Paths of Rain

Chapter 2

It was the day of the race yet I hadn't collected the courage to go speak with Shevraeth. I was a coward. I had run cross-country from a furious king who wished to behead me but I didn't have the nerve to talk with a man who didn't wish to be my enemy.

I had woken early in anticipation of the race. I hoped that I would manage to complete the race with some semblance of dignity. But with my luck, I would make an utter fool of myself in front of everyone. And everyone included Shevraeth.

Mora appeared before me and I had no time to contemplate my impending humiliation. I dressed quickly into my afternoon gown, planning to take a walk around the gardens of Athanarel. Thus could collect my wits before the race. I was just about to walk out of my room when my eyes fell upon the glittering sapphire ring which lay on the small table next to my bed.

Almost immediately, shame rushed through me. I had not thought of my Unknown ever since I went out riding and made my inner promise to speak with Shevraeth. That ride had occurred only the day after I received his beautiful white rose... I felt dreadful at having forgotten him. Despite all his kindness I had just went along with my business, thinking about stupid Shevraeth and what I was going to say to him. It was despicable.

With my spirits lessened, I trudged out of my room and down the long, sconce-lit hallway. Portraits were scattered over the walls; beautiful paintings of past Kings and Queens of Remalna. Also, there were the ancestors of the well-known families; such as the Renselaeus' and the Merindars. As I walked, I gazed up into the faces of the paintings, and wondered about their opinions, their problems, their lives. The stone-like, motionless faces stared back at me, as though they were watching me, judging me.

I stopped abruptly when I came upon a face with eyes just as blue as mine and hair the same shade as my own. My dark red brows furrowed together above my eyes as I examined the old painting carefully. I observed the pale skinned face, the contrasting hair and eyes, the fine silk gown, and the sparkling jewels about her neck.

"My mother..." I murmured, lost in thoughts of confusion, shock, hope, and joy.

My eyes drifted slowly down the portrait, and read the name which had been printed neatly yet elegantly at the bottom. The first time I saw the name, I do not believe that I understood what it actually said. But once I read it again, the ideas clicked together in my mind like the pieces of a puzzle.

An ancestor. One of the Calahanras'...

A smile lit my face, and I felt strong emotions tugging at my heart. I believe I stood there, silently, gazing at the lovely painting for quite a long time. When I finally remembered where I was, I glanced around, trying to see if anyone had noticed me. Relief washed over me like cool water after an invigorating run, as I found myself alone.

I took a deep breath, and hesitantly pulled by eyes from the painting. I finally convinced my legs to move, and I headed slowly down the vacant hallway. I observed the other paintings as I passed them, but my mind remained upon the one of my ancestor. It was foolishness, I knew. Just a painting... Nothing special...

I was just about to turn the corner, and exit the long hallway, when my eyes ventured across an elderly pale haired lady, dressed in the finest clothes and decked in the most beautiful jewelry. But those were not the first things I noticed. My eyes had latched upon her hands, which were folded delicately in her lap.

I noted the sparkle which shown on her left hand. The painter had skillfully and masterfully captured the reflection of the light and the deep color. It was a ring with a lovely, sparkling blue stone embedded in the gold band.

Before my thoughts could fully analyze this discovery, a deep and reverberating voice called out to me,

"Enjoying the portrait gallery, my lady?"

My head shot around, and I found myself staring at the man who haunted me, day and night. Shevraeth. His lithe body was leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed over his chest. My dark blue eyes locked with his gray ones, which shined with an almost indistinguishable warmth. Very odd...

"Indeed I am," I replied, my eyes narrowing with the frustration of being distracted right before a seemingly important discovery.

The corners of his mouth seemed to deepen with restrained humor at my apparent irritation. He remained silent for a moment, before speaking once again in a light tone.

"Very good. I have always found it to be a relaxing place." He paused for a moment, before speaking on a different note. "Prepared for the race this afternoon?"

My mood lightened somewhat and I replied jokingly, "Prepared to win!" I smiled at the man before me, an unusual act, considering our relationship.

He returned my grin, and spoke in light tones, "Rather sure of yourself aren't you?"

