After the meeting with the King, Gabriella and Validar have some free time. He invites her to share dinner and, in the meantime, she wishes to have him meet the children they saved. Certainly interested to see how all the refugees are doing and witness further the activities that Gabriella had initiated, he’s more than happy to spend the afternoon travelling between the various stops. The Azrellans and the other volunteers have done a quick job in organizing the relief efforts. It is good to see Bella and her child well, and Validar is pleased to see Gabriella fawning a bit over the newborn. She certainly has a kind heart.
Eventually, the hours pass and the couple manage their way back to the Duke’s stronghold and the guest manor. While the day has been eventful, now there is the opportunity to spend some more time just between themselves, without distractions. At least until Validar’s evening strategy session.
“Oh let us sit, darling,” Gabriella says leading her man to a comfortable bench in an empty room. This was where Validar had planned for them to have a dinner. Just the two of them. “I’ve been on my feet all day,” she says quickly dropping onto the cushion, despite vainly trying to remain lady-like.
“It certainly has been an eventful day, my dear. One I have dreamed of all my life. I am extremely pleased that you were able to share it with me,” Validar reminisces on the earlier events of the day, especially being made a knight of the realm. He looked over at his lady and wondered silently if that magnificent event or the sudden increase in feelings he had for her were the more special. They fought for prominence in his mind, almost overwhelming him with pride and happiness.
"Validar, my gallant knight," Gabriella beamed, her emerald eyes shimmering with delight. Her hand reached out to rest gently on his chest under the soft candlelight of the small hall the couple had found some privacy in. "To see you knighted by the King's own hand is a joy beyond words. I am so proud of you, my darling."
Validar, tall and broad-shouldered, felt a warmth spread through his chest at her touch. "And to have you here by my side, Gabriella," he said, his voice a soft rumble, "makes that moment all the more significant." The grandeur of the arched ceilings and ancient tapestries painted a stark contrast to the tender intimacy that filled the air between them. The candles, having burned low, painted the space with pockets of golden light that danced with the shadows.
"Tell me," Gabriella began, her voice a gentle melody in the quiet, “do you feel a change now that you have been knighted?”
Validar took a deep breath, his eyes searching the flickering flames. “Certainly there is some feeling unspoken and weighty that comes with the honor," he said, his words measured. "It is a goal that I have dreamed of happening, since I was a young boy. But the truth is, Gabriella, my life has now changed in more ways than just the knighthood. Thanks to you."
“I am so looking forward to hearing you expound on THAT thought, my dear.” An expectant smile graced her lovely features and her eyes reflected the candlelight with their own inner fire. “But first some needed freedom.” She slipped off her shoes and kicked them far to the side away from her, as if they had somehow offended her. “So much better,” she cooed softly and tucked herself under his shoulder. “Now tell me, how have 'I' changed your life?” Her smile continued as she waited for the words, hope filling her heart.
“Oh, my dearest Gabriella. How can such a complicated thought be verbalized in simple words? If only you could somehow see directly into my mind and into my heart. I fear my vocabulary does not contain the words necessary to satisfactorily explain the feelings bubbling up in my innermost being, but try I shall.” She looked up at him briefly and then snuggled in as he gently rubbed her arm. “I was not looking for much more than simple companionship at the Seekers’ feast. There was no thought about a relationship, about someone with which to share my life. You ruined all that the moment I first laid eyes upon you,” he said with a throaty chuckle.
She glanced up again, an even bigger smile on her face now. “Go on.”
“I tried to speak with you. I wanted very much get to know you. To learn who this mysterious, beautiful individual was.”
“You kept having someone pull you this way and that.” She frowned. “And I kept being left behind.”
“It was certainly not MY intention!”
Gabriella interrupted him, “I know. It became frustrating trying to have a conversation, each sentence separated by long minutes apart. Something quickly gave me the feeling that you were not like any of my previous suitors. There was a different air about you, a true nobility. And you appeared to be honestly interested in who I was, not just what I was.”
“You are most kind and quite correct in your inference of my intentions,” Validar responded. “You, of course, were not like the other women there either,” he quickly offered. “Most of those ladies at the gathering were either vapid or merely superficial, with only one thing on their mind. You on the other hand presented no ostensible pretenses. Such an uncommon and so very attractive trait. I was smitten.”
“As you know by now, I am not a typical Cynalonian noble woman,” Gabriella offered proudly.
“No, you most certainly are not. In the days that followed, I found that my initial impressions of this marvelous person were accurate. Spending time with you, made me want to spend even more time with you. I wanted to know everything I could about you. The two months we shared this summer were very special to me. You are far from typical in so many wonderful ways, my dear.” A smile of appreciation filled his face.
A Flame Rekindled (4)
A Flame Rekindled (4)
Conquer or Die!
Re: A Flame Rekindled (4)
She shifted in his arms, sitting up more to face him directly. “That is a worry of mine,” she finally says.
That caught him unexpectedly. “Whatever do you mean, my dear?”
“In simple words, just that. I am not a typical Cynalonian noble woman.” A look of concern filled her face. She hesitated a moment, confidence in her man understanding her, or at least attempting to do so, versus the worry she had that she might always be an outsider in his world.
“We’ve each said those words several times, sweetheart,” Validar said softly, taking both of her hands into his. “Tell me what worries you about this fact. As I said, I find it extremely appealing.”
“Yes, the problem is not with you. Not between us.” She dropped her eyes and went silent.
Gently lifting her chin to look into her eyes, Validar wanted very much to solve her problem. His father had counseled him however that sometimes your woman does not want you to solve the problem ‘now’. She simply wants to be heard, and understood and cared for. To be seen and know that her feelings and emotions were valid. “Tell me,” he said quietly and waited.
Gabriella took a deep breath and began to speak. “I am a proud Cynalonian woman. I love my family and have helped them grow their business. I support the King and I hope that he can lead us to a time of peace. If I didn’t enjoy my life and my time here in this Kingdom, I could go to live in Zakhara.”
