THE COTTAGE CONVERSATION - Part 2

(from rp, posted with permission of those involved)

Talomar Longden smiled, knowing that he had judged perfectly how much of his arm to give to Earen's sword. "I'm so glad you are here, Lani. I must confess that I have missed you. I've never missed a woman before, and that's the truth." And it was.

A bottle of clear liquid smelling strongly of juniper and mint with the sharp tang of alcohol opened, the contents splashed on a clean square of gauze. The treated gauze then used to wash the wound. "You terrify me, sir. I do not know what to think of you."

Talomar Longden winced a bit at the application of the liquid. "I can't blame you, Lani. I was such a fool. I guess I was just a stupid, jealous man. I've never been that way before. I've always been in control of my emotions. Anyway, I have missed you, and I want you to know that my castle is always open to you if you should ever need to just get away from things for a while. I'd love for you to be my guest."

"The last time I was your guest you raped me and carved a mark into my thigh. Am I now to trust you not to do so again simply because you 'missed' me?"

He hung his head down and nodded. "You are right. I'm an awful man and deserve your mistrust. I wish there was some way that I could make it up to you, but I know I'm asking for far too much."

Already pale skin goes whiter in a moment, and she turned to focus her attention on the basket of herbs. She took a moment picking some to crush between her fingers and pack gently in the shallow cut. "I find myself short on trust and forgiveness this week."

"That's understandable. You must think all men are monsters, and I being the king of the monsters. The truth be told, Lani, I would never hurt you again. You have shown me something that I've never seen nor felt before, and it has altered my heart."

A clean length of gauze wound tightly around the cleaned and packed wound. ?You?ll wish to wash the herbs out with clean water on the morning. Till then they should dull the ache and ward against infection."

Talomar Longden smiled at her. It was not the wicked, lustful smile of a month before, but a smile that was sincere and caring. "Thank you so much, Lani. You have surely saved my life." He smiled again, and laid his hand upon hers. "Earen is a lucky man to have you for a wife."

Lani gave a disdainful snort. "Some wife I am. I canna please him for the entire world, and I am weary from trying. Sit there a moment and Ill fetch tea to combat the blood loss"

He had a shocked look. "If he can't be pleased with a woman like you...he can never be pleased!" he said as she left to fetch the tea.

The sound of a kettle being filled, then footsteps rushing across the wooden floor of the cottage, and the sounds of someone being ill muffled ad they come through the open doors. Talomar stood and entered her cottage and began to look around. "Very nice. Very nice indeed. I can see how one could be quite comfortable here."

She slipped from the bedroom hand pressing a damp cloth to her lips, wobbling towards the sofa by the fire pale as the albino pup sleeping on the cushions

He saw her wobbling and white. "Lani!" Now it was his turn to help. He went to her with surprising speed and helped her onto the sofa. "Lani, what is wrong? Please, I'm not going to hurt you...never again. What is it??

She made a soft shake of her head "I feel a fool getting ill like this, the healer I spoke to in the market district told me it was a normal part of child bearing, but I feel I should have some control over it!"

Talomar's eyes widened. "You are expecting a child, Lani?"


(To be continued. . .)

THE COTTAGE CONVERSATION - Part 4

(from rp, posted with permission of those involved)


"There was no priest, no ceremony. Just bedding and a statement that we were wed according to elven custom"

Talomar looked quite surprised, and he was not one who was easily surprised by anything. A smile spread across his face. "If there was no ceremony, and no priest, and no formal declaration, then I do believe, dear lady, that the marriage is not recognized by the law. I'm a Count and am well familiar with the laws of the land."

"I must admit to not having been taught much of elven custom by my mother, but even the handfastings I witnessed among the humans I lived my life with were always blessed by a priest."

"Exactly, my dear!"

Lani continued, "And if bedding equals a marriage," a little blush here, "then I would be your wife as much as his, and my mother married a hundred times over"

He smiled and blushed just slightly. "You've made an excellent point. In fact, they're be far more weddings taking place in the dockside brothels every night then in a week of Sundays at the local parish!"

Lani nodded, "Mother was a whore for the best part of fifty years. She had a new lover every night. That would be a lot of husbands..."

He looked down and took her hand once again. "Your life must have been difficult, m'lady; and I greatly regret that I have not treated you well. However, sometimes good things can spring up from the worst of situations. M'lady, I have missed you since you've left Longden Castle. I must admit, you have touched my heart in ways I never thought possible. The fact that you are not legally married is, I confess, a relief to me." He smiled at her, admiring the beauty that had caught his attention from his very first look upon her.

Lani had a little soft blush, before she?s up again rushing across the floor to the small bath behind the bedroom, to again be ill.

He understood what she was going through and allowed her the privacy at this time. He remained sitting, waiting for her return. The news of her pregnancy and the state of her "marriage" gives him hope that perhaps she would allow him to court her.

When she returned she really could give Specter, the little albino puppy, competition; eyes red from crying and skin pale as milk, looking drained and exhausted.

