Ch. 6 Na litreacha - Return

Elf Age: 28 Human age: 3,400

"Nuala." She heard him whisper into her ear. She opened her eyes seeing only darkness but in the black she felt his arms wrap around her waist. He held her from behind, his chest was so warm, she could feel his heart race as his lips pressed against her neck. His hands were rough and course sliding up her arms to her shoulders, but his actions were gentle as he tugged at the fabric of her thin nightgown off of her exposing the flesh on her back.

"Nuada." She moaned not stopping him as he pressed her down onto all fours. She felt him press against her maidenhood as he gripped her hips calling her name again.

"Nuala."

"Nuala."

"Nuala!"

"Nuala, Wake up!" Elas shouted, shaking Nuala as hard as she could. Nuala's eyes shot open, a warm sweat was dripping from her brow, her dream had left her breathless. "Come on you're going to be late again." Realizing how far the sun was up already Nuala threw back her sheets in a panic.

"That dream." Nuala thought as she got dressed for the day. "Again? Aiden. Please make the dreams stop." Both girls were now racing out the door, headed to the forest cathedral. "Don't let Nuada see these visions."

" What is going on with you?" Elas asked as they made their way down the stone laden path through the forest. "You have been sleeping in more and more lately."

"I don't know." Nuala replied.

"Perhaps you should speak with Lady Lythienne." Elas suggested.

"Perhaps your right."

After the tournament, Nuala lost many nights of sleep tossing and turning and till one night as she lied beneath the canopy of her bed praying to see her brother, just to know that he was safe. What she saw made her feel as if something was missing from her life and she questioned many of the choices she had made, wondering if THIS is where she truly belonged, if THIS is what she was meant to do when knowing there was another world outside her walls. Living at the temple, she lived a secluded life serving the gods and living a humble way to spread Aidens nature of peace and prosperity throughout the land. As she watch many creatures, even humans, those who did not believe the work of their leader Maelan was best suited for their personal interest thank the temple in all they did. Some even came and worshipped with Nuala at the temple, she made many friends and a lifetime of sweet memories with them but a lifetime for the humans was only a blink of an eye in Nualas world. She buried many of those friends and their children, and their children's children. It never became easier for her as she said goodbye to each one. Though hard Nuala came to the conclusion that she was where she was meant to be, that is, until the next night where she dreamt of her brother, holding her in such a sensual way she awoke flustered and hungry for more. From then on each night she would say her prayers, determined that the night before would be the last time, and awake guilty, her gown and sheets wet. The girls arrived just in time for prayers before their breakfast, their tardiness did not go unnoticed.

Nuala had her spoon of porridge inches away from her when Lady Lythienne called. "Nuala. Will you come with me." She nodded setting her meal aside and following the high priestess, she couldn't help but feel nervous as she was escorted out into the hall. "Be calm child." Lady Lythienne said seeing Nuala's discomfort. " I've noticed, your lack of attention lately and have felt the energy of your spirit running wild. Are you alright?" Nuala sighed with regret. "I'm so sorry my lady, but I don't know. I pray and pray each night to Aiden, but by morning . . ." Nuala trailed off. "Pray for what my dear?" Lady Lythienne continued listening, "The dreams." Nuala whispered.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, my lady." Nuala said focusing her attention back to Lythienne who looked at her unconvinced. "Well, I do think it is best you get some rest, in fact another reason why I called you is that your father has sent a messenger, asking for you to return home."

"Oh?." It wasn't uncommon for Nualas father to make such request, but yet as the years passed he called upon her less and less. "Yes, well we have been told your duties as a princess are needed."

"As a princess?"

A day and a half on horse back and not a minute in the castle when,"Nuala! Thank goodness you have come home. I have a surprise for you." Balor called to her welcoming her back home from the temple.

"Oh?" she smiled to her father "What is it?" Nuala noticed that the servants were running back and forth and that there were more guest than usual.

"Get dressed and meet me in the throne room." Balor smiled and without another word left her puzzled. Nuala made her way to her room and before she could open the door her maids, Edeneth, Maelel and Gwaeneth, bursted out and dragged her inside. There they stripped her down and bathed her from head to toe. They scrubbed sweet lavender oil into her hair, and Nuala found the scent enticing every muscle in her body began to melt into the hot tub as she inhaled the floral herb but just as she got comfortable the maids yanked her out of the tub, dried her off and helped her get dressed.