“But that is part of the problem, part of my blood is Zakharan. I grew up there, most of my childhood. My parents didn’t need young kids running around the caravan, getting into mischief. Some of the time we spent with my mother directly, some with mother's family. When my brother was older, they introduced him to workings in the business. He took to it well. For I on the other hand, and my sister, my parents waited longer. Instead of learning the business, my mother had me learn to dance and I took also to singing. Initially it was at her urging, but I grew to enjoy it deeply. My mother later admitted that this was especially to help me gain a suitable husband. We had many angry conversations about that!” She shook her head at the memories.
“I was a teen before my father would let me ride regularly with the caravans and it was only a few short years ago, despite my begging to help, that I was allowed to work directly for them. I became quite proficient at negotiating and making deals. Haggling is a common activity in the Lands of Fate.”
“I never had the chance to grow up in a Cynalon noble’s house and spend so many formative years learning the ins and outs of court life. Things are done differently in Zakhara. And we are not a major noble family. My uncle is the landed lord. As such I never learned how many fingers to hold the cup and in which hand on a weekend in the afternoon.” She gestured with her hands as if feigning confusion. This last bit of sarcasm made Validar chuckle. He appreciated her humor, despite the unhappiness in her tone. Nodding, he urged her to continue.
Trying not to smile herself, she looked away again and took a deep breath. “My family, especially my uncle, urged me to become more active in courtly affairs. I tried but it seemed so phony. I wanted something real.”
She began to mimic an imaginary suitor hoping to marry her, deepening her voice, and casting her arms about. “’Oh, Gabriella, you would make such a fine wife. Come away with me to my castle in the middle of nowhere and give me 20 children.’ Phew. The thought was horrible.” She looked at Validar who was trying hard not to laugh at her pantomime and burst out with a laugh of her own.
“That was funny,” he simply offered.
“My uncle and also my mother kept pushing me however. I attended gatherings and balls and feasts where I could. Just enough to satisfy them. Just enough to maybe find someone different. I dressed primarily in Zakharan styles, mainly because I love the fashion. I didn't do it to stand out, although that happened, and probably unconsciously to tell everyone that I was different. And at times I know that it left me avoided or ignored by some people. I was actually at one ball where my only dance was with the grandfather of the lord of the house because he saw I had been passed over by everyone concerned about 'appearances'. But I don't care. I am proud of both Kingdoms."
"Fortunately, I could travel about with the next caravan and simply slip away from an unseemly admirer. That is how I ended up in Gateway. I was at home in Crossroads and was being actively ‘courted’ by a younger son of a lord from Nemiston. He thought much more of himself than he should sadly. Travelling west would take me right toward Nemiston. So I went east to get away. And the stories about Gateway seemed exciting. Fortunately, that was where I met you.” Looking Validar over, she rubbed his arm and tried to take in all she could about this man.
“Fortune favors the bold,” he acknowledged. In his head, he was not able to follow what the problem was exactly however. If all this brought her here, to him, then…. Do not solve the problem he told himself again. How could he when he was only guessing about her true concerns? It was obvious what the surface issues were, but that was not the true trepidation that she felt. He took a deep breath before speaking. Validar always considered his words carefully and with aforethought. This time he did doubly so. “A challenging situation, no doubt. Please continue.”
Gabriella gazed once more at her man. She peered deeply into his eyes, longing to be understood by him. The look he returned made it clear that he was trying to do so. She knew he cared for her. And she hoped it was as much as she cared for him in return. She had left to follow this man to Pyris the very day after he left her his sudden note, quickly gathering a caravan with the auspices to get a final run to Corunglain, but mostly to reach Pyris. It was a desperate, crazy decision and it felt so right.
It was now apparent, based on their exchanges the last two days, that their previous months together was not just a summer fling to him either. They had built a comfortable, flirty foundation during those two months. But being apart made each of them realize that while they may not have been looking for romance, it overtook them nonetheless. She hoped that he realized as much as she did that their worlds were both so much better for it, despite the challenges.
Deciding to trust in her feelings and the feelings Validar had shown to her, Gabriella continued her message. She took his hands and held them tight to her bosom. “I know you have said that we do not have to follow the ‘normal’ rules of courting and I appreciate that you have taken steps to show your affection outside these rules for my benefit.”
“For our benefit,” he carefully interrupted.
“For our benefit,” she repeated, a grin playing at her mouth. “And even in audience with the King, you clung to your promise to me, flouting some of the highest rules! I also saw Dame Sharl’s reaction to us holding hands.”
Validar very briefly considered to once more joke ‘scandalous’, but he thought better of it this time. This was not a point for a jest.
“That certainly made me feel more comfortable. But when the King addressed me directly, I felt my knees go weak and my mind screamed to not make a mistake.”
“You looked much more composed than that, my dear,” Validar offered.
“I was not!” came the definitive response. “Let's just say that I was very happy that I was holding onto you.”
“Your squeezing of my hand was quite impressive,” Validar let that light-hearted comment slip in.
“But you calmly made it so that we instantly appeared the perfect courtly couple and that allowed me to calm a bit. I was able to remember all the proper responses. Mostly.” She blushed slightly as she remembered her stammered attempt at modesty and being quickly cut off by the King. Fortunately, he was being gracious, so the moment did not sting.
“Then you went right back to informalities. And when the King summoned you forward, you again were able to meld into the perfect court lord. I’m not sure that I can do the same,” she frowned.
Validar shook his head. “Oh Gabriella. You don’t have to. Just be yourself. I’ve already told you that I would rather we be honest with ourselves. There is no reason to button up emotions like pride and happiness and love, just for appearances.” He took her shoulders in his hands and gazed deeply into her eyes. “I cannot express how pleased I was to see you look so happy for me that you almost burst out of your skin. That is the sort of relationship that I want. Not some stoic bow, curtsey, kiss, kiss nonsense.” It was her turn to laugh at his sarcasm.
