Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (AU,M/L,ADULT) COMPLETE

Finished stories that feature the characters from the show, but there are no aliens. All fics completed on the main AU without Aliens board will eventually be moved here.

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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)AN(pg13)12/20

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 21

Elizabeth came awake as the carriage came to a stop before the steps leading into her father’s manor. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as Sir Elwyn descended from the carriage to confer with his men.

Elizabeth tried to hurry out of the carriage too, wanting to see if she could catch a glimpse of Max, but by the time she had managed to get out of the carriage all of the men on horseback were riding away. She turned a puzzled look on Sir Elwyn even as her father inquired about the men.

“Are they not staying to rest overnight at least? I was going to offer my hospitality to all of them for seeing us home safely.”

Sir Elwyn shook his head. “I will be the only one staying so that I may be able to answer any questions you still have until you make your final decision. The others must return to other duties that they have to do.”

Jeffery pursed his lips. “What if I decline the offer?”

“Then I shall take my leave on the day you do so.”

“And if I agree?”

“We will sit down to make the final agreement, sign it and on the following day I will escort the Lady Elizabeth to the woods.”

“Just like that?”

“Yes Lord Parker, that is the way it must be.”

As Jeffery looked possessively at his daughter who was walking into the manor with Lara, Sir Elwyn added, “Remember my lord, should you decline I will leave and your family will be on your own. You will have to find another way to support your family without any help from us.”

Jeffery clinched his jaw to keep from saying anything. Nodding his head briskly, he motioned to a servant.

“Show Sir Elwyn to his rooms, make sure he has everything he needs for his stay this week.”

Sir Elwyn bowed to Jeffery as he started to follow his family inside. Jeffery was nearly to the door when he spoke to Sir Elwyn over his shoulder.

“Good evening to you,” he stated before disappearing inside.

************************************************************************

Jeffery paced the length of the sitting room as Lara and Elizabeth sat on the couch trying to enjoy their evening tea. Once they had all gotten settled in their rooms and had gone through their washing rituals, the three of them had gotten together for a light dinner in the formal dining room before moving to Jeffery and Lara’s sitting room.

It was there that Jeffery once again voiced his trepidation of agreeing to Sir Elwyn’s offer despite what Elizabeth had told him. As her eyes followed her father’s movements, she reiterated her views.

“Father, please try to understand what I’ve said. I want to do this. You know I’m not afraid of this at all. I can do this for all of us.”

Lara took Elizabeth’s hand in hers. “But Sir Elwyn said we will never be allowed to see you again once you leave. I don’t like that and I know Jeffery doesn’t like that either.”

“We all knew this could happen one day, didn’t we? Even if I had ended up married to Lord Kivar, we wouldn’t have been able to see each other much because of the distance and I’m sure as the years went on it would have been less so.”

Jeffery folded his hands behind his back as he continued pacing. “While that’s true, I still don’t like the idea of sacrificing you for our well being. It was hard enough doing so with Lord Kivar, whom I had thought I’d known well enough. Now to do it with someone I have never even seen, I cannot just simply agree to this.”

“I do not think this fae will harm me father. We all know they are far from human and thus do not act like us either. Surely the fae will not try to kill me for being different.”

“He could try to eat you!” muttered Jeffery.

Lara gasped as Elizabeth shook her head in exasperation. “Really father, I think you’re confusing the fae with other creatures such as the ogre.”

“Maybe so, but we all know even the stories don’t tell the whole truth.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Honestly father! You heard Sir Elwyn. He deals with these mythical creatures often. I do not believe he would willingly send a human to a creature just to be made into a meal. I just cannot see the royal court allowing something like that.”

“Yes, but it could still be a secret between them, couldn’t it?”

“I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt,” replied Elizabeth.

“Just the same,” said Jeffery. “I am going to put out word that my daughter is available for a marriage bid. Let us see if there is a good offer or two before the week is up. Hopefully you won’t have to go through with this at all.”

Elizabeth sighed in resignation as she watched Lara go to Jeffery to offer him encouragement. She knew all she could do was wait this out.

************************************************************************

Elizabeth stopped to gather more herbs from the garden behind the manor even as she enjoyed the glorious sunshine of the day. It had been two days since they had returned to Parker Manor where life had seemed to resume its normality. The only thing different was that she wasn’t allowed anywhere near the woods until her father had made up his mind.

Every night the family had gathered in the sitting room to discuss it some more and every night it was the same outcome. Jeffery was still waiting for other nobles in the land to make an offer for his marriageable daughter’s hand. So far, there had been no responses.

Still, Elizabeth did her best to make her father see things her way. She seemed to be the only one truly for the arrangement because even Sir Elwyn was staying out of it. All he did was answer any questions her father had in a way that did not put much pressure on his final decision. Sir Elwyn seemed content to let Jeffery make up his own mind rather than insisting how good the arrangement would be for everyone involved, including the royal court’s delegation.

So life went on for all of them, including Elizabeth who was glad that at least she was allowed to go outside when she wanted to. She had tried to seek out Sir Elwyn to converse with him, but Jeffery had made it clear she was not to be anywhere near him. Sir Elwyn had gladly agreed to honor his wishes and simply gave polite hellos if he ran into her before going on his way.

With nothing else to do, Elizabeth tended to spend her time outside in the gardens, in the stables with the animals or inside her rooms trying to mix herbs and the like. At least she could do that out in the open now with no one looking at her strangely. Still, she much preferred to be outside and was glad that the day had turned out so beautifully.

Dropping the herbs she’d gathered into the basket she carried with her, she brushed errant strands of hair from her face before resuming her walk. She wandered into the next section of the garden where the flowering plants began when something in the distance caught her eye. She looked up to see a flash of orange and black moving through the foliage at the edge of the woods.

Holding her breath, she watched the dual colors move until it reached a small clearing. Her breath came out in a whoosh as she glimpsed the creature before it disappeared behind the foliage again. She had seen a full grown tiger moving through there, she was sure of it.

Keeping her eyes trained on the foliage, she silently prayed for another glimpse of the tiger. She let her gaze travel the length of the area where she’d last seen the tiger, hoping it had not disappeared for good.

Moments later, her prayers were answered when she caught sight of the orange and black stripes moving through the gaps of foliage not far from the last place she had glimpsed it. Suddenly, there was a huge gap in the foliage and the tiger came into full view.

Elizabeth watched as it moved completely into the gap and sat on its haunches. It lifted its head slightly and sat on its haunches. It lifted its head slightly as if sniffing the air before it lowered its head again. Then, it suddenly tilted its head until it was looking straight at her.

Though the edge of the woods was quite the distance away from where she stood in the garden, she could see the tiger’s stripes clearly and she knew it was looking right at her. As she stared back at it, she could see a faint glow begin where she knew its eyes were.

Convinced that the tiger was none other than Max, she decided it was time to thank him for what he had done for her and her family. Slowly, she put down her basket and began walking towards the tiger. She was glad to see that it remained right where it was as she made her way towards it.

The closer she got, the more she knew it was Max, for she noticed the relaxed demeanor of the tiger and the golden glow in the eyes that became more prominent with each step closer. Just as she was about to open her mind to him, she saw him stiffen and the hackles of the tiger began to rise.

She stopped just as she heard her father’s voice call out to her from a distance. “Elizabeth! Stop this instant! Do not get any closer to that beast!”

She glanced over her shoulder to see her father running towards her with two guards in tow. Both guards had their weapons trained on the tiger, but had yet to shoot at it.

Knowing that her chance to speak with Max was lost, she turned back to look at the woods in time to see the tiger backing up. Its eyes were focused on the approaching men, but just before it disappeared into the foliage, it glanced at Elizabeth and she felt a familiar brush against her mind.

She sighed in frustration and sadness as her father reached her and enveloped her in his arms while the guards flanked them with their weapons and attention focused on the woods.

“What did I tell you about going near the woods, Elizabeth! That beast could have killed you!”

“Have you already forgotten about my special gifts, father? It wouldn’t have harmed me! I can talk to it!”

“I will not take that risk Elizabeth, and neither should you! Now, enough of this! Let’s go back to the manor.”

Elizabeth let her father and the guards escort back towards the manor, stopping long enough to pick up her basket of herbs before continuing on. As soon as they were inside, Lara wrapped her arms around Elizabeth in gratitude.

“Oh thank heavens you are all right! You almost gave all of us quite the scare! What were you thinking trying to get close to that beast?”

“It wasn’t going to hurt me,” replied Elizabeth.

“You don’t know that! Honestly! We all saw the size of that thing even from here! It could have swallowed you whole!”

Elizabeth sighed at Lara’s dramatics, but decided not to encourage anyone to continue with any more hysterics. Even as she let her parents usher her into the sitting room, she knew without a doubt that the tiger had been Max and it wouldn’t have hurt her in the slightest. Unfortunately she couldn’t seem to convince her parents of that.

As the maids came in to offer tea and cake to help soothe everyone’s nerves, Elizabeth watched her father begin to pace the room. She waved the maids away when they offered her the refreshments while Lara downed a whole cup of tea before a maid refilled it for her.

Finally her father came to a stop right in front of Elizabeth and put his hands on his hips. “I still don’t think we should take this offer. The woods seems too dangerous of a place after what I just saw.”

Elizabeth resisted the urge to grit her teeth. “Father, listen. You know that I have been going into those very same woods alone for years now. All this time I have been surrounded by the very same animals you are suddenly so aware of. I talk to those animals! I walk besides them!

Don’t you get it? Every day that I went into the woods I was surrounded by them and yet here I stand, still very much alive!”

“Yes, but we would like you to stay that way!” squawked Lara.

“And I will stay that way!” replied Elizabeth.

She looked up at her father with a serious countenance. “Look, I know you have your concerns, but I think you need to stop protecting me so much. You were so willing to give me to Kivar, but now you want to lock me up. You know you have to let me go sometime.”

“Yes, but I never said I could let you go to a fae!” muttered Jeffery.

“I think you are letting these fairy tales get to you father.”

“We’ve all said it before, there is always some truth to those tales.”

“Yes, but I also actually met a fae in those woods father. We became good friends, you see. And I can tell you that the fae are not evil at all. They are just very protective of what is theirs and believe us humans are very destructive when it comes to things they value the most.

Don’t you see father, they fear us as much as we fear them. I can assure you they will not attack unless provoked first and they most definitely will not eat me!”

“It could have all been just a ruse to lure you…”

“Father!” snapped Elizabeth, “Why would the protector of the woods have gone through all that trouble to get a delegation from the royal court to put a stop to my execution if all he wanted to do was kill me in the end? Think about this! I know this protector had to be like my friend! He helped me to control my special abilities! He taught me so much! If the fae wanted me dead, why would they have gone through so much trouble to make me stronger?”

Jeffery stood there in silence, even as Lara closed her eyes sadly. Both of them knew Elizabeth’s words were truer than they cared to admit. Knowing that they were now listening to her, Elizabeth softened her voice.

“I know my fae friend well and I believe the protector of the woods will be true to his word. I believe he will protect me and give you both what you will need to go on. Since he got the royal court to save me from an execution, I trust him. He’s helped us all already. I trust him, father!”

Jeffery sighed as he sat down next to Lara. “You’re right. We’re lucky and grateful that he helped to save you. And…and yes, I may be thinking of those fairy tales too much, but you are still my daughter and I just…I just need a little more time to become comfortable with this arrangement.”

Elizabeth nodded. “Fine, just try to remember that I know more about where I am going than you do. And since I am comfortable with it, you should see that there is nothing to be worried about.”

Jeffery nodded slowly. “Right. Nothing to worry about.”

Elizabeth gave her father a reassuring smile as they all grew quiet and began to contemplate on reaching an agreement that would be comfortable for everyone involved.

TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)AN(pg13)12/20

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 22

As the week began to draw to a close, Jeffery wasn’t close to agreeing to allow his only daughter to become consort to the protector of the woods. No matter how much Elizabeth talked to him or Sir Elwyn answered his questions, he still wouldn’t make up his mind.

Finally, Elizabeth had enough of waiting and trying to reassure her father that everything was going to be okay. She knew she was just going to have to put her foot down and make her father see that they really had no other choice but that one, plus it was still going to benefit all of them in some way.

“Father, we don’t have any other options left! I know that you haven’t received any other offers from anyone for my hand in marriage,” Elizabeth stated from her seat in front of her father’s desk.

Jeffery had been going through the latest notes of money he owed and refusals of marriage opportunities when Lara and Elizabeth had joined him in his study. He knew he only had a couple more days before the week was up to accept the offer from the protector of the woods. Despite the fact that no one had even made an offer to marry his daughter, he still didn’t want to give in to the protector of the woods.

“I still have a couple of days left before I have to make a decision Elizabeth.”

“Nothing is going to change, father! We all know this is the best offer you will get. Even I have figured out that no one wants to marry me because they are afraid of what might happen!”

Lara sighed, “She’s right, Jeffery. Even you can’t blame them for refusing to go up against something supernatural, something most of the stories claim is dangerous to cross.”

Jeffery came to a standstill at those words. Dangerous to cross. He frowned as he wondered what would happen if he flat out refused to let Elizabeth go to the protector.

Whirling around, he began to make his way to the door intending to find Sir Elwyn and ask him that. Before he could make it to the door however, Elizabeth interrupted him.

“Father, you can try to make any excuse you want and you can try to wait until the very last second for something that will never happen, but I am not going to let you.”

Standing up to face him, she took a moment to look at Lara before focusing completely on her father. “I’ve made up my mind father. I am going to accept the protector’s offer for you. That’s my choice to make and you are just going to have to go along with it.”

“What!” exclaimed Jeffery, “You cannot…”

“I can and I will! Waiting will accomplish nothing! Your funds are getting dangerously low and I know that by going with the protector I will never have to worry about you and Lara.”

“And what about you?” interjected Lara.

“Don’t worry about me,” replied Elizabeth, “I know I will be just fine.”

She walked over to Jeffery and took his hands in hers, giving them an encouraging squeeze. “Father, please, let me talk to Sir Elwyn. Let me tell him that I will accept the protector’s proposal so that you will be cared for. Trust me on this, I know what I’m doing.”

Jeffery looked at his only daughter for the longest time. So long that Elizabeth feared she hadn’t gotten through to him. Just when she was about to launch into another plea, he slowly nodded his head.

With a sad sigh he answered her. “Very well then, I guess I will allow you to consult with Sir Elwyn.”

“Father, I don’t have to consult with him. I am going to tell him that we have accepted the proposal.”

“Are you certain…”

“I am positive,” she replied quickly.

Hesitantly he let go of her hands. “Fine. Go and talk to Sir Elwyn, then tell him that we all wish to hear of how this proposal is to happen.”

Elizabeth beamed up at her father. Rising to her tiptoes, she gave him a kiss on his cheek before scampering out the door to find Sir Elwyn. She knew she had to do it quickly before her father had a chance to change his mind.

*******************************************************************

Sir Elwyn sat across from Elizabeth and Jeffery as he explained what was to happen on the morrow. Lara sat on the other side of Jeffery, offering her silent support as Sir Elwyn went through the details.

“I will escort Lady Elizabeth into the woods after you have all had dinner, but before sundown. I will take her directly to the protector, then return once she is settled. She will remain with the protector for one week exactly then she will be allowed to return to see you both.

