A/N: Sorry, people, but my computer was broken and I had to pay my own
uncle to get it fixed. *sigh* Oh, well. Enjoy this one. Toodles! * there's
a small sex scene in the begining,but its not descriptive so I'm still
rating this a PG-13*
Rekindled
Chapter12: Memories
By: DarkDracon0
3 months ago before the war
Chelten Keep
Where in the world was Alicia? Dante thought as he strode through the Chelten gardens. There was no one there save a servant who was watering the roses. Dante sighed. Tysen, his younger twin, had suggested the stables. Tysen had hated Alicia on first sight and could barely keep his rude remarks about her to himself whenever Alicia was near. He thought that Alicia's father, Lord Chelten, was an ill-bred ass and obviously, the genes were passed down to the daughter. Dante had wondered about Tysen's sudden insistence to come to Chelten Keep because of the fine weather. Tysen never cared for fine weather. Tysen also hated Chelten. Why had he suddenly wanted Dante to come?
Dante walked across the dirt packed drive and into the stables. Looking inside, they were clean and smelled of fresh hay and leather and horses. It seemed that all the grooms and stable hands were there but no Alicia. He finally entered, the cool air engulfing him. When he was near the tack room door, he smiled at the sound of her voice, a high cry. Then a man's voice.It was deep, low... caressing. Dante felt blood pounding in his head. Like a man in another dream, he saw his hand grip the door handle and press down. The heavy door swung open noiselessly.
There, Alicia was on the floor, her head propped up by a saddle, her gown and skirts flung about her head. There was another man on top of her, his breeches about his knees and he was between Alicia's legs, rutting her. Dante very slowly reached out for the riding crop and walked into the room. He brought it down hard against the man's buttocks and Alicia saw him at the moment. She screamed. The man jerked out of her and stared up at Dante with a look of mixed horror and disbelief. The man was Lord Eversham, John Moressy. Dante grabbed the front of his shirt and slammed his fist into his face. John struggled, but it was no use. Dante hit him again and heard bone cracking beneath his fist. Alicia slapped her gown back down and grabbed Dante's arm, screaming at him, "Dante, stop it, you're killing him!" Dante ignored her and continued on his beating of Lord Eversham. The dream ended abruptly when Alicia tried to jerk his arm away from John. Lord Eversham suddenly went limp. He was unconscious. Dante stared at Moressy's battered face. It was bruised and distorted. Dante let go of his shrit, watching him crumble to the floor. Dante was aware of the smells of the tack room: leather and sex.
He turned to his betrothed. His voice death;y calm. " I trust that you will inform all that the engagement is off. After Lord Eversham has come to his senses, tell him that my second will be calling for him and to prepare for a duel." Alicia tried to reach to him," Please, Dante, its not what you-"
" You may also keep the engagement ring. Since it is not a old family jewel or heirloom, I have no use for it." He paused. " Do go and see to your lover. I believe I broke his nose." He turned and started to leave. "Dante, please!" Dante turned back to face her.
" Please what? Do you mean to explain something here? That you played me false before we were even married? That you wanted a lover so soon that you took one before we were married and you presented me with an heir? If I hadn't come here, than the future Marquess of Brighton would have been easily another man's child, a bastard. I believe that you intended to marry your lover? After all, who will care for him once I put my sword through his arm? " With those cold words, Dante left.
When he saw Tysen waiting outside the stables with his horse ready, he wasn't really surprised. No, not really. He looked at him.
" I'm sorry, Dante."
" This was the reason for the visit." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
" I'm afraid so." Dante looked at the sky.
" The weather is indeed very fine today. How did you find out?"
" I won't lie to you, Dante. I'll tell you on our way to Corus." Dante mounted his horse and left Chelten, never looking back.
