https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?9339-applepie The largest classic literature discussion forum on the Internet. Read Write Teach Share. en Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:01:57 GMT vBulletin 10 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.online-literature.com/forums/blog.php?9339-applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8685-Part-27 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:37:01 GMT Here is another bit to my story. It is going slow, but it is going. Enjoy! “Can I get you anything Lady Arabella?” Nechemya called to Arabella... Here is another bit to my story. It is going slow, but it is going. Enjoy!

“Can I get you anything Lady Arabella?” Nechemya called to Arabella as she began to move about in the other room, “I believe I can find you a nice tray of food and something to drink.”

“That would be much appreciated. What happened to calling me Bella? I thought you agreed to not call me Lady except for when you must.

“I am sorry Bella, habits are much harder to break than I would like,” Nechemya was already moving towards the door, and he hurried to be out it as he heard Arabella’s next question.

“Where is Allarick this morning?”

He shut the door quickly before there was an opportunity to answer his lady. He didn’t want to be the one to tell her of all that was occurring. He had been watching over Arabella because Allarick was not available. He was not even within the walls. What his lady did not know was that she finally woke up as her mate was fighting the challenge issued against Phelon. Nechemya was certain that he did not want to be the one who broke that news to Bella. Keeping that in mind, he asked a passing servant to take a plate of food to his lady, and he went in search of his other mistress.

It was no surprise to Nechemya that he found Philomina within the highest chamber of the palace. Once the room had belonged to her mother as a music room, but Mina had turned the beautifully lit room into that lovely place to sit and read or paint. She did not possess her mother’s talent for music, but was an exceptional artist.

Today she was sitting at the window watching the crowd below. She must have heard his entry, because she began to speak to him as he approached.

“You would think that all these people were gathered to watch the latest theatrical act instead of gathering to see if their Syine, their ruler, is going to be killed this day. Look at them, huddled about like ravening beasts screaming for blood. They’ve no care that the blood is going to be shed by a good man. It is a loving ruler who has sacrificed all to do well for them that is bleeding for them this day, and they yell as if it is entertainment. They will watch my brother die if he can not best Phelon, and they will cheer as it happens. The very people that he has devoted his life to helping will do nothing but cheer as he fights for his very life.”

Nechemya moved forward and wrapped Philomina in his arms, “All is not as bad as that Mina. They will cheer louder if Allarick wins the day and it is Phelon who is defeated,” at the small hiccup of laughter that was both a sob and chuckle, he pulled Mina tighter against him and pressed his lips to her neck. A sigh escaped them both as they settled into a position that was so familiar to them.

“How is it that you manage to do that? No matter how unhappy I am, not matter how angry at the world I am, you can touch me and all of it goes away. Will you always be able to make me feel like this?”

“I will hold you like this for as long as you will let me Mina. Don’t you know by now that you are my world? How many years has it been tamore that we have hidden our marks? I think if Allarick has his way, it will not be long before we can show the beauty of them with no fear of punishment. I only hope that he will make it through this day.”

“He will make it; I have no doubt that Allarick will come home to us. I only hope that Arabella will be awake when he does. He is more concerned about his mate than himself, and Phelon will pay the price for what he did to Bella. I know Allarick fears that Phelon did more to his tamore than just cause physical damage. I think he worries that she will reject him now that she has been shown such an ugly side of our world.”

“Speaking of lady Arabella, she is awake in their chamber. Your brother will be pleased when he returns to find her looking so well, but at the moment I’m more concerned of Arabella’s reaction when she is told that Allarick is fighting a challenge right now.”

A ghost of a smile lit Philomina’s face, and she settled herself more fully into Nechemya’s arms.

“I do not look forward to the task either, but since you are here I guess it falls to me to be the one to break the news. I am afraid that my brother’s new mate is not going to take it well. I’m only sorry that she did not awaken sooner. If she had been able to talk with Allarick she may have been able to talk him out of this madness.”

“I am afraid it does love. It will be better for her to hear of your brother’s challenge from someone whom she loves and trusts. As for your brother, do not hold his refusal to listen against him. I would do the same if anyone had abused you like what has been done to Arabella.”

“I’ll not hold it against him, but I fear that Bella may not be so kind. I suppose that I should go to tell her now. The challenge should be nearly finished, and I have no desire for her to hear the news from someone else.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Arabella was sitting at a small table in the chamber she was now sharing with Allarick when Philomina entered the room. She had just completed her meal, and she was marveling at how much she had healed in only a matter of hours. She did not know that it had really been several days since she had taken the medicinal brew Allarick insisted that she drink. It had amazing healing properties, but one of the side effects was that it tended to place the person who consumed it into a coma like state while it worked its healing.

“Bella, I hope that you are feeling well today,” Philomina’s voice came to her from the open doorway between the inner chamber and the seating room that connected to the main hallway, “You gave Allarick quite a scare.”

“I feel amazing!” Arabella responded. Her smile told the tale of just how great she felt. “I don’t know what was in that drink that Allarick gave to me, but between that and a good night’s rest, I feel as if I’m nearly healed. Have you seen him this morning so that I can thank him?”

“Arabella, do you not know how long you have been resting? The medicine that you were given has left you unconscious for three nights. It has amazing healing properties, but it also forces your to rest.”

“Three nights,” Arabella exclaimed, “but that would mean that Allarick has already issued his challenge to Phelon. I do not imagine that he would have waited for me to be awake to do so.”

“My brother is fighting his challenge battle with Phelon right now,” Philomina looked sympathetic at the panic that flared in Arabella’s eyes, but she continued, “I am certain that it is nearly over by now, and we will find out who it is that has won the battle.”

“He is fighting for his life, and I have been sitting here eating my meal and marveling over how well I am feeling.”

