Lover

[LightofHeaven]

He sat on the edge of the soft bed gazing down upon the still sleeping face of the woman who lay comfortably upon the pillows. The room was bright; the white sheets seemed to glow whiter in the morning light that filled the room. A small breeze carried the crisp fragrance of fresh grass through the open window from which blue skies were visible, flecked with puffy clouds. The air was filled with the soft chirping of birds in the garden.

It was Spring...

He stroked her cheek gently; feeling her soft skin rubbing smoothly against his fingers. She stirred; yawning and stretching after a sound sleep.

He smiled. "Good morning, my love."

"Good morning." She said, her voice piercing his heart with every word she spoke, making him smile even more. She opened her eyes and gazed lovingly into his. her eyes were like the deep blue of sapphires, adding to her beauty.

"My love, you are beautiful." He said, still stroking her cheek andadmiring her.

"Is that why you love me?" she asked.

"No."

"No?"

He smiled again. "I love you for many different reasons."

"What are they?" she asked, smiling back at him.

"Soon you will know, my love."

She only smiled at him, caressing his face.

"Are we ready for the celebration?"

"We are."

"Then let us rise and be on our way, my love."

"Yes." she smiled, and rose to kiss him tenderly on the lips.

 

[StarSplitter87]

((So I guess you have the queen instead??))

 

[StarSplitter87]

Strutting down the hallway, glamorous in her sleek and fine day dress of deep purple and lighter maroon hems which encircled the bottom and climbed all the way up her stomach around her revealing v-neck to end about her shoulders and neck, Sorceress Shaula de Minx looked vexed. She had just come from the Castle of Magic and was entering the palace of the king when she had spotted a couple kissing just outside the passage gates.

She recognized them too, knowing full well one of them was married and not to the receiving end of that kiss. Not only that, but it was one of her PUPILS that had been kissing that wretch of a woman. Honestly, where was the world coming to? Did marriage mean nothing?

Whipping around another corner, she found herself in the dining hall. The other nobles who had stayed the night at the palace were eating away, unconcerned with Shaula and her temper. She was not a morning person, they knew, and it was best to leave her be for a few moments until she had gotten some breakfast in her. Then she'd be peaceable to speak with.

 

[StarSplitter87]

The Queen smiled briefly at Shaula from her elevated and set aside table, reserved for her and her King's most close of noble friends and admirers. Those numbering in twenty or so, so the table was quiet large. Sipping her tea quietly, still listening to the morning's gossip, her sharp green eyes gazed upon the mighty sorceress with interest. Shaula was distraught again, that much was certain, and over matters of triviality no doubt. Still, the queen knew how the young woman felt, things seemingly out of control and misery resulting from it, it was easy to get flustrated.

The Queen was actually quite mildly surprised there wasn't a thunderstorm brewing again in the morning, magically cursed there by the tempest anger of the ravaneous and disgruntled Shaula, as there had often been of the mornings such as this. Sometimes, the Queen desired those magical powers of Shaula's, sometimes she wished she could show her rage so openly and without concern for the opinions of others. If only she could do so, but that was not how a queen should conduct herself. A queen had powers and responsibilities of her own, not to go gallantly about cursing random objects and persons because they curtsied the wrong way or they had forgotten to use the correct evening lotion upon her fair and sensitive skin. No, the Queen sighed, that was not for her. She was bound by her position and obligations to her husband and the position she gained by being his wife.

Taking up once again her tea, she glanced about the dining hall, wondering if her husband and King would be arriving soon. Surely he would not miss breakfast with her again to leave the large throne like chair beside her empty on the day of their anniversary! He would come, she assured herself, and he would make up for all the business he had been putting her through of late. He had been ignoring her for some time, often passing her in the castle without word or riding off on his affairs of state without kissing her goodbye or even telling her he was leaving. Yes, he stilled loved her, she was sure, he was just busy with the running of their fair and noble kingdom. But in that moment, she almost felt as if she were thinking it to convince herself rather than reminding herself it was true.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Roden Thanos delicately poured the rest of his orange potion into the last two phials, which he promptly corked. Setting them on the shelf next to the others, he stepped back and admired his work. He had been up for nearly three hours already preparing this potion which now rested in exactly 37 glass phials, all glittering in the sunlight streaming in from one of the high windows to his left. He shook his head. It was beautiful now, but as soon as the anniversary party started, his work would be reduced to 37 empty glass phials needing to be washed and a request for more potion by midnight. Royal parties, he had noted, tended to bring out the gluttonous side of royalty and nobles, especially in the area of alcohol. It was only part of the reason he hated this day, but it certainly added to it. This potion was brewed to revive those who indulged just a little too much. But would 37 be enough?

