As expected, morning came all too quickly. Sara was the first to wake, and decided she should wake the others so they could resume their journey. She turned in Seth’s lap, and kissed him gently, waking him the nicest way she could imagine.
Seth’s eyes fluttered open, feeling Sara’s lips on his cheek. He reached his large hands up to cup her face, and lightly grasping it on either side, pulled her mouth to his. He tasted her sweet breath before their lips met, and reveled in the taste. Pressing their lips together, Seth held her tightly to him and kissed her firmly, passionately for as long as his sore body would allow. Releasing her face, he then wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body against his and whispered in her ear.
“Good morning angel.”
“Good morning to you love.” Sara replied softly in her musical voice.
The greeting caught Seth off guard. There was the word he had been waiting for. However it was not in the proper context. He was happy to hear it in any case, assuming that Sara had said it purposely, perhaps testing his reaction.
Sara, having greeted Seth quite deliberately calling him her love, did not bother to gage his reaction. Instead she looked inward, to see how she herself would feel saying the word. To her surprise she was able to say it easily, honestly, and it felt great. No longer afraid she might betray her own emotions, she wished to tell him now her feelings for him. She pondered for a moment where to start, and then instead decided to wait. She would wait until she and Seth had some privacy, where they could openly speak their feelings without fear someone might interrupt. She smiled to herself, her face hidden on Seth’s shoulder, finally able to at least know her own heart. She hugged Seth’s neck again tightly and kissed his cheek. Crawling out of his lap Sara stood and watched her dark haired, brown eyed guardian, rise and stretch his weary muscles. She watched him loving everything about him, wanting to spend forever with him, and wanting to show him her love in every way she was able.
Finishing his stretch, Seth again gathered his angel into his arms and kissed the top of her head. He held her there a moment, wishing he could do so forever, and scanned the small room around them. He released Sara reluctantly and strode across the room coming to stand between his brother and Ashton who both snored lightly, sleeping on their backs. He nudged them each with his booted foot, rousing them. He then walked back across to Sara picking up the sack of food along the way.
Seth sat near Sara’s feet gesturing for her to join him, and she did so happily. Garret and Ashton wearily rose from their beds, and joined the others for a filling breakfast. Their meal consisted of the same food they had shared the previous night, and once again each ate their fill. Seth stated during the meal that he felt well enough to continue their journey, and so after eating everyone went about gathering their belongings and loading them into their packs. Everyone prepared quickly, and they headed out of the cavern together, Garret and Ashton taking the lead, Seth and Sara trailing, their hands entwined. Garret left the Goblin’s short sword in the cavern when they left, not wanting to carry a reminder of the day he nearly lost his brother.
They walked leisurely through the day, stopping to rest often. Seth was thankful for their stops, his body not as willing as his mind to handle the exertion. The path widened slowly through the day becoming more level as the path turned eventually into a road. Seth was able to walk further now without resting as the level ground allowed him to walk more easily. The group talked merrily, the light conversation allowing Seth to concentrate on something other than his body. His legs shook and his knees gave out on occasion, but he had been able to catch himself, with Sara’s help each time before he fell.
Seth limited his input to the group’s conversations, preferring to just listen as they walked. His mind wandered and he found himself thinking over the last several days, taking in all the events that had come to pass, that had brought him to this point. Though he had nearly lost his life, he could not believe the tremendous luck that had so obviously filled his life. He and his twin had traveled from home, accompanied by a man blessed with the gift of healing. A man he was now proud to call his friend. They had arrived in Stone Haven, and due to Ashton’s gift had been given free food, and free goods to include the crossbow. It was also Ashton who inevitably led them to eat outside the inn that morning he first met Sara. Seth was extremely grateful for this part. Not only had he met her, he had protected her and in doing so, had laid the foundation for their relationship. A relationship he now knew he could not live without. Joined now by the woman he would come to love and adore, they had set out from Stone Haven along the road to raven’s hold. Sara had slowed them, causing them to fall a day behind, but this too was as if it was meant to be. Because of their delay, they had fallen into the path of the goblin that had nearly killed him, but as it had turned out, Sara had instead played a vital role in killing the creature that mortally wounded him. If not for her, Seth would have died, and probably his twin and Ashton as well. Again Seth had been blessed by Ashton’s friendship, being healed by his friend’s control of the Goddess’s gift. Their delay had run their stores of food dry, and this had lead to Garret’s meeting with the knights of Valdadore who had rewarded them not only with the food they so badly needed, but also with enough coin to deliver them safely, and comfortably to the castle city of Valdadore with what should be several days of time to spare and enjoy the city. All this Seth felt had to be more than just pure luck. No one on the face of Thurr could possibly have ever been this lucky. Seth felt as if someone watched over him, guiding his life safely to some predetermined end. He felt thankful for it, he felt blessed. He now looked at Sara and realized if they had not met, he would not be here to look upon her this day. She, in his greatest moment of need, had come to the rescue just in time to save his life. As he had vowed to protect her, she had in turn protected him, his little guardian angel. The thought made Seth smile, and returning from his daydream found Sara’s eyes watching him. The small twin suns, that were her eyes, were filled with love for him. Seth hoped to himself that she too could see his love for her in his own eyes.
The group marched along through the evening much the same as they had through the day. They talked occasionally about nothing in particular, and Seth had started at one point to relay the dream he had had the previous night to them, but then thought better of it. This he would keep to himself at least for the time being.
The flat, bleak, shrub infested plains had slowly cleared as they walked, and now had been replaced by slightly rolling hills. The hills were covered by tall grass that for the most part remained green. Occasional groves of trees dotted the hills, and eventually the group could see fenced pastures on the horizon filled with animals. This they knew marked civilization. Before long they could see the roof tops of several farm houses over the hills and as they grew nearer, the buildings themselves came into view. It was not long before they were passing down the road between those very farm houses. Occasionally they would see someone in one of the fields, tending animals or crops, and each time they spotted someone the person would wave or nod to them in greeting from a distance, and they too would in turn wave back.
The farms continued for a long time, and eventually as the sky began to grow dark on the horizon, they no longer noticed people in the fields. It was when they were approaching a large gray farmhouse that Garret stopped abruptly in his tracks, and placing his hand above his eyes peered off into the distance ahead of them. He had stopped so suddenly that Sara had actually run into him, but Garret seemed not to notice as he tried to focus on something just out of sight. Garret stood frozen searching the horizon as his companions stared at him in wonder.
“I think that’s it.” Garret stated matter-of-factly.
“What’s what?” Seth asked his twin.
“That.” Garret said jabbing his finger toward the horizon in front of them. “I think that’s raven’s hold.”
All four companions studied the horizon, and after many moments all but Ashton could discern, barely, the massive complex of buildings that was as of now just a smudge on the horizon.
“How far away do you think it is?” Seth asked his brother.