(flashback ended)
Dante jerked his head away when the memory ended. A memory. That was all it was. A memory. More like a nightmare. No, he didn't want to think of Alicia anymore. It had been three months ago. Time to move on and find a wife and have her bear him an heir, as was expected of him. It was no use to keep on remembering that day when he found out what his betrothed truly was. Stop it, you fool, she was an unfaithful one. Forget that day and fight the war, the voice at the back of his mind said.
Training Field
Fort Mirris
Kel felt sweat roll down the back of her neck. Damn, the Lioness was strong, even in her advanced years. Kel broke away from the sword lock and cricled Alanna. Alanna grinned and lunged. The sound of two swords clashing together broke the silence of the excited tension among the on lookers. Finally, Alanna did a complex sword manuever and dislodged Kel's sword away some five feet.
" You did well, Keladry! Not many hold their swords in a fight with me for that long. Of course, I am getting a bit old," Alanna said as Kel went to retrieve her sword. Kel bowed and replied back, " Thank you. I must work on my grip and the speed of my swings. And the Lioness should never get old!" Alanna grinned again when their audience broke into an applause.
Kel was sheathing Griffin back into its cover when Cleon approached her.
" You did well today," he said rather distantly.
" Thank you."
" My pleasure." Kel raiseed her eyebrow. " Is something on your mind, Cleon?" Cleon looked at her, startled. "Well, yes actually, and I came here to speak to you about it. How did you guess?" Kel smiled at him.
" I'm not an idiot, Cleon. You're not usually this quiet." Cleon nodded.
" Kel, you know that we both haven't spoken of love or marriage, right?"
" Of course." Kel's eyebrow raised it self again.
" Well, last month, I returned to Kennan to see how well it was faring and my mother... Well, she was, er, with the heiress. At Kennan. Waiting for me, so to speak." Kel stared at Cleon.
" So," she said slowly," we can't get married." Cleon stared at floor.
" No. I'm sorry, Kel. But this is for the good of Kennan and my people. Once I become Lord Kennan, I must for what is best. The crops can't hold out much longer and what will we do once the winter season sets in? Then, there is the frequent attacks on Kennan and I'm not always there. I must hire more protection for the peasents and for the safety of my family. Marrying a rich heiress is the only thing I can do to solve all the problems until I can find a sufficient way to get money." Cleon looked back at Kel, his eyes pleading. " Please, try to understand, Kel." Kel looked at him. So this was the reason why he had been acting so strange these past few days.
" Cleon, I think I understand," Kel said softly. She refused to burst into tears and sobs! Her Yamani training would not fail her this time! She forced her face to remain calm and composed. " Kel, please-" She waved his hand away. " No, truly Cleon, I do understand. You are merely doing what is best for Kennan. I don't have a dowry yet. Can we still be friends?" Cleon stared at her. How could she remain so calm? He knew about the Yamani training and all, but this was a little serious. Then it is true. She has lover and she probably hoped for the separation. She would enjoy her lover and have me away somewhere else despairing my loss. Her lover is most likely the marquess. Yes, it is the marquess or else she wouldn't have kissed him when they were alone. She has betrayed me even before she knew that I couldn't have her! The thought sent a wave of anger and hurt.
Cleon gathered himself up stiffly. " Yes. We will remain as friends." Kel wondered at his abrupt change of tone. Before, he seemed worried at her reaction and then he turned stiff. Interesting. " If you will excuse me, I am expected at the training field." Kel stared after his retreating back as he exited the tent. Now, his tone was cold and reserved. Why?
Cleon never went to the training field. He actually went to the Officer's Tent, knowing that the damned marquess would be there, probably writing down another brilliant strategy plan. The marquess was there. He was calmly plotting down colored figures on a detailed map. He didn't look up, just held his wine glass up. He thought that Cleon was a servant. When Cleon didn't take the glass, Dante looked up expectantly. He grinned. " Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were a servant. I get distracted sometimes. Do sit down. I believe you are Sir Cleon of Kennan?" Cleon nodded slightly and sat down on a nearby stool.
