CHAPTER ONE

WHEREIN THERE IS AN ENCOUNTER AT THE INN
BETWEEN A LORD AND THE COURTESAN


Inara entered the inn , her dress long sleeved covered her wound but did not help the discomfort any. She brushed a stray hair from her face as she looked around, then headed for the bar, gliding more then walking.

Gavilean sat at a table with his back to the wall, nursing the second glass of ale...lost in thought, but noticing the woman who entered.

Inara glanced back at Gav and smiled softly and nodded before pouring
herself a glass of wine and heading for the couch to drop onto it, wincing as it brushes her arm.

Gavilean nodded and smiled back, continued to sip his ale and look at
some papers he had sitting on the table before him, while she sipped her drink and settled in on the couch sighing contently, just glad to finally be able to relax as she looked around her once more and wondered silently what the stranger was reading, after her last not so happy discussion on the ability to read, in which she was criticized for the amount she read.

Gavilean took out a quill pen and small ink pot, begins to make some calculations upon the paper. He looked up and saw the lady on the couch, he gave her slight nod and another smile, not meaning to be unsociable.

?For give me, I don't see many people here who read, let alone write,? she stated softly sipping her drink.

Gavilean looked up from his work, glanced around and saw that she was speaking to him. ?Very true, m'lady. And that's a shame, for there is much to be gained from such skills.?

?Glad someone thinks that,? she muttered and turned to study the flame, smoothing her skirts and sips her drink once more.

Gavilean attempted to go back to his work, but asked the question anyway. ?Is there something that you would have me read to you? Or perhaps you need something written out??

Inara chuckled softly and looked back at him, ?No, I can read and write just fine,? she answered smiling brightly at him.

He raised a bow, quite impressed at the young woman. ?Please forgive me. I meant no offense. As you said, there are not many around here who read or write.?

?No offence taken, I'm too aware of that fact after an argument over the fact that I can read. I'm afraid the gentlemen had some offense to it.?

Gavilean set down a quill. ?An argument? You mean some ignorant man made comments about your abilities? Absolutely amazing.?

She laughed, ?I'm quiet use to people being adverse to my abilities sir,? she answered with a grin, ?but I believe the debate was of ruining the written word by reading it aloud and misinterpreting the writer?s intention. But he could not read and put down the whole idea.?

Gavilean stood up and walked toward her, ?I would think the author would have been delighted to have her or his work read aloud and interpreted. The man who argued with you obviously had no basis. Not all criticism is good criticism. Mind if I join you??

(to be continued. . .)

Gavilean laughed, ?Well, I've been left on the dock twice in the last year, watching the woman I loved sail off. It can give a person a bit of a complex, don't you think??

?I do. I believe I was starting to like someone, unfortunately so was my maid, I gave up the relationship for her happiness, and his.?

His cobalt blue eyes look into her dark browns. ?That was quite honorable of you, Inara. It also must have hurt inside.?

?Very much, but he had problems with my job, coping with it I mean.?

?I guess many men would. I think I've about given up on love and happiness. It's obviously meant for others and not me. That's why I don't come here often. Everyone seems to be paired up.?

?I know the feeling,? she replied with a nod. ?It does strike home to see a happy couple when you are not. I try not to concentrate on it much,? she added with a soft smile.

That drew a faint smile from Gavilean. ?Seems we are both destined for loneliness, yet I believe we can make our own destiny. Perhaps our best times are yet to come.?

? I try to keep my chin up,? she said with a nod and a grin. ?I can not image one as handsome as yourself being alone long.?

Gavilean laughed, ?You are too kind. If you see any unattached damsels who desire to sail off somewhere, just send them to Gavilean the Loser. If the trend holds true, they'll soon be sailing off to their dreams, leaving me on the dock.?

She frowns slightly and reached out to take his hand, ?Not from what I have seen, you seem very kind, I could not image sailing away from one so kind.?

Gavilean looked at his hand being held in hers, his fingers squeezed her hand lightly, a little hint that he didn't want her to let go. ?You say that now,? he laughed, ?but I'm sure you'd be waving off the stern of some fully rigged ship, heading off to paradise.? He leaned close to her ear and whispered, ?I think it's a curse that had been put upon me. I repel beautiful women.?