“You lifted me so high I thought I might touch the ceiling! That was far from a courtly embrace.”
“Then perhaps we simply need to go about changing the rules.” Validar’s response was so matter of fact, it caught her completely off guard.
Seeing she was unsure how to respond, he continued. “This is a new time for the Kingdom. The younger generation, our generation, will be taking over. There is a new King. At some point there will be a new Queen on the throne. One who is not noble by birth.”
“Are you serious? I had not heard that.” She considered for a moment. “I think everyone assumed she was nobility herself.”
“Word does not always travel well into the Outer Realms of the Kingdom,” Validar explained. “It’s not a secret, but by the same token, it is apparently not widely known everywhere. To be honest, Dame Sharl is likely much less comfortable at court than you are.”
“No!” Gabriella had trouble believing that.
“Oh yes,” he corrected her. “Consider: perhaps she was affirming our show of affection when she also took the King's hand in her own, or perhaps, she was following our lead, which allowed herself to be more comfortable.”
“I never would have considered such a thing.” Gabriella turned away to consider a rush of possibilities and new ideas. “Well,” she said after a moment. "So I should just be myself and try my best to fit in. Others are more uneasy than I have felt. That sounds strange to think." She was saying all this more to herself.
“You have your charm. You are intelligent and well spoken. People see you as refined and you carry yourself very well.”
“Higher nobles consider me an outsider,” she said pensively.
“Not anymore, my dearest. Not anymore. At least not the ones who count. It’s not only the common folk that are starting to talk about you now. You are firmly in the King’s sights and remember what cousin Jallarzi had to say.”
“Yes, what did she mean by that anyway,” Gabriella pondered.
“You impressed many people these last few days, not only myself. Together we can be a truly powerful force in this Kingdom.” Validar gave his lady a warm, simple hug, hoping to comfort her and assuage the last of her concerns.
“That almost sounds like a proposal,” she quickly added, laughing light-heartedly.
He smiled back and focused on her a long moment as he considered the idea and let it roll about in his thoughts. He then almost lost his thought gazing deep into her emerald pools. “When that time comes, I can guarantee you that it will not be so subtle.” A rumbling chuckle belayed the seriousness of his words. “And there will be no question of my intent, my love.” He leaned forward and placed his forehead against hers, closing his eyes and taking in the contact and the scent of her perfume.
Gabriella’s heart leaped! He had spoken the words she longed to hear, the words every woman longed to hear from their man. The words she struggled to find the proper way to speak herself. In every relationship, there was always a silent struggle as to who would admit their deepest feelings first. And a danger in expressing it too soon if the other person was not ready to do the same. She had felt love from Validar in many ways, through their interactions. But now it was actually vocalized! Their relationship had blossomed so quickly and yet it seemed so natural, so unforced.
She hugged him so hard for a time that it seemed she wanted their hearts to merge. “I love you too,” she said quietly and melted further into his warm embrace, a single tear of happiness glistening her cheek.
That caught him unexpectedly. “Whatever do you mean, my dear?”
“In simple words, just that. I am not a typical Cynalonian noble woman.” A look of concern filled her face. She hesitated a moment, confidence in her man understanding her, or at least attempting to do so, versus the worry she had that she might always be an outsider in his world.
“We’ve each said those words several times, sweetheart,” Validar said softly, taking both of her hands into his. “Tell me what worries you about this fact. As I said, I find it extremely appealing.”
“Yes, the problem is not with you. Not between us.” She dropped her eyes and went silent.
Gently lifting her chin to look into her eyes, Validar wanted very much to solve her problem. His father had counseled him however that sometimes your woman does not want you to solve the problem ‘now’. She simply wants to be heard, and understood and cared for. To be seen and know that her feelings and emotions were valid. “Tell me,” he said quietly and waited.
Gabriella took a deep breath and began to speak. “I am a proud Cynalonian woman. I love my family and have helped them grow their business. I support the King and I hope that he can lead us to a time of peace. If I didn’t enjoy my life and my time here in this Kingdom, I could go to live in Zakhara.”
“But that is part of the problem, part of my blood is Zakharan. I grew up there, most of my childhood. My parents didn’t need young kids running around the caravan, getting into mischief. Some of the time we spent with my mother directly, some with mother's family. When my brother was older, they introduced him to workings in the business. He took to it well. For I on the other hand, and my sister, my parents waited longer. Instead of learning the business, my mother had me learn to dance and I took also to singing. Initially it was at her urging, but I grew to enjoy it deeply. My mother later admitted that this was especially to help me gain a suitable husband. We had many angry conversations about that!” She shook her head at the memories.
“I was a teen before my father would let me ride regularly with the caravans and it was only a few short years ago, despite my begging to help, that I was allowed to work directly for them. I became quite proficient at negotiating and making deals. Haggling is a common activity in the Lands of Fate.”
“I never had the chance to grow up in a Cynalon noble’s house and spend so many formative years learning the ins and outs of court life. Things are done differently in Zakhara. And we are not a major noble family. My uncle is the landed lord. As such I never learned how many fingers to hold the cup and in which hand on a weekend in the afternoon.” She gestured with her hands as if feigning confusion. This last bit of sarcasm made Validar chuckle. He appreciated her humor, despite the unhappiness in her tone. Nodding, he urged her to continue.
Trying not to smile herself, she looked away again and took a deep breath. “My family, especially my uncle, urged me to become more active in courtly affairs. I tried but it seemed so phony. I wanted something real.”
She began to mimic an imaginary suitor hoping to marry her, deepening her voice, and casting her arms about. “’Oh, Gabriella, you would make such a fine wife. Come away with me to my castle in the middle of nowhere and give me 20 children.’ Phew. The thought was horrible.” She looked at Validar who was trying hard not to laugh at her pantomime and burst out with a laugh of her own.
“That was funny,” he simply offered.