" What can I do for you, Sir Cleon?" He was so damned formal! Cleon never could manage such etiquette, a disappointment to his mother.
" Yes, I want to ask you of your relationship with Kel."
" My relationship with Keladry? That's rather personal." Again, Cleon felt the familiar surge of jealousy and anger. He had to be polite to this man. The marquess was a dangerous and powerful man, and he most likely had some relations with the king. He had to tread carefully, but not too carefully.
" I must be blunt then, my lord marquess. Are you two lovers?" Dante's eyebrows arched up a good inch.
" Again, I say that is personal. We may or may not be lovers. You take your pick. Let me ask you something and I will also be blunt. Are you and Keladry lovers?"
" If you will not answer my question, then neither will I." Dante shrugged.
" Then so be it. Is there anything else? Of the relations between me and Keladry? If not, then let me tell you something. As you may or may not know, I was her superior officer before she was promoted. I did not force her to do anything she did not think was right. She is intelligent and indeed, she posseses great beauty. Yes, she could tempt any man. If you wish to know if she and I were lovers, than I sugest that you ask her yourself. If you think I harmed her in any way, then you are wrong." For a second, Dante looked amused. " She would probably beat my into the dirt if I tried to maul her." Dante looked at Cleon again. " I believe you were leaving." It was a dimissal and Cleon knew it. Cleon managed to keep a sneer from his lips and left. Dante sat back on his chair. I wonder what caused the knight to actually question relations between me and Keladry. I wonder if he is Keladry's lover. If he is, than she's got horrible taste in men, Dante thought. Of course, he had to keep Keladry safe from knowing why he was here in the war. The old prophecy, Dante's last thought before he returned back to the map.
Ok, I'm not dissing any Cleon shippers. Its what Dante thinks, not me. The man doesn't like Cleon. That's not my fault. I FINALLY GOT MY COMPUTER FIXED!!!!!!!!!! I'll be updating soon agian and getting back into the flow. Is this also a cliffy? How was the fic anyway? I know that it isn't my usual writing style, but I haven't written in two months and I'm a little off.
Rekindled
Chapter12: Memories
By: DarkDracon0
3 months ago before the war
Chelten Keep
Where in the world was Alicia? Dante thought as he strode through the Chelten gardens. There was no one there save a servant who was watering the roses. Dante sighed. Tysen, his younger twin, had suggested the stables. Tysen had hated Alicia on first sight and could barely keep his rude remarks about her to himself whenever Alicia was near. He thought that Alicia's father, Lord Chelten, was an ill-bred ass and obviously, the genes were passed down to the daughter. Dante had wondered about Tysen's sudden insistence to come to Chelten Keep because of the fine weather. Tysen never cared for fine weather. Tysen also hated Chelten. Why had he suddenly wanted Dante to come?
Dante walked across the dirt packed drive and into the stables. Looking inside, they were clean and smelled of fresh hay and leather and horses. It seemed that all the grooms and stable hands were there but no Alicia. He finally entered, the cool air engulfing him. When he was near the tack room door, he smiled at the sound of her voice, a high cry. Then a man's voice.It was deep, low... caressing. Dante felt blood pounding in his head. Like a man in another dream, he saw his hand grip the door handle and press down. The heavy door swung open noiselessly.
There, Alicia was on the floor, her head propped up by a saddle, her gown and skirts flung about her head. There was another man on top of her, his breeches about his knees and he was between Alicia's legs, rutting her. Dante very slowly reached out for the riding crop and walked into the room. He brought it down hard against the man's buttocks and Alicia saw him at the moment. She screamed. The man jerked out of her and stared up at Dante with a look of mixed horror and disbelief. The man was Lord Eversham, John Moressy. Dante grabbed the front of his shirt and slammed his fist into his face. John struggled, but it was no use. Dante hit him again and heard bone cracking beneath his fist. Alicia slapped her gown back down and grabbed Dante's arm, screaming at him, "Dante, stop it, you're killing him!" Dante ignored her and continued on his beating of Lord Eversham. The dream ended abruptly when Alicia tried to jerk his arm away from John. Lord Eversham suddenly went limp. He was unconscious. Dante stared at Moressy's battered face. It was bruised and distorted. Dante let go of his shrit, watching him crumble to the floor. Dante was aware of the smells of the tack room: leather and sex.