Talomar saw her return and his heart went out to Lani. He stood and walked to her and held out his arms. "Please, m'lady, if I'm not too bold in asking, may I hold you?"

A simply surprised blink at the man before another small wave of dizziness takes her, causing her to wobble precariously where she stands removing for the moment her ability to do anything but try not to fall on her face. A soft moan slipped from her lips.

Not waiting a second more, he stooped and picked her up into his strong arms. He held her close and kissed her hair. "I'm going to bring you to your bed, m'lady. You must rest." He took her back into her bedroom and laid her carefully upon her bed, then pulled up a quilt and tucked it around her. He pulled over a chair and sat next to the bed. "M'lady, I'll stay here with you until you have someone come who will attend to your needs. You do have someone to help you, right?" He suddenly wondered if his assumption of her having an attendant could be misconstrued.

"I... There... there is no one" Blue eyes averted a strange confused and somewhat guilty expression in them.

(To be Continued. . .)

CONFRONTATION IN THE INN - Part 1

(posted from rp)


Talomar Longden opened the door and walked into the Inn with Eiellani upon his arm. The dog followed at his heels. A slight nervous smile came from Lani as she glanced around the room, ?Do you think he?s here this time, m'lord??

Talomar looked around for the elven cad. ?It appears not, m'lady; but perhaps he'll arrive soon. May I order you a drink and perhaps a little to eat? I know it's not easy to travel in your condition, and I want to make sure you remain hydrated.

Eiellani Rose nodded, ?Some cider would be nice, and perhaps something light to eat. She bent down to whisper to the dog, telling her to go lie down on the hearth.

Talomar Longden remembered the last time he was here, when he first saw the Lady Eiellani. He turned to her, pushing aside the black cape he wore over his shoulders, ?Of course, but let me first seat you. A mother-to-be should not be standing for too long.? He led her to a table and pulled out a chair. He noticed a man (Robert Reynolds) who was approaching his seat at the bar.

Lani slid into the chair with another shy smile. ?Thank you m'lord.?

Count Talomar Longden ordered that two glasses of cider and some club sandwiches be brought from the kitchen. He sat across from Lani and the food and drink was quickly delivered. He nodded his appreciation and handed Eiellani her glass and he lifted his own. ?To a healthy child and mother.?

Eiellani Rose blushed, ?I pray so M'lord. I hope the illness passes as quickly as your healer said it should.?

Earendur Pallanen entered and looked at Robert, then at his wife with the other man; stiffening, his slight smile disappearing as he stepped further inside, holding his hands at his side. The dog on the hearth gave a sharp bark at the elf, while Robert looked at his friend in confusion, following his gaze to the elf and the other man, then at the barking dog.

Talomar smiled at Lani. ?You've made me very happy, milady. I wish to make you just as happy.? He heard the dog and looks to the door, ?Oh, look who's here? How fortunate,? he said mockingly.

Earendur approached their table, ?Eiellani, what?s going on?? he asked softly.

Talomar Longden leaned back in his chair, smiled at the Lady Eiellani, and pulled a cigar out from his pocket. ?If you wouldn't mind, my dear??

Lani inclined her head, ?As you wish m'lord.?

(to be continued. . .)

CONFRONTATION IN THE INN - Part 3


?My your soul rot in the hell fires of Mordor, for no forgiveness will ever be enough to save you, The horse is mine, you will not see it. Nor will you see Jade or her colt, Nightshade and Jade will both be going with me.You have taken my heart, you will give me no command.?

Lani winced and Talomar blew cigar smoke toward Earen, ?Such anger, quite unbecoming. Appalling really. No wonder she couldn?t stand being with you.?

Earendur continued, ?I have given all I have know to give, may you be as comfortable in your knew home as you were in my fathers, with servants and care takers, interesting how his are better then mine ever were.?

Lani paled and turned away. ?Actually, they are far better than yours,? Talomar commented as he dropped the cigar to the floor and stepped on it.

Earendur stood. ?Good day then, I hope you get use of the trane I had retrieved for you.

Talomar watched Earen hurt the one he had supposedly loved.

Earendur went on, ?I loved you Eiellani, I would have given you the world, but you threw it back at me, I would never have raised hand to you, but you will marry this monster, I hope someday, maybe after he dies, that you will come to realize what you have done, and what he has done to you.? He spoke a sharp word to the dog and she heads out the door where he turned to Robert, ?I will guild you to my home.? He moved to his own horse and paused looking back at the inn, his heart aching, ?I can't believe she did that, what the hell did I do wrong? Should I have raped her like he did??

She choked stifled sob still facing away from the men.

Talomar Longden sighed and shook his head. ?I do think he would have treated you as he treats his dog...whistle for you and expect you to follow.? He stood and walked over to Lady Eiellani, and offered her his hand. ?Please, dear one, let's arise and go home. You shall have a horse unlike any other...and anything else you may want.?

Lani shook and nodded as she slipped her delicate hand in his. ?Yes please, take me home.?

(To be continued. . .)

