Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran)
<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: Soran on 05-12-2009, 20:40:11</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>05-12-2009, 20:40:11</strong>
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				Author's note...the initial contact between the characters took place on IM....and it was a lot of fun!&nbsp; ;D<br><br>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br><br>It was just as he remembered. The lush green forest with so many different herbs and flowers and the way the sunlight poked its rays through the trees. That day seven years before was so vivid to him. He remembered riding through the forest returning to his friend the king when a vision had appeared in his mind alerting him to her danger. He had fought off the bandits and rescued her, Ciaran, taking her in his arms and riding to the cottage. At the cottage he had found something he had never felt before and had been engulfed in passion. <br><br>His horse, Chori seemed to remember as well carrying him to the cottage without any urging or direction. That had surprised him. Despite the close bond he had with his mare he didn’t think she would remember that long ago. She had. Whether it was because he found love, he didn’t know. She had certainly felt the bond between Richard and Ciaran from the start, even nudging him towards her. It had led to a night of passion that he had not felt before or since and had spent the night entwined in her arms.<br><br>The next day he had returned to the castle with his intention to take a leave of absence to be with her, but on that day the kingdom had gone to war against its neighbour after the other kingdom had sent troops into their territory. The war had been fierce, lasting many years until the invaders had been pushed back. Richard had tried to send messengers to Ciaran, but none could find her cottage in the forest. When they had eventually found it, the cottage was empty and not lived in for quite a while. His heart had sank in despair and hoped dearly that she hadn’t thought he had abandoned her. <br><br>Finally he arrived at the cottage. The sight was a sad one. It appeared to have been empty for many years from the look of the outside. He dismounted Chori and walked inside. He looked over towards the kitchen area where she had made him a stew and the bathroom, where they had shared a bath and he had explored her body and the bedroom where she gave him her virginity. He smiled at the memory until he remembered his last words to her. “I will be back my love. Give me just a few short days while I give my report to the king and I shall return.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>05-12-2009, 20:55:15</strong>
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				The effects of war were so harsh, and lay heavily upon the people of her father's country, yet that was not what lay so heavily upon the Lady Ciaran Lethorian's heart. But that burden, the ache, had been there for seven years now and she would not allow herself to focus upon it, to let it fester. As a healer she knew what was needed and unreservedly she gave of herself, or at least she had since her return to her father's lands. Years ago, when she had been a girl of but seventeen she had been rescued by a knight in the forests near her father's favored hunting lodge. Ciaran paused, looking out from the high wall of the royal castle, her eyes lingering to the north, to where the cottage she had left years ago lay. She remembered Richard, every detail of his strong, warrior's body, her warrior, in her thoughts still at least, and the passion that had engulfed them both that night. He had promised to come back and she had waited, for a year she had waited with no word or sign of the knight.<br><br>At her mother's urging, with the outbreak of war threatening their lands, she had journeyed to her the hidden beauties of her mother's homeland, the fae welcoming the half blooded daughter of one of their own. It had eased her heart, to be in that beautiful, peaceful place, and she had learned how to hone and train her skills, both in healing and in her powers of empathy. Yet when war had come to an end and her mother had written that it was safe to return home she had gone. Gone and hoped. <br><br>Instead of simply returning to her father's home and perhaps her own cottage that was still haunted with the memories of that one night of passion she had ridden into the royal castle itself with her brother at her side, to offer her skills as a healer to the sick and wounded. And she had been accepted, thankfully. Now she lingered, still working, hoping to see Richard, fearing that he had been killed in battle. The war must have been the reason he had not returned to her, she was sure of it. Closing her eyes she remembered the way his emotions had rang through her, no one had ever had such a strong connection, so natural and perfect, with her before. <em>Please let him be alive...</em><br><br>Her hands rested on the cool stone of the walk, the dark green of her cloak shifting in the breeze as the raven haired beauty watched the road to the castle, hoping. She was on one of her few breaks, and the fresh air and sunshine did her good, but this was the space she returned to, hoping to see the knight she had loved these seven years ride toward her. Idly Ciaran lifted a hand to tuck a stray strand of her dark hair behind one delicate ear, she had matured from the girl he had known into a beautiful woman, still with the first blush of youth to her features thanks to her mother's blood. With skin as pale as ivory that did not tan in the sun and eyes the green of emeralds and forests she was arresting, her long dark hair making it more so. And her curvy, supple body, still as trim as it had been at seventeen, had drawn many eyes here, yet she ignored it. She wanted no attention but Richard's, but would he ever appear again?<br><br>A hand descended on her shoulder and she turned, sensing it was her brother, Arien, and it was. The dark haired man smiled and she returned it, though his jade eyes were worried. "You still pine for the unfaithful knight?"<br><br>"He is not unfaithful brother, merely...lost.." A sad sigh parted her lips and her brother gathered her unprotesting, into a tight hug. <br><br>"He will come lass, he would be a fool not to, now lets get you to eat before you start to work again, you'll run yourself ragged soon."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>05-12-2009, 22:12:36</strong>
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				The bed was still comfortable, even after all of these years, despite the cobwebs and bugs that lived in the place. The pillow still had Ciaran’s scent on it, at least that was what Richard imagined. He inhaled deeply and every feeling of passion and love embraced him once more recalling that night as if it had just happened. With the memory came the sadness that she wasn’t here to be with him, not any longer. Forcing himself up he ran his hand over everything familiar, even the bath tub where their sexual adventures had began. The feelings he had when she moaned and gasped with pleasure had driven huim wild, not with lust, but with something more.<br><br>Leaving the cottage the tall, muscular knight mounted his mare, his keen hazel eyes taking one last look at the empty cottage in the hope there was a clue to Ciaran’s whereabouts. Sighing gently he urged Chori forward and back towards the path that would lead them back to the castle and his friend Alfred, the king.<br><br>The king...Richard hadn’t seen his friend in quite a while. Their friendship had been unusual. the young prince Alfred was introduced to Richard, the son of a commoner at an early age by the king to show his son that people who were not born of royal blood were still worthy of respect and attention.<br><br>It had been a rocky start to the friendship with Alfred trying to order Richard around, but Arthur had known what his son was like and gave Richard permission not to follow any orders given by his son, forcing Alfred to treat him more as an equal. This had been an unexpected change for both of the boys, but soon it was accepted and they played together happily.<br><br>The king’s plan did not work entirely, his son could still be cruel to others of a lesser station, but he was careful never to show these traits in front of Richard who would have taken exception to his behaviour which would lead to yet another fight which were prevalent in the early days of their friendship. The king watched as Richard always did the right thing while his own son still maintained the traits that could lead to cruelty.<br><br>When Richard turned sixteen, the king had fallen ill and was close to death, but still concerned by his son’s occasional cruel traits. He would not be able to stop him becoming king, but he decided to ensure someone with conscience would always be present, Richard. The king’s last act before he died was to make Richard a Knight of the Realm.<br><br>Since then a friendship of mutual respect had existed between the two men with Richard becoming Alfred’s closest advisor and had undertaken any special quest the king had sent him on, sometimes they had both gone on the quests, leading a life of adventure and fun. Now Richard was returning after seven years, leading his friend’s army against the invaders and eventually winning after many great deeds. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-12-2009, 17:01:45</strong>
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				Ciaran had gone with her brother, allowing him to draw her away from the wall and down the walk, trailing down the stairs into the courtyard below, her skirts carefully picked up to hold free of anything and keep her from tripping. Having Airen with her was a blessing, even if he thought she was a fool for refusing all other suitors, for waiting on the knight that had never returned to her.&nbsp; But her kind hearted brother still stuck by her, even coming to the castle with her, he had his own powers inherited by their mother's blood, a knack for understanding how things fit together, he would have made a brilliant general, but he had no wish for that. And of course he had empathy to a certain extent, and she knew he disliked the castle, something about it was just...off.<br><br>But there were people in need here, and so she had come. At least most seemed on the mend now, she had gathered the 'wise women' who served as healers and instructed them quiet clearly on what worked and what didn't, enlisiting some of the well born ladies as well. And her ladies were all now respectfully listening to the orders she gave, which was reassuring. The woman entered the hall off the great hall that served as the infirmary, drawing back her hood and unclasping her fine cloak, her dark hair rippling down her back. Ciaran idly smoothed down her sage green skirt, fixing it when there was no need before gliding off down the rows of beds, sending out her empathy to sense where anyone might need her.<br><br>She received many greetings, hails from people who she had become friends with and she smiled to them in return, inclining her head, stopping every few beds to make certain a pillow was right, or a blanket laid over properly. She could remember what it had been like when she had arrived, a dark squalor, with limbs rotting and putrid, the wise women overwhelmed. It was a small thing but she was proud of the order and peace she had brought.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>07-12-2009, 22:13:24</strong>
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				<br>By now the army would be getting close to the castle and news of their imminent arrival would be starting to spread throughout the castle. Alfred may wonder where his friend Richard was, but Richard had been more concerned about finding Ciaran than a victorious welcome. Being cheered for slaughtering the enemy over a seven year period was not something he wanted to celebrate. The horrors had been real, having to fight for his life on an almost daily basis. Those images would haunt him for the rest of his life as he had taken one life after another.<br><br>Now his was on the path that would return him to the castle. He was about two hours behind the army now and he imagined the scene of the victorious soldiers walking through the streets without their general walking before them. The thought gave him a smile as he imagined the confusion on the faces of the castle’s population. he had of course told his second in command, Sir Marcus what he was doing and Marcus would only tell the king and nobody else. Richard hadn’t even told him why he had gone, just that it was important to him.<br><br>As he rode a vision of Ciaran took his mind. Again, like before he had a vision of them kissing passionately which caused his heart to ache. The vision was unclear, it was in a room that could be anywhere at any time. ‘Perhaps my own desires are creating the false image in my mind’ he thought to himself. He dearly hoped not. His desire to see her again was overwhelming, but he feared she may not forgive him for disappearing. It was in fact his biggest fear. Would she understand that he had to follow his orders, go to war and lead an army at his friend’s request. Would she believe the messengers could not find her cottage and deliver his message of love? He could see the castle in the distance, hear the cheering and good spirits at the very edge of his hearing. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>07-12-2009, 22:25:40</strong>
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				Shouts of delight had echoed through the castle, causing her to pause, a frown on her clear brow. Her hands were full of fresh linen for a clean bandage, one she was wrapping around a chest wound on a young man, perhaps twenty years at most of life. Ciaran shook her head to herself, refocusing on the task before her, there was no reason to rush, and the man she tended deserved her whole attention, and her hands were gentle as they wound the linen carefully over him. He had taken a dagger just below his heart, and the bleeding had been bad, however he had made it home safe, at least to the castle and she was sure she wouldn't loose him. It was probably for the best though that he was only half awake, it had to be painful for him to move, a few of his ribs had been in bad condition and the linen would serve to set them as well. <br><br>She pulled the material tight, taunt over the young soldier's torso, pinning it into place and then shifting his shirt back on. Gently she laid him back, his head on the pillow. He had yet to wake enough to let her know his name, and so he was merely a stranger, another one who's story she did not know. Her delicate fingers brushed back his dark hair from his brow, expression thoughtful as she knelt at the side of his pallet. Arien appeared then, at her side, his own shoulder length black hair tied back and hands pink from a through wash, her brother was a blessing to her in this task. <br><br>"The royal army returns." Ciaran stood swiftly then, a hand lifting to push back the thick mass of her dark hair from her face, her green eyes gleaming in the sick hall, hopeful yet afraid to hope. <br><br>"And..."<br><br>"And the leader of the troops mentioned that a Sir Richard was behind them, not far, because he had gone into the north woods to look for something." A slight smile tugged her twin's lips even as her heart clenched. The north woods, Richard had gone looking for her.<br><br>"The cottage." She breathed out the word.<br><br>"So it would seem sister, come, you wish to greet him no?" Ciaran nodded, hands nervously smoothing down her dark navy skirts, her heart racing. Would Richard truly remember her? Still want her after all this time had gone by? Had he married someone else? So many questions tumbled through her mind but she pushed them all away, focusing on the fact that the moment she had longed for had finally come. Finally. She was grateful when her brother helped her clasp her cloak, in her eagerness she did not know if she could have done it herself, and then as she drew up the hood they departed the hall where they spent so much of their time, moving through the great hall and out into the courtyard. She kept the hood drawn up, to avoid attention and to be able to see Richard first before he saw her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>08-12-2009, 19:41:11</strong>
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				Riding slowly Richard finally moved through the gate his mind still preoccupied with Ciaran’s absence. He barely noticed the crowd of well wishers surrounding him, giving them nothing more than perfunctory smiles and nods. The only person he desired to see went missing while he was away, the people here who he fought and killed for seem like nothing to him, not because he doesn’t care, it’s just that he cares about Ciaran more. Suddenly the well wishers part and stand back. Finally interested in what is going on, Richard looked up to see his friend Alfred approaching him. Purely out of instinct, he followed the crowd’s example and lowered himself to one knee bending his head down in reverence with the presence of the king.<br><br>“Richard, my friend, please do not kneel for me. It is I who should kneel before you. My people, witness the hero of our time. Outnumbered three to one our brave general and his men fought for six years to hold back the enemy who threatened to take our lands and then another year to push them back into their own lands, diminishing their numbers greatly to ensure they could not return.”<br><br>Alfred walked right up to his friend pulling him his feet then clasping him in a brotherly embrace.<br><br>“Do not be silent my people, enjoy and remember this moment,&nbsp; stand and let the joy in your hearts be heard throughout the kingdom.”<br><br>The crowd obeyed immediately while the king and his friend embraced once more.<br><br>“Richard” Alfred said in the ear of his friend “It is good to see you. You and your men saved us all. How can I thank you for what you have done.”<br><br>Richard gave a wan smile “A bath and a meal would be most welcome your majesty and I would Chori to be attended to. Although I may ask for more later with your permission.”<br><br>“Of course, anything my friend you just need to ask.” The King then addressed the crowd. “Now make way my friends, Sir Richard desires to rest and feed. Captain, take Sir Richard’s horse to my personal stables and have her tended to.”<br><br>The king walked in front while Richard walked behind as the crowds made way, cheering as they did so. As Richard walked, the crowd seemed to be muted as a feeling took him. He slowed his pace then stopped. The king noticed and stopped as well, looking at his friend with a puzzled look on his face. Richard didn’t notice the king however instead his eyes searched the crowds looking intently for something or someone. He wasn’t really sure, but he looked anyway, suddenly wishing he was on his horse again.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-12-2009, 20:04:31</strong>
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				It was him. <br><br>It felt like the fire within her that she had kept banked and low for seven years came roaring back to life, suddenly she was seventeen again, shyly inviting him into her cottage. Goddess, she could have never expected all that had come after that, but come it had. Her brothers arm she gripped tightly, trying to remember how to breath as her eyes drank in the sight the Knight to whom she had surrendered her heart. Would he remember her? Fear, eagerness, all these things crashed within her, a deeper, headier mix then the emotions that had filled her before she had joined him in the bath they had shared, but the emotions made her remember that sweet interlude with a pang of longing. She needed Richard, and he her, she was sure, their natures called to one another. And she was an Empath, what she had felt from him that night could not be false. <br><br>It took Airen's urging to get her to kneel when King Alfred moved through the crowd, she had little like or respect for the King, and went out of her way to avoid him. Her eyes stayed on the visage of the darkhaired knight she had waited for. Grudgingly she accorded Alfred some little affection at the manner in which he welcomed his friend and knight. Seven long years of war, that had been what had kept Richard from her side. For a moment she wondered, marveled in truth, that she who was a healer, a giver of life, could love and ache for a man that took it on the battlefield. But her mother's people had explained about the dualities of nature, of male and female, life and death, they balanced each other, she and the warrior who had finally returned home. The only question was whether or not he knew that, wished for it as well. <br><br>A cheer sprung to her lips with the rest of the throng that welcomed home Richard, though her eyes moved to her brother and he nodded, finally believing her word that the man she had given herself to would not have left her lightly. Her green eyes went back to the Knight and the King, watching them curiously, her empathic powers not of great use to her in so large a crowd with the throng pressing in on both sides, though a small pocket of space was accorded to them due to her brother's height and clear warrior lines, and her own small fame as a healer. <br><br>The men started moving and Ciaran took a reckless risk, doing something she had avoided since she had come to the palace. But she did not want to linger in obscurity now that he was back, instead she sent a burst of her power through the crowd toward Richard, calling to him with all the love in her heart.&nbsp; Her brother offered her his hand and she accepted it, he moving first, more forward as he drew her through the crowd, the people parting to open a path toward Richard, instinctively sensing something was about. She glided over the stones, emerging from the depths of the throng and sinking in an elegant curtsy, head bowed before lifting slowly from it, her pale hands pushing back the deep hood of her cloak. The sun caught in her midnight hair, her eyes lifting, the deep shade of the forest they had met in, as they fixed on the man she loved. <br><br>"Welcome home Sir Richard." Her voice was soft, that same husky sweetness from before, deepened with adulthood, and her eyes asked a million questions at once, but she posed only one, there before the entire castle and half the kingdom. "I would know, does the hero of the realm remember me?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>08-12-2009, 21:55:08</strong>
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				It was the strangest feeling he was having...it felt like love. He couldn’t begin to comprehend how he could feel this way until finally a tall man who held the hand of someone in a cloak. Without reason his heart pounded as if trying to burst from his chest although he had no idea why that should be. His eyes fixed on the maiden before him as she pulled back the hood then looked into his eyes. The breath caught at once as the green eyes looked into his. Richard could not contain the joy he felt at finally seeing the woman of his visions and dreams before him.<br><br>In a split second he took in all of her features, no longer a girl, but a woman even more stunning and beautiful than before. His heart had craved her presence for so long, the moment he had longed for was now here. Within moments of her finishing the question, with his strong arms he took hold of her and pulled her close. They stared into one another’s eyes for a couple of seconds before he tilted his head and leaned forward. Their lips met for the first time in seven years and Richard was in heaven. The woman he craved, adored and loved was here in his arms.<br><br>The crowd began to cheer once more, but the king looked on with confusion on his face. Who was this mysterious woman that was now in an embrace with his friend?&nbsp; Richard hadn’t told him about her, not realising that he had not yet had a chance to tell him. When Richard had returned to the castle seven years before, after spending the night with Ciaran, there had been no time for conversation, just orders.<br><br>Finally Richard broke his kiss with Ciaran and could finally speak.<br><br>“Ciaran. I could never forget you Ciaran. You are even more beautiful than I remember” he said quietly, trying to contain his emotions. “I have longed to see you through these many years. When I did not have chance to inform you of what had occurred my heart and soul cried out to you.&nbsp; I sent messengers, but by the time they had found your cottage, you had since departed. My greatest fear throughout these years was the thought of never seeing you again.”<br><br>He wrapped his arms tightly around her. He knew this was not the social decorum, but he did not care. The biggest and most important reason for coming back from the wars was now in his arms.<br><br>“I dreamt for so long of holding you in my arms again. I fought...fought so hard just so this would be possible.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>11-12-2009, 23:30:13</strong>