He turned to his betrothed. His voice death;y calm. " I trust that you will inform all that the engagement is off. After Lord Eversham has come to his senses, tell him that my second will be calling for him and to prepare for a duel." Alicia tried to reach to him," Please, Dante, its not what you-"
" You may also keep the engagement ring. Since it is not a old family jewel or heirloom, I have no use for it." He paused. " Do go and see to your lover. I believe I broke his nose." He turned and started to leave. "Dante, please!" Dante turned back to face her.
" Please what? Do you mean to explain something here? That you played me false before we were even married? That you wanted a lover so soon that you took one before we were married and you presented me with an heir? If I hadn't come here, than the future Marquess of Brighton would have been easily another man's child, a bastard. I believe that you intended to marry your lover? After all, who will care for him once I put my sword through his arm? " With those cold words, Dante left.
When he saw Tysen waiting outside the stables with his horse ready, he wasn't really surprised. No, not really. He looked at him.
" I'm sorry, Dante."
" This was the reason for the visit." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
" I'm afraid so." Dante looked at the sky.
" The weather is indeed very fine today. How did you find out?"
" I won't lie to you, Dante. I'll tell you on our way to Corus." Dante mounted his horse and left Chelten, never looking back.
(flashback ended)
Dante jerked his head away when the memory ended. A memory. That was all it was. A memory. More like a nightmare. No, he didn't want to think of Alicia anymore. It had been three months ago. Time to move on and find a wife and have her bear him an heir, as was expected of him. It was no use to keep on remembering that day when he found out what his betrothed truly was. Stop it, you fool, she was an unfaithful one. Forget that day and fight the war, the voice at the back of his mind said.
Training Field
Fort Mirris
Kel felt sweat roll down the back of her neck. Damn, the Lioness was strong, even in her advanced years. Kel broke away from the sword lock and cricled Alanna. Alanna grinned and lunged. The sound of two swords clashing together broke the silence of the excited tension among the on lookers. Finally, Alanna did a complex sword manuever and dislodged Kel's sword away some five feet.
" You did well, Keladry! Not many hold their swords in a fight with me for that long. Of course, I am getting a bit old," Alanna said as Kel went to retrieve her sword. Kel bowed and replied back, " Thank you. I must work on my grip and the speed of my swings. And the Lioness should never get old!" Alanna grinned again when their audience broke into an applause.
Kel was sheathing Griffin back into its cover when Cleon approached her.
" You did well today," he said rather distantly.
" Thank you."
" My pleasure." Kel raiseed her eyebrow. " Is something on your mind, Cleon?" Cleon looked at her, startled. "Well, yes actually, and I came here to speak to you about it. How did you guess?" Kel smiled at him.
" I'm not an idiot, Cleon. You're not usually this quiet." Cleon nodded.
" Kel, you know that we both haven't spoken of love or marriage, right?"
" Of course." Kel's eyebrow raised it self again.
" Well, last month, I returned to Kennan to see how well it was faring and my mother... Well, she was, er, with the heiress. At Kennan. Waiting for me, so to speak." Kel stared at Cleon.
" So," she said slowly," we can't get married." Cleon stared at floor.
" No. I'm sorry, Kel. But this is for the good of Kennan and my people. Once I become Lord Kennan, I must for what is best. The crops can't hold out much longer and what will we do once the winter season sets in? Then, there is the frequent attacks on Kennan and I'm not always there. I must hire more protection for the peasents and for the safety of my family. Marrying a rich heiress is the only thing I can do to solve all the problems until I can find a sufficient way to get money." Cleon looked back at Kel, his eyes pleading. " Please, try to understand, Kel." Kel looked at him. So this was the reason why he had been acting so strange these past few days.