“My uncle and also my mother kept pushing me however. I attended gatherings and balls and feasts where I could. Just enough to satisfy them. Just enough to maybe find someone different. I dressed primarily in Zakharan styles, mainly because I love the fashion. I didn't do it to stand out, although that happened, and probably unconsciously to tell everyone that I was different. And at times I know that it left me avoided or ignored by some people. I was actually at one ball where my only dance was with the grandfather of the lord of the house because he saw I had been passed over by everyone concerned about 'appearances'. But I don't care. I am proud of both Kingdoms."
"Fortunately, I could travel about with the next caravan and simply slip away from an unseemly admirer. That is how I ended up in Gateway. I was at home in Crossroads and was being actively ‘courted’ by a younger son of a lord from Nemiston. He thought much more of himself than he should sadly. Travelling west would take me right toward Nemiston. So I went east to get away. And the stories about Gateway seemed exciting. Fortunately, that was where I met you.” Looking Validar over, she rubbed his arm and tried to take in all she could about this man.
“Fortune favors the bold,” he acknowledged. In his head, he was not able to follow what the problem was exactly however. If all this brought her here, to him, then…. Do not solve the problem he told himself again. How could he when he was only guessing about her true concerns? It was obvious what the surface issues were, but that was not the true trepidation that she felt. He took a deep breath before speaking. Validar always considered his words carefully and with aforethought. This time he did doubly so. “A challenging situation, no doubt. Please continue.”
Gabriella gazed once more at her man. She peered deeply into his eyes, longing to be understood by him. The look he returned made it clear that he was trying to do so. She knew he cared for her. And she hoped it was as much as she cared for him in return. She had left to follow this man to Pyris the very day after he left her his sudden note, quickly gathering a caravan with the auspices to get a final run to Corunglain, but mostly to reach Pyris. It was a desperate, crazy decision and it felt so right.
It was now apparent, based on their exchanges the last two days, that their previous months together was not just a summer fling to him either. They had built a comfortable, flirty foundation during those two months. But being apart made each of them realize that while they may not have been looking for romance, it overtook them nonetheless. She hoped that he realized as much as she did that their worlds were both so much better for it, despite the challenges.
Deciding to trust in her feelings and the feelings Validar had shown to her, Gabriella continued her message. She took his hands and held them tight to her bosom. “I know you have said that we do not have to follow the ‘normal’ rules of courting and I appreciate that you have taken steps to show your affection outside these rules for my benefit.”
“For our benefit,” he carefully interrupted.
“For our benefit,” she repeated, a grin playing at her mouth. “And even in audience with the King, you clung to your promise to me, flouting some of the highest rules! I also saw Dame Sharl’s reaction to us holding hands.”
Validar very briefly considered to once more joke ‘scandalous’, but he thought better of it this time. This was not a point for a jest.
“That certainly made me feel more comfortable. But when the King addressed me directly, I felt my knees go weak and my mind screamed to not make a mistake.”
“You looked much more composed than that, my dear,” Validar offered.
“I was not!” came the definitive response. “Let's just say that I was very happy that I was holding onto you.”
“Your squeezing of my hand was quite impressive,” Validar let that light-hearted comment slip in.
“But you calmly made it so that we instantly appeared the perfect courtly couple and that allowed me to calm a bit. I was able to remember all the proper responses. Mostly.” She blushed slightly as she remembered her stammered attempt at modesty and being quickly cut off by the King. Fortunately, he was being gracious, so the moment did not sting.
“Then you went right back to informalities. And when the King summoned you forward, you again were able to meld into the perfect court lord. I’m not sure that I can do the same,” she frowned.
Validar shook his head. “Oh Gabriella. You don’t have to. Just be yourself. I’ve already told you that I would rather we be honest with ourselves. There is no reason to button up emotions like pride and happiness and love, just for appearances.” He took her shoulders in his hands and gazed deeply into her eyes. “I cannot express how pleased I was to see you look so happy for me that you almost burst out of your skin. That is the sort of relationship that I want. Not some stoic bow, curtsey, kiss, kiss nonsense.” It was her turn to laugh at his sarcasm.
“You lifted me so high I thought I might touch the ceiling! That was far from a courtly embrace.”
“Then perhaps we simply need to go about changing the rules.” Validar’s response was so matter of fact, it caught her completely off guard.
Seeing she was unsure how to respond, he continued. “This is a new time for the Kingdom. The younger generation, our generation, will be taking over. There is a new King. At some point there will be a new Queen on the throne. One who is not noble by birth.”
“Are you serious? I had not heard that.” She considered for a moment. “I think everyone assumed she was nobility herself.”
“Word does not always travel well into the Outer Realms of the Kingdom,” Validar explained. “It’s not a secret, but by the same token, it is apparently not widely known everywhere. To be honest, Dame Sharl is likely much less comfortable at court than you are.”
“No!” Gabriella had trouble believing that.
“Oh yes,” he corrected her. “Consider: perhaps she was affirming our show of affection when she also took the King's hand in her own, or perhaps, she was following our lead, which allowed herself to be more comfortable.”
“I never would have considered such a thing.” Gabriella turned away to consider a rush of possibilities and new ideas. “Well,” she said after a moment. "So I should just be myself and try my best to fit in. Others are more uneasy than I have felt. That sounds strange to think." She was saying all this more to herself.
“You have your charm. You are intelligent and well spoken. People see you as refined and you carry yourself very well.”
“Higher nobles consider me an outsider,” she said pensively.
“Not anymore, my dearest. Not anymore. At least not the ones who count. It’s not only the common folk that are starting to talk about you now. You are firmly in the King’s sights and remember what cousin Jallarzi had to say.”
“Yes, what did she mean by that anyway,” Gabriella pondered.
“You impressed many people these last few days, not only myself. Together we can be a truly powerful force in this Kingdom.” Validar gave his lady a warm, simple hug, hoping to comfort her and assuage the last of her concerns.
“That almost sounds like a proposal,” she quickly added, laughing light-heartedly.