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				She could feel the joy that took him, it shook her, he had truly not forgotten her, had longed for her as much as she had him. Ciaran smiled at him, softly and delighted before her brilliant eyes widened as he drew her into his arms, to him. It felt like coming home, her forest colored eyes meeting his gray ones; her heart stopped the moment he leaned forward and his lips took hers again. She melted into him, a sigh of delight parting her lips for him as for the first time in seven years her heart filled to bursting with the delight that only his touch could bring. The memories of their one night of passion and love came back to her, lingering and flushing her skin, though this was not the place to let those thoughts take hold. Instead she just focused on him, on the reality of him. Richard, her warrior. <br><br>When the throng around them burst out in cheers and applause she blushed, laughing as their kiss broke, she who avoided attention was now the center of it, next to the man she had loved throughout the long years that had parted them. But she didn't mind, not with Airen close by, a comforting presence, and Richard's arms around her, she felt safe and giddy with her delight, her joy enough to drown out the overwhelming sensation that could come from being in a crowd for a empath. Her face was shining with her delight, eyes glowing as the sunlight fell around them and his words filled her ears, touching a pretty pink blush to her cheeks. <br><br>"Sir Richard...I..." she tried to find the words that had laid in her heart for so long, but they could not come, overwhelmed by the moment as she was and she simply clung to him, her eyes filling with happy tears. "I waited, as long as I could without heart break and then went to my mother's kin, to train. I thought I had lost you and could not bare it..." The tight hold around her made her melt into him, her body pressing against every plain of his as she inhaled deeply, letting all that was him wash over her and fill the ache that had settled into her when he had never returned. <br><br>"I have prayed, and I am humbled with the delight of your return..." she glanced at the courtyard, realizing just how many people were around and her hands tugged up her hood, shielding her face once more. Ciaran was shy of large gatherings of healthy people and now began to realize just how much of a show she had made. "May we talk more in private?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>13-12-2009, 21:19:52</strong>
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				“Of course” he smiled with pure joy in his face. Turning to the king, Richard bowed. “With your permission your majesty I have some private business to attend to before the meal. Forgive me sire, I do not wish to seem ungrateful.” As Richard looked into the kings eye’s he saw something he was unable to identify. Perhaps he was just confused with the events that had occurred or maybe it was something else. Richard did not know. After a few seconds the king replied, magnanimous in his manner. “Of course Richard. I would not wish to come between you and this lady. However, I must insist you bring her to dinner so we may be introduced.”<br><br>Richard bowed and smiled once more. It wasn’t what he wanted, but now it was a royal decree which he must follow. For now he took Ciaran’s arm and led her through the cheering crowd until he came to a side entrance in the castle wall. Fortunately the crowd would not be allowed inside so before entering he turned and waved to the crowd once more before disappearing into the castle with Ciaran in tow. <br><br>Within five minutes of walking through the corridors they arrived at Richard’s room. Once more he turned to the woman who had occupied his thoughts for the last seven years. He faced her and moved his hands up to her hood, which he gently pulled back revealing her lovely face once more. “It has been too long. For every year it felt as if a thousand passed by, so lonely I was without you.” Pain flittered across his face as the memory of each and every battle and every man he killed were bought to the forefront of his mind. <br><br>His hand reached up and stroked her beautiful face as he tried to remove the sorrow from his mind. Ciaran was here and now, a time for the greatest of joy. The difficulty was that he felt ashamed. Ashamed for leaving her without getting word concerning his whereabouts, the shame for all the men he had slaughtered over a piece of land that would still be there long years after all men had died. It was easy to see he was no longer the same man she knew all those years ago for the briefest of moments as the horror of war now troubled his soul. With her presence he discovered he loved her even more, but could he be the man she wanted?<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>13-12-2009, 21:46:16</strong>
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				Ciaran could not take her eyes from the dark haired Knight, her own green gaze glowing with delight from beneath the sheltering shadows of her hood. She curtsied when Richard bowed but stayed silent, sensing something lingering around the King, and she shifted uneasily, more behind Richard and her brother. The thought of going to dinner with the King was not a happy one, but perhaps she would be able to beg off, some female aliment perhaps. However she pushed such concerns away as she followed Richard into the castle, noting that her brother faded back into the crowd. He would avoid standing out, especially now that she had caught the King's attention, her mother had warned them both that avoiding notice would be best for their blood line.<br><br>The raven haired woman followed Richard through the castle, her footsteps soft whispers as she walked down the hallways swiftly to keep pace with the knight, a sigh of relief parting her lips as they entered his large room. It felt safe, just him and her, and she let her shields down, embracing the emotions that poured off him, her heart aching for the pain she sensed that lay on his heart now. Neither of them were the same, not after all the years apart, but they could still fit together, of that she was sure. She had been made for him and him alone, no other man would do, and she had to hope that he felt the same. <br><br>The healer let him push back her hood, her own hands lifting to undo the clasp of her cloak and she discarded it, revealing her dark blue gown, the bodice clinging to her torso and the skirts flared and loose around her long legs. She was tall for a woman perhaps, but he towered over her still, and he made her feel all the things a woman should, delicate, cherished, beautiful. She pressed her cheek into the hand that caressed her cheek, eyes fluttering shut to savor the moment, though it was bittersweet s she felt the shame and pain within him.<br><br>Her beautiful forest eyes opened to fix on him even as she raised a hand to touch his jawline, love glowing through her expression, her gaze. "Richard...oh Goddess I prayed for this every day, so afraid I would never see you again. I know how slow the passage of time has passed, for I too have felt it, felt it in my heart." She let her hand drift down to capture his free hand and lift it, pressing his palm just above her heart within her breast. "The heart that has remained only yours. I can feel the pain inside you...oh love, I can feel it weigh on you." Tears gathered in the gems that were her eyes and she pressed closer, her hands caressing his jawline. Ciaran wanted to heal him, but she could not, not with her magic, just with her love and herself, and of those she would give unstintingly for eternity to him alone. <br><br>"You are still my protector, you saved me and your actions saved many of the females of this country from suffering loosing brothers, fathers, lovers, and then themselves. You must know that the price you paid has been returned with the safety of others and for now.....oh for now Richard let me be a balm to you and you to my heart that has yearned to feel your touch, to see your smile and hear your voice." <br><br>Ciaran pushed herself up on tiptop, a soft kiss touching his lips, chaste but offering herself with that one simple act. "Your soul still calls to mine, and that my love will never change."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>13-12-2009, 23:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes closed at the feel of her lips as she stood on her tip toes kissing him softly.&nbsp; With all that had happened, his mind was calmed by the simple touch, her pronouncement of love even more so. The horrors and shame moved from his mind, his attention now firmly on Ciaran. As her hand had pressed his to her torso, she had spoken of her heart belonging to him. From the moment he had laid eyes on her in the courtyard he had already known her heart had remained his, just as his own belonged to her from their first meeting.<br><br>Talking her hand he walked over to the bed and sat her gently on it, then sat next to her. “My soul has always called out to yours since the day we met, just as my heart has belonged to you from that day. Ciaran, I love you so much. “<br><br>He leaned his head on her shoulder, wanting and needing the physical contact between them, no matter what the contact consisted of. Touching her made the bad images in his mind disappear. He almost considered asking her to marry him right then and there, but knew it was too soon. Even though their love had blossomed at their first meeting they hadn’t actually known each other for long, despite how right it felt to be with her.<br><br>The war was now over and he could now live his life again. With Ciaran appearing so quickly after the war, he knew he was destined to spend his life with her. He smiled, remembering as he had looked deeply into her eyes, finding his love that he felt for her reflected back into his with her love for him. <br><br>“We didn’t really talk before, back at your cottage. Tell me about yourself my love.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>15-12-2009, 08:00:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was a simple delight, to know that she soothed his heart, that her lips, just a chaste press of them, could remove the sorrow that had tried to cling to him. This moment was their's, Goddess knew they had waited long enough for it, and though Ciaran was normally of an easy disposition she was not going to surrender this stolen moment readily. Too long, too far had they been parted, and now she would cling to every second with him, greedy in a fashion she had never thought she could be. <em>Forgive me Great Goddess...I can not help myself...</em> she murmured to the deity she held in esteem, the healer Goddess Meria, Mother Goddess to the whole world, even this small section of it that was the kingdom of Drye. <br><br>Happily she let her thoughts leave the divine beings as Richard's hand took one of her own and she paced with him to the bed, moving to sit on it as his hands directed, her green eyes fixed on him. She drank in the sight of him, still half afraid it was a dream, it was just another fantasy. But no, he was here, she could even smell the horse of him, and her lips curved in a sweet smile at the thought of his mare who had nosed him toward her all those years ago. And his words were anything a maiden could have longed to hear, though she had not been a maiden in truth since they had met, but only with him, only ever him. "Richard...oh how I love you, thank you for your words..." <br><br>Her hand lifted, to touch his hair as his head rested on the delicate curve of her shoulder, her eyes half shut in delight, pouring her love for him into the connection they had, that they had always had. It felt so right, so perfect, and he was not shy of sharing his heart with her as some men were with their lady's and it made her heart rejoice. Before she could even think of being nervous of his feelings she knew them, the healer was extremely grateful for such a gift. He loved her, he truly loved her and she felt that wrap around her heart and make her all but shine for its truth. <br><br>When his eyes lifted to meet hers the lady stilled, curiosity glimmering in her forest gaze before her lips parted, a ready smile on her lush lips as he thrilled her with his words. Richard wanted to know her, not just her body. Everything that she had sensed and believed seven years ago was still true. "About myself? Well...I am a healer, fully trained now, by my mother's kin."<br><br>She smiled then, her eyes sparkling with laughter as she leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek, her hands grasping his, reassuring herself that he was real, with her. "I have think you to be a dream..." she laughed and shook her head at herself before turning her mind back to his request. "My mother's people, they would be the reason you couldn't find me, I left the country at my mother's bidding, sent across the seas to Vesta, and to her elvish family." Ciaran lifted one hand to toy with the ebony silk of her hair, a playful smile on her lips as she revealed her ears, something he had noticed before, they were not the full elvish ones that some of her kin had but there was a slight point to them, enough to give away her half blood mix if one knew. "I'm half elf actually. My father is the lord holder of the harbor town of Mhaolchatha, when he was young he sailed on one of his uncle's ships, to Vesta and wandered the highlands near the mountains edges, that's where he met my mother. Will you forgive me for leaving no word? My mother feared anyone finding out my heritage, some would like all too well to keep an elf and I am yet unwed so she thought to err on the side of caution."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>15-12-2009, 23:42:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was fascinating listening about her heritage, learning about her elvish background. He knew she was different from other women although his intense feelings towards her had made that clear from the start. Her ears he found were like delicate sculptures when she pulled the hair aside revealing them. For the moment, he decided just to listen to her musical voice, common for elves, but since their estrangement from humankind those voices were rarely heard now. He had heard the voices of elves in the past when his king had sent him to find them and to try and open a dialogue between their peoples, but those voices were not like Ciaran’s. To Richard, her voice had a more mystical quality to it, more sincere and loving that he could ever imagine coming from an elf. <br><br>“Of course I forgive you. If you had not been here when I arrived I would have searched all the lands for you, allowing my heart to guide me no matter how far away you were even if it had taken the rest of my life to do so. Perhaps your mother was wise to keep you away from others, lest they be tempted by your beauty.”<br><br>He smiled gently as he faced her once more, losing himself in her jade coloured eyes as he took in her beauty once more, etching this moment to memory so he would never forget the joy he felt. Richard could not stop his hand tracing up to her left ear, delicately running his fingertips over the gentle point her elven side had given her. He felt her tremble to his touch, but as he looked into her face it she smiled appearing not to mind his touch at all no matter how sensitive her ears were. Richard seemed to know instinctively which parts needed a light delicate touch and where she preferred a more firm hand.<br><br>He smiled at the memory from when they had explored one another in the bath and on the bed when he had visited her long ago, a memory for which he would always treasure. Slowly he leant forward finding her lips once more, kissing her in an affectionate and caring way. There were so many ways he could express his feelings for her and he found his words were beginning to fail. If he could not rely on words, he would use actions. He hoped she enjoyed this action as much as he was.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-12-2009, 23:48:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His words of ready understanding put her at ease, a delighted smile touching her lips as she realized through his words that his mind was in accord with his heart. Emotions she could sense, but often people struggled against those, ever protesting, but no, Richard was at ease with his love for her and she with her own love for him. He was unafraid of speaking of the heart, and that soothed her. At the comment to her mother's wisdom she laughing, a light happy sound, shaking her head; he was a man, to think others would be tempted by her. But then he did not know it was not in her nature to put herself forward, only with him. Her green eyes stayed upon him, her fingers tucking her hair behind one of her ears now that they were safe and alone. When his fingers touched the delicate outer rim she shivered, eyes darkening as the touch sparked desire for his hands to trail other places as well. <br><br>She kept a smile on her face, trying to keep her mind empty and neutral even though desire and aching longing were raising within her and making it hard to focus. Richard could do that so easily, with just the slightest touch. Ciaran found her thoughts going back to that first night, when she had offered to scrub his back, her daring move of joining his bath and the way his hands had explored her, had roused her to a passion beyond anything her maiden dreams could have promised her. The healer tried to push away the thoughts, but she saw their echo in his eyes, felt his own desire for her and the strong bond between the two of them made it all but impossible to turn away from it, to ignore it. She shifted on the bed, pressing her legs together, he wished to talk, and so did she, but it was so long when seven years apart, and with the memories of what had been lingering between them. <br><br>When the knight leaned forward she did not pull away, the smile on her lips deepening to one of female eagerness, of sensuality, a thing he had woken in her. As Richard's lips brushed hers so softly she felt her heart clench at the warmth of the tide of his love as it washed over her. Ciaran shifted closer, loosing any shyness to the ache and the need to be near him, to feel him all around her. Later, later he would have to answer to the King, later there would be politics and figuring out how their lives would join together, perhaps he would ask for her hand, but for now, there was his lips against hers and seven years of restless nights spent thinking of this man. She nipped gently at his lower lip, playful, loving as she released her shields, projecting her emotions to him even as his came to her, binding them together in the web of love and desire that shimmered around them in her sight. <br><br>She broke the kiss, her voice breathy already against his lips, jade eyes darkened with the purity of her desire. "Oh, Richard I know you wish to speak but I need to feel you, all around me. To know this naught a dream but truth." Her lips trailed his cheeks, his jawline, her senses drinking him in as she nuzzled his neck. "Please Richard, please my love, let us make again the world where just ye and I exisit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>22-12-2009, 23:41:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As their lips had met he felt her presence, her love cascading over him. It was as if the last seven years had not occurred, all forgotten as they began to lose themselves in each other. This was what he needed. Ciaran. No one else could calm his soul and cause his body to burn with desire at the same time. Richard knew they were made for each other, no matter how long they had been apart. Without her, he had been empty, with her he felt fulfilled. As she nipped playfully on his lower lip he felt like shouting to the world his love for her. Being considered a hero meant nothing to him, he had done his duty for his king, now he was here with her and his duty lay solely in the moment.<br><br>“Ciaran” he breathed in return, inhaling her essence “My love. How I have longed to be with you. I could not deny you even if a battlefield full of the enemy stood between us. Let us become one my love.”<br><br>His hands moved to either side of her beautiful face, cupping it between them as he kissed her with pure passion and love. Not since that night had he been with another, knowing one day they would be together and as one. Their tongues explored each other and their mouths as he held her. “Gods above Ciaran, how I have longed for this moment.” <br><br>He stood, taking her hands and encouraging to her feet. Removing his cloak he bought her hands to his tunic. “Undress me my love. I wish to feel your hands against my body as much as I desire to lay my hands on yours.” His eyes took in her visage, the dark blue gown clinging to her curves inviting his touch. He could see her chest heave with her deep breaths caused by her desire matching his own increased breathing. He resisted ripping the clothes off her, instead his trembling hands found the laces that kept her gown on tight and one by one he began to loosen them.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>23-12-2009, 21:42:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It felt as if their souls touched with their lips, intertwining them together, binding them closer. She could feel him all around her and it was what her heart and soul had ached for in the long years apart. She pressed closer into Richard, her heart racing within her breast as she felt his emotions fill her, flood her and touch her even as his hands had. She had been right, all those years ago, Ciaran was meant to be his, always his. Their hearts and souls spoke to each other and when he spoke she shivered to feel the power of his deep voice, the words that moved over her skin as surely as any caress. "No battlefield here my love, only healing, but yes, one....I need you."<br><br>She smiled, her words soothing, caressing, she wanted to touch him as he touched her. Her lashes fluttered shut, savoring the feel of his hands on her cheeks, her head tilted in welcome to his kiss. Her lips parted, opening and offering herself to him without any reservations, she had only given herself to him and it showed in the untutored, unrestrained manner in which she gave herself to him, to his kiss. Their tongues dance and she drank in the taste of him, feeling surrounded in his heat, his strength, her warrior was here, all around her. Words slipped away from her and all she could do was open her heart, let him feel the love, the desire, ever ready within her for him.<br><br>She got to her feet at his urgings, blinking and breathing fast, her mind already slightly clouded with passion as it had been that night so long ago. But he had guided her through things then and he would again now. She trusted him, completely and her eyes roved over him, adoring and delighted. At his words she nodded, her slender, healer's hands moving up to tug at his tunic, lifting it over his head, having to stand on tip toe to do so, before she worked free the laces of his shirt beneath it and tried to move that as well, her hands eagerly caressing the tanned, muscled body that her actions revealed. She savored the feel of him, sending out her delight and love of his body between them, letting him know without words just how wonderful she thought him to be. Her fingers traced over his flesh, his muscles, learning his form all over again, her breath coming fast as he works at her laces. <br><br>When her laces were undone she dropped her hands to his belt, trying to work it off only to halt and step back a bit, letting him push the dress from her form, the woolen gown sliding down her figure to reveal her thin, sheer shift beneath it, the only thing left to clad her body. "Richard..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>23-12-2009, 22:34:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He tried to stop his hands from shaking with the excitement that was running through his entire body. It had been so long and he was determined not to rush wanting to savour every moment he could with her. Every touch of her hands sent electrical bolts of pleasure through his body especially when she ran her fingertips over his torso. An almost imperceptible sigh of pleasure escaped his lips and his chest rose and fell with the passion he felt. No one else could make him feel like this. His hands found the top of her sheer shift after she had stepped back to allow the easy removal of her gown. As his fingers touched the top of her shoulders he could feel his heart quicken further along with his heavier breathing and the roar of the blood in his ears.<br><br>From her shoulders he hands moved slowly down her torso, down her collarbone then slowly and sensuously over her breasts remembering just how they felt last time. His hands linger for a brief moment on her chest before continuing down to her waist where his hands traced her curves. Slowly they continued on over her hips and down the top of her thighs until finally they reached the hem of the garment. He knew she would not object as he took hold of the hem and slowly began to raise the sheer shift as he allowed a couple of fingers on each hand trail up her bare skin. <br><br>It was almost as if he was opening the finest present of Christmas as he pulled higher revealing her lovely shapely thighs and peeling further up as the material cleared her hips allowing him to see the natural hair around her groin. One look of such a wonderful sight caused him to inhale sharply as he had held his breath from the anticipation of all that was to be revealed. The soft material now cleared her stomach and had now risen to just under her beautiful chest. Ciaran raised her arms to make it easier for him to remove the rest of the garment, eager as he was to take in the naked visage of her.