Hello my readers I am back from the dead! I am so sorry that I took so long to update! It has been rounding off of the end of the semester for me and all tests and finals are being held! Not to mention I was deathly sick for few days and to top it off. But I am back and hopefully it will not be that long for the next time I update. Anyway I wanna thank you for those lovely reviews I received for the previous chapter and I truly appreciate you guys taking the time to read my story as well as leaving behind feedback. Alright anyway here is chapter 26, let's go!
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"Alright so what do we have here?"
"Well we have some wild berries, deer meat, and stew."
"Wait what about those strawberries over there?"
"Jane those are Bass' and you know it."
"What?! I don't think he'll mind right buddy?" The older woman asked looking upon the unresponsive reptile.
"Sorry Jane they are for him." The blonde says.
The raven haired woman huffed in response. "Yea stupid turtle gets everything good." Jane muttered but not low enough.
"Jane Rizzoli he is a tortoise and you have more food opinions than him! Leave him be!" The princess scolds.
Both women had been sitting by the running river having a picnic since the weather was so nice. This was one of their few times outside. Since the scare with Melanie they thought it would be best to stay concealed but Maura missed the sunshine too much and persuaded Jane to eat lunch at their spot. She also wished to bring Bass because she had been lacking spending time with him and she thought he could do some good with some fresh air from the outdoors. Maura was currently in between Jane's legs and pressed her back against Jane's front comfortably leaning her body unto Jane's. Jane had hands securely wrapped around her blonde and had placed her chin on the girl's shoulder. Bass had stayed beside them unmoving, not that he could get far. Both ladies loved the time spent outdoors and being able to be themselves with no one around. It had been particularly hard for Jane to overcome this fear. She was deathly afraid of being caught, though not for her sake. She did not wish to be pardoned from Maura as she knew it would be impossible to live without her. But what she truly feared is something befalling Maura because they were caught. Jane also had her own insecurities whether she was worth Maura's life for, but with much persuasion Maura was able to convince Jane of her undying and unending love, no matter the consequences. Even though this seem to pacify Jane, Maura knew that the brunette had been suffering from nightmares, from what she believed had to do with getting caught. The honey blonde had finally figured out the trick with Jane's nightmares. When Jane would be in the throws in a nightmare she would wrapped her arms around her waist and hold onto the girl until her frenzy was over. It was like Jane could feel Maura's presence because she would wake up quicker than normal. These thoughts plagued Maura's mind as the days went on but she tried not to focus upon things that she could not change. She just continued to enjoy her time with Jane, having the feeling of being open and honest about their relationship in a safe, secluded place. Maura sighed in response of everything going through her mind.
"What's going on in your head beautiful?" Jane's raspy voice cut through her process of thought.
Maura was about to correct the other woman but was stopped by the lovely endearment that the brunette gave her, making her smile widely. "Just thinking about you."
Maura could feel Jane's smile as she placed a loving kiss on her temple. "Oh really? Aren't I always on your mind though?"
The young woman rolled her eyes in response. "Regardless of what you think I have other things that fill my mind too Jane Rizzoli." Maura remarked.
Silence filled the space they were occupying as Maura waited for a snarky remark from her girlfriend. So when she did not receive one she got curious and turned around to look at the other woman's face. A site that was rare for Maura to see, tough Jane Rizzoli sporting a pouty lip is what was discovered.
"Geeze Maur you don't have to say it like that" she responded and then looked anywhere but at Maura. "You're in my every thought" she lightly muttered.
The honey blonde found a quick smile upon her lips unable to help herself. She gently placed her hand on Jane's chin and tried to pull it in order to make eye contact but when that was no use she thought of something better. Suddenly Jane's body was being thrown to the ground from the honey blonde that had just tackled her and was currently above her. Jane had a look of crazed confusion as she looked at Maura. The blonde had a huge grin that was contagious having both women laugh out in hysterics.
"What the hell was that Maur?!" The brunette loudly exclaimed.
"Well I had to get your attention somehow! You wouldn't look at me!"
"So attacking me was what you came up with?" Jane asked astonished.
Maura smirked at this, "Well I am just taking one out of your book Ms. Rizzoli."
This caused Jane to bark out in laugher. "Really Maur? Geeze what I have to put up with!"
"Oh you are not a walk in the meadow either sweetheart" the honey blonde remarked. "Now if you had let me finish, then you would have heard me say that yes I may think of other things but what most consume my thoughts is you."
Jane begun to adorn a full on grin as her dimples became evident. Maura nodded her head and leaned down and passionately grazed the other woman's lips. This was not what Jane wanted so she grabbed Maura's neck and deepened the kiss as they begun to consume each other's lips. Moans and whimpers were both exchanged until they finally released each other for air. Maura rubbed her nose against Jane's lovingly as this created the brunette to exhibit a dopey eyed smile.