Count Talomar Longden, having finished business transactions in town, came into the inn. He was impeccably dressed. The door opened and he stood there, observing for a moment before entering. Lani gave a soft sigh and a small shy smile to the man at the door. ?M'lord!?

?M'lady, you look ravishing." He walked up to his lady and took her hand into his right, his left hand behind his back as he bowed to kiss her hand. ?Have you had a good day while I attended my dull and quite boring business??

She had another shy smile and a blush. ?I did. I went to the weavers to look at cloth samples for the nursery.

He smiled, pleased that she is already attentive to the needs of their child. ?How nice; and did you find anything that appeared suitable?

Lani showed him the small box of cloth scraps careful to make sure the item in the bottom of the box is covered. ?We need to select a room before I can make any decisions. I also saw the most beautiful cradle but I did not want to purchase it without asking your
Opinion, for you may have some family heirloom you wish to use.?

Talomar looked down at the small box of samples and absently fingered through them. ?I have not thought of the nursery. Forgive me for being such a novice regarding being a father. If you should see a suitable room, please let me know.? He released the fabrics having shown the necessary interest. ?These are all nice. You have good taste, my dear.?

?A cradle? Yes. I suppose our child will indeed need such a thing. I would love to see what you have picked out, for I'm sure there are no cradles in Longden Castle. A child has not been born there in a very long time.?

?It really is a beautiful thing. It?s made of a polished black walnut, carved with roses
that someone has painted crimson edged white.?

Talomar took both of her hands into his and kissed each one. ?How did I get to be such a blessed man? I will never deserve you. I would love to see it. And these fabrics are all beautiful. Do you have a favorite?

Lani pulled out a deep blue piece patterned in stars, a soft white gauze embroidered with rosebuds, and the small wrapped package which she laid before him.He picked up the two pieces of fabrics and examined them, ?I like them both. Stars against a deep blue sky. I like the night. And rosebuds...perfect, for you are my rose. He then picked up the wrapped package. ?And what's this??

Lady Longden blushed, ?A gift.?

The package fit easily into the palm of his hand, perfectly square and small, wrapped in a scrap of rose colored velvet and tied with a black ribbon. ?A gift? Who is it for??

?For you. Is it not traditional to give gifts when you pledge to wed another??

Talomar was deeply touched, ?You are too good to me, my dearest lady. And you have caught me off guard for I do not have with me my gift for you.? He smiled and looked that the little box wrapped so nicely. He pulled on the black ribbon, loosening it. Then opened the box, which was a smooth wood lacquered black and painted in gold with a crane under a willow tree, inside the box was a small gold pocket watch, the cover engraved with a rose in the talons of an eagle. His eyes widened and he was truly impressed, which was nearly impossible to do to him. ?My word! I'm speechless.?

Talomar took out the pocket watch and opened it. ?It?s set to the correct time. My dear, I shall treasure this all the days of my life.

The pleasant pink of her blush would be a most welcome change from the paleness that so recently seemed to linger on her cheeks. Talomar bent down and placed a kiss upon her cheek, then whispered in her ear, ?You are already spoiling me. I absolutely love the gift.?

?I?m pleased that you like it m'lord. I?m afraid I annoyed Lilia, spending hours in the market to chose just the right gift.?

?Well, I couldn't be more pleased...both with the gift, and with the beautiful woman who has given it to me.?

She had a rather shy smile. ?To tell you true, M'lord, you terrify me at times.?

Talomar slipped his arm around her, ?That is something that I hope to remedy over time.?
He was concerned that if she really knew all there is to know about him, she'd REALLY be terrified.

?As do I. No child deserves to grow up in a home where its parent can scarce tolerate each other... and i willna raise my baby that way.?

? I agree fully, my dear. Perhaps we should have more time together so that we might become better acquainted; and I don't mean just those dull and formal dinner times at the castle. How about I take you to a special place for dinner this eve? Would you permit me that honor??

?I would like that M'lord.?

?Very well. This is what we shall do. We'll head back to the castle now. Then at the hour of 5 we will return to the city and you can show me that cradle. Following that we shall go to dinner.? His decision was not given as a choice, but as in indisputable fact of what they would be doing. He offered her his arm and they left the Inn to head back to the castle.

The ride to the city was pleasant, with conversation covering a multitude of topics. The driver stopped the carriage in the town square according to Talomar's instructions. He then opened the lady's door and would help both her and Talomar out and safely to the street. The oil lamps were lit and the city was bustling with activity. Lord Talomar again looked at the gold watch, "We have 46 minutes until our dinner reservations. So, let me see that cradle that caught your eye."

A bright smile came upon her face as she pointed down the street to a small antiques shop. "I saw it in there, the shop owner said he would hold it for me until you could see it"

"Well then, let's not keep him waiting." He offered her his arm, and they began to walk down the street. "Are you cold, my dear. There's a bit of a fall nip in the air this night."

"No M'lord.. I find myself always a bit too warm these days." The little bell on the shop doors as it open at their approach, and a little old bent-back man smiled at the pair of them.