“It’s hard to tell.” Garret began. “I think I first saw this house about three hours ago.” Garret now pointed to the large gray home only a stone’s throw away from them. “I would assume, that if that is the city, then it is much bigger than the house here, so probably can be seen from farther away. If I had to guess I would say four maybe five more hours give or take.”
Seth nodded his agreement to his brother’s calculation, and turned his gaze to the sun.
“We only have a couple hours of light left, three at most.” Seth stated, knowing as he did three hours was being very generous.
Almost without thought the four began walking once again, a new urgency to their pace. They agreed shortly after resuming their trek that they would not stop until they reached the city, even if it took them until well past dark. The road was level and wide here, accustomed to frequent use, and easily discernable from the fields around it. It would not be hard to keep to the road even in the darkness.
Just over two hours had passed since Garret had spotted the city on the horizon. Now however the sun began to shrink past the horizon to the west. They had traveled a great distance in the last few hours, their pace much faster than it had been throughout the day. Now, in the last minutes of sunlight the city was much more easily discernable in the distance. It was apparent that they would indeed need to continue a few more hours into the night to reach their destination, but at least now they knew they could see the destination they sought. Raven’s hold was not what they had thought it was previously. From a far distance it appeared to be several different sized building jumbled together, creating a broken silhouette. However now that they could see the city more clearly it was apparent that it was actually several rows of buildings, each row taller than the previous, growing ever taller towards the center of the city. The whole thing it appeared was surrounded by a great wall of stone, with enormous towers at each corner. This much the group could see in the last moments of light, however, any more details they might take note of were lost as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.
The group was in luck it seemed. They did not walk on in endless darkness towards their destination as they all thought they would have to. Instead, both moons had appeared full this night, lighting their way in a yellow-green half light that was plenty enough to see the road clearly. They could also see their destination in the darkness. The city itself was obscured, but above it shone the light of the hundreds of lanterns and torches that must have been lit within the city, creating a dome of light in the sky above it. The four walked on at a brisk pace in the half light, hurrying towards the city that seemed to grow larger with each step.
All four companions stared at the high city walls as they approached. They could see from here the gigantic towers that made the corners of the city, and the enormous stone walls that surrounded it. Directly in front of them was a large gate in the wall, where they could see on the road well ahead of them that people walked, and carts rolled though the massive gate. As they neared the gates, the group could see guards posted to either side, who would occasionally stop a person and speak to them before letting them pass. Raven’s hold was bigger than any of them had imagined, and it occurred to Garret that there very likely would be more than one inn in the city. They needed to find the inn where Sirus had said would have a room and horses awaiting them. Garret figured he would have to ask for directions from someone familiar with the city to see if they knew Sirus.
As the twin’s and their companions neared the gate they fell into line behind the mass of people waiting to gain entry to the city. In front of them was a large cart of turnips and carrots, drawn by a mule, lead by an old man. They waited patiently behind the cart, moving forward as it did ever nearing the gates to the city. Finally as they neared the entrance through the massive stone walls, Garret led them directly towards one of the guards posted at the gate.
“Excuse me sir.” Garret spoke to the guard standing to the left of the large gate. “The Knight Sirus said he would have an inn room and horses awaiting myself and my companions once we arrived, do you know perhaps at which inn he might have made such accommodations? Garret asked trying to sound as if this were a normal conversation for him.
“Yes young sire.” The guard responded immediately as if talking to a superior officer.
“Please visit the Stamping Steed. It is most certainly where Lord Sirus would have arranged your accommodations.” The young guard stated knowingly, and quickly related to Garret directions to reach the inn.
The group was back on the road walking through the city in no time at all, with a bed and a hot meal just around the corner. They walked still with purpose, though not as fast as they had the last few hours, here the buildings were closer together than in Stone Haven, and the streets narrower. As they had noticed from a distance, the further they traveled into the city the taller the buildings became. They realized that the city had basically the same design as Stone Haven however, with rings of buildings starting at the center of the city, working their way outward, and a single street running through it from north to south, and another east to west. Each of the rings of buildings had a small street between them that intersected these two larger roads making the city fairly easy to navigate. They had only passed seven or eight rows of buildings when Garret led them down one of the narrower side streets, and then stopped in front of a tall, wide building with torches burning all along its front. The building was made of some sort of clay brick and stood several stories tall. Windows were spaced regularly throughout the front wall and from each window shone a lantern. Above the wide double door swung a sign carved into the shape of a stallion rearing up on its hind legs. The four of them approached the large door together, each imagining a warm bed and hot food that would be behind the door in front of them. Seth released Sara’s hand for the first time that day, and pulling her closer to him he placed his arm around her waist as they followed Ashton and his twin brother inside.
The inside of the large building was just as well lit as the outside. Coming through the door the small band of travelers walked into a huge room that spanned the entire length of the building. The room was filled from end to end with tables of varying sizes, and many of them were attended by groups of men and women. Between the tables brick pillars jutted from the floor to support the building above it at regular intervals. At each end of the room there stood a large staircase leading up to the higher levels. This inn was unlike the one in Stone Haven in more than appearance however. Here no one looked to see who had come through the door. It was as if no one had even noticed them enter. No one hollered a greeting to them either as they entered. They walked into the room allowing the door to close behind them and stood, unsure, looking the room from end to end. This inn too had a large bar directly across the room from the door, and so Garret again taking the lead, walked towards the bar. The massive bar appeared to be made from a single enormous piece of wood, cut smooth at the top and polished to a shine. The front of the bar was an intricately carved scene of two armies facing one another across a field of battle. In front of the bar were dozens of stools from one end to the other, though none of them were currently in use. The twins and their companions approached the bar and seeing that it was unattended, seated themselves upon the stools and waited. A few moments later a young girl, perhaps in her mid teens came through the door behind the bar. Spotting them, she turned and thrust her head back through the door and shouted.
“Whalen you have customers!” The girl yelled then turned back to the four at the bar and smiled.
The girl walked right past the quartet at the bar and walked to a table across the room and seated herself there with two other people. A few moments passed and the door behind the bar swung silently open again and a short, older man came through carrying a tray of glass mugs which he sat on the bar. He approached them then from across the bar, a comfortable grin on his face, and flickering light from the lanterns hung behind him shining off his bald round head.
“What can ol’ Whalen get for ye M’lady and gentlemen?” The Short man asked all the while managing to maintain his grin.
“Sirus said you would have a room and horses waiting for us when we arrived.” Garret stated matter-of-factly to the short balding innkeeper.
“Ah yes.” The man replied in his jolly voice. “You must be Master Garret then.” The man stated one of his white eyebrows rising as if it were a question more than a statement.
“Yes sir and these are my companions.” Garret said motioning to the other three.
The old man seemed to be taken aback for a moment as his small grin faded for just a moment, and then returned.
“Well Lord Sirus did not mention that there were four of you, only that you would need a room. The room I had prepared for you only has two beds so let me see if I have another room near it still available.” The old man stated.