“Bella, listen to me. There is nothing that you could have done. Being present at the battle is likely to distract my brother more than anything else. I have never seen him as crazed with anger as he was on the night you came home beaten. I know that you have no memory of what occurred after you fell asleep, but Allarick was very unlike himself with the temper he was in. Nothing would have dissuaded him from making Phelon pay for what he has done.”

Arabella was just about to speak when the door came crashing open to reveal her bloody and battered mate. She gasped as the door slammed shut behind him and he limped further into the room. She rose quickly and rushed to take survey of his injuries. There was an oozing gash along his left arm and another bisecting his right thigh. His face was a mass of bruises, and she worried that he may have further damage that was not as apparent.

“It is finished Bella,” he whispered a he drew her close. She returned his embrace but dew back when he was unable to contain a gasp at her touch.

“Finished?” she queried back, “Tell me you did not kill him Allarick. I know you had reason to be angry, but please do not tell me that you have killed Phelon over me.”

“Calm yourself tamore he is not dead. Our challenge was not to the death, though I would have preferred such a challenge. He deserved death for what it is that he did to you.”

“Allarick, we must tend to your wounds,” Philomina crossed to her brother, “Drink this,” she demanded offering a cup.

“I have no wish to be senseless Mina.”

“Do as you sister asks tamir. You need to heal, and she surely knows what is best. Please drink,” Arabella took the cup from Philomina and held it to her mate’s lips. Allarick shook his head in refusal again, but she was not to be dissuaded, “Please love. I trusted you to care for me, now please allow me to take care of you.

With a sigh of resignation, Allarick began to drink the medicine offered. When the cup was empty he closed his eyes and swayed with the power of the drug dragging him under.

“Come to bed,” Arabella gently drew him towards their bed.

“I do this for you tamore, but we will talk when I awaken,” Allarick’s eyes were already beginning to drift shut as he lay upon the covers. Arabella began to draw away, but he claimed her hand, “stay with me.”

“I’ll stay as long as you will allow as you will allow,” came her gentle reply, but Allarick was already asleep.

“He will rest for at least a day,” Philomina placed a hand on her shoulder, “the medicine is the same that was given to you. It will speed his healing and allow his body the rest he needs. When he awakens most of the healing will be completed. Would you like to come below with me?”

“No Mina, I think I will stay here for a time,” Arabella brushed a lock of hair from Allarick’s face, “I would like to be here just in case he needs me.”

“My brother is lucky to have you Bella. Just send Nechemya for me if you need anything.” ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8685-Part-27 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8539-The-Prince Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:08:04 GMT I just finished reading [I]The Prince[/I] for the first time in maybe ten years. It is amazing to me the difference in view that the time has made. I remember the first time reading it, I was horrified by some of the tactics and the dishonesty that Machiavelli encouraged. I believed then, and I still believe now, that Machiavelli held a belief that all men are inherently evil. While I use the term evil quite loosely, I find that he did not believe in the goodness or honesty of people. The only thing that really saddens me is that I find that I've become quite jaded, and have a similar mistrust towards people as a whole. Perhaps this is why the change in my views of the book.

A book that I once thought was ruthless and cruel in its guidance, I now find that I sat agreeing with much of it as I read. One theme that carried through my reading that I found most intriguing is the idea that it is better to commit an evil/cruel act against an individual or group of individuals if it is for the greater good than to not and allow many to suffer. I find it odd that I mostly agree with this ideology. Once, I strongly believed that evil is just that and under no circumstances can it be justified, but now I tend to view things more in the light of the ends justify the means (at least in matters of state).

In honesty, I can no longer find a single thing that I passionately disagree with Machiavelli on. Yes, it is much wiser to depend upon your own armies rather than foreign forces or mercenaries. Certainly, one must weaken or destroy those within a newly conquered country who would endanger their power structure if they wish to hold the territories they've conquered. If one must commit cruel acts to cement their station it is better to commit them all at a single time so that they may be forgotten or forgiven rather than slowly committing them over time resulting in a belief that you are cruel and sadistic rather than merely practical.

All in all, as a guide for conquering or establishing new territories, [I]The Prince[/I] is a fine guide. While some of Machiavelli's ideas seem to be harsh, I have to agree with his assessment of people and the best way to remain in power. There are no eventualities that I can think of that Machiavelli didn't account for, and I can't help but marvel at his genius.

One thing that does strike me as a little bizarre is that he he calls the Medici family to action at the end. This is the same family who had sent him into exile, and it was during this exile that [I]The Prince[/I] was written. So I can't help but wonder at his motivation. Was he secretly mocking the Medici family by publishing a "how to" guide to overthrowing them? Was he attempting to regain some of his former political favor by instructing them on how to run the state properly? It is a mystery to me what his motivation may have been in the writing, but I find that I now have a desire to find his [I]Discourses[/I] to read some of his other ideas. I am told that [I]Discourses[/I] is quite opposite this work, and I would like to see if perhaps his view of people isn't as harsh as one may think after only reading [I]The Prince[/I]

Anyway, I'm off for now.

Much Love,
Meg ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8539-The-Prince https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8179-For-Mothers Sat, 09 May 2009 14:43:00 GMT Happy Mothers day to all of the moms here on LitNet. It's a little early, but as I'll be getting the Mommy treatment tomorrow, I figured today was as good as any to say it:D

So here's my list of the top ten things that let you know you're a mom.

1. You don't remember what it is like to sleep through an entire night. Sure the kids are older, but you sill wake up at 2:30 out of habit.

2. You know all the bodily fluids that children can produce, and you have likely worn all of them more than you would ever like.

3. You can't hear someone talking to you from the next room, but you can hear a call for Mommy from more than 100 yards.

4. You have learned that if there is silence in your house you better be looking for what mischief your children are into.