"I love you" Maura said simply but full of meaning.
Jane raised her hand and moved a strain of hair from her face and placed it behind her ear as she observed her with her chocolate orbs. "I adore you."
This made the other woman stutter from Jane's bold words and piercing stare. This woman could completely unravel her with barely any effort. Jane just had that much power over the young princess and she gave it to Jane willingly. Suddenly Jane sat up and wrapped her arms around Maura's waist and pulled her in as she took an upright position. Maura was left sitting on top of Jane's lap facing her with barely any barriers in the way. Intimacy. That is what Maura loved about Jane and their relationship, that even without going to the next level that they had intimacy that extraordinarily rare to see. They continued to stare at one another trying to figure out what the other was thinking.
"Jane what are you thinking about?"
Jane looked at her as she rubbed her arms up and down her back. "How incredible you are. Do you have any idea how much?" she asked seriously.
This caused Maura to blush. "What do you mean?"
"I'm just thinking about last week and how you did during the test we set up for you."
"Oh that? That was nothing Jane." The honey blonde responded.
"Nothing? It was better than nothing! It was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen." Jane replied with an incredulous look on her face.
Maura sighed in response thinking about the day in question that Jane was talking about.
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"Ok now that we explained everything to you do you feel ready?"
"Yes Jane I think I'm ready."
For the past 20 minutes Frost and Jane had been explaining everything she needed to know in order to participate in the test. It was a type of course that they set up in which there would be separate scenarios as well as available weapons in which Maura would have to use in get through any situation in order to move on to the next portion of the test. Jane, Frost, and Casey had spent the last few days setting up until it turned into the perfect arena for them. It wasbeing held at the entrance of the woods that would be used for the trees and camouflage. Jane had every confidence in her but she was still nervous because it was the sweet, innocent Maura who was being put in danger. Yes it was on a test but still Jane would fear things would get out of hand. But she knew it was all in her mind. She knew the honey blonde could do this, she had been training for this for months and the Princess surprised everyone by her determination and skill she had picked up from their sessions. Jane took a deep breath trying to make herself ready for what was to come, but she knew they were really doing this for Maura. Maura needed to be prepared if she would eventually come face to face with Constance and her minions. The previous fear Jane was experiencing was easily overrun by the possible and likely outcome if Maura was to face Constance without the proper training. No, this was the right thing and Jane would have to become accustomed to knowing her best friend, her love was fully able to fight in battle. Still it didn't ease Jane's naturally instinct to just take Maura far away from all this and live out in the world and safe from its dangers for the rest of their lives. Yes it would solve a lot of problems but she knew she couldn't. She could not let the people responsible not only for Jane's loss but Maura's as well. Not to mention the townspeople suffering from such a tyrannical ruler. They needed to stop the evil queen and it was best that Maura was ready and prepared to defend herself the day they overtake the queen and safe the kingdom.
Maura looked upon her lover's face and saw the multitude of thoughts invading her mind and went to stop them. "Jane I'll be fine. Go get ready." She said reassuringly as she reached out her hand and rubbed it vertically on Jane's arm.
Jane nodded her head in response. "Ok give us five minutes and they proceed through the entrance, walk through, and navigate your way toward the river. If you get there then you passed. Do you understand?"
"Yes Jane go ahead." Maura repeated and Jane nodded her head and with one last look took off toward the other direction.