"Which one should she wear? Maelel asked as she skimmed through the princess wardrobe with Gwaeneth. "I like this red one." Gwaeneth said pulling out a lovely silk robe with white flowers and beads adorning it.

"Child, that is far too extravagant. How about this violet one?" Maelel said bringing out an exquisite gown from the traders of the Mediterranean. It was held at the shoulders, and draped free over the body, flowing about as one walked.

"Too extravagant? What could be a more special occasion? And the color truly brings out her beauty." Gwaeneth said admiring Nuala as she placed the dress up to Nualas chest, the color brought out the silver in her hair, pinked her lips, and gave a warm glow to her cheeks.

"No no no! Save it for the ball!"Maelel said, her eyes then suddenly widened realizing what she just said and slapped a hand over her mouth.

"The ball?" Nuala asked,

"Shh don't ruin the surprise for her!" Edeneth snapped at Maelel.

It had been sometime since she and her father held such a grand event, not since Nuada was still here. Nuala went on as if she hadn't heard her maids and skimmed the closet herself from her seat when she saw, " How about that one." Nuala pointed from her seat as Edeneth continued to dry her hair. The maids eyes were directed to a deep blue colored gown the same color as a tanzanite stone, the sleeves were long to help keep the wearer warm in the cold winter but light and breathable for the hot summers, no patterns were traced on it making it modest and simple.

"The colors pretty but isn't it a bit boring? Gwaeneth said pulling out the gown to examine it.

"I remember when you made this one." Maelel said peering over Gwaeneth shoulder "Wouldn't you prefer to wear one of your newer gowns?" she turned to ask Nuala.

"Well when I was little Nuada once told me how beautiful I looked in blue." Nuala lightly blushed. "So I was thinking of him when I made that dress. It is special to me."

"Well I think it is a lovely choice, my dear. Perhaps we can tie a sash or belt to help bring out those eyes of yours." Edeneth said as she finished drying Nualas hair. "And your brother wouldn't lie. You will look absolutely lovely for our guest."

"Who is coming?" Nuala asked

All the maids gave each other a sly look, "Unfortunately princess, we are not permitted to say." Edeneth smiled, she kissed Nualas brow and continued on. "Now lets get you dressed. Maelel, Gwaeneth where is her highnesses gold emblem belt?"

Nuala met with her father in the throne room, "My dear come." Balor said smiling. In front of the many guest Nuala curtsied and kissed her fathers hand standing now next to him she watched and listened. All eyes seemed to be on her whispering, words that were unfamiliar to her. Nuala became a bit confused and uncomfortable but her father just continued on smiling. "Father? What is going on?"

"Oh you'll see." Balor smiled in his seat. Nuala looked around the room seeing ribbons and garlands hung from every corner and a lovely smell coming from down the hall in the kitchen. "Well, I can't wait for the ball." She smiled. Balor looked at her with absolute shock. "Who told you?" "Father really?" Nuala was surprised that her father could even ask such a question. "Look around the hall, our guests fine robes, come now, how could I not figure it out." Nuala smiled covering for her maids accidental slip up. "Well I guess I should have done better as to not make it so clear." Balor said, Nuala could detect a hint of disappointment. "It was a wonderful surprise father."

"Oh," Balor smiled again realizing she had not figured it out. "That's not the surprise."

"What?" Nuala asked not understanding when a horn trumpet sounded, telling all in attendance the guest has arrived. "Presenting, His Royal Highness Nuada Silverlance!" A servant called and Nualas heart stopped in her chest. " Prince of Bethmore, First born, Son and heir of King Balor, Knight of Fearann Caillte! " The great oak doors of the throne room swung open and there stood a stranger in black. "Where is my brother?" she thought "Where is the boy I once knew?" A warrior prince entered the throne room and all bowed. "No. This man couldn't possibly be Nuada." She could see that his scars were like her own, his hair was silver as her own with tips of gold as well as the same eyes as hers. Thinking back she remembered Nuada, though hard working and always training, to be much scrawnier, a foul temper and for some time cold spirited. This couldn't possibly be him. This person, who now approached her and her father, this man was tall, and muscular with such defined handsome features. Nuala wonder how she did not notice before. But it was not just his feature that had changed but something deeper in his stature, she saw the king he was meant to be. In awe struck she couldn't help but curtsey along with every lady within the room.

