Detailed Roleplayers discussion
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McKensie and Lara III
April was always sad when she remembered where Topher and Joshua had come from... but she nodded slowly. "And I was just a sad broken little girl who easily succumbed to the games of a player because she was so desperate for love." She said, smiling weakly at him. "I suppose we saved each other." She stood with him, folding the magazines again and setting them away. "I could do with some food as well. Whatever you have been making smells really good." She admitted as she walked into her new dining room and looked around. Jennifer looked at the sincerity in her father's eyes and tried to make herself believe it, to see the reason, but it was hard, especially when her mind was having a hard time wrapping around the very idea of this... ability. But she didn't want it to be the reason Mani and her stopped talking, so she nodded, blushing a little as her father said she looked like her mother. "Thank you, Papa." She said softly, "But what do you mean about affecting me most of all?" She asked softy, nervous. "What's it been doing? How has it been affecting me?"
Ven shuddered, shaking his head. "They better not make me cut my hair." he said, running a hand through his shoulder length black hair. "It's taken me forever to grow out..."
Flint shook his head. "Something tells me it'll be worse than hair." he dropped his voice. "The elders have all those crazy traditions we uphold after all."
Ven shrugged. "Regardless, I'm not that worried. But yeah. Maybe this is a good excuse to go talk to 'my girl'." he said, grinning, and liking that title a lot. "Excuse me gentlemen, I'll be back." he put down his bow and walked out of the tent.
Flint laughed after he was gone. "She's going to murder him for talking to her. He's horrible with women, even though he thinks otherwise... so are you going to talk to Jen?"
Freddie's brow creased in worry and he checked again, not liking the look of this. Her cervix wasn't dilating nearly as quickly as it should. "I'm so sorry love, I'm working on it." he assured, knocking over bottles and cans as he frantically searched for the hormone that should speed up the process. "Light pinch." he warned, before injecting her with a small dose of it, "That should help..." He whispered, rubbing her knee and trying to help soothe her. He hated seeing her in pain like this.
Ella watched her sister leave, and her heart pinged it worry for her. But she knew to just give her some time, so she stayed with Amalie and Freddie to give them support, and continue trying to encourage Amalie through this.
Reece smiled at the bird, happy in more ways than one to see it. For one, he could actually see the feathers, the beady little eyes, the beak, it's tiny toes... he could see. And for two, he had remembered its name. He had actually remembered something. "Such a sweet bird..." he whispered, letting it hop onto his finger so he could bring it down off his shoulder and hold it in his lap. "Abigail... she... she likes flowers...." he said, trying to work through the facts, trying to remember. "She was fragile like one too... heart problems.... she... she was tender with animals.... and she had rose petal lips...... did she like to sing? I remember singing... no... humming..."
Topher smiled softly and caressed her cheek "I made your favorite...lobster bisque. Just like our first date...unfortunately the little place closed but I managed to coax the recipe out of Tony..." He pulled out some light blue china bowls and filled to the top. Placing it on the lace placemats he smiled sitting by her side "your sister did all the decorating...she insisted, and her boyfriend built it I think...acceptable..." Thomas sighed telling her the story of the three mages. One that could foretell the future, see the energy of the world healing and restoring by just one look with pale startling eyes. There was one that could hear the balance and energy flow around them, hearing heart desires and thoughts...the most powerful was one that could control with the voice and song...he was the eldest and watched over his siblings...war happened and the gypsies were split from the elven world...Habi is the heir to the Mage and Mani his son...Habi accidentally kissed Sariah using his voice to calm her during childbirth...it put her to sleep which caused her death...he never sang again to his knowledge. "Talk with the boy, vouce your fears but do not scold the boy for not telling you...he was keeping you safe..."
Mani sighed and nodded "what am I supposed to say to her?...I kept her in the dark and she dispises me for it...I just wanted to be good for her. Love her...she's my everything and with the bad luck of the draw im cursed...and she is frightened."
Amalie winced and whimpered squeezing tightly onto Ella. She cried out arching off the bed as she felt a strong contraction. She sobbed shutting her eyes just wishing it was over and her husband could hold onto her and love her. She took deep shuddering beeaths and thought about the child that would come from this, her perfect baby and it gave her the hope to keep going and survive.
Donavon smiled as he started to remember and recall facts on his own. He nodded and smiled "she had a lovely voice...the halls echoed with her soft kind voice...she loves you more then I can even comprehend...she's been lost when you left...taking comfort from your mother...do you remember much else?"
April smiled surveying the meal. It was clearly not a simple thing to make, and yet he had found the recipe and made it. "It looks wonderful." She said as he set down the bowls and sat beside her. "I don't know how you managed to just whip this up." She picked up a fork and tried it, smiling. "And it tastes perfect." She ate some more, looking around the place. So much work must have gone into it... it was astounding. She glanced at Topher. "Well I'm glad they at least have your approval." She teased, feeling lighthearted and happy once more. Jeniffer listened in fascination, and then let the thoughts mull around in her head. So much to think about, and she knew she'd have to go talk to Mani, but for a bit, she knew she'd need some time to just digest everything she had learned. "Thank you father... I'm feeling better about this topic now." She said, kissing his cheek. It was because of Mani that her father didn't know about their kiss. She was still pure and they were not disgraced. "I'll talk with him." she assured, bowing lightly as she left their tent and returned to her own, pacing.
Flint shrugged, finishing his quiver of arrows, which he had been told he would need for the ceremony, and he wanted to go out and test them out. "I don't know man. Just be honest I suppose. She probably doesn't know what the heck you just showed her, and maybe explaining it would help? I'll be outside practicing if you need me." He said, giving him an encouraging smile. "Just let her come to you on her own time." he said as he left the tent.
It was two days before Jennifer worked up the courage to go talk to Mani about his abilities. Two days of her pacing and having troubled dreams. Finally she went to look for him, being told he could be found down at the creek, fishing. So she walked there, swallowing hard. "Mani?" She called, looking down the bank of the water.
Freddie closed his eyes and grimaced, taking a deep breath before he schooled his expression and tried to look brave for her. "You're doing wonderful love. I know it hurts, I'm so sorry that it does." he whispered, massaging her stomach gently as he checked again. "The baby's making its way down now." he encouraged. He took her hand and squeezed it. "Deep breaths. In out. In out."
Reece closed his eyes his brow scrunched in concentration as he tried to remember. He saw her walking down the hallway in a billowy nightgown, humming and singing to herself. That must be her, his love. "I... I remember some things... but all my memories are broken puzzle pieces, and I don't know how they fit together, or whether I was just dreaming everything up." Everything did seem like a nice happy dream, before the horrors and vivid memories he had of the war.
Topher chuckled and munched on his "I put the lobster and ingredients already ready in the fridge...I didn't just whip this out in thin air we've been planning this for awhile." He kissed her nose "I made your favorite for desert...." He mused "but we can save it for later..." He couldn't wait until their wedding night they had waited so long "where is Josh going to stay when we have the honeymoon?"Mani had lost hope, two days and she wouldn't even look at him...it broke him. He had kept to himself not talking to his father who was unavailable to him...that hurt, and as much as he'd like to think he was strong and a man he missed being his dad's jewel the only person he had time for. Now he had his step mom and sibling on the way. He had no one to talk to and that hurt since he thrived on connection. He was fishing dipping his net in and watching the fish flop and jump trying to escape. He felt bad and let them all go before he heard his name and looked up to see the one person his soul ached for.
Analie breathed as deep as she could before whimpering or wincing as she trusted her body to know what to do. Soon it was time for pushing and she sat up putting all of her focus and energy as she pushed crying out and sobbing too exhausted to keep the brave face on.
Abby was tired of waiting, she left a message with her mother in law that she would be taking a cab to the castle. Arriving she went to her quarters and stumbled back seeing the familiar yet strange ban on her bed "Reece?..." She whispered in disbelief before throwing her arms around him and sobbing in his chest too overwhelmed to speak.
April nodded, wondering how long they had been planning this... for the apartment to be decorated and ready for Christmas... and her favourite food, and favourite dessert, and favourite man. And now she was engaged. It almost seemed too surreal. She took another bite and then glanced at him, swallowing a sip of water before she spoke. "He could stay with my sister. She should be healed and back home by that time. Or..." she tried to think of others she knew who she trusted to take care of Josh, and was surprised by the lack of true friends that she trusted. "Do you know of someone Josh would enjoy staying with?"She found him fishing, as his friends had suggested, and she watched for a moment as he dipped the net in again and released all the fish. She swallowed hard, watching as he reacted and looked up, and his eyes met hers. Her heart pounded harder and she took a deep shuddering breath. Be brave... be brave.... I'll love him no matter what... be brave... She thought. For she didn't fear his abilities as much as she feared that the love she felt for him might be fake... fabricated. She walked up to the shallows of the river, standing just out of reach of the water and stared at him for a moment. He was still her Mani. "I..." She swallowed. "I want to talk... about..." she couldn't say it, she didn't know how. "I want... want to know how much... how much of this has been..." she swallowed, looking pained and frightened. "real." She finished softly.
Freddie helped her in anyway he could, massaging her stomach, squeezing her hand, reassuring her that he was there for her, every step of the way. That he would protect her, and that she was doing so well. "That's it." he encouraged, tears in his eyes as he caught the first sight of their child. "They're almost here, Amalie. I can see them... almost here..."
Ella got a towel and a bowl of water, preparing for the baby's arrival, smiling as it was so joyous to see such wonderful fruits for hard labour.
Reece had been reading in bed, well... just staring at a book actually, thinking about life, as he often spent hours doing of late. He would ponder and ponder and think and try to piece together the memories in his mind, try to figure out how they all fit together. He looked up when a woman entered the room, and he recognized her immediately as the woman from the pictures, the woman from his dreams. His love. "Yes, I am told that is my name." he said softly, his eyebrows lifting as she threw herself into him. He wrapped his arms around her, not going to deprive her of the comfort she clearly desperately needed.
Topher ran a hand through his hair "my friend Samuel has a boy that Josh has always gotten along with...he could stay there? He was actually the one that got us this house...he found me mugged in an alley way and insisted that he help...I owe him much."Mani looked up at her shocked "real?..." He whispered back "do you think I could control emotions? Lust...and heart break we have been through? I have never...the girl was the first one I purposefully controlled and I feel awful about it...I can't control it at times, but I always tried around you...until you were dying...I had to save you...I...I've been lost...without you this past week...I thought...I thought that you wouldn't want to be with a man that wasn't normal..." He was holding back tears at this point trying to stay strong to be the man she deserved and needed. He started to wind up the net not in the mood for fishing, he was in a haze not being able to complete any of his duties.
Analie gasped out in joy and pain as she felt the baby emerge crying and squalling very upset at being taken from its warm and secure home. Amalie laughed exhausted and joyful as she lay back while they took care of her. "What's the sex?" She whispered in a numb sort of state.
Abby cupped his face and kissed him deeply running her hands through his hair "I thought you were dead...I was so scared...your mother has been my only support making sure I cared for myself...but I just wanted to be with you..." She pressed his hand to her chest "this nearly broke..."