Maura had waited the necessary time, breathing calmly trying to ease her nerves. It wasn't like she was afraid of being hurt. She was wearing light chain mail that the black smith made for her knowing she would need some protection, leather short sleeve covering over her, providing even more protection. She also had leather grieves, and shin protectors that was over her black pants that was tucked into boots. Her hair was put back into a Jane Rizzoli braid that the older woman had recommended she do. She looked ready for battle but was she really ready? What if she failed? No she was taught to use her instincts and what she had learned in training and was confident in her ability. But she was more worried that she would fail and disappoint Jane. Jane and the others had worked hard in order for her to be able to defend herself. She only hoped that it would be enough to pass the test that was placed in front of her. You can do this, you just need to concentrate and do everything Jane taught you. And remember do not hesitate. Maura took in a final breath and made her way toward the entrance. She looked around and saw it was quiet and calm but she knew it held dangers within. Maura moved on slowly being weary of her environment around her. There were many tall trees to hide behind that would make excellent hiding places for an ambush. She tentatively made her way north until she heard a swoosh from an object flying through the air. Maura following her instincts ducked and rolled to a nearby tree for coverage. She looked up and saw a lone arrow piercing the ground a few feet from where Maura previously stood. She looked up but it was difficult to see where the arrow had come from. She looks around and saw an abandoned shield, bow, and a quiver full of arrows. The weapons I need the young girl thought as she placed the quiver and bow around her body and picked up the shield. She then began to walk slowly toward the direction of the flying arrow. She looked around trying to find where the person was hidden when another arrow was shot through the air. Maura quickly saw it in the air and raised her shield which took on the weapon's sharp head making a thunk sound. She looked up and saw the familiar hooded figure with bow in hand. Jane other woman thought. She saw what looked like a target? Yes it was one as Maura realized what she needed to do. She quickly dodged Jane's next arrow; reached behind her, grabbed an arrow from the quiver, put it in its place within the bow, pulled the arrow back and released it toward the intended target. The arrow had hit its target, right in the middle and the figure that was once there before was now gone. She had passed faze one as it seemed. She then made her way east toward her destination, ready for the next part to commence. Maura continued on with her shield in hand ready to block any dangers that may come her way. She continued on and only heard the faint sounds of woodland creatures and the swaying of tree leaves. As she made her way to a big open area that was quiet yet eerie, she went across but in the corner of her eye saw something. A waterskin was in the middle. Maura looked around and made her way to it but with caution. She placed her shield on the ground, picked it up and happily drank from it, trying to rehydrate her body. She took a breath trying to collect her bearings but a swing of a hand stopped her. She had tumbled to the floor as the attacker advanced upon her, pushing her more down, took her quiver and bow and threw them away from her and continued his assault. Maura was frightened but more she was angered; she felt she was again in the forest with Crowe attacking her. She was defenseless and even more useless to his strength. Maura hated the feeling of being vulnerable and with this she was not going down without a fight. She swung her right fist into his gut as he gasped out in pain. She quickly rose to her feet and ran the oppose way. She finally gazed upon her attacker as she put some distance between them. They were covered up as well but it was easy to see they were bigger making Maura conclude that they were one of the boys. Maura saw her weapons were on the other side of the field and in order to retrieve them she had to go through Frost that was blocking her path. He quickly rose up after getting his wits about him and walked his way toward the young woman. Maura knew what she must do and made her way to attack him head on. The man made the first move by swinging his right fist but Maura dodged it and used her forearm and pushed the offending arm aside and tried to elbow him but his left arm grabbed her upper arm and spun her away. She tipped over but her knee planted on her ground and she bounced right back up. Putting up her fists she ran toward Frost again as he was ready for her throwing punch but was shocked by her flying leg that kicked his side and he slightly crumbled but enough for Maura to push him down. He quickly rolled over and jumped to his feet making his way toward her. She used her arms to block his throws and even ducks after his high kick. Maura attempted another punch but was stopped by Frost who grabbed it and wrapped it in a secure lock unable to move it. He bends down, lifts the young woman in the air and throws her down. A gasp slips from her lips from the surprise and pain as she was on the floor but she could not focus on that. Frost stood above her about to give his final blow. Quick thinking, Maura swings her legs toward Frost's and with a mighty thrust, he too was lying on the floor. Using her hands and knees she rises up and advances on top of the unexpected man. They slight struggle and Frost ends up throwing off Maura. Both stand up at the same time and again Frost throws a powerful punch but it dodged from Maura ducking and with speed like lightning she pulls back her fist and thrusts it into Frost's lower abdomen knocking the wind out of him. As he was vulnerable Maura elbowed Frost in the side of the head and he went down. Maura ran to her supplies and grabbed what she needed and went back. When Frost opened his eyes he saw the innocent Princess with an arrow alongside a bow ready to release it. The darker man put his hands up in surrender telling her she won. She nodded her head understanding, grabbed the rest of her things and continued on. It was some time before Maura made it to the next portion but she had a feeling when she entered about the middle of the way. She looked around the trees and saw a dagger sticking out of one and looked at it carefully. A familiar sound was made that Maura knew to duck and hide behind shelter. She was right when a similar knife was sticking out of the same tree right next to the other one. The honey blonde grabbed both knives and hid behind the tree. She finally looked over trying to find the source of the flying weapons. Another one made its way and Maura was able to see where its previous location was and