Hi again! I can't even begin to apologize about how late this chapter is, but just know I am so deeply sorry! I've wanted to write this out for a while but I just haven't had the time. I hope you are all still with me, I'd be so terribly sad if you weren't! As per request, this chapter is completely Allan/Djaq-centric, but be warned there ARE lemons in this one. So I'm sorry if you want to skip it. (And for those who didn't know, the Game of Thrones reference was Will's line: "The things I do for love." A shame no one got it, oh well!)
Well that's enough from me for now, just please read, enjoy and REVIEW!
Chapter Eleven: A Night at The Blue Boar Inn
As she stepped through the door into the brightly lit Blue Boar Inn, Djaq was blown away by the rowdiness of the place. Excitement came from every corner and Djaq's giddiness immediately bloomed with a newfound brightness.
Two fiddlers and a piper played merry tunes in the corner farthest from her and nearest to the fireplace. Several men and some women belted out the lyrics to the current song, off-key in their drunkenness. A few couples danced in an open area where table had been pushed to the side, one woman had even hiked up her skirts and started dancing on an empty table, much to the enjoyment of the men. Barmaids and serving girls twirled amongst the tables, removing empty plates and filling low mugs of ale to the brim.
Djaq noted how much more cheerful this pub was compared to the last.
I'm glad I picked this one. Surely Allan will love it, perhaps we can even dance before we go upstairs.
Again the bubbling happiness swirled through Djaq's mind, making her feel like a young girl again. Despite the intense warmth coming from the rowdy room, Djaq carefully left her hood up as she approached the owner of the establishment.
Instead of being greeted by the normal burly men who ran most of Nottingham's pubs, she saw behind the bar a beautiful woman with a smiling face. Laugh lines fanned out from lively blue eyes and the woman's red lips never seemed to turn down from their smile. Her long silvery hair was plaited into a messy braid that ran down her back, which whipped back and forth as she moved every which way behind the bar.
No wonder this place is so successful, it's run by a woman! Djaq immediately liked this woman. Feeling a sense of comfort and safety as she approached, Djaq slipped off her hood and attempted to catch the woman's attention with a clearing of her throat.
After three attempts at politely gaining the lady's attention and failing, Djaq finally opened her mouth and called out to her. "Excuse me ma'am?" Djaq spoke loudly enough to be heard over the din of the other visitors.
The silver-haired woman looked around to see who had called out to her and wandered over to Djaq after assuming it was her.
"Hello dearie," the woman said, her voice as kind and honeyed as Djaq suspected it would. The Saracen could detect a hint of an Irish brogue lilting around her words, "What can I do for you this evening love? Ale and a warm meal perhaps? Or is it a room you'd be wanting tonight?"
Djaq couldn't help but be elated by how this woman was acting. No one had been so…motherly towards her in a very long time. It was a bittersweet feeling, one that made her want to stay and chat with this Irish lady.
Before she could open her mouth to speak again, the woman was talking to her once more. "Oh by the love of Saint Patrick and Brigid!" Turning back to Djaq she grinned apologetically. "Hold tight for just a minute love, I've a matter to see to across the room. And don't be calling me ma'am or missus, to all of my guests I'm simply Caera." (A/N: Pronounced Kay-rah; it means "friend" in Irish)
Caera picked up a half-pint and slid it towards Djaq who caught it just before it tipped over the edge of the gleaming wooden bar. The Saracen followed the swaying silver-braid as Caera hustled over to the woman who was previously dancing on one of the tables and the men who were blatantly trying to lift up the woman's skirts.
Djaq choked on her ale from laughter as she saw Caera tug the woman down from the table. "Lord almighty Lorraine! Get down from that table before I smack your bottom until you run home crying to your dear mother. And you boys!" The men who were trying to sneakily escape from Caera's attention were snatched by the Irishwoman before they could get away. Though both were much taller and much stronger than Caera, she had to two stopped over and crying out in pain as she twisted an ear with each hand.
"Kieran Phillips and Marcus Donegan, you should be ashamed! I know your mothers brought you up better than to try to raise a girl's skirts like that. Now you're done in The Boar for tonight. Out with you! No doubt you'll be back tomorrow night anyway!" With a single push Caera pushed both men out the door as the other patrons roared with laughter.