<br><br>The next few moments drove him wild as finally the material was pulled high enough up to reveal her lovely breasts and the hard nubs that pointed towards him in anticipation. Eventually the sheer shift cleared her hand and arms leaving her totally exposed before him. He drank in the sight of this lovely maiden’s body before bringing her hands to his waist band where she loosened his pants allowing them to slide gently down his legs, leaving just his underwear and the bulge tha pushed hard against the material, eager to be released.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>24-12-2009, 00:50:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran felt honored that he was in such a rush, such a frenzy to touch and see her, yet he moved so slowly, so careful. Every caress of her fingertips seemed to rouse his blood for her and she smiled, full of delight and wonder at her own feminine power over his body. Her body kindled, those same flames of sweet torment sweeping through her as they had seven years ago; this her body knew and craved, and this she would give him, trust him with. His hands moved so slowly down from her shoulders, she almost spoke, almost begged him to move faster, to do more. She needed him. But they needed to have this moment of savoring, of cherishing after so long apart and so she held her tongue, her heart racing within her breast and her green eyes bright with lust and love.<br><br>She could feel the calluses of his warrior's hands through the thin material of her shift, a sweet whimper rousing from her throat at the touch over her breasts, her back arching in welcome only for a sigh to replace the whimper when he moved on. Not yet. The healer nearly wanted to weep for Richard's slow pace, her body already weeping for him with desire, slicking the folds at the apex of her legs as she shifted on her feet, trying to press her legs together to ease the ache. Her breath came out, a rushed sound, a sigh, relief filling her as he eased the shift up over her body. Ciaran trembled at the feel of his fingers trailing up over her body, a soft sound caught in the back of her throat expressing her pleasure at the sensation, though she could have begged for more if she had words.<br><br>Her pale skin was revealed, inch by inch, still as flawless as it had been that night in her cottage deep in the woods and she shook out her long raven hair when it was discarded, her breath coming fast and lifting her breasts to attention. The way he looked at her made her shiver, her heart clench and her body throb. Heart, soul, body, all where his, Richard's. Her nipples were hard rosy peaks that peaked her breasts, begging for his attention, just as eager as the rest of her as she remembered the way his hands had worked them, and his mouth, dear heavens, his mouth. The maiden's hands trembled, fumbling to free him of his pants, her eyes wide at the sight of his shaft so hard and ready within his undergarments and she licked her lips nervously, remembering his size clearly. "I...its been so long, will it hurt again Richard?" She asked, softly, shyly, a hand going to caress the bugle that was his manhood tenderly even as her other hand tucked her hair behind her left ear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>31-12-2009, 03:30:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barely able to talk, Richard replied with a voice just louder than a whisper “Not if I can help it Ciaran. I want us to enjoy every moment. If at any point I do hurt you my love, tell me. I will be as careful as I can.” He closed his eyes and a smile pulled at his lips as he felt her gentle hand stroking his shaft through his underwear. She may not have been experienced, but it seemed as if she knew exactly how he liked to be touched, her touches causing a gentle moan of pleasure to escape his lips.His hands moved to the waist band of his underwear and slowly he pulled them down, his stiffness springing to freedom as he eased his underwear down to his ankles.<br><br>Since he had bent down, his face was close to her sex, and he could smell her eagerness. He inhaled deeply, savouring the wonderful scent she was giving off, enthralling him further. He stepped out of his underwear and then knelt before her, moving his face forward until his lips pressed against the top of her shapely thighs, tasting her skin against his lips.&nbsp; For the briefest moment he thought he must be under some kind of spell, so strong was his love and desire for this woman who he barely knew, although he was aware it was no such thing. The visions had led him to her and not once had he regretted it.<br><br>The way she moved before him, he could tell she was as eager as he was for them to become one once more. He looked up past her lovely breasts into her eyes. “I want to pleasure you Ciaran. Please sit back down on the bed so I may do so.” As he spoke, his eyes twinkled in anticipation at what he was proposing to her, certain she would not object to what he was offering her. He could smell her excitement, now he wanted to taste her. His hands moved up her thighs, stroking her gently to encourage her to sit down and allow him access to her most private parts and lent forward and kissed her natural brush to make his point.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>02-01-2010, 23:38:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The healer flashed him a smile, readily reassured by her Knight. Just as she had known she would be for Richard would never wish to harm her, at least not any bad pains. There were some good ones, she remember, the tightness of having him inside her, so large and deep as his body took hers. Her cheeks blushed with that idea giving her a moment to be glad that he was otherwise distracted disrobing his undergarments. Ciaran gave a soft gasp of surprise when Richard knelt before her, pressing his lips against her skin just above the apex of her legs and the night black curls that lay there. She shifted her legs, nervous, aroused, so many things all because of him her body alive and throbbing with her need like it was a physical thing instead of just within her.<br><br>When his wonderful eyes focused upon her, his gaze sure and steady though filled with the same lust she felt her heart clenched and then she heard his words. Her eyes widened, shocked, still so innocent, so young, especially considering her elvish blood but she nodded, eager to let him lead her, to lead them both further into the passions they could share. Ciaran shifted to perch on the bed, biting down on her lower lip nervously before she pushed herself back a bit more, parting her legs at the touch of his hands, opening to him with her trust. <br><br>Her breathing was a touch erratic and the glorious bottle green of her eyes fixed on him to try and keep herself calm. Richard would never do anything to her that would harm her, nor endanger her and she had to believe it. Her pale legs parted about a foot apart, showing the softly gleaming flesh of her sex, the dark curls dampened with her desire. Her cheeks fired with a blush as she realized that he had aroused her to the point where she could smell it herself. "You don't have...to do this...you know you were so kind and thoughtful before, I wouldn't mind if you just took your pleasure..." she spoke haltingly, showing a slightly new though still navie grasp of the intimate parts between a man and a woman, offering of herself with no intention to take anything in return.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>06-01-2010, 20:33:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As she opened her legs Richard took in the view. How beautiful she looked. All he wanted to do is bury his face against her sweet puffy lips which glistened from her arousal. The scent of her made him all the more eager, but for now he decided to take his time. He felt her legs opened more as his hands gently teased them open without any resistance. He kissed the thigh to his left, trailing his mouth towards her eager sex. He could feel her shift in anticipation of that very moment, but as he got closer, he slowed, teasing her a little, drawing out the experience.<br><br>It was then he answered her. “Ciaran, one does not just take from one he loves. This is about us, both of us. I could no more just take my desire from you any more than I could cut off my own leg. We are one my love and giving you pleasure gives me pleasure.” He smiled as he looked up to her face then returned his gaze to her needs. Slowly he ran his tongue her thigh, once more stopping just an inch from her eager pussy and slowly he circled the waiting hole with small gentle kisses. Again she shifted, almost pushing her hips against his face and he felt her gentle hand find the back of his head and her fingers ran through his hair.<br><br>It was the final encouragement she gave that resulted in him pushing his lips against her eager sex, tasting her after so many years and loving every moment. She tasted so sweet to him, as his tongue began to explore her slit, moving up and down her lips. He felt the hand on the back of his head tighten as she grabbed a handful of his hair. He eased his tongue to explore her folds sliding it in, tasting her flesh running it along until it ran over her hard little button. When his tongue flicked over her clit he heard her gasp and pull his face harder into her groin.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-01-2010, 22:12:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had been so long ago, that one night, and that one night was all she had to teach her of pleasure, of sexual touches and what to do, it seemed not enough in this moment, for she wanted to give of herself completely to this man, to ease his soul from the war and let them connect again. If only she knew more. But Richard was there, gazing at her with love in his face as she spread herself upon the bed for him, giving him her trust since there was nothing else to offer. Ciaran let her legs be guided further apart, eager to do anything he wished, shivering at the kisses upon her inner thigh, unable to stop her mind from straying to what it would feel like for his mouth to touch <em>there</em>. Yet she did not want to be selfish on this night. <br><br>His lips teased her though, driving thoughts and doubts from her mind until she was just trembling with her need beneath him, eager for him to do whatever he wished so long as he touched her, kissed her, anywhere, everywhere. His voice stole over her skin and the healer had to force herself to focus on Richard, his words touching the romantic heart that lay within her breast. She met the shine of his gray eyes with the glittering green of her own, nodding slowly. "Oh..Richard I do not deserve you...." she bit down on her lower lip, to hold in a gasp when his tongue trailed up her skin, so close to the apex of her legs and her throbbing pussy that lay hidden by the dark curls. His gentle kisses made her burn and she shifted, trying to press closer, needing him so badly she could hardly breath for it before she made a bold move and threaded her fingers through his hair to hold him to her. And then, oh then Goddess she let out a ragged cry of pure delight as his lips touched her sex. <br><br>Ciaran arched beneath him, into him, her breath leaving her as she only was, in the moment, for him, her body leaking with her delight, filling his mouth as he tasted her most intimate depths and teased her beyond reality to where there was only the two of them. She moaned for him, over and over, forgetting to be a lady, to be proper, only responding with the same artless, deep passion as he had roused and found in her that night so long ago. The Healer tried to urge him on, to encourage him to take her to the heights she had remembered and longed for. His tongue found the pearl of her clit and then she let out a gasp again, arching her hips into his face, wanting his tongue to plunder her body, but needing more then that even. <br><br>She panted, whimpering out pleading words, begging him to take her, to give her the release her body had needed for years now. "Please...oh...oh please...Richard...yes....Goddess! Please....I need....I need......"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>10-01-2010, 16:25:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They may have only had one night before, but every day since he had craved to be with her and now it was finally here. The brief time they had together had blossomed a love he never knew was possible. His heart had yearned to be with her, be close to her just as he was now. It wasn’t just how she looked or even the scent of her passion that drew him too her, it was so much more. From the moment he had seen her in his vision he had fallen for her in the most wonderful intoxicating way. He wanted to take her to be his wife, meet her people and absorb himself into their entire culture just so she would know how much he loved her.<br><br>He delved his tongue into her depths, her begging for him to take her was incredibly thrilling to him. His tongue explored inside her, finding her inner walls, stimulating her, tasting her, it was just so erotic. He could feel she needed the release as did Richard. Slowly he pulled his face away from her groin, kissing her thigh as he did so and then stood before her, is own arousal hard and throbbing before her eyes. Richard took her hand, leant forward and kissed her passionately on the lips, his hand reaching up cupping her left breast. She felt so wonderful, soft, but firm, silky smooth and the erect nub of her nipple eager for attention.<br><br>He moved onto the bed encouraging her to follow him as he lay back, his intention clear. He wanted her to ride him so he could see her, touch her and make love to her all at the same time. His manhood twitched in anticipation as his mind focussed solely on her. Nothing else existed in this moment of time other than their love and need for one another. There were no wars, no kingdom, no one else at all other than the two hearts that cried out for each other. At long last their desires would be fulfilled, Ciaran and Richard would become one.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>11-01-2010, 03:22:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His tongue seemed to spear to her soul and she cried out for him, sweet and whimpering as her body shifted beneath his to press up into his mouth in eager need. Ciaran bit down into her full lower lip to try and silence herself, having forgotten just how loud she was when he touched her so and yet it was impossible to be still or silent, to not come alive beneath his hands and tongue and lips as he teased her up to the brink of her pleasure. He still knew how to work her body, so easily she became his with such touches that spoke to her soul and robbed her breath, stealing her heart in the same moment with his thundercloud eyes. When he pulled away she made a soft sound of protest for her body throbbed with the ache of pleasure too long denied. It had been seven years of solitude, of living like a nun when all the while she pined for him and her body ached for the pleasure only he could gift her with.<br><br>But then he stood and her breath rushed out of her lungs for a whole different reason. Her green eyes all but glowed with her eager delight as they drew in the sight of of his body, feasting upon it with a blush though compared to the modesty she had possessed the first time they had lain together it was a marked difference. Then she had been shocked and awed at everything, eager to take what he gave. Now she was half starved for it and going to take everything that she could and cling to it as long as possible. She never wanted to feel so alone again.<br><br>Yet it was hard to think of being alone, not when her eyes lingered on his hard shaft and then his hand touched her breasts, his lips to her own and she moaned into him, arching into his body, his hand. Her breast was just as satin soft as before, though her nipple was puckered to a near painful point with her arousal as the flames of desire consumed her. "Richard...oh Richard..." She murmured his name like a pray and pressed closer into him as he moved on to the bed. Her cheeks flamed for a moment, when she realize he was positioning her like he had the first time in her own bed in her long abandoned cottage, and yet it encouraged the desire that danced through her body. The healer let him guide her, straddling his hips and slowly, shyly rubbing her wet core against the hardness of his cock, so close to what they both wanted but unsure that she should take it just yet.<br><br>Instead she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his sweetly, her tongue delving into his mouth to take the rich taste of him and drug herself upon it until she could forget all modesty or foolish fears and just exist as a flame and need. Ciaran shifted her hips then, over him, one hand reaching down even as she yet kissed him deeply, to guide him to the wet tight entrance of her body. She sank down, slowly, impaling herself upon his erection only to moan out into his mouth as she slowly pushed herself backward to take him deeper. Her arms trembled as she quivered at the sensation of him filling her, the friction of his shaft driving into her slickness arching her body as she let out a cry of pure delight. "Richard!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>11-01-2010, 20:10:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He doubted that anyone else could know a passion like theirs, too long had they been denied. When she touched his cock to manoeuvre it so she could lower herself onto him drove him wild. Her delicate touch felt wonderful which turned into rapture as he entered her. The moan she pleasure she gave was music to his ears as she slowly slid down, filling her eager pussy and his own moan of pleasure join hers. She was still so tight and so wet and everything he desired especially with the vision she gave him when she leaned back to take him all the way inside. <br><br>As she slowly began to rock on his hips, he reached up taking her breasts in his hands. He remembered the attention he gave them before which had driven her to the height of frenzy as well as Richard. He loved her breasts, shapely, firm and her dusky rose coloured nipples constantly calling out for his attention. His hands kneaded into her breasts and which each stroke he worked to her nipples squeezing and pulling on them just they way she liked it. He had considered sliding his hard manhood between those lovely breasts, but not now, not yet. There was time for that later. Now they had their most basics needs to attend to first.<br><br>The rocking became more intense and he found he could no longer play with her breasts as he needed his hands around her hips to help with the movements, you could only do so much without hands. Now he had more control, he began to synchronise his movements with hers, their rhythm increasing along with his breathing. He couldn’t help, but stare at her chest as her breasts jiggled with their ever increasing frantic movements. He could heel her muscles clamp around his manhood as she got closer to orgasm. His heart was thumping so hard now he felt as if was trying to escape his body.<br><br>“Oh...oh&nbsp; Ciaran” he gasped in pleasure watching her buck up and down on his groin. He looked at her face, watching her going through all the different facial expressions as she moved closer to her climax.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>13-01-2010, 18:27:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The knight's hands moved over her breasts with the same deft skill of seven years ago, and she moaned to feel it, the press of his callused hands against her satin skin, the feel of the warrior touching her body in adoration for the form. She tossed back her head, the long glory of her raven black hair spilling around them as she slowly lifted herself only to fall once more into his body, onto his thick shaft and make them both quiver with the delight that it caused to feel him move within her. When he plucked and pulled upon her nipples she arched her back slightly, sweet cries of a angel in torment who did not wish to be released. Her throat worked as their pace picked up and he invaded her body with each lift and fall of her hips, her legs braced and supported on either side of his hips. <br><br>Ciaran forced herself to look at him, to look upon the man beneath her, the knight who had stolen her heart so long ago, to whom she had surrendered her innocence that one wild night. Her eyes took in all of Richard, the sun bronzed skin of her warrior before his hands moved from her breasts to her hips, the power in them radiating through her and she whimpered, knowing the pleasure that would come would drive her past her peak and to the point of divine bliss. Her hips rolled with his guidance, giving him the most intimate depths of her body as she withered above him, breasts bouncing with each rise and fall as her body throbbed around his cock. So close, Light and Lady, so close. <br><br>The sound of her name upon her lips was all that she needed, her body clamped down completely, spasms rocking through her as her lips flew up to release a scream of pure pleasure, a lovers cry as her climax crested within her. "Richard!" his name fled her lips even as her body released, painting her liquid desire across his groin with a squirt. She collapsed forward, into his chest, whimpering faintly as she withered with the afteraffects, feeling him still so deep inside her tender pussy. "R...ichar...d....."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 16:02:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was amazing. Richard didn’t ever want to take his eyes off her, she was a vision beyond everything he had ever encountered. he watched her, completely enthralled as she became closer and closer to climax. Her body movements became more urgent, the expression on her face caught between her need and the eruption of pleasure about to take place and the way her breasts bounced with enthusiasm. It was so much to take in, but he loved every moment until finally he felt her inner muscles clamp hard around his cock at the moment of climax, her hot juices released over his groin with the pleasure she felt.<br><br>"R...ichar...d....."<br><br>That was all she was able to say after collapsing onto his chest, covered in a sheen of erotic sweat. Richard had not climaxed as he had already bought her so close to orgasm with his teasing of her pussy, which twitched around his still stiff member as it remained inside of her. Tenderly he brushed the damp hair from her face so he could look clearly upon her and the smile of a sated pleasure. “Rest now my love. Your pleasure has exploded around me in such a way that you must be exhausted. In a few hours we will dine with the king and after you have recovered, perhaps we shall know pleasure again.”<br><br>Richard wasn’t disappointed that he had not climaxed with her since seeing her take so much pleasure was everything to him. In retrospect, he shouldn’t have spent so much time teasing her beautiful pussy with his mouth even though he had relished every moment, losing himself in her scent and taste. His arms wrapped around her in a loving embrace holding her tight to his chest, still enjoying how her pussy twitched around his still hard member. He closed his eyes and just spent a short while enjoying how she felt against him. Her soft arms tucked against his sides, her smooth torso, pressed against his and her breasts, so soft with her hard peaks pushing into him. He loved it all and knew instantly that he could never give her up, even to a royal decree. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 20:22:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran felt as if she were floating, certainly she didn't feel completely like herself collapsed into his chest and trembling with the force of passions that had been denied for seven years. She nuzzled him softly, inhaling his scent even as he brushed her dark hair from her face, her green eyes still slightly glazed over from their passion. "But...you didn't...um...explode yourself...." Her cheeks fired with a blush as she stumbled over the words, suddenly feeling again like the seventeen year old girl he had first bedded in her small cottage. Though, according to the elves she might as well be the same age, she was still extremely young to them. Idly she wondered what her mother's kin would make of her Knight. <br><br>His voice was so soothing and she curled herself into him with a soft yawn, unable to deny that was tired, after all she had been up before dawn, tending the wounded and ill, using her powers where they were needed. "I...will make sure to..." she yawned again, her lashes fluttering as she tried to keep herself awake in Richard's arms. "to...ease you later...." she yawned again, shaking her head, her long raven hair shifting around them like silk even as her eyes fluttered shut and she curled her body into his. She was still wet and tight around him within her and her breathing deepened slowly, giving into sleep exhausted in the arms of the man she had pined for. <br><br>A sleepy murmur parted her lips, slumber taking her but not before she managed to breath "I love you...Richard...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 21:07:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For two hours he lay with an angel breathing softly in his arms. She had been exhausted not just from their love making, but from all her other duties. Richard couldn’t sleep and so he lay there, finally removing himself from inside her so she could recover. Gently he stroked her hair and caressed her back careful not to wake her. He would have rather fallen on his sword than disturb her. Dining with the king did not matter, running to walls and defending the castle did not matter, cradling her in his arms will she slept mattered. He would only move to defend her, everything else could wait.