"My son." Balor stood to welcome him as his equal.

Nuala heard her brothers footsteps coming closer but she didn't dare look at him, "He has changed so much. Have I?" she thought herself to be the same childish girl, Nuada's time apart had clearly brought out the best in him, while her own time felt as if it had been wasted. Her eyes remained focused to the floor as she heard her brother stop just a few feet away. " Ive missed him so much, can things be as they were?"

"Sister, you do not have to bow to me." His voice was soft and gentle, Nuala almost didn't recognize it but oh how wonderful it was to hear again. Slowly, Nuala stood yet still unable to raise her face to him. "Nuala, please." Her eyes jumped to his at the sound of her name. His eyes locked onto hers and the wait of more than a thousand years suddenly became a distant memory, unable to stop herself she rushed from her fathers side, Nuadas arms wide open. Embracing her he twirled her about, both laughing. It was a beautiful sight to the king. "Come my son, tonight we shall celebrate your return." And so quickly were they together, were the twins apart once again if only for a few more hours, to be changed for a night of music and laughter.

That night the crowd filled the golden hall, with music, meats and wine. And there she saw him. He was so handsome his white tunic aligned with crimson embroidery the shape of leaves matching her own garnet colored dress, his eyes met hers and a smile graced his lips. Hers pulse quickened as his worn boot took that first step towards her. But too soon was the prince surrounded by many other young maidens wishing for him to ask for a dance. Nuala giggled as she saw his discomfort.

Nuala was happy to see that Nuada comrades survived, a few scrapes, missing teeth and one eye, but the men smiled each offering to take Nuadas place for a dance.

"Darragh!" Nuala called waving to her brothers Master. "It is so good to see you." She smiled.

"Your highness." Darragh bowed, Nuala ignored this and gave him a much-deserved hug. Darragh was shocked but she felt him smile hugging her back. "I'm glad you survived the training." Nuala said pulling away. "Thank you for taking care of my brother."

"It was nothing, he was quick to hold his own as you probably know."

"I wish I could have been there to see it." Darragh gave her a look of dismay.

"Fearin Cailin, is a dangerous place my lady. If you seek adventure might I recommend going somewhere else." There was a moment of silence "But let us not talk of such a place on a night as fine as this, if I may, your highness." Darragh bowed slightly holding out his hand offering a dance with her. " Darragh." Nuala giggled "I didn't know you could dance." Nuala smiled accepting. " Training is similar to a dance, and besides you never asked." He smiled. "I might have learned if you had not waited till now to ask me." They both laughed as they twirled here and there on the dance floor. Nuala had a wonderful time surprised that Darragh knew each step to every song. They found there way out onto the balcony greeted by the stars. They stopped to admire the night sky and all was quiet for them. Darragh was quick to let go, but not for the reason Nuala may have thought, his ears turning red.

"You-you've grown up." Darragh said hiding his embarrassment from Nuala. She didn't hear.

"May I cut in?" They turned around to see Nuada offering his hand for Nuala. Darragh bowed saying goodnight to both the prince and princess. "Goodnight Darragh." Nuala said as he turned away. " Are you tired already?" Nuada asked joining her in the cool night air she smiled and return her attention viewing the stars mesmerized by the distant lights. "Its been so long since I have been to a party such as this." He joined her. They listened as the sound of the cicadas grew over the sound of strings and flutes from the party. The summer night was warm and the wind blew sending the sweet scent of cool grass and wildflowers across the balcony.

"I brought you something." Nuada said turning to her.

"For me?"

"Yes." Nuada smiled "From Fearin Cailin." He reached into his tunic and pulled out a folded piece of fabric. Handing it to her Nuala opened it to find what looked like a string of wheat.

"What is it?"

" Feur Milis. It reminded me of you. I thought you may either keep it dried or plant it." Nuala looked confused as she held the small plant. "I remind you . . . of dead grass?" Nuada laughed.

"Smell it." Nuala placed it in front of her nose and inhaled the sweetest scent. Her eyes widened, it was almost like spice. "Unassuming until you get close and learn from it. Realizing its not like the rest." Nuala held the plant looking at it with awe. "Nuala, would you like to spend the day with me tomorrow?" she could hear that he was nervous, but smiled at her brother tucking the plant into her garment for safe keeping.

"Of course."

"Good. Now, shall we dance?"