"Ah Milady has a dutiful husband that you are back so soon! Come in Come In! I had the boy move the cradle into the store room... and found something else you might like."

Talomar spoke right up, "We would like to see the original cradle that my wife has admired. If you wouldn't mind having it brought back out, thank you." Without waiting for an answer, Longden began to look around the shop, examining a thing here and a thing there.

"Of course not, Sir.. I merely had it moved for safekeeping, along with the matching rocking chair the boy found in the back. I thought the rocker might please Milady"

"Yes, of course it would. We would like to see both, wouldn't we, my dear." It was not really a question but a statement.

If the smile on her lips was any indication the idea of the rocker, it did indeed please her. A thick muscled boy moves into the storeroom to retrieve the cradle and rocker, both covered with white dust sheets. The shopkeeper babbled on not seeming to have noticed Talomar's tone. "I'm afraid the rocker has not been cleaned up yet, it had not been brought to the sales floor yet."

"No matter,? Talomar said as he put a trinket back onto its shelf. If we like it I'm sure you'll give it the care it deserves."

Both items were swiftly settled in front of the pair and the dust sheet first swept from the cradle. The cradle is an elaborate thing, made of black walnut stained dark, carved with a pattern of climbing roses each delicately painted white and edged in crimson. A little puff of dust came up when the dust sheet was pulled from the rocker, causing Lani to cough a bit and press a hand delicately to her mouth.

Talomar looked at Lani and winked. "I think you would look the perfect mother in a rocker with our child." He turned to the man. "Be careful with that dust! You?re making my wife cough!"

They apologized and finished setting up the goods. The rocking chair was nearly more elaborate than the cradle. The slats at the back each a finely turned spiral again carved with those painted roses, and the head of the backrest carved into a pair of nesting doves heads bowed over a nest full of sleeping chicks.

Talomar looked over the cradle with his hand to his chin as he examined it in detail. He then roamed over to the chair. "Hmmm...not bad...." He looked to Lani, "What do you think, my dear. Would this be suitable?"

A soft almost dovelike coo of delight slips from her lips the girl reaching out to touch the dusty carving. "Oh... It would be perfect M'lord"

"You think so? I want you to be fully satisfied. Don't sacrifice anything for my sake, but if you are sure...?"
Lani nodded eagerly her eyes bright and more excited than they have been in days. "Oh yes, they will go beautifully in the room I have in mind, with curtains and canopies of that rose embroidered gauze..." It?s fairly obvious that she is already dreaming this out in her head.

Talomar had to smile, loving her enthusiasm. "Well then, it looks like we needn't look further." He turned to the shopkeeper. "Have them cleaned and polished and I'll have a carriage here tomorrow to transport them. You'll be paid at that time.?

The bent old shopkeeper smiles brightly "As you will Milord. I am pleased Milady approves of them" He motioned and the shop boy covered the cradle and rocker again and carried them back into the storeroom.

"Make sure they are well shined. Nothing is too good for my wife." Talomar looked at Lani. "Looks like our shopping is already done. We can take a leisurely stroll to the restaurant."

Lani has a soft dreamy smile, "Do you truly like them M'lord?" She shyly slipped her hand in his letting him lead her from the shop. "Where are we dining tonight?"

"I love them, Lani. Once again you have shown your taste to be impeccable. I know a nice little restaurant on the east side of town, The Fountain Bleu. I'm sure you will like it." He walked along the street with her arm on his. "I hope you don't mind that I called you my wife in there. It seemed the appropriate thing to do."

"Not in the least M'lord... The man might think it odd were we to..." a soft blush came "protest the state of wedlock with a babe on the way."

"Exactly," he said as he patted her hand. They walked along the streets and looked into various shop windows. He was careful not to bring her to a window where there were shiny things displayed.

Lani lingered a moment at the window of a shop selling sot stuffed toys before moving on talking softly as they wander. "You know, Earendur never took me to dine anywhere. I don't believe anyone ever did."

"Really? I?m surprised. We'll we are going to remedy that in spades. I want to show you off to the world. I'm very proud to have you at my side, Lani. I've never before said that to anyone."

The elfess looked surprised for a moment. "Really? Why is that M'lord.. I am nothing special."

"You, my dear, are very special. More special than you obviously realize." He stopped to point out the restaurant. "Ah...we are here already."

Blue eyes scanned the restaurant curiously, her fingers tightening in his for just a moment until she got a feel of the place. The restaurant had a brightly lit fountain in front. There was a circular drive around the fountain where carriages could drive up to the front door.
As they walked to the front door a man in black tails met them and bowed, "Count Talomar. How nice to see you again. Come this way, we have your table ready for you." He bowed to Lani, "Good eve, Countess Longden. You look radiant this eve."

Again the night found her pale cheeks flushing with color before she whispered a soft "Thank you," before turning her eyes to Talomar, "Countess?"