5. You are multilingual including such languages as gibberish, pig latin, and toddler speak.

6. You know that your children will never WANT to eat the vegetables on their plate, but you add them anyway so that you can say they are given a balance diet. Then you sneak them in somewhere else when you don't think they will know they're eating them.

7. You know that nothing smells sweeter than your own children right after a bath, and nothing looks better than your little ones asleep in their bed.

8. You know that kids attract dirt like a magnet attracts iron powder. That tan just may be washing away in the bath.

9. You know that your two year old cannot really cry themselves sick, but you still wonder why not when they are in the middle of a temper tantrum that has lasted 20 minutes.

10. You may not know that you are the most important person in the world to your children, and you often feel like they treat you as a servant/slave, or at times they hate you, but when they are older you will recieve thanks for being such a great Mom. Maybe if you're lucky they'll tell you tomorrow too:) ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8179-For-Mothers https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8121-Part-26 Sat, 02 May 2009 12:44:58 GMT Next Chapter “Perhaps I should go and be certain that Bella is well,” Allarick was already rising from the table as he spoke to his sister. ... Next Chapter

“Perhaps I should go and be certain that Bella is well,” Allarick was already rising from the table as he spoke to his sister. Philomina had managed to contain him for the majority of the meal, but he had decided that he could wait no longer.

“If you must go chasing after you mate then you have my blessing. She has had more time alone than what I would have guessed you could be persuaded to give her,” Philomina was laughing and shooing him from the room as she added, “I’ll see to things here and be sure the rest of the evening goes orderly.”

With a quick flash of his old grin, so common cycles before, Allarick stalked off towards the gardens thinking that it was the most likely place for Bella to go. When he didn’t find her near the waterfall or anywhere in the maze of flowers he decided to ask if Nechemya had seen her.

“I’ve not seen our lady Allarick. If she left the meal, it is not anywhere within the palace that she retreated to,” was his reply when he cornered him outside the chamber he and Arabella were sharing.

With the slightest tingle of worry, Allarick decided to head outside towards the stables to see if Tamarin had seen his mate. While he was searching for his stable master among the stalls, he came upon Arabella hugging one of the small lorellia. He smiled as the thought occurred that he should have known she would like the fantastical animals. His mate’s barely audible sob drew his attention.

“Tamore what is it that is wrong? I did not upset you at the evening meal I hope,” he reached out to draw her towards him, but his movement stopped abruptly as she gave a sharp gasp at his touch, “What has happened Bella? You are injured. Let us get you inside so I can see how badly. Did you have a fall from your mount?”

When he did not receive an answer, only Arabella’s continued tears, he began to lead his injured mate towards the palace and their chambers. Along the way they passed Nechemya who followed them to their chamber.

“Please bring me supplies to attend to Bella’s injuries.”

“Shall I send Mina to help attend her?” he asked with concern.

“Please just bring the supplies. I’ve no desire to worry Mina.”

Allarick still had no idea the extent of her injuries, so he started to remove her clothing. He winced as he saw the masses of bruising that covered her body. It was deepest circling her ribs, and he feared that she may have a few which were broken. It took a few moments for him to take note of the defensive wounds on his mate’s arms and legs. Her belly was free of any damage, but her forearms were covered in abrasions and more angry bruises. As he took note of her condition he concluded that his tamore had not fallen from the lorelilla like he had firs believed. Someone had deliberately attacked his mate.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Allarick’s hands were gentle where they touched her, but even that caused Arabella to wince in agony. It felt as if someone had taken a baseball bat to her body. She was certain that a number of her ribs were broken, and she would feel lucky to find that she had no fractures in her arms. She may have fought Phelon off, but he had inflicted more than his share of damage on her.

“Come, into the bath tamore. The warm, mineral filled, water will help to ease some of the aches from your injuries.”

Arabella had become very cognizant of Allarick’s change in behavior. He was studiously trying to no longer ask her what had occurred, but the tautness of his face told how upset he was by her condition. She had little doubt that he realized it was not a tumble from the lorelilla which had caused her condition.

She lowered into the pool with the help of her mate but was unable to prevent the tiny whimper that escaped from simply having to move. Allarick’s hand convulsed where he was holding her own. To try and ease his worry she pressed a caressing kiss to the back of his fingers. She was not able to bring herself to tell Allarick of what had occurred, and she hoped that in some small way she could assure him of her well being. She knew that her injuries looked bad, but the situation could have been much worse if she had been unarmed. Silently she promised that if she ever saw Vern again she was going to give him a huge kiss for teaching her to fight.

A curt tapping on the door called Allarick away. Arabella was able to see Nechemya’s solemn face before Allarick closed their chamber door to talk with him in the hall. It was only a matter of moments before the door reopened, and the rage on her mate’s face had her rising quickly from the pool.

“Phelon has returned to the palace with some grievous wounds. It seems tat you are quite dangerous Bella since he has named you as his attacker. Is that what has occurred tamore? Did Phelon attack you? I need an answer Bella”

Arabella was not certain that she wanted to relay the events of the evening to Allarick while he looked so angry, but it seemed that there was to be very little choice in the matter. With a stuttering start, she began to tell him of all that had occurred. She gave an account of all that happened from the time she left the meal until she reappeared within the stable nearly two hours later. She left no detail out, and she was relieved to see that there was no doubt in his face regarding her tale.

“I will see that he is punished for what he has done this evening,” with his proclamation, Allarick destroyed any sense of relief she was feeling, “he will face me in challenge tomorrow.”

“Allarick, you can not challenge Phelon. If you do this, then you have given him exactly what it is that he wants. He is using me to get to you, and I can not bear it if you allow him to win,” the tears that Arabella had been holding at bay started to fall in earnest. She had been trying to protect Allarick by keeping her silence, but Nechemya’s news had made it impossible to continue to do so. Now the sobs were ripped from her, and the force of them reawakened the agony of her injuries.

