Tony is such an idiot. Just saying.
But this is by far, my favorite chapter. So easy to write.
GuestfromFrance - thank you for your comment. You have summed their relationship (in my head) perfectly. They need each other but they just don't want to admit it. I have a a question: are you the same GuestfromFrance who told me that they come everyday to FF to check for updates and that I should not take a very long break.
😃 I'm just trying to connect the dots.
Quos amor verus tenuit, tenebit.
Translation: True love will hold on to those whom it has held.
Tony yawned as they finally reached the port of Loros which was bustling with activity at this early time of the morning. He was very, very sleepy because he had not gone back to sleep after the dream and his nightly confessions to Pepper. He had stayed awake on the deck, watching the sea as the ship moved towards Loros. He grumbled to himself as he climbed down the ship's rope ladder, to check on their luggage.
A two hours ride to the inn. At this ungodly hour. Oggggggg... I just want to sleep. Wait ... where is Pepper?
He asked a crew member who said she was still in the captain's cabin and he yawned again, rubbing his eyes. Two burly portsmen were unloading the ship's cargo onto the docks.
Tony saw that Buttercup and Balthazar were saddled and awake. Their luggage was all there. He had his customary trunk with his suit.
Perhaps some ale will help me wake up...
He saw the sailors whistle low with appreciation at something behind him and he turned to see Pepper looking devastatingly beautiful in a white dress, stroll down the long, sturdy plank between the ship and the dock. Evidently the captain must have realized it would be difficult for a woman to climb down the ladder and had placed a plank.
It was hot, so she was not wearing a cloak. Her reddish gold hair was tied back loosely but the sea breeze seemed to play with it affectionately. She looks like... summer, with the morning sun shining on her and the blue of the sea behind her...
Tony wanted to whistle himself. He was so used to seeing Pepper in her lad disguise, so the sight of her extremely feminine form strolling down the ship, just took his breath away. She stopped on the dock to look back at the ocean, tucking her hair behind her ears.
He kept hearing the whistle, so he turned around to glare at the sailors. "If you do not cut that out right now, my friend, you will be sorry."
The sailor spat out on the deck and rolled up his sleeves. His companion did the same. They both stared menacingly at Tony. "It is free to look, guvnor... what is it to you? She's a fancy piece, she is..."
In a quick moment, Tony pulled out the dagger of Aramiah, shoved it at the man's throat and said tightly, "She is my lady, you fool, not some piece!"
The sailor gulped and his companion backed away with alarm. "Alright, alright, no need to get testy ... we was just looking."
They both walked away rapidly and Tony tucked the dagger back in his cloak.
Ah, so protective. Your lady, eh... when did this happen hmm?
Tony growled, "So Dragon, finally you are awake."
Yes, your display of protectiveness charmed me... mayhaps you stop talking to me and look at YOUR Lady.
He turned to see Pepper trying to step over a large gap in the walkway, which was difficult to do in a dress. He ran to her side and said "Wait, wait... I know what to do."
He picked up a wooden plank and placed it on the gap. As she walked across, he offered her his arm. She looked at him, one eyebrow raised, a look he knew meant Pepper was going to say something snarky to him.
1...2...3 ... cutting remark.
"Lord Stark, how kind of you to come to my aid. But I am perfectly capable of walking by myself, thank you. I have no need of your arm. I am not your companion here, just a colleague. Do keep that in mind."
I knew it. She's trying to annoy me by 'my lording' me but I've caught on, Pepper.
He grinned at her boyishly, pleased with his guess and she nearly smiled back in return but caught herself in time.
"My dear Pepper, your descent from the gangplank seemed to have attracted a lot of attention. You now have a gaggle of sea faring admirers." She looked behind him and widened her eyes comically. Everyone on the dock was staring at her.
She leaned towards Tony and whispered, "Why are they all staring? Have they never seen a woman before?"
Distracted by her intoxicating scent and the warmth of her breath on his face, Tony spaced out for a moment.
When Pepper pinched him lightly on his arm, he whispered back, determined to make her blush. "It is not that they have not seen a woman. It is that they have never seen a woman like you before. They are besotted with admiration."