<br><br>His mind drifted to the years without his sleeping beauty and how barren they had been. He had received plenty of offers being the captain of the king’s armies, but had refused them all, instead staying true to the healer he had rescued and spent a night of wonderful passion with, the one that slept against him at that moment. He had waited seven years to be with her, dreamed about her every night, holding onto the visions from the day they had met. The visions, not just of her being in danger, but the visions of passion that had visited before they found one another in the most complete way possible had kept him wanting even though they were apart. <br><br>The words she had whispered before sleep meant everything to him. Her proclamation of love that she felt had made him feel incredible. He had whispered his love in return, not just after, but throughout the two hours she had slept. It hadn’t worried him that she was unable to stay awake and fulfil his own desires as he knew they had a lifetime together, to share themselves so completely whenever they desired and he would never deny her. He felt her stir and his hand automatically moved to the back of her head, stroking her so she woke up gently and happy. “My love” he said quietly “it is good that you wake now, we need to clean ourselves and get ready for the feast his majesty has prepared.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 21:22:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The half elf came slowly back to herself, yawning and shifting in her lover's arms with a drowsy smile as her eyes fluttered open. She blushed, realizing she had passed out so soon after coupling with him, leaving him no chance to find his own release. Hopefully her nap now would mean she was better able to sate his desires in the evening. She lifted her head slowly, enjoying the way his hand stroked the raven silk of her hair. "It wasn't a dream...." she murmured, half in awe, her voice husky with sleep even as one slim hand lifted to caressing his cheek tenderly, eyes focused on him as if she could burn his image into her mind all over again. <br><br>A sigh parted her lips at the thought of a feast, of being close to the King who always made her feel a touch uneasy. But she would be with Richard, near him, and that was all that mattered. Her eyes moved from him for a moment as she glanced around his chamber, seeking out her discarded gown and contemplating it. "I'm not sure my gown is fine enough for a feast, I tend to wear simple dresses for when I'm working." She sighed again, slumping back into his chest and curling into him tightly, nuzzling his chest as she breathed out her thoughts against his skin. <br><br>"I wish we could just stay here Richard, I just want to be with you tonight....."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 21:51:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He closed his eyes as she stroked her hand over his cheek. Her hand felt wonderful, every touch she gave him was a gift of happiness and he couldn’t get enough. For the first time since their previous night he felt truly happy. Nobody ever had reason to question Richard’s bravery or courage, always being the stoic warrior, but now a tear ran down his face. It was a tear of sheer joy and happiness for the gift Ciaran had bestowed upon him. He returned her look and felt the electricity that existed between them as they wordlessly took in each other features for all of time. <br><br>“My love, any gown that you wear will look majestic regardless of its condition. However, it would be remiss of me not to address your concerns. I...I have gowns that you may wish to try on in the next room. I ordered them after our first night as I wished to shower you in gifts, but did not have the chance. You look as wonderful, if not more so than you did seven years ago. I am sure they will fit. If they do not however, I will order the dressmaker to make you one, or at least alter a dress of your choosing before dinner.” She nuzzled against him once more, a simple action that took his breath away.<br><br>“I wish we could stay here Ciaran, but sooner or later my duty must take precedent. Just tonight my love must we endure the fancy of the king. He wishes to honour me” he said in a voice laced with embarrassment. He had not fought for glory or feasts; he fought because he had to. “Tonight after the feast, I will tell the king that I shall be leaving his service. He will not deny me after what my men and I accomplished. We could then be together, away from duty and life for one another. Two hearts that are so entwined should never be apart.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-01-2010, 23:31:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Softly her fingers touched his cheek, one slender one gathering the droplet of his tear to bring it to her lips, kissing it and savoring the joy that had shed it. It was hard to be upset about anything when he was finally with her, touching her, speaking to her again. She sank into the pleasure that being with her love was and let it wash away her concerns, her chin cradled by one of her hands as she gazed at him, blushing happily at his compliments. "Oh Richard..." she laughed softly and leaned forward to kiss his cheek with an affectionate peck before she pushed herself up to sit, shaking out her long hair. <br><br>Her hand lifted to comb through the loose cascade of midnight silk, her eyes moving to him as he spoke of gowns and gifts. Her expression was shocked, she had never expected much in the way of gifts or such, no his words were more then enough for her usually. Yet now, gowns, that was such a touching idea, and would he be the type to bring her flowers and jewelry as well? There was still so much she did not know of the Knight she had fallen in love with. She crawled on the bed, over him, her hands braced on either side of his face, the long tresses of her hair hanging around them and curtaining their faces off from the rest of the world. Her forest colored eyes were bright and happy "Oh...Richard you are the most wonderful of men...." she murmured adoringly before kissing him sweetly. <br><br>Ciaran pulled back then, twisting her hair together in a loose knot to hold it back from her face, a bright smile upon her lips as he spoke of the two of them gone, away from Court and from duty and work, to be able to just be together. "Ah, well then perhaps I should be happy for the feast then, for it to provide such a chance." She flashed an impish smile and kissed his cheek once more before nearly tumbling off the bed, reaching down to the floor to pick up her discarded shift. "I shall go see about a gown from your gifts, though do you think it would be possible to get a bath in here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>20-01-2010, 18:02:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled as they shared more affectionate kisses and he was delighted by her reaction to the news of the gowns. He could see in her eyes she had not expected any gifts and truth be told there could be no gown that could overshadow her beauty nor jewels bright enough to dull her eyes. She was sending him to heaven as she moved over his body, their naked forms constantly brushing against one another. Finally he was able to allow himself to move after she got off the bed. “Take a good look, there are plenty of gowns and jewellery to choose from. I shall take care of getting a bath and plenty of hot water bought in.”<br><br>He clambered off the bed himself, taking one last wistful glance at her wonderful form before throwing on some simple clothes, just a basic top and pants. “I shall be a few minutes. The castles servants will bring up a bath and I will knock first to ensure you not compromised in front of them.” Richard headed out towards the kitchen where most of the servants waited for their orders. It was odd living in the castle again after so many years. For seven years he had slept in tents or under trees, sometimes just on the ground, the grass his only mattress. He wondered through the corridors until finally he reached the kitchen.<br><br>“My Lord” the head servant stood and greeted him “how may we be of service?” Richard smiled and replied “Would you be so kind to send a bath tub to my room with plenty of hot water. I wish to bath before my dinner with the king.” “Of course my lord, i shall be dealt with immediately.” The head servant began making arrangements with his staff and Richard said before leaving “Thank you. Please ensure your staff knock before entering the room.” The servant bowed and nodded and returned to making his arrangements. Richard grabbed a couple of apples and a flagon of mead with two cups before returning to the room. He knocked before entering and found the room empty. Ciaran was still in the adjoining room looking at the gowns he had arranged for her. “The bath will be here in five minutes” he said loudly to make her aware. A smile had crossed his face, the first bath they had shared was at her cottage. Would they share another in his room?<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>22-01-2010, 09:15:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She flashed the knight a shy smile, her eyes drinking in his form even as he dressed and she toyed with her own shift. If she could she would have plead him back to the bed, spent the night simply in his arms, lost in rapture and love without this duty or politics. But this was for more freedom, for them to be together without duty ever coming between them again and so she would forfeit the night. "You will spolit me..." she teased at him even as he left the bechamber and left her to her own devices. <br><br>Curious the half elf made her way into the next room, blinking in surprise when she realized it was a small intimate bower, meant for a lady. He had planned some for her, wanting her with him. She trailed deeper into the room, thinking about the bath that was coming before she went to the wardrobe and opened it to look at the gowns within, still feeling shy with just her sheer shift on. It was Richard, the man she had loved as long as she had truly understood love but they were still strangers in so many ways. Ciaran could admit the woman in her wanted to look her best for him. Her hands moved over many of the dresses, caressing them and wondering what look best on her for a night in the King's hall with his Champion. A cream colored one, soft to the touch and yet sturdy too, caught her eye and she drew it out, a smile spreading on her lips as she realized it was edged with the same emerald green that made up her eyes. The color would flatter her skin and eyes and set off her raven hair, it was perfect. <br><br>Richard's voice called to her then and she bit her lip before going to lay the dress across a chair carefully, along with the matching pair of slippers before going to look at the jewelry her Knight had gathered for her. She chose a simple gold necklace, mostly just one strand of the precious metal, set off with pearls every fingerspan or so and pearl droplets in her ears. It was simple and yet elegant, hopefully he would approve. She left the jewelry out and slipped back into the bedroom with a shy smile. "Hello my heart, you truly are....wonderful. I did not expect such finery."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>25-01-2010, 21:21:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“They are merely rags and rocks compared to your beauty Ciaran. However once you are adorned in them I shall feel differently I am sure.” He reached out and stroked her face gently. Just being in the same room with her, he felt the need to be in constant contact, touching her no matter where. It was a need he could not explain. His hand slipped to hers and he gazed once more into her eyes, intoxicated in happiness. A knock at the door pulled his senses from her. It was the bath and the many buckets of steaming hot water.<br><br>“Place it over there please” Richard pointed to an empty part of the room. “Please leave the water, I shall take care of the rest.” The servants bowed and left leaving just Ciaran and Richard with another bath tub. Certainly they both needed to clean themselves from the passion earlier, but Richard knew, if they shared this bath the feast would most certainly be missed. He sighed and began tipping the water into the tub. He knew what he wanted, but his duty to the king came first although his imagination was running rampant. Just seeing her naked once more would drive him wild and for the first time, considered leaving the room while she bathed.<br><br>Once the tub was half full and not too hot he turned to Ciaran. “Please my love, why don’t you go first. I shall pick out my clothing for this evening. As much as I prefer simple clothes, the king demands a certain amount of dignity in his presence, whether it be clothes or manner. Forgive me.” He would not leave the room just yet. First he would take her hand, to ensure she was balanced and safely in the tub before leaving. The bath was actually bigger than the one at the cottage and again his desire to share it with her occupied his thoughts.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>27-01-2010, 22:16:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed at his compliment, after all the gowns and gems were far beyond anything she would have ever chosen for herself; regardless of the fact that her father was a powerful noble in his own right, and her mother a lady of the elves, she was simply a healer to her mind, though a blessed one to be born to the rank she was. It meant she could be with him. The woman turned her face into his hand as he caressed it, green eyes fixed on him with love blazing in their depths. Their hands intertwined and she drank in the feeling of being with him before the door was knocked upon and he was pulled away to deal with the bath. <br><br>Ciaran watched in silence as her Knight took charge, staying back as the servants moved in and Richard moved forward to the tub. He was making it ready, for both of them or just one? When he spoke to her she wasn't surprised but she nodded sadly all the same, slipping off her thin shift to bare herself once more to him. They likely didn't have the time to tarry, which would happen if they both shared a bath together, maybe one day. Hopefully. She let him help her into the bathtub and sank down into the hot water with a happy sigh as she relaxed into it. Her eyes followed Richard when he left, wishing he could remain. <br><br>For a moment she lingered in thought before she set about washing herself neatly and quickly, leaving her hair up, she had washed it in the morning and it would take too long to dry for court. Done she slipped out of the hot water and dried herself off before pulling on her shift again and then the new cream colored gown. She paused then, torn between going and getting ready in the room meant for her or trying to find Richard and letting him know that the bath was his.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>29-01-2010, 19:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Richard had gone to another room which contained a few garments that he used for formal occasions. He had very few as he had little time for preening himself like a peacock and strutting around court. His friendship with the king had guaranteed his usual lack of presence at formal affairs, but when a feast was held in his honour, skipping out was not an option. Richard selected the clothes he would wear to the dinner which consisted of a blue tunic and pants, deep in colour with silver edging giving the wearer an appearance of refinery. Now he just needed to clean his up before dressing.<br><br>He walked slowly back to the room so he could give Ciaran plenty of time to wash and dress. He doubted he would be able to resist her if he saw her naked again, it was difficult enough when she was dressed. It was an enchantment he was happy to give himself too as it made him feel so special to be loved by her, his own love towards her, just as strong. Finally he made it to the door. He knocked then entered after receiving her permission. He closed the door, looked around then stopped in his tracks. Ciaran stood before him, dressed in a gown that not long before was just a piece of cloth. Now it was more. The lady filling it bought a life to the garment he didn’t believe was possible. Richard found himself unable to move, completely taken by the vision before him.&nbsp; Finally he closed his mouth and blinked. “My lady....my love...you...you look incredible.” he breathed in awe.<br><br>The shy smile and blush that rewarded him for his truth just made his heart yearn even more for her, captivating him. He took a deep breath and tried to focus on what he needed to do. He needed to clean himself. Slowly he undressed in front of her, stealing glances, etching the vision of her into his mind. He undressed facing away from her, simply because his arousal was beginning to show again and he just didn’t have the time for that wonderful pleasure. Carefully he lowered himself in the tub and lay back. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips as the warm water immersed his body.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>08-02-2010, 09:05:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His words washed over her, a welcome soothing balm to her nerves as she smiled shyly, her eyes lighting up for the Knight that had caught her heart seven years ago. The dark haired healer felt her cheeks burn with a blush as she smoothed the skirt of the gown needlessly, feeling that awkward seventeen year old that she had been when they first met all over again. So much for being a mature woman of twenty four, but with him she felt timeless and free. So she downcast her eyes and moved back toward the other room, gazing back at him a time or two, shyly, drinking in the wonderful details of his figure with a soft, feminine smile flirting at her lips. "I love you..." she whispered softly before slipping into the other room.<br><br>Ciaran's stomach was a knot of butterflies and she shook her head at herself, banishing them sternly as she went to the vanity and pulled out some of the gems, finding pins topped with pearls that would go well with her dark hair. She spent long moments getting her hair neatly pinned back, but in such a way that her ears were covered by the ebon tresses, plucking out a sheer cream colored veil and a silver cornet, setting them both over her hair and further obscuring any hint of her elven heritage. It also was what was proper, for a maiden of the court. Though she wasn't a maiden, she was Richards. <br><br>For a moment she lingered, smiling dreamily into the mirror, a necklace laying in her hands as she toyed with it idly, waiting for her Knight to summon her out. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>07-04-2010, 22:22:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Richard cleaned away the rigours of his day and the less vigorous and more amorous parts of the day too. He felt as if world was completely upside down. From the battles, the nightmares and the darkness he had lived in for these past years had all been overshadowed by a divine light , a divine light named Ciaren. Truly she was a healer unlike any other. He had no doubt that the healing she had given him was unique to him and only for him. From the moment they had first met he had known his future and destiny lay with her and no other woman would ever turn his gaze from her. As the thoughts wondered through his mind he realised he did not have time to tarry so he finished cleaning himself as quickly as he was able.<br><br>It didn't take him long to dry himself off and soon he was dressed in his formal uniform, making the final adjustments before he was ready to present himself to Ciaran. He gave himself one last look in the mirror to ensure he was satisfied and made his way to the adjoining room where Ciaran was waiting.&nbsp; He knocked and opened the door already aware that she was dressed. Once more he felt the wind knocked out of him. She was a vision beyond anything he had ever experienced except for the times he had spent with her. Taking a deep breath he said "My lady, would you do me the honour of accompanying me to dinner?" and held out his arm to her, his eyes twinkling in anticipation. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-04-2010, 07:43:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shifted when a knock fell upon the door, turning toward it with the cream veil ghosting around her dark hair, properly pinned up for once. A smile lit her features as the door opened to reveal Richard, the healer quickly getting to her feet and discarding the necklace she had been holding, marveling at the gifts he had gotten for her to long ago. Her eyes danced with her joy, green gems in the candlelight as his gray eyes stared at her in loving adoration. A pretty blush colored her cheeks as she steeped toward him, step after step carrying her to his side and her hand lifted shyly to place itself upon his arm, aware that so much would be new to them, so much that they had never done. That one stolen night seven years ago had not been enough, earlier, though divine, had not been enough. Ciaran doubted anything ever could be. <br><br>Gracefully she inclined her head, her lips quirked with her smile. "Always my lord, I would go with you anywhere, follow you to the very ends of the world. Though I truly hope we don't have to stay long, we have so much to speak of, to catch up on..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>18-04-2010, 15:52:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The heart hammered within Richard's body from Ciaran's beautiful words. He gave her a slight smile in return as he replied in a soft, yet strong voice "I too hope the feast will end quickly. Yours is the only company I crave, all the better if we are alone together." His own smile widened as he looked deeply into her eyes, seeing the love she had for him in those beautiful orbs , knowing his love love her Ciaran reflected back at her. He waited just a moment longer enjoying the moment before turning to guide his love towards the great hall, where the feast would be taking place.<br><br>As they travelled down the various corridors Richard tried to look for any changes that had occurred in and around the castle since he was here before. It all seemed so strange and unfamiliar, unused to stone walls that had been a part of his life when he was growing up. The war he had fought, for his country and his king had left him in the wild for many years and in a moment of clarity realised he preferred being surrounded by nature than by the stone that now encased him. <br><br>As they closed on the great hall Richard whispered to Ciaran "I do not believe I have ever felt this nervous. Even when I was facing an invading army which outnumbered my own by three to one I did not feel like this." Richard needed the comfort of Ciaran's physical touch to help steady him. He took the hand that was wrapped around his arm and slid it into his own. It would be a breach of etiquette to walk into the hall holding Ciaran's hand, (women had to be led by the arm and elbow according to Alfred) but Richard did not care. Ciaran was his equal, regardless of titles or of gender and he would not lead her to the feast as a piece of property.<br><br>A young man noticed their arrival in the preceding corridor and signalled to the trumpeters to make ready although Richard was unaware of the planned fanfare. As they walked into the hall the trumpeters started their fanfare. Richard almost reached for the sword that hung by his side until he realised what was happening. He forced himself to relax and revelled in the simple touching of the hands with Ciaran. The young man announced them to the large gathering of nobles who were waiting for them in the hall.<br><br>"Your attention. By order of the King, please welcome the General of the Kingdoms forces, the victor over the invading armies of the lands of Kremin, Lord Richard Marstell accompanied by the Lady Ciaran."<br><br>Richard felt himself flush from the attention as all of those gathered turned and faced him and began applauding and cheering as another fanfare blew. His hand tightened around Ciaren's, but not enough to cause her any discomfort. The King approached them, his arms outstretched and in a voice so all would hear said "Richard, welcome to the feast in your honour. The saviour of our Kingdom." He embraced Richard and as he pulled away his eyes flicked briefly to hands being held by Richard and Ciaran and a look of annoyance crossed his face. It was gone in a moment, but Richard had noticed, but decided not to care. "And we meet once more" said the king to Ciaran, taking her free hand which he kissed.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-04-2010, 22:27:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had seen men immortal and handsome, strong and sure, and yet none had ever come close to the Knight who stood before her now, it was as if their souls could read one another, touching and adoring. She smiled back at him, his words of wishing only for her company touching her heart, touching at what she to desired before she let him lead her from his set of rooms out into the hallways of the castle. She had no wish to draw attention to herself and knew that the feast would do just that, if she was at his side, part of her had considered begging off, requesting to stay in the bedchamber but this was his night of glory and she would not abandon him nor did she wish to be apart from him, not after so many years gone to the dust without him.