King of England." Her lashes fell again, color rising to her cheeks, as she added, "The old wives in the marketplace, they were saying the hunt was like a passion play itself, and Your Majesty God's chosen to lead and protect this land."<br><br>Another quick glance that allowed their eyes to meet revealed enough warmth to suggest she believed what she had heard, a flash of an admiring smile, then she tilted her head back, the dark veil of her hair flowing down her back a bold contrast to the pale flesh of her neck. She knew the stories about oysters and desire, had heard nearly all of them during her wedding feast, but she wasn't a green girl this time, and it wasn't a shy boy beside her but a king... a Plantagenet, no stranger to wildness or firel. After a quick deep breath that left her breasts straining at the fabric of her bodice, she swallowed the raw oyster whole in a gulp her position made visible as it passed down her throat. Her smile returned before she had even opened her eyes, and her tongue crept out to lick the salty liquid from her lips.<br><br>"The oysters are succulent, Sire," she murmured, her tone husky and a little thick. She took a deep draft of wine before speaking again. "I haven't had any since my wedding day, but I find I like them better now than I did then."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>21-05-2008, 07:35:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward noted the slight shift in her demeanor as Eleanor became slightly less coy. His dark eyes scrutinized her, and seemed to gaze in a lingering manner as she brought an oyster shell to her lips. He offered her a bemused smile as he noted “Ah well, then if I could get every last one of the boars fellow’s hearts before me, I’d have sufficient both to feed me for some time and also to see that none of that wicked lot trouble me any longer.” He leaned in towards her and his lips brushed against her ear, the softness of his lips sliding along her skin as he murmured “Ah but it is not to smiting enemies I wish to apply my hand at the moment.” A rather suggestive pause was allowed to before he murmured “Although something that involves both play and passion is very much springing to mind.” He offered her a rather wicked smile before he let his lips brush against her cheek as he noted “Let the old wives talk, I shall give them something particularly salacious to discuss.” <br><br>He’d note that deep breath which accentuated the swell of her chest. His hand moved to rest upon her side, sliding along her as his fingers seemed to ache to slip upwards to towards that heaving bosom. His other hand seemed to stave off the urge being wholly irrepressible by stabbing his fork into the boar’s heart once more as he obtained another portion of it, which of course was consumed in turn. His eyes were captured by the sight of her slurping down the contents of the oyster, for the sound and thereafter the lick of her tongue across her lips had a rather hypnotically sensual quality to it that was rather captivating. <br><br>He took another rather deep swig of wine, thereafter, procuring and eating another morsel of boar’s heart. The beast’s bloody organ evidently was to the King’s taste. His eyes seemed to fix upon Eleanor rather intensely as he responded “yes, I rather noticed that you seemed to enjoy them.” He nodded slightly to her statement that she preferred the taste of them now to then “It can be an acquired taste, but truly the chefs I employ are rather skilled in their art.” His eyes fell upon the tray as he murmured “Take the tray Eleanor and come with me.” He offered her a mischievous grin as he noted “I’ve decided I no longer care to dine in state, so I mean to return to my chambers. But I do not wish to dine alone so you shall accompany me.” Whether that statement properly constituted an invitation, an order, or a command it was of course a statement that could be interpreted in a number of ways. However, he was the King and as such the difference between asking and telling was generally a fine one. He rose from his chair and nodded to those about him as to indicate his departure which was met with a flurry of bows and a few remonstrations that he grace them longer with his presence. However, the crowd had already began to disperse to a lesser degree and truly for those that wished to stay so long as the wine remained the King wasn’t truly necessary.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>15-09-2008, 07:40:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It seemed to Eleanor almost as if she could feel the heat of the king's gaze on her skin, even as properly covered as it was. She felt her nipples draw tighter simply thinking of how thoroughly she had captured Edward's attention, and even more of what it would mean in the days, oh... and most definitely the nights to come. His gaze wasn't straying to other women in the hall, even those far less modestly dressed than herself. She was a novelty, she knew that, and though she flattered as all at court did, she dared to think he might be able to tell there was sincerity behind her banter. <br><br>His breath, the warm brush of his lips against the tender skin of her ear, made for solid anchors dragging her attention back to the physical world and away from her spinning thoughts. So sensual he was, a trait she might once have condemned for the practiced seduction by which he'd learned it, but that was the country prude's ignorance, something the Virgin had warned her she must set aside, and, in truth, even in her memories, poor Thomas was seeming fumbling and crude by comparison. His words set her cheeks to flaming before his lips touched there again, the wave of heat seeming to flow through the rest of her on it heels. She had no words, not just then, overwhelmed by the reality of the <em>King</em>, the anointed <em>King of England</em> hiding nothing of his intentions to show her rather more of sensual acts than perhaps she had ever before imagined. She knew her pupils had to be enormous, as bright as the hall's uneven light seemed in that moment when she was captured utterly by the King's wicked, knowing, <em>delicious</em> smile. She'd been given a task by the Mother of God herself, but she was certain now she wanted its lavish rewards for herself, as well.