Disclaimer : I own nothing of Sherwood Smith. Not even a shoe!

A Meliara and Vidranic fic! Woohoo. I have revised it so please read and review

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Time had passed considerable fast or so it seemed to Mel. Exactly ten days, since Lord Flauvic's sole attempt to take Remalna by magical force and instead was transformed by the Hill Folk into a beautiful golden coloured-wood tree. It or he stood proceeding over everyone in the throne room, many courtiers had come to gawk gracefully at the handsome lord's downfall as well as believe the implausible story.

Well, he did get want he wanted, Meliara mused as she stood staring from the base of the tree, Flauvic is sitting on the throne! The irony only served Meliara to smile at the whole situation which Vidranic and herself had found themselves in when returning to the capital. Thank goodness for the Hill Folk!

Eventually, her gaze shifted to the rest of the throne room as she allowed her thoughts to wander. Banners of gold and green fluttered in the light wind made the room seem alive while the light of the morning sun shines through the highest windows, bathing the whole room in a warm glow. Mel took a deep breathe and was contented with the peacefulness even though she had to share it with Fluavic.

She was indeed lucky on her choice of day to ponder in the throne room. Usually, there would petitioner's court during these hours yet it had overrun itself yesterday; so therefore today would be deciding on the requests heard. Meliara had decided to go and sit in the talks that were being held in the afternoon to allow everyone a lay in. The meeting was still three bells away and rising so early Mel had resolved herself with a long walk around the palace's gardens to capture her imagination for a while. Coincidently, her feet had taken her passed this room and what better thing to ponder on than the late Lord Flauvic.

Her mind drifted to a far more pleasanter and urgent topic to analysis. Vidranic. She could picture him standing before her with those grey eyes piercing her thoughts, a small smile tugging at his lips as he guessed and his hands reached out for hers just to be near. However, he had been so busy running the country as the future King and sorting all the courtiers' and commoners' problems that the time between spent with one another was short and public. This increased Mel's apprehension and often she found it very difficult to know how to act around him. With his court mask on, he was impossible to read and therefore Mel felt like a tiny boat drifting out to sea. Her face was constantly red while in his presence (though some took it at being furious at Marquis for claiming kingship) and her words were often mumble and incoherent. Most of the time, when the pressure became to much, Mel would slip away through the servants' entrances.

I

Frustrated and embarrassed by her own behaviour, Mel had henceforth decided to stay in the shadows of every function that she had to attend with or without Danric. Every time a courtier brought the discussion to the incredible throne incident, Mel would politely but firmly push them towards Vidanric and credited him with all the honour. As Vidanric dealt with them politely giving them his full attention, Meliara would curse inwardly at noting the circles around his grey eyes and for sending him people that would pestered him for a glorified and detailed account. She often felt that she was losing whatever she did.

I can't seem to do anything right! complained Mel as she remembered one particular ball. She visible grimace at that situation where Danric found himself surrounded by a group of young ladies asking over and over for details and barely trying not to swoon. Only Savona had managed to deflect their interest long enough for Danric o make his escape.

A large, downbeat sigh escaped her mouth as her eyes focussed on the present surroundings. In the distance a bell tolled the hour of lunch and with her stomach echoing its hunger, Mel thought it would be best to ask Mora to prepare some lunch for her. Unconsciously straight the folds of her light blue morning dress that had stitches of snowdrops on the sleeves' cuff and neckline, Mel turned to head the way she had entered but stopped.

Danric stood leaning to one side of the entrance with his arms cross, assessing Mel with those deep intelligent grey eyes. When the recognition had filtered over her face, he moved forward in easy long strides stripping the distance between in seconds. With only a plain white shirt on and dark, sturdy trousers, Mel instantly knew that he had come straight from sword practice. Not in his usual courtier outfit told Mel that he was searching for something important. Knowing that he was not the fop that he had pretended to be for many years, Vidanric did dress his station for all occasion.

She could not move. Her limbs were numb at the sight of him although she had a pretty good idea that her face was as red as a firestick.

Reaching her still form, Vidranic gave a proficient small bow before straightening his tall frame and looking her reaction. Mel noticed that his eyes were crinkled with suppressed humour - she was unsure to what was so funny.

"Lady Meliara," greeted Dranic calmly with a slight smile at his mouth. "I would be most obliged to have your company for lunch?"

Again the court mask was on yet Mel tried to search his face to find any kind of emotions that would be tell her what he was thinking. She only wondered how he managed to stay so calm when there were many things happening at once that needed his undivided attention. She remembered staring at him in that small tent after the threat had been defeated and being slightly in awe of his control. But the mask that he wore was impenetrable to her even now there were times she was at a lost.

"I…well…I…,"Mel trailed off completely embarrassed that she could not even reply to a simple request. They were alone for once and still she acted like a fool. Unable to bear what Vidranic was thinking, she kept her eyes to the floor and waited. Probably wondering what he saw in this hill bumbling fool, she thought sadly.

