It's been just about 2 years since I've even so much as looked at this fanfiction. I apologise to all those who were anxiously following it. Simply put, I just lost the inspiration for writing – I'm not sure what caused that, but in any case, my return is due to the occasional person who has dropped by over those 2 dead years and left a comment or a follow. I'm not sure how people found this fanfic in its inactivity, but to see that someone suddenly turns up and reminds me through kind words that I actually wrote something of quality...thank you, because you have all inspired me to return and at least hope to finish this. A few questions have been asked, such as what will become of the future of Thom and Willow, and if my fanfic will stay loyal to certain events in the books – to both questions I say read and find out. Therefore, my previous sentence has just become a promise to attempt to finish what I started all those years ago with a royal brother and sister, playing chess in a sunlit room.
Thank you all for being so patient over two years, and thank you to those that have stopped by during my inactivity. Your patience, appreciation, attention, and love for this writing is what spurred me to return - how could I let down such faithful readers?
With love,
MagicalLeaves
P.S. Again I insert the disclaimer that I own nothing except Willow (though I do not own her House). The following chapter also has some mild suggestive tones.
I was sitting by a lake. The sun was hot, too hot for my liking. Even as I shifted in the discomfort, the man sitting next to me shot me a grin and rose to his feet. I was still staring at him in confusion when he headed for the lake, clothes and all.
"Wait!"
My cry fell on deaf ears, and I could only stare as he disappeared beneath the water.
It was only when he'd vanished that I realised I'd forgotten his face, and even as I struggled upwards, the world began to fade. Grass became shadows, sunlight became darkness, and the only thing remaining of the dream was the heat as I stirred, struggling for something I couldn't recall. A soft murmur hit my ears as the heat tightened around me, and my eyes flew open in fright, only to catch a violet gaze looking back at me-
"Oh!" I whispered, finally recognising the source of the heat. My cheeks warmed with embarrassment even as Thom's gaze did with amusement. "Good morning," was all he greeted me with.
I continued to stare at him wordlessly – Where did this blasted shyness come from?
He favoured my response – or lack thereof – with a soft chuckle, gently tugging me closer to brush lips over mine. "My guess is that this doesn't happen to you often," he said, his joking tone obviously making it out that he was teasing.
"...Just you." He should know that anyway – after all, I was a virgin before last night.
His teasing expression faded at my mumbled words, and he dipped his head to press his forehead to mine. "...And I suppose you didn't really plan this," he muttered. Even as he spoke, his gaze flickered down to the chain around my neck – and the pregnancy charm hanging from it.
"It's not for-" I went crimson. Thom went quiet as I fumbled for words. "-I mean...it's mother's," I whispered. "She gave it to me when I became of age – quietly. I don't think Father or Jon knew – not that I'd want them to," I babbled on, my face reddening. "I wear it because i-it makes me feel...closer. To her."
Thom let go, rolling onto is back next to me. Part of me was mourning the loss of warmth when his words interrupted my thoughts. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"
I slid my arms around him wordlessly, shifting so that my ear was pillowed on his chest. He heaved a sigh that I both felt and heard, and I felt lips brush my head with a sensation that brought a lump to my already tight throat – even mentioning Mother had brought up the age-old grief.
"...Thank you."
It was his words that had me lifting my head to look at him quizzically, causing him to add, "For telling me...and for accepting my apology."
"...There is nothing to apologise for," I mumbled, emotions still a tight bundle in my chest.
"Hah." That was all he replied with, but as he dipped his head to kiss me again, I sensed him drop the matter. As he explored my mouth again I began to become slowly aware that my body felt...different. It ached, a strange ache, a good ache, in places that had heat rising to my cheeks – though with Thom's hands coming into play as his kiss deepened, I felt warmth rising for different reasons now-
"Oh!"
The man in question grinned lightly at my reaction. "You're thinking too much," was all he said, his hands making me gasp.
"And you're going to do something about tha-" I shuddered.
"...Why yes, I am."
And somehow, though he didn't speak a single incantation, there had to be magic in the way that he followed through with his word.
Again, thank you to all my readers for the patience and love and eagerness to know what happens next! I assure you that while I was inactive over two years, I did use some of that time to draw a rough sketch in my head of what would happen. For now, I reward your interest and kindness with some fluff.