Roden rubbed his eyes and began putting away the ingredients he'd taken out earlier. His attention was pulled away from his task when his eyes caught sight of the position of the sun's rays on the stone floor. It was time for breakfast. Everyone in the castle was probably already gathering in the dining hall to eat. He walked over to the basin of water he kept for cleaning his hands and washed the residue of ingredients from his hands and dried them. He then stepped out of his laboratory, locking the heavy wooden door behind him.

Making his way to the dining hall when he was so short on time was no small feat as his laboratory was quite a ways from it. But he accomplished it nevertheless. On reflex, his eyes darted momentarily to the head table where the king and queen sat. The queen sat alone, the chair beside her empty. So, he had even arrived before the king! Somehow that thought encouraged him. He walked to his chair on the right side of the room and sat down, servents scurrying around filling water goblets and producing plates of food and placing them in the center of the tables. Still no king. He noticed, however, that Shauna was extremely irritated this morning. He hid a smile. She was always so entertaining to watch. He couldn't stand talking with her for more than a few moments as her emotions were always so raw, but he loved watching people as they tried to hold conversations with her when she was in this kind of state. He picked up his water goblet and took a sip of water, peeking over the rim of the cup to take yet another glance at the elevated table. He caught Queen Kaira's eye and raised his glass slighty in her direction, nodding in a respectful way, but holding her gaze probably longer than he should have. She was troubled today as well. And it was no wonder. The king still hadn't arrived and from the slowing of servant activity in the room, it was nearly time to start eating. Would the king and queen's anniversary breakfast start without the king? A small smiled tugged at the corners of his mouth at that thought. Oh, King Jadir, please stay away. You'll push your wife directly into my arms. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.

 

[StarSplitter87]

((Excellent post Cella!))

Shaula sat upon the spot which crossed ways with Roden, spiteful but a good deal more calm than before. She had been speaking harshly with one of her students, a female by the name of Teer who had the unfortunate pleasure of being Shaula's chew toy this particular morn. Slipping out her glass to be poured, which it was immediate afterwards, she took a sip, milk as was her known preference.

Glaring displeasurably at Roden, she scoffed and in an attempt to wait patiently for the beginning of the meal, she began, "Finish the potions that I requested you make, Alchemist Thanos? The King and Queen will expect them to be ready by the evening, and in good number." She finished with a distasteful scoff in her voice, "I expect a good amount of merry making and poor decisions to be made before the end of this night." What was such a tragedy was that Shaula was a gorgeous woman, but because of her spite and malcontent, her manner made her a wicked beauty, hideous only in the terror of it.

 

[MissCellaFane]

(( Thank you! ))

Roden was unpleasantly pulled from his thoughts by Shaula's sharp demand. He felt a twinge of annoyance begin in the pit of his stomach and then rush to his head, causing him to grip his goblet tighter involuntarily. He met Shaula's eyes and, with a thin smile, nodded. "Yes, of course." He said politely, but with a hint of sarcasm. "I already finished them this morning, my lady." Why she felt the need to remind him every time there was a party that he needed to make these potions, he had no idea. He'd lived here just as long as she. Did she really think he was that dense? Perhaps she did.

That thought angered him, and, before he could stop himself, he spoke again, "Though I was only able to make 37 phials full. I could have made more. But unfortunately, the honored guests from the last party, which, I believe, was the one for your birthday, decimated at least 2 dozen of my phials when they decided it would bring entertainment to trip me while I was carrying a tray full." His eyes narrowed, his words steeped in condescendence. At the look on Shaula's face, he knew he had crossed the line and went on before she could speak. "Not that I'm blaming you, my dear. It was an unfortunate accident. Partly even my fault for not expecting some such trickery to take place. It was a party after all."