Suddenly, a pair of black boots walked into her line of vision. Surprised Mel glanced up into emotionally charged eyes and her breath was taken away. In an instant she knew that Danric loved her completely. Meliara was further astounded at Danric's bold move as he softly lifted her chin upwards and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

"Meliara," he said softly looking deeply into her wide blue eyes, "come and have lunch with me? I have not had a chance to see, to speak or to even bask in your beautiful presence."

At this Mel snorted at the pretty words but her stomach did jump. "I'm sure that you had other things more important to worry about."

"Maybe more urgent", he conceded with a smile at Mel "but never as important as you."

Mel now knew that her face was completely red. Her hands began to fidget with the fan wile she was blushing furiously at Vidanric's compliment. She had been unaffected with Savona's flirtation because she knew it was false but with Danric she knew it was the opposite in meaning and feeling.

At her silence, Danric took it as encouragement. His fingers stroked her cheeks softly as he whispered, "You look even lovelier when you blush, Mel. Come and have some food with me. It is all set up in the cove in the library where you used to pick fights with me." His grey eyes danced with suppressed humour, the sparring memories were now remembered with joy although at one time they added to his misery.

"You had this planned?" Mel asked surprised. If she was being honest she was slightly flattered that he would go to lengths to properly court her. It was a strange situation to be in as they already knew that there was strong attachment on each side.

"For ten days", stated Danric with a boyish grin, "but things kept popping up and you were acting oddly until Savona mentioned something to me about being a proper gentleman." He did not reveal that Savona had threatened Danric with informing his mother of his behaviour was the final push into action. No, he decided reasonably, he would wait until later to reveal that.

"Will I ever understand how Savona knows things?" Mel commented with a shake of her head in disbelief. Vidanric remained silent, bowed and offered his arm out which she took after a little hesitation.

Danric had an image of a beautiful skittish horse when he noted Meliara's awkward actions which despite the worry of doing something wrong that will have her galloping away faster than lighting brought a humorous glint to his eyes. They made steadily through the empty high arched corridors. With the weather warmer than usual for autumn, many of the courtiers had taken the advantage of good luck by organising picnics outside to enjoy the remaining sunshine.

Mel's frame relaxed as she perceived that they would not be interrupted by nosy lords and ladies trying to see if she was angling something from the new king. The fear of embarrassment was put to one side while the nerves of young love entered her stomach. It felt that a hundred butterflies were caged inside trying to beat their way out. What if she did something wrong? Caused another argument? What if Danric realised that she would be inappropriate as queen? Her fingers tightened around Vidranic's arm as a new pressure of not wanting to lose his love and respect entered.

Danric glanced down to see Mel pale suddenly wile her eyes stared ahead to the unknown. He somehow knew what she was thinking. It was parallel thoughts that plagued him. Was he putting excessive pressure on her to accept? Would she resent him in years to come by trapping her at court? However, when she smiled at him openly and full of love, he knew that as selfish it might be he could not do this alone and wanted her more than anything to be at his side. A whole to year of loving her had given him a strong foundation to work through this cumbersome stage. It was time to deflect her thoughts.

"You, my dearest Mel, will have to grill Savona on his knowledge. If any person can gain a honest, straight answer fom my cousin then it is you, dear lovely lady," answered Danric with a genuine smile. "You have the uncanny ability ot bewitch all men." He noticed the raising blush from her long neck to her cheeks. "However, I believe that it is impolite that a lady should talk so freely of her other admirers in front of a love-stricken fool."

His smile widened at his teasing while Mel tried to deny that she actually took Savona's flirting seriously. She inwardly cursed as the heat began to rise to her face. Would she permanently be red as a fire stick around Danric? Although he conceded it was worth it if Vidanric was comfortable to speak of his feelings for her so openly. Again her mind was in turmoil; she needed an anchor to stop being swept away from the multitude of feelings consuming her.

Vidranic suddenly, spun and stopped in front of her, blocking the path to the library and with a familiar quirk of his mouth, he captured Meliara's hand in a strong hold and placed a soft, lingering kiss in her palm before tucking the arm through his and resuming their journey.

Mel felt a warm glow flood her body from the spot where he had kissed her. Every thing else was forgotten and in the back of her mind she could hear it whisper, he's your anchor. Her mind was spellbound by the kiss while her whole body was shivered from the contact. Mel barely wondered of she could still speak without sounding like a mouse.

"I'm sorry", she blurted out unexpectedly as her mind was far behind her mouth.

Not the response he was expecting but that was the charm with Meliara. Danric looked over at her with a quizzical look, asking her to explain further.

"For avoiding you these last few days, it's been slightly difficult taking everything in and…and I was mortified to find out that you were the Unknown. You must think I'm a complete numb wit." Everything was said in a complete rush as if Mel was worried that the air was running out.

Vidanric laughed at the surprise turn of her thoughts. He opened the door to the library and ushered Mel in, pointing to the cove which they both knew. "Never", he whispered closely to her ear, filling his senses with her unique scent. It remained him of the outdoors in spring - fresh, earthy and a hint of delicate flowers.

The room was tied of all the paperwork that usually accompanied the small table and instead two trays (one for tea and the other with a light lunch) filled half the space. As they entered, Danric led Mel to the opposite side of the table where the cushions sat. Seeing her comfortable, Danric moved to the other side, kneeling across from her. "Would you like some tea?" His long fingered hand indicating to the tray.

