Disclaimer: I don't own Fable or the characters

This chapter contains adult scenes at the end. If you don't like it or are not old enough, don't read it.

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A Hero's Desire

Chapter 26: Alive

Falling to her knees, Sparrow trembled. Her words echoing inside her head, bouncing around in her skull. All the confusion of her emotions was now clear to her. Her heart had created a flame that burnt for the pirate. She looked at the ground, letting her hair fall down.

"Oh you poor bugger," Hammer sighed with grief.

Sparrow kneeled on the ground, still trying to process all that happened. Here she was, confessing her feelings towards Reaver, knowing that she had fallen for Albion's most charming yet sinful man. Of all the men she had met, she had to let Reaver take her heart away. He had it, whether he knew it or not.

"I…I need to think," she managed to spit out. Rising from the ground, she walked quickly back to her room, avoiding all contact from others around her. Her eyes were fixed to the ground, her arms wrapping themselves around her shoulders. All of her thoughts were on Reaver, everything about him. She saw him in her mind, heard his enchanting voice echo in her eardrums. Her pace quickened and within minutes she was back in her room, Wolf rushing to his master. Sparrow flung herself on her bed, trying to get Reaver out of her head. He was all around her, everywhere she looked, the pirate was there.

As she lay on the bed, she felt a strange material on the bed. Looking up from the pillows, she noticed a red dress lying on the bed. The dress was made of a fine material, smooth and soft. It was sleeveless and had ruffles along the bottom of the dress. Sparrow continued to look at the dress, curious as to how it got there. There was no note, nor letter explaining how. Her fingers traced over the dress, feeling the soft texture rush under her skin. Soon her fingers grasped the dress carefully and she began to remove her normal clothes and put on the dress. It fit perfectly, however it reveled much of her skin. Her shoulders were exposed. She looked at herself in the mirror, surprised that the tall, thin woman in the mirror was herself.

From outside, in the gardens of the palace, music began to play, echoing throughout the palace. It was cheerful, light and full of color. Sparrow quickly put up her hair in a messy bun, switched her thigh boots for flats then walking towards the door. Just as she opened the door, a maid standing outside was about to knock.

"Oh, my lady. The festival is beginning. I sent to come and get you before the dancing commences," the maid bowed before her. She then grabbed Sparrow by her hand, leading her out of the room, down the hallway, down a flight of stairs to the throne room. Sparrow struggled to keep up, trying to make sure she didn't look like a mess when she would appear. Soon the two of them were out in the gardens, the people already dancing.

All of the women wore red dresses, some different from others. Some dresses were more close to the body, others puffier. Some were simple, some detailed. The men however wore gold clothes that reflected off the sun. One thing that they did all have in common was that they all wore masks. All of the masks were made of gold. Some men wore a full mask, holding it with one hand while they danced with the other. While some other men and all of the women wore half masks that hid their eyes. Sparrow could only find Hammer and Garth because of Hammer's height and Garth's Will lines glowing. She however could not find Reaver. She slowly made her way down the stairs, searching for the pirate. She stumbled across the dance floor, careful not to bump into anyone who was dancing. People seemed to twirl around her, not noticing her behind her mask. They did not know that the Queen of Albion was amongst the crowd of people. Sparrow looked around, wondering where the pirate was. She was still coming to reality with her feelings all locked up inside her.

Relax Sparrow! Just stop thinking about him and enjoy the festival!

Sparrow's eyes lit up, trying to be confident with herself. She quickly moved away from the crowd, away from the people dancing and went to see the other activities the festival provided. There were games, everything from drinking games to targets. There were people telling stories to others about the old days, the Old Kingdom. Sparrow was told many stories about the Old Kingdom since she was a child. Theresa had told her many tales about that time. They always put her to sleep for bed. Continuing to walk around, she saw fortunetellers, artisans and merchants. It was truly a lively festival. She stopped occasionally to converse with the people, hoping to distract herself from her thoughts of Reaver. It managed to work. Through out the day, she played some of the games with the people, except for the drinking games. She purchased a beautiful ring, sliding it onto her finger. It was a garnet ring, red as blood. The ring looked like it was a red eye, watching the wearer of the ring. However soon, the daylight began to fade in the western sky. Everyone began to make their way towards the dance floor, preparing to dance the final dance of the Solstice. All of the women found a man to dance with. All of them, except for Sparrow. She stood by a lit torch, watching the crowd dance away. She felt a bit envious that the women there all had a man to dance with. Hammer was dancing with Garth and some girl was probably dancing with Reaver, swept away by his charm. They all continued to dance while Sparrow stood by, watching. She then gasped as a figure carefully placed his hand on her shoulder, holding his other hand out for her to take. She turned her head, gazing at a familiar man in a gold mask.