Nuala awoke the next day eager to meet her brother, she dressed herself in a very simple ivory gown, the dress was long but the sleeves were short it was elegant and tasteful. A perfect summer gown as the weather promised sunshine, blue skies, and a warm breeze. Finishing tying the bodice, she spun around as she watched the first layer of lace flowers spin with her, she smiled when she heard a knock at her door. Her brother greeted her with a warm smile and a plate of their favorite pastries. "I thought we could skip the fancy breakfast." He said tempting her with one of the soft buttery fruit biscuits. " I think that sounds like a wonderful idea." She said with a grin stealing one from the plate and taking a large bite.

They spent the morning visiting the gardens. Nuala planted the sweet grass near her crimson flower, plucking one of the small buds and giving it to her brother. They laughed together as they attempted to play a game of hide and seek like they had use too. Nuala could not contain herself as she finished counting to see Nuadas head peeking out from under the daisy flowers. She couldn't believe how small he once was, as a child he could lay himself completely flat on his stomach in the daisy's and it would take her quite some time before he would leap up and surprise her. He turned over onto his back laughing and she laid beside him. The rest of the morning they laid there in the flowers talking as they once had. About Anything and Everything.

As the afternoon passed Nuada snuck them both slices of bread and meat from the kitchen. They strolled through the castle halls, teasing one another. They made their way to the stables, as Nuala wanted to show every change that was made and all the newest additions to their family's harras.

" That one is Aodh, and that one is Lavena." Nuala pointed to each horse introducing them all to Nuada.

" And this mare is mine, Briannon. She's currently pregnant so I haven't been able to spend much time with her."

"And who is this?" Nuada pointed to a stallion who looked very eager to see the two of them.

"He is actually one of yours and the father of Briannon's foal. His name is Taliesin. He's part of Asmirs line. Do you remember the last horse you had?"

"Pwll." Nuada smiled stroking Taliesin. "I hated that I had to leave him behind."

"He did miss you. Every time I visited, I would take him out for a ride." She grabbed a brush and combed the horse deep black hair "Well Pwll is Taliesin's 12th great grandfather."

"He looks just like him." Nuada stepped back admiring the beast. Nearly a spitting image the creature was black with a silver crest that extended to his flank. "He seems excited." Nuada noticed as the horse continued clicking its hooves, an act that reminded him very much of Asmir. "Ever since Briannon conceived I have been taking him on extra rides."

"Looks like he wants to go. Where's his saddle?" Nuada smiled. "Over there," Nuala pointed and watched as her brother saddle up Taliesin who looked even more eager. "But Nuada my horse."

"That's alright." He said leaping up and settling himself in. "You can ride with me."

"But the other horses wont let me ride them and my horse-"

"Nuala. Ride WITH me." he smiled reaching down from his saddle. She smiled understanding what he meant and accepted his hand. They rode out to the fields following the forest edge. Together they watched the sun as it began to set from the steep hill tops. Nuala felt so happy as her brothers arms were wrapped around her, his chin resting on her shoulder, both said nothing. As the stars began to appear they road off but soon Nuada brought his steed to a halt as they came to a familiar sight. The Eas. He helped his sister down as she stared as the pooling water collected both the sunlight and starlight, reflecting them both as a mirror. "Beautiful." She heard him say but turned to find his gaze directed at her. She reddened at his word and was embarrassed, she didn't deserve such praise. "I must confess," Nuada began to say, letting the horse graze as Nuala started down the old warn path through the woods. "the time spent apart I only dreamt of one thing." "Let me guess," Nuala said with a giggle as she twisted herself through the young oaks, their branches barely stretching over their own heads, while twirling about in the tall grass stealing a glance back to her brother to find his gaze following her intently. She turned away blushing. "The training grounds? No, wait the falconry." Nuala remembered how often she would find her brother there training the birds, preparing them for a new hunt. She began to giggle uncontrollably at a fond memory. "Do you remember your first bird? Oh what was his name?"

"Borrum." Nuada smiled.

"After the god of winds. Oh yes the day he hatched you prayed to the very god he was named after, that the winds would carry him to the tallest peak, only to find on his first flight that the poor creature, he was too frightened to leave your arm."

Both were unable to control their laughter of the fond memory.

"He held on so tight even after you tried shaking him off." Nuala said through fits of laughter

"We had scars on our arms from his talons for nearly a month."