Without waiting for a reply the old man knelt down and from behind the bar he brought out a large tome bound in leather. He unwrapped the leather expertly and flipped through the pages of the large volume, and finding his desired page ran one stubby finger down the page nodding to himself all the while. The man made a few mumbled notes to himself then closed the large tome and again wrapped it in the leather, and returned it to somewhere behind the bar. He turned then back to Garret, again with the grin on his face, only this time it looked less natural.
“Well it seems Master Garret that I have no other rooms available on the second floor, but if you are so inclined I can send someone up to prepare another room for you on the fourth floor, or if you wish I can have them prepare you two rooms on the fourth floor, and I can give the one I have prepared now to another customer.” The man looked at Garret expectantly awaiting an answer, his forced grin still on his face.
“That won’t be necessary sir, we would not want for you to go out of your way for us. The one room you already have prepared will be quite enough for us for this night.” Garret said hoping his companions would feel the same.
“Well then young Master Garret, consider your room ready for you. The horses will be delivered here in the morning from the stalls across town. Is there anything else you require? Whalen asked the group, his natural grin reappearing once again.
“Some hot food would be welcome as well as cold drink.” Garret stated, all his companions nodding their agreement.
“In that case.” Whalen began. “We have a nice Beef roast with garlic, onion, potatoes and carrots with some bread rolls baked only a couple hours ago if that suits you.”
None of the companions spoke, but they all nodded their acceptance of the food to Whalen who then stated he would soon return with their food and drinks. Whalen was true to his word and returned only moments later carrying a large wooden tray loaded with bowls of food and mugs of ale. He placed a large bowl full of roasted beef and vegetables in broth and a mug of cold ale in front of each of the four companions and without a word again disappeared, waddling on stubby legs through the door behind the bar. He returned again this time carrying one large platter piled high with buttered rolls and placed this on the bar between Ashton and Seth who passed them to either side to both Garret and Sara. The four thanked Whalen graciously, who accepted their thanks, then turned and walked back through the door again leaving them to their food. All four ate vigorously devouring the food down to the last roll, and washing it all down with the strong dark brown ale. No one spoke as they ate, all too eager to finish the food while it was hot. As they all finished they each complimented the food and the drink and waited patiently for Whalen to return.
It was not long when the short balding man again came abruptly through the door. His apparently permanent grin remaining, greeted the companions and asked them how the food was. Accepting their praises on the quality of the food and drink he had provided, he assured Garret they could pay in the morning when they had eaten again and received their mounts. Whalen had told them that any friend of Sirus was a friend of the Stamping Steed and he trusted them to pay in the morning. Stating that he needed to return to his duties in the kitchen, Whalen informed them they were staying in room twenty seven on the second floor, and wished them a good night’s rest. The companions bid him good night in return, and collecting their packs from the floor, strode together across the room and up one giant staircase to the second floor.
They found their room easily and quickly went inside. The room was much larger than they had expected. Inside were two large beds, one on either side of the room. Beside each bed sat a small writing table equipped with quill and ink, and a stool. Directly between the two beds was a long wooden table with two large wash basins, several towels, and a hair brush upon it. Across the middle of the floor sprawled a decorative rug, brightly woven in contrasting patterns, and upon the walls hung several paintings depicting the city itself from different views within its walls.
After entering the room and taking in all its contents Ashton, the last to enter closed and barred the door, then stood with his companions waiting to see what it s they would do.
Garret first tried to reason with his brother, asking him to accept a bed, knowing that he above all of them needed to rest. Seth, denied the offer, knowing well that he would much prefer spend the night propped against a wall with Sara in his arms. Seeing this battle was lost, Garret then tried to reason with Sara, pleading with her to accept one of the beds, saying something about a lady should never have to sleep on the floor. Sara too declined his offer, if Seth was sleeping on the floor, so would she. Garret tried to reason with them each once more saying they should at least share a bed, he would sleep on the floor and Ashton could use the other bed. This proposal was replied to by Seth with a look that could have melted the walls around them. Garret quickly gave up his protests after the look from his brother and went to wash his hands and face in one of the basins on the table. The others joined him, each washing their face and hands. Garret and Ashton quickly washed and climbed into their beds, each blowing out the lanterns near their beds. The only light remaining in the room was a small candle upon the large table holding the basins. Sara stopped Seth before he left the table, and pulling his head low to the water, she rinsed the dried blood from his hair that still remained as best as she could and helped him to dry his hair. Smiling in satisfaction at Seth’s hair Sara then took up the brush, and began to brush the tangles from her hair. As she brushed, Seth stood watching her practiced strokes through her hair. He stepped behind her as she worked a knot from her hair and placed his hands upon her hips. Hearing his brother’s and Aston’s light snoring he pulled her into himself, and reached around her waist. Taking the brush from her hand, he returned it to the table. Raising one hand Seth gently pulled her hair back over her shoulder, keeping the other hand firmly around her waist. As he exposed her neck, he bent slightly bringing his lips to the warm flesh of her neck he kissed her softly. Sara trembled with the kiss. Seth kissed her again, this time a little higher than the last. Again Sara’s small frame quivered. So he kissed her neck again and again working his way up her neck to her fragile jaw and continued to kiss her all the way to her ear lobe. Here he exhaled slightly, blowing warm air into her ear, sending a powerful shudder through her small body, and she spun in his arms, turning to face him.
Sara’s face was flushed red, and she threw her arms around his neck and jumped up wrapping her legs around his waist. Seth held her there tightly, their bodies entwined. Sara kissed him several times on the mouth, each time more passionately, each time more vigorously than the last. Seth kissed her back, giving her everything in return that she gave him.
Seth realizing he had let her go too far, relaxed his hold on Sara, and gently pulled back to look her in the face. She looked disappointed. Sara remained, her legs wrapped around his waist, arms around his neck, supporting her own weight. She knew why he stopped. She looked Seth in the eyes waiting patiently for him to gather his thoughts. She knew it was time for the speech about it wasn’t time yet. She had heard it before, and she understood why he felt the way he did. At least she thought she understood. Sara recalled her decision to tell him how she felt when they were next alone, and listening to the other boys snoring quietly in the room she figured this was probably as alone as they were going to get for a while.
“I’m sorry Sara.” Seth whispered to her. “I let it go too far.”
“No you didn’t.” Sara stated matter-of-factly.
“Yes I did angel, and it won’t happen again I promise.” Seth said painfully.
“It better happen again.” Sara stated in a joking tone.
“What?…why?” Seth asked not understanding her tone.
“Because my love.” Sara said barely louder than a whisper. “Because I want it to happen again, because I want you love me freely and because I love you.” Sara said the last statement more boldly than the previous, making sure he heard her.
Seth was taken aback. He had not expected this turn of events. He had hoped for it, wished for it, even prayed for it, but never expected it. Wanting more than anything to make her happy he too whispered to her.