Djaq, having stopped her coughing, laughed along with them, happy to be in such a warm environment for the evening. Caera, not having forgotten Djaq sitting at the counter, sauntered over she wiped her hands in the 'glad to be done with that rubbish' motion.
"Now love, why don't you tell me your name and I can get you set up with what you need," the sweet smile was back, light dancing in those young yet wizened eyes. Caera's age was impossible to tell, but Djaq knew her soul was much younger than her body and mind.
Taking another gulp of ale, Djaq felt comfortable enough to reply with the truth. "My name is Djaq, and I was hoping that I could have a room for the night. A friend is coming in later tonight as well."
Caera's smile grew even wider, and the dimples that indented her cheeks reminded Djaq of Allan's grin. "Oh to be young and in love once again," Caera replied, sending a bright blush up to color Djaq's tanned cheeks. "Not to worry love, I've had this pub long enough to not be shocked by any such request. Now let's set you up with a room, possibly away from all this ruckus. Djaq was it? Aye, such a lovely name you've got Djaq."
Caera quickly ushered Djaq out of the common room and into the hallway, next moving up the brightly lit stairwell. Rich wood gleamed on the stair railings and each door in the hallway they came to had brass doorknobs which glimmered in the candle light. Djaq couldn't help but think how fancy the inn seemed, especially being located in the heart of Nottingham.
"I bet you're wondering why my pub looks so lovely. Different from the others around here, much more upper-class you might say. Well it was my late husband Declan's—God rest his soul—last wish that I make The Boar the best pub England's ever seen. And lord knows this town could use a wee bit of cheering up," Caera gave another one of her playful winks and tossed her braid over her shoulder.
The pair had not walked far, but the raucous noise from down below had quieted down just enough for Djaq to think properly without feeling alienated from the cheerful clamor. Pulling out a large brass key which mirrored the many doorhandles in the hall, Caera slipped it into the keyhole and swiftly opened the door.
Inside the room was pitch black, and Caera set immediately to lighting a fire and some of the candles that sat upon the bedside table. As her gray haired friend bustled around the room, Djaq let her excitement once again sweep over her. The thought of soon being cradled in Allan's arms once again sent a tingling warmth from her toes to the tips of her ears.
Soon the room was brightly lit, the fire crackling merrily and the covers drawn down on the bed. The room was just as fashionable and comfortable as the common room and hallway, and Djaq felt a pang of worry seep in to her happiness. Turning to Caera who was on her way out, Djaq called out just as the silver haired spitfire reached the doorway.
"Wait, Caera please. I haven't enough money to afford a room like this for the night," Djaq hung her head shamefully, disheartened that she had to turn on this kind woman's hospitality and another night spent with her beloved trickster.
Caera strode up to Djaq and lightly lifted her chin with her strong fingertips. Brown eyes met bright blue and the crows feet grew deeper as yet another grin cracked across Caera's face. The Irishwoman clucked her tongue before speaking softly to Djaq.
"Oh dear Djaq, I won't be sending you back out into the cold darkness. Especially with your young man on his way, I'm sure he's jumping at the bit to see you. Listen to old Caera: you take the room for the night, don't you worry nothing about paying me. Think of It as a gift from an old woman to a young one," Caera turned again and began walking towards the door as Djaq stood dumbly in silence, struck by the woman's extreme kindness.
Just before she stepped out into the hallway, Caera looked over her shoulder with her back still turned to Djaq. The orange and golden hues of the fire caught the silver highlights in her long plait and she suddenly seemed younger and older at the same time.
"I bet he loves you, this fellow. I can tell you love him just by the way you're waiting for him. I'm an old woman Djaq, and I've already been loved in my life time," Caera turned out into the hallway and Djaq could just catch her last few words, "I would have loved to have a daughter just like you. It's your spirit, it's so beautiful." The silver swinging braid was the last part Djaq could see of her before Caera disappeared from view.
The last comment both warmed and tugged at her heart. Caera was so motherly and kinds, Djaq wished she could stay with her and talk for the rest of the night. And she has spoken about her spirit, just like her father would tell her.
