Re: Sadina's Compound and Gardens
Hieronymous accepted the cup gratefully. As he reached for it his fingers brushed over Sadina's and he fought to control the tremor that surged through him. Her touch was like a fair summer's day, just beyond his reach; a sumptuous banquet, he was forbidden to eat; a beautiful dream, that faded even as he ran to embrace her. Quickly he brought the mug to his lips, to hide his expression, the bittersweet longing obfuscated as he squeezed his eyes tight, concentrating on the refreshing tea.
He focused on her words as she spoke softly to him, not daring to look at her, but glad of her company and her understanding. None, but she, had ever sought to truly understand him, and she alone had courage to pierce the fortress around his heart. Only with her did he know even fleeting joy, her unfailing love banishing the shadows from his soul for a time. He was no longer sure he could trust himself to be strong in her presence, his lonely heart yearned for her as no other. Only by forcing himself to think of the task at hand, could he keep from taking her into his arms and offering her the fierce passion that she evoked at her merest touch. He would not hurt her that way, tempt her with pleasure they both knew they should never share. And so he kept his eyes closed, clung to his cup, and quietly sipped.
"My gratitude, for the tea, Lady Sadina. You are right, I would just as soon not speak with Arturus. His temper is great, but the fires of reason will quell his anger soon enough. You will make him understand that this was for the best, for him as well as for her. Their destinies are wild and wandering, they will travel far from this place, and they shall not return again as they are now...if they return at all. A great doom lay before Master and slave, and that may well destroy them, if their hearts lack the fortitude to do what must be done. Their futures are beyond even my kennings, lost in the mists of uncertainty. They go now into darkness and I cannot tell if they will find the light or no. One thing cannot be denied however, fair Lady. The enemy shall know of them all soon."
He allowed a slight smile to curl his lips. His renewed vigour was undoubtedly do to the enchantment the Lady had placed within the brew. She always had been a gifted sorceress, with a power to nearly rival his own. Although he kept some secrets, even from her, he trusted her with more than perhaps was wise. There was a price for knowing too much. Better that only he know the true cost of such knowledge. Yet he had to entrust someone with his concerns that he bore like chains around him, and there was no one more discreet in all the Three Kingdoms. He was certain of that much at least.
"You know, as well as I, Sadina, that our Enemy has been silent for far too long. We both can fathom how dire a portent that is for the Sundered Realms. My counsel, such as it is, is for the "girl" to accompany the Caravan, in secret. Let none know of this, save one. I would send the Captain of the guards along to protect her secretly. I dare say no more than that, my Lady, already I fear I meddle overmuch."
He agreed with her, that Petal was an excellent match for Arturus. She'd shown strength of character tonight that had actually impressed the jaded old astrologer. Arturus would very likely need her strength in the travails that were to come for them both. Only time would prove if it was enough.
Hieronymous was surprised when Lady Sadina embraced him and laid her head upon his shoulder. He felt himself stiffen, his pulse racing as she rested against him, her scent, the sounds of her breathing; so close to paradise. Panic fought its way to his tired mind and threatened to engulf him, but he mastered it and thrust it away. For so long he had wanted this, craved her arms around him, so long they had laboured, did they not deserve at least a moment of happiness? She needed the comfort as much as he did; she loved him still even after he had kept her at a distance for so long. He kept his arms at his sides, however, though they ached to hold her close. Her lips so warm, so soft and inviting against his own, were a sweet torture, yet he longed so for her honeyed kiss and yielded just a little. A single tear the only traitor to his true feelings as he gently stood, reluctantly pulling away from her, and replacing his cowl in one fluid motion.
"I...must go my Lady. I have tarried overlong and there is still at least one other task that requires my attention this night. I know I need not tell you to beware, Sadina, for if there is any in this country that is more careful I cannot name them. Find someone to take the place of "the girl", someone discreet who will fool the agents of the Enemy for a time. And, if you may arrange to, abide yourself within the palace. I shall be near if you have need of me. Farewell for the nonce..."
As he stepped into the shadows and they embraced him once more he whispered softly, so that he alone would hear... "Gods be with you, my beloved Sadina."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Mon 02 June 2008.