April smiled then, glad that they found a solution. She cared for Joshua, the little boy full of smiles and dreams, and though she was nervous and excited for their honeymoon, she knew she also didn't want to be worrying about the boy at home alone. So it was good to know he would have a friend and a place to stay. "Wonderful." She smiled at him. "I suppose I owe them a lot then too, for helping you." She stood, clearing the dishes quickly and loading them into the sink. "I ordered the dress. I have a fitting today at two, and I thought that would be a good time for you to go find a suit for the wedding?" she suggested. His shock and hurt in turn hurt Jennifer and she looked down, chewing on her lip as he spoke. "I had thought... that you might be able to..." She whispered when he asked if she thought he could control emotions. It was the biggest reason for her fear. But as he spoke, she realized more and more how foolish that had been. She remembered how she felt around him, remembered how she felt now, and knew that those feelings were too strong to be fabricated. She owed her life to Mani. And his last comment tore at her heart. She looked up again, hating seeing him so defeated as he fiddled with the net. Stepping into the water and walking towards him, she lay a hand on the net to still his efforts and managed to look up at him. "I have never wanted anyone else but you. There's no one else for me." She said, clearly still nervous but her words full of meaning. "I... I stayed away these few days because I was so terrified... so terrified that maybe it wasn't real... that it was all in my head. That maybe you had..." She shook her head, looking down at the water swirling around her ankles. "I'm sorry for thinking that... but I just didn't know what to think."
Freddie lifted their crying little baby and he grinned, laughing with pure bliss as he and Ella cleaned it up and got it wrapped in a blanket nice and tightly. "She's a little girl." Freddie whispered, placing the child in his love's arms. "She's a perfect little baby girl."
Ella smiled, and seeing that she was no longer needed, she congratulated them both and left quietly, to give the happy couple some time. Oh how she wished that could be her and Donavon.... But her first child would not even be from her womb.
Reece found it so strange to have her kiss him and run her fingers through his hair, and have it feel so... right. So familiar... and yet he though she was just a girl from his dreams. Well... maybe those were memories after all. "I'm... I'm so sorry that my absence has pained you." he whispered, his forehead wrinkling in concern. "I... must warn you that I sustained some brain damage in the war... I was temporarily blind for a while, and had a severe case of amnesia... or else I would have come home sooner. But I didn't know who I was..." he admitted softly, hoping she was taking this alright. "I have some memories now... of before the war... but they're all sort of... I don't know... glazed, and all over the place, as if they're fragments of dreams I once had." he whispered.
Topher smiled and nodded cupping her face and kissing her tenderly "I'll find a nice suit...I promise, maybe better then your father's old one. That was the point when I know I wanted to be the kind of man you saw when I stepped out..." He kissed her head and squeezed her hand "is it fair that I know what your dress looks like? I thought the groom wasn't supposed to know." He started to clean up the dishes ushering her to see the rest of her little townhouse "there's littke hiding cupboards, Brooklyn told me stories of how you read books like Alice in Wonderland and wanted little secret doors in the mansion..."Mani looked up as she placed her tiny hand on his and gave a small smile caressing her cheek with his hand and dried her tears "I love you...I will never keep any secrets away from you again...I swear. You deserve better and I will strive to be better...but I can't sing, please do not ask that of me...I don't want this ability but maybe I can find some good for it..." He pulled her into his arms both of them soaked as they stood in the creek never wanting to let her go.
Camilla looked up as Flint came over looking for his arrow, she held up the small arrow and giggled "I think you may be looking for this...it ruined my attempts of making a pot." She was covered in clay but still smiling softly as if she found it quite funny.
Donavon went to pick up his love as he heard she was at the doctor's office "are you alright love?" He was hopeful that she was at the doctor finding out she was pregnant. He wanted a son so badly and he knew she was mourning for a child needing that assurance.
Abby looked at him shocked and pushing his hair back tears in her eyes "do you...remember us?" She whispered scared of the answer, she couldn't bear to think that he forgot their love. Forgot what they did for eachother but she would never stop loving him and she would teach him everything, remind him of what they mean to eachother.
April flushed and she nodded slowly, remembering very well the moment when he had walked out looking very classy in a suit that had never looked good on anyone but him. "I remember." She said softly, smiling then. "And who said you know what my dress looks like? You saw one dress I liked. How do you know it's what I ordered?" she teased, her eyes sparkling. Her whole face lit up with excitement when he said there were little hidey cupboards. "Oh... let's play hide and seek!" She tagged him. "You're it. Count to fifty!" She giggled, racing through the house, opening doors and cupboards and finally finding a little hidden room behind a mirror. She slid in behind it and crouched down to wait, grinning. Jennifer was more than glad to be in his arms again, where she felt safe and warm and loved. She would miss his voice though. She always loved listening to him sing. And now she realized that part of that was because it actually truly was magical. "I won't ask you to sing. But I do enjoy it when you do." She whispered, leaning her forehead against his chest. "You are a good person, Mani, and I doubt such a gift could ever be used for harm by your hands." She didn't care that she was sopping wet, only that he was holding her. The silence drew on for a moment, before Jen remembered something. "Tomorrow night is our ceremonies..." She whispered, the panic clear in her voice.
Flint had been searching and searching for his arrows, trying frantically to get in some practice before the ceremony, and was horrified to find that one of them had landed directly in Camilla's work. He stooped to take the arrow from her, a blush flaming across his features. "I... oh... I'm so sorry.... I..." He swallowed, standing again and returning the arrow to his quiver. "I didn't mean to..." his ears turned red.
Ella looked up to see Donavon and her heart leaped, happy to have him back again after another long absence. But she knew there were many long months of pain ahead as she deceived him and the whole country about having a child. "I'm alright." she promised. "Freddie and Amalie just had a baby girl. I was helping with the delivery." She said, walking over and pecking his cheek. It hurt to hide things from him, but she had to, for the good of the country.
Reece knew he was hurting her by telling her this. But he had to be honest, he couldn't pretend he was alright and lie to her. From what he remembered of her, he didn't want to hurt her like that. "I remember some things." he said softly, "Like Claudius... and flashes of dirt and rain, and growing things. I remember calling you violet, and I remember... remember you smiling... and... brief glimpses of your hair in the wind... or your hand in mine..." He grimaced his mind hurting from trying to dig up all that information. He was still healing, and the strain had brought on a headache.
Topher laughed and covered his eyes counting to 50, it was hardly a fair fight as he knew where all the hiding rooms were but he stalled looking in places that certainly wouldn't fit her. He smiled knowing where she was but spoke loudly so she could hear him "where could my darling fiance be! Did she have cold feet and escape? Oh how my heart aches. He smiled slowly sliding the mirror and peeking in laughing and tackling her on the soft carpet and ticking her till they were both squirming and giggling.Mani frowned as he felt the fear in her voice and spirit, he brought her closer to him and pressed his lips to her hair "it'll all be well...Rachelle and your mother will be there every step. Unfortunately I will not be able to...it is the most forbidden thing for men and women to even be 100 feet away from eachother...but just think, afterwards we are free to express our emotions...get married and make love..." He brought his face up to look at her "that is all I wish..." He promised and softly smiled "I am fearful as well but if it makes me a better man for you and our future I'll do it..."
Camilla stood and smiled going toward him "do not fear...I am fine, I rather didn't like that pot to begin with...im Camilla..." She said shyly holding out her hand for him to shake.
Rachelle smiled over at Habi "ceremony is tomorrow...do you think Mani will be ok...I remember the pain you were in afterwards..." She brushed his hair back "he's going to be a man..."
Donavon smiled softly placing his hand on her stomach "Freddie told me love...that you were with child, I am overjoyed! How are you feeling? Did he say everything looked well and do we know the sex? I hope it's a boy..." He admitted stroking her belly and cheek "I missed you..." He admitted pressing his lips to hers "more then you can imagine..."
Abby cradled his head in her arms and just held him "don't strain...don't strain...I'll remember for the both of us...we will make many memories and all will be well...do not stress my darling...im just happy to have you home..."
April kept curled up tight, and she had to hold her hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle as he walked past the mirror, talking loudly. When he found her, she shrieked and tried to get away, giggling as they fell to the carpet, laughing. This was what childhood was supposed to be like, she knew, and she was just happy she could make memories like this now. She lay with him on the carpet, grinning at the ceiling. "We're going to be married..." She whispered, as if the realization had just hit her right then. "I'm going to be your wife...." She shook her head, turning to tuck it against Topher. "I never thought I could be this happy."Jeniffer nodded, trying to convince herself that they'd be alright. Many people had done it before. Including his parents, and her mother, both her mothers. "I know we'll be fine in the end, I just can't help being afraid." She admitted, keeping her face tucked against him. He was such a comfort and a reassurance. She blushed brightly at his words, and was glad that her face was pressed against him, even as she nodded. It was something of a reassurance that he was afraid too. She reached for his hand and squeezed it. "We'll be alright." she repeated, looking up at him again, her face still slightly tinged with pink. "We can see each other after the ceremony, right? Just not during?" She asked hopefully. She couldn't help but think of the kiss he had given her in the weaver's tent.
Flint smiled shyly, rather flustered and having a hard time figuring out how to act around the most beautiful gypsy in all of camp to his eyes. "F-Flint." he said, taking her hand and shaking it, his cheeks growing even more red. "Can I make you lunch to make up for it?" he asked, as was tradition in atonement for something broken. But also an activity among friends.
Habi nodded, still looking clearly nervous. "He's a good strong boy, he'll be fine." he said softly, keeping his hands busy as he whittled away on a staff to use for walking and as a weapon. "I don't think I'm ready to see him grow up though." he said softly. "He's going to take that girl as his wife as soon as this is over."
Ella nodded, pulling up a smile. "It is rather wonderful news." She agreed, and it was, for Abby to give her her child, it was a very wonderful solution. And they were having a child, technically. It just wouldn't be their own blood. It was wonderful to see Donavon so happy, she just wished that she could have been the cause of that, and not Abby. "It's a healthy little boy." She agreed, kissing him back and leaning into his embrace. "I miss you too, Donavon. I miss you more everytime you leave." She admitted.
Reece closed his eyes, relaxing as she cradled his head. She smelled familiar too. Like Lilac. He liked Lilacs. "It's nice to be home." he whispered, liking that word. Home. "I've missed home." He admitted, not wanting to think about the horrors he went through during the war. "I'm sorry... for making you cry..." he whispered, not liking seeing her cry. It deeply disturbed him that he had been the cause of it.
Topher smiled over at her and nodded kissing her softly "im glad my love...i too am overjoyed, im marrying my best friend." He kissed her blonde curls and looked around the room "what will you put in here?" The room was curved and carpeted he imagined making the ceiling look like space or clouds. He didn't know where Josh was going to live when they moved here "do you think he would be alright at a boy's finishing school? I just...I don't know where he is going to live..."Mani sighed "I wish I knew more about it...I wish I could talk to my father but he's with his new bride they haven't left the tent...I've felt alone these last couple of days. My two best mates are nervous as well...do you have an girl friends you are close to?" He pulled them both out of the water and lay on the bank so he could dty off and the sun felt so wonderful while she lay on his chest.
Camilla smiled and nodded leading him to the Fire "I was starting bread Flint...you may finish it and we will have a delicious meal together." She insisted and squeezed his hand before kneeling at the kneading stone "do you know how to roll out dough?" She put her hands over his tanned rough hands showing him how to knead it and roll it out in the marble stone "softly...softly..."
Rachelle watched him carve and softly smiled "I bet he wants to talk to you about it...why don't you take some time tonight and let him know that it's going to be ok...that you are proud of him..,"
Donavon spun around and grinned holding her close "we have a boy..." He said thrilled and cupped her face "I won't leave you...not now, we are getting a boy! I wish I could be part of it but I know the laws...I can't even see your stomach..." He kissed it and kissed her forehead "I will be patient and care for you...I promise..." He led her home nothing but pride in his eyes.