also another target that was only a few yards away. She grabbed the knife and held the blade in her hand, then quickly stood up and threw the object toward the target, missing by a foot but she had to quickly move as another dagger made its way. Maura breathed again and followed the same motion but instead she was way off hitting the ground. The girl started to become infuriated because now she only had one left. She quickly breathed in and threw the last one as it impaled the skin of the tree truck, hitting its target. She got up and grabbed the dear skin she had taken and drank from it and made her way. She went through and saw she was only a few hundred feet from the river as excitement fluttered through her veins but was stopped by a loud yell that sounded like Jane. Without a second thought Maura ran to the noise in quick haste. She finally saw the commotion as she saw her Jane kneed down holding her sword trying to block Casey's from cutting into her. There was a sword stabbing the ground. Maura lost complete sense of self as she unknowingly grabbed the sword and moved toward the fray. Jane had fallen and her sword slipped out of her hands and laid there defenseless. Casey smirked as raised his sword and was about to give his final blow when metal hit metal from Maura's parry. Casey pushed her back and full on attacked the woman aggressively. Maura continued to block his attacks but she knew she wouldn't last long if she didn't move around. She circled around trying to get the older man to chase after her and eventually become tired. Yes keep going keep going that's it. This continued on until she noticed Casey slow down his advances and she knew it was her time to strike. She quickly moved and gave Casey shockingly hard blows that surprised him. She was fearless and both of them knew it as she continued to give hard bashes relentlessly. Finally he struck back as Maura parried and again surprised him with a swinging kick as she advanced toward him. He tried to block while trying to regain his homeostasis but was unsuccessful as he found himself on the ground with a sword to his chest. Like Frost he raised his hands and Maura released her hold on him and turned around but the area was missing of a brunette. Maura sighed as she picked up her equipment and continued to make her way toward the river and she finally entered it. It was still quiet but Maura was still cautious. She looked to find a book on top of a tree stump being the prize Jane told her about. She made her way toward the object but a loud sound was made her stop in her tracks. She looked up and saw swinging targets. Instinctively she grabbed her bow and an arrow and released it hitting it, another to her left was released and again Maura repeated this action ending with another arrow in the target. Everything seemed to stop as Maura quickly made her way to the book and picked it up. It was still quiet as she waited for something to occur but when it didn't she opened the book. It seems like we have another warrior within our mists. Congratulations Maur I knew you could do it- J. Maura smiled and looked up to see Jane standing on the opposite end smiling brightly at her. Before she could move an abundant of people made her way toward her surprising the young girl. Vince, Melanie, Sean, and Alice circled around her with huge smiles adorning their faces. Frost and Casey also walked toward the princess as everyone gave their congratulations to her. She nodded and smiled at this but could not take her eyes off her beautiful love before her.
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Both ladies made their way into town after their picnic in the woods. Maura's arm innocently clutched in between Jane's as the two best friends were heading to the brunette's humble abode. They both shared similar smiles and laughing at one of Jane's antics about Bass giving her as she put it "strange looks". Maura rolled her eyes at this but heavily chuckled none the less. The day had started off so beautifully and they wished to continue it free of watchful eyes. But they were halted when Melanie made his way toward them at an alarming rate. She had a look of confusion that had started to worry both girls.
"Hey Mel what's the matter?" Jane asks automatically.
"Well…." She begins and looks at Maura. "There's someone here, saying they are here for Maura."
"Who? Who's here Melanie?" Maura questions quickly.
"Well I'm not sure. Vince just told me to get you girls and bring you to the square where they are."
Maura nodded her head and looked to Jane seeing a blank look on her face that Maura was not sure of what it meant. Brown eyes moved to her hazel ones as Jane suddenly grabbed her hand.
"Alright let's go." Jane finally spoke.
Jane's hand started to pull Maura with her as Melanie trailed behind them. Who could it be? Who could possibly want to see her without harming her? Maura had begun to fear it was one of Constance's minions were here to get her but she wasn't sure. She knew that Jane and the others would protect her, but she feared the unknown stranger amongst them. But what if it was one of Constance's men? It is a few months shy from a year that she has been in hiding within the village. Almost a year she hadn't gotten to know these people and was the happiest she had been in, in such a long time. But what if they had finally found her? What was the village to do? What was she to do? These thoughts invaded her mind as they made their way to the square and she suddenly realized they had just arrived. The square looked relatively the same upon a spring day, with a warming sun and gentle winds rushing through the air. Everything was the same with the exception of a huge amount of people gathered looking toward the front entrance. They made their way past the sea fill of people as Jane was leading the worried Princess. Jane must have felt her loves uneasiness as she lightly squeezed her hand, reminding Maura that she was not alone. The honey blonde relished in this contact and gripped tighter on their clasped hands. Finally they saw the back of Frost and Casey facing the commotion before them. They could see Korsak facing the newcomer about a few feet away as Sean was talking to the stranger. Cavanagh's eye line directed unto Jane to Maura which caused the stranger to look back at the girls. Maura released her hand from Jane's as a gasp extinguished from her lips as their full face came into view. She recognized those curly, chestnut locks flowing down his neck barely touching his shoulders. He was wearing his standardized uniform of black slacks, black boots, and crimson red tunic that was his family emblem crested upon his chest as well as a black cape to finish it off. Maura had difficulty speaking but jade eyes were piercing into her. She could feel auburn eyes burning at the side of her head but her eyes were focused on the individual before her.
"Garret..?" She lightly whispered.