She flushed deeply and bit her lip. Tony was busy congratulating himself when she said firmly, "Stop giving me compliments please. I know you cannot turn off your charm even when you want to. Now why should I give you my arm?"
He was slightly hurt by her rebuttal but answered evenly. "Because Pepper, i am trying to show you are with me and not fair game."
She looked apprehensive at that and he said, "Come now. Let us go to the inn. Times a wasting."
She finally took his arm and they walked together to the horses. Just as he had predicted, all the sailors stopped staring at Pepper. They reached the horses, Pepper was going to mount Buttercup and Tony stopped nearby, to give her a hand. He yawned again, closing his eyes with the strength of the yawn and then Pepper looked at him with a soft look in her eyes.
"Tony, I know you did not get much sleep last night? Do you really want to ride? We can rent a wagon instead and tie our horses to it. Then you can sleep on the way."
Tony scratched his head sleepily. He had planned for Pepper and him to carry their bags now while riding and he would pay for his trunk to be sent separately by wagon later. He did not need his armor immediately.
I like her idea because I want to sleep. But the cost of renting a wagon... is it worth it? I can ignore the need to sleep...
He opened his mouth to say something but it seemed Pepper had already decided for them. She signaled to a hostler and explained their need to the man patiently.
Their bags were loaded onto the wagon and Buttercup and Balthazar were tied to it. Tony rummaged in his coat for the payment but Pepper quickly pulled out money from her satchel and paid the hostler quickly. He glared at her and she unexpectedly stuck her tongue out at him.
He did not know how to respond to that. His confusion must have shown on his face for she just laughed at him. "Come on, Lord Stark, get on the wagon. I'm driving."
He knew better than to object.
Pepper was enjoying herself. It was a glorious summer day, ideal for a wagon ride. Especially glorious since she was doing the driving. The sun was shining, the birds were singing in the trees and the road stretched clear and open in front of her. The wagon horses were well trained and her gentle handling of the reins meant they were making good time.
The surrounding landscape was extremely picturesque. Unlike the thick shrubbery and trees of Lorinthia, this road was lined with fields of green, lush grass that stretched on for miles. From time to time, there were gentle hillocks and dips in the flat land and occasionally a tall shady tree or two.
Buttercup and Balthazar flanked each side of the wagon. Tony was unusually quiet because he was sleeping, sitting up on the wide seat next to her. She had asked him to sleep behind with the luggage but he had refused. Stubborn idiot, he is going to get a serious catch in his neck, look at the way his head is lolling from side to side.
She tsked at him but he was sleeping deeply. Then there came a bump in the road and as the wagon rolled over it, Tony's head neatly fell on Pepper's shoulder. She did not have the heart to shrug him off. His head was such a comforting warmth on her shoulder. She could hear his faint snoring, like a slow rumble. His hair was tickling her ear and she giggled.
But at the next bump, Tony's head fell neatly onto her arm and Pepper quickly placed his head sideways onto her lap instead. She needed her arm to steer and his head was too heavy. She was slightly taken aback by the jolt. He did not even notice, he just kept snoring.
This is just like how Tigliath used to sleep in my lap at the keep. Warm and soft and rumbling. She slowed the horses, took the reins in one hand and used the other to gently stroke his soft hair. It was irresistible.
He seems so unguarded in sleep, so relaxed. I never knew he had nightmares. Of his dead friend. Does he have nightmares about his parents as well? Why am I touching him? Because this is the last time and I want to.
She boldly stroked his prickly beard, feeling confident Tony would not wake up, he was too tired. She continued driving, feeling very content with Tony's head in her lap.
Anthony, wake up! Wake up, sleepyhead! Wake up! The dragon roared in his head.
Tony woke up, stretching and flexing. That was a good nap. He noticed that the cart was parked on the side of the road and he was sleeping in its seat. His cloak had been made into a nice pillow. So that's what I was sleeping on ... so soft.
The dragon snorted at him.
Wait, wait a minute, where are all the horses and where is Pepper ?!
