Falling In:
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the little twist in the story.
P.S: The story starts after Mel has received the rose and ring. Her Unknown (we all know who that is, don't we?) replied to her letter with the quote from the book, and she is going to attend Tamara's party tonight. Which means that she has already had that little talk with Savona and Vidanric after their sword practice.
I apologise if this starts sounding cliché or out of character. This is just the way the story goes, no two ways about it!
~*~
MELIARA's POV
Sitting in the middle of the table was a fine little vase cut from luminous starstone, and in it, bordered by the most delicate ferns, was a single rose, just barely blooming.
One white rose. I knew what that meant, thanks to Nee: Purity of Intent.
But was that all it meant? I recalled a poem my mother used to recite to me when I was little, a poem called "A White Rose":
A White Rose
The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.
But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.
~*~
What did it all mean? I sighed heavily as I glanced at the fragile vase and its withered contents on my bedside table. Weeks had passed, and I had received yet another letter from my Unknown, agreeing to "serve as my foil".
I noticed that there was a slight drizzle as I looked out of the window, and that the sun was just peeking out from behind those grey clouds. Grey clouds. Grey eyes. Shevraeth.
Shevraeth? The weather must be getting to me.
Looking out the window once again, I decided to go to the library. There was nothing better than a good book and a warm bed on a rainy day.
My skirts swirled around my ankles as I strolled down the hallway, random thoughts running through my head like the rivulets of rain streaming down the windows. Once again, servants sprang to open the library doors. I graced each of them with a smile as a way of thanks but received only an imperceptible nod in reply.
Even the servants were like the courtiers: unreadable and expressionless. Why couldn't everyone just express what they felt? Wouldn't life be easier that way?
A throat being cleared brought me out of my reverie. I realised then, that I had been standing motionless at the beautifully carved doors for quite a while, lost in my thoughts. Looking up, I saw the Marquis of Shevraeth standing at a discreet distance away, his hands, as usual, clasped behind his back.
I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as I hastily apologised for blocking his way. In hopes of hiding my embarrassment, I explained that I was looking for a book to pass the time.
He smiled lightly, "I do not require an explanation for your presence. But pray tell why you wish to hole yourself up indoors when the weather outside is just perfect for a stroll or a ride in the gardens?"
I was just about to say that the weather outside was anything but fine when I looked out the window he indicated. True enough, the drizzle had stopped entirely and the sun was shining brightly.
"You're right," I agreed, "I think I'll go riding." I turned to face him again, and with a smile thanked him for his wonderful idea. He bowed in acknowledgement and I turned to go.
I had only walked a couple of steps when I felt a light touch on my arm. What was it this time? Plastering a smile on my face, I gave him my full attention.
"Lady Meliara," he paused and closed his eyes for a moment and took a deeper breath than usual, as if summoning up his courage. "May I join you on your ride?"
My mind went blank for an instant. Shevraeth wanted to go on a ride with me? The annoying little rustic countess who started quarrels with him all the time?
"Uh - Sure," I replied. There was no way around that request, was there?
He smiled one of his small smiles and said, "I'll meet you at the main gardens with our horses at the next time change." After another bow he departed without a backward glance.
~*~
The next time change was just a short while away. I changed hurriedly into my riding gear and braided my hair into its usual coronet, pinning my riding hat atop it all at a jaunty angle. I grinned at my reflection in the mirror, surprised that I cut quite a fine figure.
Once, I wouldn't have given a second thought about how I looked. Now, I enjoyed wearing all the pretty gowns and jewels I owned, restrictive though they may be.
The bells of time change rang just as I arrived at our designated meeting place. There he was looking as formidable - or should I say impressive - as ever in a tunic of light blue-grey. Next to him stood his fleet footed grey and a chestnut mare.
Wordlessly, he handed me the reins of the chestnut and I heaved myself into the saddle. He mounted his horse a moment later, looked across at me and said, "Let's go."