He smiled back and focused on her a long moment as he considered the idea and let it roll about in his thoughts. He then almost lost his thought gazing deep into her emerald pools. “When that time comes, I can guarantee you that it will not be so subtle.” A rumbling chuckle belayed the seriousness of his words. “And there will be no question of my intent, my love.” He leaned forward and placed his forehead against hers, closing his eyes and taking in the contact and the scent of her perfume.
Gabriella’s heart leaped! He had spoken the words she longed to hear, the words every woman longed to hear from their man. The words she struggled to find the proper way to speak herself. In every relationship, there was always a silent struggle as to who would admit their deepest feelings first. And a danger in expressing it too soon if the other person was not ready to do the same. She had felt love from Validar in many ways, through their interactions. But now it was actually vocalized! Their relationship had blossomed so quickly and yet it seemed so natural, so unforced.
She hugged him so hard for a time that it seemed she wanted their hearts to merge. “I love you too,” she said quietly and melted further into his warm embrace, a single tear of happiness glistening her cheek.
Conquer or Die!
Re: A Flame Rekindled (4)
Gabriella and Validar remained in their comfortable embrace. The substantial seriousness of their dual expression of love for the other, slowly dissolved into more mundane conversation about random subjects, like family, favorite colors, which foods they disapproved of and whether candles were best mounted in chandeliers, wall sconces or in candelabras on the floor or table. They needed to take shared steps to reduce the intensity of the earlier conversations. This had been a whirlwind of emotions just from their rekindled romance, not withstanding the effects of the recent siege.
“What a day.” Gabriella sighed and leaned back slightly and then kissed him twice on the mouth, a familiar kiss. One usually reserved for hearts that have known each other for a long time. She then stretched out her legs in front of her and wiggled her feet, her ankle bangles jingling very softly with the movements. “What a day.” The repetition was less whimsical, rather expressing the tiredness she was experiencing. “We accomplished much between breakfast and our meeting the King. I must have gone between Gatehouses a half dozen times, if not more,” she said somewhat wearily. “And that was before all of our rounds this afternoon.”
“Come,” Validar suggests, offering his hands, “allow me to ease some of your discomfort. I guarantee you will feel much better when I am finished.”
Gabriella’s eyes widen with realization and she quickly pivots on the bench, leaning back and placing her feet in his lap. “You don’t have to offer twice,” she says, closing her eyes and making herself comfortable. "I was enraptured since the first time you did this for me back in Gateway."
Taking one foot in his hands, he regarded it for a moment. Her tanned skin set off the gold of her ankle bracelets and the rings that adorned her perfectly pedicured toes. An amazing beauty from head to tiptoe. He smiled to himself at how fortunate he was to find such an uncommon woman. Validar vowed to himself to do all he could to not let this woman go.
“Mmmmmmm.” The happy, contented sound escaped her lips as he worked his thumbs along her bare sole. With each stroke from heel to toe, the stress and concerns of the day melted away. “This is heavenly,” she whispered, placing the back of her palm against her forehead and letting out a long slow exhale. Validar could feel her tension easing as he continued his massage.
He continued his work silently for a time. As he switched to her other foot, she said breathily, “I hope you are enjoying this even the tiniest amount. Because you can use those magical hands any time you want.” A blissful and contented look graced her features.
“Honestly,” he began to explain, “I find the process quite calming and relaxing myself. I am pleased to help you ease and unwind, sweetheart. You have but to ask.” He hesitated for a moment, then added with a wry smile. “You know, if they were so uncomfortable, you could have forgone your shoes much sooner today.”
Gabriella raised her head up with a start to look at him. She barely hid her own smile through pursed lips and accusing glance. “Are you suggesting I should have gone barefoot before the King? I was already nervous at us breaking protocol.” Her voice was in stark contrast to a few moments ago when it was barely above a breathy whisper.
Validar laughed heartily. “You were the one who said we would be scandalous,” he said in a playful mock counter. “And we did indeed dance outside the courtly bounds today. Several times, I might add.”
“Ha!” she said, refusing to accepting some of the truth of his statements. With her free foot, she gave him an impish push against his chest and flashed her eyes at him, trying hard to suppress a smile.
“Very well, if you wish to play, then you might find that you are in a less than advantageous position.” He didn’t explain further, instead showing her the folly of her playful exchange. With a furrowed brow and a mischievous grin, he grabbed her ankle firmly and proceeded to run his finger up and down her sole. “En Garde!”
An involuntarily shriek erupted loudly and Gabriella quickly covered her mouth. She would not be able to withstand that tickling for long and quickly acquiesced. “No! I submit.” Seeing this initially futile, she then changed her tactic in order to stop the ticklish assault and struggling to maintain any composure, batted her eyelashes. “Pl-please, my lord, I am defenseless against you.” She said this in an obvious light-hearted, but still flirtatious manner between giggles, and rubbed her free foot softly against his cheek.
Validar went back to his massaging of his lady, as though nothing had happened, but he gave her a wink and a smile of mock victory just the same. Gabriella closed her eyes again and took a deep breath, trying to return to that feeling of bliss, after the intense playful interruption. “Actually, thinking on it,” he picked up on her earlier question as if nothing else had occurred, “I cannot imagine how it could be considered an actual affront, just perhaps somewhat unusual and untypical.” He gazed at Gabriella for a moment. “And as I have said many times, you are certainly several steps away from typical.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” Her eyes had been closed but she peaked to see his response.
“Oh, it was most definitely a compliment. Quite a strong one, at that, my love.” He met her look and nodded.
Satisfied with the response, her eyes closed briefly again and drifted back into the enjoyment of the soothing contact between them. “Although you know,” she considered for a moment gazing down at herself, “this is an authentic Zakharan dress. It would be quite appropriate attire to be barefoot like so.”
“Indeed,” Validar thought back to the Seeker weddings a week apart in Gateway. “As I recall you were well-dressed and barefoot at both of my friends’ nuptials.”