 

[StarSplitter87]

Shaula's eyes narrowed. Of all the residents of the castle and palace, Roden was the only one who got under her skin in that special way which caused her blood to boil and a pleasurable grin to come upon her face at the image of his dismembered body displayed upon her office walls. Seethingly, she replied, stinging at the memory of that night, "Then you should have ordered more phials to be made, Lord Thanos, for you are well supplied in money by the King and Queen if I do so recall."

She thought upon hinting at his longing gazes she had seen him give the queen, but bringing that up might borderline treason as it was. Instead, she contented herself with thinking up small but devious spells to cast upon him to cause him misery silently.

 

[LightofHeaven]

The horses stamped their feet; impatiently waiting to begin the days travels to the palace. The couple, wearing traveling garments, loaded the last bit of luggage onto Sabelle, a beautiful white steed, who waited beside a proud Hazel, a brown steed.

"We are finished!" she exclaimed, happily.

"Yes, we are, my love."

She paused, thinking. "have i forgotten something?"

"Your hat," he replied; pickin it up and placing it tenderly upon her head. "and a loving kiss." he added, kissing her gently on the cheek.

She smiled. "Charming, aren't you?"

"Am i? Ah, let me help you into your saddle." he took her and lifted her easily onto Sabelle, andthen climbed onto Hazel. "Let us go forth."

They nudged their steeds who moved forward happily after an hours wait. They stepped with grace onto fresh blades of grass and weeds onto the narrow dirt road that led into the distance. The sun still shining brightly in the late morning, the clouds still puffy white in the perfectly blue sky.

They rode quietly for some time before he spoke again. "Oh, the day is so beautiful."

"It is." She smiled, tilting her head back to look at the sky, letting her hair flow back as she did so.

"And you are also, my love."

"Haven't you said that already?" sheasked, looking back at him.

"Have I? I must have forgotten." he answered, a teasing smile playing upon his face. She laughed, and he continued. "Tell me, my love. If I fall off my horse and shattered my skull, what happen next?"

"Oh, don't do that!" she said, casting a sideways glance at him,almost wanting to smack him.

"Ah, but if it were to happen, I would still say you are beautiful."

She laughed and slapped him not unhappily on the arm. "you are pathetic."

"In that case, shall we race?" He nudged his steed into a jog.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Shaula's eyes narrowed. Of all the residents of the castle and palace, Roden was the only one who got under her skin in that special way which caused her blood to boil and a pleasurable grin to come upon her face at the image of his dismembered body displayed upon her office walls. Seethingly, she replied, stinging at the memory of that night, "Then you should have ordered more phials to be made, Lord Thanos, for you are well supplied in money by the King and Queen if I do so recall."

She thought upon hinting at his longing gazes she had seen him give the queen, but bringing that up might borderline treason as it was. Instead, she contented herself with thinking up small but devious spells to cast upon him to cause him misery silently.

Yet another insinuation that he didn't know how to do his job. He imagined himself tossing the remaining water in his goblet right into her face, watching it soak the front of her dress and her hair so it hung in damp ringlets about her shocked face. However, he considered himself a gentleman and gentlemen didn't do such things, especially in front of everyone in the dining hall. Besides, doing something like that to a sorceress could be hazardous to one's health. He could tell he'd already pushed her further than he should have.

Instead, though it took all of his willpower, he simply nodded. "I have already taken the liberty of doing so. However, the phials haven't arrived in time for this celebration." He said, his voice somewhat calmer and less condescending. He clenched his jaw, the words tasting like sour lemons in his mouth. Somehow she always won. Just once he would love to beat her at her own word games. Perhaps I should brew a tonic to addle her mind and put it in her milk tomorrow morning. Roden thought to himself, the idea cheering him somewhat.

 

[StarSplitter87]

Scowling and taking another sip of her milk, Shaula nodded and forced a smile. It was actually not an unpleasant smile, though it obviously took a good deal of effort on her part to maintain. Though inwardly she was pleased he was bowing despite her displeasure at not having an excuse to burn his face off, "I am glad. There are many things we need you to make in this palace and you cannot do many of the without phials. Including that order of Allimis Solution I asked for nearly a week ago. I am sure you're getting right on it, as the King and Queen's celebration has come so soon after I asked, but I expect to see them before the end of this week of course."