The man before her grinned at her as she felt a familiar tingle rung down her spine. He stepped forward making his way toward the blonde.
"Maura!" He responded cheerfully. He finally was in front of her and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a fierce embrace. She was shocked but responded back by hugging him back. He finally released her but stayed in close proximity. "I am so delighted you are okay! I have been searching for you far and wide all over! I thought I would never see you again!"
The honey blonde was confused by this and was unsure of what to say? Wasn't he like the rest of the kingdom and thought that Maura was a criminal? This didn't make any sense.
Paying no mind to her silence the young man continued on. "Maura I knew that those rumors were untrue about you! I knew it was just a misunderstanding is all that it needed to be remedied. So I took it upon myself to find you and return you to the castle and explain to Constance that she must have been mistaken. I even told mother that is was not possible for my betrothed could not hurt anyone, especially not her family…" He had continued on and but Maura had completely shut down thinking of the last words that passed through his lips. His betrothed? Oh my goodness he thinks we are still going to be married? Oh dear.
"Garret wait what are you talking about?" she finally broke his speech.
"Oh Maura dear please don't interrupt, it is unbecoming of a women to interrupt her future husband" he remarked condescendingly. "Anyway about taking you back home to the castle so we could be wed."
The honey blonde's eyes widened as she heard the words pass his lips. It was worse than she thought. "Garret I…..I don't want to go back."
Garret tilted his head in confusion but a smile adorned his face. "Oh of course you do my dear. Don't be worried about your step mother. I will talk to her and convince her that she is mistaken about this incident. Not to mention the wedding should be a perfect way to calm tensions and fix what has been broken. Don't be frightened my dear I will take care of everything." He responded in attempt of soothing her.
Nausea filled her lungs as she saw his true intentions. He did really assume they were going to get married and he was determined about it. Maura shook her head in response. "Garret, no I am not going back. I am happy here." She replied.
"Maura honey you have been living out here for too long. But dear it is not where we belong; we were born to be royalty not to live with the swine. Please dear come with me to where we belong." He said trying to convince her.
A rush of anger filled her veins at his words. Who does he think he is?! That over obsessed, arrogant narcissus.
"Who you calling swine goldilocks?" the gruff voice of Jane Rizzoli sounded off.
Both looked to Jane and could see a hateful gaze burning right through Garret. He looked upon the woman and squinted his eyes in disgust. "Excuse me but my fiancé and I are having a private conversation. Why don't you go be useful clean something?" he sneered.
Quickly Jane was enraged and approached closer to the snob of a man putting her face next to his. "Oh really? Yeah alright how about I rearrange you fucking face!" she shouted.
The honey blonde saw the possible events unfolding in front of her and decided it was necessary that she intervene. She grabbed at Jane's forearm and tried to pull her back. "Jane stop please!" she cried out fearing the possible outcomes. Jane continued to stare down the other man with murderous eyes. Something Maura had not seen since the incident with Crowe.
"Yes tell her Maura. Banshee of a woman needs to be put in her place!" The man yelled with equal angry eyes.
"Garret enough!" The honey blonde shrieked surprising every one of her reaction. "You do not talk to people this way especially to Jane who is my friend!"
Garret looked upon Maura. "Maura please this is no way to talk to your future hus…." He begins to speak.
"NO Garret no! We are not getting married and you will not be my husband! And for that matter I am not leaving this place so if that is all you desire than you can leave!" Maura boldly declared.
Silence filled the air as all eyes were on the party of three waiting for Garret's reaction. His face visibly paled from hearing his beloved's decision. How could it be? It wasn't supposed to happen this way? "Maura, please you are being irrational. Let me take you home and you do not have to worry about anything but standing by my side and creating life. I can provide so much for you and for our family. We will have such a wonderful life I promise."
Finally Jane had stepped in seeing this guy was in complete denial. "Hey listen you heard her. She wants to stay and she doesn't want to marry you so it's best if you leave."
Suddenly Garret's faced turned from shock to complete rage. "Listen you I am not going to listen to some ill-bred wench tell me what to do! Maura and I are meant to be together and I could give her a better life than she could ever achieve here! I am not leaving until she comes to her senses and leaves with me!"
"Hey you son of a bitch don't you dare talk to my sister like that! She is ten times the person your arrogant ass will ever be!" Tommy's voiced boomed through the square. His presence and interference shocked everyone. He made his way toward Garret anger apparent as he got closer.
Jane grabbed onto her brother and held onto him before he could do any damaged. She looked at him with soft, almost proud eyes. "Thank you brother." She spoke lowly as she patted his chest in gratitude for sticking up for her. The younger Rizzoli nodded his head in understanding and backed away without going too far.