“Of course! It was summer, after all,” Gabriella responded, a slightly defiant tone to her voice. “In Zakhara many go barefoot year-round. And certainly in the warm summer months. As such anklets tend to be a very important fashion item. More places for jewelry are never a bad thing.” She held up her free foot and posed it in front of his eyes. Taking it briefly in one hand, Validar placed a warm kiss on her instep and then further affirmed her statement with a wink. “Even the most fancy of clothes do not require shoes or sandals when instead you can have gold and gems on your ankles and toes."
He had no argument for her logic or her passion and just continued his pleasant task.
“Most of my life I’ve not had to deal with it as any issue. It’s just natural now for me to be so. Which is why I have such a time trying to keep those annoying things on.” She gave a disdainful look in the direction she had sent her sandals earlier. "And besides,” she says with a sly grin, “I do not recall you being bothered by my appearance at all.”
“I was certainly not,” he said with a bright smile. “In truth, I was joined there by the most beauteous woman in all the land. I thought you were nothing but captivating, exotic, and gorgeous. And I must certainly admit, that I find your sense of style most favorable. I’ve told you before, you need change nothing for me, my love.”
“What a day.” Gabriella sighed and leaned back slightly and then kissed him twice on the mouth, a familiar kiss. One usually reserved for hearts that have known each other for a long time. She then stretched out her legs in front of her and wiggled her feet, her ankle bangles jingling very softly with the movements. “What a day.” The repetition was less whimsical, rather expressing the tiredness she was experiencing. “We accomplished much between breakfast and our meeting the King. I must have gone between Gatehouses a half dozen times, if not more,” she said somewhat wearily. “And that was before all of our rounds this afternoon.”
“Come,” Validar suggests, offering his hands, “allow me to ease some of your discomfort. I guarantee you will feel much better when I am finished.”
Gabriella’s eyes widen with realization and she quickly pivots on the bench, leaning back and placing her feet in his lap. “You don’t have to offer twice,” she says, closing her eyes and making herself comfortable. "I was enraptured since the first time you did this for me back in Gateway."
Taking one foot in his hands, he regarded it for a moment. Her tanned skin set off the gold of her ankle bracelets and the rings that adorned her perfectly pedicured toes. An amazing beauty from head to tiptoe. He smiled to himself at how fortunate he was to find such an uncommon woman. Validar vowed to himself to do all he could to not let this woman go.
“Mmmmmmm.” The happy, contented sound escaped her lips as he worked his thumbs along her bare sole. With each stroke from heel to toe, the stress and concerns of the day melted away. “This is heavenly,” she whispered, placing the back of her palm against her forehead and letting out a long slow exhale. Validar could feel her tension easing as he continued his massage.
He continued his work silently for a time. As he switched to her other foot, she said breathily, “I hope you are enjoying this even the tiniest amount. Because you can use those magical hands any time you want.” A blissful and contented look graced her features.
“Honestly,” he began to explain, “I find the process quite calming and relaxing myself. I am pleased to help you ease and unwind, sweetheart. You have but to ask.” He hesitated for a moment, then added with a wry smile. “You know, if they were so uncomfortable, you could have forgone your shoes much sooner today.”
Gabriella raised her head up with a start to look at him. She barely hid her own smile through pursed lips and accusing glance. “Are you suggesting I should have gone barefoot before the King? I was already nervous at us breaking protocol.” Her voice was in stark contrast to a few moments ago when it was barely above a breathy whisper.
Validar laughed heartily. “You were the one who said we would be scandalous,” he said in a playful mock counter. “And we did indeed dance outside the courtly bounds today. Several times, I might add.”
“Ha!” she said, refusing to accepting some of the truth of his statements. With her free foot, she gave him an impish push against his chest and flashed her eyes at him, trying hard to suppress a smile.
“Very well, if you wish to play, then you might find that you are in a less than advantageous position.” He didn’t explain further, instead showing her the folly of her playful exchange. With a furrowed brow and a mischievous grin, he grabbed her ankle firmly and proceeded to run his finger up and down her sole. “En Garde!”
An involuntarily shriek erupted loudly and Gabriella quickly covered her mouth. She would not be able to withstand that tickling for long and quickly acquiesced. “No! I submit.” Seeing this initially futile, she then changed her tactic in order to stop the ticklish assault and struggling to maintain any composure, batted her eyelashes. “Pl-please, my lord, I am defenseless against you.” She said this in an obvious light-hearted, but still flirtatious manner between giggles, and rubbed her free foot softly against his cheek.
Validar went back to his massaging of his lady, as though nothing had happened, but he gave her a wink and a smile of mock victory just the same. Gabriella closed her eyes again and took a deep breath, trying to return to that feeling of bliss, after the intense playful interruption. “Actually, thinking on it,” he picked up on her earlier question as if nothing else had occurred, “I cannot imagine how it could be considered an actual affront, just perhaps somewhat unusual and untypical.” He gazed at Gabriella for a moment. “And as I have said many times, you are certainly several steps away from typical.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” Her eyes had been closed but she peaked to see his response.
“Oh, it was most definitely a compliment. Quite a strong one, at that, my love.” He met her look and nodded.
Satisfied with the response, her eyes closed briefly again and drifted back into the enjoyment of the soothing contact between them. “Although you know,” she considered for a moment gazing down at herself, “this is an authentic Zakharan dress. It would be quite appropriate attire to be barefoot like so.”
“Indeed,” Validar thought back to the Seeker weddings a week apart in Gateway. “As I recall you were well-dressed and barefoot at both of my friends’ nuptials.”
“Of course! It was summer, after all,” Gabriella responded, a slightly defiant tone to her voice. “In Zakhara many go barefoot year-round. And certainly in the warm summer months. As such anklets tend to be a very important fashion item. More places for jewelry are never a bad thing.” She held up her free foot and posed it in front of his eyes. Taking it briefly in one hand, Validar placed a warm kiss on her instep and then further affirmed her statement with a wink. “Even the most fancy of clothes do not require shoes or sandals when instead you can have gold and gems on your ankles and toes."