Abby shook her head "I am alright...my tears are not ones of sadness but gratitude...I love you, and if you still love me that's all I need..." She tucked him in and played with his hair "you proposed...in your letters...I still say yes..."
April looked up at the ceiling of the room, and she chewed on one lip. "It looks like a dome... it would be lovely to paint it like the night sky." She mused, holding up her fingers in a frame shape and closing one eye as she imagined it. She nodded in satisfaction and then glanced over at him. "Joshua doesn't have to go anywhere, Topher, I'd be more than happy to have him stay with us until he's old enough to get his own place. Unless of course, you want him to go to a finishing school. I hear there are some very prestigious schools in central London."Jeniffer nodded, only just then realizing just how hard that must be for Mani, to have his father suddenly so engrossed in someone else. "I'm sure he'd talk with you about this, if you went to ask him?" She offered. She tried to imagine all the boys nervous and fidgety, and it was rather hard, as they tended to be tough and brave and serious like. "I do have a few girls I am friends with, but not close enough to to have that deep of discussions." She admitted, closing her eyes and lying on the bank with him, warming up and drying off in the sun.
Flint nodded, following her to the fire. He looked at the lump of dough in apprehension, not entirely sure how to make bread. So he was relieved when she stepped up and started to help him, showing him how to knead it. It was so challenging to get it just right, but her guidance helped. "I think I'm getting the hang of it..." he said, pleased, as the dough started to thicken up and shape in his hands.
Habi nodded slowly, mulling that over. "I might as well, I suppose." He agreed, standing and putting down his carving as he kissed her. "I'll be back later." he promised, going to find Mani. When he saw him with Jen, he smiled. "Time for you two to head back to camp. It's getting late. Jen, tell your father I said hi." he smiled as she nodded and walked off. "Mani... I came to tell you that I am so proud of you, of the man you've become."
Ella smiled despite herself, thrilled with the news that he would be staying to take care of her, in anticipation of the child. It was somewhat sad that it was only a baby that could get him to stay, and not even her own baby, but as long as she had him around for longer, she wouldn't complain. "Thank you love. I was thinking we go in and dust out the nursery, decorate it in blues since your sister was the last one who used it..." She smiled.
Reece nodded, feeling a little better and he pecked her cheek, feeling right about it. It was all so strange still, but everything seemed good, and alright with the world. "I proposed?" he repeated, thinking about that. But that meant he would be getting married to the girl of his dreams.... "Well. The offer still stands I suppose... but I don't remember if I had a ring for you or not." he admitted sheepishly. "I suppose I should go get one."
Topher smiled softly and nodded "I was just thinking the same thing love, a night sky or some clouds...this could even one day be a playroom for our kids. He sighed pushing his hair back and nodding "I want the best for him...hes a brilliant kid and can be everything im not. But I don't want him homesick...I don't want him to hate me for sending him away..." He explained breathing deeply as he stressed about it.Camilla smiled softly having her arms wrapped around him from behind as they kneaded the dough together "just like that..." She flushed letting go of him as she realized how close they were pressed together and she moved the loaf to the fire. "Pull some of that mozerella from the ice bucket and I'll cut up some tomatoes." She put the plump red fruit on the slap as she sliced it up and winced as she sliced into her hand she quickly wrapped it up in her apron holding back tears. Flint was training to be a doctor like Habi.
Mani looked up pleased to see his father "father...it's wonderful to see you." He hugged him and sighed shaking his head "im not brace father...I am so afraid of the ceremony..." He admitted quietly and looked down ashamed he couldn't be brave like the man he looked up to.
Ariella met up with Jennifer and smiled softly "you look happier darling...your aura isn't dark...it's been splotchy the past week. I thought it was fear like the rest of us are experiancing but it was much deeper...are you alright? Im trying to hide from Ven...he will not leave me alone!"
Donavon nodded and smiled wrapping his arm around her and nuzzling her cheek "I think we should move the nursery...closer to our room so we can keep an eye on him...the window that faces the mountain and pond...I think he'd like that." He pressed his lips to hers "are you ok? Are you pleased?"
Abby smiled softly and shook her head "I don't need a ring...im just pleased to be yours...when we first met I was very sick...you taught me to love life and gardening...we had a romeo and Juliet moment on the balcony and you were whipped for it...Donavon wouldn't have it and you were knighted...we made love before you left...do you remember that?"
April reached over and scooped his hand into her own to still his restless ruffling of his hair. "Hey... like I said, it's fine if he stays here. Why don't you give him the choice? He might want to try out finishing school... and if he doesn't like it, he'd always be welcome back home again." she suggested, seeing how worried he was about this. She leaned over and kissed him gently. "Don't worry about it, ok? I hate to see you distressed about anything. We'll figure this out." She promised, rubbing her thumb over the back of his hand. Flint was so exuberant about figuring out how to make bread, that he only realized after she pulled away just how close she had been. A subtle blush lit his ears pink again, but he just smiled softly, watching as she pulled out tomatoes. He moved to the ice bucket and got out some of the cheese they stored, and unwrapped it, taking his dagger to slice through a nice even stack of cheese. He was halfway done the block when he saw her bundling her hand into her apron and he frowned in worry. "Let me see it..." he said gently, holding out his hand. "I can help."
Habi hated seeing his boy worried and stressed, and his expression immediately became one of sympathy. He understood how he felt right now, and he honestly didn't envy him, having to go through the ceremony. "You're a good strong boy, Mani, remember that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but being able to overcome it. I was terrified of this at your age... but there's a sense of pride that comes with completing it." He assured.
Jennifer smiled when she saw Ariella and she nodded, still mystified as to how the girl was so perceptive. "Yeah, Mani and I were just having some troubles, but it's smoothed over. Now it's just fear for tomorrow." She admitted, smiling rather deviously then. "He loves you, poor boy." She teased, guiding them to her tent where they would be safe. "Have you told him no? Or are you still debating wether or not he's worth it?" She asked, eager to know the latest news on those two.
Ella nodded in agreement. It would be easier to have the nursery closer. They could check up on the child more often, and leave less work to the nanny to figure out. "I think he would love that as well." She agreed, imagining it now. There was a spare room there, they could paint it, and decorate it.... She looked at Donavon then, schooling her face into radiating happiness, like a pregnant woman would look. "I am beyond pleased." She promised. "This is what we wanted." she kissed him back and sighed tiredly. "I've just missed having you around, is all. And I've hardly had anytime to just.... enjoy life." she shrugged.
Reece thought on what she said. If he focused too hard, his mind started to hurt, but if he focused a little, he could see hazy shadows of some of the things she said.... and slowly they were clearing up. "I do remember... candles... and rose petals, and sheets... and you." He whispered honestly, trying to patch together the entire memory. "I remember being happy. More than happy."
Topher smiled softly and nuzzled her hand kissing her palm and each finger "im trying not to...I think it's finally hitting me that im his guardian, no one else is left. It's hard to be getting ready to be married and knowing that Josh won't get the attention he always did...I worry about him, and I worry about you..." He admitted and nuzzled her cheek "I just love you...I want to be a better man for everyone."Camilla looked up at him tears starting to fill her eyes from the pain. Her apron was getting soaked with her blood she slowly moved it out and handed it to him. He looked so concerned and worried for her it touched her as she was an orphan and was the shy wanderer of the camp the little beauty. She didn't know many people but she had seen him and found him handsome and had kind eyes.
Mani sighed and nodded as he took some deep breaths "you'll be there right? I don't think I can do it without you...I mean...I miss you papa..." He admitted quietly and swallowed heading to his tent.
Ariella sighed "his love comes from only one place and I cannot trust it, he does not know me all of his feelings are coming from between his legs so...until he proves otherwise I run from him..." She started to wave incense in the room clearing out the bad energy.
Donavon sighed pulling her close "I am sorry my angel, I will be here far more often and we will spend many nights together...I missed you so dearly...Reece has amnesia...I worry how Abigale is going to handle it...she is fragile...since he left. Sick apparently can't keep food down.
Abby flushed and caressed down his chest and stomach "im glad you remember...it was a perfect night and I was more then happy...rest now, I won't strain you much longer..." She kissed his head and headed to see Joyella in her room since he was in hers.
April nodded, understanding. It was only natural for him to feel that way, when they were getting married, and the brother he had lived with all his life would have no where to go. "You are a better man than most already, Topher." She whispered, tucking her head on his chest as she allowed her eyes to close, resting beside him. "And I love you for it. Don't bring yourself down." She smiled softly then. "Are you going to tell me where we are going for our honeymoon yet?"Flint took her hand gently into his own, cradling it as he looked over the wound. It was a fairly deep gash, but not deep enough to need stitches. "Oh... that's got to hurt. You're so incredibly brave." He encouraged, tearing a strip of cloth to wind around her hand. "I have some salve in my tent, that will help with the pain. I can go grab it if you'll be alright here for a moment?" he said, standing to go get it, but not about to leave her if she didn't want him too.
Habi nodded his assurance. "Of course I'll be there." He promised. He felt a twinge in his gut, seeing his son so down. "I miss you too, Mani." he said softly, watching him walk off. "I love you, and I'm confident you'll do well tomorrow." He promised, chewing his lip as he watched Mani go and then he turned and returned to his tent with Rachelle.
Jennifer laughed at that, for she knew well that it was true. "Mani was like that for a while. I think it's just a stage." She promised. "Maybe he'll magically grow up tomorrow night..." She grinned, shaking her head as she sat down on the furs and sipped tea. No more male interaction until that night... how would she survive without Mani? "Are you nervous? For tomorrow night?"
Ella nodded, leaning into his embrace. How she had missed him. The real him. The musical passionate dreamer who she seldom saw these days. "I'm holding you to that." She teased softly. The news of Abby and Reece only served to make her worry. Her poor sister... "But he's healthy otherwise? He will recover?" She asked, worried, for both their sakes. She knew Abby would start to get better if Reece was on the mend.
Reece nodded, watching her leave, and he allowed himself a moment to nap and recover.
Joyella had been on the mend as well, slowly gaining weight, and trying to forgive her brother, as she helped Ren with his physio. She was in her room, journaling, when Abby came in, and she smiled, looking up and patting the bed for her to join. "Hey there stranger. How's the last few days been? Any news on Reece or the baby?"
Topher smiled and shook his head "oh no darling...no buttering me up so that you can find that out...no!" He kissed her lovingly and sat up leaving the room and sliding the mirror back so she can pass through. "Ah it has gotten dark...let us retire to bed...I need to pick up Joshua...will you be alright? Your sister is coming soon she just arrived from the train station." The door knocked and Brooklyn rushed in "April where are you?"Camilla grabbed onto his shirt shaking his head "no...please don't go..." She insisted and looked at him fearfully "I'll stay outside your tent just...please..." She whispered. She didn't like being alone in the dark. Especially because she was going into shock from the blood loss.
Thomas sighed looking over at Maria "what is going to happen to Jennifer tomorrow? You can tell me im not part of it so it isn't breaking rules...im worried about my daughter Maria...please, I'll tell you what happens in the male ceremony..."
Ariella frowned upsey and sighed "I saw the ruby encrusted tool...I am so frightened Jenn...I can't let them know...about the Elder...im not a virgin but it wasn't my fault! They'll kill me if they find out!" She whispered fearful and covered her mouth to hide the sobs.
