Disclaimer – Why, of why couldn't I have the skills of a master thief then I would steal everything that belongs to Sherwood's writing and live a happy life! Yeah!

Chapter- Revisiting

Subconsciously, Meliara's feet walked a familiar but old path – a long hallway then up four or five spiral landing before handing down another high arched hallway with beautiful, large windows gazing down on the terraced city. In hindsight, Mel had to admit that she had missed the impressive sight that Renselaeus bestowed to any visitor. It naturally spoke of elegance and beauty.

It had not been her intention to come and remember the troubled past that she shared with Vidanric. However, already prepared for dinner and restless energy flowing through her veins on re-meeting Prince Alaerec and Princess Elestra, Mel's mind had taken her wandering travels to here. In front of her stood a large doorway cut from ancient goldenwood. Her hand reached out and grasped that handle in her cold hand, a slight shiver run through the countess.

Burn it! She thought angrily at her self and the guilt that still reared its ugly head on occasions when doubts plagued her. If she was being honest with herself, Meliara knew that she still had to come to terms with many of her actions in her past. Danric had wholeheartedly forgiven her for any misconstrued behaviour and that had been a lighting relief as she enjoyed falling in love a little bit more with the Marquis. His honest expression of love and endearment had soon worked its way into her heart and she would not change their relationship for the whole world. Every aspect of his character spoke of intelligence and integrity while his body hinted at the well-trained warrior and leader that he was. But there were times when she remembered the campaign that she and Bran had started to stop the greedy Galdran, and was surprised at her ignorance. Even simple things such as her family history could be better explained by Ara the farmer's daughter. These doubts had made her further sceptical at playing a successful role at Vidanric's side.

With a deep breath and rallying her courage, Mel opened the door and slipped into the empty room. The sun setting brought a mirage of reds, pinks and oranges into the room. The finely carved redwood table centred in the middle of the room gleamed in the dying sun was surrounded by numerous blue cushions. With a moment of two gazing at the wonderful landscape outside, Meliara turned her attention to the table. Quickly gliding across the room, her hand trailed along the smooth surface. Her memory of throwing the candlestick at Danric's head made her hunched her shoulders defensively.

What must had he been thinking of? A candlestick of all things! Mel closed her eyes and grimaced trying to block out the acute embarrassment.

"I though you would venture here", said an amused voice. The door clicked shut and Mel turned to face Danric with troubled eyes. His laughing smile slipped off as he looked on his forlorn beloved. "Mel?" Striding quickly over, Vidanric gathered her closely, burrowing his face into the long auburn hair that he admired and whispered, "Whatever is the matter, my love?"

The expensive evening clothes crushed between them as Meliara tried to hold Danric as intimately as she could. Wrapped in his strong arms, she felt safe and protective and although Mel thought it to be a bit weak to admit to it, the feeling nevertheless was worth the dip in her pride.

"I was remembering our meeting here", she confessed into his tunic, bracing herself for…what? Embarrassment? Scolding? Danric to realise what an ignorant brat she was? Meliara's emotions were highly strung and she left herself being stretched out to breaking point. She clung tighter on his arms. A soft kiss fell onto of her head bringing a shiver all the way from her toes.

Vidanric allowed himself the luxury of running his fingers through her hair and contemplated her sudden mood. It was obvious that something had upset Meliara and that it surrounded itself in the candlestick incident.

That memory brought a smile to his face. He could picture clearly his scattered thoughts of falling houses and how cute she was in Renselaeus colours. The candlestick had been the icing on the cake. It was the point when the Marquis Shevraeth, Vidanric of Renselaeus had finally faced the truth – he was head over heels in love with a woman who wanted to physically do him serious harm.

With a low rumbling from his stomach, Meliara correctly guessed that Danric was laughing silently. Laughing! She did not know to be worried or angry that his lack of concern of her tumult behaviour did not trouble him in the slightest. She lifted her head with a rather annoyed look flashing across her face as she tried to capture his eyes to convey the message.

He glanced down and stared into her blues eyes with an intensity that only lovers shared between other another. With her face upturned, Danric quickly arrested her mouth in a searing kiss that left both weak at the knees. With his forehead against hers he stated huskily, "I love you Meliara Astiar."

Mel smiled with her eyes still closed. "I love you too."

With peace settling between them, Danric took a small step back and gazed down at her with a smirk forming on his face. "Did you know that I found you extremely distracting in the Renselaeus' uniform?"

Another secret revealed. Meliara was beginning to enjoy the odd moments when Vidanric would divulge a personal feeling or thought about them. She felt like a secret keeper. Her eyes blinked in surprise at the confession. Really? All the clothing could have fitted me three times over! she summarised in her head.

"But it was the dress that introduced me to your figure", he drawled wickedly with glowing grey eyes of admiration. His hands slipped to the base of her back, bringing the small countess closer again. In his arms, Danric felt alive and at this moment mischievous.

Meliara blushed outright and lightly cuffed him around the shoulder for that announcement. Those comments she was still getting used too. Never having a flirt or wanting one during the war and through she stay in Anthrael, Mel lacked the skills to flirt back. Savona's outrageous compliments had helped her to receive them with some equilibrium yet Danric often through her (which she was beginning to think he enjoyed a little too much!)

His face came close enough that Mel could feel his breathe upon her skin making her giddy with anticipation. Danric moved intentional slow, knowing that it would drive her crazy but with temptation right in front of him he cracked. His lips firmly covered over hers, his mouth demanding and coaxing at once. Of its own volition, his right hand twisted its way through her hair to pull her head closer to his. The surge of passion swept through Danric's frame as he sandwiched Mel between the table and him.

It seemed the top of her head had exploded the moment his lips touched hers. A surge of warmth that had nothing to do with the heat from the setting sun coursed through her; she wondered if this is what every couple felt. I do not want this to ever end! She thought quiet happily to herself as she took the initiative to further deepen the kiss which produced a small groan from her partner.

Quickly though they had to break apart for some much needed. Mel knew that her face would probably be scarlet now from embarrassment at her forwardness, glanced at Danric before dropping her eyes to the floor.

A hand under her chin made the countess look into the wide grin of Vidanric, whose right hand was gently stroking her cheek. Not able to resist, he dropped a peck on her swollen lips and smiled again at her while whispering, "I should say 'I love you' more often if that's the reaction."

Even though he stared deeply into her eyes, content to bask in her presence, Danric did know that servants would be soon sent to look for them both for dinner. Sighing inwardly at not be able to have an evening of peace with Mel even here, Vidanric focussed on what could have upset her. Having a slight inclination what it might be he was about to speak…

"What happen to the candlestick?" Mel asked with a puzzled frown. "It wasn't damaged, was it?"

It was Danric's turn to blush which Meliara found curious to watch. She raised her eyebrows informing him to continue.

"Aunt Northa's candlestick resides in my quarters", he said quietly looking everywhere except Mel.

Why would he need a candlestick? Did he run out of light globes for…oh! Mel looked up at Danric with a question in her eyes. With a silent nod he answered it. He felt little a child getting caught by doing something forbidden.

Raising her hands to cup his face, Mel blossomed with unconditional love. Vidanric was mesmerised at the glow that shone from her.

"You are the best of men and I am constantly amazed at your devotion. I only hope that I am worthy of it."

"You are."

Without a thought Mel kissed Vidanric reverently to show how much he meant to her, to show the strength of her love and the absolute happiness that she felt being with him.

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I hope that you enjoy this chappie….aww, they are too cute not to have lip-locked every second! Please review and tell me what you think!!!