“I love you too, my angel, I have loved you from the moment I first laid eyes on you, and I shall love you beyond the day when my eyes no longer open.”
The words were nothing less than Sara had hoped for. She knew they were true, she knew he would love her like no one else ever could, and she knew also that she would never stop loving him, no matter what would happen to them, she would forever stay by his side.
With tears of joy clouding her eyes, she pulled her arms once again tightly around his neck and squeezed her legs around his waist and kissed him relentlessly. Seth did not hold back this time, and he kissed her furiously, yet gently, all the while crushing her body to his.
Seth was unsure if it was due to the weakened state of his mending body, or to the long hours on the trail, or simply because of the fact he was so overcome with emotion, but his knees began to tremble. Afraid he might fall and hurt Sara he finally forced himself to put her down. She relented, unwillingly, but soon realized he had released her due to necessity, not because it was what he wanted. Sara helped to steady Seth, and walked him across the room towards the door. Seth pressed his back to the door and slid to the floor landing a bit uncomfortably, seated against its wooden frame. Sara dug through his pack and retrieved their blanket. She wrapped it around his shoulders, and began to climb into his lap. Seth put his hand up in protest, stopping Sara in her tracks. Thinking he was in more pain than she had imagined she sat down next to him and just rested her head on his shoulder.
“That’s not what I had in mind.” Seth stated a jovial tone to his voice.
With that, Seth reached one arm around Sara’s waist and pulled her around in front of him, facing him. He pulled her to his body and gently lay down on his side, bringing her body with his. Seth stretched out his legs, and wrapped one arm under Sara’s head to support it, pulled her close, bringing her face to his chest. He wrapped his other arm around her waist, and slid one leg between hers. Bending his neck slightly he kissed the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her long black hair. They lay in the light of a single distant candle, their bodies pressed together tightly, entwined lovingly, reveling in each other’s embrace.
Sara was in heaven. She had dreamt of this night since they had met, how she had wanted to lay in his arms, warm and safe, her head to his chest, listening to his heart. Curling up in his arms as he sat had been nice, but this was ecstasy. She felt the heat of his body encompassing her, felt his strong arms around her, his leg wrapped within her own. Their bodies touched in ways that might have made her blush before, but now she felt just as comfortable with his body around her as she felt with her own clothes. Sara hoped they could spend every night from this one until forever just like they were now.
Seth lay, intoxicated by Sara’s scent. Her hair in his face, her warm body pressed in pleasant ways into his. He could feel the rise and fall of her breasts against him with each breath she took. He knew this was something she wanted, she had stated as much on more than one occasion. But tonight it had been his idea, so he lay still, holding her to him lightly, allowing her to release herself if she wanted. Seth waited for a long time, enjoying their close proximity, breathing Sara in with each breath. He waited until he was sure she had no intentions of removing herself from him, then reaching back behind him, he wrapped their blanket over them both, tucking it under Sara as best as he was able, and again kissed the top of her head. Sara lifted her head in response to his kiss and looked up into his face.
“I love you Seth.” She stated simply
“And I love you my beautiful Sara.” Seth replied.
Again Sara pulled her face into his chest, and Seth pulled her tightly to his body. This way they remained until darkness took them, and they passed into sleep.
The following morning both Seth and Sara awoke together to find themselves much as they remembered. Their bodies remained entwined with one another’s, and they enjoyed the feeling once again, but only briefly. They had awoken to a muffled conversation Garret was having with Ashton across the long room, and seeing Seth and Sara stir, the conversation had ended.
Seth and Sara shared a soft, secret kiss and rose to greet their companions. Garret related to them they had been discussing whether to remain in raven’s hold a day, and continue their journey tomorrow, or leave this morning to spend more time exploring the Capitol city of Valdadore. Ashton also told them that he had counted the days since their departure from Vineleaf, and by his calculation they still had six days to finish their journey. They again processed their options, this time the four of them together, and decided it was best to continue on to Valdadore, lest something else delay them. They gathered their belongings and headed back out the door, down the hall, and down the grand stairs to the first floor.
The common room looked exactly as it had the night before, rows of lanterns in the windows and along the walls. People sitting in groups or solitude at the various tables throughout the room talked quietly amongst themselves. The bar this morning was unoccupied of guests, however Whalen stood behind it and waved the travelers over to join him. They accepted his unspoken request, and quickly seated themselves upon the same stools they had occupied the previous night.
“G’mornin young masters.” Whalen greeted them his grin spread naturally across his face. “I hope ye all rested well.”
The companions each nodded that they had, and Whalen’s grin seemed to widen with their unspoken approval.
“It’s good to see you all rested then. Will you be leaving Raven’s Hold today then?” Whalen asked the question in earnest, though he actually only wanted to know if they would be staying another night at his inn.
“Yes.” Garret stated. “We have decided to make haste to Valdadore to enjoy it’s festivities before the ceremony.”
“Indeed that should be enjoyable.” Whalen said matter-of-factly, nodding to himself as he did. “Then I shall send for your horses, is there anything else you will be needing then? A hot breakfast? Some supplies for the road perhaps?”
“I’m sure we would all welcome some more of your delicious hot food, as well as two days worth of food and water for the four of us.” Garret replied, and then added as if it were an afterthought. “That is if it isn’t too much to ask.”
“No…no of course not Master Garret, I will see to it that your supplies are gathered quickly, and I shall send for your horses.” Whalen stated all the while speaking in his jovial tone. “But in order to fulfill your request I had better get cooking.”
With his last statement the short, bald headed, older man turned on his heel, and wheeling his round body away from them strode through the door behind the bar.
The companions sat silently, each wondering what they might be eating for breakfast, and how long it would take for the horses and supplies to be gathered. Not long after the door closed behind Whalen that it popped open again and a young boy poked his head out from the room beyond the door. Eyeing the companions briefly the boy nodded as if deciding something to himself, and then his head disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. A few moments after the boy vanished, the door again sprang open and another boy darted out the door, around the bar, and across the large common room to the door. He boy quickly exited the building, closing the door softly behind him. Having watched the boy dart across the room and out the door, none of the companions had noticed that Whalen had too emerged from the room beyond, and each of the companions were started when they spun back around in their seats to face the bar and saw the short man where just a moment ago there was no one.
Whalen handed them each a plate of food from a tray he had sat on the bar, and handed them too a mug each of fruit juice. The companions each in turn thanked Whalen for their food and as he had done the night before, he accepted their thanks and again disappeared through the door.
Upon each plate was a large half circle comprised of several eggs. It had been fried and folded back unto itself. Within its fold was placed bacon, cheese, onions, and chopped red peppers. Beside it, on each plate was placed a stack of sliced, toasted bread, cooked until crisp. Each slice of bread was generously buttered. The food still steamed from being freshly cooked, and the aroma convinced each of the four companions to attack the food vigorously until it was consumed. They washed the food down with the large mugs of juice which they decided together was mostly orange juice, with a hint of raspberry. The juice too was fresh and cool, and complimented the food nicely.