Safiyah, you are a beautiful young lady. With the spirit of a mighty eagle, you are blessed by Allah inside and out.
Djaq wiped angrily at the tear which had somehow trickled down her cheek.
"Don't be silly Djaq, now is no time to cry. Allan will be here any minute."
"Or maybe he's already here."
Djaq whipped her head to her left and saw her beloved trickster standing in the doorway, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, his right shoulder leaning against the wooden frame of the door. Djaq's heartbeat quickened at the sight of him.
Caera left the door open and sent him up, sweet woman.
Allan flung his traveling cloak onto the wooden chair which sat by the fire and hooked the door closed with his foot. He walked quickly to Djaq and kneeled in front of her, cupping her cheek with his callused palm. Djaq's eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into his warming touch.
Allan. I could sit like this forever, my Allan.
"Love, I'm not being funny, but you shouldn't be crying tonight of all nights. How about you tell me what's wrong."
Djaq looked into the green-blue eyes which shown with the earnest look of someone who was desperate to help her, and she shook her head.
"I'm fine Allan, it was just me thinking. I promise that I am alright," Djaq smiled and pushed away her past thoughts. But, she allowed one to creep back into her mind.
"I bet he loves you, this fellow."
Looking into Allan's eyes, Djaq couldn't help but wholeheartedly agree. A newfound happiness lifted her spirits, and the infectious feeling soon spread to Allan, who picked Djaq up and began spinning her madly around the room.
Gasping for lack of air, Djaq fought through her fits of giggles and tried to convince Allan to put her back onto her feet, "Allan! Al—Allan! Put me down you…you," but the rest was drowned out by her resounding laughter.
Eventually Allan flung his lover back onto the bed, the pillows bouncing from the sudden attack. Allan flicked off his boots and jumped on after Djaq, sending her into another round of laughs.
"Well now love, did you miss me terribly?" inquired Allan, his cheekiness still shining around the edges of his question.
Djaq twirled the longer strands of Allan's hair between her small tanned fingers, watching the more golden strands catch in the light. "Of course I missed you Allan, I always miss you," Djaq leaned towards Allan's face and rubbed her nose against his, then trailing her lips against his strong cheekbones.
"Yes Djaq, but how badly did you miss me?" Allan's tone deepened into a husky growl and Djaq shivered from the change in his voice.
"Very badly Allan, I can assure you on that," Djaq whispered into his ear, feeling more hungry growls rumble through her playful lover's strong chest.
"Perhaps we should fix that then love. I haven't been able to stop thinking of you since last time," Allan began trailing his hands slowly up Djaq's sides, pushing her thick tunic away from her soft skin.
Before he could stop her, Djaq flipped Allan onto his back, once again showing the immense strength disguised in her petite body. She straddled him for a moment, reveling in the feel of his growing urgency rubbing against her most sensitive parts. Then she rose off his body and the bed, standing up by the fireplace.
Allan groaned and rolled his eyes, too desperate to feel his lover's touch to deal with foreplay. "Djaq, not that I don't love when you start teasing me, but—"
"Shhh Allan, just be silent for now," Djaq placed a finger in front of her lips and motioned for Allan to be silent.
Not bloody well likely Djaq. You know most of all I can't wait for anything, especially you.
Opening his mouth to retort, Allan snapped his jaw shut when he saw what Djaq began to do.
She began with bending down, the angle giving Allan a full view down the neck of her shirt, and slipping off her boots one at a time, placing them gently on the ground beside her. She stood up once more again, smiling broadly at seeing Allan stare speechlessly at her with his mouth gaping wide. If that wasn't enough to make her happy, the bulge in his pants certainly gave her an ego boost.
I must admit, this is fun! Djaq's inner girl screamed out with the new powerful feeling she felt growing inside of her. So this is what it means to feel like a woman.
With her grin still stretching from ear to ear, Djaq untucked her shirt from her breeches and pulled it over her head, revealing her the plain brown leather breast band she worn beneath. Allan gulped visibly, his eyes darkening with growing lust.