 

[CJF]

"I love you." he whispered.
She smiled radiantly and allowed a soft sigh to escape her lips. "I love you more."
He chuckled. "So you want to play that game again? Even though I won last time?"
She turned to face him, her face alight with mischief. "You didn't win! You cheated!" she exclaimed.
"How did I cheat?"
"You practically tickled me to death!"
He laughed. "But it worked, didn't it?"
She pushed out her lower lip and narrowed her eyes, trying to hide her amusement. It wasn't working. To hide her laughter she turned her back towards him and crossed her arms. He smiled and kissed the back of her head.
"I love you most." he said.
She sighed. "I know. I love you too."

Trista blinked and looked around. The sunlight was beginning to fill her room. She sighed and sat up. It had been another sleepless night. Her mind wandered through her memories with him, not allowing her the luxury of sleep. She crawled out of bed and walked slowly towards her desk. She reached a shaky hand towards the dark, crinkled paper lying out on the desktop.

Tristessa, honestly! Why do you not throw the wretched letter away? It only haunts you more than you need be haunted!
Still, she couldn't bring herself to be rid of the letter. It was the only thing she had left of his. She grabbed it and opened it. Tears filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks as she read it slowly, the way she had every morning since she'd first recieved the letter 39 years earlier.

After she'd read the letter she set it on the table, and glanced at the faded, dead rose she kept by her bed. Her heart ached to hear his voice, or to see his face again, though she knew she never would. Did he even know what he'd done to her? Did he care? Did he think of her as often as she thought of him? Her head began to pound, so she went to her closet and fetched a plain, grey working gown. She had absolutely nothing to do, so she figured she go out and work in the garden.

She hadn't been outside for more than a few seconds, when she heart the sound of horses hooves coming up the lane to her small abode. She turned, her eyebrows furrowed. I hid the entrance; how'd they find it? she thought.

She stood still for a moment, until a figure riding on a dark horse rode into view. Trista didn't move, even as he approached. What did he want? Who was he? Answers didn't take long in coming.

"Tristessa Alary?" he asked.

His voice wasn't familiar. She nodded. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a decorated piece of parchment, and handed it to her. She took it reluctantly. Without a word he rode away, as quickly as he'd come. She opened the paper, to see that it was an invitation to the King and Queen's anniversary.

Trista frowned. Why was she invited? It was being held that morning? Good heavens! They barely gave her enough time to make herself halfway decent, before she'd have to leave! She ran into the house and looked through her gowns. She couldn't believe she was actually going to go, but it had been so long since she'd been in public, she couldn't even remember it!

She grabbed the nicest gown she had, threw it on, did her hair and ran out the door. At least she knew a shortcut to the palace, through the woods. As she walked quickly through the tall evergreens she couldn't help but feel a bit scared. After all, what if...she sighed. Trista, you and your wretched imagination...

 

[CJF]

Trista walked up to the gate, and was stopped by a guard. She handed him the invitation, he read it over and allowed her to pass. She walked into the glorious palace, and followed the sound of people talking towards the dinning hall. She walked in and saw that most of the seats were taken, but the King was nowhere to be seen. Trista frowned...curious...

She found a seat and sat, paying no attention to who she was around. They didn't seem to notice her, and that suited her just fine. She wasn't hungry, interested in conversation, or excited to be there. In all honesty she didn't know why she'd come in the first place...it was only going to upset her, she was sure of it. Heaven have mercy on the poor soul that tried to talk her, should someone dare to. She hoped no one would...and yet, couldn't deny that having someone actually show an interest in her, however small or insignifigant, might be nice...might be...

 

[LightofHeaven]

Councilman Lancir Dale strode into the dining hall. His shortn legs carryig him at a brisk pace. It was the King and Queen's anniversary and they would be holding a celebration, whichmeant that elves, dwarves, and Desertmen would be coming.

The king's throne was empty...again. Strange. he thought. What was the king doing these days?