As they finished their food and drink the companions saw the boy who had rushed out of the inn return. This time they watched him walk around the bar casually, with no speed or purpose in his pace, and he wandered through the door behind the bar without even so much as a glance at the four people at the bar. As soon as the door swung shut behind the boy it burst open once again, bringing with it Whalen and his naturally grinning face.
“Well folks.” Whalen said. “Your supplies will be here momentarily. The horses are tied out front. If that be all you will be requiring then I suppose it is time we square your tab.”
“How much do we owe you Whalen?” This time it was Sara who spoke to the round barkeep. Her voice and attention seemed to please the man and his grin widened stretching almost unnaturally across the entire width of his round face.
“Well miss.” Whalen started. “The room is six silver, and the combined eight meals another twelve silver. The horses will be costing you fifteen silver apiece, and your supplies another five silver and fifty copper each.” Whalen spoke the prices, each with a nod, obviously calculating the numbers in his head.
Reaching down to the belt that held her small quiver, Sara released the small pouch of coins that had been given into her charge. Rummaging her fingers through the coins she brought forth a single gold coin, the exact amount due to the barkeep. Pressing it firmly into her palm she placed her hand on the bar, keeping the coin shielded from view.
“Thank you Whalen for your hospitality, you have a lovely inn.” Sara said to the grinning inn keeper, a smile on her face.
With her words she released the coin onto the bar and slid it across the polished surface with her fingertips towards the man. If Whalen had been surprised that such a young woman possessed such a coin, his expression had not betrayed it. His grin still on his face, he snatched the coin from the bar’s surface and deposited it into a pouch on his belt without even a second glance at it.
“Thank you M’lady.” Whalen said in response to her prompt payment.
As Whalen spoke a young boy walked around to join him behind the bar. The group realized it was the same boy that had poked his head through the door earlier and had stared at them briefly. The boy waited patiently to see if the conversation had ended before speaking to the inn’s owner.
“They’re all set grandpa.” The boy said in his young, high pitched voice to Whalen.
“Thank you Sedrik.” Whalen replied to the small boy. “Now run along and see if your mother or grandmother needs any help in the kitchen.”
The boy did not hesitate nor complain as many other children might have. Instead he rushed quickly through the door to the room beyond, eager to help.
“Well folks, your horses are loaded with your supplies, your breakfast is finished, and your tab is paid.” Whalen stated the facts as if checking off a list mentally as he did so. “So if there is nothing else I can get you…” He paused briefly waiting to see if they would voice any new needs, and seeing they had no intentions to speak he continued. “Well then, I shall bid you farewell and good luck on the remainder of your journey.”
The group told Whalen good bye each in their own way, and thanked him appreciatively for his services. Before letting them leave Whalen told them there were several stables, once within Valdadore, they could return the horses to. He also gave them a small piece of folded paper sealed in wax to give, with the horses, to the stable master at which ever stable they returned the horses to. Their instructions completed, the group picked up their belongings from beside their stools, and slung their packs across their shoulders. Sara too slung her crossbow over one arm, and adjusted it for a comfortable fit. They turned together and walked out of the inn, feeling ready as they ever would for what awaited them next.
Outside the inn were four, very large white horses. The same breed of horse, both Ashton and Garret noted, they had seen knights ride before. The horses were tied to an iron bar that ran for some length across the front of the inn, secured into the bricks of the inn itself. Aston regarded the horses impatiently. He was ready to get back on the road. He had ridden several horses in his life. His family owned a pair back home, though those horses had been much smaller than these. Garret and Seth had each ridden a few times as well, though the horses they had rode had been labor animals belonging to the farms in Vineleaf. The twins were a bit nervous, but each assumed one horse was much the same as any other and so they approached the horses with nothing more than a slight pause. Sara on the other hand was terrified. She had never so much as touched a horse let alone rode one. She had seen horses of course, and thought them beautiful creatures, but had never actually approached one before. These too it seemed were no ordinary horses. They were monstrous. She had never seen an animal so large before, and the thought of trying to ride one frightened her to the core.
Seth approached the horse he had decided he would ride and realized suddenly that Sara no longer was at his side. He turned on his heels, looking back to see why she had stopped, and froze. She stood only a few paces away from him, her face twisted in horror regarding the massive beasts before them. He had not even taken into account the fact that she had possibly never ridden a horse in her life. Why would she have ever ridden a horse? She had lived in a town, unable to leave, living in fear, imprisoned by a man who intended to sell her body for profit. Seth walked back to Sara’s side, thinking of the Brothel owner John, angered him still, but what angered Seth the most was the fact he had not anticipated Sara’s reaction to the horses. He wrapped his arms around her, standing between her and the horses, and hugged her close to his chest.
“Everything is going to be ok Sara.” Seth reassured her. “They are gentle animals, trained well to carry us safely. Riding is easy enough, and I am certain you are more than capable.” Seth spoke the words as reassuringly as he was able.
Sara only nodded in reply and hugged him tightly before letting him go. If Seth believed in her ability to ride one of these beasts, then that was enough for her. She would not let him down. They walked together, hand in hand, back to the horses. Garret and Ashton had already mounted the horses they had chosen and watched Seth bring Sara to the nearest horse without a rider. Seth instructed her to place her foot in one of the stirrups, and helped to lift her into the saddle. Once seated comfortable Seth instructed her to hold on to the beast with her legs, and use her hands to control the animal with the reigns. He showed her how to control the animal’s movement as well as its speed using the reigns. Sara quickly committed everything Seth told her to memory, not wanting to disappoint him by being a poor student. Seth then released the animal, and Sara was able to easily guide it around the narrow street without much trouble. Satisfied, Seth then mounted the remaining horse, and nodded to his twin, acknowledging that they were ready to leave.
They rode slowly through the city, careful not to trample anyone walking in the streets. The streets were bustling with activity, but even so the horses were able to maneuver easily through the crowds. Garret led them in single file through the streets, heading a circuitous path to the south wall of the city and through the gate onto the open road. By the time they emerged from the city wall, Sara had become comfortable enough upon her mount where she no longer squeezed it so tightly with her legs that her knees would tremble from the effort. She realized then that her fear had been unfounded, a fear that was only due to ignorance, and she felt ashamed that she had reacted so badly before.
Clear of the narrow city streets the four rode abreast, taking the entire width of the road. Ashton rode to one extreme side, and then Garret. Sara rode between the twins, in case one of them should need to come to her rescue. They rode slowly at first, gradually picking up the pace as they each began to feel more comfortable atop the large animals. Before long they were galloping down the road at a break neck speed, smiles upon all their faces, wind roaring past their ears, enjoying the freedom of speed.