We set our horses off at a slow walk, enjoying the chirping of the birds and the perfume of the flowers. "This isn't an attempt at another race, is it?" I asked jokingly.
"No, but would you like one?" he asked with what seemed to be a suggestive glance.
I cringed inwardly. Why did I have to bring that up? The stupid wager and that stupid kiss would get me into trouble one day. I did not trust myself to speak and just shook my head vigorously.
The sound of moving water brought my horse to a sudden halt. She sniffed the surface of what turned out to be a pond daintily, before lapping up the water noisily. Shevraeth's grey horse did likewise. So there we were sitting astride our horses side by side with nary a word to one another.
I broke the silence by saying, "I miss swimming."
"Swimming?" he asked, betraying a hint or astonishment at my attempt at conversation. Not that I could blame him for being surprised, after all, wasn't I always the one who avoided
"Yes, swimming. Bran and I used to swim in a pond near the castle during the summer."
He remained silent for a while, probably contemplating my hidden motive for speaking so freely with him. "I used to swim with the stable hands back in Rensaleaus when I was a child."
Shevraeth? Swim? Those two just didn't go together. I just couldn't for the life of me picture Shevraeth sopping wet and splashing about without a care in the world.
Swallowing my laughter, I asked, "Well, are you a good swimmer, then?"
"Probably not as good a swimmer as you are, Lady Meliara. I lacked the time to perfect my technique," he replied.
"That's more realistic!" I blurted before I could stop myself, "You're amazing with the blade. If you were wonderful at everything else, I would truly hate you!"
"Truly hate me?" he asked with a grin, "I take it then, that you do not hate me as yet?"
What was I saying? I hate him don't I?
Well, I had to get myself out of the corner I had backed myself into. "No, I just find you annoying," I replied in jest. Only wit and humour could help me now!
"Annoying?" he asked, truly surprised and not angry in the least. "I've been called many things before: boring, arrogant and dispassionate - amongst other things, but I've never been called annoying." He paused with a slight frown knitting his brows, "At least I don't think so. You can approach Russav for the full list."
I laughed aloud at his self-degrading speech. "I'll be sure to do that the next time I meet him."
The sound of someone approaching caught out attention and we both twisted in our seats to see who the new arrival was. It turned out to be a servant bearing a large basket.
"My Lord, the picnic basket you requested," he said with a bow in Shevraeth's direction.
Shevraeth dismounted and unburdened him with a "Thank you, Kervan." before dismissing him. He then returned his attention to me.
"My personal manservant. I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of requesting for a picnic. It is nearly tea time and I thought you might be hungry."
Numerous thoughts ran through my head when he said this. Was he trying to assure me that no one else other than his manservant would know of our ride together? Would I mind being seen having a picnic with him?
My stomach growled just then, helping me to make up my mind. "I don't mind. In fact, I do happen to be hungry!"
After dismounting, I teetered my horse to a nearby tree as Shevraeth did the same. He then proceeded to spread a thick blanket on the grassy ground. I knelt on the blanket just as he did, watching avidly as he pulled plates of pan breads, bowls of wild berries dipped in chocolate and a pot of hot chocolate out of the basket. Lastly, came the teacups and saucers.
He did all this without looking up, completely absorbed in his task. I took one of the teacups and saucers he offered and placed it beside me before picking up the pot of hot chocolate.
"Here, let me," I said, proceeding to pour steaming hot chocolate into his cup. I did the same for myself and sighed contentedly when the nice aroma flooded my nostrils. We sat in relative silence for a while, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and admiring the beautiful scenery.
I glanced over at him as he popped a chocolate-coated wild berry into his mouth and chewed on it thoughtfully. Without warning, he turned to face me, and our gazes locked. I had been caught staring. Blushing with embarrassment, I raised my teacup to my lips hoping to hide my red cheeks.
I realised just then the type of rumours that would spread if someone saw us together like this. We were alone sharing a picnic with the sun setting in the distant horizon. The setting was romantic by normal standards, and the company was almost pleasant. Almost. These thoughts caused me to blush even more furiously as I chided myself for having such notions about Shevraeth.