Donavon nodded "he is very well...and I think he will remember eventually." He helped her up and to their bedroom and smiled kissing her gently and helping her into the dressing gown "are you feeling sick at all? I know nothing about pregnancy..."
Abby smiled softly but tears started to follow "he's home but he remembers not...and I am giving the child to my sister to raise as the future King...I had the appointment and it was awful...just awful...I closed my legs with the tools inside!"
April smirked as she stood with him. "Well... it was worth the try." she stepped out from behind the mirror, nodding. "Yes, that's fine. I'll be alright here." she saw Brooklyn rush in and beamed, hugging her. "It's so good to see you again!" She beamed, pulling away to survey her sister. "Are you alright? Is everything ok? Where's Matthew? How was Christmas? When did you get released from the hospital?" she asked, barraging her with questions. "I was so worried about you... tell me everything. And thank yo for the apartment by the way!"Flint frowned, seeing that she was clearly stressed out and going into shock. He nodded, gathering up their sandwich supplies, as he wrapped an arm around her waist to help support her back to his tent. "Wait here." he said, slipping inside and going through the drawers in his chest before he found the small tin. He came back out with it and sat beside her, legs crossed. "This will tingle, but it will make everything feel better." He promised, taking her hand again gently as he unwrapped the bloody strip of cloth, and carefully cleaned the wound. Then he smeared some of the salve on his fingers and gently started to massage it into the cut.
Maria bit her lip, looking over at him. She wasn't supposed to tell any male, or anyone at all, in case the girls found out what was to happen. But he was right. He wasn't part of this. "They'll remove her virginity, and send her on a journey of our ancestors and goddess." She said softly, walking over to take his hands in hers. "She'll be alright. I'll be there, and the woman are very skilled at preforming the ceremony." She assured.
Jeniffer bit her lip, frightened as well, wondering what a tool like that would be used for, and why on earth they would know if they were virgins or not. "Have you been horseback riding before?" she asked, trying to help out her friend. "It is known that riding bareback can cause that, without ever having been with a man..." She suggested. "They don't have to know... we'll figure this out." She promised, hugging her friend and trying to console her.
Ella nodded, glad to hear that Reece would recover. She slipped into her night gown with his help, so happy to be spending time with him again, after having him gone for so long. "I'm not feeling sick yet, Donavon, you don't have to worry about that." She promised, climbing onto their bed and laying down, patting the sheets beside her. "Come here, I just want to spend some time with my man."
Joyella frowned, hugging her. "Oh you poor thing... it sounds like you've had quite the day... are you unhappy about giving up the child?" she swallowed. "Surely Reece remembers something? Maybe his memories will come back in time..." She said, trying to be encouraging.
Brooklyn laughed and caught her sister as she hugged her tightly and surveyed her "you look so lovely! I was discharged last night Matthew is bringing our suitcases to our apartment I asked him to drop me off. She had to face her differently to be able to see her. Her blue eye was scarred and white but she still smiled "im alright...now let me see that ring!" She said nearly giddy with excitement and grabbed her hand.Camilla whimpered put didn't pull her hand away as he worked on it. She looked up at him when he finished and smiled softly touching his face with her wrapped up hand "thank you..." She said softly and then heard the horn for people to return to their tents. She bit her lip "I should go...good luck tomorrow I shall cheer you on..." She promised and ran off to the tent with Ariella and Jennifer "what do you know about Flint?" Ariella stopped talking and laughed "looks like our little Cami has a crush..."
Thomas looked at her shocked worried about her "the men...get castrated and do a similar journey....I now realize that now after the ceremony they are able to have intercourse...I didn't understand that before..."
Donavon lay down and smiled strokibg her hair back "I missed you...what about tomorrow we take the day off? We could go on a picnic at the seashore and just enjoy the day together...I'll make sure that Joyella takes care of everything."
Abby shook her head and soghed "Ella will be the perfect mother...im just so worried about Reece...what if he doesn't live me anymore?"
April smiled, happy to see her, and up and moving, and not dying in a hospital bed as she had imagined her. "You look lovely too, as always." She pecked her cheek and sat with her on the couch. She lifted her hand and showed her the ring, simple, but so beautiful. "Isn't it lovely? And he proposed in the snow on Christmas morning and I nearly passed out from the surprise of it, but I couldn't be happier." she said honestly, glad that her sister was pleased with the arrangement. It would have killed her to have her twin not like Topher. Flint was gentle as he put on the slave and then bound up her hand again, waving as she left to her tent. He could still feel the ghost of her fingers on his face, and his ears were bright red again. he was grinning hugely as he returned into the tent and flopped on his bed with a happy sigh.
Jennifer looked up and grinned, clearly as thrilled about this as arielle was. "Oh how absolutely wonderful. Tell us everything, what happened? I never seem to get a word out of that boy, he's so shy. Tell us everything!" She said eagerly.
Maria nodded, sitting beside him by the fire. It made sense, and she had guessed that something of the like would occur in the male's ceremony. "Yes, that is the idea. Which is why it is forbidden to marry or physically touch before it." She closed her eyes, her head on his shoulder. "Mani is going to ask for Jen's hand in marriage." she said softly. "He'll come request it to you... will you say yes?"
Ella nodded, tucking herself closer to him, and pulling up the blankets around them in a lovely safe cocoon. "That sounds like a wonderful plan." she agreed. "I do love the sea shore, and you, and a picnic would be wonderful." She agreed, anticipating a day with no chores or royal duties.
Joyella nodded in sympathy, thinking about what an absolute horror it would be should Ren forget about her, and their love, and all the times they had had together. "I suppose we don't know for sure, but how do you know he doesn't love you? Maybe he's just struggling over the whole memory thing... I'd give him some time to recover, and then you can see if he is still in love with you. Though I don't see why he wouldn't be. He was so smitten with you only a few months ago." She teased.
Brooklyn beamed excited and nodded hugging her "you and him have my blessing dear girl! When is the wedding? We need to go dress shopping and plan! Are you going to stay here or at his place? I need Mathew to propose...I can't imagine not having physical relations until after marriahe, are you excited or nervous?" She knew that her sister certainly wasn't a virgin but this was the man she truly loved and they were waiting, it was romantic and sweet!Mani glanced up from sharpening the arrow points to see his friend practically floating into the tent and laying down. He stood and went over "oi what's with you? Are you sick?" He had never seen Flint like this and it made him concerned especially for the big day they had tomorrow.
Camilla flushed and smiled "he is the sweetest most sensitive man I have ever met...his arrow lost control and splattered the pot I was trying but mostly failing to make. He was so penitent and embarrased I let him cook me dinner...he was struggling with making dough and I went behind him and helped him...have you ever been that close to a man? It makes you warm and tingly...anyways..." She waved her hand and took deep breaths "I was cutting up tomatoes and I sliced my hand...he took care of me and kept me calm..." As everyone knew she was very fearful of blood and injuries she always passed out seeing blood.
Thomas sighed and nodded "I've known since they were children...it's nearly impossible letting her go but...of course I trust the boy to care for her and love her...it's just so strange having my little girl grow up and now raising Nym..."
Abby smiled softly and sighed laying down by her best friend "you look so much better...are you eager for the wedding? Is Ren doing better...I saw him walking with a cane will that always be the case? Are you eating better or do you still throw up?...I get sick every morning...I worry about how I am going to hide this...what if I go into labor in public?"
April smiled, glad her sister was so thrilled about it. She didn't want it any other way. "Soon, hopefully. In the next couple weeks, at least." she said, leaning back and relaxing. "I have a dress fitting tomorrow, and I was hoping you'd come along to see how it looks." She said honestly, chewing on her lip. "I am nervous, actually. Topher's been waiting so long... I'm worried I'm not going to live up to his expectations." she said honestly, as it was something she had worried about for a while now. Flint grinned at Mani, clearly happy about something. "If this is a sickness then I do not want to be cured." He chuckled and ran his fingers over the tear where he had ripped part of his shirt to bind Camilla's hand. "I do believe I am in love. If this is what love feels like anyways. She talked to me today... actually talked to me!"
Jennifer's eyes were wide as she listened to the story, and she couldn't help but ooh and ah at different parts. Flint was such a sweet caring boy, and everyone knew it. "Oh he's such a sweetheart!" She took Camilla's hand gently. "You must make a point to talk to him again... he'll never come over on his own, he's so shy... but this is a romance I can see blossoming!" She said eagerly, giggling. "Did he blush? When you were that close? I know what you mean by tingly. I get that way whenever Mani is around."
Maria nodded her understanding, as it had always been quite obvious that those two were taken with each other. "I trust him too. He is an honourable man and will take good care of her." She promised, having known Mani all his life. "And I'll be here as well, when Jen moves into a new tent, and we continue to raise Nym." she kissed his cheek. "We'll work through this together."
Joyella nodded, laying back as well. "So eager for the wedding." She agreed. "It will boost the kingdom's spirits as well, hopefully take their minds off the lack of an heir until we announce Ella's 'pregnancy'." She said, smiling over at Abby. "My stomach is still getting used to food, and I still get sick sometimes, but I'm getting much better. Ren may always walk with a cane... but I am hopeful for him to make a full recovery. He's no longer in any pain, which is good at least." She reached over and squeezed her hand. "And about your pregnancy, I'll be here, and so will Ella, to help you through this. I'm sure we can pull it off. We'll just have someone with you at all times as it gets closer to the date. We'll have to alter your clothes with poofy skirts to hide your stomach... but hey, I've always wanted to get you into a poofy skirt..." She teased.
Brooklyn smiled and nodded "of course I will! I may not be the best judge of how it looks like a though...but I know that no matter what you'll look beautiful..." She squeezed her hand "remember that no matter what he loves you and that's what counts..." She sighed laying back "Matthew refuses to kiss me after the surgery...I just...is he scared? I don't know...but I tried to...you know at the hotel and he wouldn't..."Mani chuckled finally understanding "you have got it bad my friend...tell me everything so I can clear the Rose tinted sight before the ceremony...afterwards you can proclaim your love...just don't get your heart broken like Ven over there!" He looked at his miserable friend on the other cot. Lots of emotion in that small space. "Let's get some sleep...we are going to be awaken early in the morning and the elders insist we don't wear the leather girkin."
Camilla smiled softly "I will...of course I will If I make it through the ceremony tomorrow..." She was very afraid and she wasn't as strong as her friends as she wished she could be "why do you think they want us to wear skirts without under things?"
Abby smiled over at her friend "I am very eager for your wedding and im glad that you are doing so well...I will need your support and help through this...I know that the child will be in good hands and my sister will be the perfect mother but...I saw childbirth and it was incredibly painful and traumatic... What if I don't survive Joy? Will you promise to be the baby's godmother?"
April smiled, pleased that her sister would be there. "Oh wonderful. I also need to pick out bride's maid dresses, and though it is going to be a small occasion, I still want you to be there as my maid of honour." she insisted. She bit her lip then, worried for her sister. "That's... that's rather strange, given that he's so clearly in love with you... maybe he's worried about hurting you?" She offered. "I'm certainly not an expert on this topic... but have you talked to him about it? Has he given a reason for keeping his distance?" she asked, worried. Flint grinned, leaning his head on his hand, propped up on one elbow. "I shot an arrow through her pot by accident, and we made bread together, and she cut herself, and I helped bind it up again, and she talked to me! She actually knew I was alive!" He tucked himself under the furs on his cot, glancing at Ven. "Another time, eh Ven?"