Again soft color stains her pale cheeks, and a slight misty look comes to her eyes. "I cannot claim to love you with my whole heart M'lord Longden, for it has been so torn and muddled of late. But I have come to have a genuine liking for you Talomar. You treat me as though I truly were your countess and not the lowborn daughter of a whore that I was raised to believe I was. If you can truly love me despite all my faults, then I would be pleased to be your wife."

Talomar slowly rose from his knees and touched her face with his hand, "I can truly love you, and in my eyes you have no fault within you." He moved his head toward her and placed a tender kiss upon her lips.

Lani allowed her lips to linger against his for a moment, almost as if she were testing the feel of them there, before pulling back with a shy smile. "May I ask my question now, Talomar?"

He smiled and sat back down. "Of course, my lady," he said as he reached into his pocket and removed a small box. "What would you like to know?"

"I would like to know why you were so surprised at my gift."

He nodded and smiled, "That is an excellent question. I will tell you why. First of all, I was surprised that you would get me a gift, for I feel that I still don't deserve you or the kindness you show me. Secondly, I used to own a pocket watch that was given to me by my father. Long ago it was lost at sea when I was making a voyage upon very rough seas. To this day I don't know if it came loose from its chain or if it was stolen. I have regretted it's loss and always wanted to replace it. When I opened your gift, it was as if you had read my mind and understood my deepest longings."

"You gave me kindness and support when I most needed it.. you are the father of my unborn child... why would I not show you kindness in return?"

He again reached across the table and took her hands in his. "It is my own guilt that I am dealing with. It may take me some time." He gave her a half smile and shrugged, "But tonight is a time for celebration. Now, I know that you cannot bare things that glitter and a diamond ring would certainly fall into that category. So until the day when glitter doesn't bother you anymore, I have a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. He handed her the small box. When opened it would reveal a magnificent ring made entirely of moonstone. It would not glitter, but it would reveal different colors and hues depending on the light and angle it was viewed. To have a ring of this nature, it was crafted from a single, large moonstone of exceptional quality. He waited for her to open the box, hoping that it would be suitable...for now.

Lani opened the box cautiously, peering inside, almost as if expecting a spider to pop out, a soft pleased gasp slipping from her lips at the moonstone "Why it?s positively magical M'lord!"

His eyes were wide with expectation, so wanting it to be okay for her. "Here...please...if it's okay, allow me to slip it onto your finger."

"You have no idea how pleased I am that it is not a ruby." Box and the appropriate hand offered over with a smile "Rubies frighten me most of all. Did you know fire beetles look like rubies?"

He took the ring from the box and took her left hand in his. "No, I didn't," he said as he carefully slipped the ring upon her finger. "I was not aware that rubies frighten you the most, but at such time when diamonds are okay for you, I will have a magnificent one attached to his ring.

I have never had a diamond bite me.... a jeweled asp... the glimmering acid moths... and of course the fire beetles...

"You must tell me about this. I was unsure, so I took no chance. If diamonds are not abhorrent to you, you will have the most beautiful ring for our wedding, one that will also replace this one." At that moment their food arrived and was set before them.

Once inside she moved about the room lighting the few candles that had been left there, their flickering light casting a warm yellow glow about the room. New curtains had been hung on the windows, and the glass paned door to the small balcony beyond, the door was propped open perhaps to air the room, the curtains blowing in the breeze setting the tiny silver bells sewn to the hems singing.

In an alcove by the unlit fireplace rests the carved wooden cradle a round mosquito net style canopy hanging around it, the alternating panels of white rose speckled gauze and soft midnight silk falling from ceiling to floor.

Talomar put his hand to his chin and just looked around, taking it all in. He walked around without saying anything at first. Then he could contain his pleasure no longer. He took Lani into his arms and lifted her up, turning them in a circle, "I am so impressed! I love it!" He smiled at her, "And I love you, my darling."

For the second time that night he has her blushing. "You truly like it? I was so worried, especially when Philippe complained of me taking furnishings from other parts of the castle."

Talomar held her close. "I like it very much. It couldn't be better." He suddenly stopped. "What furnishes, my dear?"

"Well, there was that mirror," Pointing to the freestanding looking glass, "And the wardrobe over there... and the two bookcases. They seemed almost made to suit with the carvings on the cradle." Vague motions of her hand as she mentions each item. "I really did not see reason to purchase new things when the caste was full of beautiful things that no one was using"

His eyes suddenly widen as he notices the bookcases. He whispers far to low to be heard, "Dominique's bookcases!" He rushed over and looked at them to be sure. "Who? Who brought these here? Have to been to.....to the room at the top of the back stairs?"

Lani had a startled look. "Two of the serving boys from the kitchens helped me move them... and of course I was in that little office.. how else would I have found them?" Startled turns to puzzled "Have I done wrong M'lord?"

He didn't know what to say. He quickly tried to gather his thoughts. She had no idea what she had done. He slowly rose up from the crouched position he used to examine the bookcases, then walked to Lani and took her in his arms. His hand moved through her hair. "My love, you can do nothing wrong in my eyes." He knew she didn't mean it. She couldn't have known what she had done, nor the danger she had been in. His hand caressed her cheek. "I just get worried when you go into some of the old rooms. This is a very old castle and some of those rooms are dangerous. I was just afraid for you. I wouldn't want my future wife and the woman whom I love with all my heart to be hurt. You just frightened me." He made a mental note about the two boys from the kitchen staff.