<br><br>The oyster went down quickly, even with the hot press of his hand against her side intensifying her reaction to his pledge of new gossip for the old women in he market, and she blessed the relative steadiness of her hand as she set the shell back down off to the edge of the platter she'd used to bring their food. A fleeting smile lit her eyes from the intensity of passion when he spoke of oysters as an acquired taste, but he changed the subject rather quickly, giving her an order that caught her breath and made her heart skip a beat, but thrilled her, too, so much that her eyes returned to the floor even as she started to rise, reaching for the tray just as he'd bade her. <br><br>"Of course, your majesty," she managed to reply without a stammer to match her rapidly-beating heart. "As you wish." Straightening fully, however, and stepping back proved harder than she'd thought, for with the King rising, all attention in the room returned to the dais, and what eyes remaining in the hall were, at least in part, on her. Some were intrigued, some calculating, some resentful, some envious, the expressions as varied as the men and women who bore them, but in that moment, she suddenly understood that her anonymity had just evaporated. She took an instinctive half-step toward Edward, blushing a bit deeper when she realized how it would look. That was one thing she'd not taken into proper account, if she'd given a moment's thought to it at all. As the King's latest desire, she was now a figure of importance at court, a route to the King's ear that others would hope might benefit them. She licked her lips again, this time against a newly-dry throat, and kept her eyes properly downcast. Returning to court was a concern for the morrow, and there was the rest of the night yet to... experience.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>21-09-2008, 02:28:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edward was a King, and as such quite accustomed to the world remaking itself to his liking. After all he had but to express the inclination and he was quite aware that he could have taken any woman in the room with him as he exited. On the other hand he wasn’t quite so foolish as not to think that no consequences would result from his tarrying with some women – king or not a number of them would have less than flattered husbands. A slight grin graced his lips at such silent contemplation; as far as Kings went Edward might be a slightly more grounded one for he was rather firmly aware of the precariousness of his crown having rather fleshly had to pry it from the clutches of another. But a certain arrogance in his demeanor was inevitable, for he’d been born and raised to the greater nobility and made a king.&nbsp; Thus upon determining he wanted something, he was rather shameless in pursuing it.<br><br>His dark eyes watched Eleanor as she downed the contents of an oyster and then rather quickly set the shell aside. As she stammered out her acquiescence the King lead her through the hallway. Edward was well aware that all eyes followed her and he grinned slightly “Prepare for the morrow when everyone is suddenly interested in who you are Eleanor. I rather imagine my having lead you out of there at this hour has marked you out as at least a favourite if not a prospective royal mistress.” A slightly bemused smile graced his lips “And do tell me when you’ve been bribed to try to convince me of a point. I rather expect it to occur so there is little point trying to hide it from me.” His tone was fairly low as he walked down the hallway. He chuckled softly “And at least don’t accept coin from those who ask something entirely preposterous.” He smiled faintly to her “I should think less of you if you did that.” He seemed rather amused with the whole way he knew courts to work “Although I think some are keen to over estimate the influence of a beautiful and charming woman upon one’s decision making. Besotted as one might become, a sovereign must ever have a clear head when making decision.”<br><br>He smiled to her softly as he lead her down the hall, seeming to casually run over what could be expected the next day as they made their way towards his chambers. Upon arriving there, opulence would best describe what was to be found behind large double oaken doors. His room bore a marble floor and rich, stained wood and gold seemed to comprise the furniture that filled it. Lavish oil paintings rested upon the walls depicting famous battles in which his ancestors had been present as well as the deeds of heroes of the past, while also the nobility’s other favourite non-carnal activity – hunting filled a number of canvasses. He’d wait briefly for her to look about the room as most found it arresting, further scrutiny would indicate that the room’s stone floor was relieved by carpets imported from distant Persia in some places, and one shelf seemed entirely filled with leather bound and gilded books.&nbsp; While various statues and curiosities of gold and jewels seemed scattered about the room.<br><br>Edward waited for her to enter the room behind him and then closed the door, waving off a servant who seemed to linger as though waiting to be informed as to whether he would be needed. Thereafter, the King sought out a chair beside a rather long table and casually removed the crown that had rested upon his brow. He placed it on the table idly as his shoulders raised to stretch. A slight grin graced his lips as he raised his hand to Eleanor and beckoned her over to him, evidently wishing to sit upon his lap. “And now my lady, we are as alone as one can be in this place.” A rather sensuous smile graced his lips as he added “And your king has need of you.” <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>NightBird</strong> on <strong>24-09-2008, 07:57:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At first, during their journey from hall to chamber, Eleanor followed Edward with wide, still startled eyes, but the simple good sense of what he was saying rather effectively eased her panic. He made it seem vastly less unpredictable and enormous a situation. He didn't sound as