" Cleon, I think I understand," Kel said softly. She refused to burst into tears and sobs! Her Yamani training would not fail her this time! She forced her face to remain calm and composed. " Kel, please-" She waved his hand away. " No, truly Cleon, I do understand. You are merely doing what is best for Kennan. I don't have a dowry yet. Can we still be friends?" Cleon stared at her. How could she remain so calm? He knew about the Yamani training and all, but this was a little serious. Then it is true. She has lover and she probably hoped for the separation. She would enjoy her lover and have me away somewhere else despairing my loss. Her lover is most likely the marquess. Yes, it is the marquess or else she wouldn't have kissed him when they were alone. She has betrayed me even before she knew that I couldn't have her! The thought sent a wave of anger and hurt.
Cleon gathered himself up stiffly. " Yes. We will remain as friends." Kel wondered at his abrupt change of tone. Before, he seemed worried at her reaction and then he turned stiff. Interesting. " If you will excuse me, I am expected at the training field." Kel stared after his retreating back as he exited the tent. Now, his tone was cold and reserved. Why?
Cleon never went to the training field. He actually went to the Officer's Tent, knowing that the damned marquess would be there, probably writing down another brilliant strategy plan. The marquess was there. He was calmly plotting down colored figures on a detailed map. He didn't look up, just held his wine glass up. He thought that Cleon was a servant. When Cleon didn't take the glass, Dante looked up expectantly. He grinned. " Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were a servant. I get distracted sometimes. Do sit down. I believe you are Sir Cleon of Kennan?" Cleon nodded slightly and sat down on a nearby stool.
" What can I do for you, Sir Cleon?" He was so damned formal! Cleon never could manage such etiquette, a disappointment to his mother.
" Yes, I want to ask you of your relationship with Kel."
" My relationship with Keladry? That's rather personal." Again, Cleon felt the familiar surge of jealousy and anger. He had to be polite to this man. The marquess was a dangerous and powerful man, and he most likely had some relations with the king. He had to tread carefully, but not too carefully.
" I must be blunt then, my lord marquess. Are you two lovers?" Dante's eyebrows arched up a good inch.
" Again, I say that is personal. We may or may not be lovers. You take your pick. Let me ask you something and I will also be blunt. Are you and Keladry lovers?"
" If you will not answer my question, then neither will I." Dante shrugged.
" Then so be it. Is there anything else? Of the relations between me and Keladry? If not, then let me tell you something. As you may or may not know, I was her superior officer before she was promoted. I did not force her to do anything she did not think was right. She is intelligent and indeed, she posseses great beauty. Yes, she could tempt any man. If you wish to know if she and I were lovers, than I sugest that you ask her yourself. If you think I harmed her in any way, then you are wrong." For a second, Dante looked amused. " She would probably beat my into the dirt if I tried to maul her." Dante looked at Cleon again. " I believe you were leaving." It was a dimissal and Cleon knew it. Cleon managed to keep a sneer from his lips and left. Dante sat back on his chair. I wonder what caused the knight to actually question relations between me and Keladry. I wonder if he is Keladry's lover. If he is, than she's got horrible taste in men, Dante thought. Of course, he had to keep Keladry safe from knowing why he was here in the war. The old prophecy, Dante's last thought before he returned back to the map.
Ok, I'm not dissing any Cleon shippers. Its what Dante thinks, not me. The man doesn't like Cleon. That's not my fault. I FINALLY GOT MY COMPUTER FIXED!!!!!!!!!! I'll be updating soon agian and getting back into the flow. Is this also a cliffy? How was the fic anyway? I know that it isn't my usual writing style, but I haven't written in two months and I'm a little off.