Inara smiled and lowered her own voice to match his, ?You do not repel me,? she grinned and leaned back slightly, ?or perhaps I do not fall into your idea of beautiful.?

He laughed out loud, ?Oh how smoothly you have lured me into a trap of words. I either have to confess that the curse is not working or that you are not beautiful. Clever indeed. Well, since I'm put to the test, I cannot lie and say you are not beautiful to me, for in truth, your beauty is astounding. So, the only explanation is that you've broken the curse. I thank you profusely.? He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

She smiles brightly at him watched his lips on her skin, ?Then meeting me was a very good thing for you, may you never see another woman sailing away from you,? she answered with a smile, and for me as well I have finally met someone who is not put off by my job.?

?I also think that meeting you was a good thing for me. In fact, it is the best thing that has happened to me in quite some time. And no, your job does not put me off at all. I have no problem with such professions, in fact, they are useful and needed.?

She smiles brightly, ?Please don't finish that sentence with men need to have a woman in their bed from time to time,? she joked.

Gavilean chuckled, ?No, I wasn't going to say that. I was thinking of the need for one in the upper levels of society to occasionally be seen in the company of a very beautiful woman, for such a woman brings success to the man, and her value is far above jewels.?

Inara nodded, ?Perhaps that is why women like jewels so. I think it?s good for a woman as well, staves off those nasty rumors that slander a lady's name.?

Gavilean laughed and shook his head. ?No. The reason why women like jewels is so that there is something tangible to compare their beauty against. For most women, their eauty is enhanced by the jewels. But, I must say, Inara, that in your case I fear that even the queen's jewels, should they be placed upon you, would all turn their color to a sour green in envy.?

Inara blinked in shock, then slowly smiled brightly, leaning forward and placing a soft kiss on his lips, ?Thank you Gavilean, you?re much to kind.?

Gav moved forward just slightly in receiving the kiss, and in desiring to hold onto it for every moment possible. ?Yes, I was much to kind. Those sad jewels of the queen would have turned black and not green, for the loss of their place of glory would have left them humbled and dying.? He slowly reached out and touched her hair, but stops what he had intended to do.

(To be continued. . .)

CHAPTER TWO

WHEREIN INARA HAS A RUN IN WITH COUNT TALOMAR LONGDEN
AND SHE MAKES AN ENEMY WHO COULD DO HER GREAT HARM


The following day, while Inara was once again in the inn, the door slowly swung open, although his hands grasp nothing but the both collars of his heavy, black cape. He stepped inside as if he owned the establishment, although the condition of the place never ceases to disgust him.

Inara was wearing her purple skirts weaving around her feet, a rabbit fur cloak coming off her shoulders to lay over her arm as she started towards the bar, her shoes clicking softly as she paused to pour herself a glass of peach wine and head for the couch, dropping her cloak over its back and dropping onto the couch herself, completely comfortable in the dress that leaves very little to the imagination. She glanced at the bags and grins as she sipped her drink, kicking off her shoes to pull her feet up under her skirt.

Talomar Longden watched the woman who walked to the couch. A grin came to his face as he recalled her advertisement. Staring at the coat, it suddenly slides to the floor. He immediately strides over and picked it up. He bows to Inara and smiled, ?Excuse me, milady...but is this coat yours??

Inara looked up shocked and smiled, ?Yes it is, thank you.? She reached for the cloth and he handed it to her with a smile.

?Mind if I sit down next to you?? he asked and sat before a response could be made.

Inara raised a brow at him, but appeared untroubled by his movements. ?Please,? she nodded and smiled again, ?Its a cold eve. What brings a man of such obvious grace out on such a night??

? I was just doing a little winter shopping. Please allow me to introduce myself. 'm Count Talomar Londgen.? He was dressed in a dark blue, silk shirt; silver chain about his neck, black pants and black boots that have a mirror-like shine.

Inara nodded and offered him her hand, ?Inara Serra. A Count you say??

?Yes,? he replied with a bow and took her hand. A soft kiss was applied to that hand, his dark eyes never leaving her beautiful face. ?A great pleasure to meet you, Inara Serra.?

?I assure you sir, the pleasure is mine,? she answered with a nod, her mind thinking over his name and gripping it, but her face does not change. ?I don't meet many Counts, Lords, but not many Counts.?