He just grumbled and turned over. "She hates me." He said, closing his eyes.
Flint shook his head, mouthing 'he'll come around.' "Good luck to us tomorrow then I suppose. It's our last night being boys...." He shook his head. "You're right. We better get some rest." he said, closing his eyes and relaxing.
Jennifer nodded, as she understood. She was terrified as well, and she wasn't sure how comfortable she was with the required dress code. "I don't really want to contemplate. I'll likely have nightmares with my vivid imagination." She sighed, squeezing each of her friend's hands. "We can do this. We're nearly women, and tomorrow, we can be with those we love." She stood then, blowing out the candle and returning to her cot. "See you in the morning..." She whispered, falling asleep.
Joyella nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Trust me, I'll be there for you. I wouldn't have it any other way. You're my best friend." She insisted. Her expression grew tense and worried then. "Don't say that... I couldn't bear it if you died. Promise you'll be strong. I know childbirth is hard work and painful for a while, but it's worth it in the end, and we're built to be resilient. I know you have it in you." She insisted. "I... I'll be the godmother should anything go wrong. But it won't." She said seriously.
Brooklyn sighed "I do not know April...he just, he hasn't proposed and now this...what if he doesn't love me anymore? I mean...we did it too soon...maybe I should have waited...im so scared April I can't lose him..." She leaned into her sister softly crying "and im so hormonal...I don't cry..."Mani got up as they were waken at the break of dawn. They were taken blind folded to the edge of the ceremonial circle lit by candles there were jeweled daggers laid out on cloths "the eldest must step forward and reveal himself to the counsel." The Elder said wearing ceremony markings on his skin. Mani looked over at Habi nervously.
Camilla woke up to all the ladies of the camp leading them to a beautiful decorated tent with silks and incense lanterns she looked at Maria nervouslt as she had no mother to lead her in as the others did.
Abby squeezed her hand tightly and nodded smiling softly "future queen..." She said amazed "do you remember as young girls having sleep overs like this, gossiping about princes...you thought Ren was gross and immature...now you too are so in love and sweet...I hope Reece and I will be like that once more...I miss him...he's not Reece but I feel his true self is still there...he just saw so much during the war..."
April swallowed, both worried for her sister, and pitying her. That would be horrible, living in apprehension, not knowing how your love felt about you. She hugged Brooklyn tightly, trying to comfort her. "Talk to him, ask him how he feels and what is going on, and tell him how you feel. This might just be one big miscommunication." She offered softly. "And yes... you are a little hormonal." She teased, pecking her forehead. "I'm sure everything will work out in the end..." She promised. "Just talk with him, ok?"Habi was there, waiting for the boys, as he was the doctor so he'd be the one wielding the knives. Ven, being the eldest, stepped forwards, nearly trembling and clearly frightened. Habi smiled gently at both him and his son, before picking up the first dagger. Ven did has he was instructed, eyeing the dagger in Habi's hand after like it was a snake as he stepped forwards. "You are no longer a boy, and are responsible for protecting and caring for the entire clan, and are now able to take a wife should you wish it." Habi recited, and then waited for the elders to proceed.
Jen was more than frightened as she changed appropriately and walked with her friends and the ladies of the camp into a tent. It was one she hadn't been in before, but it was absolutely lovely. As everyone sat in a ring, she just grew more and more nervous. There was an old woman sitting in the centre of the circle, a strange tool in her hands. Jen clung to Camilla's hand as the woman looked as if she would start speaking soon.
Joyella laughed softly, nodding. "Yes, I remember those sleepovers well. Such fun." She giggled, thinking about how they had gossiped as girls. It had been the most fun she had ever had. "What can I say? Ren grew up since then." she shrugged, tucking the blankets around them. "I can't even imagine what horrors he might have seen during the war... poor boy. If there's anything Ren or I can do to help you both heal... just let me know. All wounds do heal in time though love, I'm sure he'll come back to you."
Brooklyn nodded and stood as she hugged her sister "I'll be back tomorrow alright? Topher will be back soon with Joshua and you have a good night sleep." She pecked her cheek and grabbed her purse as she headed home. "Matt...can we talk love?" She bit her lip looking for him "you know I have a hard time admitting my feelings...but I need to..." The Elder nodded and marked him with the same symbols that the men were and nodded to Habi to proceed. It was a quick procedure and they moved him to the side to heal and motioned for Flint to move forward. Mani was the youngest and the last and he was shaking so much that it wasn't safe for Habi to start the procedure.
The lady spoke softly "it is time for you to become woman, to blossom and release your womanly exhibitions and find a strong husband to care for you and your future family." The first girl shakily laid down as the whole tent watched the small surgery. Camilla started to shake and soon passed out onto the sand.
Abby smiled and pressed her hand to her stomach and took deep breaths as she nodded "Ren may be able to help...they were good friends before this and they have both been through unimaginable trauma..." She smiled closing her eyes "goodnight Joy...see you in the morning..."
April nodded, letting her sister go. "I'll see you then." She smiled, waving as she left. She got up then and changed to go to bed, waiting for Topher to return. Matthew looked up as his love returned and he nodded, walking over to stand by her. "Of course. You can tell me anything." he promised, wondering what was on her mind, and whether or not it was something he should be worried about. He worried for her ceaselessly after what had happened with his family... after all he took the blame. He had only wanted it to be a nice outing.
Habi performed the ritual on Ven, and Flint, leaving both boys to staunch the bleeding with the clothes that had been provided. It was a quick procedure, but Habi knew it was not a painless one, and it was probably quite scarring to have to do it with witnesses, but it was their way. When it came to Mani's turn, Habi noticed how much his son was shaking, and sympathy etched into his features. "Hey... it'll be alright." he said gently, reaching out his hands to place on his shoulders. "Trust me... I'll make it quick. And then you can be with your Jennifer." he stepped back again then, knowing he wasn't supposed to be personal at all during the ceremony. He set his face again and picked up the last knife. "Please disrobe."
Jennifer worry had only been growing as the woman spoke. This was to help them become women... it would allow them to find a husband... she could be with Mani... but when she saw the first girl, the eldest, go up and lay down, Jen winced and her face paled of all colour. Everyone would watch that happen to her!? A thud made her look over and she gasped. "Camilla!" She whispered softly, her voice slightly drowned out by the cries of the second girl. "Wake up... Camilla, we have to do this... we'll be disgraced if we don't... please!" she pulled her friend up and tried to fan her face, slapping her cheeks gently.
Joyella nodded in agreement. "Very true." She knew that both boys and been through a lot, and both her and her friend had reacted poorly to it. "They'll probably end up being good friends again, bromates." She smiled, closing her eyes. "Goodnight Abby." she whispered, reaching over to twist off the lamp as she drifted off to sleep.
Brooklyn started to cry before she even spoke "I love you...but I've felt so lonely and sick...you haven't kissed me or held me...I tried being with you and you just rolled over...I know my eye isn't attractive anymore...but...you haven't proposed and im just really scared that you don't love me anymore and I can't handle that because I'm insanely in love with you!"Mani slowly nodded thinking about Jennifer and nodded taking deep breaths as he pulled it out and let his dad do it. He held his breath and went to sit by his friends as they healed and tried to staunch the blood. He looked over at Ven and Flint "worst parts over...worst part is over..." He repeated trying to convince himself but he was feeling lightheaded from the pain.
Camilla shook her head as she came to and left the tent running to the forest, she would rather be disgraced then go through that surgery. The old woman motioned for Jenn to lie down and opened her legs forcefully "relax dear." Maria came over and stroke her hair "hold my hand honey..."
Matthew's concern turned into pain, and then thick guilt as he listened to her, and his shoulders slumped in grief and remorse at hurting her by trying not to hurt her. Yes, he had been keeping his distance, trying to let her heal, trying to pick a happy moment to propose, not when she was in the hospital. "Brooklyn... I hate that you got that impression. I'm so sorry love, of course I love you." he kissed her forehead gently, his eyes sad. "I was trying to let you heal... I didn't want to hurt you... he raked a hand through his hair. "Gosh I've hurt you enough already... your eye.... we shouldn't have gone to Ireland."Habi cleaned the knives and watched the boys, sighing. "You'll each have to bring back a buck before the end of tonight, to prove your capabilities. Good luck." he whispered.
Ven and Flint both looked up, pain riddled across their features. "Yeah. One heck of a worst part." Ven muttered cursing every few moments. "I suppose this is why they didn't tell us... I would have run for the hills..." he chuckled without any humour in the sound.
Jeniffer gasped in dismay as Camilla ran. "No wait!" She called, but she was already gone, and she was being called up. Think of Mani, think of Mani. She thought, as she stumbled on shaking legs into the centre of the tent and lay down. She couldn't do this.... she couldn't... everyone was watching.... Jennifer whimpered, resisting the old woman as she positioned her. Relax!? How!? She clutched Maria's hand, already having tears in her eyes and nothing had happened yet.
Brooklyn cupped his face and made him look at her and kissed him deeply "I loved going to Ireland...I loved meeting your brother and seeing the home you grew up in...it was an accident and it didn't change who I am...I just want to be held and loved...for some reason im incredibly hormonal and I just need you...please let's go and make love...because that's what I need..." She tugged him to the bedroom by his belt.Topher smiled as he woke up in their perfect little home, he went to talk to Joshua since it was his day off and smiled "hey kid I need to talk to you...what do you think about going to a finishing school, living with boys your age?" He put his hand on his knee and smiled "you can say no...April has no problem with you living with us...but I want the best for you, that I never had...do you understand?"
Mani swallowed and slowly stood, he didn't want to kill the buck. They were graceful and strong creatures and he was determined to bring one back alive. They never gave preferences, he looked over at his friends and nodded "good luck...may Ira guide your way."
Maria stroke her hair whispering calming words as the lady began and cut away the flap of skin. Maria held her down so she wouldn't thrash and helped her up leading her to the healing pads cleaning up the blood "good job my girl...I was terrified and they had to strap me down...you were very brave and I am so proud of you..." She slipped the strand of pearls around her neck "you are a woman...and tonight...you will bathe nude in the moonlight and the goddess will give you her blessing."
Camilla was lying unconscious at the bottom of a ditch bleeding out and unconscious, when she ran she slipped and hit hard on the rocks at the creek.
Ren went to speak with Reece in the lounge. He gave a smile to his friend "Reece...my name is Ren, we were mates since boys...I don't know if you remember...I, I was tortured in war as well...I used to be far handsomer." He teased and slowly lowered himself on the couch putting his cane down and sighing "your love...or past love is my fiancé's best friend so most questions are from her...but stop me if it pesters you too greatly..."
When Matthew looked at her, his eyes were sad and filled with guilt, at least until she kissed him and he melted, beyond glad that she was forgiving him for all the problems he had caused, that they were ok again. He kissed her back for a moment, and then managed a smile as he looked down at her. He found his smile growing slowly until he couldn't suppress a chuckle. "Yes, you are incredibly hormonal, love. But I'll not complain." he teased, following her to the bedroom. He gave her her wish, of course, but still being gentle with her. After, as they were laying in bed, he twined his fingers through hers. "You know I love you, all of you, even your one eye you can't see from, right?" he whispered. Joshua looked up as his brother came in and he smiled meekly, sitting by him. When he suggested going to a finishing school, Joshua frowned and thought hard about it. Going to a school with all boys? It could be an adventure... or a nightmare, depending on how it turned out... "I'm open to the idea." he said after a moment. "But could I come back if it didn't work out?" he asked hopefully, clearly worried. He had heard good and bad things about finishing school...