I replaced my teacup on the saucer and rose, walking briskly towards the pond. I knelt by the edge and cupped some of the cool water in my hands, splashing it onto my face. If he was shocked by my behaviour he made no indication.
The silence between us was becoming unbearable. I looked out at the rippling pond, the urge to go for a dip growing. It would be improper to swim like this. Furthermore, Shevraeth was present. My voice of reason held me back while the child in me screamed to swim.
"May I go for a swim?" I asked, turning to face him.
At the same time he questioned, "Would you like to take a swim? I could leave."
How could he have possibly read my mind?
"Yes, I would love to take a swim. Thank you," I watched him as he rose in one fluid motion and began clearing up the remains of our tea.
It had been kind of him to offer me the privacy of swimming alone, but it was always more fun when one had company, wasn't it? Besides, it was rather rude of me to make him leave just because I fancied a swim. What should I do?
"You can join me if you like," I said after a moment's hesitation. "If it isn't improper that is," I continued with a wince.
He went completely still as the words left my lips. Then, he raised his eyes to meet mine, regarding me with his head cocked to one side in query. "It would hardly be improper if we remained fully clothed."
~*~
A/N: YAY! This is in the contest thingy. Do vote for me! Anyway, this is NOT the end of the story, there're a couple more to come. The next chapter will be from Vidanric's POV! Don't laugh, but I let a couple of my friends read it and one of them said Vidanric didn't sound manly enough, so I'm letting a male friend read it for me=) I don't think he wants to be named, but thanks to him and Eunice and Angela.
I did not write "A White Rose". I just got it off the internet. Don't know who wrote it though. Thanks to the writer, whoever you are!
BlackRose25: I'm not the only contestant, "In The Rain" by ShannonLynn was the first entry. Do I still get the bonus points?
Thanks to all the reviewers who bothered to review my little poem. It meant the world to me!
REVIEW!!! And VOTE for me at the end!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the little twist in the story.
P.S: The story starts after Mel has received the rose and ring. Her Unknown (we all know who that is, don't we?) replied to her letter with the quote from the book, and she is going to attend Tamara's party tonight. Which means that she has already had that little talk with Savona and Vidanric after their sword practice.
I apologise if this starts sounding cliché or out of character. This is just the way the story goes, no two ways about it!
~*~
MELIARA's POV
Sitting in the middle of the table was a fine little vase cut from luminous starstone, and in it, bordered by the most delicate ferns, was a single rose, just barely blooming.
One white rose. I knew what that meant, thanks to Nee: Purity of Intent.
But was that all it meant? I recalled a poem my mother used to recite to me when I was little, a poem called "A White Rose":
A White Rose
The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.
But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips.
~*~
What did it all mean? I sighed heavily as I glanced at the fragile vase and its withered contents on my bedside table. Weeks had passed, and I had received yet another letter from my Unknown, agreeing to "serve as my foil".
I noticed that there was a slight drizzle as I looked out of the window, and that the sun was just peeking out from behind those grey clouds. Grey clouds. Grey eyes. Shevraeth.
Shevraeth? The weather must be getting to me.
Looking out the window once again, I decided to go to the library. There was nothing better than a good book and a warm bed on a rainy day.
My skirts swirled around my ankles as I strolled down the hallway, random thoughts running through my head like the rivulets of rain streaming down the windows. Once again, servants sprang to open the library doors. I graced each of them with a smile as a way of thanks but received only an imperceptible nod in reply.
Even the servants were like the courtiers: unreadable and expressionless. Why couldn't everyone just express what they felt? Wouldn't life be easier that way?
A throat being cleared brought me out of my reverie. I realised then, that I had been standing motionless at the beautifully carved doors for quite a while, lost in my thoughts. Looking up, I saw the Marquis of Shevraeth standing at a discreet distance away, his hands, as usual, clasped behind his back.