"Yes." She smiled " He lived a happy life." She looked up at the sky imagining Borrum hovering over her as he did so long ago against the evening sky.

"You say that as if you haven't."

"I am content with my life brother." Caught up to her they both sighed. " Wonderful memories inside those castle walls, but no to the training grounds, and no to the falconry."

"I wouldn't know then." Nuala answered puzzled. Walking side by side now they had both come to the shore of an old loch, a small stream from the Eas fed into the cool water that brushed against the bronze sand, the gentle sound of the waves put their minds at ease and in the far distance they could see the castle. Nuada caught her hand in his, and held it tightly as if to never let go. "It was you. It was always you." He whispered gently to her. Both felt their hearts stop at his confession, but Nuada went on. " I don't think this is sudden of me, and that for sometime you have known my feelings." Nualas breath quicken and she didn't dare look at him. "but you too have also felt this way." The joyous reunion these happy moments had come to an end and that strange feeling, that twinge of guilt returned and that soft hand that held hers began to burn her skin. "Nuada. No –" she tried to escape his grasp, but he begged "Nuala please, listen to me!" He said gripping onto her shoulders to face him desperate not to let go. She had closed her eyes squeezing them tight praying that when she opened them, it would all be over, "Nuada don't. I know what youre going to say and I beg you please." She felt as if they were both groveling trying to get through to the other.

"Do you? Then you know that I have always loved you. There has never been a time when – I didn't hope –" Nuala tried to pull herself away, but Nuada only held her more tightly against his chest. "I know you feel it, as well. No matter what, we are tied to each other." Nuala tried not to listen, but the more he confessed she felt that guilt consume her. "Please tell me." He whispered "You said you already know, I couldn't lie if I wanted too." She told him.,"I know the pain you feel. When we were young that was the same pain I felt I asked myself every time I looked at you, 'why her?' And I prayed for this feeling to go away, for a solution to all of this and Aiden himself soon answered." He gently lifted her chin to face him, her eyes slowly opened to see his own filled with love for her staring back, the guilt evaporated. "It can only be you." Her heart melted at his words. Tears then began to pour down her face and before she could stop herself she answered through her tears "Yes." She cried "I do love you." Swept up in the moment Nuada pulled her in for a rough yet tender kiss.

They wrapped their arms around each other forgetting everything, and all in the world. He laid her down beneath the old oak, the tall grass acted as a veil as they both continued exploring their bodies. "Let me give you some happiness." Nuada whispered as he laid her down onto the cool grass and began to work on the strings of her gown stopping for a brief moment to neck her. Pulling back the layer of fabric and with it he removed his tunic exposing the pale skin of his chest. She stared in awe at his beauty when he looked at her so intensely, his eyes then fixated on her corset as he untied the second and final layer. She was nervous to have him see her so exposed attempting to cover her bare breast and chastity but Nuada pinned her arms above her head allowing him to explore every part of her. "You are so beautiful." He told her before leaning down and rough teasing her breast. Nuala wasn't sure if she should stop her brother, but the painful heat from her dreams returned and her body was now begging for release. "Just like my dreams." He smiled. Nuala's eyes widened, "You too?" "Yes." He replied. Nuala couldn't believe it. Her time at the temple she spent learning of her powers and connections with her brother not releasing how strong it truly was, she thought maybe she could control it only to see it was in vein. She covered her face in shame. "Im so embarrassed." "Don't be." Removing her hands to look at her. Her eyes were filled with tears he leaned down kissing her and her tears away. She felt him spread her legs open, his hands tugging at his trouser, something hard then pressed against her. Kissing him again Nuala wasn't expecting the pain she felt when Nuada entered her. It stung greatly, she pulled her lips away crying out in pain her eyes squeezed shut clinging to him, holding on for dear life. "Nuala." He moaned, he didn't move but she could feel his eyes watching her, eager to start. "Breath." He whispered as he brushed away her silver locks. Nuala tried but each breath felt like a dagger on her maidenhood. Nuada reached down in between them and to her shock began to caress her attempting to soothe the pain. At first nothing, and she almost asked him to stop, but as he kept going a yawn of pleasure one she felt only in her dreams began to blossom. She slowly opened her eyes. "Nuala?" he asked the silent question, she nodded. Nuada took that first thrust and a wave of pleasure filled her. It was stronger than anything she ever felt, when he pulled out and thrusted in again it was even greater and she couldn't help but cry out. Though it was the first time both knew what to do. With each thrust they both lost themselves more. Nuala grabbed desperately at the grass on either side of her she began to ride his hand, lifting her hips into each thrust. Nuada stopped caressing taking her arms and guiding them to wrap around his neck before grabbing her hips and continue to thrust into her. "Nuada" She panted into his ear. "You have to stop." She begged, crying out as he thrusted once again into her, nibbling and biting at her neck and ears. "I feel strange." She groaned. "It's alright." He whispered back, both grunted as he thrusted again. "Just let go." With each thrust Nuala fell more and more her cries growing louder until Nuada thrusted one final time sending both over the edge of bliss, both crying out as they wrapped themselves around each other riding out the pleasure. Eyes heavy, breath ragged Nuala collapsed underneath him falling into a deep sleep, but not before she felt both the cool evening breeze and Nuada's warm hand brush through her hair.

