Disclaimer: JER/NBC own characters

LuvinEvian and Courtaney--what would I do without you ladies? I have no clue, but this fic shines because of your help and guidance! Thank you! --EF

"Eve, you said you remember something. What is it?" Julian asked.

"The flowers. I remember flowers and--and you..." Eve's voice drifted. Could that have been real? This giant--was that Julian? It looked like Julian, but... Her gaze met that of her husband's. How could this be? Her eyes fluttered closed as the memory replayed.

"The cave is amazingly cool during the late summer months," the deep voice said from behind her.

Eve did not bother to turn around. She shrugged. "I am glad it is comfortable for you."

"Comfortable for both of us, my dear."

"I am glad it is comfortable," Eve remarked.

"You will not look at me?"

"You can make me stay here, but you cannot direct my attention."

The earth moved beneath her. A shadow darkened her surroundings. "You are correct, Eve, and here you will stay. In time, you will return my attention." A large finger brushed against her cheek. "We have our entire lives, so there is no rush. Your defiance is amusing, my little captive, but it will serve you no good. You are mine, and you will be mine forever."

He reached into his shirt pocket and produced a bounty of mixed flowers. "I picked these for you. Perhaps they will brighten your disposition."

I"Eve?"/I

Eve's eyes shot open as Julian's questioning tone jostled her from her thoughts. It couldn't be, she thought to herself. Julian is right here in front of me, and he is not a giant. I must be imagining this.

"Eve, are you certain you are all right?" Julian asked, taking Helene, who had finished nursing, into his arms and burping her.

"Yes, yes, I am fine." Eve shook her head as if to clear away the worrisome ponderings. She focused on Julian, her eyes searching his face. "It is just that..."

"What is it, my love?"

"You say we first met at a masque?"

Grace responded before Julian. "Yes, you first met at the masque. Julian invited the whole village. He even had costumes made for not only you, but Samuel and myself too."

"You had costumes made for us? Why?" Eve stared at him.

Taken aback, Julian tried to think of a response. "I...I wanted to help out the village militia chief. Samuel and the militia have always done a superb job at keeping Raven Hill safe." Julian hated how the lies fell so easily off of his tongue, but the thought of telling his fragile wife of his former gigantic stature would not do. He met her eyes briefly, before looking back down at the baby.

"I see," Eve said, observing Julian's expression. Somehow, she did not think he was being completely forthright.

"Julian, that was a wonderful present you gave us. Samuel and I will always appreciate it." Grace smiled. "Eve looked so lovely as an angel."

"Yes, she did. I daresay it is growing late, and Helene should really be bathed and tucked in for the night, especially after that long ride," Julian said, attempting to change the subject.

Eve's gaze turned to her sleepy daughter. "It is rather late. Grace, will you please help me?"

Grace looked at Julian, who shook his head slightly.

"I think it would be better if Julian helped you. I think I am going to retire, it is well after the midnight hour," Grace answered. She kissed both Eve's cheek and Julian's and then left the room.

Julian and Eve looked at one another, each with their own thoughts--Julian, of his shame at lying to the woman he loved, and Eve, wondering what her husband was keeping from her.

center/center

Eve endured a fitful sleep. Her mind would not settle. That flash of memory from earlier in the evening haunted her. What did it mean? She tossed and turned in her bed. It seemed so real. Her heart raced as more memories flooded her mind.

"Please, please be asleep. I need to get out of here. I cannot stay here like a caged bird."

Slipping down the side of the bed, she made a mad dash to the opening of the cave. She put on a renewed burst of speed, spurred by her captor behind her. She raced around the cavernous dwelling as her giant captor chased after her.

"You will not escape me, Eve. Stop at once!"

"No, I will not stay here. You cannot make me!"

His large foot rose over her head and landed before her. "You may be smaller and faster, but I have longer strides. You cannot escape me. Why do you even try?" She scrambled under his bed, away from his grasping hand.

"Eve, come out from under the bed!

"I won't! You cannot make me!"

"Do not challenge me, little one. I can do whatever I please, and it will please me to retrieve you!"

"Do what you will, but I will not be moved!" Eve hissed.

"We will see about that, my little beauty." Eve felt his fingers wrap around her body. She screamed.

"Unhand me, you beast!"

"Beast I may be, but I will not release you. I will NEVER release you!"

Eve struggled in his grip. "I will not be kept here at your pleasure; I demand to be set free!"

"And I demand an end to my solitude. One of us will not get what we want. It will not be me."

Eve sat up with a start. Sweat trailed down her face, her heart pounding wildly. Why had she dreamed of the giant again? Julian was not a giant; he was her husband. Why had she dreamed of him as such?

Asking herself these questions would afford her no answers. "Julian can explain why this is happening," she realized. "There is something he is not saying, and perhaps this is it!" Eve threw the covers off her body. "He will give me answers," she declared, storming to Julian's sleeping quarters.

center/center

Loud raps on his door woke Julian from his dreams of Eve. He hastened over and smiled to see her on the other side of the thick wooden structure. "Eve, this is a surprise."

She pushed past him, her arms folded in defiance. "What are you not telling me?"

Julian studied her. Frustration and confusion swirled in her eyes. Did she remember something more? "What are you asking of me?"

"Answers!" She closed her eyes for several moments. Julian feared what she would say next. Her gaze met his. "Our first meeting was not at your masque, was it?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Why do you sidestep me?"

"I'm not..."

"You are!" she fired back. I'm recalling things--I think." She paused for a moment. "If you love me the way you say you do, you will be honest with me. What am I remembering? Is it you?"

Julian looked at his wife, his heart aching at the torment in her gaze.

"I do not want to give you any reason to doubt our love, Eve. Tomorrow, I will show you everything."

"What is there to show me, Julian? Why can you not just tell me?"

"Tomorrow, Eve." He caressed her cheek. "Tomorrow."

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