Tite:What Was Never Said
Author: Loonay
Date Published: 11 May 2008
Summary: Sometimes not saying what's in your heart is the quickest and surest way to break another's. But is running from a problem the way to solve it? Lief and Jasmines romance in its initial rocky stages.
Authors Comment: Really is just a long-winded version and interpretation of the relationship between Jasmine and Lief after the Third Series. I could see flaws and problems with their romance in it's initial stages. Always loved them as a pair, but I thought there might be complications that would hinder it; so I decided to write on that, weaving my own ideas. Plenty of angst. Relax, I only intend for it to be a few chapters )
Disclaimer: Really, we are used to this, are we not? I wish I owned Deltora Quest, but the fantastic Emily Rodda beat me.
Please: Read and Review. Constructive criticism will make me love you!
# Chapter 1
Lief's hand hovered precariously over the parchment on his lap, the quill had not yet even begun to weave its magic. With a heavy sigh, he put the quill and parchment down on the bench beside him, today was such a glorious day, and he concluded that there was no room for business matters for the mean time. Spring had finally burst free from the icy clutches of winter and was bathing its newly blossomed flowers in the sun's warmth. But the breeze still retained a slightly chilled demeanour, winter it seemed, was not yet prepared to submit defeat so easily. Leaning back, Lief let his eyes drift shut, allowing his other senses to paint a picture around him. The birds were out in loud chorus, and he immediately thought of Kree being amongst them, there was the calming trickle of water from a nearby fountain, bubbling laughter from somewhere… and indignant, raised voices.
The voices broke into his mind, shattering Lief's silent reverie like a thin piece of glass, although he stayed where he was, his eyes flew open.
"You won only by sheer trickery and deceit, had it not been for that, we would have beaten you like lay dogs!" A faint smile tugged on his lips at the growling voice of Barda, who seemed to be a little put out by something.
"Really, you old bear, those are pathetic excuses. I am disappointed to find you such a poor looser, Barda. I'd come to expect better of you."
Curious now, Lief leapt up from his position and followed the path from the garden courtyard to find Lindal and Jasmine beaming and striding with pride and purpose. Bringing up the rear were Barda and Doom, looking considerably vexed. They were some distance off, and he tucked himself behind a large pillar, leaning against it secretly with a smile, here he could still listen to their banter.
"You may rejoice in your win, although it is hardly justified. You two did not fight to the rules we'd agreed on, your win was born out of dishonour, if nothing else." The scathing remark came from Doom, Lief could here that his stride was slightly hindered with a limp. In reply, Jasmine promptly let a peel of laughter bubble forth,
"Dishonourable, father? Please! You are a living example of someone who has survived purely by a disregard for anyone's rules but his own. If you would like me to find your some balm for your injuries, I would be glad to help you."
Doom glared, "Injury, you insolent child. There is only one injury. And I have suffered far worse, this is nothing." And with that the brooding man separated from the group and trudged off. Lief caught the amused glance that Lindal and Jasmine shared as they past his pillar, the two women having decided that Doom had suffered more to his pride than his body.
Lief's voice rang out clear, calm, but he hardly concealed the laughter in it. "Pray, I hope you two understand that it is going to be a rough time around Doom if you have injured his self-esteem. I fear for the palace staff."
The three spun around, surprise only momentarily flashing across their faces. Jasmine shrugged, "He will be fine, no doubt he will drill the palace guards until breaking point, and his superiority will be established yet again."
"How nice of you to worry for the young men." Lief stated with the same nonchalance,
"But of course, I would feel a great sense of loss and pity if their handsome faces were marred by Dooms tough training."
Although he felt a flash of jealousy at the remark, Lief reminded himself that they were both making a joke, and that he had practically asked for such a reply. They suppressed the urge to smile until they could bear it no longer, and wide grins spread across the friends faces.
Out of the corner of his eye, Barda raised an eyebrow at Lindal and they both shook their heads. "Lindal, in order for me to recover also, perhaps you will teach me how you managed to get your staff up and under my jaw when you were at such a disadvantage?" Lief winced as he only just noticed the dark bruise that was forming on the underside of his chin. The bald headed woman shrugged, understanding that it was their cue to leave,
"I suppose so. Although, I shall confess that it was a mistake, I was aiming for your windpipe."
Barda's surprise was obvious, and as she linked arms with him and began tugging him away, Jasmine and Lief heard their last comments, "Well then I am immensely grateful for your terrible aim."
"Old bear, it is unwise to say that when I am standing so close to you."