Talomar smiled and retained her hand, ?It's merely a title granted.? He leaned close to her. ?I have seen your advertisement...I wish to employ your...services, milady Serra.? His voice but a whisper in her ear.?

? In what fasion sir?? she asked softly watching him.

Talomar nearly laughed, ?My, we are discrete today. I wish for two hours of your time.?

Inara tilted her head, ?You must understand sir, I chose my clientele and not the other way around, I will know what you wish me for, before I choose to allow you to hire me, as a companion, that is my right.? She answered and smiled brightly as she sipped her drink.

?Of course.? He leaned close and whispered, ?I wish to be with you to see how well you service a man sexually. I will pay well. If you are good, there are many affairs that I attend which I would again pay well to have you as my companion.?

? But sir,? she breathed softly, drawing closer to him, ?Are you not betrothed to be wed?? she asked in confusion. ?That is what people who know your name speak of. Is she not satisfying you?? She is quietly wishing Gav was there, but worry never crossed her mind.?

Talomar lightly laughed, ?I assumed you knew the ways of high society. Am I wrong? There are many functions that I attend that would just not be appropriate for a fine lady to attend. Surely you understand such things. A wife needs to be safe and at home with children, except for those special affairs where she might socialize in proper fashion.

(to be continued. . .)

Inara watched him go, the smile dropping completely as she watches the door close before she finishes off her drink, her eyes darkening in anger and insult, she did not like him at all. She glanced over to the woman at the bar, ?I have no fear of over stuffed men, I have been threatened by worse. I have no heart for people such as that. He?s not a man, he?s a monster.?

There was considerable discussion amongst all those in the Inn about the evil Lord Talomar. Sometime later, Lord Gavilean Wakefield stopped at the inn as he had promised.

Inara brushed a stray hair from her face and looking up, sees Gav. She stood and rushed to him to throw herself into his arms, where she trembling slightly. Gavilean took her into his arms, ?Darlin'! How's my sweetheart doing today??

?I've been better,? she answered softly.

His hand brush her hair back off her shoulders. ?Let's go sit on the couch.? Inara nodded and lets him lead her back to the couch, slipping back down onto it and picking up the scotch once more. He sat with Inara and put his arm around her. ?What's wrong? You seem troubled.?

?A man just came in a and tried to get me to sleep with him, there was just something about him, and what he said.?

?I think you might get that for a while, yet. It will take a while for the change to get to be known,? he said with a sigh.

?I know, its just the way he spoke to me, and the look he gave me as he left. And that woman, warned me I might want to get a body guard.

?A body guard? But I'm with you.?

?I know, but this Count Talomar, he makes me nervous.?

?Talomar? I hate him.?

?She blinked at his answer, ?You know him?? she asked in shock.

?He only tried to kill me and rape Madison. He abused Madison. He had me tortured.?

Inara gasped in shock, ?Oh, I'm so sorry.?

?It'll be okay. Just keep away from him.?

?I told him no. I promise not to go near him,? she answered sinking into his arms, glad he is here. Inara cuddled in under Gav's chin and smiled softly listening to his heartbeat. She smiles softly and sips her scotch , running her fingers of her other hand through his hair.

Gavilean leaned into her hand and looked into her eyes, ?Hey....I love you.?

Inara looked up at him and smiled brightly, ?I love you too,? she breaths, meaning every word.

Gav whispered, ?I'm the luckiest guy on Rhydin.?

Inara grinned, ?I thought I was the lucky one, I will be the lucky one when we go to those get-togethers you mentioned a few days ago, going on your arm will make me look so much better.?

?Yes, Lani has invited me to her wedding. I want you to come with me as my guest.? He looked at the expression on Inara?s face, ?What's wrong, darling??

? You said Lani's wedding, that wouldn't be the Eiellani we were talking about the other day was it??

?Yes...it is. She's an old friend.?

?But she?s marrying that Count Talomar.?

Gavilean?s eyes widened. ?WHAT???

(to be continued. . .)