She might have not been looking for love, but it had found her anyway. She had spent her life avoiding being too close to anyone aside from Vern. Life had been much simpler that way. Now she was choking with the realization that if anything were to happen to Allarick she would never find happiness again. There was a sickening feeling in the depth of her being that told her she may just follow her mate into death.

“Bella, shhh,” Allarick folded her within his arms and hugged her to his chest, “I do not mean to upset you tamore, but I cannot allow this to go unchallenged. He has attacked you, and now he is trying to hide it by accusing you of attacking him. If I allow this to happen, then he will win anyway. He will destroy you, and then there will be nothing of me left. You have become my heart, my very reason for life, and I will never allow anyone to harm you”

Arabella continued to sob while Allarick stroked her back. He made soothing circles between her spine and shoulders trying to calm her, but all the motion succeeded in doing was making her cry harder. He pressed a cup to her lips insisting she drink the bitter brew. When she would have pulled away, he urged her to drink more of the concoction. Arabella did not know what it was that he was forcing on her, but she felt the pain of her injuries begin to dull. A languid weariness overcame her, and her eyelids began to droop.

“All will be well. I will take care of everything, but for now I need you to rest tamore. I need you to sleep and heal.”

“I love you tamir. Don’t leave me,” her whispered words were barely audible as sleep overcame her. The last thing that Arabella remembered was Allarick carrying her to bed, pressing a kiss to her lips, and telling her that he loved her as well and not to worry. ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8121-Part-26 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8120-Part-25B Sat, 02 May 2009 12:44:08 GMT The evening meal was well underway by the time that Arabella and Allarick joined everyone. Arabella couldn’t help but blush at the knowing glances... The evening meal was well underway by the time that Arabella and Allarick joined everyone. Arabella couldn’t help but blush at the knowing glances people cast their way. A few people dared to jest at their Syine’s tardiness, but most seemed to be torn between anger and curiosity at her new position. She did not completely understand why there would be any anger over Allarick taking a mate, but she could feel the blaze of furious eyes upon her as they seated themselves at the head of the table.

“Did you happen to find time to give Allarick your gift Bella, or were you much too busy to remember?” Arabella smiled as she saw that Mina managed to keep a serious look while her eyes were dancing with devilment. The little hoyden did like to keep everyone on edge with her antics, but she had to admit that if it were not for Philomina she would be feeling very much alone here as she possessed many of the same traits.

“I think we were much too busy. Your brother will be keeping me to a very vigorous exercise regimen I think.”

Mina let out snort as she tried to suppress her giggle. Allarick was looking between the two of them with shock evident at their barely veiled conversation.

“Are you corrupting Bella with your deviant ways?” He was so serious in his question that Arabella began to laugh outright.

“I don’t think that Mina is tarnishing me at all tamir,” she slipped in the last knowing it would soften her mate before going on, “I am much worse than she can ever hope to be. I think it stems from too many late nights spent with Vern. Too much time spent in the company of men would be enough to corrupt anyone”

Allarick’s eyes narrowed at the mention of another man’s name, and Arabella could fairly see his jealousy begin to bubble over. She had known that the comment would provoke him. She admittedly had intended to bait him with it, but it was not her intention to infuriate him. “Settle tamir, he was a close friend and my boss. We spent all too many evenings working late. Nothing more,” Arabella leaned close as she spoke so that their words would not be heard by the others at the table. Taking advantage she leaned even closer to brush her lips across his hoping to soothe his temper. Before she knew what happened, she found herself dragged from her seat into the arms of her mate, and he was dominating her with his kiss.

“You are mine tamore,” Allarick growled after a few long minutes as he finally released her from his punishing grip. Looking appalled at his own jealous reaction to another man’s name coming from his mate’s lips, Allarick released his hold so she could return to her meal.

It was with shaking legs that Arabella returned to her seat. Finally, unable to concentrate on the meal and conversation, Arabella excused herself from the table. She was too unsettled by his display of possessiveness to be hungry, but when Allarick rose to leave with her, she stopped him with a motion of her hand.

“Stay, please Allarick. I am just going to go for a walk. I confess I’m not very hungry, and I am not good company after having such an eventful day,” Allarick looked as if he would like to argue, but one glance from Philomina had him seated and waving her on her way.

Arabella could not help but feel all the eyes upon her as she left, but at the moment she had little care for it. She needed a moment of escape and be alone for a while. She found herself moving towards the stables and the promise of a ride on the lorelilla. Perhaps she would take a nighttime ride out to the cove that Tam had shown her. Surely with the dim glow that pervaded the night sky there would be little to worry over.

In the stable, she was unable to find Tam, but she did see all the gear she would need to go for a ride. Choosing to take the lorelilla she had ridden before, Arabella set about readying everything necessary. As an afterthought, she added a small, but extremely sharp, knife to her boot. Vern had seen to it many years ago that she was versed in a multitude of weaponry always warning her it was far better to be armed and have no need, than have a need and no weapon to fill it. She was proficient in the use of everything from rapiers to twentieth-century guns as well as all the best weapons that money could buy in modern times. He had been of the mindset that you may never know when such knowledge would come into use.

“Bellisimo, you will thank me one day. It is much better to be informed and alive than to find yourself ignorant and in the grave. Besides, what would I do with myself if something were to happen to you?”

“When am I ever likely to need something as barbaric as a weapon that shoots bullets? We’ve not seen such barbaric weapons for more than a century. It has been since the Great War that such things were banned to all but collectors. I don’t even want to know how it is that you’ve come across some that are still capable of firing. As for the swords, aren’t knives meant to be used for cutting food? Last I looked; they were an eating utensil, not something used for swinging around at others.”