"Oh... well the room seemed safe enough... except for the mice. I thought it might be nice to clean it up and use it for an office if Philippe is going to continue to plague me about budgets and menus!"

His hands went to both sides of her face and held her lovingly, his face outlined by his black hair, "There are things that can be dangerous even when they seem safe. I can't explain it now, but that can be a very dangerous room. Besides, if you're up there you'll be too far from our child. How about we turn one of the rooms in your suite into your private office?"

A soft sigh..."but the views from the tower window were so pretty." She had a resigned look "As you wish."

"It is for the best, darling. Trust me on that. There are only a few areas of the castle that you should avoid for your own safety. Any place below the main floor and any tower rooms tend to be particular dangerous and unpleasant." His look softened. "I love you, Lani. I want you to be safe and happy."

Lani ducked her head letting her curls fall to cover her warm cheeks, a soft whisper from her lips " I'm scared Tal"

He smiled warmly, "I am too. I'm about to lie with the woman I love more than life, and it scares me. Would you feel better if we just lie in each other's arms this night? I don't want to rush you into anything you'd rather not do." The feeling of her body against him had already fully aroused him, but he was willing to give up his own satisfaction to make her comfortable.

"I... I don't know. It's just that the last time... it hurt. But now its different.. and..." she blushes furiously " Oh I just don?t know!"

He smiled, "You are so dear. I hate to let go of you, but let's go under the covers and make each other warm." He went to the bed and pulled back the covers. "You slide in first. I'll be right behind you."

She slides between the sheets then nestles into the pillows watching him. "This is the first time I have seen you unclothed, M'lord. You have a very impressive body."

He stood there and looked down upon her. "I'm glad you feel that way, milady. It will forever be only you whom I want to impress." He slid in next to her and pulled the covers over them both. "I do have correct one thing....it is YOU who has the impressive body."

Almost instinctively moves so her head is pillowed on his shoulder. "I am nothing special... and lately I feel nothing but awkward and large."

"You are beautiful, Lani. Nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is pregnant, and you are the most beautiful of all." His arm immediately went around her lithe body, his hand moving over the soft flesh of her back.

"I don't feel beautiful. Especially in the mornings when I am bent over a basin being ill... or at night when I feel so drained that I feel sure I must look like one of the walking dead."

He moved over her so that she was nestled in the crook of his arm while his other hand caressed her cheek and hair over and over. He looked down upon her. His voice was so soft, "You couldn't look more beautiful then you do now to me," he grinned, "except perhaps when I see you rocking in your new rocking chair, holding and nursing our child. That will be the most beautiful of all."

She blushed softly "But what if I am a terrible mother Tal? I have no idea what I am doing!"

His face came down just over hers, his lips barely touching hers as he whispered, "You'll be the best. I have no doubt." With that he brought his mouth down upon hers and kissed her passionately, both arms slipping under her in an embrace.

Lani gave herself over to his kiss, she really does enjoy the feel of his lips on hers again slipping her arms around his neck and sighing softly into that kiss.

He spent a long time just concentrating on the kiss, savoring the taste and feel of her mouth, and lips, and tongue, and even her teeth. When he'd break the kiss upon her mouth, he'd place kisses upon her cheeks and eyes and then settle his mouth in her neck, kissing and nibbling from her ear to he shoulder blade.

A soft giggle as that tickles just a bit. "Tal! stop that!"

He laughed and stopped. "Ah I know your ticklish area." He blew out the candle, cuddled with her, holding her in his arms and was content to just be with her in her bed. They talked in whispers until they both fell asleep. Tal felt that perhaps she be ready for him in the morning.

THE CHAPEL IS REVEALED TO LANI
BUT ITS MYSTERIES REMAIN VEILED


Upon the completion of their evening meal, Talomar handed his napkin to a servant girl and stood up and walked behind Lani's chair to help her to her feet. He gave her his arm and led the way out of the dining hall. "Unfortunately, I believe the chapel has not been used for quite some time. It's liable to not be in very good condition, but it can easily be cleaned up."

"As long as it has a roof and walls we can make due Tal." Lani smiled up at him thoughtfully. "Why is it not used? I would think in such a large place the servants at least would want Sunday services..."

Talomar brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, his dark eyes smiling into hers. "That is an excellent question, my love. Many years ago a terrible rumor spread throughout the castle that the chapel was haunted. Silly rumor."

"Haunted? I would think that the presence of a full time priest might discourage spirits from resting there... but than I am no expert at spirits"

"That's a very good point, my darling. But it was the demise of the priest that began the rumors. He was in the middle of his sermon when the poor fellow suddenly expired. Those with knowledge say it was spontaneous combustion. That's not what those in attendance say. We haven't been able to get a priest since that day. Eventually we just stopped trying. Of course, then there were the other accidents."

