Falling Into Me…

(Never been to the village, but I am assured by Lady J. that most descriptions are accurate, I may have taken a bit of liberty related to seclusion of sections. I've taken plenty of liberty related to everything else, so this is no different. No I did not check the high and low tide charts as to their times. Not so much M-like material this time and there will be something else as the legend suggests…What legend? Read on and find out.)

"We have to leave this bed sometime Harry," said Ruth being practical as usual. Harry just held her tighter in his arms and did not respond.

"I said we have to leave this bed sometime!"

After a few seconds, Harry smiles and he then voices his thoughts. "I want spend the rest of my life here just as we are."

"Well our lives will be very short given all the activity and lack of nourishment," said Ruth again being practical. Something told Harry Ruth must be hungry, after he glanced at the time and he heard the rumble of her stomach. He thought it's not as if she has any weight to spare judging by my study of every inch of her body. How often have I imagined what she would be like in bed? Never was it as wonderful as the reality.

It is well into the late afternoon. The sun shining on an unusually warm summer day but the breeze off the water kept everything at a comfortable temperature.

"It's a beautiful day. There is a beach just a short walk from here, why don't we walk down and have a picnic. I'll prepare it." It was an offer from Harry that Ruth didn't want to refuse. First because she was hungry, second she loved the water, and third she wanted to see domesticated Harry.

"I can't think of a more wonderful idea," said Ruth as they both left the bed for a shower together. Harry still is a little unsure of Ruth and he recalls the handcuffs were nearby if needed. It seems impossible that he had any doubt of Ruth's love given their last several hours together, but for Harry there is always a small doubt. Words never spoken. He brought her here at first against her will. Then he'd given her the option to leave and she stayed. Harry knew trust was an issue he was going to have to work on but he also knew he couldn't let her leave. Not now. Not ever. He thought back to that morning on the dock so many years ago. If I'd only known, I would have never let her go. I stood there strong, but inside my heart broke and the pieces left turned to stone. That day Mani brought her back to me in that abandoned warehouse was both the happiest and saddest day for me. Would that she could understand all I was feeling since that day. Shaking himself from the memories, Harry sat about preparing the picnic.

Ruth is bemused by domesticated Harry, working his way around the cottage kitchen, preparing sandwiches, and side items, taking the most time to select a wine for them to share.

At her first glimpse of the beach at low tide, in the evening near sunset, she gasps. It is wondrous. There is a waterfall falling down onto the sand, with an arch in the cliff, and a little island, more of a rock. It would not be visible at high tide. Then it came back to her. She had read the legend. This is the place Merlin is said to have placed Excalibur in stone, saving the sword for the rightful king of the land, who would rule with integrity. Ruth thought I don't need Sir Galahad when I have Sir Harry, of Her Majesty's Security Services.

Seeing Ruth entranced by the waterfall, and island, Harry remarks ,"There's a cave behind the waterfall, really more of an archway. Would you like to explore it another day?"

"Yes," said Ruth with enthusiasm . "I know the Arthurian legends you know."

"I thought you might."

"Harry?"

"Yes."

"Just how many days are we staying?" It was a question Ruth hesitated to ask but knew she must.

"Well, we've just got here. I think the service can survive without us for at least a week." It was really too short a time, but Harry didn't want to say, his thoughts. This beats a cottage in Essex. I hope. Why is she asking about leaving? Why is she already thinking of leaving? I did put the handcuffs in the basket?"

Ruth too was recalling her comments about a cottage, and wishing now she had left it as something never said. She also wished she didn't ask about leaving as she saw doubt cross Harry's face, and she did notice when he slipped the handcuffs into the basket. Poor Harry for all his abilities, he still fears I'll run away from him despite all we've experienced over the past day. Then again what is a day given all we have been through? I do understand.

Harry spread a blanket and then began preparing for them to eat. Neither realized how hungry they really were until they started eating. There was a bit of egg salad on the side of Harry's face. Ruth couldn't resist a chance to show Harry how she is feeling and she kissed it off. Then Harry pulled her to him. The meal forgotten as they again found each other entwined. It was fortunate for the couple no one was about at that time of the day as they still could not have enough of each other.

Once again with desire momentarily sated, they turned their attention to their meal and talked. "Harry, how did you come to own a cottage in Tintagel?" I know so little about Harry except for immediate family history.

"It was left to me by a family member on my mother's side. Seems our roots in this area go back to ancient times. There is a legend in our family that decrees all who are truly in love will find their way to the cottage, and the beach, but that love will be tested many times before it is realized beneath the arch of the waterfall."

Ruth at first slightly embarrassed when love is mentioned. Then she is enraptured by the legend. "Harry, what does it all mean?"

"I don't know. You are the first I have brought here. Even Jane was never here with me. In fact it is where I went to escape her. Not that she is a bad person, we just were not suited. Too young, too head strong, too much we couldn't tell each other." Harry isn't sure he should mention Jane, but believes Ruth must understand that Jane is part of his history that can't be erased. Ruth must understand he isn't making the same mistakes. He really did forget about the family legend until they were there on the beach loving each other and knowing each other in the most intimate of ways. Still, the beach isn't the arch.

"Well, surely we've been tested enough," said Ruth hoping their trials were over.

"The legend dictates that all is only finally revealed here. Of course it's just legend." Harry's sure he's seen fear flicker across Ruth's face. "What can possibly happen in the quaint village?"

Ruth wasn't sure, but she knew enough to know that legends are grounded in some form of fact. That sent the fear flickering across her face. As they started back toward the cottage, they didn't notice lights from a car flickering on and off near the village pub and a return signal from another car.

(All reviews are appreciated. Maybe it is time for some peril or our super spooks?)