He had no argument for her logic or her passion and just continued his pleasant task.
“Most of my life I’ve not had to deal with it as any issue. It’s just natural now for me to be so. Which is why I have such a time trying to keep those annoying things on.” She gave a disdainful look in the direction she had sent her sandals earlier. "And besides,” she says with a sly grin, “I do not recall you being bothered by my appearance at all.”
“I was certainly not,” he said with a bright smile. “In truth, I was joined there by the most beauteous woman in all the land. I thought you were nothing but captivating, exotic, and gorgeous. And I must certainly admit, that I find your sense of style most favorable. I’ve told you before, you need change nothing for me, my love.”
Conquer or Die!
Re: A Flame Rekindled (4)
“You said earlier that you would like to hear me sing,” Gabriella cooed softly. “May I reward the care you have given me by singing a song for you, darling?”
Validar sat up straighter, intrigued. “Most certainly!” he said, not even trying to hide his excitement at the prospect of hearing her melodious voice. In Gateway he often heard her hum when she was happy, but never a full-on song. Her lilting, soft voice was always a pleasure.
She dropped her eyes shyly but her gaze quickly returned to him, as a smile tugged at the corners of her full lips. Standing she turned and slowly padded over in front of the candles, ignoring the coolness of the stone underfoot. With her back still to her man, Gabriella slowly started to sway her hips. Validar slid forward on his seat, his attention rapt upon his woman’s performance. Stepping carefully and slowly to an inaudible song, with a grace that bordered on magical, she continued to move in time to an unheard rhythm. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and mesmerizing. Validar leaned in further, his eyes never leaving her, his hand gripping the armrest with a silent intensity. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across her body, highlighting the curves and valleys that made up the landscape of her form.
Her heart thumped against her chest like a caged bird, desperate to break free. She took a deep breath and started to hum a melody that matched her slow, sensual movements. Her hands began to rise, fingers stretching out like the petals of a blooming flower. They danced in the air, tracing invisible patterns that mirrored the undulation of her hips. Her bare feet glided across the stone floor, the sound of her anklets a soft whisper that seemed to echo through the hushed chamber. The candlelight played upon her, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her appear almost otherworldly.
Her back still to Validar, Gabriella began to sing. The song started as an almost haunting refrain that seemed to draw from the very shadows of the room itself. As the song rose, her voice, a velvety siren's call, filled the air. It was a melody that seemed to resonate from her innermost being, a powerfully expressive and beautiful tune. Gabriella’s voice washed over Validar, a tangible force that seemed to grip his very essence. The words were in a language he didn't understand, but the emotion was clearly obvious.
As the song reached its crescendo, she spun around with a fluidity that made his breath catch in his throat. The fabric of her dress fluttered around her, revealing flashes of bare skin that made his pulse race. Her eyes locked onto his, and in that moment, it was as if she were singing directly into a huge abyss in his core, yet filling it fully at the same moment.
Her voice soared, a symphony that sent shivers down his spine. The candlelight cast a golden halo around her, making Gabriella appear diaphanous. As the song slowed once more to a haunting yet pleasing melody, Validar felt his heart swell with a mix of emotions. The music was a testament to the tumultuous journey they had shared together, and now, as it approached its end, it reflected the peace and contentment that had found what seemed to be a permanent home in their hearts. The notes lingered in the air, like a warm embrace.
Gabriella drew silent, her large soulful eyes never leaving his. She held her breath waiting expectantly for his reaction. Validar sat there, utterly spellbound, his eyes drinking in every detail of her beauty. “I don’t know the words you sung,” he admitted, “but your voice seemed to reach to furthest depths of my very soul, my love.” As he spoke, he crossed the distance to her and met her half-way. “As always, you amaze me.”
She nearly fell into his arms, happiness swelling within her and clearly expressed upon her fine features. As they once more enjoyed the touch and embrace of the other, suddenly there was a rise of applause from just outside the room!
Validar turned to look at the interruption and Gabriella blushed when she saw the crowd that had gathered and apparently overhead her performance.
Po was there. As was her bodyguard Jamid. Also being from Zakhara, she held a very knowing look upon her face. Lord Acerion had heard the beautiful melody as he readied the preparations for his own private time with Ivy. Several guards left their nearby posts to better hear and six or seven servants who were bringing the meal Validar had planned for himself and Gabriella were all there.
She buried her face in his chest, trying to escape the unexpected embarrassment. Then gathering herself, Gabriella faced the crowd and thanked them for their kind applause with a heart-felt smile.
“Is she not talented?” Validar quickly said to the assembled group, trying to help her avoid the awkwardness of an unknown audience. Many of the crowd clapped again.
One of the servants spoke up. “We have the food you requested, Sir Validar. Should we bring it in now, or... do you need more... time?” The woman tried to hide a knowing smile in her attempt to be diplomatic.
“No. Please come in,” the recently knighted lord indicated with a wide sweep of his arm.
Validar and Gabriella would have a lovely meal together, enjoying their company and settling back into the comfortable and amorous relationship that had sprung up just over three short months ago.
-------------------
It was interesting to me that reading back over the timeline how it didn't completely reconcile with the impressions I had, both at the time they were written and upon starting this rewrite. I had thought that Gabby and Validar had spent three or four weeks together in the summer and had been apart for several months.
That was not the case at all but considering thirteen years had passed between the two events in real life and that this was almost 10 years ago, it explained the misconception somewhat. They actually had 2 full months from the day they met until he had to depart Gateway. And it was only a little over a month more before they reconnected. That changed the direction of the relationship somewhat as they had actually progressed further into it than I first thought and were apart much less time that it seemed.