He sat at the small table which was reserved for he and AShana, his wife, which was set near the High Table in cases when the king and queen required his help. But today an unfamiliar face sat at the table across from him.

An elf. A woman who did not seem to want to be bothered. So he turned to the queen. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

 

[StarSplitter87]

Kaira nodded in polite repose to Lancir, trying to ignore the fact that her husband had not yet arrived, a fact she had noticed Lancir's eyes had shifted to almost immediately before he had spoken to her, "Good morning Adviser Dale. How was your journey here?"

 

[MissCellaFane]

Scowling and taking another sip of her milk, Shaula nodded and forced a smile. It was actually not an unpleasant smile, though it obviously took a good deal of effort on her part to maintain. Though inwardly she was pleased he was bowing despite her displeasure at not having an excuse to burn his face off, "I am glad. There are many things we need you to make in this palace and you cannot do many of the without phials. Including that order of Allimis Solution I asked for nearly a week ago. I am sure you're getting right on it, as the King and Queen's celebration has come so soon after I asked, but I expect to see them before the end of this week of course."

Of course Roden remembered the Allimis Solution. He never forgot when Shaula asked him to do something because she never really asked. It was more of an order, and if there was one thing Roden didn't like, it was taking orders from someone who wouldn't show any hint of gratitude after the work was done. So this time, instead of making the solution right away, he had decided he would purposefully wait until after today's party in hopes that she might realize how much she needed his assistance and might learn to appreciate him more. However, from the look on her face at the moment, that prospect was severely doubtful. Then again, he had done it more just to make her wait.

"I shall get to it directly after today's festivities." He said through clenched teeth and then feigned interest in the elf maiden who had just entered the dining hall and taken a seat. He didn't recognize her and that struck him as odd. As there were only a handful of elves who lived in this part of the world, he knew each one's name. He didn't give too much thought to it though. The elves tended to keep to themselves most of the time anyways. However, her entrance had provided him with an excuse not to look at Shaula and therefore attempt to end any conversation with her.

Councilman Dale entered next, stepping up to speak with the Queen. Queen Kaira smiled politely at Councilman Dale and Roden felt his heart beat a bit faster. She was exquisite when she smiled. How could one woman stir him like this? She shouldn't. She was married. She was queen for goodness sake! He swallowed hard and forced himself to look away. Too many people around him. He sighed inwardly. That was the problem with palaces. Too many people everywhere. Oh, yes, the castle held it's secrets but it never seemed to hold the ones he wanted to keep silent. Taking another sip of water from his goblet, he took another glance at the door of the dining hall. At first he hadn't wanted King Jadir to show up, but now, his stomach was complaining to him as the smells of breakfast wafted from the trays the servents were placing on the table. He'd been up since dawn and wanted to eat and if that meant that the king had to be there, then so be it.

 

[StarSplitter87]

Brushing back her hair with a swift swipe of her wrist, Shaula nodded and began to ignore him, not realizing he had found an excuse to do the same. As the food began to come in, none dared touch it till the King arrived, if he ever would arrive.....

 

[CJF]

Trista sat, biting her lower lip. She found it odd that the food was being brought in, when the King hadn't arrived. And, wasn't this the King and Queen's anniversary? So where was he? Trista shook her head. Men...

 

[LightofHeaven]

((Star, Dale lives in the castle.))

"It was quite a walk." Dale answered. "I doubt, by the time I am sixty, I will ever make it in time for breakfast." bHe smiled, letting his little joke sink in. Of course, being fifty and so short made the walk from the fourth floor to the dining hall quite a journey. Sometimes, he wished he was an elf.

He saw the Queen's worried look; and although, he knew the reason for it, he asked, "But come, Your Majesty, why must you be so worried?"

 

[StarSplitter87]

((You described a gallop to the castle....I THOUGHT that was the same people.))

Distracted only for a moment, the Queen instantly forced upon her face, but not her dazzling eyes, a pleasant smile and responded, "Not worried, Lord, but fatigued. I had trouble sleeping again. I believe I shall have the alchemist procure me another phial of that wonderful elixure he makes for Lord Livery again. You know the poor man cannot sleep at 'tall this time of year." She was elegantly skirting the real issue. One does not speak of the King within him present.