<br><br>Walls of stone, thick and protective surrounded them but she felt it as a prison of sorts, after the years spent with her elvish family she was use to the gentle wilds, the deep woods, the glory of the sunlight spilling through the trees, of open air and birdsong. She would have to take Richard there, one day. <br><br>Her emerald eyes moved to Richard as he spoke to her of being nervous and she gave him a smile to reassure him, unsure of what to say or how to. When he took her hand and held it in his own though a blush spread across her cheeks, aware of what he was saying with this, aware of how he thought of her. And it made her love him all the more, adore him for his thoughtfulness, his tenderness and concern. He was worth waiting seven years for, or seven times seven years, however long it took she would have waited for the man her soul said was the other part of her. <br><br>The sounds, the fanfare, announcement of their arrival, all of that blurred out as she focused on his touch, on being with him. That was all that mattered. <br><br>She stayed close to him, her cheeks pink and eyes large and solemn, a quiet lady, graceful in a way that was not quite of this earth as the crowds cheered for them. The King approaching had her draw further in against her Knight, eyes uncertain. When the man kissed her hand she gave him a slight nod, as a lady should to a ruler, but not an inch more, her features not suffused with the warm tenderness Richard alone received from her. "Your Majesty." <br><br>Ciaran spoke in but a whisper, a voice of a angel, and her hand in Richard's tigthened, her nerves on edge. "It is a honor." she forced pleasantries from her lips that she did not feel, hoping they could sit soon and get the banquet over.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>22-04-2010, 13:28:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Come, come, sit beside me" Alfred said gesturing towards the table, leading the couple towards his seat where two spaces had been left free. The king sat, sporting a large grin believing Richard was enjoying himself. He was not, the only part of this he enjoyed was Ciaran's presence. Richard pulled the chair out for Ciaran and eased it in as she sat down, but did not sit himself. Instead he addressed the other guests at the table and lifted the goblet of wine that had been left.<br><br>"Friends, his majesty has been singing the praises of my deeds in the protection of our realm, but the truth is I had a great deal of help. A general giving orders to an empty room accomplishes nothing. Many men lost their lives defending our borders, many more were maimed and those that returned with me will have to live with the nightmares of those terrible days. Do not sing my praises, but instead raise a glass to their courage and sacrifices and let us not forget that they have saved us all from tyranny and death."<br><br>Richard looked at the others guests as he held his goblet high, somewhat dismayed to see the ingratitude towards the common soldier. He stared and held each one with his eyes until all had raised their goblets with him. He nodded to the king once more before finally sitting next to Ciaran. He whispered gently into her ear.<br><br>"So many gave their lives so these people could continue living the high life, sneering at the commoners who saved them. The ingratitude!"<br><br>He felt the anger beginning to boil inside his mind, but was able to hold his tongue from saying anymore. Thankfully his toast to his men had caused the other guests to avoid his eye contact and any need to engage him in conversation. After saying a quick prayer to himself, he began to eat with the intention of leaving the table as quickly as possible with Ciaran. The King was still very much animated and decided to address Ciaran while Richard was busy with his food.<br><br>"Tell me my dear lady, Richard has remained tight lipped in regards to you, so why don't you tell me about yourself and how you met Richard." He looked into her eyes with the curiosity he felt.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>24-04-2010, 03:58:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran moved with Richard, right at his side and silent in her grace before she sank into the chair he held for her. Her eyes tracked him, quiet but adoring all the same, a tender fire for anyone who looked closely enough and his speech to the court did her heart wonders. She found herself wanting to kiss him all over again, to kiss all over his body and worship the man so wonderful as he who understood the value of all life, of all people. He truly was worthy in every way, every day she had spent waiting worth it for any other man would have been lesser. The nobles however did not seem to view it in the same way and a shadow filled her eyes, knowing how out of place she was in a place like this. Part of her wanted to leave that night, to sail back to her kin across the ocean, but first she would have to convince Richard to go with her and would he really want to leave the country he had just spent seven years fighting for?<br><br>Her goblet was raised as was his and she drank of it to the toast, deeply, though part of it was her own fear of what could happen. She was now, perhaps, too little human in her thoughts and actions. Her body turned into him as Richard sat, her hand reaching for his to sooth him with her healer's touch. "They are what their world has made them, and you are a blessing to me and the world. You and your people did great deeds and nothing can rob you or them of that..." she murmured to him, a soft whisper meant only for his ears. <br><br>The half elf bit her lower lip, wishing she could say more but unsure of what to offer as the others set to eating. She watched as her Knight prayed, wondering if he would take issue with the fact that she was too all extents pagan, before picking up her eating knife and toying with her own food, with little to no appetite. The King speaking to her had her freezing, her emerald eyes raising to look at him for a long moment without speaking. <br><br>"He saved me my lord, from bandits some years ago." She gave the truth, simple and neat, but did not add anything about the night they had spent together or how they felt about one another. The King had no right to such details and she picked up a roll, tearing off a piece to place it in her mouth, forestalling her from having to speak too much for a moment. "I was out gathering herbs for my mother early afternoon when they set upon me and then there he was, a true Knight in shinning armor."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>26-04-2010, 20:23:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Richard does have a way of riding to the rescue" The king said good naturedly. "I wish more these" he signalled to the others in the room "had the honour and bravery Richard has. I believe they are all quite jealous that he is held in such high regard."<br><br>Alfred was not exactly a diplomat and was quite happy to speak rather loudly, enough that a few looks shot his way. The looks didn't remain for long, not while Alfred looked around to see who would dare challenge his assertions on his friend. "Fancy taking the time to toast his men. None of these would consider such an action. They would be more interested in garnering as much attention as possible for themselves."<br><br>Alfred slammed his goblet on the table. "Honour, do any of you know the meaning of the word?"<br><br>Richard was startled by the outburst, but immediately smiled to himself. Regardless of his faults, Alfred could be decent at times and the only one who was free to offer his opinion in such a manner. A few of the nobles looked rather haughty, while some of the others had the decency to look down at their plates from their king's rebuke. The king chuckled gently to himself before looking back at Ciaran. "They really don't like it when I tell them off."<br><br>"Tell me of your family dear lady, are they of noble stock?"<br><br>His eyes met the emerald eyes of Ciaran, not just in appreciation, but almost boring into her wanting to know all about her. Soon his dark brown eyes began to linger over Ciaran's body drifting slowly up and down and at one point fixing on her chest in a rather obvious way. The king was someone who was used to getting his own way, especially with the ladies of the court and sometimes the commoners, nobody would ever dare to say no to the king. Richard hadn't looked up to notice, still fixated on his food so he and Ciaran could escape this feast as quickly as possible.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>28-04-2010, 22:06:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran inclined her head in agreement with the King's statement, reaching out with one hand to pick up her goblet and sip at the wine there. The wine was a good red, sweet and not too bitter and she welcomed it, for it was easier to focus on little things outside of the King, he made her nervous for some reason. "Richard is the kind of man many wish they could be." she assented, her eyes moving to the Knight at her side who she loved, knowing him to be the best of men. <br><br>Yet the way the King spoke, so loudly, earning looks of displeasure did not seem wise. He encouraged his Court to behave as if they were better and yet chastised them in turn to be more humble, and then to speak so, it was not very wise nor a quality of a good leader. She felt another pang of longing for the Court of her Uncle's, across the sea, refined and graceful, democratic in many ways as well. <br><br>Alfred's question on the heals of her thoughts about her family made her eyes lift to him with slight shock in them, a blush upon her fair cheeks before she nodded slowly. "Yes Your Majesty, my father is a Duke of lands to the west of your keepings, he quiet applauded your handling of the invasion to the east. And my mother is a daughter of a royal house from another country." She left it there, not speaking of her elvish blood, sensing it would not be a good idea. <br><br>Her lips thinned when he clearly gazed as her bosom, eyes lowering to stare at her lap for a moment, head tilted downward so her veil gave her some privacy. "Richard, I wish to retire, I will be waiting for you. Your Majesty, an honor." She managed a smile before getting to her feet and all but fleeing the great hall. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>29-04-2010, 21:59:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Richard sensed there was something wrong immediately from the short silence that occurred between Alfred and Ciaran. He caught Alfred staring, but from his position was unable to see what it was that had caught the king's attention. The sound of Ciaran's voice spoke volumes as she stood to leave and Richard struggled to stand as a mark of deference to his love as she almost bolted from the room. Richard looked hard at Alfred wondering if his King had insulted her.<br><br>"My, my Richard. You have certainly picked yourself a beauty there, even if she is a somewhat skittish individual. Come, finish your dinner, we have dessert coming soon, plenty more wine and some minstrels to play for us. I have even arranged us some further entertainment."<br><br>Richard did not need a picture to be drawn, he knew exactly what the King meant by entertainment, which Richard felt was inappropriate considering he had bought Ciaran to the feast.<br><br>"If you'll excuse me Majesty, I must attend to my lady." Richard stood to leave.<br><br>"Nonsense, she clearly wishes to be alone and would not begrudge you your celebratory feast."<br><br>"Forgive me Alfred, but Ciaran is more important to me than wine and women." Richard moved to leave.<br><br>"Very well Richard, but return soon. This is all for you."<br><br>Richard bolted after Ciaran, concerned that she had left in such an abrupt manner. Finally he made it to his room and knocked gently on the door. <br><br>"Ciaran my love, I apologize if you wish to be alone, but I must enter."<br><br>He moved inside the room to find Ciaran sat on the bed, her face not facing in his direction. He sat at her side, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.<br><br>"Ciaran, what is wrong my love?" concern filling his voice as he sat patiently waiting for her to speak.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>04-05-2010, 07:49:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had made it to Richard's rooms without being stopped and she was grateful for it, she flew into the rooms and slammed the door behind her, trembling and feeling nearly ill with the feeling of something being terribly, terribly wrong. Or like it was about to turn wrong. The half elf sank down onto the bed, closing her eyes and inhaling deeply to try and steady herself, to think through the uneasiness that seemed to fog around her. Her hands lifted to take off the circlet and veil just before a knock came on the door.<br><br>She didn't bother to answer, her eyes lowered and face adverted from her Knight as he entered the room. After all what could she say to him? Alfred was his King and his friend and she had only feelings to go on, feelings that were very little in the end. His hand on her shoulder made her want to speak her mind but she didn't, instead turning to slowly face him, a heart weary sigh leaving her lips. <br><br>"Nothing to worry about beloved...I am just overweary, I was up early to tend the wounded and it has been a long day. Please, do not miss the feast on my account, I shall simply go to bed." She offered a wan smile, suddenly looking very weary indeed. Ciaran lifted a hand to touch upon his softly and her smile softened, warmed. <br><br>"I promise I shall be fine Richard."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>05-05-2010, 21:34:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The concern he was feeling became more prevalent, something wasn't right especially from the sigh she gave, but he had no idea what it was. Unless it was his own paranoia making him question her claim. 'Her claim?' he thought angrily to himself. What was he thinking? Ciaran would never lie to him, he knew that much as sure as he was about the mutual love they shared. He chided himself mentally for believing something that could not possibly be. No doubt being in the presence of such 'noble' people, being the centre of attention was undoubtedly wearing for someone as private and sensitive, at least that's what Richard chose to believe. He nodded and smiled as he looked into her jade coloured eyes and enjoyed her touch.<br><br>"Of course Ciaran. I'm sorry. I was remiss in not remembering all of the caring and hard work you had accomplished before I arrived back here. Please forgive me my love. I shall let you rest. Please, use my bed and quarters for as long as you wish and treat them as your own." he said solicitousy. "Please call the servants should you wish further refreshment.<br><br>Richard stood, then bowed to Ciaran with a smile on his face. she was right, he had to return to the feast.<br><br>"I shall do as you suggest my lady and return to the feast. By your leave" He bowed his head once more, then lent forward to kiss her on the forehead before walking out of the door.<br><br>The feast was almost over by the time Richard returned with the last of the nobles bowing to the king and walking from the room.<br><br>"Richard, I do hope your lady is well?"<br><br>"Sire" Richard acknowledged and bowed. "She is weary after a hard day's work combined with a shock to the system I'll warrant. I have left her to rest."<br><br>Alfred nodded and beckoned Richard to join him.<br><br>"Richard, I know you have just returned from a long campaign, but I need you again, our people need you again. Will you heed the call?"<br><br>"Majesty, I am yours to command, although....although I was hoping to request a leave of absence."<br><br>"I shall be happy to grant that leave once this situation is dealt with Richard. There have been a band of outlaws roaming in our realm attacking and stealing from our citizens with impunity. I need you to find them and return them here for execution. It is a job I would not trust to anyone else. Will you do this for me?"<br><br>Richard grimaced inside, all he wanted was a quiet life with Ciaran away from the castle and the king. Just him and Ciaran lost in the middle of nowhere with no more fighting, along with the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on to be his lover...'no, not lover. Wife.'&nbsp; It seemed fate had other ideas for him now and his ideal lifestyle would have to wait. Ciaran, he would have to tell her of course along with the possibility of another long wait before they could truly spend time with one another once again. <br><br>"Yes your majesty."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>12-05-2010, 07:03:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She felt so badly as he left for withholding how she was feeling from him but what could she do? Tell him that she neither liked or trusted the man he called his friend and had served for so many years? Men were bonded together and she was not about to risk loosing Richard for the uneasiness Alfred caused her. A sigh parted her lips as he closed the door behind him, still feeling his kiss on her forehead as she was left alone in the bed chamber.<br><br>The healer lifted a hand to her hair, gathering the veil and cornet to her as she went into the solar to undo her hair and place the gems and pins back where she had found them, her green eyes full of heavy thoughts. What was it about the King that made her so uneasy? He seemed not to care that she was Richard's chosen lady from all signs of it, to have looked at her thusly and asked her the questions he had. Why would he do any of the things that he had unless he was planning to court her himself? And that, she knew, would lead to disaster. Would Richard even protest if his King wanted her? Oh, nay, that was not a fair thought to have about her beloved, yet still it sounded within her until she wished she would block it out. Ciaran laid the jewelry back in its places carefully, shaking out her long hair to let its raven strands flow down her back. <br><br>She went to the wardrobe next, pulling out a sheer shift and laying it on the bed within the room before turning her attention to the laces of her gown and undoing them with careful hands. It was but a moment's work to slip out of the beautiful gown and exchange it for the shift that seemed to whisper against her body. Her love had given her very fine gifts indeed. She glanced around the room once more, picking up a brush and then left it for his bedroom, going before the fire and sitting upon the thick rug that lay there. <br><br>There she lifted her hair over one shoulder and slowly worked the brush through it, humming softly to herself as she worked out her hair, her eyes half shut as she sank into her self and let meditation take her mind far from her current place, from her concerns, from the fears that wanted to take her mind when Richard wasn't with her. Perhaps she should go to her brother and tell him she wanted to leave, if Richard was done with his work he could follow her right? Would he? She hoped, but part of her feared the answer would be no. <br><br>And so she waited, humming, brushing before the flickering light of the fire in a sheer garment that would tease at her lover's senses when he returned. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>16-05-2010, 18:43:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It didn't matter what she was wearing, every time he caught sight of her it was like a first time, always catching the breath in his throat. This time was no different as he walked into the room. Ciaran sat before his fire in the same simple sheer shift he had seen her in before and as before had a profound impact on his senses. For a few moments after closing the door he spent a few moments adoring her from across the room. It was like a dream, a fantastic wonderful dream that he wished he would never wake up from. Before, war had been his life, the reason for his existence. No longer, he lived for Ciaran as future would lie only with her.<br><br>"Ciaran my love" he said softly as he moved to her side, reaching out and stroking down the side of her face with a gentle touch "I requested a leave of absence from my duties. The king has granted my request on condition I serve him once more. There are outlaws roaming the kingdom and causing suffering to innocents. These are not the usual type of rogues, but organised in their criminal acts. It is beyond the abilities of the local law keepers to control the situation."<br><br>He hated telling her this, but it would mean complete freedom for them both. Richard had enough saved to ensure a comfortable life for both of them no matter wherever they decided to go.<br><br>"It will not be for long, I promise you. I shall catch these criminals and bring them to justice as quickly as I am able. Every moment I will spend away from your side will be torture and I will not rest until we are together once more my love."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>20-05-2010, 08:03:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His voice stirred her from the depths of her mediation and she blinked, looking up as he moved toward her with surprise. She would have thought she would hear him entering but apparently not and her lips touched with a slight smile of welcome, hands gathering her long hair over one slender shoulder even as she inclined her head in welcome, a lady even in her most private moments. His hand to her face though made the smile bloom further on her lips and she turned her cheek into the caress, into his hands and savored the contract of their skin against one another's. <br><br>Then his words sank in and she stared up at him in shock, the emerald of her eyes bright and wide, lips slightly parted even as that nameless fear pressed at her heart again. Others could deal with the outlaws, others could play servant to the King. The half elf trembled even as he knelt to sit beside her and she reached for him, shaking her head with her eyes large and glimmering in the firelight. <br><br>"Nay, please, do not go Richard. Please. I have a bad feeling about it...and I can not bear to be parted again so soon..." she plead then, for more then she could put to words, fearful and her heart aching within her breast. How selfish she must sound, to put herself and her love for him before the suffering of the innocents but she did not believe that the King truly could not stop them. <br><br>He wanted them apart, whatever the reason it was not good. "Please Richard..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>21-05-2010, 20:46:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ciaran" he breathed feeling the pain of having to be parted from her once. He leant forward and kissed her gently on the lips. He didn't want to go, didn't want to be parted from her, but the thought of spending the rest of his life with her was overwhelming. Richard was now a man of love, but the man of duty still resided within him. One more duty to fulfil, save the lives of innocents before he could save himself.<br><br>"I must do this Ciaran. If I did not I could not live in peace with you as my dreams would always be haunted. Be strong my love, it will not take long, I promise you. When I return....when we leave this place......" Richard struggled to put into words what he was feeling "...we could... we could wed." He flushed as he spoke "Marry me Ciaran, marry me when I return from this mission so we may never be parted again."<br><br>His hand reached over and took hers as he looked longingly into her eyes. He wished the language existed to put into words how strongly he felt for her, but all he could do was lean in and kiss her once more with all the love that he felt. When he withdrew he held her gaze once more.<br><br>"I leave at dawn on the morrow. My men are handpicked and I promise you Ciaran, no more than one week shall pass until we together once more."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>28-05-2010, 02:21:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His kiss touched at her soul, her heart and made her wish she could merely bid him a trusting farewell, could just wait until he was done with what tasks his King laid upon him. But how could she when her senses screamed at her that something was off. The healer shifted away from him slightly, her face cast down to look at the rug as she nervously gathered the wealth of her raven hair over one shoulder and twisted the strands to give herself something to do. His dreams would haunt him if he did not do what he thought proper, she knew her's would be plagued when he left. <br><br>However that was laid aside in shock when he spoke of wedding, when her Knight asked her to marry and her eyes flew up to his face, shock in the emerald hue as she stared at him. She let his hand steal one of her's from its twisting upon her hair and the other fell into her lap as she blinked, surprised. Ciaran half expected more words but instead he leaned into her and their lips met. <br><br>All anger, all fear, it melted before the force of the love that kiss spoke of, before the joining of their souls as they had always come together and she nearly wept when he broke it, biting down on her lower lip and nodding sadly at his words. "Do as you must. I will wait as I have before." She finally murmured hoarsely to him. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>05-06-2010, 17:25:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Richard wasn't surprised she did not answer his proposal, it had come out of the blue, but Richard knew to be parted from her was as if he had been sentenced to a life imprisonment in hell itself. The shock in her emerald eyes spoke volumes, her kiss, so gentle and tender, spoke more. He knew she would marry him regardless of the silence as their souls were already intertwined so completely. He gave her a slight smile as his gaze remained fixed on her as if etching her features so completely into his mind so everytime he closed his eyes he would see her just as clearly.<br><br>Finally he pulled away, not without reluctance so he could change and sleep. It would be an early start and he had already sent a messenger to his men and to the stables so all would be ready for the journey. Leaving Ciaran would be so difficult, having to be parted from her once more, but he took solace from her reply. She would wait for him. He knew she meant every word from the raw emotion that had accompanied her words.<br><br>"Let us sleep soundly and once I return, we may continue where we left off" <br><br>The joy he felt finding her, the intensity in which they coupled after seven long years of being apart, Richard hoped his return from this short absence would bring them both the pleasure, peace and happiness they both desired. He finished stripping from his formal wear, dropping the clothes on the nearby chair and slipped into the bed. It was cold without her presence, but holding her was as much as he intended on this night. If they pleasured each other they would be up for hours and Richard needed a fitful sleep much to his regret.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>11-06-2010, 20:34:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gazed her so intently, her Knight, but she did not ask why, nor question it, for she understood it well enough what it meant to soak in another's presence, to burn every line of a beloved's face into one's memory. After all hadn't she done just that when he had never returned all those years ago? She had spent days, hidden and withdrawn in the cottage that she had shared with him, recalling every expression, the line of his lips, the light of his eyes, the strength of his arms, the breadth of his shoulders. And so the healer answered his smile with a wan one of her own, unable to hide the worry that still lingered within her heart. <br><br>Richard had the Sight, so perhaps he had seen something that she hadn't, perhaps he knew more then she did; but Ciaran had Empathy and it told her something was wrong, something would happen that would risk all that they were and any&nbsp; happiness they could have. But how could she put that into words, the fear and shapeless danger she sensed? <br><br>He moved first, to stand, to get ready for bed and she stayed on the rug, her eyes lowering to stare at the thick fur as her thoughts darkened but she nodded in response to his words. She had meant what she said, that she would wait for him but that did not alter the fact that she was not happy about his departure, and so she stayed sitting, picking up the brush again to work it through her hair and try to calm herself. She knew if she went to bed with him now she would need his touch, need him to kiss her and tell her it would all be okay. And that she could not ask of him, she could not be that selfish when he needed rest and not the loving of their bodies. <br><br>She stayed there, before the fire for a long time, past the darkest part of the night before she finally moved to join him in the bed, clad in just her shift to sleep the last of the night away. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>12-06-2010, 21:22:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Richard's dreams were uneasy, all he saw was pain and misery, but the vision was unspecific as if something was interfering with his abilities. The part of his mind that could think logically knew it wasn't Ciaran's presence since he had no problems earlier while she was near. Perhaps it was the emotions associated with being parted from her once more. Despite the reasoning of his mind he couldn't shake the impending feeling of doom. He woke with a start while it was dark and noticed Ciaren had snuggled close to him in the night. Even though he only caught the look of her face in the moonlight, her beauty radiated the room from her peaceful unblemished face. He had the urge to stroke her cheek as his love for her was overwhelming.<br><br>If only the King hadn't asked him to leave as if imposing conditions on his discharge. All he wanted was to be with Ciaran. Surely he had done enough to warrant such happiness in his life? The king hadn't thought so, sentencing Richard to be away from his love once more. He knew he couldn't refuse the King, Alfred had been most insistent that Richard led the men although surely such a mission would not require his battle tactics or troops, just an ably led group of men. It was his one consolation, Richard would be going with his battle hardened veterans with whom the bond of trust was already entrenched with each other. Finally he drifted back to sleep, this time thinking only of Ciaran and the love they had for one another.<br><br>Not long after dawn broke over the kingdom and Richard's natural ability to wake with the day had him refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead. He washed and dressed quietly to ensure he didn't disturb Ciaran, before it was necessary to. Once he was ready, he had no choice, but to wake her or leave without saying goodbye and that he was not prepared to do.<br><br>"Ciaran" he whispered gently, following straight after with a gentle kiss to her lips. <br><br>He watched as her jade eyes fluttered open and focus on him. She smiled the sweetest smiles he had ever seen, before the memories of the previous day returned to her thoughts and the smile lessened. <br><br>"It is time for me to leave my love. Will you dress and accompany me to the stables?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>16-06-2010, 05:33:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A hand was touching her, lips pressed against hers ever so slightly, a voice speaking her name to wake her. The healer's lashes fluttered open, a yawn parting her lips as she shifted on the bed, a drowsy smile coming brightly to her lips as she gazed up at Richard. He was here, with her. Just like she had always dreamed, always longed for after that first night together. Only...the memory of the night before came back and shadowed her eyes even as she moved to sit up, letting the sheet fall to pool around her waist, one hand going to push back stray strands of her raven black hair. <br><br>Ciaran twisted her loose hair together, nodding at his question. "Oh, of course Richard, I would....like to say goodbye." Her voice caught a little as she spoke, sorrow touching her but she didn't let it cause her to cry, at least not yet. Instead she slipped from the bed, going to the solar that was attached to his room to find a new dress. Neatly she brushed out her hair and then slipped out of her used shift for a new one and a gown of a pretty violet color, good as any for saying goodbye. She did the laces up quickly, eyes shut to keep her calm and try and block out the emotions that wanted to roll through her. <br><br>She could feel him, just as she had all those years ago and he did not want to go either, he wanted to stay. Oh how she wanted to beg him to do just that, to just stay at her side. But he was a Knight, a commander and she was a lady and there were things expected of them. She left the solar, fixing on the veil and cornet she had used the night before just as she stepped back into the man's bedroom. <br><br>"I'm ready."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>19-06-2010, 22:15:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He waited respectfully as she got herself ready. He daren't watch or he would never leave her, which was already proving more difficult than he could have possibly imagined. He had been prepared, or so he thought, but the moment of actually having to say goodbye which was fast approaching was becoming harder to bear. When she appeared he gave her a sad smile and offered his arm, then reconsidered and offered his hand instead. He was gratified when her soft hand found its way into his. As they left the room, Richard's heart was heavy&nbsp; and getting heavier by the second. The corridors seemed dark and foreboding, more so than any time before. Soon they were approaching the stables and Richard's heart sank. The men ready to ride were not his men. They were the elite king's guard, but not battle hardened like his own men. <br><br>"Why are you here? I am taking my best men to deal with this crisis, not a palace guard."<br><br>"Orders sir, you men are on stand down and the king ordered us to take their place."<br><br>Richard's feeling of foreboding grew deeper with this revelation. Why would Alfred do this to him? Alfred had told him to resolve this quickly, so why send a guard detachment instead of the elite forces? <br><br>"I am going to see the king, this is just..."<br><br>"Ah Richard" Alfred spoke from behind "Are you not pleased I have ordered my very best men to aid you in your quest?"<br><br>"Sire, my own men...there is a trust between commander and soldiers..."<br><br>"Which you will build with these men. Now I believe it is time for you to leave."<br><br>Richard felt like arguing, but Alfred's demeanour was clear, he had to go with the selected men. He turned to look Ciaran deeply into her emerald eyes. Without words he leant forward into her kissing her deeply.<br><br>"One week my love and we shall be together forever."<br><br>His horse was led out, ready and saddled. Richard took a deep breath before turning away from Ciaran, checking the saddle and shoes as well as the provisions. He mounted his horse then lent down to take Ciaran's hand giving her a loving smile.<br><br>"Think about my return, our marriage and where we can go, my love. Hold onto those thoughts,&nbsp; soon as they will be true."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>07-07-2010, 08:14:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a little relief to be had when they emerged from the castle, the open air closing around her like a welcome friend and the scent of trees and the feel of the earth around her offering a soothing balm to her heart as it feared itself breaking with the parting of her Knight. She was silent at his side, their hands clasped together and when they came to the stables she found her heart grew heavier with the words he exchanged with the soldier's that awaited them. Not his men, the King's men. She could not say why but that fact made Ciaran want to shiver and she thought of her brother and the wilds were they felt the most at home, of her mother's people. She wanted to leave then, to go into the forest where she knew she was safe and hide; but she had given her word that she would wait for Richard here.<br><br>After so long without him, after truly believing that she had lost him she was not sure she was willing to risk everything to simply feel more at ease. <br><br>Alfred was Richard's friend and a King, a good one by all accounts usually, she would try to have some of the faith her love so clearly placed in the man. It was hard though, so very hard, especially when Alfred's voice cut through the air from behind and her hand tightened slightly in her Knight's only to loosen as the two old friends spoke and she found some little part of herself retreating. Richard had the Sight, but perhaps it was clouded. Her Empathy was not, and she would trust it. Perhaps she would retreat to the forest after all, Richard could find her, if he wished and she hoped he would. Though would he forgive her, that was another thing altogether. <br><br>The healer pulled herself from her thoughts when Richard turned to gaze at her, the green of her eyes concerned and loving, his smile summoning a slight one of her own. And then he kissed her, oh he kissed her and she melted into him, her love firing all a new for him and she knew that this man was the one she was meant to spend her life with. If only life would be so kind.<br><br>"One week." she murmured in assent, praying that it would be true despite her heavy heart.&nbsp; <br><br>He moved away from her then and she felt his loose as keenly as if it had been her own hand and cut from her. Still she remained composed, standing proud and tall with her chin lifted delicately and her green eyes fixed on him. "I will think of you in every moment and every breath Richard, your return can not come soon enough."<br><br>She gave him the truth of her heart, in words, in her eyes, a love that still burned as brightly and impossibly as it had all those years ago on the fateful day of their meeting. "Go and return to me quickly. Be safe."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>16-07-2010, 20:26:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked over his shoulder at Ciaran as he left the courtyard, but as he did his eyes flicked towards Alfred. There was something in the way Alfred was looking, first at Richard, then at Ciaran. Richard wondered what that meant. Finally he was out of sight of both of them, his heart already missing Ciaran's presence. As he turned to look ahead a strong vision hit him hard. He could see himself in a wooded area, the bandits already captured and tied up waiting to be taken back to face justice when he heard a sword unsheathe behind him. The next moment there was pain...no...agony. He looked down at his own chest and saw the blade of sword sticking out from his stomach. He felt himself fall forward onto his knees, trying to turn his head to see who was responsible, but everything went blurry.<br><br>"My Lord?" Richard heard the voice, but could not place&nbsp; who it belonged to. He was still engrossed in his vision.<br><br>"Lord Marstell, is everything all right?"<br><br>This time he recognised the voice. It was Captain Winters of the palace guard.<br><br>"Ahh, captain, yes I am fine. I was thinking of the lady Ciaran. Are your troops ready for this venture?"<br><br>"Yes My Lord. At the kings behest we having been training hard to deal with any kind of trouble. It will be good to put that training into use."<br><br>"And how much trouble have you dealt with at the castle?"<br><br>"My lord, we caught a gang of pickpockets and have guarded his majesty."<br><br>"Stay alert captain. Training is no substitute for battle experience." Richard felt his heart sink. These troops were not ready for this assignment and it would take every bit of his experience to lead these men to a victory. The vision also troubled him. Was it a vision of being attacked by the bandits or by these men? He vowed to stay alert.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>20-07-2010, 08:05:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She knew King Alfred was looking at her, she could feel his eyes on her like nearly a physical thing and it made her wish he had never seen her in the great hall that she had not gone with Richard the night before. <br><br>But she stayed still, standing tall and proud as she watched her Knight ride away from her again and felt the ache of that knowledge in her heart; how long would it truly be before he returned? Somehow she doubted it would be just a week apart, just seven short days compared to the seven long years that had passed after the last time he had left her side. When Richard was no longer in sight she sighed softly to herself, one hand going to make certain that her hood was properly in place and not about to give away the secret of her ears. <br><br>"It was nice of you to see him off Your Majesty, I know how highly he values your friendship." She spoke to be polite, trying to smile before dipping a elegant curtsy with her head bowed. When she stood again she turned, to walk toward the stables herself, planning to find solace in the horses until her brother woke. <br><br>"Excuse me, I am use to solitude now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>01-08-2010, 20:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, no ,no, this will not do." replied King Alfred. "While Richard is away you are under my care dear lady. Do not shut yourself away. I am Richard's oldest and dearest friend after all. Go and refresh yourself, I wish to escort you around our beautiful gardens." <br><br>Alfred's smile was not a comforting one as he waved to one of his male servants who looked a little like a thug.<br><br>"Take care of the lady's needs and see she is present in the dining room in one hour."<br><br>"Majesty" the servant nodded after speaking with a rough and uncultured voice. "This way ma'am."<br><br>Alfred sauntered off to his own quarters to ready himself while Tarn escorted Ciaran to her chamber.<br><br>"You should be grateful the king is happy to look after you ma'am. Not many get his direct attention and protection."<br><br>They arrived at Richard's quarters.<br><br>"I'll wait here until you are ready."<br><br>Meanwhile Richard was still feeling the effects of the vision and the foreboding it held. Most of his visions had come true and If the one he had just had came true, then there would be no future. Instead of dwelling on the bleak future, his focussed on his lady Ciaran instead. From their meeting the wild to a meeting at the castle and palace. Was it fate? Now he wasn't as sure, but he knew he loved her and despite the vision, would fight to be by her side once more.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>09-08-2010, 20:55:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the King spoke she nearly rebuked him, she was not one of his citizen's nor was she a common woman he had no right to demand anything of her and yet he was male and use to his authority. She pushed away her temper, away the urge to rebuke, promising to herself that she would figure a way out of this all soon. Perhaps it would be best to leave the castle and go into the forest with her brother, it would certainly put her more at ease. Gardens however did not sound too horrible, though his smile was. <br><br>She stiffened when the thug like male servant neared her and the King moved off, she did not welcome being herded back to Richard's rooms like an errant animal. Her lips compressed as the half elf sought to find some sort of serenity in the sudden twist life had taken, it was hard though, so hard. The thugs words made her all the more upset. <br><br>"I am grateful for what kindness the world gives me however I would welcome the peace of solitude to be alone with my thoughts." She opened the door and shut it sharply in his face, clearly not welcoming him inside as she tried to calm herself. She paced then, muttering in her mother's tongue under her breath. She had an hour, very well she would use it. She went to the bed where she and Richard had spent such a wonderful afternoon of loving, where they had slept before being parted. Ciaran sank to sit on it, sighing to herself. <br><br>What was she to do? She had no wish for the King's company but to put up too much of a fuss now so early on would be bad. If she could just make it to a time of day when he would be thoroughly distracted by the demands of his kingdom then there might be some hope. She went to the solar then, making sure that the circlet and veil she wore covered her hair and ears completely, smoothing her gown and lingering, hoping some miracle would happen. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>05-01-2011, 20:19:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alfred was in his quarters finding his favourite casual wear. He didn't want to feel or appear too stuffy in from of Ciaran. <br>'Ciaran, where did Richard find you? You deserve better than being with a soldier, you need royalty on your arm.' he thought. Richard was just too popular with the masses to keep around, the man was a hero, brave, noble and ready to sacrifice himself should the need arise. He would make an excellent martyr for people to look up to when they needed the extra inspiration. Alfred knew he had very little of any of those qualities and even being the king could not elevate him in his people's eyes and hearts. If Ciaran was on his arm however, the populace would be impressed with his new queen.<br><br>It was sad, Richard had fought hard to safeguard the kingdom and all would have been well, friendships rekindled if only that woman had not appeared. Clearly she had stolen his heart and from the moment Alfred had first looked upon her, he knew why. They had been best friends for so long, but now that was over. Ciaran belonged to Alfred, the king, not to Richard a commoner raised to a lordship by his father. All the thoughts in his find focused on why he was deserving of such a lady while Richard was not.<br><br>Soon he was dressed in a white shirt and pants that had gold interlaced with the fabric. It may have been his casual wear, but they were still clothes worthy of a king. Alfred also spread some of his specially made perfume that would intoxicate her senses along with his pristine look which thanks to his servants his hair was perfectly in place. The look required to court a lady.<br><br>Not long after he was in the dining room standing regally in front of one of the large windows waiting for Ciaran to arrive. He had it all planned out in his head, how he would gently woo her, impress her with everything he was. Not even Richard would be able to turn her head.<br><br>"Isn't she here yet? Bring her here immediately, I grow impatient." he ordered the nearest guard.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 03:59:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hour passed all too quickly for Ciaran, and though she prayed that her brother would come to see her, or even Richard would return she was left alone in his rooms for that hour. The door was knocked on and rather then be dragged from the room by ignoring it or feebly trying to lock it she answered it with a serene expression. The guard gestured for her to follow him and she shut the door behind her, longing to be curled up in her Knight's bed, in his arms, safe. But she followed behind the guard, silent to the dining room where the King awaited her. <br><br>Ciaran entered the room and inclined her head only slightly to the King, still very much aware that she was not his subject and only here for the sake of the man she loved. She should have stayed in the forest. <br><br>Still her green eyes seemed calm, her ivory skin flawless and her long black hair hung down her back to her waist, complimented by the simple dress style she had chosen, a green that nearly matched her eyes for color. "Your Majesty, truly you do me honor with your offers for company but I am a simple woman, use to the more reclusive places of my parents estate. I wish only to retire to my Lord's rooms and then return to my family until he comes back from his mission."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 19:33:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her appearance shook Alfred, she was just so breathtaking. She may not have been a queen in name, but her bearing was that of royalty. He couldn't help notice just how eloquently her jade coloured eyes matched the dress she was wearing complimented by the way her jet black hair framed her torso. He moved over to her quickly, taking both her hands and kissing them both, one after another.<br><br>"Nonsense" he cried "you are my guest here. A lady of truly breathtaking beauty must never be left alone. Come, take my arm. The gardens are waiting for us although they will surely pale next to your beauty my dear."<br><br>Alfred's mind was racing, it was true she was not a subject of his, but she was in his lands, his country and therefore subject to his laws and any laws he chose to create at a moment's notice. Nor was she an ambassador. He knew he could and would bend her to his will.<br><br>"Tell me Lady Ciaran of your parents and this estate of theirs, I wish to know everything about you and where you hail from."<br><br>He led her outside to the gardens. To Alfred, this was the place where all who visited gasped in wonder. It was so lush with life, everything perfectly trimmed into its proper shape with pools and fountains adding further wonder. Alfred had over twenty gardeners to keep it pristine, but as he hardly ever left the grounds he didn't realise that to outsiders who lived with nature that his gardens looked artificial when compared to the outside world.