CHAPTER THREE

Where Inara and Gavilean express their love for each other
in the peaceful ambiance of her bedroom


Inara slipped down off her mare and helped Gav get the two settled for the night before, guilding him to the big house and to her private wing, leading him into her bedroom, the room decorated in curtains of burgundy, black and gold, all shimmering in the candle light. There was a faint smell of lavender and rose in the air and her bed was a rather large king with silk sheets and comforters. She left him to look around as she lit a few more candles for extra light before looking back at him. He took her breath away, a feeling she had never had before with any man, or had refused herself it. This time she embraced it as she looked over his form and fell in love all over again.

He bedded down Nasrullah and followed Inara with his hand in hers. Her home was impressive, and it was apparent that she had done well for herself. It was something that he respected and did not intimidate him. He enjoyed looking at the way people lived, and he was especially enjoying the warmth and intimacy of her home. He walked about her bedroom as she lit candles, looking at those things that she feel important enough to display. "Would you like a drink, my dear?"

She smiles softly, ?I would,? she nodded and motioned to a table, ?There?s wine and Champaign in there, nothing especially frilly, I think the oldest is fifty years,? she answered and moved to slip onto the couch against the wall. The room was sparse of anything being truly personal, accept a small angle figurine and a few pieces of jewelry, but her decor is carefully chosen and elegant.

He uncorked a bottle of wine that he thought would be good for the evening...something with a fruity taste and not too dry. He walked over and handed it to her. He held up his glass, "To the most beautiful woman in all Rhydin and the rest of the known world." He smiled and touched his glass to hers.

Inara grinned and saluted the toast, "You're too kind," she answered and sipped her drink sighing softly, "I feel safer already, now all I have to do is convince you to stay here instead of taking up space in one of my guest rooms and making poor Ali have to clean up after you."

He sat down next to her on her right side and put his left arm around her. "Well, Ali might not be too happy with me, so perhaps it would be a good idea if I did stay here with you. Besides, I'd want to keep you safe. I'd probably need to be here, don't you think?"

"One can never be too safe," she answered with a smirk and sipped her drink looking up into his blue eyes, "I certainly wouldn't want to be in here and you a full house away if I did need you," she answered.

His deep cobalt blew eyes looked into hers, his voice was soft but deep, "I'd want to be very close to you if anything should happen. Damn, but you're beautiful." He couldn't help changing the subject, he was overcome by the beauty of the woman who was sitting next to him.

She smiled softly, "You probably say that to all the dark haired women that cross your path," she breathed softly, moving in closer to him.

He put down his glass and moved his face toward hers, his hand touching that perfect, delicately soft cheek as his eyes moved over her face, taking in every feature with such appreciation of her beauty. "I do not," he whispered. "and not the blondes and redheads either," he added with a wink.

Inara smiles softly, "Good, I'd hate to think just any woman could be considered beautiful to you, then I would have to be concerned as to why your here with me now," she answers softly, leaning into his touch slightly.

"I'm here, dear Inara, because there is no place in all this world where I would rather be, there is no one I'd rather be with, there is nothing that is as important to me than is this very moment here with you." It surprised even himself that he meant every word so deeply.


(To be continued. . .)

She licks her lips looking down at him before leaning in to kiss him once more, her own fingers of one hand running up his side, feeling the muscle and warm flesh under her touch.

He allows her to stay on top, for he wants to discover all the things that please her. He will take his time in his desire to discover every sensitive area, every touch that drives her wild, every preference, every movement that will saturate her body with pleasure. He looks at the way the candlelight reflects off her body in warm tones.

She shivers and moans at his touches, she?s actually very ticklish in places and very sensitive as she rocks over him, her eyes never leave his, she feels a deepening love for him as he draws out deep pleasure from her, her eye glittering g in the light as her breaths pick up at his actions, moans echoing in her as she shivers over him.



After their lovemaking, he kissed her; totally overwhelmed by this wonderful woman. When the kiss breaks he holds her head against his chest, his fingers combing through her hair. "You can say that again," he says breathlessly. "Next time, darling, you're going to be beneath me," he grinned and gave a short growl. "You're going to be ravished."

She grins and chuckles softly, "That should be different, I've never been ravished before," she answers and reaches back to draw the silk comforter and sheets up around them, settling against his shoulder happily.