They rode hard and fast the entire day stopping only once to eat, and allow the horses to rest and drink from the river that had snaked back to parallel the road closely. Their stop did not last long though, each of them wanting to feel the wind on their faces again, they hurriedly ate, and remounted the horses kicking their flanks once again, driving the beasts to resume their amazing pace. They passed several people on the road that day, waving in greeting as they thundered by. They did not stop to speak to anyone, did not even slow for that matter, yet the horses were able to maintain the pace through the entire day without as much as a sign of tiring.
The day passed quickly, and before the four companions realized it, the sun had begun to set. They followed the road still, now at a slower pace, and decided together that they should find a place to rest for the night. They did not want any interruptions, or any trouble for that matter, from other travelers who may be following the road after dark, and so they turned off the road. They could see the river still lazily meandering this way and that off in the distance, and decided to make for it, thinking it would be best to let the horses drink their fill. The sun shrank ever nearer to the horizon, as the twins and their companions neared the river. With only minutes of sunlight remaining they followed the river to a small cope of nearly bare trees. The leaves that did remain on the branches here were darkened hues of orange and red. Most however had already fallen to the ground or been blown away by the wind. Even so, the small grouping of trees seemed a perfect place to spend the night. They tied the horses at the river’s edge, letting them drink and graze on the grasses that grew there. Pulling supplies from the horses’ saddle bags they sat in a circle eating and telling their vibrant descriptions of how it felt to each of them to ride the massive horses. Before they had finished eating the sun disappeared over the horizon, taking with it all traces of light. Too impatient to wait till morning, they all settled down to get to sleep early, as to rise early to ride again. Garret and Ashton settled on the ground as was accustomed, and were quickly asleep. Seth laid himself down and gathered Sara unto his body, and shared a few moments with her before snuggling up to one another to fall asleep. He was very proud of her this day, she had managed to face her fear of the animal, and more than that she had easily mastered riding it as well. Sleep took all four of them quickly, not even the excitement of the day was able to keep their minds alert enough to avoid the dark nothingness that was sleep. It would not be until morning that they would realize the error of their ways, and come to regret their long day’s ride.
Garret awoke, and opening his eyes noticed that the sky had just started to lighten on the eastern horizon. Feeling well rested, Garret quickly jerked himself into a seated position as was his morning custom. A burning, throbbing sensation painfully overtook his backside and he yelped despite himself. Thinking he had rolled into something hot, Garret jumped to his feet to relieve his rear end. At least that was what he attempted to do. He did nearly make it to his feet before he realized the explosion of burning, searing pain down his thighs. Unable to keep his legs beneath him Garret collapsed back to the ground in a heap. He thrashed about wildly on the ground, rolling this way and that sure he had somehow caught himself on fire.
Sara woke to Garrets yelp and quickly untangled herself from Seth’s body. She rolled over just in time to see Garret collapse to the ground thrashing violently. She looked quickly around to see if anyone had come across their camp and was attempting to ambush them in their sleep. Spotting nothing she quickly awoke Seth, who immediately sprang to his feet to see to his brother. Seth was nearly overcome with pain that exploded in his muscles, nearly driving him back to the ground. Sara too had begun to rise, but feeling her muscles begin to cramp settled herself back on the ground. As Seth paused to regain himself Garrets thrashing had brought him precariously close to the still sleeping Ashton. Ashton’s peaceful sleep was torn away from him from a spastic kick from one of Garret’s still flailing legs. He opened his eyes in time to dodge a second kick, this time aimed for his groin, and rolled swiftly out of range of Garrets assault. Bringing himself to his knees, Ashton’s face crumpled into a grimace of pain and realization.
The four companions had spent the entire previous day upon their massive horses. They had rode fast and hard with no thoughts as to how their bodies might respond to the punishment. Their bodies, now it seemed, had decided to teach them a lesson. It would be a lesson well learned.
Ashton remained kneeling, but repositioned himself to try and relieve his pained muscles. He looked to the heavens and whispered an inaudible prayer. Chanting quietly to himself, his entire body began to shimmer. The shimmer lasted only a fraction of a second and quickly turned into the glow the companions had all witnessed before. A few moments passed and the light that had engulfed Ashton from head to toe vanished. Ashton quickly rose to his feet and flashing a smile in Sara and Seth’s direction he turned and strode towards Garret. Garret’s thrashing had ceased, but sure his body must be terribly burned he kept his eyes closed tightly, refusing to look upon the damage. He lay still now in the dirt, certain he had rolled far enough from whatever it had been that had ignited him. He was panting loudly and sweating freely when Ashton dropped to his knees beside him. Garret did not see nor hear Ashton approach, but he did hear his friend’s prayer, and the low chanting that followed. Ashton took little time to heal Garret’s bruised and sore muscles, and almost before he had started his healing chant, it was over. Hearing his friends words come to an end Garret opened his eyes. He lay on the flat of his back looking up at Ashton. Garret smiled in thanks.
“How badly had I been burned?” Garret asked with a sincere tone to his voice.
Garret’s question was followed by robust laughter from all three of his companions. Seth laughed so hard it brought tears to his eyes, and Sara was forced to lie back down, gasping for air when she finally stopped laughing. Ashton’s laughing on the other had did not last long. He was directly in front of Garret when the man’s mood turned from one of sincere concern to one of anger. The change in his friends face had stopped Ashton’s laughter in its tracks.
Seth and Sara had finally stopped laughing, and both apologized quickly to Garret. They explained their amusement to the fact that though Garret had thought he had been burned, in actuality he was simply bruised and sore from the previous day. Even Garret got a laugh in retrospect.
Ashton took turns healing both Seth and Sara, and then suggested that they should eat before they returned to the road. They all agreed, and gathering their supplies, sat together for a quick breakfast. While finishing up his food Seth mused about how much had already happened that day, yet they had only been awake for less than half an hour. Today he was sure would be an interesting day.
The day passed quickly without anything else out of the ordinary. They rode their mounts a bit slower than they had the day before. Each of them remembering, all too well, the consequences that would await them tomorrow. They passed several people on the road, and noted that many of the people they passed were around their own age. Houses too began to appear in the afternoon, spread apart from one another at great distances at first, ever growing closer and closer as the group traveled. They rode much of the day in silence, simply enjoying the ride. It was a cool day, but not uncomfortably cold. As afternoon approached the land leveled out, and again the river had come near to the road and traveled parallel to it as far as the eye could see. Farm lands lay barren all around them as they rode, having already been harvested for the season. The sky was clear and the sun shone bright already past its peak, descending slowly.
