And continuing on...

Chapter 2

Outside of the city walls, the Eversong Forest laid lush and vibrant, teaming with a spirit that was felt beyond the magically enhanced environment that kept it forever in its autumnal splendor. Perhaps it was the way the sun winked through the leaves on the brightly coloured trees or how the splash of the waterfall nearby spilled onto the glossy stones below that seemed to captivate her. Whatever it was, she tried to escape to it as often as possible, happy to leave the city behind and to loose herself within the wooded beauty of her homeland.

Sitting on the bank of the small stream that captured the turbulent water of the falls, Isolde waited. Birdsong filled the air, followed by the piercing shrieks of mating Dragon Hawks in the distance. It was peaceful here, one of her favourite places to come to when she could get away.

"Copper for your thoughts, my Lady?"

The voice came from behind her, yet she was not surprised nor afraid. She had known he would find her - he always did.

She moved her head slightly, her eyes closing as a pleased smile lifted her lips. "Are my musings worth so little?"

Strong arms folded around her as a large male body pressed up against her from behind as he sat down, pulling her close. A whisper of a touch along the side of her neck and the drag of soft lips along the slender curve of her elven ears made her shiver.

"You know they are priceless to me, but being the pauper that I am, I find that I only have a few coins to offer in return. Unworthy though I may be, I would give even that and more just to know what goes on in that beautiful head of yours."

Opening her eyes, Isolde turned into the embrace of the arms that held her close, savoring the woodsy scent of him, the subtle undertones of leather and sandalwood filling her nostrils as she inhaled deeply.

Frowning, she meet his mischievous cerulean eyes and chastised, "Anshul, do not speak of yourself that way. You are worth more than any pompous noble and I dare say, the Prince himself! You know that I would run away with you, just say the word-"

Placing his forefinger against her lips, Anshul smiled gently as he cut her rant short. Isolde studied him, letting out an aggrieved huff as his face softened, his eyes shining with emotion for her.

"My love, I will not steal you away like a thief in the night," Anshul shook his head, his expression solemn as he tried to catch her gaze again when she glanced away, trying to make her understand. "My honor would not allow it. I mean to do right by you, please allow me to do so. I cherish you too much to do otherwise."

Her chest squeezing tight, Isolde tried to hold back the sheen of tears that glazed her eyes but failed, her pain spilling down her freckled cheeks in a sorrowful flow.

"My mother means for me to make my debut at the Prince's Birthday Ball. She is hoping that I will catch his interest and..." Her throat worked as it became difficult to talk. "And-I-," again she stopped, meeting Anshul's eyes. A deep breath. "Time is running out."

Pulling her closer, Anshul held her fiercely as she settled within the cradle of his body, burying her face against his neck as she wept. He stroked his hand in a gentle trail down her back, doing his best to keep his own composure as she broke herself upon his shore, the tidal wave of her despair strong enough to bring the bitter sting of hopelessness to his own eyes.

"Isolde, we will find a way. Please, don't loose heart."

Tightly curling her fingers in his tunic, she stared up at him, his words sparking within her like flint, igniting her with hope.

"Anshul..."

He stared at her lips, his regard intense, filled with longing. She watched him, her eyes closing in surrender when his hand came up to cup her cheek, his face moving closer.

"Isolde..."

His mouth met hers and the rest of the world melted away.

I was originally just writing this story for a group of friends and as a result, I used the Narcissus app in the game to take pics to give a deeper dynamic to the story telling. I decided that I will post some of those pics on Imgur and will post the link on my profile page for those of you who would like to see the characters in action. Makes it a bit more fun. See you in the next chapter...