Maura was angry beyond belief. Not by what he said about her but what he called Jane. She was ready to give him a piece of her mind until a hand grabbed onto her bicep.
The Italian woman looked into her eyes and saw nothing but fierce passionate love burning through them and she begun to speak to her. "Hey let me handle this okay?" she questioned and Maura could do nothing but nod her head. She then looked upon Fairfield, frighteningly calm. "Okay I have a deal for you. I will fight you in a duel and if you win, Maura goes with you but if I win then Maura gets to decide her fate."
Maura looked at Jane with wide eyes at this ultimatum. She didn't wish Jane to have to fight. What if she got hurt? What if Jane lost? Maura would have no choice but to leave with Garett to meet her doom. But Jane would never put her life at risk, they would find a way no matter what. Still Maura knew Garret was a fair fighter and wouldn't be taken down easily. That is even if Garret agrees to fight her. Still, since Fairfield was being stubborn, it was the best way to rid of him without Maura going with him.
"What? Are you insane? Me fight a woman? That's preposterous what kind of people are you?!" He began to scold.
"What is it afraid you'll lose?" Jane said provokingly.
"I Madame am not afraid to losing! Real women don't act like this! But I will not fight even a wild woman like you! I have principles and I refuse!"
"You know what I think? You do not wish to be defeated by a woman so you're using my gender as an excuse."
"Oh how dare you! You would be too easy!"
"Well if you think that they why are you refusing? You yourself said I was not a real woman." Jane added with a smirk. "Besides if it is easy then you will easily win Maura."
Garret stood where he was as his face turned purple. He continued his shallow breathing from his apparent anger but was thinking it over. Finally he spoke, "Fine! But I am only doing this to finally put you in your place wench! But we are fighting only using swords and no other weapons. It would be unfair to you if we could use a variety of weapons that I don't think you would know what to do with."
"I'm sure that's the case" the Italian muttered sarcastically under her breath.
Both parties got ready and were equipped with swords in hand. Maura looked upon her loves face and saw complete and utter confidence and determination but she was not able to be relived. Not until the fight was over and Jane had gained victory. Jane approached the quiet blonde and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Hey it will be okay. I think pretty boy over there has some training as the wealthy tend to but he has more bark than bite. I'm not worried about this so you don't be either." Maura quickly threw her arms around Jane's neck and gave her a huge hug that said I love you, be safe, and win. They pulled away and Jane turned and made her way toward the starting area. Garret was already waiting on the other side facing them. His brows were furrowed; nostril flared, and lips a thin line. Maura was able to conclude that Garret was angry and she hoped that anger blinded him to fight poorly.
"Alright you both will fight until one of you either surrenders or does not have the ability to fight any longer" Sean speaks giving them the rules. "Please fight honorably, we are all gentlemen here." Sean sneered at the end toward Garret but he did not care. He only looked to Jane full of malice. "Alright on three. One, two, three!"
Both parties moved forward but did not strike one another. They were observing each other for a moment, trying to guess their moves. Finally Garett timidly puts in his sword and Jane swipes it and take another swing at Garret's face but he dodged it. Again they were at a standstill, and then suddenly Garret charged at Jane with quick speed as Jane moved backward with great foot work while parrying his strikes. Then suddenly Jane goes forward but Garret pushes back trying to gain dominance. It was like an eloquent dance but using swords instead of hands. Maura watched the two and was impressed with the overall technique, seeing Garret was better than she assumed with slightly disheartening but she had every confidence in Jane. Both of them seemed to navigate their swords with ease at the flick of the wrist. The honey blonde was truly entranced by the scene before her. Garret swings his sword overhead and spinning in the process but missed Jane's head by inches as she ducked down then she quickly threw a strike as she was pushing Garret back in an aggressive manner, exhausting him in the process. He hit tripped over a rock but was able to maintain his balance. He saw Jane's smirk and rage filled his body as he yelled out and aggressively charged at Jane leaving him wide open and vulnerable. Jane knew this and took advantage as she moved her sword upward and cut up the clothing on his shoulder. Enraged again he tries the same thing and thrusts outward but Jane simply dodges the strike, grab his arm, twist it behind his back, and throwing him over her shoulder. Everyone gasped at this but Fairfield was the most shocked of all. Jane quickly placed her sword upon in chest in a threating manner. He was weaponless and defenseless and Jane was expecting his surrender. His shallow breaths calming, he places his hands up in surrender. Relief floods through Maura as her Jane was able to yet again protect her. Cheers and clapping erupted as Jane turned around and walked toward Maura. But they didn't notice Garret sit up and his murderous look on his face as he grabbed his sword from the ground, stood up, and ran toward the brunette. Hearing the obnoxious animal, Jane quickly turns in time, steps back, and swings her sword at his feet. Garret was airborne as he had fallen face first into the ground. Jane sighs and picks him up by the collar of his shirt. Hair tousled, red marks on his face along with a split lip, and distorted look filled his features. Jane had had enough of this guy.