Flint and Ven both nodded, repeating his words as they stumbled to their feet, taking their arrows and moving off into the woods. It wouldn't be hard to find a buck. The challenge was getting it back to camp. Especially in this state. Flint was only walking through the woods a short while when he saw a figure lying prone in the deep ditch of a creek bed and his breath hitched. "Camilla!" he gasped, jogging down towards her, wincing all the way. He propped her up on his arm, supporting her head. "Camilla..." he whispered, terrified.
Jennifer found it hard not to cry during the first bit, and eventually she couldn't help herself. She cried quietly, trembling after as her mother helped her up and got her cleaned up. "T-thank you." She whispered, hardly thinking she was brave. She had to be held down just to complete the ceremony. And granted, she didn't need straps like her mother had, but she had still sobbed and cried. She looked down at the pears around her neck and nodded, swallowing. The second part of the ceremony sounded much less scary than the first part. But she had to ask, just in case. "What happens when she blesses me? Will that hurt too?" she asked fearfully, as she still ached.
Reece looked up as a man joined him, again, strangely familiar, like everyone else in the palace, and yet he had a hard time piecing his memories together. "It's good to see you again then, I suppose." he said, dipping his head in politeness. "And I'm sorry to hear about your experience with war." he added out of courtesy. It was interesting to hear how he related to him, though, being a friend, and the fiance of his love's best friend. "No no that's quite alright, do pester me. The morning has been rather dull of late." he said, managing a smile.
Brooklyn leaned in close and took his hand slowly bringing it to her stomach "what about the part of me that is your child?...do you still love that part?" She whispered nervously and bit her lip but her eyes were hopeful and happy. She tears already falling down her cheeks, hormones were a nightmare at this stage and she was so scared about how he would react. She was having a child out our wedlock absolutely disgraceful.Topher took his hand and nodded "of course! I'll come pick you up myself...but I want you to try, and try to make good friends...I wish I had the chance to go but lady fortune was never on our side till now...please be good, and I'll write to you everyday that you'll get sick of me!" He chuckled and flicked his nose "now, go feed Rags his breakfast while I make ours!"
Camilla was unconscious her body limp against him blood seemingly coming from everywhere. She was a bit water logged as she had been there an hour. Her dark hair was stringy, wet and bloody. Ven looked down "oi you have to find the buck someone else will get her!"
Mani was softly singing to the buck as it followed him, he brought it to the Elder and his father "I won't kill it...I brought the buck just as you said....Flint is down a ditch with miss Camilla...I fear she may be dying..."
Maria smiled softly "no...the hot springs ease the pain and it feels wonderful...it's a thank you from the goddess. Your friend Ariella is being questioned...she's not a virgin and it appears she was forced, if you know anything I advise you to keep quiet. It'll help her more...and your friend Canilla...has unfortunately been shunned from the community until she under takes it..."
Ren chuvkled softly "I think we are all just trying to give you a mental reprieve...My Joyella is worried that you don't love lady Abigale anymore..:the girl is frail and seemingly sick lately...she can't handle heart break and I know it's not your fault...but you need to search your feelings..."
Matthew frowned softly, not understanding, and he looked between the hand on her stomach, and then her face, twice, before his eyes grew wide and round and he gasped. "Y-you're with child!?" he asked, stunned. A slow smile spread across his face and he kissed her immediately. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? This is wonderful!" he kissed her stomach and then kissed her again, grinning like a child on Christmas. Joshua grinned then, deciding that this truly would be like an adventure in the books, and that it would be great fun to go. "I promise I'll be good, and study hard, and make good friends." He vowed, hopping up off the bed and smiling brightly as he went to do as he was told and pour Rags some kibble into the little bowl they had gotten him.
Flint shook his head, cradling Camilla. "She needs a doctor, and she needs one now. She needs a doctor far more skilled than I am." he lifted her gently, jogging back to the ceremonial site, and gritting his teeth through the pain as he went, where he lay down Camilla in front of Habi. "Can you help her? I think she may have slipped and fallen..." he said, chewing at his lip. He stood again, to leave and go get his buck before the time was up. But he wanted to stay long enough to hear that confirmation, that they would help her.
Jennifer breathed out a sigh of relief and it was clear to see that she had been quite worried about that. "Sounds like just what I need." she said softly, wincing every so often. She was worried about her friends, worried about what might happen to Ariella, and whether they would catch the man who did that to her. "I will try to convince Camilla to go through with it. She's such a shy girl..." She swallowed. "Where are these hot springs?"
Reece nodded, massaging his temple lightly as he listened. "I know... she's been asking a lot about whether I love her or not." he said, shrugging. "And I don't know... I think I do. I mean, I don't think of her as just a friend, and I certainly don't dislike her. But... my memories are so scattered... I'm not quite sure whether what I feel for her is love or not." He admitted honestly, looking rather pained, as if he hated saying that.
Brooklyn laughed so grateful and happy he was excited "they found out before I went into surgery...I wanted to tell you at the hotel...I tried to but you just went to sleep...but Matthew! I am so pleased you know now and seem to be as thrilled as I am!" She kissed him softly and nudged her nose to him "we'll be a family darling...I want...I want nothing more then to be your wife...before I show anymore then I am..."Rags pounced the bowl letting the kibble pieces go flying everywhere and scampered after them giddily.
Topher chuckled and called his old mate Samuel "Sam old boy how are you?" He said into the telephone still not used to using it.
Maria frowned as she heard the commotion and went to the tent with Habi and the other doctors "you cannot save nor touch her...she didn't go through with the ceremony..." She turned to the old woman "do it now before she awakes and then she will not be shunned..." She looked shocked at the state the poor girl was in, the shy little beauty was hardly recognized. She went back to the women's tent and helped Jennifer up "Mani has completed his ceremony and is a man now..." She led her to the hot springs carefully undressing her as she lowered her in "easy...there you go..."
Ariella just lay there exposed as they debated on what to do with her, she had already released her tears and was numb. As Ven was training to become an Elder they ushered him in after his buck was found "this girl has been molested and she won't tell us who...you either get information from her about who it was or she will be killed."
Ren sighed "might I make a suggestion? Break off the engagemt until you know...it's just giving the poor girl hope and it isn't fair to her to keep her in suspense...I know that you love her but you need to know it...your mother is outside the door shall I let her in?"
Matthew grinned, bumping his nose against hers, unable to stop smiling. "I'm so thrilled... so so thrilled." He said honestly, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, and then just holding it between both of his. She wanted to be his wife. Well he wanted that too... he just had been waiting for a good time. But hey... now was as good as ever. "I want to be married to you too." He said honestly. "I... I hadn't proposed yet, because I was waiting for a good time... and you being in the hospital didn't really seem like a good time..." He explained, smiling apologetically. "Sorry...."Joshua laughed happily at his little dog, shaking his head. "You silly." he scolded, picking up bits of the flying kibble to put back in his bowl. He scratched his ears, his expression becoming sad then. He wouldn't be able to live with Rags at finishing school
Samuel grinned as he picked up the phone, leaning casually against the wall. "Doing just fine, ol chap, just fine. I hear we'll be watching Joshua while you and your beloved go off on your honeymoon?" he asked, smiling. "How are the plans coming along for that?"
Fint winced when he heard that Camilla had not preformed her ceremony. But due to the nature of his own, he could guess at what the female version entailed, and didn't blame her. He turned away then, as one of the old women of the clan stepped forwards and started work on Camilla. "All done." She said softly, and Flint turned around again. "So you'll help her now?" Habi nodded, already working. "We'll do our best." He vowed. Flint nodded, reassured, and dashed out of the tent again, off to find a deer of his own.
Jennifer looked up as her mother came back in and she smiled at the news of Mani. "Oh wonderful." she said, wincing as she stood, and then wincing every step to the hot springs. She let her mother help her undress, and then slowly sank into the soothing warm water, an immediate sigh escaping her. "Thank you..." She breathed, closing her eyes. "Is Camilla going to be alright?" She asked, walking slowly through the water, the pearls around her neck glinting in the moonlight.
Ven swallowed, glancing awkwardly at Ariella who was laid out there, and obviously having been examined. He had forever wanted to see her like this... but now that he could, and it was under such circumstances, it just made him feel guilty and sick and he couldn't look. "I see." he said softly. "Please give me some time with her." he asked softly, shooing them out of the tent. He limped over to her then, eyes still downcast as he pulled of his overcoat and lay it over her, his eyes finally meeting hers. "I... I know you despise me... but can you please tell me who did this? I'd hate to see you die for something that wasn't your fault." he whispered.
Reece bit his lip, not liking that idea much. It would hurt poor Abby for him to tell her he was breaking off the engagement, after he had just told her the night before, that he still thought he wished to be married to her... but now thinking about all this just made his mind hurt and he winced, nodding slowly. "I'll think about it. Thank you for your suggestions. And yes, please let her in."
Brooklyn smiled softly "I wouldn't care where it was...it's the promise we make to eachother that counts...ask me now Matthew...ask me to be your wife..." She catessed his cheek watching him with doe like eyes so in love and so happy. She couldn't even think of this as wrong, she had created life and they were going to be a family! How was that wrong? Yes if she didn't love the man it would be different circumstances but she loved him and thankfully he still loved her too.Topher laughed "if I find out you told her there will be consequences old chap! The planning is just grand, there's a tropical island in America that is very popular called Hawaii. I think I shall take her there, she loves the sun and the seashore...plus they have made swimsuits far flattering then ever!" He teased grinning as he thought of it.
Mani went to help his father his buck standing patiently at the door, even not singing the buck was loyal to Mani. He shook his head at the injuries "how can you save her?..." He asked his father already preparing the casting material and bandages though his passion was not medicine he knew enough.
Maria watched smiling softly as the full moon gazed her eye on Jennifer obviously the goddess gave her blessing. She sighed not knowing how to answer her "she was given the ceremony as well so she isn't shunned...I feel a bit jealous that I couldn't be unconscious..." She tried to make light of the situation but it really wasn't her nature.
Ariella was so shamed to have Ven find out and see her like this. She winced as he came closer obviously going to have a look at her broken virginity himself...but then he covered her up and she looked at him in shock "I...I don't dispise you Ven...I was trying to push you away because I was frightened...you didn't know me...and I couldn't let you take a disgraced woman..." She whispered tears starting to fall again "I...I can't tell you...I can't tell anyone he'll kill me!" She said frightened.
Flora rushed to her boy and cupped his cheek tears falling down her face "still my strong boy...my good boy..." She whispered pulling him into a hug "you'll remember just as much as you need...but I will always love you and you are my Reece..." She promised smoothing his hair like he liked it as a boy.
Matthew chuckled heartily then, greatly amused by her request, as she was asking him to propose. But he was just fine with that, so he smiled and took both her hands in his. "I have no ring, and this certainly isn't any glamorous fancy well planned occasion, but I do come with my heart in my hands, and I love you, Brooklyn, will you marry me?" he asked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he brought her hands to his lips and kissed them. Samuel laughed, raising a hand in surrender, even though they were talking on the phone. "hey hey, no need to get alarmed. I certainly haven't told her." He vowed seriously, chuckling again. "Though I do think that is a very lovely place to go. I wish I could visit there myself... for the sand and nice swimsuits." he grinned. "But do tell me how it goes after you're back. Maybe I'll take Helena there for an anniversary one year."