Vern had just laughed at her complaints and continued with his lessons. Being so far from home, she had to admit that she was grateful for his badgering. She could defend herself passably well with even the small dagger she grabbed, and it lent added confidence as she mounted the lorelilla and took flight.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Watching from the shadows, Phelon moved to mount his phalcon. It was an oddity of its kind since they were typically too ill tempered to be trained for a rider, but Carawin was quite special. He was trained as both an assassin and as a winged mount for his lord. The giant bird had a wingspan of more than twenty feet when soaring. The phalocon’s massive wings made it perfect for flying with a rider on its back since they provided more than enough lift to carry both a rider and their own relatively small bodies. Extremely intelligent, they had been used by Phelon’s family for years to hunt down and kill any that they wished. Carawin was from a long line that had been bred upon his ancestral lands to be the perfect combination of loyalty and ruthlessness.

Phelon followed Arabella easily in the dim sky. Carawin blended into the shadows crossing the countryside, but the lorelilla’s glistening coat was shining brightly in the remaining light. There was no appreciation in him for the beauty of his surrounding. Instead, he was consumed with a burning desire for vengeance against the young woman who had dared to defy him. It was of little consequence that Arabella was now mated to the Syine. In fact, it only made him thirst to cause that much more pain since he would be damaging the man he viewed as his foe as well as sending a message to all about the consequences for crossing him.

He was aware that tales of his encounter in the stables were circulating about the palace. They were not passing among his peers, but he had seen the looks that both slaves and laborers were casting his way. They no longer looked at him only with fear, and instead their terror had been replaced by satisfaction that he had been stopped by a mere female. If it had not been for her connection to the Syine, nothing that Arabella could do would have stopped him from giving the stable master the beating that he deserved. The Syine allowed the man entirely too much control, and now it seemed that he was going to do the same with all those beneath him.

Phelon’s fury flared even more as his thoughts were consumed by memories of that day. He was the son of a great lord, a lord who had faithfully served the previous Syine for many long years. Rather than being treated with the respect that he was owed, he was made to look the fool by a slip of a girl with too sharp of a tongue. At least his mate knew how to behave properly. It seemed that they Syine did not expect those in his household to do the same. He would not stand for such insults, and after he was finished with the Syine’s mate, there would be no doubt of his refusal to be made a laughingstock by anyone.

He smiled cruelly as he saw the tiny lorelilla begin to make its descent. The time was at hand for him to dole out punishment, and the anticipation of what he would do now that there was no one to stop him was exhilarating. He had hardly been able to believe his luck when she had left the dining hall and headed out for a ride, but since he had already excused himself to return his chamber it was an opportunity that he could not refuse.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Arabella sighed at the feel of the surf and sand between her toes. She had taken her shoes from her feet as soon as she had dismounted from the lorelilla, and now she was wandering along the waters edge. There was something soothing about walking around the beach barefoot, and it brought back fond memories of home. She had shared a beachfront condo with Vern in Naples, and when they had managed to escape from the office it was all too often to go enjoy the sunshine and sand. Most weekends found her out at the condo, and she had endured much teasing about her affinity for the sea. Vern swore that she must have been born a mermaid, and she was just incapable of remembering her past life. The water had always produced a calming effect that she craved. Her life was tumultuous at best, and it seemed that her time spend unwinding on the beach managed to give her the necessary endurance to accomplish all that she wished.

With all the changes of the past few weeks she needed something to ease her nerves. She had already been living on this planet for six long weeks, and in that time she had been unable to find any glimmer of hope that she may be able to return home. To make things worse, in the time that she was here, she had fallen in love; then she had mated herself to a man she had no hope of a future with, and found herself becoming friends with Philomina, Nechemya, and Tamarin. This was not the way that she had pictured things when she had made the decision to land here. She had been certain that within just a couple weeks she would be on her way home again to report to Vern about the malfunction with the test equipment.

“I wonder if he is even searching for me yet,” Arabella spoke to sea like it was a dear friend, but she jolted with fear as she was grabbed from behind. This terror only increased as she heard Phelon’s voice in her ears.

“How sweet that you are pining for your mate, but he is not likely looking to find you so soon,” He hissed misunderstanding who she spoke of, “and even if he were it will be too late to stop what I have planned.” With that, Phelon began to haul her back from the water towards the cliffs looming behind them.

Once they were shadowed by the massive cliffs, Phelon turned her roughly to face him and sent her flying to the ground with a swift blow to her face. Rather than stopping, he the proceeded to rain punishing kicks to her arms and legs as well as her vulnerable back and sides. Arabella instinctively curled in upon herself as she tried to protect her softer belly and organs. When she did so, she felt the cold hilt of her knife pressing against her hands.

Without no thought towards her actions, she pulled the knife free and raked it across the leg which was aiming to deliver another blow. Screaming in pain, Phelon made a grab for her arm, but all he received for his efforts was another gaping wound across his arm and chest. This made him pause, and Arabella jumped quickly to her feet.

Despite the pain that came with each jarring step, she ran towards her waiting lorellia. She wasn’t foolish enough to stay and continue fighting Phelon, but she did hope that the damage she inflicted would slow him down. Judging by the ever growing distance between herself and the man screaming vile threats at her, she had succeeded. Mounting the lorellia she gave thanks that he hadn’t caught her, and then she gave a command that launched her into the air and sent her riding swiftly home. ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8120-Part-25B https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8119-Part-25A Sat, 02 May 2009 12:43:34 GMT Next Chapter Allarick was waiting at the front entry of the palace when Philomina and Arabella returned from their shopping. He had been... Next Chapter

Allarick was waiting at the front entry of the palace when Philomina and Arabella returned from their shopping. He had been informed that the two of them had left the palace that morning by an anxious Nechemya. It seemed that he had been unable to keep a vigilant guard upon the two women since they did not inform anyone of their plans to leave. They also had chosen to walk rather than ride one of the beasts from the stable, so even Tamarin had been unaware of their jaunt outside the palace walls. Nechemya had finally gotten the information of Philomina’s idea to go shopping from a female servant she had passed as they were leaving.