Nuala awoke with a content sigh stretching her legs out in a satisfied comfort, she couldn't remember the last time she slept so well. She reached out feeling her soft down pillows and sheets keeping her warm thinking to last nights events and what she remembered. She awoke with a sudden shock sitting up in her bed. She was back in her room the sun had rose and the birds were singing. "Morning?" It took her a moment to recognize her surroundings. "Nuada. Was that all a dream?" she asked herself blushing. "It felt so real. It couldn't have been." She heard familiar voices echo off the wall not far off. Quickly she rushed out of bed and out her door, racing down the corridor, not caring that she was still in her nightgown. She traveled down the stairs and hall and into the dining hall. There Nuada sat at the head of the table a servant accompanied him discussing dignitary duties.

"Nuada?"

"Good morning sister." Nuada smiled from his seat.

"Your highness this needs your attention." The servant said passing him a letter.

"Where is father?" Nuala asked.

"Im afraid father was called for several privy council meetings, it will be just us today." Nuada said not looking up from his letter. "Please have a seat."

Nuala was still confused as a servant pulled out a seat for her. "That will be all. Take these to my father." Nuada said handing him several scrolls and dismissing the man. It was silent for a moment and a servant brought Nuala a plate of fresh cooked meats and fruit.

"What happened last night." She finally asked.

Nuada looked up from his plates confused. "What do you mean? We went for a horseback ride, sat by the lake to watch the sun set, and you passed out. I brought you home and had the servants not to disturb you while you slept." Nuala sat dumbfounded, Nuada finished his breakfast watching her in amusement. "Im sorry Nuala but I must leave you. I have to attend to other duties." Nuala continued to stare into the empty seat that Nuada occupied as he left the hall but not before kissing her on the cheek and whispering "Enjoy your breakfast."

"What?"

She didn't eat a bite and instead stormed out of the hall searching for Nuada. She searched everywhere the gardens, the courtyard, the throne room, his own room even but to no avail until she saw him exiting their father's office. She followed him up the stairs and down and around the southern halls until finally she confronted him.

"Nuada!" She called to him.

"Nuala." He turned and smiled to her "Did you enjoy your breakfast?"

"We need to talk."

"First Nuala maybe you should get dressed, its not right for a princess to roam the halls of her castle dressed in such away." He pointed to her nightgown, held up by wimsy straps.

"Will you stop that!" She said raising her voice and stomping her foot. "Just tell me, what did we do yesterday?"

Nuada looked confused but repeated himself, "It is as I said. We went for a horseback ride, sat by the lake to watch the sun set, and you passed out. I brought you home and had the servants not to disturb you while you slept." Nuala knew last night wasn't a dream and couldn't understand why her brother was acting so.

"What are you doing?" She asked pinning him against the wall as best as she could to keep him from escaping. "What do you mean?" He asked her. The voices of servants could be heard coming closer and in a quick panic, Nuala shoved her brother into an empty guest bedroom and locked the door behind them. "Nuala what's wrong?" Nuada asked when she turned to face him. "This. All of this." She said brushing past him and collapsing on the end of the bed her face into her hands, she had never felt so confused in her life, she feared that she was going mad. " I just dreamt it all." Nuala murmured into her palms she felt so ashamed of herself for ever dreaming such things of her brother, and even worse how it made her feel. For the first time in centuries she felt alive and was nearly grief stricken to know that now she must return to the way things were. She didn't take notice of the sound of Nuada's footsteps growing closer, "No, no you didn't." He knelt beside her placing his hand on her shoulder. Her head snapped up her eyes dead lock with his.