Alone now, the pair stood in silence and watched their retreating friends. After the stillness had surrounded them long enough, he looked at Jasmine with curiosity, "What on earth happened?" Jasmine grinned and tucked her hair behind her ear absently, and Lief found himself remembering the wild-haired child who he first encountered in the Forest of Silence. Sharn had pounced upon her recently, waving brush and comb as though they were weapons. And what was more, it suited Jasmine, the locks were smoother now but it made her look less like the wild teen he'd travelled with. More like… a queen, perhaps? Her eyes were a lush green, vivid from the physical excersise, just as her cheeks were equally brightened. And the smile that incorporated on her face complimented her features so immaculately. Lief realised with sudden embarrassment that he had been so caught up in assessing her features, that he hadn't heard the first part of her explanation,
"-but Lindal and I refused to back down. So, she issued a challenge, and we marched down to the training area. Lief! You should have seen the expressions on their faces, and despite what they say, we did not cheat. We simply interpreted the rules in a different manner." She frowned with frustration and placed a hand on her hips, "You are very distracted. Is there something bothering you?"
The King shook his head, clearing his throat, feeling his cheeks blossom into warmth, what was on his mind was not something he would discuss with her, at least not yet. "Nothing. I just wish someone would have fetched me to see such a show."
She tugged him towards the path again, and along a series of other paths that joined different courtyards, he followed obediently. "You know that you have people to support, you should not try to do everything on your own." He couldn't comprehend the sudden change in her mood, the fierce way in which she was ironically trying to offer help, talking quickly as if to drag him from his thoughts.
"Jasmine…Jasmine. Jasmine." He finally managed to stop and caught her around the waist, turning her around. Seeing her discomfort at being held so intimately, he quickly let go and stepped back, "I am fine, I was just reminiscing about our old adventures." So it wasn't entirely the truth, but it did have some reality to it. Visibly relaxing, Jasmine and Lief finally realised in what part of the palace grounds they'd ended up stumbling upon.
They hadn't been here for some time. 'The Place of Punishment' once stood before them, prior to when they'd finally united the belt of Deltora. It had been left unattended, too many bad memories had been born here and people wanted no part of it. The palace gardens were separated from this jungle by a huge wall that had been erected, but this large space had grown in comparison, wild and unattended. The planks of wood that had been left behind and broken were covered with vines, providing hiding places and homes for the animals and life scurried happily in the branches. Had they not noticed the ruined structure, or had that night so fiercely burned into their minds, they might have mistaken it for a secret, secluded part of the gardens.
Lief caught his breath and felt his hand reach out, surprised -but happily so- to find that Jasmine's hand was also seeking support. His eyes found the exact spot his father had died within Sharn's arms, his father Endon, not Jarred the Smith. Despite the fact that it was almost completely encased in greenery, he could remember when it had been flat and barren of all life. Any growth had been hindered by the reckless shuffling of people who were made to stand and watch the executions of their friends, family, acquaintances… and those they'd never have the chance to know. Lief glanced over at Jasmine and their eyes locked in mutual understanding.
"The trees have been sown on ground that was once drenched in blood…I think they were touched also by magic, since the trees have grown so high in such little time." she whispered, "But they are good, honest, I can feel it."
Lief nodded and squeezed her hand tighter, "This was always just a random bit of land, and when alterations to the layout was done, I doubt anyone even realised it had been forgotten. He pointed over to where the Great Hall used to be, and where there were once windows, which had now been converted into a straight stone wall. Jasmine released his hand and moved forward, clearly reliving the fear that she'd felt when her life had been uncertain, head covered by a cloth.
"We have been through hard times here. But things have been harder elsewhere…" Lief murmured, standing close behind her.
"And now, life springs here, I think it should stay as it is, wild and free it feels like home."
The King of Deltora looked away -even though Jasmine couldn't see his eyes- she still considered The Forests of Silence home? "Then so it shall, a reminder that good things happen even through the darkest of times."
Jasmine turned around now and glanced up at him, "I never was afraid. I knew that as long as you were free, Barda and I had a chance. We'd been in rougher spots before." Boldly, Lief stepped forward and gently placed his left hand on her arm, his free hand straying to her hair, brushing it away.
"And there is no one I would have swapped for either of you. I would never change what we've been through…"
He was intoxicated. He didn't even hear her pleading whisper of his name, or notice the pressure of her hands on his chest, trying to move away. But before he realised, he'd drawn Jasmine close to him and lowered his mouth to hers. The weak struggling stopped as she dissolved into his arms. Lief almost cried out with joy when her lips started to respond in the same manner and her arms moved to encompass him as well. Perhaps she did feel the same way about him after all! It was a shock, then, when Jasmine pulled hurriedly away. Wrenching herself from his grasp, she glared daggers at him.