However, she will only be returning for that day just to bring you the items that will help to fortify your financial security. She will be allowed to spend the day with you, so that you may be assured that she is doing fine. But be warned, if she does not return to the woods by sundown that day, you will forfeit everything the protector has promised for all of you.”

Jeffery couldn’t help but clench his fists at that subtle threat, but Elizabeth placed a calming hand over his to keep him from interrupting.

“That day is the only day you will be allowed to see her. She cannot stay past the allotted time and once she returns to the woods, you will not be allowed to see her again.”

Sir Elwyn stopped speaking for a few moments to give them some time to process everything. Then he asked, “Are there any questions?”

Jeffery frowned at him. “Are we allowed to know exactly why we will never be allowed to see our only child again?”

“Father!” Elizabeth muttered.

Sir Elwyn gave them both a sympathetic look. “I am sorry that I cannot tell you why. However, when Lady Elizabeth returns in one week, she may have the answer for you then.”

Elizabeth nodded. “He’s right. I’m certain there is a very good explanation for everything and before you say it, I do not believe it is anything as bad or evil as you imagine it.”

Sir Elwyn agreed. “I am with Lady Elizabeth. The answer may have to do with the fae’s need for secrecy or even for some form of protection. Remember, they are as wary of all of us as you are of them. Maybe even more so.”

At Jeffery’s reluctant nod Sir Elwyn continued. “Any more questions?”

Elizabeth glanced at her parents and was glad to see that neither of them seemed to have any more. Turning back to Sir Elwyn, she smiled at him.

“I believe that is all.”

“Good, then do you all agree to the terms and conditions of this proposal?”

Elizabeth turned to give her father an encouraging smile, telling him with her eyes that she was in complete agreement with it. Jeffery wanted to protest, but deep down he knew it was pointless. His daughter was growing up and there was nothing he could do about it. He was just going to have to let her go and trust that she was going to be all right.

Looking up at Sir Elwyn, he nodded. “We agree.”

Lara and Elizabeth both added their own agreements.

As they all agreed, Sir Elwyn reached into his pocket and took out a small flat box the size of a snuff box. He set it on the table and opened the lid. The others watched as he removed a very thin piece of tree bark.

Elizabeth thought the bark looked similar to the one the bird had brought to her room once with a message from Max etched on it. However when Sir Elwyn set it on the table, it appeared to magically stretch out until it looked like a sheet of parchment. Lara gasped as words in a beautiful script appeared on the sheet.

When the sheet was full, Sir Elwyn turned it so that Jeffery could read what was on the sheet.

“As you can see, everything that I just explained to you, all the terms and conditions of the proposal are recorded on this sheet. All you need to do is read it, then sign it right here on the dotted line. I will take this back to the protector and when Lady Elizabeth returns a week later, she will have your copy of the agreement to give to you.”

He handed Jeffery what looked like a twig, but was really a pen to sign the agreement with. Hesitantly Jeffery took the pen and looked at his daughter for a few moments. She gave him the same encouraging smile and gently squeezed his forearm for reassurance.

Finally, he turned and signed the parchment before handing the pen back to Sir Elwyn. As he took both the pen and parchment, everyone saw the items magically turn back into a twig and tree bark.

Sir Elwyn tucked the items back into his coat pocket before nodding to Jeffery. “It is done. Now, I will leave you all to enjoy this last day together. Remember, I will come collect Lady Elizabeth after dinner on the morrow.”

Jeffery nodded. “I understand. Come daughter, Lara and I will help you to begin to pack your things for your journey.”

Sir Elwyn had been in the process of rising, but stopped at Jeffery’s words. “Forgive me, Lord Parker, but that won’t be necessary. You see, the fae would prefer that nothing manmade enter the forest. Do not worry about Lady Elizabeth’s needs, the protector will make certain she will never want for anything.”

Just as Lara was about to protest, Elizabeth spoke up. “Thank you, Sir Elwyn. In that case why don’t we go back to my rooms and sort through my things. We should decide what to do with them before I leave.”

Sir Elwyn bowed his leave to the Parkers and showed himself out, leaving the family to spend their last day together without interruption.

***********************************************************************

It was a subdued family that met Sir Elwyn near the gardens of the manor the following evening after dinner. The daylight had not begun to wane yet as the four of them gathered there alone. Jeffery had ordered everyone else to go about their duties but to stay away from the gardens and the surrounding fields.

Silently Sir Elwyn stood with his back to the Parkers, allowing them a few more moments to say a private goodbye. Even though they had all known since the day before that Elizabeth was leaving them, they still weren’t quite prepared to let her go. Once Sir Elwyn had left them the night before, they had gone to Elizabeth’s room to sort through her belongings. At first they had all seemed to get busy, but Lara was the first to break down.

At that point all three of them had sat together on the bed and just cried and hugged each other for quite a while. By the time they had all gotten their tears out, it was too late to do anything else, so they had simply hugged each other goodnight and gone to bed.

The following morning had found all three of the Parkers bleary eyed and subdued as they got together for breakfast. The rest of the day they spent together in Elizabeth’s rooms where they sorted through her things, reminisced about her life and shed more tears. Only pausing to have lunch together, they continued to clean out her rooms until they had managed to get it mostly done.

They had decided to leave some impersonal knick knacks and all the furniture in the rooms so that it could remain a bedroom suite for future use. Elizabeth had insisted that all of her wardrobe be sold or given away and Lara was given first choice of her jewelry before the rest would be sold. All other personal items that were in her rooms were also given to her parents before the rest would be sold or given away.

Once Elizabeth was satisfied that her things were dealt with, the family had a couple of hours to enjoy some time together before dinner. So they had washed up, then dressed up properly before getting together in the family room. There they had tried to pass the time enjoying each others company until dinner. Still, by the time dinner rolled around, a teary Elizabeth was trying to console her distraught parents.

“It…It’s going to be all right. You’ll see mother, father. Everything’s going to be fine. You’ll….you’ll be hap…happy and I’ll be happy be….because I know you’ll both be taken care of.”

As Lara cried even harder, Elizabeth hugged her tightly. “Please don’t cry!” she blustered, “I’ll be all right. I will!”

At the last desperate cry of Elizabeth’s, Jeffery had gone to wrap his arms around both of them. Whispering brokenly into his daughter’s hair.

“I shall miss you greatly, m…my daughter. M…my Elizabeth.”

“I’ll miss you too daddy,” sniffed Elizabeth.

There hadn’t been a dry eye at dinner and the three of them had barely been able to eat at all. So they had finally decided it was time to meet Sir Elwyn in the gardens and had gone there arm in arm with Elizabeth between her parents. Upon seeing Sir Elwyn, who gave them a nod and turned away to give them a moment, they once again hugged each other tightly.

“You be careful daughter. If you are not happy there, you return right away, finances be damned!” muttered Jeffery.

“I know father, but it will be fine. I know it will.”

Lara sniffed. “Oh, I shall miss you so my dear!”

“And I will miss you both so much!” answered Elizabeth.

She slowly pulled away from them to look into their eyes. “I love you. Please take care of each other for me. I’ll be okay, I promise.” She gave them an encouraging smile. “I’ll see you in a week, okay?”

Jeffery wrapped his arm around Lara’s shoulders as she leaned into his side. “Be careful, Elizabeth. I love you.”

Lara nodded her agreement. “I love you too, Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth gave them both one last hug and kiss before moving to Sir Elwyn’s side. As she did, he looked up and offered her his arm.

Softly he asked, “Are you ready, my lady?”

Elizabeth nodded as she slipped her arm into his. “I’m ready.”

It was with heavy hearts that Jeffery and Lara watched as Sir Elwyn escorted Elizabeth towards the woods. Near the entrance, they stopped long enough for Elizabeth to turn and wave to them sadly before disappearing from view. It would be a few long, sad moments before Jeffery and Lara finally tore their gazes from the empty woods to return inside the manor that would no longer be a home for their daughter, Elizabeth.


TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)AN(pg13)12/20

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 23

When Sir Elwyn escorted Elizabeth directly to the same pond where she used to meet with Max, she was surprised that he had known where to go.

“You’ve come here before?” she asked.

“No my lady. I was given directions on how to get here by the protector. I’m just glad it was easy to find once I knew what to look for.”

Before Elizabeth could say anything else, a lion walked out of the foliage and headed directly to them. Both Elizabeth and Sir Elwyn could see a piece of parchment held in its mouth.

Sir Elwyn went into a formal bow as the lion approached them. The lion nodded its head in acknowledgement.

“Greetings Sir Elwyn,” came Max’s voice in both of their heads. “I see that you understood my directions well enough.”

“Yes, Lord Protector,” he straightened and indicated Elizabeth. “I have escorted the lady as you wished and have the agreement which her father signed in good faith.”

“That is good. I have the signed revised treaty for you to give to the governor. Please give Lord Parker’s agreement to the lady so she may carry it for me.”

Sir Elwyn handed the agreement to Elizabeth as the lion placed the treaty at the man’s feet. When that was done, Elizabeth moved to the lion’s side and Sir Elwyn picked up the treaty.

“Please remind Lord Parker that Lady Elizabeth will have a copy of the agreement for him when she goes to see him a week from now.”

“I will,” replied Sir Elwyn. “You’ll be all right my lady?”

“I will. Thank you sir Elwyn.”

He nodded before bowing to the lion and taking his leave of them. The lion and Elizabeth remained there in silence until Sir Elwyn was nearly out of the woods.

Elizabeth was the first to move. Turning to face the lion, she spoke.

It was you, wasn’t it? The owl, the mountain lion, my dreams? You even went in person to save me!”

The lion tilted his head. “Yes, I disguised myself as one of the royal delegates when Sir Elwyn arrived at my request, that is after I followed you as the animals to make sure no harm came to you. However, I don’t have the ability to appear in the dreams of anyone.”

“Oh, well in any case I want to thank you for everything you’ve done, for me and my parents. I don’t know how you managed to save me and now you are going to take care of my family! Max, I don’t know how I’m ever going to repay you for everything, but I’ll certainly do my best. Thank you, for everything!”

Giving up her pretense, she knelt besides him and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him with all the gratitude she felt. She smiled wider when she heard his chuckle.

“There’s no need to thank me, Elizabeth. I did it because you are my friend and you have been a friend to the woods here. I know you would have done the same for me or any of the wood’s inhabitants.”

Elizabeth sat back and smiled as she looked into his eyes. “Exactly,” she whispered.

There was a small pause before Max spoke up. “Elizabeth, you said you were having dreams of me, why did you think I was responsible for them?”

“Oh, well I didn’t recognize you at first, but after a while I realized the eyes of the man were the same as yours. I guess that’s why I thought you were visiting me in my dreams.”

“Hm, interesting.” The lion rose to its feet and moved away a bit before turning to look at her. “Come, let’s make our way to my home for the night. While we walk, would you mind telling me more about these dreams of yours?”

Elizabeth nodded as she rose to her feet and brushed off the grass from her dress. The lion waited until she had moved to his side and slid a hand into his mane before leading her through the woods to his home.

**********************************************************************

“Interesting,” repeated Max for the umpteenth time when Elizabeth had finished describing all the dreams she’d had leading up to her execution.

“It seems to me that you may have the power of premonition, albeit not a strong one at the moment. I’m sure that could become stronger with practice, of course.”

Elizabeth stopped walking and looked at the lion in shock. “Premonition! Then, my dreams were trying to warn me that I’d be caught!”

The lion nodded, “Yes, but it is not your fault for not realizing that. You’ll know better the next time you have a premonition though, so do not worry.”

Elizabeth went back over her dreams in her head, thinking that if what Max said was true then she’d known all along that Kivar was evil. However, that wasn’t all those dreams had showed her but just as she reached that conclusion, Max’s voice intruded.

“Here we are!”

Elizabeth came out of her thoughts to see that their long walk deeper into the woods had finally ended at the base of a huge tree. She gaped at the size of the trunk which looked like it would take ten men with their arms extended to encircle it.

“You live here?” she asked Max.

She heard his chuckle, “Where did you think I lived? A palace in the sky?”

She blushed at his joke, “Well, not exactly.”

He chuckled again, “Come inside, you’ll see it is not that bad at all.”

Elizabeth watched as the lion made its way between the humongous roots which seemed to form a sort of arch into the ground. As he walked into the archway, a warm glow appeared as if lights had winked on inside.

She quickly moved to follow him, putting a hand on the root and peering inside. Her eyes widened as she realized she couldn’t see anything that gave off the light. In fact, it simply looked like the walls themselves glowed. Yet, it was more than enough light for her to see that the ground sloped down a ways before actual steps were carved into the earth.

It was those steps the lion was currently making its way down as Elizabeth finally began to make her way inside. The lion waited for her at the end of those steps, giving Elizabeth a chance to look back the way she had come. She gasped as she saw the glow fading from the distant walls.

“My magic fashioned my home. I’ve made it so the walls provide light only when I approach that way no one else will accidentally stumble into my home. Now that you are here, I will make it so my home will recognize you too.”

Elizabeth nodded as she turned back to see what lay ahead of them. Her eyes widened even more as she took in what looked like a spacious living area complete with furniture made from the roots that had sprung out of the ground. There were chairs and tables with foliage woven to provide soft padding where needed. There were even rugs and throws that appeared to be made of furs and silks.

As she noticed there were more roots that seemed to form archways into other rooms, Max explained about his home. “Since I am a woodland fae, I was able to coax the land to provide a home for me. This three and its roots formed the roof, walls and furniture I needed to live here. The silk and furs were gifts given to me by the owners of them.”

Elizabeth swallowed, “But Max, furs? I mean…”

“Their owners shed fur, no animal was harmed, you know my kind wouldn’t allow that.”

“Oh,” she whispered in understanding.

“My magic can take that fur that was shed and manipulate it into whatever it is I need. And the silk is spun by silkworms who are friends of my family.”

Elizabeth smiled at that. “Friends, huh?”

“Yes, one of them is quite close to my mother. I believe you would call them best friends.”

His comment suddenly made her remember the rest of the premonitory dreams she’d had. As the lion padded over to one of the further arches, Elizabeth looked at him.

“Through here is the room where you will sleep.”

A light glowed through the archway as Elizabeth approached. The lion stood aside as she walked inside the room to see what was in fact a real bedroom. Roots had formed the bed frame, foliage provided the mattress and furs and silks provided the linens.

Elizabeth looked around at the room suited for someone who was human and not a lion or any other animal.

“Is this your room Max?” she asked.

“Yes, but for now you will take this room.”

She nodded as she said what was really on her mind. “Max, those dreams I told you about? They all started with you talking to me, but you were never an animal in them. So, if the last part of the dreams were real does that mean…”

“Yes,” came his soft reply. “You knew you would see my true form someday.”

Elizabeth straightened as she realized for the first time that his voice wasn’t inside her head, but had in fact come from behind her. Taking a deep breath, she slowly turned around to see the lion’s shape seeming to sink into the ground as another shape rose in its place.

She held her breath as his true form solidified before her. Then she took in his true appearance for the first time ever. He was taller than most human men she realized but still resembled them closer that she would have thought.