"Shall we, my dear?" Reaver asked with delight.

Sparrow could not utter a word; her voice had gone silent with astonishment. She had thought wrong about the pirate. Here he was, asking her to dance with him. Not any other man or woman, her. Sparrow looked at him, bewildered as she gave him her hand. He gracefully led her to the dance floor, swinging her around to face him. Sparrow still looked surprised, her eyes wide open. Reaver just smiled, smirking at her. He began to led the dance, pulling Sparrow along. Time seemed to stand still for her. It was just her and Reaver, no one else around them.

As the music began to grow, each instrument producing a loud sound, the dance moved faster. Reaver continued to twirl and spin Sparrow, she looking into the mask of the pirate. He took her hand, raising it above her head, twirling her around like a ballerina, eyeing her. Sparrow spun away from him, only to be pulled back into his arms. His grip was tight, his hands firm on her back and hand. His eyes were locked on her face, Sparrow looking away, too nervous to look a him directly in his fiery green eyes. Looking at him, even being near him made all of her feelings for him bottled up inside her trapped in her throat. She was fearful that she would confess them to him, spilling her most private of thoughts.

Within a moment, the music became slow and calm, marking the end of the Solstice. Everyone continued to glide on the dance floor, holding their partner. Reaver still held on the Sparrow. She still refused to look at him directly. The pirate notice her gaze then lowered his head down to the side of her head, his hot breath burning her sensitive skin. Sparrow gasped, her face turning red. Reaver's advances were making Sparrow fight with herself. She wanted him, yet she was afraid to give into him. She knew his nature. She was aware that he could toss her aside like a rag as soon as he grew tired of her. His lips soon brushed against her neck, making her gasp louder. She was trapped in his arms, unable to decided what to do. She loved him, yet was afraid. Afraid to be hurt.

Regaining control of her body, she broke free from the pirate, running up the stairs away from the festival. She did not dare to look back, afraid she would only provoke a chase from him. She continued to sprint inside the palace until she came to a private garden that was just near her own room. The garden was part of her room, as a private garden for herself. Many flowers bloomed within the garden, exposing their beauty to the world. Seeing a stone bench in the garden, she sat down on it, cupping her face.

Why did I have to fall for him? Why? I can't think straight! Not when he is near.

Sparrow ripped off her mask, chucking it aside, then hid her face with her hands. She loved him, but hated the confusion he caused her. Now the pirate was under her skin, she like any woman he encountered had fallen under his captivating spell. Moonlight shined down on her, shinning on her pale skin. She continued to search for what to do with herself, searching for the right thing to say to him.

"So here is where the little Sparrow lingers," Reaver's voice broke the silence, he leaning against a column, his mask removed.

Sparrow gazed at him, shocked, "Reaver."

The pirate approached her, she leaning back on the bench, nervous. He had an amused smile on his face, which lit up his eyes.

"Now do enlighten me, why on earth did you leave me in the middle of the dance?" he asked, his eyebrow arching.

She looked away, trying to find the right words to explain. But none came to her. She only stuttered, unable to say anything. With no words to say, she rose up from the bench, heading for the door. She left for the door to enter her room when Reaver snatched her wrist, pushing her against the door, hard. Sparrow gazed into his eyes, frightened. He only gave her a dark smile. This smile was different than any other. She had never seen him like this.

"Reaver…please. I-"she began, turning away from him.

"Well?" he asked, leaning in closer.

"Reaver," she said again, timidly. Her other hand grasped the doorknob, pushing it open. She and Reaver stumbled into her own room. Reaver, still holding on to her, shut the door, turning his attention back to her.

"You still owe me an explanation," he said, pushing her back against the wall.

Sparrow looked into his eyes, staring into the green fiery irises. She could not keep fighting herself or him.

"I was…" she began, breaking the gaze, shutting her eyes.

"Yes?" Reaver said, leaning closer.

"…afraid…" she whispered.

"Afraid? Of what? Me? Surely not," he began, backing his head back from hers.

Sparrow looked at him with blameworthy eyes. They spoke the truth and Reaver knew this. He looked at her, astonished at she was still afraid of him. What on earth is she afraid of this time?

"Why?" he asked confused.

"Because," she started, her body trembling before him.

"Surely I am the last person you should be afraid of!" he stated proudly.

"I'm afraid to be with you!" She shouted. After her words echoed in her ear, she wished she could have taken them back, "I…I feel so different around you! I'm afraid of you yet…" she started, looking at him, deep into his green eyes.

"…I love you."