I shrugged, "Willing to bet on it?" Immediately after the words passed my lips, my thoughts connected with what I had said. I recalled the stake still uncollected and a blush spread across my face. After a few uncomfortable moments, I forced myself to raise my eyes towards him.

For the first time since I met Shevraeth, I was thankful to see his blank court mask. My embarrassment lifted somewhat and the red hue which had tinted my cheeks dispersed. I was equally thankful when he spoke,

"Well, m'lady, I believe it is time for our paths to part. You must prepare for your coming winnings this afternoon."

He then caught up my hand with his own slightly calloused one and brought it lightly to his lips. My breath caught slightly as his lips brushed my knuckles, but my hand was back at my side just as quickly as it had left. He bowed politely, and I belatedly remembered to curtsey.

My eyes followed his tall and slender form as it turned the corner towards the Royal Wing. When he was out of site, I took a deep breath and then released it slowly, collecting my wits. I then heard the bell tolling for time change. Ah...almost time for lunch. Wouldn't want to be famished for the race ahead.

-

My heartbeat seemed to pulse throughout all my limbs, from my fingers to my toes. My fingers where curled tightly around the reins of my horse, the tough leather pressing into my sweaty palms. I was seating atop the same borrowed mare which I had been riding the night of my decision, those many nights prior. I had the same reaction right before every race, and it drove me insane. Damn nerves! I must look a fool, quivering in the saddle like this!

I glanced to the left, noting the dapple gray who was pawing the ground anxiously. My eyes rose to the rider, dressed in a dark blue tunic and worn trousers. Both garments showed off his slender yet muscular figure. I pulled my eyes to his face, and a slight smile can to my face. For once Shevraeth's face was not masked in blandness but instead reflected his emotions to some degree. His eyes glittered with excitement and a tiny smile graced his lips. Despite this he still gave off the impression of being calm and collected. And that, of course, frustrated me.

Embarrassment then flooded my face when I realized I had been staring freely at him. I hastily pulled my eyes from my competitor and looked over the crowd along the sidelines. I found Nee standing next to my brother and she gave me an encouraging smile. This gesture succeeded in its purpose and my nerves lessened somewhat.

My attention was then grasped by an unknown fellow stepped forth and began to announce the beginning of the race in a booming voice. Before I knew it a loud and echoing bang was heard - we were off! The only sound I was aware of was the thundering of horse's hooves pounding against the compacted dirt track. It was not a long race, but to me it always seemed to go in slow motion. I was never particularly proficient in horse racing, but this day it seemed Luck was on my side.

A quick glance to both sides showed me that the only person in contention with me was Shevraeth. I gave him a grin, which he managed to catch, and I urged my horse forward. I leaned down in the saddle, attempting to make myself as aerodynamic as possible. Thoughts of everything else around me dissipated as my eyes latched upon the flags which marked the finish line.

I cannot truly remember what happened between that moment and the end of the race, but all of a sudden the only thing I could hear was cheering from the crowd and the neighing of horses. I had barely just gotten off my horse before I was surrounded by a crowd of friends. Thanks came from all around me and for a moment it felt as though the world spun around me.

I had won!

I am very sorry for the wait. Just when I completed the race scene, I clicked save and Word decided to have an error. As a result, I lost the entire scene (500 words or so) and I was exceedingly bummed out for a while. I eventually managed to rewrite it though - mostly during study hall at school. I promise to be a compulsive saver from now on!

Also, many thanks go out to all my reviewers! Your comments definitely encouraged me to write more and update as soon as possible. Yeah, I know you're thinking, "Well, took ya long enough, didn't it?" and I won't blame you for it. But I must, say it better to wait a little longer and get something better, right?

Please review with suggestions, comments, critiques, etc. I love hearing your comments!

Thank you.

01.25.05 - Felsong, thanks very much for mentioning the fact of guns! It's all fixed up. Also thanks for the heads up about ShannonLynn's story. It's a fic that I very much love and admire, and if you hadn't said anything I may have accidentally taken it too much along the same lines. So, thank you!