He had long black hair, which looked longer than even hers. His eyes were the same golden amber she was so familiar with and his slightly pointed ears peeked out from between strands of his hair. The lines of his face seemed chiseled perfectly by some gifted sculptor as did the rest of his frame.

He wore a light blue silk shirt that emphasized the broad shoulders and long arms. It even brought out shimmering blue highlights in his hair. The shirt went nicely with the midnight blue pants he wore and Elizabeth smiled when she saw that he was barefoot just like in her dreams.

However, the more she looked at him, the more she knew he was nothing like she’d dreamed. In reality, he was breathtaking with hair she wanted to run her fingers through and a lithe body unlike anything she’d ever seen. The exoticness of his eyes, ears and perfect features only added to his beauty. Not even the appearance of slightly sharp nails and the teeth that peeked from his mouth as he spoke could deter from his beauty.

“Elizabeth? Are you okay?” he asked softly.

She nodded as his voice seemed to wrap around her every time he spoke. It sounded even better than it had when it had only been in her head. More musical, like the melody of a distant waterfall dropping onto wind chimes.

She sighed. “It’s beautiful.”

“What?” he asked.

“Your voice,” she whispered reverently. “You.”

“Me?” A faint blush appeared on his face as he looked down at his hands. “I’m a freak.”

She frowned at him. “Why do you say that Max?”

He looked up at her with a puzzled expression. “You don’t find me repulsive?”

“Of course not!”

“But…I’m not…human,” he floundered.

She gave him a smile. “No Max, you are a fae. A magnificent, gorgeous fae.”

He was silent for a moment before he took a step towards her then paused. When she showed no fear whatsoever, he blurted his doubts.

“But humans have always feared us because we look like them, but….not.”

Elizabeth sighed as she moved closer to him. Looking up into his golden eyes she said, “I’m not afraid of you Max.”

When he started to protest, she continued. “I’m not like them remember? I’m different too. You’re my friend Max, so I could never be afraid of you.”

She reached up and touched the hair her fingers itched to feel. The strands weaved through her fingers soft and silky like water sparkling in the moonlight.

“How could someone like you ever be repulsive to me?”

Max reached up and covered her hand with his as she looked into his eyes again. They remained that way for a few moments before he stepped back and lowered his gaze to the floor.

Appearing flustered he stammered, “There…there are some gowns and other garments in the wardrobe….for you. You will find something to sleep in. This room and…and the bed are yours. I give you privacy this night while I go protect the woods.”

He turned to leave the room, but Elizabeth caught his wrist before he could leave.

“Max, there’s no need to be embarrassed with me. I don’t find anything wrong with your true form. Please, don’t leave on my account and…and I just couldn’t put you out of your own room! I mean, if we are to be consorts, which I presume is to be married, then I suppose we will be sharing will we not?”

Max didn’t face her as he answered. “We are not married yet.”

“Still, I feel bad for turning you out of your room. Couldn’t I sleep on a pallet or…”

Max turned to look at her, making her pause. “I have to go make my rounds of the woods. It may be some time before I return tonight, close to dawn even. You will have the bed until then.”

When she didn’t move, he gave her a smile, one that took her breath away. “Sleep well tonight Elizabeth, I shall see you in the morning.”

With that, he turned away and made his way out of the room. Elizabeth watched as foliage draped itself over the archway, creating a curtain that divided the bedroom from the living area giving her all the privacy she needed.

With a sigh, she turned to the wardrobe to choose a gown to wear to bed as Max had suggested. She knew the rest of the conversation with Max would have to wait until the next day.

She smiled as she realized things there with Max might be even better than she had ever dreamed or hoped for. Maybe she was finally finding her place in the world after all.

TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)AN(pg13)12/20

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 24

Elizabeth slowly came to awareness after a night of restful sleep. Sighing contentedly, she opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling. She smiled as she saw the amazing network of tree roots and earth that formed the roof of Max’s home. She contemplated the roof for a while before rolling onto her side to look around the room.

It was then that she spied Max asleep on a pallet of leaves not far from the bed she slept on. He was lying on his side too, facing her and she realized that he must have to be in his true form when at rest which meant a lot of magic had to be involved to shift away from his true form. At least that explanation made sense to her because she couldn’t recall him ever being at rest in all the times she had seen him in the past.

Smiling at the peaceful sight he made sleeping there, she took the time to admire the ethereal beauty of his fae form. She had told him that there was nothing frightening about his form the night before, but watching him sleep further proved that was true.

In sleep, he appeared innocent and peaceful. There was no sign of the sharp teeth and his nails and ears were barely visible. If not for the fact that his skin had a natural golden glow that seemed to come from within, he could be mistaken for a human at a quick glance.

She admired the graceful lines of his face and shoulders in his relaxed sleep as he shifted slightly beneath the fur blanket he used. Her eyes widened slightly, but she held back a gasp as she realized the way his hair shimmered even in the near darkness of the room. She could see the blue highlights in his hair even from that distance, plus she noticed the long, dark eyelashes that seemed to caress the tops of his cheeks.

The more she admired his appearance, the more her thoughts began to veer into a place they had never gone before. She began to think of letting her fingers play in his silky hair again, remembering how soft it had felt the night before. Then she imagined what it would feel like to let her fingers trace the lines of his face before moving to those broad shoulders of his.

What would his golden skin feel like? Would it be soft and smooth like his hair had been? Or would it feel hard and rough like the perfect statue of a gifted sculptor?

Sighing, she traced the outline of his broad shoulders with her eyes then admired the lines of his collarbone. When she caught herself fantasizing about running her hands over said collarbone and down his chest that was mostly hidden beneath the blanket, she shook her head in confusion. Feeling the heat rising in her cheeks, she swallowed in embarrassment and decided it was time to get out of bed.

Trying to keep quiet so as not to wake Max, she shifted to the other side of the bed and slid out from under the blankets. She made her way to the wardrobe and chose a dress to change into for the day. Taking the light green dress she chose, she walked through the nearby door and was glad to see that it looked similar to a bathing chamber.

She quickly changed into the dress, liking the way the material felt soft and cool against her skin. Moving to a stone basin, she dipped her hands in the clear water and proceeded to wash her face and hands. Next to the basin was a folded cloth similar to chamois, so she used it to wipe the water away hoping it was all right to do so.

Lastly, she ran her fingers through her hair, then braided it to keep it out of her face. Looking around the small room, she found some string which she used to bind the end of her braid.

When she was done, she slipped out of the chamber and back through the bedroom glancing at the still sleeping Max before leaving the bedroom to enter the living area once more. She looked around the living area, taking in the beauty of the nature made furniture and accessories.

It still amazed her how tree roots and foliage could be magically enticed to form such an intricate looking living area. Even more amazing was the fact that it all looked warm and inviting. So inviting that she moved to sit down in one of the chairs and was pleasantly surprised to feel how roomy and comfortable it felt.

She perused the room a bit longer before deciding to find something for breakfast. Getting up, she chose to take the next door closest to the bedroom door and walked into that room. Stopping near the entrance, she looked around the room trying to figure out exactly what the room was.

She saw what looked like stone altars along the side walls and above them were strange looking baskets. At least she thought they resembled baskets woven out of tree roots and foliage. However, these baskets were slightly rectangular in shape and were suspended from the ceiling by more roots.

She was amazed that the roots were able to hold the rather large baskets up and wondered just what was inside them. As she made her way over to the nearest one to investigate, Max entered the room.

“Elizabeth? What are you doing up?”

“Oh Max, I was just…” She had turned to tell him that she wanted to make breakfast, but the words died in her throat as she took in his state of undress.

Max stood before her wearing nothing but what resembled a loincloth. She couldn’t help but ogle at the sight of all that exposed golden skin. Max was lean, yet in great shape. He had sculpted abs and well proportioned muscles in his arms and legs for his swimmer’s body.

However, that wasn’t the only thing Elizabeth realized was well proportioned. In fact, as the blush stole up her cheeks she knew Max was much closer to a human male than he seemed to think if that loincloth was any indication.

“Elizabeth?” Max asked, interrupting her ogling.

“What?” she blinked. “Oh um…”

She cleared her throat before trying again.

“I was trying to see if I could…if I could make something for breakfast. Um, but I don’t know if you have a kitchen or…”

Max nodded. “I see.”

He noticed how her eyes flicked down before returning to his face and the redness blooming in her cheeks. Realizing she was flustered with his state of dress, he backed out of the room.

“Just a minute and I’ll change.”

As soon as he was gone, Elizabeth leaned against a stone altar and fanned her face with her hand. She was stunned at the way she had felt upon seeing Max that way. That loincloth had left nothing to the imagination and unfortunately she was hard pressed to keep her imagination from running wild at the moment.

Shaking her head to dispel images of running her hands all over that golden skin, she huffed to herself.

“Get a grip, Elizabeth! This is Max you’re thinking of! Your friend!”

She had barely gotten herself under control when Max returned now dressed in an outfit similar to the one he’d worn the day before only this one was in shades of green.

“Sorry. I woke up to see that you weren’t asleep in bed and was worried about you.” He explained, looking a little sheepish.

Elizabeth nodded, but chose not to say anything else.

To change the subject and alleviate the uncomfortable moment, Max indicated the room they were in.

“This room is the kitchen we are in. The stone tables are the places where we prepare our food and these baskets are where we can store anything that isn’t perishable.”

“Really?” Elizabeth followed Max to one of the hanging baskets.

He pulled on a twig that was near the center of the basket, surprising Elizabeth with the way it opened up as if it was a door of a cabinet. Max opened the other door to that basket cabinet so she could see everything inside of it.

“This contains some utensils for serving as does the one next to it. The next two are for cooking utensils. These two opposite are fro spices and other small food ingredients. And these last two are for larger food ingredients.”

He led her to the back of the room to show her the hollowed out area covered with stone. It was the fireplace where meals would be cooked and Max explained how the smoke from the fire traveled up through the small holes at the top to be dispersed through the huge tree that served as the roof of the home.

In the corner near the fireplace was a large stone basin that served as the place to wash anything needed. Although there was no hot water available in the kitchen, Max explained how the earth filtered water into the basin with a bit of magical encouragement. In the other corner was the table and chairs to eat at.

Once he showed Elizabeth around the kitchen, they decided to have honeyed bread and a bit of venison jerky heated over the fire. After they had cooked, eaten and cleaned up breakfast together Max showed Elizabeth around the rest of his home.

The room next to the kitchen served as a formal dining room although Max claimed it was rarely used. He explained that most fae homes included a formal dining room because that was where the fae held court as the humans had tried and failed to describe in their stories.

The room was very elegant looking with the intricate design of the wood table that was long enough to seat more than a dozen people at once. There was still plenty of room for a buffet against the walls on opposite sides of the room. Two elaborate chandeliers hung over the table made from the tree roots that grew out of the ceiling. As Elizabeth admired the complexity of the roots, Max explained that fireflies were called in to act as the tiny lights that would sit at the tips of the roots where it looked like a bulb belonged. However, he only called them in when there was a reason to dine in the room, otherwise he ate in the kitchen.

From there, he led her to the room on the other side of the bedroom and showed her the hydro-garden that housed some of the herbs and vegetables he grew indoors. Most of the plants in the room required very little sunlight, yet lots of moisture that the soil provided to grow.

As he walked Elizabeth through the rows of plants, they discussed the different kinds he had there and what each could be used for. Max was proud of the fact that Elizabeth knew most of the plants and their uses and liked that she asked questions about those she was unfamiliar with.

He also explained how the room and surrounding soil had been coaxed to help nurture the plants before taking her outside of his house to show her what surrounded the tree. There was another garden a little ways behind the tree in a space that got plenty of direct sunlight to grow the rest of the things that couldn’t be grown inside the home.

Then to the east of the garden was a bubbling spring of fresh water for their private use. Max explained how a spell was placed on the spring to prevent any humans from stumbling upon it, but the animals were free to use it as a drinking place like he did.

They walked around the rest of the woods surrounding the tree house so Elizabeth could get the feel of the area while Max pointed out various landmarks for her to use to find her way around. Soon they simply strolled around the woods idly chatting about Max’s magic and his theories on what the magic he believed Elizabeth could be capable of doing was.

Eventually they made their way back to Max’s home since it was now well after midday and they were both hungry again. Once more the two of them worked together to make a vegetable stew and ate it with more hot honeyed bread and apricot juice to drink.

After lunch, Max took Elizabeth into the bathroom and showed her how to empty and refill the water in the stone basin sink. And despite both of their embarrassment, he also showed her the toilet seat he had created out of stone for her to use and explained how magic would be used to get rid of their waste.

The last thing he showed her was the natural hot spring near the back of the room that served as the place to bathe. Nearby was storage carved out of the earth wall that contained all the chamois and other bath items they needed.

Elizabeth asked if there were any items like a mirror or combs that she could use. At first Max was confused what she meant until she explained what they did. Then he told her that once she learned more magic, she would not need those kinds of things again but in the meantime he created some of the items she wanted with the materials the earth provided.

When he was certain she had what she needed, he told her that he was going to work in the garden for a bit if she wanted to have a bath while he was gone. Elizabeth thanked him and went to retrieve a fresh dress from the wardrobe after Max left the room.

Within moments she was back in the bathroom undressing, then climbing into the hot spring to enjoy a nice soak for a while. When she was ready, she bathed herself and washed her hair before rinsing off and climbing out of the hot spring. As she dried off, she watched the hot spring empty then refill itself all on its own.

Still in awe of the magic Max was capable of, she dressed and groomed herself with the items Max had provided her with. All the while she wondered if she would one day be able to do the magical things Max claimed she would. She was still wondering that as she walked into the living area where she found Max sitting in one of the chairs watching the fire in the hearth.

“I hope the bath was to your satisfaction?”

Elizabeth nodded. “It was wonderful, thank you.”

Max smiled as he rose to his feet. “Good, then I would like to take my turn, but I wanted to know if you would like to practice with me afterwards.”

“I would like that.”

“Okay, then relax for a bit and I’ll be back soon.”

**********************************************************************

Elizabeth sighed as she crawled into bed that night, lying on her back to stare up at the darkened ceiling. She thought back to her first day there in Max’s home, amazed that time had passed so quickly.

After Max had bathed, the two of them had spent the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening out in the woods where Max gave her a refresher course of her skills. He had also showed and explained some of the powers he had which he was certain she would one day be capable of doing. Then he had set her to doing a few concentration and breathing exercises in the living area while he had seen to dinner.

Max had told her that these exercises would help sharpen her mind and allow her to have better premonition skills. As they ate, he had explained how often and when the best times were for her to do those exercises.

Eventually their conversation had turned to more pleasant things such as reminiscing about growing up fae and human. However, when they were done eating, Max told her he was going out to work in the woods again for the night and she would have the house to herself.

Once Max left, Elizabeth had cleaned up the remains of their dinner then explored and familiarized herself with the house until fatigue had caught up with her. At that point, she had gone to the bedroom, changed into a night gown as she silently remarked on the array of clothes Max had provided for her, then crawled into bed for the night.

She lay there thinking of Max, glad that he had remained in his true form ever since he had revealed it to her. She realized that as the day had progressed he had seemed to become more relaxed around her and didn’t seem to think his true appearance bothered her as much as he had thought it would.