I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as I hastily apologised for blocking his way. In hopes of hiding my embarrassment, I explained that I was looking for a book to pass the time.
He smiled lightly, "I do not require an explanation for your presence. But pray tell why you wish to hole yourself up indoors when the weather outside is just perfect for a stroll or a ride in the gardens?"
I was just about to say that the weather outside was anything but fine when I looked out the window he indicated. True enough, the drizzle had stopped entirely and the sun was shining brightly.
"You're right," I agreed, "I think I'll go riding." I turned to face him again, and with a smile thanked him for his wonderful idea. He bowed in acknowledgement and I turned to go.
I had only walked a couple of steps when I felt a light touch on my arm. What was it this time? Plastering a smile on my face, I gave him my full attention.
"Lady Meliara," he paused and closed his eyes for a moment and took a deeper breath than usual, as if summoning up his courage. "May I join you on your ride?"
My mind went blank for an instant. Shevraeth wanted to go on a ride with me? The annoying little rustic countess who started quarrels with him all the time?
"Uh - Sure," I replied. There was no way around that request, was there?
He smiled one of his small smiles and said, "I'll meet you at the main gardens with our horses at the next time change." After another bow he departed without a backward glance.
~*~
The next time change was just a short while away. I changed hurriedly into my riding gear and braided my hair into its usual coronet, pinning my riding hat atop it all at a jaunty angle. I grinned at my reflection in the mirror, surprised that I cut quite a fine figure.
Once, I wouldn't have given a second thought about how I looked. Now, I enjoyed wearing all the pretty gowns and jewels I owned, restrictive though they may be.
The bells of time change rang just as I arrived at our designated meeting place. There he was looking as formidable - or should I say impressive - as ever in a tunic of light blue-grey. Next to him stood his fleet footed grey and a chestnut mare.
Wordlessly, he handed me the reins of the chestnut and I heaved myself into the saddle. He mounted his horse a moment later, looked across at me and said, "Let's go."
We set our horses off at a slow walk, enjoying the chirping of the birds and the perfume of the flowers. "This isn't an attempt at another race, is it?" I asked jokingly.
"No, but would you like one?" he asked with what seemed to be a suggestive glance.
I cringed inwardly. Why did I have to bring that up? The stupid wager and that stupid kiss would get me into trouble one day. I did not trust myself to speak and just shook my head vigorously.
The sound of moving water brought my horse to a sudden halt. She sniffed the surface of what turned out to be a pond daintily, before lapping up the water noisily. Shevraeth's grey horse did likewise. So there we were sitting astride our horses side by side with nary a word to one another.
I broke the silence by saying, "I miss swimming."
"Swimming?" he asked, betraying a hint or astonishment at my attempt at conversation. Not that I could blame him for being surprised, after all, wasn't I always the one who avoided
"Yes, swimming. Bran and I used to swim in a pond near the castle during the summer."
He remained silent for a while, probably contemplating my hidden motive for speaking so freely with him. "I used to swim with the stable hands back in Rensaleaus when I was a child."
Shevraeth? Swim? Those two just didn't go together. I just couldn't for the life of me picture Shevraeth sopping wet and splashing about without a care in the world.
Swallowing my laughter, I asked, "Well, are you a good swimmer, then?"
"Probably not as good a swimmer as you are, Lady Meliara. I lacked the time to perfect my technique," he replied.
"That's more realistic!" I blurted before I could stop myself, "You're amazing with the blade. If you were wonderful at everything else, I would truly hate you!"
"Truly hate me?" he asked with a grin, "I take it then, that you do not hate me as yet?"
What was I saying? I hate him don't I?
Well, I had to get myself out of the corner I had backed myself into. "No, I just find you annoying," I replied in jest. Only wit and humour could help me now!
"Annoying?" he asked, truly surprised and not angry in the least. "I've been called many things before: boring, arrogant and dispassionate - amongst other things, but I've never been called annoying." He paused with a slight frown knitting his brows, "At least I don't think so. You can approach Russav for the full list."