“Did you enjoy your shopping? I hope that all is well,” he gave Philomina a sharp look as he spoke. There was no mistaking the warning there. Mina knew better than to leave the palace unprotected, but perhaps the dangers beyond the walls had not been stressed enough. She had been foolish enough to leave unguarded, and she had taken his unaware mate with him.

“All was splendid at the market. I helped Bella choose many fabrics to be made into clothing,” there was no apology in his sister’s tone, but she smiled with pleasure to see him draw Arabella near and place a kiss on the crown of her head.

“We had an amazing time. I never imagined that the market would be so vast, and I loved the opportunity to see more of your town. As long as I am here I would like to se my new home.”

“As long as you enjoyed yourself tamore, I am pleased that you were able to go. All I ask is that the next time you tell someone where it is that you are going. We were unable to find you at the midday meal, and I was worried. If it had not been for Philomina’s absence and a young servant girl who watched the two of you leaving the palace, I would have been much more worried.”

Allarick watched the wicked smile bloom on Mina’s face. She was trying to hold in her amusement at his diplomacy, and her shoulders were shaking with humor. She knew very well how unhappy he was with them, and couldn’t help but goad him.

“We will be much more cautious the next time my darling brother. I am sorry to have worried you, but I did not think that a walk to the market and a day spent shopping would cause you such concern. Who would have thought that you could become so protective,” a laugh escaped as Philomina added, “I have been shopping at the market alone for cycles.”

“Mina, do you mean to tell me this is not the first time you have left the palace without a guard?” The sharpness of the question should have been a warning to Philomina to have care what her answer would be, but caution was not one of his sister’s virtues.

“It is simple really; I just walk out of the palace. No one has ever stopped me, and I know that while dear Nechemya would like to follow me, he does not have the time. As for why you are unaware, I suppose it might have something to do with me bribing the rest of the servants to keep it from you and Nechemya.”

Allarick was only able to stand there and sputter as his sister’s brilliant smile and dismissive attitude. She had been diverting his attention with such tactics since she was a child yet it still worked. If Mina shocked him or displeased him, she would always bait him by taunting with some behavior that was much worse. Then with a smile she would kiss him on the cheek and be off before he was able to regain any control of the situation, which she promptly did, yet again, with a wave.

“I shall see you at the evening meal Bella.”

Long silence filled the room as he stared after Philomina’s retreating back. Years of raising her after the death of heir parents should have given him some immunity to her machinations, but it seemed he was as easily manipulated now as he was ten cycles ago.

“I think I know who it is I should take lessons on how to manage you from. Does Philomina have that affect on everyone or is it just the people closest to her?”

“I think it is something she does to everyone. I am not certain how she does so when we all know that it is happening, but the little terror just keeps on. I suppose it is what I get for spoiling her outrageously when she was a child. Since we have some time before the evening meal, why do you not come with me to our chamber? I have something that I would like to show you,” the wicked heat in his eyes gave a ready indication to why he really wished to go to heir chamber.

“Is it something that you wish to show me, tamir, or is it something that you wish to do with me?”

Reveling in the fact that she had called him tamir, the masculine form of tamore, Allarick pressed a gentle kiss the side of Arabella’s neck as they traveled toward their chambers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8119-Part-25A https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8118-New-Chapters-(24) Sat, 02 May 2009 12:38:24 GMT I've three new chapters, but I think at least a couple of them exceed the character limit for a blog:lol:, so I'm goiing to post them as parts. It looks like the most current part of my story was numbered 23, so I'll just start here calling it part 24.

Enjoy,
Meg

Next Chapter

Arabella had barely dressed when she was pounced upon by an exuberant Philomina. Allarick was already gone for the morning. He had awoken her just briefly at dawn to give her a lingering kiss and to tell her that he must attend the council. There would be much to talk of this morning as it became known that he had taken a mate. A touch of apprehension had coursed down her spine as she worried over the tumult that his news would bring. It was not likely to be well received that he had claimed her, whom no one really knew much about, but he had kissed her soundly, ordered her not to worry, and then left her to attend to his duties. She had spent the remainder of the morning lazing about in bed savoring the moment until she decided it was past time to be up.

“Tell me Nechemya is not carrying tales Bella. You have been claimed by Allarick,” the smile on Philomina’s face was bright enough to have lit an entire city. There was little question that she was pleased by the situation, “I knew there was attraction between you, but I could not believe my ears when I was informed of your mating. I had not dared to hope that Allarick would really take a mate, and yet, Nechemya assures me that it is so. Even if he had not, the band upon your arm tells of you status.”

Bubbling over with her joy, Philomina circled Arabella surveying her from all sides. Then she moved a little closer as she took in the beauty of the mating mark.

“I have never seen one so intricate. Normally the bands are solid with a single design in the middle similar to the decoration hanging from a necklace. It looks as if someone has woven the vines around you and they have since bloomed.”

“Allarick claims that I am his tamore Mina,” she couldn’t help ducking her head a little as she spoke. She was pleased with their mating, but Arabella was still a bit embarrassed with the speed with which it happened. At home, nice girls did not run off to marry a man who they had only known for such a short time. There was little reason to add the argument of their magnetic attraction as this would only be scoffed at as lust. Maybe it was, but she felt quite certain that it was more than that. The band now decorating her arm only proclaimed that fact more loudly to her brain, which was racing to catch up with what her heart and body already knew.