Once more her thoughts turned to his looks and the fact that she found him very attractive. She knew that it was not only the exoticness of his looks, but also the fact that he treated her as an equal and not a piece of property. Max was the first person after her father whom she felt comfortable being herself around.

She didn’t have to put on airs or try to be something she wasn’t. He accepted her as she was and encouraged her to become better at the things that came naturally to her.

Mostly she liked the fact that she could be honest with him since they were truly good friends with each other. However, as she began to fall asleep, her thoughts turned even deeper than that. Soon she was dreaming of all the possibilities the two of them could discover with each other especially once she became his true consort.

It was those intimate dreams that put a smile on her face that lasted even after Max had returned from his work to settle into his pallet for some sleep of his own.

TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)NOTE(pg14)5/22

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 25

Elizabeth sat beneath the willow tree with her eyes closed, listening to the wind as it spoke to her. She was wearing a pale yellow dress that nearly matched to flowers blooming around her. She sighed as the wind whispered sweetly into her ear and caressed her skin gently. She chuckled when she felt it stirring the strands of her hair.

She sat there peacefully for quite some time until she heard that familiar voice.

“Hello again.”

She smiled as she opened her eyes and looked up into the branches. He was there as usual, amber-eyed and barefoot, wearing khaki pants and a yellow shirt that matched hers.

“Hello, I was wondering when you were going to show up,” she said as he dropped down next to her.

He gave her a bashful look. “Wasn’t sure that you still wanted to talk to me after last time.”

“Last time?”

“You know, when I warned you about the bad thing that was going to happen to you. After that you seemed hesitant to want me to visit you again.”

Elizabeth was quiet until she realized what he was talking about. “Oh, that was all right. It turned out okay.”

“I’m glad,” he replied as he walked out into the field of flowers and bent over to run his hands over the tops of them.

Elizabeth watched him for a few moments before she asked, “So, what brings you to see me again?”

He straightened, but kept his back to her. “I’ve come as your friend, to you warn you again.”

Elizabeth tensed at that. “Of what?”

“This,” he replied before he turned around to face her.

However, as soon as he did, it was now Kivar who stood facing her with hands curling into fists.

“You thought you would get away scot-free!” He roared at her as an angry mob began to materialize behind him.

Elizabeth scrambled to her feet as the scenery changed around her. She could feel the heat of the pyre behind her as fear gripped her hard.

“You can’t hurt me! I won’t let you!” she shouted, hoping her voice sounded more confident than she felt.

“You think it’s you, I want to hurt? You didn’t break the rules!” As he shouted that, his features changed once more.

Elizabeth stared at the fae who stood before her. She knew it was a fae because he reminded her of Max in a way. In fact, he was almost the twin of Max with a few noticeable exceptions.

He seemed taller and his hair was much shorter and lighter than Max’s. He wasn’t as lean as Max and his eyes spoke of having seen much more years than Max’s did. Still, she could see Max’s features in his face.

Her face showed her confusion as she asked, “Who broke what rules?”

The angry mob behind him roared the answer as they too changed into a multitude of fae. “Our rules were broken!”

Elizabeth took a step back at their shouting. Instead of the lovely musical quality she had come to associate with the fae, these voices screeched like singers horribly off-key.

She cringed and covered her ears as she took in the many different shapes and sizes of the fae. She knew that meant they were as different from each other as humans were. There were different skin tones, different hair colors. Some were very tiny while others were as tall as giants. Even their eyes glowed different colors and some even had wings. But all of them seemed dressed in bright colors tht contrasted with their angry, dark mood.

“Who broke the rules?” she shouted over the din of the mob.

The one fae in front pointed past her and growled, “He did!”

Elizabeth whirled around and gasped as she recognized the real Max standing there. He shook his head as he glared at the fae accusing him.

“I’ve done nothing wrong!”

“You have!” roared the fae mob.

“And for that you must die!” shouted the head fae.

Elizabeth shook her head. “No! No Max! Run!”

But Max wasn’t listening as he stood his ground. Elizabeth watched in horror as the lead fae roared, “Kill him!”

The angry mob rushed past her and she shouted at Max to run once more, but was drowned out by the noise of the mob. Just as they grabbed him and proceeded to tear into him with their sharp teeth and claws, Elizabeth screamed.

It was that scream that woke her up to find Max leaning over her with a worried look on his face.

“Elizabeth? You’re awake? It’s okay, it was just a dream.”

Elizabeth lay there trying to catch her breath as she looked wildly around the room.

“Just a dream?” she whispered.

Max nodded as he brushed her sweat-slicked bangs out of the way. “Yes, that’s all.”

Elizabeth swallowed the fear that still clung to her. She knew it wasn’t just a dream. After all, the beginning of the dream had all come true. She had found out Max’s true identity and Kivar had tried to kill her. Now she knew what the rest of the dream meant.

Shaking her head, she sat up and took Max’s hand in hers. “No Max, it wasn’t a dream, it was a premonition.”

“Are you sure?” Max asked with a frown.

She nodded. “Yes, it started out the way the others did. First I saw you at the Willow tree, then Kivar and the mob, but it continued on to something new.”

“What was it?”

“The mob was a different mob, one made of fae.”

Max narrowed his eyes. “And they came after you?”

She shook her head. “No Max, they were after you.”

Max appeared stunned by that news. “What? Impossible!”

Elizabeth gripped his hands as the fear seemed to get stronger. “Listen to me Max! You said my powers would get stronger and I would begin to understand them with time. I know what I saw and they were after you!”

As Max continued to shake his head in denial, she proceeded to tell him everything she had seen in the dream. By the time she was done, Max had gone silent.

“Max, does your father look like you? I mean, do you take after your father in appearance in some way?”

Max gave her a puzzled look. “I have physical characteristics from both of my parents, don’t you?”

She nodded, “Yes, I just wasn’t sure if the fae did.”

Max smiled, “Our races are similar in some ways, but we seem to be more advanced in terms of our abilities. In fact, there are some who say humans have the capabilities to become more, as we are.”

He gestured to her as he finished, “You are clearly an example of that.”

Elizabeth waved her hand to dismiss the subject. “Yes, but Max back to my premonition. I believe the fae in the lead of the mob was your father because he looked very similar to you. Only…older.”

If Max could have gaped at her, he would have. “My father led the mob to come after me?”

“I think that’s what I saw.”

Max sighed and looked at her with what he hoped was a calming smile. “Okay, I’ve heard your premonition and now that I know what could happen, I’ll be sure to take any precautions necessary.”

Elizabeth frowned, “But Max, what rules have you broken?”

Max stiffened for a moment before he caught himself and quickly covered by taking her hand and ushering her out of bed. “I haven’t…yet and since you warned me, I’ll be sure not to do so.”

“But I had the premonition, doesn’t that mean it is going to happen?”

“Not necessarily, they can always change. By warning me, you have changed the outcome already. Now come along, why don’t you have a bath while I make something to eat. We have a full day ahead of us.”

As Max steered her towards the bathing chamber, she looked over her shoulder at him, “Really? What are we going to do?”

“You’ll find out after breakfast, now hurry! We don’t have time to waste!”

He gently shoved her into the bathing chamber then waved his hand to make the foliage in the doorway fall into place, obscuring her from his view.

Elizabeth huffed at the foliage in agitation, but turned to take her bath as Max had instructed. She knew the sooner she got out of there, the sooner she would get answers.

**********************************************************************************************************************
Elizabeth frowned at Max’s back as he led her through the woods. He had been quiet through most of their breakfast and now as he led her to wherever it was they were going, he still had avoided answering her questions.

She was just about to demand that he talk to her when he stepped to the side and gestured to the opening in the trees.

“What do you think?” he asked.

Elizabeth looked past the trees and immediately forgot her irritation.

Sunlight poured into a clearing filled with ankle high grass littered with almost every color of flower imaginable. Multicolored butterflies and bumblebees drifted lazily among the lightly scented petals while birdsong could be heard through the area.

But the most amazing thing was the huge willow tree in the center of the clearing with its leaves drooping to create an intimate space beneath them.

As Elizabeth stepped into the sunlight, a smile lit up her face. “Oh Max, it’s lovely! Even more so than the one I dreamed of!”

Max moved to stand besides her. “I just thought that since you always seemed to like the tree from your dreams and it is where I appeared to you that you wouldn’t mind this place for the ceremony.”

She looked at him in question, “Ceremony?”

He nodded. “To become my consort.”

Her eyes grew wide as she looked around the place. “Here?”

“Yes, I mean you said you saw me here in your dream and…and I appeared to be wearing a suit of some sort. I just assumed it was a sign of our um…wedding, is it?”

Elizabeth grinned at Max’s bafflement. He seemed to be trying to understand the ways of humans, but was afraid he was messing it up. She decided to ease his fears.

“This place is perfect Max! I would love to have the consort ceremony here, but only if that is the way it goes in your world.”

Max nodded. “Yes, we have a ceremony similar to a human wedding, but there are big differences. Mostly it is the magic and rituals that differ.”

“Okay, well you will just have to teach me then, but when does our ceremony happen?”

Max looked at the tree, “I thought it would be best for the day after tomorrow.”

At her gasp he added, “I don’t think you need a whole day to understand the whole ceremony, but I will give you that.”

“Yes, but so soon? I mean, doesn’t everyone else involved need more time to arrive or…”

At her pause he shook his head. “It is not like a human wedding with all those people in attendance and a…a…”

“Priest?” Elizabeth supplied.

“Yes, a priest. It need only be the two of us and nature. We will use the elements that surround us and our witnesses will be the earth and any of her creatures who are nearby.”

“Oh my! It sounds so simple.”

Max smiled. “Well, yes and no. Yes, it requires very little planning and organizing, but no in that the use of the magic and rituals isn’t simple if it is something you are not used to.”

“I see, so I have one day to get the hand of the magic and ritual part, huh?”

Max chuckled. “That is why we are here now. I thought I would show you this place and walk you through the ceremony today. Then I can start to explain things in more detail before we go start putting our clothing for the ceremony together.”

Elizabeth looked at the tree as her cheeks turned red. When Max noticed, he stopped talking.

“Elizabeth, are you all right?”

She nodded without looking at him. “Yes, I just can’t believe you went through all this trouble to create a place like this for me. That’s what you did right? I mean, this wasn’t always here before?”

Now it was Max who seemed to be blushing as he too looked at the tree. “You’re right. The clearing was here, but I asked for a willow to grow and coaxed the flowers to bloom. I wanted to make it nice for you, it was the least I could do since you have agreed to this.”

“Oh Max, you’ve done so much for me already, for my family. I’m forever grateful to you!”

Max nodded, hesitating a bit before saying, “It’s what friends do for each other…right?”

Elizabeth stared at the tree, her cheeks heating up even more as she reached out to take his hand in hers. As Max’s fingers curled with hers, they both stood staring at the tree, their cheeks matching in color.

“Right,” was her whispered agreement.

TBC...
Last edited by Shadowlynxbehr on Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)NOTE(pg14)5/22

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 26

Elizabeth and Max had woken up early the next day to get things ready for the ceremony. Both of them had seemed to put the awkwardness of the day before behind them in order to proceed with their work.

After breakfast, while Max had gone to patrol the woods for a while, Elizabeth had practiced some of the exercises with her growing powers which Max had instructed he to do in his absence. While her powers in the beginning had much to do with the healing of animals, she was fast discovering that Max was right. The more she was with him and practicing the exercises he showed her, the more she was discovering new powers she had.

Not only was she capable of having the premonistic dreams she had gotten, but now she could coax seeds to grow and talk to magical creatures such as fairies and gnomes once she had managed to coax them out of hiding. Learning to befriend the little creatures and getting them to trust her was a lengthy process, but Elizabeth believed she was making some headway. The fact that they weren’t biting her or playing pranks on her attested to that fact.

The coaxing of nature to grow wasn’t as hard as dealing with magical creatures, but Elizabeth knew she was learning in stages. Once she could effortlessly coax things to grow, she would then learn to shape them and eventually manipulate things the way Max could do with little to no effort. In fact, she was still working on coaxing the last of the seeds to grow when Max returned from his patrol.

“How are you doing?” he asked as he surveyed the work she had already done.

He waited until she finally managed to get the last seed to spurt a stem and leaves before smiling at her. “Well, you got them all to come out of their shells, I see.”

His smile widened as a bud appeared, then bloomed on the last seed she’d been working on. “Oh that’s very good!”

Elizabeth grinned at him, proud of her abilities. “Thanks.”

“So, are you ready to take a break for lunch? After that we can continue preparing for the ceremony.”

She nodded. “Oh yes. I’m quite famished.”

He chuckled. “Magic has a tendency to use up your energy, so it is only natural for you to be hungry or tired, depending on what type you are using.”

“Well, I’m glad I’m just hungry and not tired since I know we still have a lot to do today.”

As Max walked besides her towards their home, he winked at her. “Do not worry, we will be ready in time. I know it.”

***********************************************************************************************************************
Elizabeth stood beneath the willow tree with Max besides her. She listened intently as he explained how they were to seal the bond that would make them consorts. They would meet at the entrance of the clearing, Max would be waiting there for her as she came from the house.

Then they would walk together to the willow tree, just to the edge of the leaves that hung down to create that private space. Joining hands, they would lift both hands and faces to the sky and call to the heavens and earth to give witness to their joining. They would have to wait until they got a response before continuing on to make their pledges to each other which would complete that part of the ceremony.

Once Max finished explaining everything and they had walked through it twice, the two of them went back to practicing her magic. Since Elizabeth could coax nature to grow, Max decided to teach her how to manipulate nature like he could. He told Elizabeth that as her powers grew stronger, she would be able to shape the house into exactly what she wanted for an ideal home, plus her magic would allow her to call on nature to aid her as a defense of sorts.

For the rest of the day, Elizabeth learned to shape and manipulate different things in nature and by the time evening came, she had just started to learn how to call on nature for help. Max stopped her lessons at that point so that they could have something for dinner before he went on his nightly duties of protecting the woods.

Elizabeth was outside feeding their leftovers to the birds and other small animals who had answered her call when those animals suddenly went silent. As one they turned to look at something hidden from their sight, but before Elizabeth could ask what it was, every last one of them took flight or scampered away until she was the only one left.

Frowning, she tried to reach with her senses hoping she could ascertain what had frightened the animals. Just as she was sure she had found something, she heard the faint rush of noise that seemed to be growing louder with every beat of her heart. A fissure of warning traveled down her spine and she knew what was coming before she even saw it.

Backing up towards the entrance to Max’s home, she kept her eyes on the darkened woods tryng to think of a way to warn Max without giving herself away. She could hear what sounded like whispering, but it grew louder even as she saw the foliage directly across the little clearing begin to sway.

Wishing her mind powers were great enough to reach Max with a thought, her breath caught in her lungs as the foliage parted to reveal the first fae.

The mob had finally come for Max!

As another fae appeared through the foliage, Elizabeth felt Max approaching from behind her. Yet more fae were emerging from the foliage, so Elizabeth turned and headed towards Max.

“Max! You have to be careful! They’re here! The mob I dreamed of is here for you!”

Max looked past her to see the growing mob assembling in the clearing. “Stay here,” he whispered quickly before striding out of the entrance towards the mob.

Elizabeth followed as she listened to Max confront them. “To what do I owe this visit?”