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>06-01-2011, 20:49:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The woman stiffened when he kissed her hands, holding them with such familiarity that made her extremely uncomfortable and she tried to drop them, to hide them in her skirts, preferring her more independent solitude when Richard was not around. She was not use to touching men she knew so little so much. His mention of her breathtaking beauty made her want to gag; was that the only reason he so desired her company then? Or was he like a little boy and seeing his friend having a woman of noble blood and beauty made him covet the same? Her green eyes held a quite fire, a disgust for him as he gave her no choice but to take his arm and go into the gardens. <br><br>Still she kept the hand on his arm hovering, hardly there, trying to avoid as much of touching him as possible. His gardens that he was so proud of seemed stiff and unnatural to her Elvish raised senses but she did not speak of that, did not dare insult something he had put so much time in it. It was not the way nature was suppose to be though and she mourned that these plants would never be able to feel the wild magic that was in their nature, too ordered and directed from their most infant stages of being. <br><br>The command for information about her parents made her pause, unsure of what to say. She was not about to give away the secret of her blood, that was far too dangerous to do. She wished she had never been so foolish as to leave her mother's people. <br><br>"My father serves the King of Ifanial, a country to the north of yours; he is a trusted adviser and holds the largest sovereign duchery of Ifanial, that of Nelium. My mother's people are from across the ocean though I fear, and little is known about them." Simple enough, she hoped, and the name of her father's Duchery along with the fact that he served King Armeth would hopefully be enough to make this King of a much smaller country,&nbsp; respect the boundaries of propriety. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>12-01-2011, 17:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah, you come from noble stock. I thought as much." Alfred paused before a smile grew larger on his face. "Kings are only supposed to marry&nbsp; other royalty or those of noble blood. It limits choices somewhat as not all princesses are...appealing."<br><br>He let the thought hang in the air as he led her further around the garden to more of the same scenery. His thoughts were lingering hard on Ciaran. Yes, if he married her the masses would adore him for making such a lady his queen and that she was of noble birth, it could work out so well for Alfred. He would not be denied. She had too much to offer to be allowed any lesser title. He doubted King Armeth would object, he was already married and producing heirs to the throne and what more could a father want, a duke with the honour of his daughter becoming a queen. All of these thoughts churned through Alfred's mind, it was just a question of how to get what he wanted.<br><br>"Have you considered marrying my dear? I assume you will marry into a noble house with a long heritage, maybe even queen, beautiful, magnificent and inspire all of your subjects who would bow and swear loyalty to the throne. Think Ciaran, what else could a noble woman desire? Husband to a king, a treasury full of jewels and gold, the adulation of the masses. All you need is a king to marry." he said smiling.<br><br>Alfred had decided, he would not wait, he would ask her to be his wife immediately, that was until a servant approached.<br><br>"Sire?" the man said respectfully as he bowed. Alfred was flustered and annoyed with the interruption.<br><br>"Yes? What is it man?"he asked angrily.<br><br>"Affairs of state sire" the man said nervously as he passed the king a sealed envelope. Alfred paled a little at the wax seal on the back of the envelope.<br><br>"Fine, fine, go, leave us" he waved the man off and turned to Ciaran. "I'm sorry my dear lady, there are matters I need to attend to. I'm sure you will not object to dining with me this evening. I am having a special dinner prepared just for you."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>17-01-2011, 02:48:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran stiffened at his side, her features remote and serene but her beautiful green eyes glittered with annoyance as every word he spoke only made her opinion of him worse. He was a selfish and self centered man. To even imply that she was 'marriageable' when she had clearly spent the night with his best friend and most loyal Knight seemed to have no valor at all in it. She did not trust this man at all. She kept her silence though, gliding along at his side as if she were not inwardly wanting to shake off his touch and flee to the forest. <br><br>"I am in fact engaged your Majesty." She murmured politely in response to his question, thinking wistfully of Richard. The mention of a queen made her heart sink within her breast, because that spoke more and more of his plans and purpose with her. She had no desire for anything of the things he named, but then he knew nothing about her the person, only her beauty and bloodlines. <br><br>He didn't know that she loved the forest, that she enjoyed healing, that she cared little for fine gowns or jewels. He would probably be appalled that she wore simple peasant garb and went barefoot to gather herbs in the forest. She had little like or need for attention and she was glad once more that she had withheld anything to make him think she might have elvish blood. <br><br>The way King Alfred spoke to his servant did not impress her either and she pursed her lips slightly, lowering her eyes to the ground to feign demureness when all she was doing was longing to leave. When the King's attention returned to her she inclined her head regally, her green eyes empty. "As you wish your Majesty." Was all she said, though she inwardly knew that it would hopefully be the last that he saw of her. She meant to seek out her brother and make plans to leave before dawn the next morning if possible. If nothing else she could send her brother to their father and tell him of her unease.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>20-01-2011, 16:57:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ride had been long and hard, but finally Richard and the palace guard arrived at the site they were to make camp for the evening. Fortunately there were plenty of supplies available, unlike during the war, where the patrols were ordered to hunt and find food as well as the enemy army. Richard wanted to push on, get closer to their destination and capture the criminals as quickly as possible so he could return to Ciaran's side. He watched the sky turn from a bright blue to a deep orange as the sun continued on its journey until the darkness arrived. The sense of foreboding and the dark visions also returned.<br><br>-----------<br><br>As night began to fall a tall figure with long raven coloured hair vaulted gracefully over the palace wall and landed without a sound. He had heard his sisters call, not verbally, but the sense that she needed him and Arien would heed that call as long as he lived. He moved stealthily throughout the grounds unseen and unheard by all, trying to sense where she was in this place of brick and mortar with its many rooms. Working his way through the corridors Arien stuck to the shadows, concealing his large form in the dark corners even though guards passed within two meters of him. Finally he arrived at a wooden door, his senses informing him Ciaran was in the room just beyond. For a few moments he listened intently for any sound inside the room to ensure only Ciaran was present. Quietly he unlatched the door and slipped inside, closing it behind him, again without a sound. He whispered into the shadowed room.<br><br>"You called my sister?"<br><br>------------<br>Alfred was in a foul mood after receiving the letter. His staff had felt his rage whenever they ventured within range of him. 'Another trade agreement...LOST! Anybody would have thought I had insulted them deliberately.' he raged in his mind. In truth Alfred had been extremely rude to the small kingdom of Siernon (which shared a small fifty mile border to his kingdom in the south east) without realising the impact his words would have. Richard had initially negotiated many of the treaties and trade agreements, but without his guiding hand and reasonable voice Alfred was unable to cope.<br><br>"You, guard, find the wench and bring her here, it's time to eat"<br><br>"Sire?" the guard asked<br><br>"The woman that I escorted around the gardens" he said impatiently "or are you blind as well as stupid?"<br><br>"Sire, it was not my watch."<br><br>"You are supposed to watch and know everything. The woman who accompanied Richard to the feast is whom I am referring to."<br><br>"Ah, Lord Marstell's betrothed?"<br><br>"Lord Marstell's former betrothed you buffoon. Now go get her."<br><br>"Sire" the guard said as he nodded acknowledgement and left the room.<br><br>"Idiots...I am surrounded by idiots." Alfred muttered after the guard left.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>20-01-2011, 18:01:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had sent the call as only those of her blood could, through the earth. Her brother was wise enough not to spend nights trapped here in stone walls were the forest could not touch and where man's touch dominated everything. Left alone in Richard's chambers she had taken to pacing them, nervously toying with her hair and praying. After the sun set and night came stealing across the sky the door opened into the rooms and she turned, half fearing it was a guard come to fetch her for more of the King's company. The half elf nearly wept with relief to see her brother standing there. <br><br>Ciaran went straight to his side, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tight. He smelled like deep forest, pine and loam, like home and haven. She pulled back from the hug though and tugged on his hands, leading him into the solar that was the ladies private area. Even if the guards came to fetch her they wouldn't come in here out of respect for the fact that she might well be dressing. <br><br>"Oh brother..I should have listened to you." She breathed out the words ruefully, tears collecting in her eyes. So much frustration and fear, so much heartache. She could have waited, could have found Richard in quiet. She hadn't been thinking clearly.<br><br>"The King sent Richard off. I meant to leave for the forest myself after that, my Knight, he wants to marry me...he asked." She smiled at that thought, clearly deeply in love before sobering again, a hint of her fear in her eyes. "The King means to marry me though I think. He was asking after my bloodlines, I only mentioned Papa's though. I fear he won't let me leave."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>24-01-2011, 12:02:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arien held onto her hands once she had led him from the main room and listened intently to her words as well as trying to sense her feelings. Her feelings when she spoke of her knight were filled with a deep love, something Arien had never experienced for himself. Ciaran's concern was also evident when she spoke her fears and he squeezed her hands gently. "Very wise to keep our mother's bloodlines a secret, sister. These humans are nothing more than apes in the way they perceive the land and all things living. They would surely try to kill us as they fear what they do not understand. No, I will not allow him to hold your prisoner here. How dare he treat you in such a way." <br><br>Arien let go of her hands and began pacing in the small area trying to think. He was a warrior and had trained since he was young to be as agile and athletic as he was, although taking life was abhorrent to him. Ciaran was a healer and her gifts as wonderful as they were would mean sneaking out and vaulting over a wall was an unlikely course. "We wait until the early hours, I will create a distraction and pull the guards away from here to give you the chance to get out of this place. Wear your hooded cloak and wait near the gates. I will open them for you." He stopped pacing and took her hands once more and managed a smile. "When you are free will set up a small camp along the road your knight departed on so we may....."<br><br>A loud rapping was heard from the main room along with a man's voice. <br><br>"Ma'am?" the guard said in a raised voice through the door. "The king requires your immediate presence in the dining room. I am to escort you."<br><br>Arien pulled a small dagger from his belt and whispered. "Say the word sister. You need not put up with this oaf whom commands you to wed him. I will take you from here this instant." Arien's anger did not just come from the insult against the king's assumptions, but from what Arien believed to be a lack of respect of their bloodlines.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>25-01-2011, 01:05:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her expressive emerald eyes watched as her brother paced the room, as he clearly took on some her burden into himself. She was an Empath thanks to their mother's blood and while he had not inherited as much of that gift as she had he had enough, especially with her to detect how she was feeling. Her heart was in her throat at the thought that she might be able to escape, though she was not happy with how he viewed humans. What would he think of her very human Knight? Goddess, she had not even thought of the differences in how she would age compared to her love. But that was a thought for another time, another place. There was trouble enough already at this moment. <br><br>Ciaran sank down into her vanity chair, sighing softly as she watched her warrior brother plan their escape, each word that fell felt like a stone though, walling in some fate she didn't want to happen and she found herself wondering at it. Was she perhaps feeling some of Richard's power left over here or just her too concern being to high? The knock on the door jarred her and she bit down on her lower lip, green eyes dismayed at the sight of a dagger in her brother's hand. <br><br>She hastened to his side, pushing his hand down and away, her other hand coming up to cup his cheek even as she shook her head. "No, please brother don't do this, at least not yet. If we raise too much attention it will be near impossible to get away. And he only asked me to stay through dinner with him, I have given no promise to remain beyond that. Nothing holds us here past tonight so let me go and try to make him see I'm not the woman for him. I would not risk you when I know we have such little chance."<br><br>The half elf stood on tip toe, brushing a kiss to his cheek and hugging him tightly. "Please, stay here in the solar, I will return and we can plan more then."<br><br>She called out to the door, her voice above the hushed whisper she had used with her sibling. "Just a moment sir, I am finishing dressing." <br><br>It was only fair after all, the King had summoned her far sooner then he had said he was going to. She glanced around the room, shrugging out of her over gown in favor of a silver one over the cream under gown. It was not truly changing her dress but men never paid full attention to a woman's clothing anyway. She hurried around the chamber, replacing her simple circlet from the afternoon with a silver one that held emeralds nearly the same hue of her eyes and put on bracelets upon her wrists as well. Her eyes stayed on her brother, silently begging him to heed her even as she moved toward the door and opened it, praying that he would listen to her and not do anything yet. <br><br>She was grateful that he moved out of the way, hidden in the shadows where the guard could not spot him.<br><br>"Forgive me sir guard, I fear the King had mentioned my having more time."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>30-01-2011, 19:16:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arien was not happy. Letting his sister go to this dinner was a mistake, at least, that was how he felt. He could do nothing else. Ciaran was a grown woman...more than a woman and he had to let her make her own decisions. He watched from the shadows as she left the room wishing she would have let him take her away. Instead, he sat in her vanity seat, closing his eyes and trying to focus on her mood. Ciaran was incredibly gifted with her powers of healing and empathy, yet Arien could only ever sense her. Perhaps it was the bond they shared that allowed him to feel her feelings as all others were blank to him except one. The only other was their mother who had loved and cared for them both so much he could always sense her feelings. In the darkness he sat, eager for Ciaran's return.<br><br>---------------------------------------------------<br>"Forgive me my lady" the guard replied "I follow the kings orders and he....requested your immediate presence." He chose his words carefully, recognising that the young woman was probably as trapped as himself. "This way please."<br><br>-----<br>A few minutes later<br><br>"Where are they? Were my orders not clear?" raged Alfred unable to keep his seat. He stood and paced, then promptly sat down again. The guards in the dining room shared a private look, unwilling to say anything. "Food, bring food now, I'm hungry." he huffed as his guard and Ciaran walked into the dining room.<br><br>"At last, at last. Well you certainly keep a man waiting don't you?" he said trying to mask his impatience with a light voice, although it was more than likely his ranting was heard a lot further away. "Please, please sit my dear" he said as he stood, directing her to a place near his own seat. A servant stood ready behind her chair to slide it in when she sat. When she did sit he took her hand unbidden, holding it in his own before leaning forward and kissing it. "Please forgive my abrupt ending to our most pleasant walk in my gardens. Just affairs of state that required my attention. I'm sure coming from a noble background these things are common place." <br><br>After she sat he followed suit dropping into his seat almost bursting with energy. He had decided he wanted to marry her quickly to bolster his position, but wanted to wait long enough to invite some very notable guests including those who had decided to withdrawal from the trade agreements . "My dear, the food will be here shortly. I hope you don't mind, I was hungry and decided to move things along. Now, while we wait, I wish to discuss our wedding......."<br><br>------------------------------------------<br>Richard woke after deciding an early night would allow them to get a better start on the day, however, it was still the evening. He had woken in a cold sweat after a rather disturbing vision, not of him, but of Ciaran. She was trapped, held against her will, calling out for him and Alfred was there also, not as a prisoner, but as the prison keeper. Why? What was going on? One word uttered his lips as he tried to make sense of what he had seen. "Ciaran."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>03-02-2011, 04:39:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It surprised her to find kindness in the guard and she gave him a slight smile to soften her rebuke before following him in a graceful glide down the hallway toward the impatient, immature King who demanded so much time from her. She wished it was Richard she was going to see and the thought of the man she loved, the Knight she was so very proud of was enough to make her heart lighten, to bring a true smile softly to her full lips. She could be polite and demure to the King for his sake, to learn more about his friend that he had served so long and true while they had been apart. <br><br>And this time the parting would only last for a week, not seven years. <br><br>Comforted by her thoughts she inclined her head slightly when she entered the room, though her calm and serenity was hard pressed to remain at the King's greeting. He was like a petulant boy who had been deprived a sweet. She was a person, not a object. Her eyes darkened a touch with her annoyance but she was lady enough to not show any sign of outward displeasure before a King, though he was not her king. She settled into her chair, smoothing her skirts only to start when her hand was grasped so intimately by this man who was mostly a stranger. The way he tried to pass over his affairs of state did not impress her, a King had a duty to his people, just as any lord or lady had a duty to their people. To have more then others was to be a custodian of things, to safe guard them for those less fortunate and give back in whatever manner they could. <br><br>Again she was put in mind of a young, immature boy; though that she sensed was better to keep to herself. <br><br>Still her eyes widened in shock, lips falling open in dumb wonder when he said the words <em>our wedding</em>. Her lashes fluttered as she tried to recompose herself, dropping her eyes to her lap and wishing she could free his hand from his without being rude. "Do you mean my wedding to Sir Richard? I fear the plans for that are my mother's domain, as I am her only daughter and she has long cherished plans to put into motion there. I expect we will travel to see my parents upon my Lord return." <br><br>But as she mentioned Richard she got a flash of something through Alfred, something ugly and horrible; jealousy, hatred and grim satisfaction. Her skills with emotions stretched so far when touching another person's flesh that it was almost like reading that person's thoughts. Her stomach dropped, heart almost stopping at what she read from the King at her side. He wasn't expecting Richard to come back, ever. Lust filled him too, for her, for power, for what he thought she could bring. <br><br>Ciaran kept her eyes lowered, wanting that privacy as she cast out her awareness, glad that in this mortal kingdom the gifts of the Others were so less seen. There were no other Empaths in this kingdom. Arien and her were two as one at times and she had found to her delight that they could share thoughts when children. Now that turned to something else, something that was a blessing. <em>Arien go. Now. Don't wait for me. The King isn't going to let me go...go find Richard, I fear his death is coming at the hands of the King's men. Please save him. Please.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>06-02-2011, 13:35:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Richard? Don't be silly my child. You cannot be a queen with Richard. No, our wedding. You WILL marry me dear lady, I have decreed it. You are in my kingdom, you will follow my commands." he said petulantly. At the sound of Richard's name anger and jealously flooded his mind, no longer thinking of his former friend, but of his own selfish desires. In another day Richard would be no more and Ciaran would be free to marry him. His grip tightened on her hand, but was short of actually hurting her.<br><br>"Do you not see what I can give you? A life of nobility, of royalty. You get to sit at the hand of the King. What more could a lady want?" He gave her a smile so cold it would send shivers of fear through her body, his eyes flashing with an anger as she feigned her ignorance. "Refusing an order from the king would be a grave mistake my child." His raised is other hand as her turned towards her in his seat and reached out to stroke her face.<br><br>------------------------<br><br><br><em>Ciaran? What is this?</em> Arien thought as he bolted upright in the chair as he felt her scared thoughts. <em>Richard? What about you? I cannot leave you</em>.... The word <em>PLEASE</em> hit him the hardest. She feared for Richard, not from the men he was sent to hunt, but by the King's own men. Arien was torn, his sister was so close he could feel the fear radiating from her which almost caused him to run to get her killing any who would get in his way, but also knew she was strong and clever and capable of surviving. Reluctantly he agreed and immediately set about escaping the palace. He opened the window and looked out for the guards. There were some patrolling, but none in a close proximity. He climb out and began to make his way down the high wall, his slender yet strong fingers finding purchase where a man's would not.<br><br>Silently he dropped to the ground and headed towards the nearest wall as if he was nothing more than a shadow. He stopped at the base, listening for any signs of life on the other side with his sensitive ears. There was nothing within a hundred yards he judged and with a silent leap he managed to grab on to the top of the wall and vault himself over. Moving quickly and quietly he made it undetected to the edge of town, where he looked back at the palace and it's grounds.<br><br><em>Fear not sister, I will save Richard and together we will return to rescue you. Be strong.</em><br><br>He disappeared from the town, moving only as only one such as he could to find his sister's betrothed.<br><br>-------------------------------------------<br><br>As he walked around the camp, Richard sensed something close, a brief vision of the sword through his body as before appeared in his mind. He span around grabbing for the hilt of his sword. There, not a few feet away was Captain Winters. Richard looked warily at the man. "What are you doing captain? You should be sleeping. The only men that should be awake are the guards?"<br><br>"My Lord, I heard somebody moving around and I decided to investigate. When I saw it was you I decided I would follow to ensure your safety." the man replied uneasily.<br><br>"Is that so captain? We have plenty of guards holding picket for the safety of the camp. I doubt none could enter without their knowing. I am in no less danger than when I was in my bed." Richard couldn't help notice the man's sword was half unsheathed and his eyes narrowed, his hand still on the hilt of his own weapon.