He jumped down from the seat and looked around. The dragon whispered, They are near the stream behind that tree. Do not disturb them, be quiet and watch.
He listened to the dragon and crept to the tree and stepped around it. The charming sight in front of him made him smile impulsively.
There was a stream of water flowing and gurgling. The horses were grazing and drinking from the stream. Amidst the lush, green grass, bloomed daisies, lavender and poppies, in a shock of riotous colors.
Like a water faery, Pepper was standing ankle deep in the middle of the stream, shoes off, dress pulled up to her knees. She was wading slowly, pausing from now and then, to peer into the water. A fish must have tickled her feet for she giggled cutely.
Sssh the dragon said. Do not disturb her.
Would not dream of it.
Pepper now was splashing water onto her feet and hands. She picked up a stone from the river bed and examined it curiously. The rambling water, the colorful flowers and Pepper in the water, looking radiant, reddish gold hair gleaming, delicate profile outlined in the afternoon's light.
Tony felt his heart start to thump loudly in his chest. Time seemed to slow down. The sunlight enveloped the scene before him, in a dream-like haze.
She looks so damn beautiful... in the sunlight and the water. So sweet and innocent. Even if I were a poet, words fail to describe her goodness, her grace, her beauty... my Pepper.
The dragon murmured, Spoken like a man in love.
Hopelessly in love. He blinked, shocked at his own admission. He felt his consciousness, his mind come to a singular presence of mindfulness. And a singular thought began to echo in his head.
I love her. It is so easy to love her, Dragon. There is so much to love about her. Life around Pepper feels worth living, I realize that now... Time is a cage and life is bound to play by its rules but I know now, I cannot let time or circumstance scare me into letting her go. I will regret it for the rest of my days if I let this woman, this queen of my heart walk away. I regret deeply my cruel words in Caranthia. I regret the four weeks we spent apart.
The dragon whispered with some emotion, perhaps relief, in its tone, Then finally the boy sees the light. Finally. I knew you were smart. Tell Pepper how you really feel. Do it, Anthony.
Tony swallowed, his heart felt like it was overflowing with emotions. He took a deep breath.
After this quest. After Patait. I need to focus on this quest. Then I will go on my knees and beg for her forgiveness. I will get Pepper back. I promise.
The dragon hissed slowly. I hope by then it is not too late, Anthony. I dearly hope so for your sake.
Tony realized what the dragon was trying to hint at. I will not let anything happen to Pepper. I just will not. And if something happens to her, I will follow her into death as well.
He bent his head and said a silent prayer. I thank whatever gods are out there, for finally helping me realize what a gift I have thrown away. And that I must get it back.
He stepped away from the tree and tried to calm himself down. The last 4 or 5 minutes had been very intense. He picked up a poppy from the grass and placed it reverently in his pocket. I want something of this land to keep, it has lifted the veil from my eyes.
Then his mischievous side came out and he picked up a small stone and tossed it into the stream near Pepper. It skipped on the water lightly and she turned with shock, then glared at Tony, grinning at the water's edge.
"Tony! You scared me! How dare you!"
She reached into the water and tried to splash him but he danced out of reach. Then he asked, "So Pep, how long have we been here?"
Pepper flushed and Tony realized she was feeling guilty about something. For once Pepper is guilty instead of me always being the guilty one.
"Has it been a half hour or an hour?"
She looked down at the water and said, "More like two hours. I'm sorry, Lord Stark, I lost track of time and you were sleeping and I..."
He raised a hand and she looked at him nervously.
"Do not apologize, please, Pepper. I understand you had to stretch your legs after the long boat ride and wagon ride. This place seems familiar and I think we are just 30 minutes away from the inn. And it is early afternoon, so I hope you are hungry... I am very hungry. We will reach just in time for lunch."
She smiled at him, relieved and he quickly removed his boots. "I want to wash my feet too, the water looks so cold."
He stepped into the water, exclaiming at the coldness and bent his face close to the water's edge. Only to sputter when Pepper generously splashed him with water.
She waded out laughing as he wiped his face. "That's so you don't fall asleep in the wagon again."