The mob continued to whisper and murmur among themselves as an opening appeared in the center. Elizabeth could hear the faint phrase, “broke the rules”, as two fae walked through the opening looking like they were important. It was further proof that they were when those around them stopped what they were doing long enough to watch their passing.

Even Max seemed to straighten as they approached. As soon as Elizabeth could see them clearly, she recognized the male looking exactly like the lead fae from her dream. Glancing to the female next to him, she knew that those two had to be Max’s parents.

The male wore a scowl on his face as he neared Max. Everyone could hear him as he growled, “How dare you think you could break the rules! No son of mine will ever have a human as a consort!”

Max stood his ground. With his head held high and shoulders squared, he responded in a steady voice. “I haven’t broken the rules! This is not what you think!”

“Is it not? We were told you have brought a human to dwell with you! Do our sources lie?”

“That is not entirely corrrect,” hedged Max.

The mob whispered and murmured even louder. “He lies!”

“He broke the rules!”

“Human!”

“I smell human!”

Max’s father swung his arms wide to encompass the mob. “Even they can smell the foul stench of the human!”

Max took a step towards him, “It is not what you think!”

“You have betrayed us all!” roared his father. “You knew the rules! You know the consequences!”

Elizabeth gasped as she realized it was all exactly like her dream. They were going to kill Max!

“I’ve done nothing wrong! You must hear me out!” shouted Max, but his father was not listening.

He pointed towards Max and roared, “Kill him!”

“No!” screamed Elizabeth as Max went into a defensive crouch and the mob began to descend on him.

Reacting in instinct, she spread out her arms and did what Max had taught her to do.

“Spirits around me, heed my cry! Help me protect the one who protects you all!”

Immediately the leaves of the trees began to shake and the ground began to rumble, making the mob pause to look around in confusion. Without warning, leaves seemed to shoot out from the trees to smash into any of the fae who were in the way. As the leaves attacked the fae and chaos began to ensue, the ground erupted just in front of Max where dirt began to pile upon itself to create a wall between him and the fae.

Those closest to the wall, including Max’s parents, stopped to stare at the growing wall of dirt in amazement. Even Max stared at it for a few moments before whirling around to look at Elizabeth with wide eyes.

“Is that your doing?” he asked, his voice a quiet whisper of pride.

Elizabeth nodded, but continued to think of the wall protecting Max from the others. Beyond that, the leaves went silent and fell to the ground leaving the fae relatively unharmed.

Max smiled at Elizabeth, “Lower the wall, please? I would like to speak with them.”

“Will they listen?”

He nodded. “I think they will now.”

Elizabeth thought of the wall receding, but only enough so that Max could talk over it to those on the other side. As they came into view, it was clear that the leaves had inflicted scratches on some of the fae, but no real harm had been done. Still, most of them were looking warily at the trees as if expecting another attack.

Max watched them gather themselves up for a few moments before facing his parents who were standing not too far from the wall still staring in his direction. However, they weren’t staring at the wall, or even at Max. They were staring at Elizabeth who was slightly behind him.

Max couldn’t help the smug feeling that crept up on him, but thankfully he was able to keep it from showing. “Will you hear me out, mi’kine?” he asked his father, treating him with respect.

His father nodded as he asked, “It was the human who did that? Was it not? How is that possible?”

Max answered with a nod of his own. “Yes it was. I believe the blood of the fae runs through her body as it does ours, but is not as thick.”

Several gasps were heard among the crowd until the leader held up his hand for silence. Max’s mother moved from her consort’s side towards him.

“Are you saying one of the fae mated with a human and this was the result? That’s not possible!”

Again murmurs started until the leader held up his hand and looked at his consort. “It is indeed possible, but not something we like to talk about given our history with the humans.”

He turned to the crowd and spoke to them. “It is over, return to your homes for now. However, the court will remain behind to resolve this issue.”

It didn’t take long for most of the mob to disperse until there were about a dozen left behind. The majority of those moved with Max’s parents to sit on mushrooms that sprang out of the ground where each one of them had waved their hand over. Once they were all seated, with the exception of a few who appeared to be guards of some sort, Max turned to Elizabeth.

“Let the wall go, Elizabeth. They only wish to speak with us now.”

Elizabeth did as he asked when he held his hand out to her. As soon as the ground had returned to normal, she allowed Max to lead her towards the small group of the fae court. They stopped at the edge of the semi-circle where Max made the introductions.

“May I present Lady Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Lord Jeffery Parker and the Lady Lara. However, it was Lord Parker’s first wife, the Lady Nancy, who gave birth to Lady Elizabeth.”

Max’s father raised an eyebrow, but remained silent as Max continued. “Lady Parker, this is the fae court of Evanyelzan.”

He motioned to each one as he introduced them. “King Fil’ipshEvanyelzan and his consort, Queen Di’anthEvanyelzan. Regent Be’rithAntarian, Marshal La’rethDimaroka and Chancellor Se’rothOmarias. Also Chamberlain Ja’nshKathanica and Advisor Ha’anthAranvisek.”

When he finished introducing them all, Fil’ipshEvanyelzan (or Phillip in Elizabeth’s mind) asked, “Would you mind informing us of the Lady Nancy’s whereabouts?”

Elizabeth answered him. “My mother died giving birth to me.”

Phillip nodded solemnly. “I see, so you never knew her, or what she was.”

Elizabeth glanced at Max before returning her gaze to Phillip. “Not even my father knew what she was and it may be that she didn’t even know. However, father does recall that her parents were adamant that she be kept inside because she had poor health. Neither he nor my mother realized that the reason her health was so bad was because she was kept away from nature.”

Be’rith spoke up. “It could be Nancy was a full fae, taken in by completely human parents who were afraid to let their daughter out on the chance someone might realize what she really was.”

“So they were trying to protect her from other humans?” asked Ja’nsh.

“Or keep her from her true kind,” added La’reth.

“Well, it seems what we know for sure is that Nancy may have been full fae,” said Se’roth.

“I agree,” added Phillip, “especially since Lady Elizabeth has strong powers despite her father being a full human.”

“I believe her powers are strong because her father allowed her to be close to nature and she has been training with me for a while now. With each lesson we have discovered more powers she possesses and the more she uses them, the stronger she gets,” informed Max.

“Really?” replied Phillip. “In that case, let us all hear of how you two met and just what Lady Elizabeth is capable of.”

*****************************************************************************************************************
The sun had set long ago, yet the group remained seated surrounded by fireflies that lit up the night for them. Through it all, both Max and Elizabeth told the story of how they met and of the lessons Max had taught her. They even explained what had happened to cause Max to want to take Elizabeth as his consort.

Finally, towards the end, Elizabeth demonstrated some of her powers for the court, even sparring with one of the guards so that they could see some of the defenses Max had taught her. Then Max and Elizabeth returned to their home while the court deliberated over what to do.

It was late when Elizabeth was nudged awake by Max and told that the court wanted to speak to them again. He helped her up from the chair she had fallen asleep in, then once they were both awake and ready, they returned outside to the waiting court.

Phillip was the first to speak as he looked directly at Elizabeth. “You do understand that if you become consort to Ma’kshEvanyelzan you will never be able to have contact with any humans again. Not even with your family.”

Elizabeth sighed as she looked at Max for a few moments. “Why when the fae have come in contact with humans before?”

“It is not only for the sake of the fae, but for your sake as well as the humans,” replied Phillip. “Not only is it wise to keep our race a secret, but you will begin to take on the characteristics of our race the more you stay with us. Unlike your mother, you will be more noticeable and therefore at risk of being harmed by the humans. Also, those humans who know you will notice the changes too. It may be difficult for them to deal with it and then there’s the fact that you will not age like a human. You will begin to age like one of the fae.”

Elizabeth’s eyes went wide as everything Phillip had just explained began to sink in. She was beginning to see the logic in keeping herself away from her parents and the rest of the human world. But Phillip had a valid question. Could she live the new long life she would have if she stayed and became Max’s consort? Could she really say no and allow her parents to suffer for it? The more she thought of it, the more she knew she could deal with the pain of never seeing her parents while they lived comfortably rather than the pain of seeing her parents live uncomfortably.

Besides, she knew that while it would take her parents a while to get over missing her, as she would them, at least this way she could live freely without fear of being hunted. She looked at Max and realized that she had a good life with him already. He was kind to her and understanding and her feelings for him grew everyday. It would be no hardship living out her life with Max.

She turned back to Phillip and nodded, “I understand what I have to do and what I will be giving up. I believe the benefits of being Max’s consort far outweigh what I have to give up.”

Phillip looked at her for a long time before looking at the other members of the court. One by one they all gave a crisp nod, giving them their assent. He finally turned back to Elizabeth with a nod of his own.

“Very well. We will allow you to become the consort to Ma’kshEvanyelzan. As long as you understand and abide by the rules of the fae, there should be no reason why this arrangement should fail for you or your family.”

Elizabeth turned to give Max a smile and was pleasantly surprised when he gave her one of his own.

Di’anth (or Diane to Elizabeth) stood up and moved to Elizabeth’s side. “For now, we will let you both get some rest, but on the morrow we will begin to prepare for the ceremonial ritual to join the two of you together.”

Phillip joined her as the rest of the court began to disperse. “We will hold the ceremony two sunrises from now, that will give us plenty of time to prepare and time for Ma’kshEvanyelzan to tell you all you need to know about the ceremony.”

Elizabeth nodded as she and Max watched the group disappear into the woods until the two of them were alone again. When Max turned to walk through the entrance to his home, she fell into step besides him.

“You have told me about the ceremony Max, why would we need more time to prepare?”

A blush appeared on Max’s cheeks and despite her amazement that a fae could blush, Elizabeth held herself in check as Max answered.

“I showed you a simple fae ceremony,” There was a difinitive pause before he went on. “It seems the court has decided you and I warrant a true traditional fae handfasting.”

Another pause, “Or as the humans would say…a royal wedding.”

Elizabeth gasped. “What? Really?”

Max simply nodded, but said nothing else. Elizabeth looked at him to see the blush deepening, but even she kept silent.

Instead, she walked alongside him as a smile began to bloom over her face until she was fairly beaming. She was going to have a real fairy wedding! To Max!

As they entered the house, even Max couldn’t miss the smile on Elizabeth’s face or the skip in her step as she moved ahead of him.

Elizabeth was lost in her thoughts. So lost that she missed the secret smile that began to blossom on Max’s face…one very like hers.

TBC...
Last edited by Shadowlynxbehr on Thu Jul 01, 2010 3:21 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)pts 25/26(pg15)7/1

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 27

Two sunrises came and went in a blur for both Max and Elizabeth as they were both kept busy preparing for the ceremony. Elizabeth was handed from one fae to another for this lesson or that as she began to learn so much more about the world she was being taken into. It wasn’t so much about their powers, but about the rules and traditions that had defined their race.

She began to learn how fae were just as different as people from continent to continent. How the place where they lived helped shape and define their world. Not all fae lived in the woods, but wherever nature needed them. Even in the places where it seemed nature didn’t exist, there were fae.

Aside from learning about the fae, she also got ready for the handfasting ceremony as she learned just how different a simple fae ceremony was from the traditional royal one. What she and Max had originally planned was not as complex as the traditional one would be. This time, not only was it important for the actual handfasting, but the preparations and the culmination were equally as important.

Elizabeth and Max had been allowed to spend time together, as well as continue to live as they had been until the second sunrise came. Granted, their time together was often brief and they were often too tired at night to do much more than sleep but Elizabeth was grateful for whatever time she had with Max. It didn’t take long for her to realize that she looked forward to the time she could spend with Max.

Without any other humans around or anyone to point out the difference in her behavior, she was able to figure it out herself. She knew why every time Max walked into the room her heartbeat sped up and she could feel the smile that lit up her face. She knew why she grew breathless as she gazed at his profile when no one was looking or why her cheeks felt hot as she admired the way he moved so fluidly no matter what he was doing.

By the time the night before the handfasting had arrived, she could feel just how flustered she was in his presence. She was actually looking forward to their handfasting with a mixture of anticipation and fear. Anticipation because she knew she wanted to be more than just an amicable consort to Max, she wanted a real relationship with him. Fear because she had no idea if he would accept her as anything more than a platonic consort or if he was even capable of having a real relationship with her.

She knew about the absence of the human idea of love from the fae, and the fact that none of them seemed to speak of it or show it was more proof of that. She had even watched Max’s parents together when they had moments alone, but even their actions towards each other seemed platonic. In fact, she was certain Max displayed more emotions towards her than his parents did towards each other.

While she felt Max’s actions towards her were tender and caring, it didn’t feel as if he had deeper feelings than friendship. She was certain her feelings were starting to be more than simple friendship because of her body’s reaction to him anytime he came near her. There were also the daydreams she found herself having as she lay in bed before falling asleep or during those rare moments she could gaze at him from afar when no one was looking.

So, when the morning of the handfasting came Elizabeth was more than eager to devote her life to Max and had no problem getting up with the rising sun to go off with Diane and her attendants to begin the preparations that would lead up to the actual handfasting. While she went with Diane, Max went with Phillip and their attendants to do their part.

Elizabeth’s day began with a cleansing bath in a hot spring which several of the fae had created just for this purpose. About a mile from Max’s home and surrounded by scented lush vegetation, this was the perfect seclusion for her to strip and immerse herself in the spring as two attendants cleansed her while Diane and the rest of the attendants hid in the woods nearby and chanted a spell of cleansing.

The purpose of this step in the preparation was for the water to purify her aura of anything negative so that she could go to the handfasting with a pure aura. To that effect, every movement was important in the bathing, from the stripping away of Elizabeth’s clothing to the immergence in the water and the actual bath to the exit and robbing of her now cleansed body. Wearing a wraparound robe that resembled a floor length kimono that trailed slightly behind her and appeared to be made of white silk so shiny that it appeared to glow, Elizabeth was surrounded by the attendants as Diane took the lead to take them to the next step in preparation for the handfasting.

While Elizabeth had been bathing, Max had dressed in green leggings and a mottled brown jerkin, dyed to blend in with the surroundings so that he could hunt. Unlike Elizabeth who would enjoy a light meal after her bath, Max had to go on a hunt for his meal before his own bath.

Phillip and the attendants sat in a semi-circle to chant a blessing for good luck as Max took off into the woods with his bow in one hand, a quiver of arrows strapped to his back and a hunting knife strapped to his right thigh. The chanting echoed in a soft whisper all around him as he looked for tracks to follow. He knew the chanting would bring the animal to him eventually; he just had to be patient and trust in his faith that nature wanted this handfasting to take place.

Max silently wandered through the woods, expanding his senses, listening and looking for any sign to appear to him. No matter which direction he went or how far he went from the others, he could still hear the chant whispering like the wind. He chanted along with them in his mind, letting it fill him inside. He let it call to nature; let it lure the animal to him.

It was a while before his patience and faith paid off, when he finally came upon the tracks of a leopard in the soft dirt. Max crouched over the prints for a few moments to assess the size and direction of the big cat. As the chanting continued all around him, he whispered his thanks to nature for sending him the leopard to hunt.