if he would blame her for what others expected, either. Most of all, that he would smile through such comments proved they weren't quite so huge, just something new to learn. She was able to nod with more determination than terror when he told her she should tell him of attempts to bribe her, and finally to smile, though she did her best to bite it back when he mentioned proposterous requests and she shook her head to indicate she'd never think of causing such trouble as that. <br><br>By then, there was a different sort of admiration in her eyes, more for how well he'd learned to deal with all this she found so daunting, to make it sound so matter-of-fact. She was looking to him as her guide now, her protector in a more practical sense than the terms they'd used in the hall over their light meal, the remnants of which she still carried. Her world had changed rather more than she'd anticipated with her success in attracting the king's attention, proving what a heedless girl she'd still been up until she'd left the great hall, but she did know that none there at court would ever likely be more honest with her than Edward was right at that moment.<br><br>"I'd never expect you to put wheedling above what you knew was right," she said softly, her eyes earnest, but her smile keeping the admiration in her expression very much alive. "And I'd think less of me if I would ever consider persuading you of anything proposterous." Something of her flirtatiousness began to return, her smile becoming more playful as she added, "As if I thought for a moment you'd not see right through me should I be silly enough to try." <br><br>She was quiet while the servant remained in the room, looking around with half-veiled glances. She'd known he was the king, entitled to the best and most lavish of everything, but she'd never seen so much wealth in one place, even in the convent, which, while grand in its own way, had been designed for a simple life of prayer. This... for the first time, she truly doubted her ability to impress someone accustomed to such grandeur. And yet, to see Edward remove his crown and stretch, she couldn't help but remember that he was man as well as monarch, and he called to her. She smiled back, a little of the shyness from the room's splendor still in her manner, but she set the tray down not far from his crown and went to him without real hesitation, her eyes warm. Nearing his chair, she curtseyed deeply, murmuring "I am here, Sire," but when she rose, she paused just short of actually seating herself across his legs, looking to him for confirmation that this was, indeed, what he wished of her, a hint of wry humor in her smile, self-deprecation at her own uncertainty of what was expected of her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: To Rule the Sceptered Isle [NightBird &amp; Methos]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Methos</strong> on <strong>28-09-2008, 00:22:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The King regarded her and if she had any lingering doubts about her having captured his attention, the lustful look that lingered in those dark eyes would surely stifle them. His heated gaze fell on Eleanor’s form and slide over her in a hungry manner. His lips parted in answer as he stated “I will always do what I know to be right Eleanor. I have no desire to think less of you, so I trust you shall not seek to persuade me of anything we could call preposterous.”&nbsp; Although a wicked smile soon graced his lips as he’d lean forward as he noted “Although for the moment what I wish to see through happens to be your dress..”<br><br>Subtly as fine a thing as it was had outlived its usefulness for this particular monarch. Surprise seemed to flicker across his features as she hesitated upon approaching him. He rather imagined that the entirety of the assembled banquet had determined what was about to transpire, hence her hesitation struck him as unusual. Never the less it was simply an easy smile that graced Edward’s lips as his arm reached out towards her. A strong hand moved to lightly rest upon her shoulder and to pull her forward upon his lap.<br><br>Their surroundings were indeed luxurious by any standard, for while war had made Edward lean, victory had left him extraordinarily wealthy. As monarch the finest of things simply seemed his due, and he readily accepted as much, gladly surrounding himself with those things that suited his tastes and appealed to his eye. Tonight that had included the woman before him, her modest garb had not for a moment concealed the sensual curves of her body from his eyes. Desire had formed and become pent up within him and indeed it had been an act of patience for him to endure eating for as long as he had.<br><br>Now sprawled in an ornately carved chair he drew her to his lap. His head leaned forwards so as to press his lips to her own. His mouth embraced hers rather firmly, while his arms would slip about her lithe waist. Edward pulled her body up against his own form, so that her svelte body would cradle against the rather muscular planes of his own. The brawny torso that it took to be able to suffer the rigors of knightly battle were well evidenced in the king. His arms were strong, bulging at the biceps and thick at the forearms as well. She would feel the flat form of his chest as he made her press against him, while the rigid washboard of his abdominals was likely felt beneath his shirt as well. His mouth hotly pressed to her own, kissing her hungrily now after having drawn her close.<br><br>Edward’s hand rose to press to the curve of one ripe breast. His hand moved to cup its form through her dress, and his fingers pressed into that delicious flesh rather greedily. He seemed desirous of her, and indeed that having been her intention, she’d succeeded all to well. His hand squeezed her bosom through her dress and he let his fingers dig into her, kneading gently as he sought the taste of her lips. While his other hand bespoke his intentions all too clearly for it slide upwards along her back and sought the laces of her dress with the clear intention of undoing them and baring her form to his lustful eyes.<br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>