He settles into her comfortable bed with the sheets and comforter around them. He turns on his left side to look at her, but still keeps his left arm around her so that she lays on his shoulder. His right hand tenderly caresses her left cheek, and plays with her hair. His deep blues look into her dark browns. His heart rate slowly settles to normal. "I don't want to leave you, Inara," he finally says, his voice soft and caring.

She met his gaze and slowly smiled just softly, "Good, because I don't want you to go," she answered and reached up to kiss him once more before laying out and playing her fingers over his chest. "I look forward to the next time and the next, and the next, so long as you never leave me."

"I don't think that's possible. How did you do this? How did you take my broken heart and make it bigger and better than it ever was before. Damn, I love you!" he kissed her hard.

She returns the kiss then smiles, "Who knows, maybe we were together in a past life," she laughed, "destiny," she adds with a bright smile.

His hand cups her face tenderly, "Perhaps that is true. All I know is that this feels so right. Would you really give up your means of income for me? I don't have a right to ask you do to that, so if you don't want to, I'll find a way to live with that. I love you that much, Inara."

"I would never ask that of you, I would never expect you to ask that of me, I will gladly give it up, I have plenty in savings, I have no worries about my finances. There is no need to worry about it; I give up the job freely."

(to be continued. . .)

His mouth comes down on hers, smothering her cries as he kisses her hungrily. "I love you...I love you so much," he moans against her lips.

"Oh gods, Gav you have no idea what you are doing to me," she breaths back, meeting his force with her own, her cries echoing the passion flooding through her, "I love you, I love you," she whispers over and over amongst the cries.

He releases her wrist before he accidentally hurts her in his pleasure, he holds his weight with his arms. Oh, he loves this woman so much!

Inara slips forward, muffling her cries against his now exposed neck, her lips catching along his neck and shoulder as her arms slid under his to wrap around his hip, pulling him tighter against her.



She rocks her hips against his meeting him tirelessly for another minute before she slowly breaks the kiss and leaves softer lingering butterfly kisses down his jaw and neck, lapping at his flesh, "Your going to wear me out my love."

His forehead is perspiring and he's breathing hard looking down on her through the veil of his dark hair. "Me?" he laughed. "It is you who wear me out, my darling." He fell back on the bed and pulled her to a nestled position against his shoulder. He smiled, "I'm tired."

"Then rest my love, we have forever," she muttered and stifled a yawn settling against my shoulder.

"You are amazing, darling. What you do to me. You're intoxicating, and I want to drink more and more of you."

Inara hums softly, "So you compare to alcohol huh?" teases and brushes her fingers in lazy patterns over his chest, "better then some comparisons that I have had"

He laughs, "Inara, truthfully, there is nothing that compares to you. I'm so in love with you."

"I'm glad, I hope I can continue to stand up to your image of me," she answered softly and rested her leg over his.

"I have no doubt of that," he said, his one hand playing with her hair, his other moving over her smooth leg. He just smiled at her, no further words were necessary.

She settled against him, her eyes drifting shut as she pillowed her head in the soft spot where his shoulder met chest and smiled softly, tiredly, her fingers slowly stilling on his flesh as her breathing deepened in sleep.

Once the candles extinguished themselves, he was not long in following her in sleep, and they spent their first night together.

Gavilean started to move, holding her hand, ?I'll try not to.? He took her left hand in his left, his right arm going around her waist as they start to skate. She smiled and slipped carefully across the ice, her skill at skating actually isn't that bad as she snuggled against him. He quickly obtained his balance and got back the form from when he used to skate as a teen. He snuggled with her as they moved about the lake. ?This is so nice," he said against her ear.

She loved the sounds and smells around her, just the two of them alone on the ice, their skates making a soft noise of their movement, the sound of his jacket and her skirts and the smell of the snow around them and falling about them all made for the most intimate of occasions. ?It is?, she agreed. ?I would give a thousand days of good health for a single moment like this.?

The nearly full moon shone overhead, lighting the lake. He so loved this time with her, and just wanted it to continue. ?I want to talk with you about something,? he finally said.

Inara looked towards him, ?Funny cause I have something I want to tell you also, but you first.?