He knew that if he succeeded in bringing the leopard down not only would the handfasting be blessed, but it would be a strong union as well. Leopards as a rule were rather elusive and stealthy, making them hard to track and kill. Because of the way they were built by nature, their strength lay in bringing their kill down with their powerful claws and bite of the jaws.

Max knew the cat would be hard to bring down because not only did it hide among the vegetation in silence, but it could also climb and use the trees as shelter. Lifting his eyes slowly, Max scanned the area using all of his senses to locate the cat if he could. It took a few long moments, but Max eventually succeeded in figuring out the direction the leopard had gone in.

Using his own stealth, Max began to hunt the cat using all of his natural skills to bring himself within reach of his prey. Taking his time he made his way through the woods, circling around to keep his scent from alerting the leopard to his presence. As Max hunted the leopard, it travelled by ground for a while before it suddenly leaped into the trees when they began to grow closer together.

In the denser part of the woods, the leopard travelled some distance using the tree branches as a sort of highway which made it harder for Max to track it. Max even had to take to the trees in an effort to find the elusive cat. However, he got lucky when the cat eventually stopped to rest on a branch of a rather large tree. By the time Max caught up to it, it had been resting for a while and was on the verge of falling asleep. It remained unaware of Max as he dropped to the ground and positioned himself near another tree and notched an arrow against his bow.

Keeping the leopard in sight with his arrow, Max looked for the best place to aim the arrow so that he could bring the leopard down quickly with the least amount of mess. Unfortunately the leopard was lying along the branch in such a way that Max didn’t have a clear shot of the heart. His next best shot would be to the head, but he knew arrows would have a hard time piercing the cat’s skull.

Aiming for the hind leg, Max knew he needed to get the leopard to the ground so that it would be more exposed to the arrows. Preparing himself for a fight, Max left fly his arrow and quickly notched another before his first even reached the leopard.

With a roar of pain the leopard started as the arrow lodged itself in its hind leg right where Max had aimed. Having been startled, the leopard lost its balance and went tumbling to the ground. However, its skill at righting itself kicked in as it twisted in mid-air so that it could land right side up. Before it touched ground, it let out another roar of pain as Max’s second arrow found a home in its chest right through the heart.

With an injured hind leg and ruptured heart, the leopard still managed to remain alive to try to make it to some sort of shelter even as it swung its head to locate its attacker. It roared again as Max ran towards it with his knife in his hand and then attempted to defend itself against Max.

Unfortunately the hind leg wasn’t cooperating as the leopard stumbled, allowing Max to leap over the cat to sink the knife through its skull. As the cat sank to the ground, Max wrapped his arms around the cat’s neck and with a quick move snapped the neck giving the cat as quick of a death as he could.

Throughout it all the chanting had continued and as Max laid the leopard down, even he took up the chanting too. As he chanted, he laid the leopard’s body out properly and removed his knife and arrows from the body. When he was done, the chanting faded away until only Max’s voice was left to thank the leopard for its sacrifice and for its blessing of the upcoming handfasting.

Once Max had made the proper thanks, he began the task of skinning the leopard before separating the rest of the body so that nearly every part of the leopard would be put to good use somehow. When he was done with that part, he built a small fire to burn away whatever he wasn’t keeping. As the fire reduced the bits to ashes, Max took the heart and ate it as a symbol of absorbing the leopard’s strength and blessing into his body.

In the end he smothered the fire, scattered the ashes then gathered the pelt and the rest of the parts he had saved before making his way back to the others. When he reached the small group, a couple of attendants took the leopard items from him and left to prepare them for later.

Max, Phillip and the rest of the attendants went to the hot spring that Elizabeth had long abandoned so that Max could go through the same kind of ritual cleansing that Elizabeth had already gone through. While he was bathing, Elizabeth was finishing a light meal of fruits and other light selections with Diane and her attendants.

After the meal, the women all sat in a circle to chant a blessing for good luck during the handfasting. The chant asked for nature to attend the ceremony to witness those who were to be joined together. It asked for the handfasting to have strength, longevity and peace throughout the course of it. Then towards the end as the others chanted softly, Elizabeth was to silently ask for what all she wished the handfasting to also be blessed with.

Once they were done, Elizabeth was taken to a small hut made of the surrounding trees and its leaves where she would lay on a bed of leaves to meditate while herbs burned in a small bowl at her feet. While she lay meditating, Max was doing the same in another hut far away. He sat upon the now cured leopard pelt while breathing in the fumes of herbs burning in the upturned polished leopard skull before him.

Each one of them was to meditate until their minds were clear and their bodies felt strong enough to go through the handfasting. When they were ready, they had to dispose of the herbs before exiting the hut to place themselves in their attendants hands to be dressed for the ceremony.

Like all the other steps of the preparations, even the dressing part was done with much reverence and chanting. Each item placed upon their bodies was done with a sense of decorum and each brush on hair or body was accompanied by melodic chanting. As part of the blessing, leopard claws had been polished and made into small knives to be fastened in some way on each of their bodies before being covered with clothing.

Once both Elizabeth and Max were fully dressed in their ceremonial finery, they were taken to a place where one last step would happen before the handfasting ceremony began. In the woods, just outside the clearing where the willow tree was, Max stood with his father and their attendants. Inside the clearing many fae were either arriving or milling around as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Elizabeth was with Diane and her attendants in the woods on the opposite side of the clearing from Max and the others.

As soon as the clearing seemed mostly filled with guests, Regent Be’rithAntarian used his powers to summon lightning bugs into the willow tree until the tree seemed lit by tiny twinkling lights. Then his voice rang loud and clear throughout the area.

“Hear ye, hear ye. Fae of the woods and nature that surrounds us all. Gather round as we begin the celebration of a rite of handfasting.”

The crowd was quiet as the Regent finished his announcement and all waited patiently for the next voice to sound.

“Fae of the woods,” began Phillip where he and Max remained hidden from the crowd. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of one of our kind. But before we do that, there is one thing we must do. Here before me stands Ma’kshEvanyelzan, one of my offspring who wishes to enter into a union with one of our lost ones recently returned.

As King of the woodland fae it is my duty to say yae or nae to this handfasting. If it is nae, then he shall set his choice aside and look elsewhere for a consort deemed worthy of this court. If it is yae, then the two of them shall be joined before the eyes of the fae court and they shall both be given their due rights as members of the court. Let all gathered fae hereby witness my answer.”

There was a dramatic pause before he went on.

“I say yae! Let Ma’kshEvanyelzan be handfasted to his chosen consort on this day and let them both become part of the royal court, second in line to becoming rulers of the woodland fae. Do you accept these terms my son?”

“I do,” replied Max, voice projecting as Phillip’s had. All of the crowd including Elizabeth and the group on the other side of the clearing could hear everything.

“Then I, King Fil’ipshEvanyelzan do proclaim it is so.”

“So mote it be,” replied the crowd.

As silence resumed Phillip spoke again. “Come my son. Step forward to take your place beneath the tree that will witness your handfasting. There we shall await the coming of your consort-to-be.”

Max led the way to the willow tree and took his place just outside the curtain of leaves with Phillip besides him while their attendants joined the crowd. When they were in place, Diane’s voice sounded over the area.

“Fae of the woods, we are gathered here today to witness the handfasting of the Lady Elizabeth to one of our own. She has been returned to us as a lost one and has proven that she is fit to be one of the fae of the woods. As Queen of the woodland fae, it is my honor and duty to welcome her into our family where she will become consort to our son, Ma’kshEvanyelzan.”

Like Phillip, she paused for a moment before going on.

“Welcome Lady Elizabeth, chosen consort of Ma’kshEvanyelzan. On this day you will also become part of the royal court, second in line to becoming a ruler of the woodland fae. Do you accept these terms, my daughter?”

“I do,” replied Elizabeth.

“Then I, Di’anthEvanyelzan, do proclaim it is so.”

“So mote it be,” replied the crowd.

Once more Diane spoke, “Go then my daughter, take your place beneath the tree that will witness your handfasting. For your consort-to-be awaits your arrival.”

With a nod to Elizabeth, Diane made her way into the clearing the attendants. She moved to stand near Phillip while the attendants joined the crowd. When all were settled, Phillip and Diane began singing a beautiful handfasting song.

As the sun neared its mid-point in the sky, the rest of the crowd began to join in the song until the clearing was filled with a beautiful, haunting melody. This signaled the beginning of the handfasting ceremony.


TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)pts 25/26(pg15)7/1

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 28

Elizabeth took a deep breath to steady herself as she heard the enchanting melody that floated in the woods towards her. She knew it was time for her to walk through the crowd to Max’s side at the willow tree. She tried to will her wildly beating heart to calm down, but it was futile as she realized that she was that much closer to belonging to Max.

Soon, she thought as she made her way out of the woods. Soon she would let Max know what her true feelings for him were regardless of the consequences.

The crowd parted for her as the melody continued to fill the air. She walked towards the tree, eyes searching for Max. Her breath hitched as she finally spotted him waiting for her just outside of the curtain of leaves.

His long hair had been pulled back from his face, tied back with a black-dyed leather piece. His black silk shirt reached mid-thigh and was accented with a black leather and silver braided belt. There were also silver fae symbols woven down the sleeves of the shirt to match the belt. The leather vambraces he wore also sported silver markings throughout. Black leather pants and knee high boots with more silver markings completed his outfit.

Elizabeth couldn’t tear her eyes away from the elegant sight he made standing there waiting for her. Max had never looked that good in her dreams of him. Now she took in the sculpted lines of his face, the broad shoulders and the regal stance he had as he waited for her.

She couldn’t help but smile as she neared him because she was so pleased and thrilled by him. Her smile widened as she caught sight of his glowing amber eyes.
The glow seeming to become brighter as she approached him.

Elizabeth had no idea that the glow was indeed becoming brighter due to Max’s emotions. Little did she know that as Max watched her approach, he couldn’t help but like what he saw. Her beauty was more than Max had ever anticipated and he couldn’t help but be affected by her presence.

She wore a floor length gown with a slight train behind it. From the waist up it was a fitted white silk piece with a scoop neck and long sleeves that flaired out just past her wrists. From just below the waist, the skirt piece fell in soft white ruffles with silver glittering among them. As she walked, the movement looked as if tiny lights were trying to peek out from among the waves of ruffles and sometimes a glimpse of satin slippers could be seen beneath the skirt.

Her train matched the skirt part so that it almosts blended into the dress while allowing her freedom of movement. Her hair had been allowed to tumble in soft waves freely around her with silver glitter that had been rubbed throughout her tresses. Her face glowed with natural beauty even though her lips had a hint of color to them.

Max smiled as he offered his arm to her, eyes drinking in her sparkling beauty. He watched as her long eyelashes fluttered and she smiled warmly at him while she placed her hand in the crook of his arm. His parents separated the curtain of leaves allowing Max and Elizabeth to step through. As two other fae took over holding the curtains, Max’s parents followed the couple to the tree trunk where Ha’anthAranvisek, the Advisor and ceremonial official waited.

Max and Elizabeth stepped onto the leopard pelt that lay on the ground before the Advisor while Diane and Phillip stood to the sides of the couple as witnesses. When they had reached the Advisor, the melody had slowly faded away until it was quiet again.

“We are gathered here on this day to witness the handfasting of Ma’kshEvanyelzan to Lady Elizabeth,” began the Advisor.

He took the wreaths handed to him by an attendant before going on. “These wreaths made of daisies, lavender, poppies and leopard sinew are symbols of this handfasting. They represent purity, loyalty, patience, luck, magic and the beauty of eternity. May this union be blessed with those things as well as the strength and longevity to endure.”

He placed the wreaths upon Max and Elizabeth’s heads before blessing them both in turn. Then he looked to Max and spoke the next part.

“Ma’kshEvanyelzan, do you wish to become consort to the Lady Elizabeth? Will you have the strength and the patience to remain at her side throughout your days? Will you remain loyal and care for her as it is your duty for the rest of your days?”

“I will,” replied Max.

“Lady Elizabeth, do you wish to become consort to Ma’kshEvanyelzan? Will you have the strength and the patience to remain at his side throughout your days? Will you remain loyal and care for him as it is your duty for the rest of your days?”

“I will,” replied Elizabeth.

The Advisor took the upturned leopard skull from an attendant and raised it above his head. “Within this container lies that which will bind you. It will help to strengthen the bond between the two of you. I ask all who are here this day to witness this handfasting. I ask all witnesses to ask for a blessing of an eternal coming together.”

“So mote it be,” chanted the crowd.

The Advisor lowered the skull as Diane and Phillip came forward to take the ribbon out. They each took an end and wrapped it around the now clasped hands of Max and Elizabeth. As they stepped back to their places, the Advisor went on.

“You are now bound as one by those who witness. It is their wish that this handfasting be blessed as many have been before this. Is it also your wish that this be true?”

Both Max and Elizabeth responded, “It is.”

The Advisor removed the ribbon from their hands then spoke once more.

“Then now is the time to pledge yourselves to one another. You must exchange that which will symbolize your eternal loyalty to one another.”

Max removed the leopard claw knife that had been secured to his arm beneath one of his vambraces just as Elizabeth removed her own from beneath her sleeve. Together they lifted their left hands to run the blade against their palms, drawing blood. Then, sealing their hands together as they faced one another, they spoke as one.

“With this exchange, I pledge eternal loyalty to you.”

The Advisor lifted their joined hands and spoke. “It is clear to all witnesses that this couple is now one.”

“So mote it be,” replied the crowd.

“As your blood combines, so shall you blend your souls. By doing so, your magic will grow and spread over the land blessing both you and all that you touch.”

He lowered their hands before speaking once more. “Here before these witnesses, I now proclaim that your hands are fasted. You may embrace.”

As Max pulled Elizabeth into a hug, the crowd chanted, “So mote it be.”

Max gave Elizabeth a smile as his parents came up to them and sealed their wounds with their powers before embracing them. The attendants surrounded them all as the group moved through the crowd to where some seating was arranged near the edge of the clearing.

Max and Elizabeth were led to their seats before the rest of the court took seats around them. The rest of the crowd dispersed to other seats or took part in serving the afternoon meal of wild turkey and greens.

Once again there was no time for the two of them to have a moment to themselves. Even though the meal was a leisurely course, it was rather long before the food was cleared away so that the welcoming celebration could begin.

This part of the afternoon’s celebration consisted of every member of the court congratulating the couple and giving little gifts her and there. After the court finished, the rest of the crowd was then free to do the same to the couple. Thus, it was another long while of greeting one fae after another until the line seemed to dwindle down.

When it seemed most of the congratulations were done, the festival part of the celebration began. This consisted of entertainment in the form of magic tricks and illusions as well as musical performances. The festival was so familiar that Elizabeth likened it to the court celebrations that the human nobility often had. However, there were no court jesters or acrobatics.

Still Elizabeth liked the beauty she saw in the magical illusions that the powerful fae presented. Her most favorite parts however were the elaborate dances some of the groups performed. The way the dancers moved seemed like they were actually part of the music themselves. They flowed gracefully and fluidly over both ground and air as they danced for the crowd of onlookers.

By the time the sun had set, they were nearing the end of the festival and the area began to be cleared of all props and other debris so that several small fires could be started here and there. Not only were these small fires set in strategic places around the area, but more fireflies and fairies were brought in to create a romantic ambiance for the rest of the night’s activities.