"Oh? Are you sure it will be safe to hold the wedding there then dearest?" That endearment coming as naturally as though she had been using it all her life "If it really is haunted the spirit may not like having a wedding disturbing its rest."

He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. "I'm sure it was all coincidence. It's time that chapel was put to use again, and our wedding would be the perfect event. Then the staff would not be going into town to attend their worship services." They continued down a dark hallway in the opposite wing of the castle, upon the main floor.

"I'm sure they would appreciate it... and it would be nice to have Lilia here and not going into town every Sunday"

"Yes, and it would be nice to hear the chapel bells once again, and to hear the sound of voices singing, drifting down these old stone hallways." They turn a corner and go down a dark hall, lit by only one candle. "It's just down here, my love." He kept his arm around her as they walked to the chapel doors. The doors were large and wooden, and there was no sign of a cross or any other religious symbol outside the chapel. A sound was heard, a sound that could be interpreted as the wailing of voices.

Lani shivered and leaned against Talomar "My... that does sound haunting... Do you think it is the wind??

Talomar held her close. "Yes, my dear. The fall and winter winds seem to make unusual sounds as they blow through the castle eves in this wing. I should have some workers take a look at what is causing it. Don't let it both you. It will soon stop." He put a strange key into the chapel door and it opened with a creek. "Wait her a minute," he said. He walked inside into the darkness and shut the door. A wave of his hands and the candles lit throughout the chapel. "STOP", he shouted, and the wailing ceased as if the wind had stopped blowing. Talomar opened the door, "There my dear, all is ready for your inspection."

Lani slipped inside quietly, a very thoughtful look on her face, eyes roaming over the chapel. "That is odd... it stopped...."

Talomar just looked around the chapel. "Yes...the wind must have died down, so to speak. But look! This could be made to be quite nice once again." The chapel had a center aisle with ten rows of pews on each side. Dark burgundy carpeting went through all the aisles and upon the altar area. There were a series of six large stained glass windows on the far wall, depicting what appear to be religious scenes. In front is a large wooden altar, a wooden lectern and a taller oak pulpit. Another large, circular stained glass design is above the altar, candlesticks are arranged about the altar. "What do you think my dear? It can be brightened up, decorated with ribbons and flowers, and many roses."

Eiellani smiled softly, imagining it "white roses by the doors, shading up through colors of pink... until the altar, where they should be deep red"

Talomar laughed and put his arms around her waist, lifting her up as he laughed. "Wonderful!! You are so creative, and I love you my darling Lani!" His voice echoed within the emptiness of the chapel.

Impulsively she leans up and kisses him softly, a slow lingering kiss.

With his arms already around her, he responded to the kiss, deepening it, enjoying the soft, moist lips of the woman who would soon be his wife. When the kiss finally ended he combed his fingers through her hair and looked into her eyes with his own which were dark as the night, "I love you, my dearest Eiellani. You will forever receive my love and protection. I so greatly look forward to the kiss we share at the altar - as husband and wife."

A soft flush stains her cheeks "As do I. It's odd. I was dreading the plans Earen and I were making for our wedding.... But with you... it seems the most natural thing in the world to discuss these things."

Talomar smiled, "It does seem quite natural. We were meant to be one. Tomorrow we can start on the remodeling and preparation of the chapel. I'll have seven servants assigned to do the work. They'll report to you." He took one last look around, remembering things that happened here, things that would remain a secret for a long time to come. "Let us go now."

"Of course, I already have so many plans for the decorations!." She slips her arm though his again ready for him to lead her where he will.

As the chapel doors close behind them, the flame of every candle is suddenly extinguished, and faint sounds begin to once again begin to echo within the chapel, but are as yet too faint to be heard. "Eiellani, my love, if I may not be too bold in asking, would you mind if once again I spend the night in your bed? I so enjoyed the feel of you in my arms last night."

"I would very much like that Talomar. I enjoyed it as well." A soft smile and she continued, " In fact, I see no reason why we should not continue to share a bed until the wedding."

Her words pleased him greatly, and an arm of supernatural strength gently assumed its position about her shoulders. "Thank you, my love. I am a most blessed man to be in love with such a woman as you. Some day I hope I can be the kind of man that you could love as I love you. I shall do all I can to please you, Lani."

There was only a brief hesitation before she spoke again "I believe I do love you Talomar. I feel as though we are connected in heart and spirit in a way I have never felt with another."

Those words touched him deeply. He turned and faced her. "I do not deserve such love," he whispered, "yet I will do all I can to never disappoint you as a husband." In the darkened hallway only the flicker of a distant candle illuminated his face, but it was enough that she could see his mouth approaching hers, and he kissed her deeply and for a long time.

Her arms slip slowly around his neck, almost shyly, as she enjoys his kiss. She ends up pressed tightly against him with her fingers tangled softly in the hair at the nape of his neck.