"You mean we. . . "

"Yes." He smiled she sat in silence for a moment.

"Do you . . . regret it?" He asked and she could see he was holding his breath. "No." She smiled as he let out a sigh of relief.

"But why did you lie to me? Was I . . . ?"

"No." Nuada brush the stray strands away from her face. "It was everything I have ever dreamt it would be and more."

"So why did you then?" she asked in earnest, he sat up beside her, holding her hands in his.

"I didn't."

"Yes you did."

"No I didn't." he teased her.

"Yes you did. You said that we went for a horseback ride, sat by the lake to watch the sun set, and I passed out."

"Yes I just didn't tell them that you passed out from laying with me. You and everyone assumed I meant from watching the sun set and it being the late hour." Nuala stared at her brother in disbelief. He smiled and chuckled at the face she made. " What we did Nuala, was everything I ever wanted." He said staring down at her palms as he traced his thumb over her hands, massaging the knuckles "I watched as you slept in the grass. Then and there I wanted to scream my love for you from the top of the castle. . . but we can't at least not yet. For now we have to keep it a secret. From everyone. From father, from the servants, from our friends and the world. They wouldn't understand. But one day when I am king I will change all that and you will be my bride and queen." He told her with a determined look, Nuala couldn't control herself from blushing. "Y-You want to marry me?" she asked her eyes adverting his own gaze, but she couldn't as he turned her to face him, kissing her as his answer. She sighed as he pulled away and both were shocked at what she asked next. "Was I really that good?" Nuada gave her sly smile. "Yes, but do you think you can do better than yesterday?" "Now? Here?" Nuala became flustered and Nuada couldn't help but laugh. "Im sorry Nuala. I only meant to tease you if only for a laugh." Nuala looked confused. "Come" he said getting up, taking her hand into his, " I have to finish some other work but let's go and get you dress and later we can plan a picnic." Nuada proposed before she stopped dead in her tracks yanking him back. "Nuala?" This time it was Nuada who was confused but she didn't give him much time to think when she pushed him back onto the bed. She climb on top of him straddling his hips as she began to tug at his trousers. Realizing what she was trying to do, he reached for her hands. "Nuala you don't have too. We can - " but she wouldn't let him talk, she kissed him vigorously to quiet him, pealing back at his leather brigandine down to his soft blue tunic beneath, she was tired of the dullness in her life, remembering how when they were younger Nuada wanted to give her something more, now she understood, now she was going to take it. She stopped to feel his fluttering heart beneath her palms, "Just like a bird." She thought. This excitement, knowing he felt the same way she knew she couldn't stop.

"Nuala –"

" Please," She whispered to him "Let me lead, so I know this is all real." Her eyes pleaded and he found it difficult to say no to her. He didn't say another word, helping her by unbuttoning his trousers exposing his manhood, it was hard, but soft and warm. She held it for a moment before taking a deep breath, guiding it under her gown between her legs. Both groaned with pleasure as she sat completely atop of him. Their breaths were heavy and for a moment she couldn't remember what to do. Adjusting herself up she tried to get comfortable when an explosion of familiar pleasure returned, she saw how the intense feeling even made Nuada succumb to her as his face suddenly reddened, his head rolled back on the bed, eyes squeezed shut. Her instincts took over and she let herself fall back down on him and slowly rose again, going quicker each time. She rode him hard and fast, he held onto her hips gripping them tightly. Soon the room became hot and their faces drenched with sweat. Clothes became unbearable, Nuada tore off his tunic and Nuala, bouncing so hard, let the straps of her gown fall from her shoulders her breasts spilled out from behind the fabric. Nuada reached up to feel the soft tender flesh, her white skin accented her pink nipples. He wanted more, needed more as he could feel her tightening around him with each bounce. She leaned down to kiss him and found herself on her back as he thrusted into her. They both soon reached a climax, holding back their moans. Nuala could only think as she wrapped her arms around him that all of this was just like in her dreams but this was so much more. This was real.

Writers corner

*blushes*. . . . .Enjoy the now rated version of Memories of Faded Days . . . .meow. . . . . I'm going to try and finish this story sometime along the end of this year but not to worry more chapters to come and im thinking what my next big story will be. If you have any ideas please message me.