Soon the area was set for the evening meal of wild boar with several desserts of cakes and other sweets to sample from. Unlike the afternoon meal, this time the food would be available whenever one got hungry during the night’s dancing and revelry. Along with the food, there were plenty of drinks to choose from, many of them wines and ales made from the bounty of the surrounding woods.

Elizabeth had picked at the plate of food put before her when the evening meal had begun, but as the night wore on with the amount of dancing she was subjected to, she eventually made her way over to sample more of the food. Just as there had been a line of well wishers, she and Max now had to participate in the dances of the night whether as a group or in partners.

Even so, she and Max still didn’t have a moment to themselves for the majority of the night. It wasn’t until later that night when the dancing seemed to slow down that they had a moment to themselves. They were finally asked to dance together, their first dance as a couple. At first it was just the tow of them before other couples joined them.

When the announcement had been made for the handfasted couple to dance before the crowd, Elizabeth had felt a moment of embarassment. She could feel her cheeks heating up as Max walked towards her and offered her his hand. Taking it, she could only look down at the ground as bashfulness took over.

Still, Max had guided her into the center of the clearing as the music had begun to play all around them. She had realized that she was listening to something that sounded like a waltz which was confirmed when Max placed her hand on his shoulder and began to guide her around the floor doing steps that were similar to the waltz she was used to. Because of the similarity, she was able to catch on in no time as the two of them moved almost seemlessly through the clearing.

It wasn’t until other couples had joined the dance and Elizabeth had gotten comfortable with the movements that Max finally spoke to her.

“Are you faring okay Elizabeth?”

She looked up at him in puzzlement. “Yes, this dance isn’t so hard.”

He smiled at her. “No, I mean has this day been too much for you?”

She chuckled. “Oh that. Well, I think I’ve been too busy to let it affect me I guess. I’m sure when this is all over I’m going to wonder how I survived it all.”

Max chuckled at her answer. “I am already wondering how I’ve survived so far. Especially since I know it isn’t over yet.”

Elizabeth nodded since she knew that there was one last blessing to be said at the end of the night, but wondered just how bad it would be when she saw the blush that stole over Max’s face. Little did she know just what Max was thinking of to make him blush that way.

She didn’t have the chance to ask about it because the music soon ended and as Max walked her to the sidelines, Phillip came to whisk her back into dancing again. Once more the two of them seemed busy until the hour of midnight drew close. The only signals of the nearing hour was the slow banking of the fires and the dwindling food and drinks. Even the fairies and fireflies seemed to dim their lights as the revelers grew quieter and more calm towards the end.

Soon most of the clearing had been reverted back to the way it had been before the entire day had begun with the exception of the crowd and just enough light to see by. As the crowd gathered in the center again, the attendants guided Max and Elizabeth to the curtain of willow leaves where Max offered his her his arm. As she put her hand in place, the attendants left so that Phillip and Diane could stand on either side of the couple.

Max and Elizabeth stood facing the crowd while Phillips hands faced palms down over Max’s head and Diane’s were over Elizabeth’s. They waited until there was complete silence in the clearing before Phillip spoke to all of them.

“As the hour of magic nears, it is time for all of us to bid this handfasted couple a good night.”

Diane continued with the next part. “As the hour of magic nears, it is time for all of us to bid this handfasted couple a good life.”

“In the magic hour, may you begin a new life as one.”

“May your life be fruitful and full.”

“May your bond be strong and the flame, eternal.”

“With these blessings, we send you to your bed.”

“Let the magic hour seal the bond.”

“And let it be the beginning of eternity. Blessed be.”

“So mote it be,” whispered the crowd as it began to part before them.

Phillip and Diane walked to the edge of the crowd, bowing slightly and sweeping a hand out towards the path that had been created through the crowd. With her hand still on his arm, Elizabeth was guided by Max down the path through the crowd.

Whispers of “Blessed be” floated to the couple as they walked through, but once they reached the woods it was silent again. In silence Max and Elizabeth made their way back to his home alone.

When they entered the clearing and Elizabeth realized that they were indeed all alone, her nervousness returned. She knew what a human male and female would be doing on their wedding night, but no one had told her what the fae did. It had her extremely curious since she knew the fae had no concept of love, yet they had many similarities to humans in other ways.

Despite not knowing, she knew that before she lay down to sleep she was going to tell Max how she really felt about him. Her resolve wavered as the two of them walked through the archway and down the slope towards the stairs that led to the living area. By the time they had made it to the bedroom she was certain her voice had all but disappeared.

Max moved away from her when they were inside the room, leaving Elizabeth to stare uncomfortably at the bed. She could feel her heart beating against her chest as if it were frantically trying to escape. Willing her heart to calm down and her breathing to even out, she braced herself to face Max and tell him the truth.

“Elizabeth?” came Max’s whisper preventing her from mustering her courage.

He waited until she turned around before he went on, even though she was looking at the ground. This time it was Max who braced himself for the worst.

“Elizabeth…there’s something I must tell you.”

When she simply nodded without looking at him, he blundered on. “I’m not sure how to say this, but it’s something I’ve wanted to say for a while. I know you won’t believe me because I told you that it couldn’t happen. But it has. At least for me it has. And…and even if you don’t believe me or…or won’t like what I have to say…it doesn’t matter because I need to say it regardless of the consequences.”

Again she nodded even though there was a slightly puzzled look on her face as her eyes flitted to his for a moment before returning to the ground.

Max swallowed as he drew his courage together. There was a long pause before Elizabeth heard the words.

“I love you Elizabeth.”

It was whispered so low that Elizabeth didn’t believe that’s what he really said. After all, the fae didn’t love.

She was so shocked that her head snapped up until she was staring at him.

“What?” she gasped.

Max didn’t hesitate. “I love you.”

When she continued to stare at him, he went on. “I know I once told you that the fae don’t feel that, but since I have come to know you, I know that’s not true. I could say that you have rubbed off on me, but I don’t believe that. I just know that the reason I was so upset when you left to marry Kivar was because it wasn’t me. It took me a while to realize that, but when my chance came I knew I had to take it before I lost you again. But I want you to know that I understand if all you feel for me is friendship…”

His words were finally cut off when Elizabeth threw herself at him and covered his lips with hers. She’d been shocked at his confession, but when he went on and she realized just how long he’d actually loved her, her nervousness had disappeared. Thrilled to discover he felt the same as her, she had launched herself at him for a kiss.

Max was taken off guard when her lips met his but he quickly understood what she was doing. He let her take the lead for a few moments enjoying the feel of her soft lips on his. When her tongue swept over his bottom lip, instincts took over as his lips parted and his arms wrapped around her waist.

His tongue darted out to tease hers, enticing it into his mouth. He felt her shudder in his arms and simply pulled her closer as he deepened the kiss. Chasing her tongue into her mouth, he growled at how sweet she tasted and set his mouth to devouring hers.

When he finally allowed them to come up for air, he leaned his forehead against hers and lifted a hand to caress her cheek. She looked up into his eyes, a smile growing on her face as she realized his eyes were glowing again.

“Max,” she whispered breathlessly. “I feel the same as you. I’ve wanted to tell you for a while. I love you too.”

He returned her smile even as she watched the glow become stronger. She reached up to brush her fingers over his eyes.

“Did you know your eyes glow?”

He chuckled. “Do they?”

“Yes and it gets stronger. I guess when your emotions are stronger.”

“Maybe,” he whispered.

He raised both hands to bury his fingers in her hair, holding her to him. Lowering his lips to hers, he brushed his lips over hers a few times as if teasing her. Then he placed a kiss at the corner of her mouth before moving his lips to her ear.

Holding her close, he whispered into her ear. “The hour of midnight is approaching, do you know what that means?”

Elizabeth closed her eyes when she felt his breath against her neck. “No,” she muttered as her heart sped up.

“It is the magic hour, my sweet Elizabeth. The best time for you and I to seal our bond. To become one.”

His lips grazed her neck before he slid his tongue over the pulse he had felt beating there. He smiled at her soft moan, sweeping his tongue over her pulse once more to savor her sweet taste.

“Will you allow us to become one?” he asked.

His lips had moved to her throat where he felt her swallow at his question.

“What…what does that mean?” she asked, voice sounding breathless.

He lifted his head until he could look into her eyes. “It means that I would love to make love to you.”

TBC...
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)pts27/28(pg16/17)7/13

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

Part 29

Elizabeth’s eyes widened as she realized what Max had just said. “You can do that?”

A grin spread over Max’s face. “How is it that you think fae are created?”

A blush stole over her cheeks. “I honestly had no idea.”

A soft chuckle escaped before he answered. “I’m sure there are many differences between the human and fae way of creating life, but I’m willing to teach you my way if you will teach me yours.”

“Okay,” came her whispered answer prompting Max to lower his lips to hers for another deep kiss.

When they came up for air again, he mumbled against her lips. “See, you have already taught me what a kiss feels like and I’m already craving another one.”

She didn’t have time to laugh at that before he swooped in for another kiss, this time wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up against his body. She wrapped her own arms around his shoulders leaning into his body, surrendering all of her weight to him. She lost herself in his kisses, barely even recognizing the feel of the bed against her back when he laid her down.

She tilted her head back when his lips left hers to tease her neck and shoulder. Her hands buried themselves in his hair, removing the leather strip that had held his hair back before enjoying the feel of his unbound strands against her fingers.

When his lips moved to nibble at her ear, she let her hands move down over his shoulders and back. And when his tongue and teeth teased the skin behind her ear, she arched up and dug her fingers into his back. Frustrated with the fact that his mouth and hands had yet to move anywhere below her shoulders, she let out an exasperated growl.

“Max, touch me! Please!”

“I am,” he murmured against her neck.

Realizing that she would have to show him what she meant, she took one of his hands and placed it over her breast. His head snapped up and he stared down at his hand.

“What?” he asked.

Despite the heat of her cheeks, she knew she had to take the lead. “Touch me all over Max. Every inch of my body needs the touch of your body.”

She saw the understanding dawn in his eyes even as they glowed brighter. Without another word, he lowered his lips to hers again. This time as the kiss deepened, he moved his hand over her breast gently squeezing it as if trying to get the feel of it.

It didn’t take long for his thumb to rub over the hardening nipple through her silk top and when it created such a wonderful friction, Elizabeth arched her back and gasped with pleasure. Max knew that she was enjoying his touch when she moaned into his mouth while pressing her breast into his hand. He continued to explore more ways to elicit the wonderful sounds from Elizabeth, moving his hand from one breast to the other and even tugging at her nipples with his fingers.

Elizabeth wasn’t idle herself as she let her hands roam over his back, feeling his muscles moving even through the silk of his shirt. She let her hands move back into his hair when his mouth moved back to her neck and throat. Then they wandered to his chest where they began to undo the lacing of his shirt.

Max quickly caught on to Elizabeth’s intent and lifted up slightly so she could get to the lacing. Then he unbuckled his belt and vambraces, tossing them to the side before pulling off his shirt and letting it join those items. Before he could return to Elizabeth, he felt her hands on him and looked down to watch her tracing the lines of his chest with her fingers.

Elizabeth’s mouth went dry as she took in the sight of a barechested Max again. This time she actually got to feel him rather than glimpse him from the other side of the room. She loved the way his skin felt so smooth, yet hard beneath her fingertips. She imagined this is what those lovely statues she had once seen as a little girl felt like. But Max was warm and alive and all hers.

She looked up at him, wrapping a hand behind his neck to bring him down for another kiss. This time as Max kissed her, he let his hands wander over more of her body. His hands traced the shape of her breasts, her ribs and down to her waist. Then he lifted his hands to her back to undo the laces there. When he was done, he slowly pulled her top down from her shoulders exposing her skin to his wandering mouth.

As her breasts came into view, Max kissed the top of one before he swirled his tongue over the nipple. Elizabeth’s moan and the hand in his hair spurred him on to do more. He let his mouth take the tip in and was thrilled with the response he got from her. Even the flick of his tongue and nip of his teeth made her squirm closer to him.

As his mouth moved to feast on her other breast, his hand began to knead the one his mouth had just abandoned. The more he tasted her skin, the more he was wanting to explore the rest of her body. And when she lifted her hips to meet his, he knew what he wanted to do next.

He took hold of her silk top and pushed it further down her body to her hips. Finally lifting his mouth from his feast, he sat up and pulled the entire dress from her hips the rest of the way off. He let the dress fall from his fingers as his eyes feasted on a near naked Elizabeth before him. His eyes glowed as he reached down and removed the last garment she wore. Curling his fingers around her knickers, he leaned over to place a kiss on her stomach before sliding the knickers off her hips.

When Elizabeth lifted her hips to help him, he shifted besides her so he could remove all of her garments, including her slippers. Then he stood up to remove his own boots and leather pants before joining her on the bed again.

Elizabeth licked her lips at the revelation of Max wearing nothing beneath his pants. She knew she should have been shy or afraid of his nakedness, but she found herself curious and excited instead. Then when he came back to the bed and slid all of that smooth, hard maleness up her body she couldn’t help but moan and shudder with pleasure.

She felt an answering heat begin in the pit of her stomach at the feel of his body, but when his mouth went back to feasting on her breasts and his hands wandered down past her hips the heat moved south too. She gripped his head with one hand as the other one slid down his body to find something to hold on to. As her hand grabbed his behind, she used her grip to help lift her hips trying to find a way to ease the burning between her legs.

When her center brushed against his groin, Max growled through a mouthful of breast. Unable to resist, he began to grind his groin against her mound. The friction it created made both of them moan and seek to aleviate the growing pressure at their centers.

Elizabeth spread her legs, allowing Max’s groin to fit snugly against her heat. She wrapped her legs around his thighs trapping him in her embrace. Max responded by kissing her lips again as he rubbed himself against her mound. He continued to do so until she began to make little mewling sounds against his lips.

Then quickly brushing his fingers over her heat and finding her slick, he knew it was time to join their bodies together. Making sure she was still lost in his kiss, he rubbed himself in her wetness before plunging deep inside her with one swift move. Elizabeth cried out, but didn’t push him away even though he went completely still.

He looked down into her eyes, silently asking if she was okay. A single tear slid down her cheek, but she smiled and caressed his jawline before she finally spoke.

“I’m okay. The pain’s fading now.”

As he slowly rotated his hips she moaned and said, “Oh yes, I’m feeling much better now.”

Then his lips captured hers again as his hips began to move rhythmically up and down. Elizabeth began to lift her own hips to meet his as he buried himself inside of her again and again. In an attempt to keep his fullness inside of her, she wrapped her legs tighter around his hips and dug her fingers into his back.

Throwing her head back, she moaned and pleaded with him.

“Oh Max! Please! Please hurry!”

Max buried his face against her neck and whispered his prayer. “In this magic hour my soul calls to your soul.”

He thrust into her body a few more times before continuing. “Join with me now, become one with me.”

As he continued to build the pleasure between their bodies, so he continued to speak in groans.

“Seal the bond of our bodies, seal our souls for eternity.”

“Yes!” cried Elizabeth as she felt the end nearing.

“So mote it be,” shouted Max as he threw his head back and thrust deep inside her body to let go of his seed.

“So mote it be,” came Elizabeth’s answering cry as she too let go and bathed Max’s shaft in her liquid heat.