"I win. And just so you know that you do not own Maura or any other woman because they are not meant to be trinkets! Also you are no better than anyone here, not to mention you are a cheat and a coward for attacking me when my back was turned" she spoke directly looking into his eyes as she started to drag him toward the stables and stopped at the front of them. "You too good for us swine people, ok" she spoke. "The stable should suffice." And with that she swung her fist upward hitting his chin as he flew through the air and landed right on Colt's fresh feces. Fairfield groaned in pain, holding his gushing broken noise and writhing around furthering himself in Colt's waste. "Well I hope Colt's shit should keep you warm tonight. But I want you gone by morning." Jane finished as she turned and made her way back to the crowd who was clapping wildly and made it to Maura.
When Jane returned Vince and Sean had started to get everyone away and end this huge commotion. The villagers wanted to see Jane but thought it best to listen to the two older men and leave the area. Everyone had begun to disperse into different directions as Maura could see Jane's face and was surprised that it held no emotion which truly scared her. She was looking for anger, rage, irritation, but she did not expect that exasperated look that made her look almost sad. Maura was unable to do much about this because Melanie came up to her and gave her a hug relieved with the outcome. When Maura looked back to Jane she was astonished that the brunette was not there, in fact it seemed like she had just disappeared. This heavily concerned Maura as she quickly said her goodbyes to Melanie and ran off to find Jane.
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The honey blonde made her way to the one place that Jane would go. Maura knew that the brunette was upset about the visit from Garret. Well that was unexpected. Figures because everything had been going well lately between them and Maura was happier than she had ever been. Of course life had its way of bringing reality back into our lives. The obnoxious, self- absorb man who at one point was a huge possibility that Maura might have married. Luckily life had its own plans that threw her right into Jane's warm arms. The honey blonde smiled at this thought of how life had brought her to the love of her life. It started in the marketplace when a ten year old showed more bravery and courage than she had ever seen until the day in the forest where again she saved her. But the man showed up and reminded her of what her life was like and the reality she was refusing to face. Maura tried to place this out of her mind as she remained focused upon finding Jane. Finally she reached the quiet river bank as she saw a dark figure sitting down glancing at the sparkling water. The moonlight hit the figure revealing her dark curls cascading down her back. Maura approached quietly, trying not to disrupt the woman of her thoughts. Finally she sat down next to the other woman and stared out into the water. Gazing at its beauty for a few minutes she then decided to speak.
"Jane are you….?"
"I was angry at first" she interrupted the honey blonde. "I was angry when I saw him. That this ass of a man. How he treated me, how he treated you as if you are one of his possessions." She continued on brows scrunched down. "Then I was angry at you."
The princess looked up into the woman's eyes and saw raw emotion seeping through. Confusion was evident on Maura's face as Jane again spoke. "I was angry at you because there was a possibility that you may have married him. You would have married a man who would treat you like a prized trophy rather than his wife." Maura continued to look at Jane but decided to stay silent as the fiery Italian continued on with her rant. She knew Jane needed this in order to process everything. "Then, I finally realized that…..who I am truly angry with is myself."
"Jane what? Why?" Maura's asked her face full of worry.
"Because. Because that entitled son of bitch has the right to marry you. He has the right to marry you because he is wealthy and is a man. Two things that neither I possess." She finished as she put her head in her hands.
The honey blonde's heart broke inside seeing the brunette in such pain and distress. She lightly petted her raven hair trying to soothe her. "Jane I don't need that. I want a man, especially one like Garret. I just want you."
"Maura you deserve to be taken care of. To be truly taken care of. You deserve so much that someone like Fairfield can offer you."
"Honey I don't need anything from that man."
"You deserve a home, nice things, marriage, children….You deserve all those things and more." Jane croaked as her voice strained from emotion.
Maura scooted closer to the distressed woman and lifted her head gazing into pained eyes. "Jane you listen to me carefully" she began but closed her eyes and took a deep breath before proceeding. "I have never felt like home since my mother's death. Even when she lived I knew there was still something missing. I wished for the day that like my father and mother, I would find the person I would love erratically and unconditionally. You made me feel like I had a home when we were only friends but now with our new relationship, I see that the missing piece of my life was you. I don't need beautiful dresses, houses, or worthless objects. I need a partner who is going to respect me, listen to what I have to say, get to know me and cherish me for who I am. To take in all my quirks and not even have to think about it. To honestly treat me like an equal partner rather than a business transaction as I spend to rest of my life becoming a second class citizen. Bug you have to know that I absolutely love you without double. I love your courage, your humor, your smile. I love it when you are protective of me but taught me how to fight. How you listen to every word even when you have no idea what I am saying. The way you look at me, especially in the morning when you think I am asleep. I can feel you watching me and occasionally leaving kisses. I love the tingling feeling of when you kiss my head, or my nose, or shoulder because you can't help yourself. Your honesty, your bravery, you selflessness. I love all these things Jane. Not because you are a wealthy man that a respectable woman should marry. But because you treat me like the most precious commodity in the world. How you would do everything and anything for me to be happy. I don't need marriage, or money. I already feel married to you because I swear to you Jane, I am only faithful to you for the rest of my life. I know that I want to be with you until my dying day."