Habi was working hard on a cast for her leg, and also bandaging up the scrapes and cuts all over her. "If we set the leg, and get her bandaged up soon..." He said, winding gauze as he said so, "Then she should live. She'll be weak for a while, but she'll live." He sighed softly. "But I'm afraid some of these scars will be quite permanent."
Jennifer tread water for a bit, allowing her muscles to loosen up and relax after all that stress, and she managed a small smile. "Well that is good at least." She agreed. "I certainly wish I was unconscious, and didn't have to do it in front of everyone..." She shook her head. "But is she healing? She'll live... right?"
Ven swallowed, for once in his life looking sheepish and even a bit nervous. "I... I'm sorry for frightening you..." he whispered, coming over then a sliding a hand beneath her head and neck. He didn't like seeing her cry, and he gently cradled her against him, thinking that lying there was probably not very comfortable. "If that is the case... then you would be dying either way... yes? So why choose to die a disgraced woman, rather than die a heroic one, and a martyr, with the knowledge that no other girls would be hurt by this man?" He whispered, trying to speak reason to her. "Besides, there is far more likeliness that I can keep you safe from a lawless man, than from the elders of the clan who would see you killed."
Reece recognized his mother immediately, and he hugged her, burying his face against her. She smelled of warmth and home and summers he had forgotten, and he found himself sobbing like a frightened child. "I missed you... I missed home.... I was so scared Mama... why can't I remember everything? I want to remember... I'm hurting the girl I think I love." he whispered, his voice broken.
Brooklyn felt the tears start to stream again, goodness she was a faucet! She hugged him tightly around the neck and just held him close as she cried against his shirt "of course...goodness im making a mess of this shirt..." She hastily dried her tears and smiled at him "I want to be married in Ireland...im that old barn that you showed me...we could decorate it and it would be simply beautiful...I want my sister there but that's it...just a small wedding..."Topher chuckled running a hand through his hair sheepishly as he grinned "sorry mate...she's been trying every method to get me to tell her...I thought this might be one as well...my girl is tricky at times. Take Helena! You two deserve a vacation and well, I won't babysit since the boys will be at boarding school but I can watch the hound for you! Rags loves hanging out with George."
Mani saw Flint come back and stopped him from entering the tent "she's getting taken care of...my father thinks she'll make a good recovery...she'll live. It was admirable for you to bring her here...I can't imagine the pain that must have inflicted. Go rest, you can see her in the morning."
Maria nodded helping her out and wrapping the ceremonial robe around her and leading her back to the tent to dry off and rest "she'll be alright...I promise, you just rest...I suggest not wearing undergarments for the next few days until you heal..."
Ariella unstrapped herself and allowed him to hold her as she just cried softly into his tunic "they are one in the same...he said that I was a disgraced girl and no one would want me...no one would believe me...I was kept in his tent for so long...I forgot about time...then he let me go...he's outside the tent now Ven...he'll insist upon my silencing!"
Flora cradled him and just let him cry until he calmed down "do you think...you would be this torn...this hurt if you didn't love her?...if she was just some girl it wouldn't impact you as much...she would Judy be a blurred face...you know what your heart says...and that girl is so smitten she wouldn't stop loving you even if you did...she needs you more then ever...forget the past...focus on your furure."
Matthew chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled her hands away and into his. "Oh don't worry about the shirt. They can be replaced." he promised, dipping to kiss her gently. He certainly hadn't expected that she would want to go back to Ireland after what happened there, but he was more than thrilled that that was where she wanted to have their wedding. "Of course! I would love that." He said honestly, smiling as he thought of it. "It's the perfect place. Just a few people, flowers down the isle, ribbons strung from the rafters... candles in little jars." He grinned. "I'm thinking far too much ahead, but what can I say? I like to design spaces."Samuel chuckled, and he nodded. "I might take you up on that offer, so you better be serious." He teased, knowing Helena would love a vacation like that. "Maybe sometime soon. But hey, how's life? When's the wedding planned for? I want to know when to expect your kid." he grinned. "And I am invited... yes? Have you decided where you'll be holding it?" He asked, curious about his friend's plans.
Flint had dragged the buck back to the tent, in serious pain, but dying to see Camilla and make sure she was alright. He dropped the deer and winced, ducking his head and just nodding when Mani stopped him. "I'm glad to hear that she'll live." he said softly, clearly looking dejected. "Goodnight." he turned and walked back to the tent, lying down on his cot. He wasn't sure how much he'd sleep, knowing that Camilla was so hurt like that.
Jennifer shivered in the cool night air, immediately thankful for the robe, even though the pain started to slowly return now that she was out of the water. But it wasn't crippling like it had been before. She nodded numbly, worried about her friends as she arrived at her tent again. "Thank you, Mum, for all the help." She said, giving her a quick hug, before retiring inside and just sitting on her cot. It was strange to be all alone... and rather scary. She hugged her knees to herself and closed her eyes shut, worried.
Ven held her close, tense, and suddenly very worried... he was holding a sobbing violated girl, the girl of his dreams, and she had been violated by none other than an elder. "I'll keep you safe." he vowed softly. He scooped her up, walking out of the tent. "I need to do some further examination." he said simply, to the elders waiting there. "In private." He carried her to his tent then, setting her down and closing the flap. "No one will disturb you here, by penalty of banishment... I'll figure this out, I promise."
Reece swallowed, thinking about that for a moment, even though it was painful to do so, painful to think. That must be it. It hurt him and made him feel happy, and a million other things, so it must actually be love. "I think you're right..." He said softly, still clinging to his mother for support. "Forget the past..." he repeated softly. Maybe that was the way to go. Move forward. "You have ever been the wiser of us two..." He said, smiling lightly at last.
Brooklyn laughed softly and kissed him back "I love your vision...my future husband is adorable!" She nuzzled him and sighed "can we have wild flowers...lots of flowers..." She mused feeling sleepy and curled up to him "and a horse to take us away..." She whispered dozing off one hand in his the other on her still flat stomach.Camilla was slowly coming around the next day, she looked around scared only remembering fear in her past and the ceremony. She couldn't move and that struck her with panic tears falling down her cheeks until she saw Flint and she mouthed his name instantly getting calmed as she touched his fingers with her bandaged ones.
Mani was brushing down his elk who chose to stay around and he didn't mind he was gentle and a little playful after sawing off his antlers which the elk seemed grateful for. He looked up at saw his love coming toward him and beamed "Jenn..." He ran to her fully embracing her now that they could "are you alright?"
Ariella was scared when he said examine until she realized he was protecting her and getting her away from the Elders. She was tense until he came back and curled up in his arms "I need you to do something...your friend is a surgeon in training yes?..." She whispered still shaking from the traumatic evening "I need him to abort the child..."
Flora smiled stroking his hair and shoulder "im your mom it's what im here for...now I can keep holding you like a little boy or you tell your beautiful girl that you love her and you are ready to commit to the future."
Matthew blushed a little and he smiled bashfully, meeting her lips and then laying back with her. "I'm glad you like my quirks. Or I'd be a lost cause." he teased softly. "Flowers sound wonderful. Wildflowers sound even better. So much more charm than the typical daisies and roses." He agreed, his fingers running through her hair as his love dozed off in his arms. He smiled lightly and allowed himself to rest as well. Flint had not rested much, and had immediately come to the tent the next morning, anxious and worried. When he was admitted, and he saw Camilla, his heart had twinged in pity, but he still came to sit beside her, taking up her hand in his. "Hello lovely." he whispered, his smile shy, and rather nervous at how bold a statement he had just said. "Are you feeling alright?" He asked softly, wanting, hoping that she was getting better.
Jen, the next day, only wore a blouse and a long skirt, as her mother had suggested, and managed to heave herself out of bed and hobble to breakfast, lonely as her friends were not there. She spotted Mani afterwards, brushing a strange creature that looked much like a deer... she brightened, having missed him, and walked slowly over, her heart melting the moment he wrapped his arms around her, and all the tension released as she hugged him back. "I'm a little sore, but I'm fine. You?" She asked. "I missed you so."
Ven nodded, hesitant though, as he wasn't sure what sort of thing she'd need him to do, and he was worried about that. And then she asked, and his heart sank. She was pregnant? With an illegitimate child? "I...." He bit his lip, scrunching up his face. The poor girl. "I can ask him." He whispered, not sure how he felt about killing any life, especially if it had her genes. But it was what she wanted... He rubbed her arms gently, trying to soothe and calm her.
Reece swallowed, nodding a little. Be brave, think a little, face the pain, tell his love he was ready to commit to the future. "Yes, yes I know it is what I must do." He agreed, pulling himself up and trying to soothe his hair back into compliance. "Do you know where she can be found?" He asked.
Brooklyn went to the dress store amazed at all the styles, she pulled out a flowly country dress with light lace. She held it up to her and smiled as her sister came in "I was waiting for you...I didn't know if you wanted me to talk to the lady or not. Wheres the dress you wanted?" She looked at the hundreds of dresses trying to guess what one her twin would want.Camilla smiled softly and nodded "im better...now that you are here..." She admitted bashfully and looked up under her long lashes And swallowed "I don't feel lovely..." She whispered looking down over her bandaged body and feeling sick that he had to see her like this. She wanted to be beautiful for him.
Mani chuckled and nodded "im sore as well...But this is Wendigo...Wen for short. He's my new...pet I suppose he doesn't want to leave me." He let her pet the deer as he nuzzled her hand and cheek "oh dear seems like I have competition now!" He held her around the waist and nipped her neck "I can do this now..."
Ariella nuzzled him and sighed trying to calm herself "why me? Even knowing everything you know you still stay with me...I don't understand Ven...im a broken woman..."
Flora smiled softly "I think shes in the gazebo, she stays there since it was your place...wraps in your jacket...stays until dark...I bet she'd love some company."
((Sorry I didn't get to this earlier! I'm heading towards exams, so replies will be less constant until they're over. :/ ))April headed to the dress boutique the next morning, hoping her sister would be there, and sure enough, she spotted her and immediately grinned, rushing over to give her a hug. "Hey!" She grinned, looking around, and then saw hers hanging up with her name on the tag. "This one!" She pulled it out. It wasn't pure white, but had a soft gold sheen, which did look something like a dance uniform with the tight bodice and flowing skirt, but it was also far more elegant with lace around the collar and down the sleeves, and pearls as buttons down the back. "What do you think? Too silly? I like that it has the same fit as my dance costumes, but I don't know if it's appropriate..."
Flint knew he was blushing at her comment, but he didn't react, he just nodded, choosing to be flattered that she felt better when he was there. He never would have imagined it might be so... But it pained him to hear her say what she did next. "Oh no..." He picked up her hand and kissed the bandages. "You are entirely exquisite." he assured, reaching out to run a thumb over her cheekbone. "Always have been, always will be, even when we're old and grey I'll still think you the most beautiful creature on earth."
Jeniffer nodded, figuring the boys might be sore as well. She hoped it wasn't too bad. When the deer nudged it's damp nose against her cheek, sniffing and puffing against her, it tickled and Jennifer laughed, reaching up a hand to stroke behind the graceful creature's ears. "What a perfectly handsome deer you are too." She insisted, smiling at its dark velvet eyes. And then an arm was wrapping around her waist, and before she could react someone's teeth were at her neck and she blushed from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. "Mani!" She squeaked out of habit, even though it was allowed now. Find yourself a husband. The old woman had said. Sufficient to say, that thought only made her blush harder even as she was melting into his arms.