"Yes", Mel said, a blush forming on her face so she busily arranged her skirts properly. Fingers were connected as Danric passed the cup to Meliara and she was grateful to hold something to hid her nerves. That small contact made the butterflies beat faster.

Vidanric sat back on the cushions and stared unashamedly at Mel as he sipped his tea. He had never seen a more beautiful sight. If he was being honest, all his encounters with Mel brought this tingling feeling of wonder at being in her presence. Even when he carried her out of the cells in Chovilun, covered in mud, bruises and barely conscious through it all he was awed her courage in such a slight figure.

A comfortable silence fell upon them, although Meliara began to feel jittery with having Danric sole attention on her which was slightly ridiculous as they were…well, she did not know what they were.

"I see that you were at petitioners' court yesterday", Danric finally broke the quietness, with his soft drawl. He found himself subconsciously assessing her moods all the time they were in one another presence. It was the need to know all her character. "What do you think about artists request for the royal approval of starting their own guild?" He would keep the subject neutral.

Mel sighed inwardly with relief at discussing a topic which she would not make her a fool. "I can not see any difficulties with the request. It would certainly give certain protections to their vocation but it would have to carefully set up so that it does not bar any popular painter who could be seen as monopolising customers."

He nodded in agreement her thoughts had run along similar lines to his. Settling his cup down, he stated clearly. "Did you know that when Savona announced holding a ball for you to me I was delighted! Dancing with you that night is one of my fondest memory of your arrival at Athaneral although I was jealous at the rest of your partners. Savona still teases me at my expense."

Mel nearly choked on her tea and quickly tried to swallow the hot liquid to breath. Her eyes smartened with a few tears. "No," she squawked. She could not imagined him being in love with her then! And her behaviour…well, she wanted to curl up and die from embarrassment.

The corners of his mouth twitched upwards. That was not what he was going to say but it slipped out. "I apologise for catching you off guard."

"No you are not!" retorted Mel as she folded her arms across her chest defensively, "although I suppose we do have to sort out things between us if…if …we…"

"Are ever to proceed further", Vidanric offered up with a small smile. Maybe this was not going to be as bad as he thought.

"Precisely."

"Lady's first" Danric indicated with his hand. At this moment all reasoning and eloquent words floated out of his head.

Mel eyes narrowed for the briefest of moments. She was unsure what to make of the handsome man in front of her. It became clearer since the Flauvic incident that she had no regret at discovering he was the Unknown, in fact it was a bit of a relief. Mel had begun to understand her own feelings when she rode away finding the Hill Folk and she hoped that she would have realised her love in the Marquis even without the letters. With the crinkling of his grey eyes, Mel guessed that Danric was in a teasing mood.

"I'm sorry for not listening more closely to you about the Merindars' threat", she spoke slowly, and hollowly "and for being nasty to you from the beginning." She did not want to be reminded of all her horrible behaviour towards him. "And thank you for a wonderful Name Day gift – it's beautiful. I don't feel that I deserve it." She glanced down at the sapphire ring that adorned her hand daily.

"I could not part with it to anyone more deserving than you", Danric said, contradicting her strongly. He was being truthful even if she had refused his courtship; he felt a slight contentment that she had something of his to remember him by.

She glanced down at the old cut ring and turned it on her slim finger. "It must be a family heirloom."

"It is", Danric stated as he gravefully moved around the table. "It belonged to my grandmother - a spirited lady like you, very courageous and extremely beautiful." He kneeled beside her and lifted the hand with the ring on it. The sun's rays hit the sapphire at the right spot. The small alcove was transformed into a sparkling delight like spending a night stargazing at the glowing stars above.

As Mel's eyes took in the beauty of the dancing lights, Danric became mesmerised with her honest expressions of wonderment at such a simple action. Touching her shoulder, Mel turned her face to Vidanric; the happiness beaming from her soul.

"Since I have no wager to collect" he emphasised, "would you object if I took this moment to kiss the woman I love."

"Of course not," Mel exclaimed, "although where is she?"

Her attempt of a weak joke wasn't lost on Danric, he knew that she was nervous. Through his discreet talks with Bran it became obvious that Mel had never had a real flirt. He felt strangely pleased at this. To discover that he was her first real love made it more special and fragile. Therefore he took his time circling her waist with his arms and leaned forward to rest his forehead onto hers. "She is right where she belongs…in my arms." His grey eyes stared straight into his beloved, asking for permission once again, giving her all the time in the world.

Seeing a smile forming on Mel's face, Danric kissed her softly. He broke away for second gazing her reaction before recapturing her lips.

Breaking away after a few moments, Mel panted slightly while gazing adoringly up at Vidanric. Although her mind was undecided, Meliara's heart knew and taking the gamble Mel confessed.

"I love you too," she declared before her mouth was seized in a passionate embrace.

She smiled against Vidranic's mouth. She was slightly pleased at his face's expression to the revelation; it could not be described as anything but jubilant.

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As you can tell I have overhauled this fanfic…I hope that you enjoy it! Please tell you what you think.