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>20-02-2011, 03:25:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cold sharp fear filled her, not numb panic, not emotional shock at the words that came from the King's lips. She couldn't let herself feel either of those, couldn't afford to be numb or overly emotional. This man terrified her in ways she had never known to fear before. Her hands clenched in her lap, her eyes staying lowered on her plate as if it were the most fascinating in life for her now. Ciaran forced herself to breathe slowly, evenly, to think of Richard and know that he would be okay. Airen was going for him, he wouldn't let her Knight die. He wouldn't, it wouldn't end up like that. <br><br>The hold on her hand hurt but not as much as her heart at the thought of what this betrayal would do to Richard, her valiant Knight who had left her, lost so much to serve this callous, evil man who deserved nothing from him. <br><br>Gently she withdrew her hand, pushing her chair back and lifting her chin with a quiet, regal somberness. Her green eyes held rebuke, shining in such a way to show Alfred what a lesser man he was, how this was wrong. "I have no wish to be queen. I love Sir Richard and my heart and body has always been his, for seven years I waited and even if seven hunred more I must wait I shall. He is to who my heart will stay." Her words were softly spoken, laden with the richness of her love, so deep and pure that it glowed in her. <br><br>"You are not my King, and I do not want you to touch me. Please allow me to go back to Richard's rooms and rest before leaving in the morning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>15-03-2011, 22:21:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You do not understand" Alfred replied, his gaze boring into the maiden before him "If you did not wish to be subject to the laws of this land, then you shouldn't have stepped inside of its borders. Foolish girl. You walk into this palace, not as an ambassador, but as a love struck girl dangling to the coat tails of a soldier who only knows how to kill. I offer you an alternative, to give you a life of quiet contemplation, wanting for nothing with the small price of marrying...and sharing your bed with me." <br><br>Pushing the chair from the heavy table, Alfred stood. His eyes were still fixed on the green eyes of Ciaran, his own as unyielding as hers. The guards nearby noticed as the king summoned them with a gesture. A smile crept across his lips which didn't touch the eyes.<br><br>"It is a pity you are too blinded to see is what is in your best interests dear lady. I give you one more chance to change your mind. You can leave here and retire to my quarters as my betrothed or you can leave in the company of my guards as my prisoner."<br><br>The guards moved to either side of the young woman, their armour clanking with every step until they stopped. Neither had their hands on their swords, but the hilts glinted menacingly in the flickering of the torchlight. The imposing figures stood, awaiting an order from their king who held out a finger towards his prey.<br><br>"I warn you madam, choose wisely. I hold your future in my hands. Richard will be dead before morning, he will not be able to save you should you choose....badly. What say you?"<br><br>-------------------------------------<br><br>The surrounding bustle of the wildlife and trees had been Richard's ally. Captain Winters was now lying at the base of a tree a few hundred yards from the main camp, disarmed with Richards blade at his throat. A rivulet of blood slid down the captain's neck as the honed blade pressed against the skin.<br><br>"What were your orders captain? The bandits I was sent to hunt down, they were just an excuse to bring me here, away to the wilderness where I could be disposed of quietly. Is that why I am here? Quietly now captain. I would rather not have to kill the entire guard, but I will if I have to."<br><br>"Yes" the captain replied in a quiet gasp as he tried not to shake. Never before had he faced a man like Richard. The cowardly attack had utterly failed and now his life was dependant on whether the blade would pierce him by a single inch.<br><br>"I'm assuming my good friend the king ordered this."<br><br>The reply was identical to the last.<br><br>"I see. It appears I have fallen out of favour with his majesty, no doubt due to the lady Ciaran. These orders, were they given just to you or to the company?" Richard asked calmly. <br><br>"All of us. You are to...die...tonight."<br><br>"I think not captain." Richard's battlefield experience allowed his instincts and awareness to forewarn him of the imminent danger as a stick broke from a footfall not fifteen feet behind him.&nbsp; In a single swift motion his gauntleted hand rendered the captain unconscious and allowed him to face the new danger. Three of the guards approached, one with a sword and two with spears. It was going to be a long night...<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>15-03-2011, 23:03:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Foolish girl? Underhanded King, vile wretch." She, ever a soft spoken and gentle young lady found anger and rebuke pouring forth from her lips as she stood as straight as a arrow before him, her green eyes too bright, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I came here for him, to wait for Richard, and no manner of true King are you if this is how you treat those who are not of equal ranking to your own. Richard knows so much more then how to kill, he knows how to love, how to cherish, how to see the truth." <br><br>Ciaran glanced at the guards as they moved toward her, aware of the choice that lay before her, aware of the demands Alfred would put forth. Still to hear them made her heart sink and her hands fisted at her sides, breath coming too quickly within her breast, her pulse fluttering in her elegant throat. "I will not change my mind, nor will I ever consent to lay with an oathbreaker like you. Richard was your sworn man, he put his life on the line for you, won your foolish war. And you were suppose to protect him, not kill him because he had something you desired for yourself; I will never give you what I gave him, for how can I when my heart is already throughly claimed?"<br><br>She took a step closer to Alfred, praying, hoping, that maybe she could appeal to some good moral within him, that Aieran would reach Richard in time, that he could return and save her. "Please don't do this King Alfred, if you ever loved Richard please let me go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>11-04-2011, 15:52:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The following moments became a blur to Richard. He stepped into the battle with no doubt in his mind that he would be victorious. A cut, slash a dodge and a thrust put paid to the three guards who had challenged him. Palace guards were more decoration than effective soldiers. Richard discovered that the only experienced man, the captain had fallen easily and three inexperienced soldiers followed suit. It was not a time for celebration and Richard was no fool. There were plenty of soldiers left and the sheer weight of numbers would be able to overcome Richard's battle experience. He glanced back at the ground where the captain lay unconscious with every intention of taking him back alive and hauling him in front of Alfred's court to expose the kings treachery in front of his peers.<br><br>The thought lasted mere seconds as the rest of the guard roused by the sound of fighting made their way towards Richard. He glanced around quickly looking for options to give him the advantage, but the ring of soldiers began to tighten and the only option left was to fight regardless of the hopeless odds. Richard altered his stance, finding the balance he needed, the custom made sword already dripping with blood ready to draw more. With his left hand Richard unsheathed a dagger ready to take any advantage he could. Time was running out for Richard, but he had a few seconds before the battle would commence so he closed his eyes, took a deep breath and listened intently as the soldiers footfalls and clanging of armour closed. <br><br>'Wait!' His mind began to process another sound. Something else was happening, not on the ground, but from above as if a person with amazing dexterity had ran and jumped from tree to tree. It was only Richard's experience that alerted him to the almost silent noise. A twang barely audible followed by the sound of a projectile moving with extreme speed resulted in a soldier screaming with an arrow planted firmly in his chest just before he dropped lifelessly to the floor. It happened again not a second after. Richard didn't dare look up with the soldiers so close to lay eyes on his new ally. Instead with an almost dancelike quality he began to move using the sword and dagger to great effect, not once slowing the flow that kept him alive. Within moments nearly half of the twenty men were lying dead, the remainder backing away to regroup, surprised by how many of the company lay dead before them.<br><br>A gentle thump landed next to Richard as he regained his battle stance. "Thank you. Your timing was...impeccable." he said quietly without turning to his saviour.<br><br>"Ciaran demanded that I had to make haste to fight by your side." replied the soft male voice. Richard felt a slight smile pull at his lips and his heart pulled at the sound of her name. "She became aware of the danger you faced and would not allow you to face it alone." Aieran paused before adding "She loves you with every fibre of her being."<br><br>"As I do Ciaran. I owe you both more than words can say, but for now let us ensure we can find ourselves by her side once more. Once we have dealt with these criminals" Richards voice dripped with contempt as he spoke of his attackers "we can introduce ourselves properly."<br><br>They stepped forward to meet the new attack.....<br><br>--------------------------------------------<br><br>Despite the anger at being addressed in such a matter Alfred laughed, not just at her anger and contempt, but also at her pleading. She could not understand what it meant to be a King. The King was the moral centre for the people, the voice, the desire. Everything that passed his lips would be the truth as he told it. None would challenge his authority in this land, not the commoner who looked up with awe, nor the farm hand growing the food from the land or the pompous lords who sat in the court ready to agree with Alfred no matter what he ordained.<br><br>"You have thrown away your last chance." A gesture to the guards resulted in rough hands grabbing each arm of the noble lady, their fingers digging into her precious flesh. "Richard I would have made a hero, a name that would be sung throughout history known not just in this land, but to all. Now he will die as a traitorous criminal."<br><br>Alfred sat once more, leaning back in the chair and looking up at Ciaran with a smug look on his face. "The brave captain will return and tell all of how Richard was in league with the gang, stealing, murdering and raping all who stood in their gaze. I will of course have to ensure a few villages are lost and provide a few survivors to tell of Richard's crimes to the populace so everyone is convinced of what a blaggard he is and how his..." The smug look became more pronounced as he chose his words "whore struts around wearing the inheritance of all the dead children."<br><br>He began to wave at the guards to haul her away to the dungeon. "You should have capitulated my Lady. Now I will have you regardless of your contempt of me and the people will cheer my name as I do."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>12-04-2011, 21:57:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You are a monster, you aren't half the man Richard is." She spoke it with despair, noting how the guards took hold of her, her pale skin no doubt bruising at such holds. She didn't fight them though, even if she was a half elf she knew her extra strength lay in her healing powers and her empathy, not in the physical. Perhaps she shouldn't have sent Aieran to her love, but then Richard needed him more. Alfred didn't want to kill her, just to bed her. Her green eyes were by turns furious and shocked as she gazed at the king lounging back in a chair with a smile on his face. <br><br>"And how many do you think will believe you oh wise King? You stayed here, in this grand castle while Richard risked his life for your people. I won't be the only one to condemn you for what you've done, just the only one cursed to know how little love you have for one who called you brother." The calling her a whore did nothing to her, this was not her land, not her people; if Alfred was foolish enough to make it public that he had taken her captive then her parents would come for her even if Aieran didn't. Richard would come, she knew he would. <br><br>Even as the guards tugged her away from the table she went with her head high, her expression serene, though she did throw one glance back at him. "Somehow I doubt any man or woman cheers your name, if this is what you must do for a woman." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>17-04-2011, 21:52:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Alfred ignored her words, even though they did bite a little. As the guards led her out of the room he called after her. "Tomorrow night my love, you will be mine. I will take you while you are shackled to the wall." The door closed with a resounding thud. On the right of Ciaran the guard looked all business, only caring to win favour with his master and perhaps be rewarded. The guard on the left slackened his grip on the noble lady and looked at her with sympathetic eyes.&nbsp; He dare not say anything in front of the other guard lest he be punished and locked away...and could not be as useful when Richard returned.<br><br>He had served with Lord Richard Marstell in the great battle, had his life saved by his leader and had no doubt the man would return. He doubted very much that anything would keep him from being with a lady as beautiful as the one loosely held in his grasp, even a company of cowardly men following a bigger cowards orders. It wasn't long until the trio arrived in the dimly lit dungeons. The keys rang out in the cold and almost silent cell block soon followed by the clank of the lock which seemed to echo down the stone hallway.<br><br>"This will be your 'ome now." spoke a gruff voice and pulled the woman into the cell. "Oy, 'old 'er while I put these shackles on."<br><br>"The king only wishes to have her shackled when he comes for her. He won't want her if she has passed out or her arms are pulled from their sockets will he?"<br><br>"Nah, I guess not. Alright.." instead of shackling Ciaran, he shoved her on the thin tatty mattress that was supposed to serve as a bed "you can stay there." he said to her with a sneer before turning to his companion "and for yer cheek, you get first watch." He pushed the guard out of the cell, locked it and strolled away with the keys. <br><br>The remaining guard and Ciaran just looked at one another until a resounding thud signalled the others departure. Speaking in hushed tones the guard said "Milady, my name is Mirrock. I've served with Lord Marstell during the war. I do not wish to see you caged in such a way, but can do nothing to aid your escape until Lord Marstell returns, but I will try to keep you safe and treated well."<br><br>-------------------------------------<br><br>The Elf and the man fought back to back, keeping a zone in front of each of them clear, cutting down any who would enter the zone. Thanks to his new ally the odds were switching into Richard's favour. The male elf seemed as impressive with his short sword as much as he was with the bow. The elf was no less impressed with how a human managed to move with such courage and strength, clad as he was in a light armour. Within minutes the battle was over. The inexperienced men were no match for the speed of the elven warrior and the battle seasoned man. Richard and Aieran spared as many lives as they could in the desperate battle, only doing enough to incapacitate those that they could, although many men still lay dead in the aftermath.<br><br>Richard strode from one to another saying a brief prayer and ensuring their eyes were closed to all those that had perished. He would never shrink from battle, but regretted every death that he caused, even to those who were ordered specifically to kill him. Aieran watched the scene with a sense of confusion, but soon realised Richard had a code of honour that had to be kept. So often humans were cruel and heartless, not caring whom they hurt in pursuit of their goals, but Richard kept his code to keep his humanity, never forgetting each victim was a son or daughter, father or mother to those who loved them.<br><br>Once Richard had completed his mournful task Aieran finally was able to introduce himself. "If you had not deduced, I am Ciaran's brother, Aieran. She felt the danger you were in from her talks with the king and begged me to help you as soon as I was able. We met briefly at the castle when you arrived to a hero's welcome. I was close to Ciaran when you were...reacquainted."<br><br>Richard smiled and replied "Forgive me Aieran. As I lay eyes on Ciaran after so many years, I saw little else except what my heart wished me to see."<br><br>Aieran smiled. "Nay, do not be foolish. I understand love all too well. My own love awaits my return and my heart yearns to be close to hers again. However, this is no time for such talk. I fear Ciaran is in danger from the king especially as he has treated her betrothed so poorly."<br><br>"Yes, it appears my 'brother' has forsaken me because of his jealousy he holds towards me in regard to your sister. We must make haste and return to the palace before he does something even more foolish than this." Richard gestured to the dead before whistling Chori. <br><br>His friend and steed appeared moments later, neighing at the smell of blood. "Easy girl. I need you to ride swiftly this night for many leagues." Chori replied with a neigh, scraping her hoof on the floor in eagerness. Richard rubbed her nose affectionately. "Soon. First we must find a mount for Aieran and the captain."<br><br>It didn't take long to locate the captain's horse and soon Chori with Richard on her back was galloping hard followed by Aieran on the captain's horse with the captain tied up on the back. Aieran had taken great pleasure before the journey by telling the captain as he lifted him on the horse "You get the smelly end."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>21-04-2011, 04:24:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It wasn't going to happen, she told herself as she glided cooly with the guards as they took her to the dungeon as if she were out for a walk in the garden. One of them had a bruising hold on her arm but she ignored it, focusing on keeping herself a lady in a place where there was so little nobility to be found. <em>Ah Richard my love...please be safe, please be returning even now to my arms</em> she longed for him; her heart aching as she was led into a cell in the dim dungeon. At least it didn't smell, but then Alfred would never deign to enter a place that was not up to his standards she was sure. <br><br>She was grateful though to not be shackled, shuddering in distaste at the thought and praying for the strength of her human blood to ward her should the shackles be made of anything that might poison her due to her Elvish heritage. Ciaran stumbled and sank down onto the mattress, wondering how this sort of place would suit to the King's taste. Better to distract with thoughts like that, she hoped. <br><br>Richard had only been gone not even a full day and her brother would go and save him and bring him back; they could return well before Alfred visited his evil on her. Hopefully. With shaking hands she reached up to make sure that her veil and circlet were still firmly in place, guarding her secret of her Elvish blood. <br><br>The healer was startled nonetheless when the guard looked at her and spoke so softly, reassuringly. Her green eyes widened before the dark haired woman nodded, showing she understood. She got to her feet and went to the door of her cell, reaching to touch his hand softly where it gripped the irons. "I..thank you Mirrock, for your kindness and cleverness; Richard will be returning, along with my brother I'm certain, before the next sunset." her voice was as softly hushed as his own, her heart racing as she dared to share her hopeful secret. <br><br>"Do...do you think, that is, that the King will wait until tomorrow evening? Is there a way to distract him so long?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Soran</strong> on <strong>21-04-2011, 20:07:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man and the elf rode hard, but there was a lot of ground to cover. Storming into the castle grounds would also be a death sentence. If only Richard could get word to his private company of men, the men who he fought beside, bled with and swore an oath with. He had no desire to expose them to more danger, they had all fought and killed enough to last many lifetimes, but if they could get him inside the grounds unnoticed and close to the king, perhaps this madness could be stopped before it would get out of hand. More than anything he swore the King would not violate Ciaran not matter the cost. The companions had spoken briefly on the journey as Aieran filled in Richard on the events at the Royal home. <br><br>"I know Alfred all too well. Once his mind is focussed he will not turn away from a course of action. Perhaps I may be able to talk him out of this unwise course, especially if I can expose his treachery. It is unfortunate I am not favoured in court by the other lords or my task would be easier."<br><br>"He will not touch my sister" Aieran agreed. A look of danger was on his features as his commitment to Ciaran was as strong as Richard's. Richard had impressed him, not just by his skill, but how seriously he took death. Richard was not only a skilled warrior, he was a man of true honour, which was something lacking in the rest of the race of man. Perhaps Ciaran had a bigger influence on the man than he first thought.<br><br>"Alfred will die by my hand should he dare to try."<br><br>------------------------------------------------------<br><br>The touch from the noble lady had sent a shiver through Mirrock as he gripped the bars of her cell. He could sense her strength, but also her vulnerability in the brief contact and was puzzled why. No wonder his lord loved this woman, there was something almost mystical about her. Her voice was quiet and fearful as she sought answers to her questions and Mirrock's heart despite the years of battle was still human enough to feel for her.<br><br>"My lady, the king is under pressure from a number of the wealthier landowners as well as other countries. "<br><br>He lowered his voice even further.<br><br>"It is rumoured that the king is so effected by these pressures that it has a significant effect on his...abilities. He will not come here just to humiliate himself in front of you so I believe you are safe for now. However there is a negotiation with these men tomorrow and should the king manage to keep his agreements with the others the pressure will no longer effect him."<br><br>Mirrock looked carefully up and down the hallway to ensure they were still alone before continuing. <br><br>"There are a number of us who are loyal to Lord Marstell and would fight to see you safely returned to his side, but until I can get word to them, there is little I can do. Rest assured nothing will happen to you this night. You may be King Alfred's prisoner, but I am guarding you for Lord Marstell." <br><br>He gave her a small smile. <br><br>"I believe you are in the safest part of the castle my lady. Is there anything I can get you?"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Never Forgotten. (Wistful Dreams and Soran) </strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Wistful Dream</strong> on <strong>26-04-2011, 04:40:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ciaran drew such comfort to know that there was someone friendly, someone who wished to help and who was loyal to her Richard. Her green eyes were warm as she gazed up at the guard who spoke so softly, each word a drop of hope to shore herself up further from the fear and despair that threatened. To be betrayed this much; to have her love's trust in his 'brother' was painful and she could only imagine how Richard would feel. Perhaps Alfred was wiser then he appeared, for certainly he had chosen a direction that would cause a Empath the most pain, focused on destroying what she cared for. <br><br>Her hand tightened slightly around the bar she held herself up with, nodding in response to the information that the King lacked the ability to perform when things were not going his way. That must be why he had sent her away tonight rather then having her taken to his rooms and having his way with her already. She was a Empath, she could use that power against him when he came to her as well, seeking out what would make him stay flaccid rather then give him a way to rape her body. <br><br>The healer's throat worked at the fears of what might very well come to pass. But it wouldn't, she promised herself, she had her own weapons, her own powers, and she had the help of those loyal to her Knight. She was not helpless and to that knowledge she clung. <br><br>She gave a soft, glowing smile back to Mirrock sensing his nerves but also his determination. He thought her a thing of beauty and wonder, so she would smile and seem at peace, seem confident. "Thank you brave Mirrock, I can not express my thanks enough in words." His question made her blink, considering. "Um, perhaps something to eat? I didn't touch much at dinner and even though I'm not hungry having energy saved for the escape would be wise no?"
			</dd>
		</dl>
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