Ven frowned slowly, gathering up the courage to look down at the fragile thing in his arms. She seemed as delicate as a glass bird, and he meant to treat her as such. "Not by any fault of yours. You are still the kindest soul in the camp, and everyone wishes to be as graceful as you. There's a million wonderful things about Ariella of the Woods that are not effected in the slightest by one man's stupidity." he whispered honestly, biting his lip and looking away again. "And besides... I never deserved you in the first place."
Reece winced at that news. The poor girl. She truly did love him, and loved him still. Well then maybe she would take the news he had to share with her quite well. Or that was what he was hoping for. "Thank you, Mama." he said, getting up and giving her a quick hug. "Don't go too far. I wish to catch up again later." he insisted as he maneuvered himself with his cane down to the gazebo. It was a lush place, and immediately called to something in him, something that loved earth and plants and living things. And there was the most beautiful flower in the centre of it all. "Hello little Violet." he said softly, leaning against the doorframe heavily for support. "I was hoping you weren't too busy to talk with me... can I join you?"
Brooklyn admired every detail brushing her fingers against the soft firm tule and over the shiny smooth buttons "it's a work of art, but I cannot make a sound judgment until I see you in it." She said seriously and then giggled helping her to the dressing stall. The carpets were lush and cream colored with embroidered roses and crystal chandeliers hung above their head. She glanced at the gold adorned mirror and turned to the side as her sister got dressed smoothing her hand over the slight bump and feeling anxious all of the sudden "how is it fitting? What colors were you thinking for your flowers and the bridesmaid dresses? I assume your little class of ballerinas will be part of the wedding?" She peeked in still giving her sister the privacy but still curious none the less.Her face which thankfully wasn't very damaged in the fall flushed a soft pink as she glanced up at him. Two very shy love birds affected deeply by little signs of love...innocent and sweet like children. She leaned her cheek into his hand feeling relaxed by his strong fingers, creased by artistic talents and work. She closed her eyes just taking in the moment she had never touched affectionately like this, it almost brought misty tears to her eyes as she was so grateful "old and grey?...shall we be like this at that age?" She had no idea he had plans of marriage, of keeping her and loving her till the end of their time "I'd like that..." She whispered softly slowly brushing her lips against his palm before her face blossomed red again and she hid against the pillow.
Mani wrapped her securely against his strong hard figure, not as built as Ven but not the soft sensitive figure of Flint. He was a man now and felt that slowly come to pass as she shuddered against him. Temptations pressed against his skin wanting to burst and have her for his own but he waited this long and it wasn't time. He pressed his face in her hair taking in the earthy, fresh scent as he kissed under her ear and down her shoulder. He squeezed her hand before pulling back and turning her to face him "how are you doubg...truly? I know that there had been some dramatic events happening..." He knew that they were as close as his friends and coukdnt imagine the fear and pain she was feeling. He loved her, but he had to live up to the role as her best friend and protector still...the things that matter and were most important before they could be introduced to physical love.
Ariella turned his face to look back at her, her hand was trembling as she had never touched him this way but his comment made him ache "do you not see?...you are the strongest, fearless warrior destined to become the next Elder of our tribe Ven...it is I that do not deserve this attention...this protection and care..." She whispered hardly louder then the cracking of the fire. His dark eyes reflected her own and she slowly leaned into his neck and closed her eyes "i must leave...to protect you and the tribe I must go...it hurts me to even think about...moving away from these strong arms...but to protect you and the example you give to all...I cannot stay..." She whispered her voice trembling with tears as she couldn't bear to think of letting go this love he gave.
Abby looked up from the curled form she created in his jacket, usually his presence and that name would give her such joy...but he didn't remember, he didn't know if he loved her and along with the rush of emotion that came with being with child it crushed her. She slowly nodded pulling a smile on for him "of course...sir Reece...I always am pleased by your company." She looked at the jacket wrapped around her and knew that it did not belong to her. It belonged to this shadow of a man that was her heart desire, her soul. She folded it up and set it im his lap as he sat down.
((Nice post! I think I can get one more reply in before tomorrow...))April beamed, happy at least that her sister had not immediately turned away the idea of the dress, so that was good at least, and she nodded quickly, bundling it up into her arms to go try it on. "I won't be but a moment!" She promised, dashing into one of the stalls for changing as she shut it and locked it after her. The dress was quite a complicated maze of buttons and zippers, and figuring out how to situate it on herself at first proved to be quite the challenge. But once it was sitting properly, and her sister was still going on and on about wedding plans outside the stall, she smile and unlocked it, slowly walking out and doing a spin in the centre of the room, smiling shyly. "Alright... so now you can pass your judgement... Does it meet the approval of my mightily esteemed sister? And as for all your questions, it is a bit of a challenge to get into, but comfortable now that it's on. As for flowers... I'd like yellow roses, but not sure about anything else... and for goodness sakes, why are you acting so nervous?" She raised an eyebrow.
Flint had been worried at first that his action may have been too much, and that he was being too bold, too soon with her. But then she leaned into his hand, her perfect soft, delicate cheek, and he smiled. Then she made a comment that made him nervous. He had said that out loud, hadn't he? That was giving too much away... that he had often thought of a future with her... He swallowed hard, his ears bright red, and he looked to be about to splutter an excuse when she quieted him with a few small words. Hope bloomed in his chest and he couldn't keep from beaming. He watched her turn away and he simply bent to kiss her cheek. "Maybe one day." He whispered. "But you need to get better for me, ok?" He asked, his forehead creasing. "You need to rest and get strong again."
Being completely new to the world of physical affections, Jennifer was far too easily affected by Mani's exploration of her neck and she found her muscles quickly weakening as she leaned against him for support, her eyes fluttering closed. Too soon it was over and he was holding her at a distance so he could meet her eyes. Clarity came back again and his question brought down the weight of the world on her. She bit her lip. Camilla, Ariella... the ceremony... "I'm so worried for them... my mother wasn't too hopeful about Camilla's recovery. She said she'd have scars... and Ariella... I don't even know what's to become of her..." She swallowed. "And the ceremony... I'm not surprised it scared poor Camilla off." She bit her lip, her whole body looking tense. "It's been a long night." She admitted quietly. So much going wrong in just a few hours...
Ven had been waiting for her to pass judgement, to make some joke about how he was stupid and lovesick to chase after her. About how his ego was too big for him. But she didn't. She tilted his head gently back again with a feather light touch, and Ven found himself staring into those soulful eyes, emotion roiling in himself. She truly saw him like that? He wished he could be that wonderful, actually, it was more than he could wish for, and the fact that she saw him that way... He closed his eyes, letting out a deep breath. "That means a lot." he said, his voice rough. When she mentioned leaving, he stiffened, wanting to beg her to stay, wanting to convince her not to go. But he knew better. It was her decision. "If you are sure...." he whispered, nervous that his voice might crack with emotion. "Then I can help supply you for your journey." He swallowed hard. "Where will you go?"
Reece watched her look up, watched the hope flit across her features, only to sink into some deep pit in her somewhere. He ached to see it again, that light. Walking over slowly, he tried not to wince at her formal name for him, sitting down beside her and staring at his jacket in her lap. "Keep it." he said softly, handing it back to her. It's a gift." he insisted, looking out to the gardens then for a moment, as he tried to find words. Finally he sighed softly. "Abby... my mother told me I should forget the past and move forward... and that is what I am going to do. I have no idea if what I felt before for you was love... but I do know that I love you now... and what I said last night about wanting to be engaged to you... well... it still stands, if you'll have me." He whispered, still not looking at her for fear of how she might take it.
Brooklyn turned and her heart fluttered as she watched her twin spin, the light shimmer glistening against her rosy skin. She took it all in, her figure was fuller and not so sickly looking. Her eyes were bright and hopeful looking...she hadn't seen that in such a long time. This man healed her sister and now she saw it, her April was back. Tears started to form yet again, blasted hormones it's any wonder she doesn't go dehydrated! She took both her hands and nodded "it's perfect...it highlights all of your best features and it looks like a wedding dress, not a dance costume..." She grabbed the tissues resting patiently on the glass table in the center of the room and dabbed her eyes "Yellow roses will be lovely...i think you may need one more color to not drown the room in yellow...shall we look at bridesmaid dresses?"Camilla softly smiled and giggled as he kissed her cheek and looked up at him. She ran her fingers over the creases in his forehead and down his strong jaw, her thumb caressing it lovingly "I shall try my best..." She promised and sighed tiredly "Habi promised to change my dressings...if it isn't...I mean...I understand if you...would..." Her face getting red again as she nearly shook with the embarrasment she was feeling "feel uncomfortable..." She finally managed in a meek whisper. Why couldn't she be brave and strong like her dearest friends? Jennifer would probably be married in a heart beat...Ariella was strong and wasn't fazed by things like crushes and heart flutters. How she wished she could be more open and willing to let Flint in...
Mani led them to a bench carved out of the old log, Flint's work probably it was smooth and had simple form and decoration. He pulled her to his lap letting her rest as he rubbed her back and arm trying to release the tension. He slowly closed his eyes and sang softly releasing her fears and pain she was experiancing. Giving hope and peace to her soul and heart as he stroke her hair. The elk lay down obediently entranced by the music, and though he was singing only to her the words and magic floated through the wind affecting all in the camp.
Ariella felt the fear leave her heart and knew that if she left they'd never be together again. She cupped his face examining those dark eyes and pushing his hair back "come with me...we can go to the city for a time...and wait a season before coming back...the Elder is old he doesn't have long...you will take hiS place..." She whispered and ran her hand down his stern chest "it hurts me deeply to even think of...not being with you...I've never felt so safe." She admitted and took his hand tracing his palm lines "I see a great future for you...you will create Justice and mercy. You will change the outdated...barbaric ways...and give our children a brighter future."
Abby was grateful that she got to keep it, she wrapped it around her shoulders and leaned against him. Tears filled her eyes as she heard the words she was aching to hear for the longest time. And they were vulnerable and raw no one was telling him to say it. She nodded and took his hand tightly with hers "I never stopped..." She whispered and swallowed "I must tell you something that you have to swear not to speak aloud to anyone...the kingdom and my life depend on it...im with child, it is a boy and I am giving it to my sister who can't conceive her own,..it is imperetive that this stays a secret...but I feel so alone and I need you to know..."
Thomas made her sit down and cupped her face "he can't tell you...he coukdnt, it affects you most of all and that's what he fears...Habi hasn't told Rachelle either. He loves you which is why he protected you...don't you see? We sometimes lie to keep those we love safe..." He catessed her cheek "you look so much like your mother...a beautiful strong girl, talk with him...make it right yes?"
Mani nodded and smiled "my father said it is when we will be physically able to be a man...so I fear it has something about our outward appearance..Jennifer is fearful about the woman ceremony...maybe this is your opportunity to comfort and protect your girls show them you are worthy of their love..."
Analie moaned thrashing lightly on the table as she gripped her hand tightly "Freddie...Freddie it hurts...please Is there nothing you can do?..," she cried out feeling a rush of agony down her spine as she shut her eyes cold sweat covering her body. Abby frowned worrirdly. Is this what it will be like? Without her Reece holding and comforting her as she suffered, exposed and frightened? She stepped back needing a breath of air "Oh Reece where are you?..."
Donavon smiled as the bird reunited "that is sweet Claudius...Abigale rescued it from a broken wing, and loved it as her own child...you had a strong bond that he seems to remember well...only you and Abby could ever tame it."