The four companions rode their mounts side by side in a wall of thundering hooves. The Afternoon was growing late, but they still had a few hours of light to ride with. They had slowed their pace to a trot for a while, allowing the horses, and their back sides a short reprieve. They had not yet stopped to eat this day and so decided together, to find a place to let the horses graze for a while and eat a late lunch. Riding for about a quarter of an hour more they found a place where the land had not been plowed for crops, and so grass grew thickly enough for the horses to graze. There was only one scraggly tree in the grass, a tree the horses could easily uproot if they desired, but having no other option, the companions tied all four horses to the small tree. They left the horses liberal slack so that they might graze enough to fill their bellies. While the boy’s tied up the horses, Sara spread out Seth’s blanket on the ground, preparing a place for the four of them to eat. The young men returned carrying with them food, and seated themselves on the blanket with Sara. They took their time eating to allow the horses to graze, unsure how much such a large animal was supposed to eat. Finishing their meal the group continued to sit upon the blanket for a short while. Without any formal decision to leave they each stood after some time anxious to get going. Seth returned the blanket to his pack, and the four walked together to retrieve their steeds. Untying them from the tree the four friends led their mounts across the road to where the river flowed a short distance away and allowed the animals to drink. After the beasts’ thirst appeared to be satiated, they led them back to the road and climbed back into their saddles to continue while they still had light.
Garret placed his foot in the stirrup of his mount. He knew it was his mount because it was the tallest of the four. He had picked this one for that very reason. Lifting his body high into the air he swung his other leg over the saddle and into the other stirrup. Standing in the stirrups he looked on down the road to the horizon. Shimmering just over the horizon, Garret could see six identical objects, evenly spaced from one another. Oblivious to the danger of doing so, and wanting to get a better look at what he was seeing, Garret removed his feet from the stirrups and precariously climbed up to stand atop his saddle. Looking again to the distance, this time with a better vantage point, he could more clearly see the objects. Not only could he see the objects he could now identify as towers, but he could also see the wall that connected them.
Garret’s three companions watched him climb dangerously on top of his saddle. They each watched him quietly not wanting to startle him or his mount. They had each assumed correctly what it was that he was doing, but none of them knew why he was doing it. They all remained silently, still watching, when he climbed back down into the saddle.
“So?” Seth said questioningly
Garret pulled on his reigns, turning his mount back around to face his companions. As he turned everyone noted the smile on his face, but waited for him to answer his brother’s question.
“We’re there.” Garret stated coolly, the smile still remaining on his lips.
“We’re where?” Again it was Seth who asked
“Here.” Garret answered jokingly.
“Ok then bro, then where exactly is here?” Seth asked perplexed.
“Valdadore.” Garret simply stated, the smile returning to his face, then continued. “If you look carefully you can see six triangles on the horizon all spaced the same amount apart from one another.”
Seth, Ashton, and Sara each looked to the horizon at this statement, and one by one returned their eyes to Garret, each nodding their agreement. Once each of them had let him know that they too could see the objects he continued.
“When I stood up I could see that each of those triangles is the top of a tower, and connecting the towers is a wall. I think it is Valdadore. It must be, there aren’t any other towns or cities between Raven’s hold and the capital that I can recall hearing about.”
“How far away do you think it is?” Seth asked his twin.
“Well at the pace we were keeping this morning I would say maybe four hours. That’s assuming the walls here are the same height as the walls of Raven’s Hold. If they are taller that means it is further away and so will take longer. However, if we pick up the pace, like we were doing yesterday or maybe even faster if the horses can take it, I would say two and a half maybe three hours tops. That would get us there right about sunset.”
Seth looked up noting the suns position in the sky. The sky was still clear, and they did have about three hours of light left. Looking across the sky from the sun Seth also noted the two moons shining pale in the still lit sky. The first was already well in the sky, the second just coming over the eastern horizon.
“Well I guess we better get going then.” Seth said. “Seems to me even if your off by a few hours both moons will be out tonight so if we have to travel in the dark we should still be able to see.”
Not waiting for the others to agree, Garret spun his horse back around and drove his heels into its flanks. His mount erupted forward, blazing down the road away from his companions. Seth looked to Sara, and then to Ashton with a wry grin on his face. All three of them copied Garrets previous actions and burst off down the road at a gut wrenching pace.
They pushed their enormous mounts harder than they had the day before, pushing them to speeds the young companions had not imagined capable by a living creature. They thundered down the road with scenery flashing past them in a blur. They rode like this, nonstop until only the last traces of light remained. Finally Garret reigned in his horse and shortly was joined by his twin and their other companions. They looked still at the horizon ahead of them, still at least three hours away, at the massive city that sprawled across the landscape. The sheer size of it left them in awe. How was it that man could build something this magnificent, this enormous? Even at this distance it was easy to tell that each of the towers rose a full twelve stories from the ground, and the wall that connected them was easily ten stories itself. In the center of the wall facing them was one massive gate. The gate stood half the height of the wall itself, and was twice as wide as it was tall. The light was beginning to fade from the sky, but even so it was apparent from this distance that the twins had been mistaken in their assumptions of how the city would look. Each of them had imagined it much smaller for starters. Also they had each thought that it would be the same dull, blue-grey color as Stone haven. After all it was said that the capital city had been built from stone quarried from the town they had previously visited. But as it stood, magnificent on the horizon, Valdadore gleamed white into the impending darkness.
“So what should we do?” Sara asked no one in particular.
“Well it appears it is at least three more hours at the pace we were just running. We can’t even travel at half that speed in the dark, moons or not. So we are looking at a minimum of six more hours, if not more, if we continue on tonight. Garret replied.
“I say we find a spot. We make camp. Then first thing tomorrow we pick up where we left off, and we can eat breakfast within the walls of Valdadore before mid morning.” Seth stated his mind already made up.
They each agreed with Seth’s idea and headed off the road, spreading out but remaining in sight of one another, to look for a place to make camp. Not able to find anything resembling shelter, Seth led his horse to a large oak that sat alone in a field. No leaves remained on the tree, but they did make a nice soft layer on the ground beneath it, and so he decided it would have to do. Calling to Sara to join him he dismounted his horse, and looked for a place to tie it. Sara called to Ashton, who called to Garret, and the three came to join Seth beneath the large tree. When they arrived they each dismounted and led their horses to where Seth was tying his own to a large branch that hung low to the ground. Tying each of their horses to the branch far from the trunk, they dug through their saddle bags for their food. Carrying their supplies they each walked around the tree, opposite the horses and spread out near its base. They sat to eat in the early darkness, none of them speaking, each of them day dreaming of what they might see the next morning.
They ate quickly and quietly, and without much conversation they each unpacked their blankets and settled down to get to sleep. Seth walked a ways off from his brother and Ashton wanting a bit of privacy with Sara. She followed him to where he laid out their blanket, and when he sat so did she.
Instead of sitting in his lap, as she would have usually done, she sat in front of him. She wanted to be close enough they could talk quietly, privately, but at the same time she wanted to be able to see his expressions as they talked.
“I’ve been thinking today.” Sara stated.
“Thinking about what my angel?” Seth asked lovingly.
“About The Choosing.” She replied
“Ah…” Seth said then asked. “What about it?”