As the kiss ended he bent down and picked her up into his arms. She literally felt as light as a feather to him. "I'm going to carry you to your suite!" He proceeded down the hall; it had turned completely dark and when it was light again they were in the hallway leading to Lani's suite. "I know a shortcut," he said with a grin as they disappeared into her room and the door locked behind them.

He smiled and looked down at her beautiful body. "It is you who feels wonderful, my Cheri." He went fully into the bath and dropped to a sitting position on a submerged step. It allowed them to sit in the water. "Wrap your legs about me, my love...so that you don't slip below the water."

Again those shy awkward movements as she does as he instructed her slender white thighs gliding against his skin as she positions herself firmly upon his lap. "Like this?" She slips her arms over his shoulders to loosely circle his neck so that she may play with the hair at the nape of his neck.

His dark eyes look into her blues, "Yes...that's perfect." He reached for the scented soap and began to rub the bar over her shoulders and back in very slow motions, as if he is measuring every contour and curve.

Her eyes closed as she leaned against his chest lightly, enjoying the feel of his hands soaping her back "Talomar? Why do you think I feel so comfortable with you?"

"Perhaps it is for several reasons," he responded thoughtfully as his strong hands rubbed the bubbly soap over her back from her neck to her bottom. "I think you understand the love I have for you. I think you feel safe with me. And, I think we put our worst times behind us at the very beginning, and have only peaceful and good times ahead of us." His hands then moved over her legs, "Of course, I could be totally wrong. What do YOU think?"

"I'm not sure. I just know I find it very easy to be with you. I never feel pressed to be anyone but myself." A faint blush causes her cheek to warm where it is pressed to his shoulder " And my body aches in ways it never has before whenever you touch me. The things I felt with Earen, Well it is like the difference between a candle flame, and an inferno."

Talomar smiled and began kissing her neck again. "Your words make me feel like a king, my love." He took her head in his hands and looked into her eyes, "Maybe it's just that you are responding to a man who really loves you, and who really knows how to show that love." His mouth came down upon hers, and he kissed her deeply.

She leaned into that kiss letting her lips play and mingle with his, a soft pleased sigh slipping out, her arms tightening around his neck and drawing him closer.

Talomar's tongue slipped into her mouth, tasting her and playing with her own tongue. His soapy hand moved down her shoulders to her chest and, and lowered until her breast was held within his strong hand.

That elicited a soft gasp from her. The feel of his hand on the swollen sensitive skin of her breast earned him a deep shiver from her and a barely perceptible tightening of her thighs where they circled his waist.

His kisses moved over her face, kissing her eyes and cheeks; his mouth moving to her elfin ear and he explored it with his tongue.

A soft breathy whisper "Oh my love... that feels divine" her hand moving to explore the contours of his shoulders and chest even as she whispers.

"I love you," he whispered very softly into her ear as his tongue explored it fully. His mouth then came again to her neck, opening fully upon it, his tongue tasting the flesh that was captured between the teeth of his open mouth. His hand movied over her breast, and felt her nipple between his fingers.

Another soft shiver against him. She does love the feel of his hands on her breast. Her own hands seem to be happily exploring, one dipping down into the water to search the planes of his stomach. The other is once again at the nape of his neck cupping and caressing there, fingers playing through his hair.

(to be continued)

Talomar took his clue from her motion, and now he began to move his hips beneath the water, thrusting himself into her to match her motion against him. She was all too quickly bringing him to that special place of no return.

As he moved to meet her motion her breath begins to come in short soft pants, Its very obvious that she is enjoying this most intimate of acts. She continues to press her hips into his hard and fast, lips now slipping to his collar bone to suckle softly a the point it shows best under his skin.

The feel of her mouth upon his collarbone was wonderful. His eyes remained closed as his hand slipped beneath the bath water and grabbed hold of her perfect, little bottom and held her there as she lifted herself up and down on him. He used his hands on her to help drive himself harder and faster into her.

A soft sharp gasp, every bit of her being going electrically tense against him a moment before shuddering hard, ripples of pleasure taking her hard and fast around him. A soft near breathless groan "Oh Tal... gods..." and she?s again sucking on that tender bit of collar bone to stifle more groans.

He feels his release come as every nerve in his body seems to explode at once in pleasure. He would have actually fallen back beneath the water if she had not been holding onto him. He grabbed her face and began kissing her deeply, even as they both struggled for breath.

She clinged to him, loving every second of that breathless deep kiss. The electric feelings of ecstasy slowly subside, but he remains inside of his soon-to-be-wife. His hand brushed through her hair as he leaned his forehead against hers. "You are amazing, my dear. The feelings you give me are incredible."

A somewhat sleepy half smile "I could say the same of you beloved."

"I love you, Lani...with all my soul. What I feel for you now, it will never change. You are mine forever, and I am yours." He didn't reveal to her that she might have to take that forever quite literally.

"I love you "... yawn...."Too Talomar. I very much like being yours."

He saw that she was tired, and so he lifted her out of the bath and wrapped her in towels. Soon they were back in her suite in the castle and in the comfort of her bed, where they fell asleep in each other's arms.

He smiled. Now she was his. Truly his.