The strong Sicilian's face was now full of tears falling down her face. Shallow breaths were escaping her lips as she tried to get a hold of herself. The way Maura had described her, described their love was the breaking point for the brunette. "What….what about children? You said before you wished to be a mother and there's nothing I can do there."
Maura placed her hand on Jane's face and whipped some of the tears away. "Yes I am still interested in children and it may have been a dream of mine but Jane without us, without you it's not worth it."
Sudden Jane pulled the other woman into her lap and into a tight embrace. Both women gripped on to each other as if their lives depended on it. They were now crying as the raw emotions of the day was finally sinking in but their embrace never faltered. They stayed this way for a while. Time seemed to pass by but they still remained part of one another. Sometime later, after the tears far long disappeared the honey blonde's head found its way onto Jane shoulder as her arms were wrapped around her neck. Jane was still in the same position but arms wrapped around Maura's waist occasionally kissing the side of her head. Both women were observing the quiet, calm river passing by them. It was a beautiful warm night as both of them basked in each other's presence.
"Hey Maur?" Jane's raspy voice finally broke the silence.
"Yes?" she replied not taking her eyes off the river.
"Did you mean it? When you said you felt like you were already married to me did you mean it?" the brunette asked tentatively.
The blonde turned her head to look at the beauty before her and found curious eyes. "Of course Jane. I am in love with you completely Jane. Besides you know I can't lie." She remarked.
This made Jane lightly chuckle at this as she lightly placed a kiss on her head. Then suddenly she moved the honey blonde off her lap and unto the floor. Maura went to protest this but was stopped when Jane placed her hand in the air.
"When I first met you, I knew I met someone special and through the years I was proven right. I am so happy with you Maura. When Hoyt came, he destroyed my life and sent me to a place that I thought I would never crawl out of. But when I found you that day, my life changed, like the willingness to live had finally started to come back. That I had reason, a purpose again" she spoke quickly. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, silver ring that had a butterfly at the top. It was absolute exquisite. "Even though we cannot do the things that some couples get to do, doesn't change the magnitude of my feelings for you. I am so in love with you and cannot live a day without you. This is not a proposal but simply a promise. I promise to listen to every fact you give me, to hold you in my arms at night, tell you how beautiful you are every day, let you correct me when I'm wrong, kiss you until it is not physically possible to go without air and fight every threat that life may throw our way. I promise to never leave your side even when it gets hard. I promise to love you every day within this life in the next. I pledge to give you everything I have heart, soul, and mind. And I ask even if we must remain a secret from everyone that you wear this token of my life and let me call you mine?"
Maura's heart had been beating erratically as she feared that it might possibly stop. So many emotions were flooding in her mind as the bold, beautiful woman before her was offering herself for a lifetime. Maura hastily nodded her head as hidden tears sprang forth. "Yes Jane, you can have all of me if I may also call you mine."
Jane stood up and wrapped the stunned woman in her arms and lightly cried. The brunette pulled her face into hers as they kissed each other with a heated passion. Hands were clinging on to each other as mouths fiercely tried to completely overtake the other woman. Jane hands were pulling at Maura's hips while the blondes' were occupying the brunette tresses. Both women were enraptured with one another as time went by but none of that mattered because they were only able to focus on each other.
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Alright here it is! Wow I finally got through this chapter! I again am sorry again for the wait and hopefully next time won't be so bad. So a lot happened in this right? So Garett showed up did anyone see that coming? Fighting scenes were big in this chapter and I felt like I struggled a little bit but I would like to ask for your opinions. Is there anything I could add? Or any type of advice to give me because there will be more fighting scenes later on and it would be extremely helpful for some advice. Well anyway I wanted to send a personal shout out to Detective Marx as I placed Garett where he belonged. I just wanted to personally thank you for your wonderful reviews and advice you have given me since the beginning of my story and that I really appreciate the encouragement. Not to mention that it really went well with my story so thanks! I also want to thank all those who have continually read and reviewed for this story because I would not be here without you guys! Anyway I will continue with chapter 27 ASAP and I again please ask for feedback from you lovely people. Anyway have a good day guys and until next time!
~C.L. 3