While I have certain plans for the development of their romance, I prefer to let the characters sometimes take the story in their own direction and at their own pace based on what I know about them. That happened here. I went into it thinking it was going to take a bit longer for the romance to blossom this deeply, especially given the way she had been written in the "first draft" as we'll call it. But seeing that with the timeline, she left after Validar the VERY NEXT DAY after he left her the note, indicated that she was much more invested in this relationship than it being just a summer fling, as it were. So their being thrust back into each other's lives in the aftermath of a terrible conflict seemed to heighten their already strong emotions for each other. Much to my happy surprise, the couple turned out to have already been further down that uncertain road known as "falling in love" than either they or I realized.
Validar sat up straighter, intrigued. “Most certainly!” he said, not even trying to hide his excitement at the prospect of hearing her melodious voice. In Gateway he often heard her hum when she was happy, but never a full-on song. Her lilting, soft voice was always a pleasure.
She dropped her eyes shyly but her gaze quickly returned to him, as a smile tugged at the corners of her full lips. Standing she turned and slowly padded over in front of the candles, ignoring the coolness of the stone underfoot. With her back still to her man, Gabriella slowly started to sway her hips. Validar slid forward on his seat, his attention rapt upon his woman’s performance. Stepping carefully and slowly to an inaudible song, with a grace that bordered on magical, she continued to move in time to an unheard rhythm. Her movements were slow, deliberate, and mesmerizing. Validar leaned in further, his eyes never leaving her, his hand gripping the armrest with a silent intensity. The flickering candlelight cast shadows across her body, highlighting the curves and valleys that made up the landscape of her form.
Her heart thumped against her chest like a caged bird, desperate to break free. She took a deep breath and started to hum a melody that matched her slow, sensual movements. Her hands began to rise, fingers stretching out like the petals of a blooming flower. They danced in the air, tracing invisible patterns that mirrored the undulation of her hips. Her bare feet glided across the stone floor, the sound of her anklets a soft whisper that seemed to echo through the hushed chamber. The candlelight played upon her, casting her in an ethereal glow that made her appear almost otherworldly.
Her back still to Validar, Gabriella began to sing. The song started as an almost haunting refrain that seemed to draw from the very shadows of the room itself. As the song rose, her voice, a velvety siren's call, filled the air. It was a melody that seemed to resonate from her innermost being, a powerfully expressive and beautiful tune. Gabriella’s voice washed over Validar, a tangible force that seemed to grip his very essence. The words were in a language he didn't understand, but the emotion was clearly obvious.
As the song reached its crescendo, she spun around with a fluidity that made his breath catch in his throat. The fabric of her dress fluttered around her, revealing flashes of bare skin that made his pulse race. Her eyes locked onto his, and in that moment, it was as if she were singing directly into a huge abyss in his core, yet filling it fully at the same moment.
Her voice soared, a symphony that sent shivers down his spine. The candlelight cast a golden halo around her, making Gabriella appear diaphanous. As the song slowed once more to a haunting yet pleasing melody, Validar felt his heart swell with a mix of emotions. The music was a testament to the tumultuous journey they had shared together, and now, as it approached its end, it reflected the peace and contentment that had found what seemed to be a permanent home in their hearts. The notes lingered in the air, like a warm embrace.
Gabriella drew silent, her large soulful eyes never leaving his. She held her breath waiting expectantly for his reaction. Validar sat there, utterly spellbound, his eyes drinking in every detail of her beauty. “I don’t know the words you sung,” he admitted, “but your voice seemed to reach to furthest depths of my very soul, my love.” As he spoke, he crossed the distance to her and met her half-way. “As always, you amaze me.”
She nearly fell into his arms, happiness swelling within her and clearly expressed upon her fine features. As they once more enjoyed the touch and embrace of the other, suddenly there was a rise of applause from just outside the room!
Validar turned to look at the interruption and Gabriella blushed when she saw the crowd that had gathered and apparently overhead her performance.
Po was there. As was her bodyguard Jamid. Also being from Zakhara, she held a very knowing look upon her face. Lord Acerion had heard the beautiful melody as he readied the preparations for his own private time with Ivy. Several guards left their nearby posts to better hear and six or seven servants who were bringing the meal Validar had planned for himself and Gabriella were all there.
She buried her face in his chest, trying to escape the unexpected embarrassment. Then gathering herself, Gabriella faced the crowd and thanked them for their kind applause with a heart-felt smile.
“Is she not talented?” Validar quickly said to the assembled group, trying to help her avoid the awkwardness of an unknown audience. Many of the crowd clapped again.
One of the servants spoke up. “We have the food you requested, Sir Validar. Should we bring it in now, or... do you need more... time?” The woman tried to hide a knowing smile in her attempt to be diplomatic.
“No. Please come in,” the recently knighted lord indicated with a wide sweep of his arm.
Validar and Gabriella would have a lovely meal together, enjoying their company and settling back into the comfortable and amorous relationship that had sprung up just over three short months ago.
-------------------
It was interesting to me that reading back over the timeline how it didn't completely reconcile with the impressions I had, both at the time they were written and upon starting this rewrite. I had thought that Gabby and Validar had spent three or four weeks together in the summer and had been apart for several months.
That was not the case at all but considering thirteen years had passed between the two events in real life and that this was almost 10 years ago, it explained the misconception somewhat. They actually had 2 full months from the day they met until he had to depart Gateway. And it was only a little over a month more before they reconnected. That changed the direction of the relationship somewhat as they had actually progressed further into it than I first thought and were apart much less time that it seemed.
While I have certain plans for the development of their romance, I prefer to let the characters sometimes take the story in their own direction and at their own pace based on what I know about them. That happened here. I went into it thinking it was going to take a bit longer for the romance to blossom this deeply, especially given the way she had been written in the "first draft" as we'll call it. But seeing that with the timeline, she left after Validar the VERY NEXT DAY after he left her the note, indicated that she was much more invested in this relationship than it being just a summer fling, as it were. So their being thrust back into each other's lives in the aftermath of a terrible conflict seemed to heighten their already strong emotions for each other. Much to my happy surprise, the couple turned out to have already been further down that uncertain road known as "falling in love" than either they or I realized.
Conquer or Die!