“His tamore,” she replied in a shocked whisper, “why, that would make you the first couple with such a bond in almost an entire generation. Our parents were one of the last couples to have found their destined mates, and since it has become rumored that our gods abandon us. Only a handful of couples could claim such a thing in the last fifty cycles. If Allarick says it is so, then it explains quite a bit about the beauty of your mark. My parents had one, not as intricate as yours, but it was still lovely to see.”

“It can not be as rare as that Mina. Allarick seemed to know exactly what we were to one another, but how could he be so certain if all that is left of such things are mostly tales. I know you saw the bond between your own parents, but I still wonder how he could have believed it with such conviction.”

“Simple really, nothing short of finding his tamore would have moved my brother to break his word. If it had been mere attraction that he felt for you, then he would never have chosen to take a mate.” Philomina sighed a little. It seemed that she had talked to Bella a bit about her brother and his goals. She had spoken of his virtues before, but this would take a bit more to explain since politics and not mating were not easily linked to one another.

“Allarick has been the Syine for many years, but, as I’ve said before, I remember before he took on such a great responsibility. He was always laughing and singing, dancing a playing with those around him. He loved all people. Not just those of our same lot in life, but he enjoyed the company of those deemed beneath us as well. Many of the working class were called ‘friend’ by him. That is partially how Nechemya came to serve us here. You would not know it to see them now, but they were the best of friends many years ago. There is still closeness between them, but his time as ruler has caused my brother to withdraw from all around him in a misguided attempt to shield us from his responsibilities. Even still, Nechemya is not only trusted with Allarick’s life, but he is the one entrusted to help see to our safety as well. He is much more than a mere servant in our house, and I treat him like a beloved member of my family,” Philomina began to ramble on about what it is that Nechemya was to her family.

Arabella had come to find that Mina had the tendency to flit from idea to idea as she was talking to you. It made it difficult to understand her sometimes, but it was one of the things she found so endearing. Instead of becoming impatient at Philomina’s launch into a tale of Nechemya, she merely smiled her encouragement for a continuation of the tale.

“Anyway,” Mina said as she noticed her digression, “when Allarick had been Syine for a cycle or two, he came to see that there was very little likelihood in being able to balance a mate as well as do all for his people that he would like. He is very dedicated to providing more rights to those of the working classes as I’ve told you once before. Both of us believe laborers and slaves alike should have certain freedoms and he has worked tirelessly to make them reality. It is mostly because of his efforts that it is not more common to see people beaten in homes. Phelon, for example, and some of his cronies are some of the only ones who are still holding to such barbaric tradition.

Allarick has also been working to see that the laboring and slave class are given some representation within the ruling council. At the moment the entire council is comprised of only the lords who hold a title to each tract of land. What is proposed is that the council be divided into three bodies. There would be three people from each area that would sit on the council. One from each class, and while my brother would still preside over it all, he hopes to bring our people, all our people, an opportunity to help create their own destiny. Allarick has decreed that it is to be set in motion at the coming council meeting. This will be the first time that there is a delegate from each class in attendance.

Many of my brother’s policies have made him beloved by our people, but it has also given him many enemies. There are those within all classes who would like to see that life here never changes. Much of the opposition comes from ruling families, but there are also those who barter slaves or skim wages from other laborers. These men would not like to see a society where their opportunity to take advantage of those weaker than themselves come to pass.”

“But Mina,” Arabella queried gently as it seemed the younger girl was off on another tangent, “what does all of this have to do with Allarick’s vow to never mate?”

“Oh,” Philomina had the good grace to blush at her little speech of her brother’s good deeds, “when Allarick came to see all the work that must be done to alter beliefs, and the opposition to such changes, he vowed to never mate. Publicly he said that it was solely because he wanted to be devoted to his people… Married to them and all that nonsense, but really he just didn’t want to place someone in danger by making them his mate. Anyone whom he joins his life to would become a target for those same people who wish him ill. It would have been worse if his chosen mate did not believe as he did about giving back to all since they may be harmed for a cause that they didn’t support. Personally, I tend to think that Allarick had just never found someone who would be the type of mate he needs. He needed someone who is not fragile like many of the other women here, and someone that will be in full support of his desires to make this world better for all. You show the same compassion to all that my brother does, and rumors of your standing up to Phelon to save Tamarin from a beating a circulating through the palace. You are the exact type of mate that my brother needs, blending together the same qualities of caring and strength that Allarick has.”

“That story is going around the palace?” Arabella couldn’t hide her embarrassment at being talked about by others within the palace.

“No need to worry about trouble. It is only passing around amongst the servants, and most of them avoid Phelon and his associates.”

“Mina, I don’t know how to respond to what it is that you have told me. This thing between Allarick and I is complicated at best. Even with the attraction that is between us, there is still the problem of my return to my own world. There is much good I could do here, but there are people in my own world who are counting on me to return to them. I’ve family and friends who will worry at my absence. I may never be able to return, especially since in the weeks I’ve been here I have not made any progress on determining where here is, but I must keep trying. I can not betray all the others that I love by not continuing to look for a way to return to them.”

“What about my brother? What is to become of him when you leave?”

“I imagine that he will go on living, just as I will have to go on with my life as well. It is going to destroy a part of me to leave him, and our love is still new. I fear what it will cost me to leave if I am not able to find a way home soon. I care deeply for your brother Mina. I do not understand it entirely, but even I know love when it has claimed me. I do not wish to cause him unnecessary pain, but just as he has responsibilities he can not leave here I have the same. I’m not looking after an entire planet of people, but there are ones who count on me. My mother and sister rely on me to support them though it is a well kept secret. I left home at a young age, but I send money each month so that they can have good food, a roof over their heads, and most importantly so that my sister can have some hope of building her own future. They need me, and there is no way for me to disregard their needs. Not even for my own happiness would I have those that I love suffer. The only way that I could be at peace here is to know that those I’ve left behind are cared for and safe.”