They clung to each other as their bodies rode out the pleasurable high they had given each other. Even as they did so, a soft light expanded around them seeming to be half green and half silver. The two colors began to blend into each other until they became one uniform white color. Then in shrank until it seemed to be absorbed by their bodies.

Thus their prayer had been answered. Their souls had just combined to become one entity which now resided in both of their bodies. They were bonded for eternity.

**********************************************************************


Elizabeth sighed in her sleep and snuggled deeper into her pillow. It took a few moments for her senses to kick in before she realized that it wasn’t a pillow she was resting against even though it felt smooth enough against her cheek. When Max’s fingers threaded through her hair, reality set in as she opened her eyes to see that her body was lying flush with Max’s.

The two of them presented a lovely sight. Bodies still glistening from their activities the night before, they lay with limbs entwined upon the cream silk covered bed. The fur covers had tangled around their bodies even as strands of their hair seemed to entwine with each others or lay splayed over sweat slicked skin and silk linens.

Neither one of them moved for a while as Elizabeth enjoyed the soothing stroke of Max’s fingers in her hair and along her shoulders. For his part, Max was enjoying the feel of Elizabeth’s skin against his skin. Despite the fact that both of them had come clean with their feelings for one another the night before and it had been the first time for them both, neither one of them felt embarrassed or shy in the aftermath of it all.

Elizabeth smiled when she felt Max’s lips brush over the top of her head before he spoke to her.

“Are you hungry, my sweet Elizabeth?”

She lifted her head so that her gaze could connect with his. Immediately she noticed that his eyes were now their normal golden color again. Still, he would always look beautiful to her no matter what.

“Hm, yes I am a little.”

He leaned down to give her a small kiss before answering. “Stay here, I’ll go put something together quickly so we can share it here before we go bathe.”

Elizabeth nodded and watched him slide out of the bed then grab one of the furs to wrap around his waist. He smiled at her before leaving the room to make breakfast.

*********************************************************************************


It was some time in the afternoon when they had finally ventured out of the house, much less the bedroom. After sharing a light breakfast of fruit, nuts and baked bread the two of them had gone to bathe together in the hot spring in their bathroom. Then they had dressed so that they could go for a walk in the woods since Elizabeth agreed that she needed to stretch her sore muscles.

As they left the house, Elizabeth noticed how things seemed as normal as they had been when she had first come to live there. She remained quiet as they walked through the clearing then into the woods. Max slipped his hand into hers as they walked and she fell into a peaceful state of mind.

They simply enjoyed the leisurely walk, listening to the sounds of the woods and enjoying the sun dappled surroundings. Animals would occasionally cross their path, but for the most part they simply acknowledged their presence before leaving the two of them to their walk.

Eventually they had made their way to the clearing where the willow tree was and once again Elizabeth ws struck by how everything seemed to be the way it was before. Not a single fae was in sight nor was there any other indication that there had ever been a handfasting ceremony in that clearing. If her body hadn’t been sore from the activities of the night before and the fact that she and Max had woken up and shared their morning together, Elizabeth could almost believe it had all been a dream.

Max came to a stop before the willow tree and looked down at her with a smile. “I know I created this tree for our handfasting and now I could ask this place to return to the way it was before, but I was wondering if maybe you would like to keep it this way. As a reminder of our finding each other.”

Elizabeth returned his smile as she gave his hand a light squeeze. “I’d like that Max, but maybe we could ask for more wildflowers and shrubs to grow. You know, so that this place will look like it naturally belongs here.”

Max nodded, but paused when he noticed that Elizabeth seemed a bit preoccupied.

“Is something wrong, my sweet?”

Elizabeth looked around the clearing before looking up at him again.

“I was just wondering where all the fae have gone? It’s like they had never been here.”

Max smiled as he ran his hand through her hair. “That is the way of the fae. We can be extremely noticable one moment and non-existant the next. It has always been our way to leave things the way they were before we inhabited it. That way we can restore the balance of nature.”

“Oh, so they won’t be showing up unexpectedly to cause problems for us again?” she asked with a smile.

He chuckled. “No. They welcomed us with the ceremony and accepted us with the blessings and gifts they gave, so now we can live our life in peace. Of course, we can visit with them whenever we want to or even invite them over for a visit, but that will be up to us. For now, it’s just you and I again.”

Elizabeth grinned. “I love the sound of that.”

“Me too,” Max replied before pulling her into his arms for a deep kiss beneath the willow tree.

TBC...
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"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr. Seuss
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Shadowlynxbehr
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Re: Of Secrets, Healers, & Fae (M/L, Adult)pt 29(pg17)7/13

Post by Shadowlynxbehr »

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Part 30

Max watched as Elizabeth used her magic to coax more shrubs to grow haphazardly in the clearing. They had been working off and on since the day before to make the clearing look as if it had naturally grown that way. He’d noticed right away that since their union, her powers had grown even more. He knew it had to be because she was now eternally linked with him. In essence, everything he was now became everything she was.

He was certain that with each moment she spent there, she moved farther away from resembling a human. Even now he could see the changes in her, albeit her differences were not as pronounced as his were, but they were there. No doubt that within a few more days, she would appear completely strange to the outside world of humans if she ever encountered one of them.

There was a hint of sadness in his eyes at the loss of her human self. While he knew part of his love for her was that she was human, he was mostly sad for what she would be giving up for him. Because of what she was becoming, it would no longer be safe for her to spend time in the human world. Plus, he could already imagine the looks she would get from those who knew her. It would be extremely obvious to them that Elizabeth was no longer like them.

“There, I think that just about does it,” said Elizabeth as she set her hands on her hips.

She glanced back at Max with a tired smile. “What do you think?”

He nodded as he looked around the now wild-looking clearing. Grass grew in patches that were nearly thigh high in some places. Among them were also wildflowers in a myriad of colors. Bees and butterflies had already been attracted to them since the day before, so they happily flitted among them without caring that Max and Elizabeth were there.

The willow tree itself had been coaxed to grow more naturally so that it seemed thicker and wilder like the rest of the clearing. Moss and vines grew haphazardly up its trunk and along some branches, yet beneath the tree’s shade the grass remained short since sunlight was rare there. Still, it was long enough to cover the ground and wild enough to look as if that was the way it had always been. Even the sight of birds flitting from the willow to the woods surrounding it made everything look perfectly natural.

Max moved to stand next to her and slid his arm around her waist. “I think you’re right. This place looks like it has always been here.”

She sighed in contentment as she leaned against Max. He was right about that. The two of them had worked diligently on the place since the day before. Of course it hadn’t been all work since they were still newly wed from a couple of days ago. In between working on the clearing, they had engaged in quite a few relaxing or stimulating activities depending on how one looked at it.

While Max thought Elizabeth was showing signs of becoming more fae, Elizabeth thought Max seemed to have more human characteristics, at least personality wise. Unlike a typical fae, Max had no problem telling her that he loved her. He even showed her in a myriad of ways which she was certain weren’t common among the fae. He was always holding her hand when they walked together and at night he held her close to him. Often he absently ran his fingers through her hair or touched her as if it was too much for him to go without for even a moment.

Then there were the very intimate moments they shared, from their first night together to the little interlude they had after their lunch earlier. The day before, when Max had taken her to the clearing and told her he wanted to preserve the place as a reminder of their beginning, they had shared a kiss which had turned heated within moments. Needless to say, neither one of them wanted to trek back to the house, so Max had made a comfortable place for them beneath the shelter of the willow tree and they had become one with each other once more.

It was a given that both knew they could be with each other whenever and wherever they wanted within the woods since it was literally their home. They both knew no human would stumble upon them unawares and the inhabitants of the woods made themselves scarce whenever the two of them became intimate. Of course the only other time the two of them had been intimate in the woods was the evening before when they went for a moonlit swim in the pond. Their little tryst after lunch had been in the formal dining room of their home, on top of the long dining table which was rarely used for dining anyway.

Afterwards, they had moved back to the bedroom to relax for a bit and nap before returning to the clearing. That relaxing time was just one of many they already had since becoming consorts. There was also the time beneath the willow tree after their intimate play and the moonlit swim from the day before. There had also been some time to relax the evening before which they did in their living area just as they had done this morning after breakfast. In fact, they were due for another break not that they had finally finished working on the clearing.

It seemed Max read her mind as he nuzzled her temple. “Let’s head back home. I want to wash up and relax a bit before our evening meal.”

Elizabeth nodded with a smile as she took his hand to begin the walk back to their home.

**********************************************************************************************


Elizabeth sat in a chair near the hearth as Max coaxed the fire once more. A couple of furs were draped over her shoulders and lap as she nursed a cup of cocoa in her hands. She watched as Max had finished coaxing the fire before he returned to his seat at the foot of her chair. He leaned back against the chair and draped a fur over his folded legs. Picking up his cup of cocoa from a nearby table, he returned to gazing at the fire as she had been doing.

After their evening meal, the two of them had gone through the woods checking up on the creatures and flora that dwelled there. Max had been showing Elizabeth what the duties of looking over the woods had entailed. She was learning little by little what life would be like for both her and Max from now on. Despite the fact that she was now responsible for that entire area of woods just as Max was, it didn’t leave her feeling like it was too much work.

This was only another indication that she was thinking as a fae since she now thought of all of the woods as her home rather than just the tree in which she and Max lived beneath. As such, she found it easy to take care of her entire home, the woods, the way she once had been charged with helping Lara care for the manor. Of course her chores hadn’t been much at the manor since they had servants to do most of them, but Elizabeth had never been one to shrink from any type of labor. Still, caring for the woods seemed much easier than anything else had ever been with the exception of her feelings for Max.

She moved her gaze from the welcoming fire to Max’s profile which was all his position on the floor by her chair afforded her. He was still gazing at the fire as he sipped his cocoa.

“Max?” she asked in a low voice, not really wanting to destroy the tranquil mood.

“Hm?” he replied without looking away from the fire.

“How will you be able to care for my parents without ever leaving these woods?”

Max sat his cup back on the table before turning slightly to look up at her. “With magic of course.”

When she simply looked at him, he smiled and took her hand in his. “When you go see them tomorrow, you will be taking a few items with you. I will explain to you what each one of them is, what they do and how your parents should use them to get what they need. I’ll make sure you know everything so you can help your parents understand and use them well after you are gone.”

When Elizabeth nodded and looked back at the fire as if something else was on her mind, Max gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “I promise you Elizabeth, your parents will be well taken care of. I won’t allow anything bad to happen to them for your sake.”

Elizabeth sighed as she turned to look Max in the eyes. “I know that Max. I believe they’re in good hands with you. It’s just that…well I’m still not sure how to explain to them why it is that I can never see them again after tomorrow. I’m not even sure of the reasons myself.”

Max cocked his head to the side. “You remember what my father told you?”

“Yes, but I don’t see how that is possible. I mean, how could I be any different than I am now?”

Max gave her a gentle smile before he rose to his feet. Tugging her hand, he motioned for her to join him.

“Come with me, my sweet. There is something I think you should see.”

He led her through the living area and then through their bedroom until they were within the bathing room. He indicated the mirror he had fashioned for her even though she rarely used it now that she had learned how to use magic to fix herself up.

“Take a look in the mirror, Elizabeth.”

She moved to stand in front of it, looking at herself for a few moments before Max moved to stand behind her.

He met her gaze in the mirror as he asked, “What do you see?”

“Us?” she replied without hesitation.

He chuckled. “Yes, but look at your image closer, my sweet.”

He reached up and tucked her hair behind her ears. “What do you see?” he repeated.

Elizabeth gasped as she noticed that her ears were a little more pointed than they normally had been. She leaned towards the mirror to get a closer look at her ears.

“How is that possible?”

“Magic,” replied Max. “You know I’ve told you that magic exists all around us. But it is also a part of you as well as me. That is why you are able to use it so easily. It is inside of you and because of that, because you use it as easily as breathing, it affects you the way it affects all magical creatures. Magic changes everything it touches, even those who think they only wield it.”

Elizabeth reached up to touch her ear with her fingers. She stared in the mirror as her fingers shaped her ear and noted the differences now.

“Amazing!” she whispered in awe. Until she noticed her teeth.

Opening her mouth, she widened her eyes at the vision of sharper teeth. “No way!” she exclaimed.

Max took her by the wrist and held her hand next to his own so she could see the similarities. With Max’s next to hers, she could see the way even her nails were becoming sharper.

“Oh my!”

Max nodded as he looked up into her eyes. “Do you remember how I was reluctant to show you my true form? I told you that I was used to the way humans seemed to find our looks repulsive. I told the truth Elizabeth. Humans do not like looking upon us and since you are becoming more like us every day, they will shun you too.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes at his words, knowing he spoke the truth. When he slid his hands over her shoulders, she couldn’t help but lean back against him for comfort.

“I know your parents will love you regardless of what you look like, but it will be hard for even them to look directly at you. Then there’s the danger you would put both yourself and your parents in when others around you will recognize you for what you have become. I do not want you anywhere near those who would do you any harm. I know you feel the same way about your parents.”

Elizabeth nodded. Max was right of course. If she continued to see her parents despite the changes that would occur to her appearance, she was certain there would be an uprising similar to the one she’d experienced with Kivar. Only this time, her parents would more likely be caught in the crossfire too.

Max turned her to face him, tilting her face up until their eyes met once more. “There is also the fact that you will not age like a human. The fae are not immortal per se, but our lives are nearly as long as an immortal’s is. That means we age much more slowly compared to a human being. There is no way to really explain the difference of aging between a human and a fae. Only to say that we believe that one decade for a human may mean one year for a fae. Even then, there are fae who are hundreds of years old by human standards who still look and act as spry as a human in their early twenties.”

Elizabeth swallowed as a thought occurred to her.

“Max…how old are you?”

He smiled when he realized that she was beginning to understand. “By human standards, I am two hundred and fourteen years old.”

Elizabeth gasped. “Really?”

Max nodded, “But I am still a young man in terms of the fae. It will be many, many decades before I even reach an age to be considered a full adult.”

Elizabeth shook her head, “That’s just so strange…I can hardly believe that.”

Max ran a hand through her hair, “You’ll soon see that time will seem different for you here. While your aging will slow, it will not seem like forever to you. Especially when you do not have much contact with the human world. Because their lives are so finite, it makes it seem like we have forever to live but that’s not necessarily true. There is so much my father still has to do before he passes into his old years and you will soon feel as if you do not have much time to do everything you need to do before your own age catches up with you. It is the same for your own father in the human world.”

Elizabeth nodded. “I get it. So, it’s better that my parents don’t see how I will remain the same even as they grow old.”

“Yes, but it is better for you too. I know it will affect you to watch your parents grow old before your very eyes.”

“Yes,” came her sad answer. “Yes it will.”

Max wrapped his arms around her as her tears began to fall. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to their bed. Tucking her beneath the covers, he continued to hold her as she cried out her grief of the world she was leaving behind. He knew it would take some time for her to let that part of her life go and even then he was sure she would still grieve from time to time. Still, he would always be there for her when she needed a shoulder to cry on and he would make sure that she always knew that.

He tightened his hold on her when she buried her face in his chest as her shoulders shook with her sobs. It would be a long while before her tears would finally subside.

TBC...
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"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr. Seuss
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