Gavilean stopped their skating and held her hands in his, ?First of all, I just want you to know that something wonderful has happened over the last two weeks.? Her dark eyes met his blue, her fingers closing over his. He smiled and looked down, ?I love you....I love you with all my heart, Inara. I have fallen completely, fully in love with you. You mean everything to me.

She smiled softly, ?I love you too,? she breathed, her eyes still watching his face.

?I can no longer imagine living without you.? Her smile grew slightly and her fingers tightened over his. ?In such a short time you have captured my heart, my soul....my mind...everything about me. I hurt when we're not together. It probably sounds silly.?

Inara shook her head, ?No it doesn't,? she answered softly.

? It doesn't??

?No, not at all, I feel the same way, as if I was not complete when you are not around, like a piece of my heart is elsewhere.?

?I know! And my stomach...it feels like it's in knots when we're not together.? She smiled and nodded. Gavilean fumbled around for words, then just looked into her eyes and spoke. ?I was going to ask you this when we arrived in London, but I no longer want to wait that long. She blinked and looked at him, her eyes meeting his once more. ?I didn't think I'd be doing this on ice skates.? She smiled softly at him.

Gavilean continued to speak what was on his mind, ?My love, life without you would be meaningless and empty. I know that there is a certain person in this world that is for everyone, but I know that you were made for me...and I for you.? Her eyes flickered over him and she smiled softly at him. With that he got down on his knee, placing his knee against the ice. ?Inara Serra, I love you with all my heart and I'll love you this way forever. Will you marry me?? His eyes looked up into hers as he spoke.

Inara beamed at him, her smile bright and eyes brimming with unshed tears, ?Yes, absolutely, yes!? she said and breathed, her free hand moving over her heart.?

(To be continued. . .)

CHAPTER 5 - A WINTER'S NIGHT SURPRISE



Inara stepped into the inn grinning on Gav?s arm, her hand resting on his arm, the ring sparkling in the light. Gavilean was so proud to walk into the Inn with Inara, the cold still on their clothes. ?Ahhh...warmth!? he sighed.

Inara looked around before moving to her toes to kiss him once more. ?I'm going to go sit on the couch. Would you get me some more tea?? She moved to shrug out of her cloak and motioned to one of the empty couches.

?I would get you anything, my love.? He headed right to the bar for more mint tea for Inara, and another mug of hot cocoa for himself. She grinned and moved to head for the couch dropping onto the cushions and once more kicking off her boots. She tucked her feet under her once more and plays with the new diamond ring, smiling like a school girl. Gavilean returned and held out her cup of tea. He noticed her looking at her ring and he smiled at her pleasure.

?Thank you love,? she said as she reached out to take the drink, sipping the hot liquid. She moved to give him room to join her and cuddled in with Gav, placing a soft kiss on his chin before returning to her drink. He sipped his hot chocolate while they spoke with Kina, who obviously wanted to make trouble for Gav. Kina mentioned Gav?s failed relationships with Carlotta, Alat?riel and Madison, but Gav had already told Inara about all three women, so Kina could not get the satisfaction she wanted.

Gavilean just cuddled closer and gave Inara a kiss. ?I love you,? he whispered while looking at the ring upon her hand, his hand holding hers

Inara looked up at him and smiled softly, ?I love you too.? She followed his gaze to the ring, then looked back at him once more, ?I would have accepted even if it had been a gum wrapper,? she teased softly.

He looked at Inara with playful shock. ?Now you tell me! But my darling, it pales against you. I want to give you the world.?

?You already have my love.?

They talked about having an engagement party, and then another party when they arrived in England. Gavilean set down his mug of hot cocoa and put his arms around Inara and whispered, ?You have made me so happy.?

Inara smiled softly up at him, ?I wouldn't want it any other way.?

Gavilean suddenly remembered that she was going to tell him something when they were out on the ice. ?Oh, you had something you were going to say! I'm so sorry. I got a little distracted.?

Inara blinked, at first seeming confused, then realization formed as she looked up at him, ?Oh, ahh?? she looked around at the others in the inn as if unsure of speaking there. Gavilean asked if she wanted to talk privately. ?I don't think that?s necessary, no one is listening anyway.? She looks back at him and snuggled in closer, her voice lowering to a conspirators whisper, ?I think I might be pregnant. In fact, I'm more then sure.?

(To be continued. . .)