I laughed aloud at his self-degrading speech. "I'll be sure to do that the next time I meet him."
The sound of someone approaching caught out attention and we both twisted in our seats to see who the new arrival was. It turned out to be a servant bearing a large basket.
"My Lord, the picnic basket you requested," he said with a bow in Shevraeth's direction.
Shevraeth dismounted and unburdened him with a "Thank you, Kervan." before dismissing him. He then returned his attention to me.
"My personal manservant. I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty of requesting for a picnic. It is nearly tea time and I thought you might be hungry."
Numerous thoughts ran through my head when he said this. Was he trying to assure me that no one else other than his manservant would know of our ride together? Would I mind being seen having a picnic with him?
My stomach growled just then, helping me to make up my mind. "I don't mind. In fact, I do happen to be hungry!"
After dismounting, I teetered my horse to a nearby tree as Shevraeth did the same. He then proceeded to spread a thick blanket on the grassy ground. I knelt on the blanket just as he did, watching avidly as he pulled plates of pan breads, bowls of wild berries dipped in chocolate and a pot of hot chocolate out of the basket. Lastly, came the teacups and saucers.
He did all this without looking up, completely absorbed in his task. I took one of the teacups and saucers he offered and placed it beside me before picking up the pot of hot chocolate.
"Here, let me," I said, proceeding to pour steaming hot chocolate into his cup. I did the same for myself and sighed contentedly when the nice aroma flooded my nostrils. We sat in relative silence for a while, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and admiring the beautiful scenery.
I glanced over at him as he popped a chocolate-coated wild berry into his mouth and chewed on it thoughtfully. Without warning, he turned to face me, and our gazes locked. I had been caught staring. Blushing with embarrassment, I raised my teacup to my lips hoping to hide my red cheeks.
I realised just then the type of rumours that would spread if someone saw us together like this. We were alone sharing a picnic with the sun setting in the distant horizon. The setting was romantic by normal standards, and the company was almost pleasant. Almost. These thoughts caused me to blush even more furiously as I chided myself for having such notions about Shevraeth.
I replaced my teacup on the saucer and rose, walking briskly towards the pond. I knelt by the edge and cupped some of the cool water in my hands, splashing it onto my face. If he was shocked by my behaviour he made no indication.
The silence between us was becoming unbearable. I looked out at the rippling pond, the urge to go for a dip growing. It would be improper to swim like this. Furthermore, Shevraeth was present. My voice of reason held me back while the child in me screamed to swim.
"May I go for a swim?" I asked, turning to face him.
At the same time he questioned, "Would you like to take a swim? I could leave."
How could he have possibly read my mind?
"Yes, I would love to take a swim. Thank you," I watched him as he rose in one fluid motion and began clearing up the remains of our tea.
It had been kind of him to offer me the privacy of swimming alone, but it was always more fun when one had company, wasn't it? Besides, it was rather rude of me to make him leave just because I fancied a swim. What should I do?
"You can join me if you like," I said after a moment's hesitation. "If it isn't improper that is," I continued with a wince.
He went completely still as the words left my lips. Then, he raised his eyes to meet mine, regarding me with his head cocked to one side in query. "It would hardly be improper if we remained fully clothed."
~*~
A/N: YAY! This is in the contest thingy. Do vote for me! Anyway, this is NOT the end of the story, there're a couple more to come. The next chapter will be from Vidanric's POV! Don't laugh, but I let a couple of my friends read it and one of them said Vidanric didn't sound manly enough, so I'm letting a male friend read it for me=) I don't think he wants to be named, but thanks to him and Eunice and Angela.
I did not write "A White Rose". I just got it off the internet. Don't know who wrote it though. Thanks to the writer, whoever you are!
BlackRose25: I'm not the only contestant, "In The Rain" by ShannonLynn was the first entry. Do I still get the bonus points?
Thanks to all the reviewers who bothered to review my little poem. It meant the world to me!
REVIEW!!! And VOTE for me at the end!