“I’m scared Seth.” Sara whispered, her lower lip trembling.
Instinctively Seth leaned forward and hugged Sara into his chest, hoping to ease her pain. Hoping to make her feel safe.
“Why are you scared my love?” He asked her. “There is nothing to be afraid of. I won’t let anything happen to you. It’s just a ceremony. Nobody is going to hurt you.”
“I know how it works Seth, and that is why I am scared.” She told him.
“Then what are you afraid of Sara? I will be there with you I promise.” Seth replied.
“I know you will, but I’m afraid we are going to go to the ceremony together and they are going to choose us for different positions in different places. I’m afraid they are going to take you away from me.” Sara sobbed no longer able to control her emotions.
The thought had dawned on Seth before, and now that he thought about it, he too was afraid, not only of losing Sara, but as always, of losing his brother.
“I’m so sorry Sara. I hadn’t thought to mention it before. You said you have been thinking about it, have you come up with a plan or solution?” Seth asked.
“No love, the only thing I could think of is us running away. We could go somewhere far away where no one has heard of The Choosing, and we could hide. That way, at least we could be together.” Sara stated still sobbing, but hopeful he would agree with her.
Seth thought it over a moment. It was a good plan. It was simple and to the point, and with the money they had combined they would be able to travel nearly anywhere they wanted if they went on foot. The only thing that kept Seth from immediately agreeing was his brother. Seth and Garret had been not only brothers, but best friends from birth. They had never been apart, not even for a day. Seth could not imagine running away not knowing when if ever he would see his twin again. He knew too that Garret would not agree to run with them. Garret wanted to go to The Choosing, wanted to serve the Kingdom. Seth looked to the beautiful woman who sat in front of him. She sat watching him expectantly, hopeful that he would accept her plan and they could leave this night. He loved her with every fiber of his being and wanted in no way to hurt or disappoint her. Thinking quickly, Seth formulated a solid, mature decision.
“We can’t run away Sara.” Seth started, and seeing Sara’s shoulders slump, and tears fill her eyes, he continued. “Not yet at least. Please don’t cry Sara, hear me out. I think you will agree with my idea, and if you don’t like it we will figure something out together.”
Sara did not trust her voice and so she nodded for him to continue, and he did.
“My dad used to tell Garret and I to never give something up without trying it.” Seth began. “It has always been good advice so far, so I think it should also apply to this. I say we go to The Choosing, give it a try, see what we are chosen for. If they separate us, we make a run for it. Tomorrow night we will be staying in an inn somewhere in the city. Where ever that inn is, is where we will meet if they separate us. As soon as it is dark, just head to the inn and I will be there and we will leave together I promise. If we aren’t separated, then I say we do our five years of service so long as we are together.” Seth finished, his eyes never leaving Sara’s amber gaze.
Sara listened to Seth explain. Seth was, as she expected, easily able to come up with a plan. He was a rational thinking person, an intelligent person. Sara knew if they had any options he would find them, and so he did. She nodded her agreement to him, wiping the tears from her face. She smiled at the man she loved. He would be there for her no matter what, and just thinking about it made the pain of future possibilities vanish. No longer was she afraid of The Choosing. She reached up, placed her hands on his chest and shoved with all her might.
Seth toppled over backwards, landing on his back in the leaves, no longer even upon their blanket. Before he could process what had just happened Sara was on top of him. She jumped quickly upon him giving him no time to react. She straddled his waist, pressing her body to his. She pressed her mouth to his and parted his lips with her eager tongue. They kissed passionately for many moments until their breath came in ragged gasps. Releasing his lips she trailed down his neck kissing him softly, every kiss bringing her kisses lower on his neck. When she ran out of neck to kiss she reached between their bodies and grabbing his shirt pulled it all the way up to his shoulders. She sat up, admiring his muscled chest, and ran her fingers lightly across the lines of his chest and abdomen. Lying back down upon him she began to kiss his chest. She kissed him in random locations across his chest and stomach until he could no longer endure remaining still.
Unable to continue taking the pleasurable torment she unleashed upon him, Seth took matters into his own hands. Seth rolled over quickly careful not to hurt Sara he pinned her beneath his body. Holding his own weight he slid his body down until once again their lips met. He kissed her hard but lovingly. His lips remained locked to hers relentlessly. Her breaths coming in gasps she pulled her legs out from beneath him raising her knees to either side of him. This position brought her hips and pelvis to press against his body in a pleasurable way he had not experienced before, and not wanting to give her the upper hand he changed his tactic. Sliding down once more he began to lightly kiss her neck, exhaling his warm breath upon her as he did. As his lips worked down the length of her neck a small moan escaped her lips. He knew he was on the right track. Continuing his descent he left a trail of kisses down to her collar bone. Her breaths came loud and fast as he continued his assault. Her tunic was cut severely low in the front, exposing portions of her soft body he yearned to touch. Keeping his hands to either side of her to support his body, he continued to kiss her exposed flesh. Her body began to tremble, and so he continued to kiss her, low into the V of her tunic. As his mouth reached the last portion of her exposed body her quick breaths stopped as she bit her bottom lip, her hips rolling against his abdomen, she shuddered, and her breaths returned deep and slow.
Slowly, with an occasional kiss to her warm flesh, Seth slid his body up hers, bringing them once again eye to eye. As their eyes met they smiled lovingly at one another, Sara’s smile twisting into a mischievous grin.
“Come ‘ere you.” She said grasping the hair on his head and pulling his mouth to hers.
She kissed him hard, giving his bottom lip a slight tug with her teeth playfully.
“I love you.” Sara told him, her eyes sparkling wetly.
“I love you too angel.” Seth replied. “But you need to be more careful.”
“What do you mean my love?” She asked
“Well, if I am to eventually make an honest woman out of you, you’re going to have to control yourself a bit better.”
“Is that so?” Sara asked mockingly. “Do you then have plans already for us to be joined?”
“Nothing would please me more.” Seth replied honestly. “But if we are going to do it right you need to be more careful. I was on the verge of tearing your clothes off there for a while.”
“I would have stopped you.” Sara replied with a knowing smile on her lips.
“Oh you would have huh?” Seth asked mockingly.
“Yes.” Sara stated. “If you think our first time is going to be among a pile of dead leaves you are mistaken my love.”
“So you have it all planned out then?” Seth asked.
“All but the part when you ask me to spend my life with you, and the part where we exchange rings. Those parts are up to you.” Sara said.
“Seems to me you have those parts all planned out as well.” Seth said jokingly.
Seth kissed her again lightly, and stood pulling her up with him. He pulled her back to their blanket and lowered himself down onto his side. She quickly lay down beside him, and rolling onto her side, her back to him, pulled his arms around her. Seth pulled her body tightly to his own. Releasing her momentarily he pulled the remaining half of the blanket tightly over them to keep them warm.
“Good night my angel.” Seth whispered into her ear.
“Good night love.” She replied.