Djaq lightly trailed her fingertips down her sides and over her belly, catching Allan's eye down towards her breeches. Keeping her eyes solely on Allan's face, she undid the ties on her trousers, pulling one leather lace apart from the other so slowly she was surprised Allan didn't burst with anticipation.
Swaying her hips side to side, Djaq slid her breeches down her slim, tanned legs, kicking them off from around her ankles. She was left only in her underclothes, her back warming from the fire directly behind her.
Allan didn't say a word. He only rose to meet her chocolate brown eyes and crook a finger to beckon her forward. Djaq placed on foot in front of the other until she was able to crawl up towards Allan, and straddle his waist once again. With one hand placed on his chest she could feel the trickster's heart hammering against his ribcage, close to breaking free from its confines. Djaq smiled once more.
"Could it truly be? Have I finally silenced the trickster?" Djaq seductively purred, surprised that she could even reach such a tone with her voice.
Allan finally let out a chuckle, albeit a strangled sounding one and talked once again.
"Stop teasing me woman and get on with it," he huskily muttered before attacking her soft mouth with his own. Heated, fiery passion coursed through both their veins, sending hot desire straight into both of them. Allan sat up and forced Djaq to wrap her legs tightly around his waist, as he moved his own legs over the side of the bed.
Djaq broke their feverish kisses long enough to rip off Allan's shirt, her need for him growing with every moment of their contact. Allan took the opportunity to arch his lover's back and remove her breast band, kissing her small, perky breasts once they were finally uncovered. Her dark nipples hardened from the lips, bites and sucks Allan subjected them to; not that Djaq was complaining. Allan bent further down and nibbled on her sides, sending Djaq into a fit of squirming.
Suddenly shouts from outside resounded around the room and the couple stilled, halting their movements and sounds.
"What was that?" Djaq asked breathlessly, craning her neck to get a better look outside the small window.
"I'm sure it was nothing love, but I can ask around tomorrow if you'd like," Allan responded, returning immediately to his previous actions. He began placing hot kisses down her slim neck, stopping anymore questions Djaq had about what was happening outdoors.
Djaq rose from Allan's lap and removed her loincloth while Allan fumbled with his trousers. Finally bother were garbed in just their skin, left to drink in the sights they had dreamed of for the past three days. Allan's cock twitched and pulsed with need, and Djaq's nipples hardened one more.
Allan planted his feet firmly on the ground and helped Djaq settle onto his waist. She wrapped her legs around his sculpted hipbones once more and finally slid over Allan's cock, reveling in the feeling of completeness it provided. Allan groaned and wrapped his arms fully around Djaq's waist, pressing them so tightly together that the only space left was between their gasping mouths.
Allan began lifting Djaq up, only to plunge her back down and wrap them both in bliss once again. With every slide, Djaq rubbed her sensitive nub against Allan's lower body, shocks of pleasure growing from the contact.
Their speed increased until Djaq was bouncing on top of Allan, squeezing him with her inner muscles until her could hardly stay in control.
"God Djaq, I can't—," with one final slam down onto his body Allan released into Djaq who quickly followed with her own orgasm.
"Yes! Oh Allan yes!" Djaq screamed in delight, digging her nails into Allan's shoulders and throwing her head back in ecstasy.
They stayed in that position until their heartbeats slowed and then moved under the covers of the bed. Allan kissed Djaq all over, moving from her hipbones to her breasts, all over her cheeks, her nose and ending on her swollen lips.
"I love you, Djaq," Allan said, staring straight into the Saracen's eyes.
Djaq smiled for what felt like the hundredth time that night and met his gaze, "I love you too, Allan."
"Love, before I forget there is something I wanted to talk about—"
"It can wait till morning Allan, for now I just want to sleep."
As soon as she finished the sentence Djaq's eyes began to flutter closed, exhausted from what they had done that evening.
Allan kissed her forehead once more before wrapping his arms around Djaq and pulling her close.
I will never let you go my love, never.
And with that, he too drifted off into his dreams.
A/N: Can't say I didn't warn you! That was certainly a lot of Allan/Djaq. Did you guys enjoy? I sure do love those two cuties. And Caera! She's just plain adorable I'd say. Please tell me what you think, I'd love to know! Kisses, WitS.