Reaver gazed at her, amazed that the very woman who hated him just months ago now loved him. Sparrow turned away, feeling foolish for confessing such thoughts. The pirate stared at her, his free hand stroking her cheek, relaxing her cheeks. A strange, lost feeling that had not been felt for years slowly crept up on him. He however did not let it consume him. With his hand holding her cheek, he lightly grasped her face, turning her head to face his. Ever so slowly, he leaned closer to her, his lips caressing her own. Sparrow tensed for a moment then relaxed, wrapping her free arm around his neck, pulling him in closer. Reaver felt a sense of accomplishment, a slight smirk on his face.

His hands grasped Sparrow firmly, pulling her closer to his body. Their kiss deepened, Sparrow holding onto the pirate tightly. Reaver's skilled hands began to slip out of his gloves, falling to the floor, as he quickly escaped his boots. He bare hands held Sparrow close to his body, longing for more.

Sparrow became lost in their world of passion, desire and love. She threw off her flats, holding onto Reaver's face. Her whole body screamed for more. And for once, her mind, for the first time ever seemed to want more as well.

Reaver carefully pulled her towards the bed, not breaking their kisses. Without thinking, his hands grasped her dress, ripping it down the middle. Sparrow broke off the kiss for a moment, staring down at the fallen dress. However it only lasted for a moment as Reaver's lips pressed hard against her neck. Her arms coiled around his neck, holding on. The pirate's hands then slithered around her back, unhooking her bra. It feel to the floor, exposing her breast to him. He backed his head up to stare, Sparrow blushing. His hands then reached lower, pulling down her underwear, leaving her now fully nude in front of him. Reaver then buried his head into her neck again, his hands undoing the buckles that held up his cape. Falling to the floor they made a thud on the ground. He then undid his belt around his trousers, quickly pulling them off. Sparrow helped untie his bowtie, letting it fall to her side. He then after quickly breaking off contact with her neck, slipped out of his shirt with great speed through years of practice.

Reaver and Sparrow stared for a moment at each other, now both naked. The pirate quickly embraced her, his lips on top of hers again. Then he suddenly broke the kiss, shoving Sparrow onto the bed. He gazed at her, his dark grin appearing again. His eyes were filled with lust, desire and passion. Sparrow, though new to this smiled at him, intoxicated by the poisons his lips released into her body.

But he could not stop himself. His lips found the skin on her breast, biting them lightly. Sparrow gasped as his teeth touched her flesh. Grabbing her under part of her knees, he pulled her onto the bed, he on top of her. He took one final moment to stare at her beauty. A wicked grin spread across his lips. Sparrow gave him a seductive look. She was ready for her maidenhood to be taken away.

Reaver carefully lowered his body down, joining them together. Sparrow whimpered in pain for a quick moment but the pain turned into pleasure. Her body was still tense. Reaver then took his hand, caressing her breast slowly, sending a cold chill of pleasure up her spine. Sparrow let out a pleasurable moan. It was music to Reaver's ears. His other hand slid down her side, feeling her smooth skin. Sparrow's hands clawed at Reaver's back, her nails digging into his skin, begging for more.

The pirate could not contain himself, as he began to thrust himself against Sparrow's body. Her back arched, her blood rushing, her heart racing. Reaver was having his way with her. Now she wanted him. Ecstasy took control, making her call out his name breathlessly. Reaver answered her call, pushing himself harder and deeper into her core. He continued to thrust himself at her, while his lips crushed her skin. Sparrow's eyes tightened, her whole world changing. Her shrine was being visited by the pirate, the pilgrim now praying before her. Her sacred fruit being plucked from the tree by Reaver.

Reaching the climax, Reaver forced his piece harder than before, thinking that he would die without touching her. His hands pulled her closer to him, letting him penetrate further. He moved his lips to her face, till they were on her own. Sparrow held his face, pulling him closer, craving more. Both were hot in their embrace, sweat trickling from their foreheads. With one final thrust, Reaver rolled over, pulling Sparrow along so she now rested on top of him.

They lay on the bed, panting, sweating but alive. Sparrow planted more light kisses on his bare chest as his arms embraced her. Both of them sharing the intense heat of their bodies together, feeling rapture as they lay together. Sparrow slowly ceased her kisses, resting her head on his bare chest. As she lay on the pirate, his heartbeat and his breath were all that she heard.

Reaver looked down upon Sparrow, his hand running through her brown locks as he stroked her back. He was truly lucky to have the Hero of Albion, the Queen now be in his bed. This woman who had declared her love for him, after weeks of arguing, pranks and fights, was now with him. He chuckled quietly to himself. He had won one of the two games he was playing. As he chuckled, the ancient feeling inside began to crawl up his spine again. He looked down on her, pulling her close. He truly felt alive with her.