“I know that you have others who depend on you Bella, but we shall worry over that problem if it comes to pass,” Philomina customarily brushed the unhappy subject away by changing it, “Today is a happy day for you and Allarick, and I would like to welcome you as my sister with a trip to the market. It is traditional for a mated pair to exchange gifts publicly after the announcement of their mating, and perhaps you will find something you wish to give to my brother.”

“A gift, but I have no money to purchase anything.”

“Money is not an issue. Allarick will be happy to cover anything that you choose,” refusing to give Arabella any time to decline her offer of an excursion, Philomina breezed from the room with a smile and instructions to join her outside as soon as she was dressed to leave.

Arabella laughed lightly at the younger girl’s antics. Mina was quite fond of leaving a discussion at just the right time to ensure her target would do as demanded. She had seen the younger girl using the same tactic on both Allarick and Nechemya who would both give a bewildered look as they wondered how they had been conned into doing Mina’s bidding. Maybe it would be a good idea to cultivate the same manner since it was often met with the desired result. Even knowing the trap, Bella had managed to be caught within it as easily as all the others.
* * * * * * * * * * * *

The market was an amazing place to visit. Philomina had not lied when she said it would be a bit of a walk, but with such pleasant weather it was a nice diversion. The city streets were teeming with people going about all their daily routines. There were women carrying baskets of food to their homes to prepare the evening dinner. Children were running about playing a game call borschell that was similar to soccer with sticks. They were using a ball sewn of animal hide and stuffed with grasses as their ball, and they were hitting it around with stout limbs taken from the forest.

Philomina spent the majority of the day dragging Arabella around the many stalls. When she noticed that Bella was still hesitant to purchase anything, Mina couldn’t help but take on the task. With an impish grin she had pulled her friend into a stall full of luxurious fabrics. By the time she had finished making choices of what would suit her friend the stack of fabric was enormous.

“Mina, this is entirely too much,” Arabella started to protest as she was giving directions for the fabric to be taken to the seamstress in the palace.

“Nonsense, you need new garments that have not been borrowed from another’s wardrobe. These colors will look amazing, and I’m certain that Allarick will be pleased,” it was a subtle manipulation, but Philomina knew that pleasing her brother would cause his new mate to cave in quickly.

“You don’t think he’ll be angry for the money that is being spent,” the capitulation was in Arabella’s eyes and posture.

“Of course he will not be unhappy. The little bit spent here today will not concern him in the least,” Mina smiled with triumph. She knew she had one so she pressed a little further, “Why do we not go and search for a gift that you can give to Allarick.” ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?8118-New-Chapters-(24) https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7178-Not-too-much-happening Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:17:53 GMT Things here are moving along. I'm starting to clear my plate of a few projects, but more just keep coming up. I am working hard to get into my new routine of exercise in the morning and writing each night. I'm not completly doing it yet, but I have been trying to work at it. I'm also trying to fit in more time to read, since I tend to think that if you want to write well you have to read extensively.

I just finished The Jungle, by Sinclair, a week or so ago, and now I'm working through The Phantom of the Opera. The Jungle was amazingly depressing I'm sad to say. I'm not certain that I've ever read anything so devoid of even a scrap of hope. It really was interesting, but I think having read it once is enough. I was mostly curious about it because of the social ramifications that the story had here in the US. I would have to place it as part of the list of books everyone should read once.

So for reading this year... Well, as I said right now I'm reading The Phantom of the Opera, and I also have the January book for our book club on order. It should be here this week, and I'm looking foward to participating again. I think that is likely by biggest goal. I would like to participate in the book club reading each month this year. That is my bare minimum I think, but life is plenty full without adding on yet more:D

Oh well, there isn't much going on here, so I'm off to get some more work done.

Much Love,
Meg ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7178-Not-too-much-happening https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7115-(21)-Chapter-10-Pt2 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:22:41 GMT “I can not do that without first knowing where you are tamore,” if her translation program was not incorrect, then tamore literally meant mate. No,... “I can not do that without first knowing where you are tamore,” if her translation program was not incorrect, then tamore literally meant mate. No, beloved mate, Arabella corrected herself. She tucked her head deeper against Allarick’s shoulder to hide the shock on her face. It must have been a slip, because surely this exceptional man was not feeling the same attraction that she was. It felt as if it were unavoidable. The feeling of belonging in his presence, in his arms, was something that she could not compare anything to. She had never felt towards another man the emotions that Allarick evoked from her, and it scared her immensely that she had no control over this attraction between them.

“When you find the right man, Bellisimo, it will be like magic in his arms. You will have no hope of escaping him, because you will be ensnared before you know what has happened,” Vern’s words played softly in Arabella’s mind. She remembered much of that particular late night conversation. They had somehow gotten on the subject of her love life, and Vern had been proving how much of a romantic he really was. Maybe that was some of the reason for their great friendship. In their own ways, they were each waiting for the perfect person to come along and sweep them away. Vern always had believed that the right woman was out there for him, and he just hadn’t found her yet. His optimism about love was contagious, and he had always insisted that there was a perfect man out there for her as well. “You will find him Bella, but he may not be pleased to have to prove himself to me,” Arabella remembered the devilish look in his eyes and the wicked chuckle as he had teased her with that tidbit of information. She could almost picture Vern and Allarick meeting. He would have liked Allarick and believed him to be the perfect man to handle her. Vern always had thought that it would take a strong, but kind, man to manage her. He had often said that anyone who wasn’t more stubborn than she would be trampled beneath her strength of will.

At the feel of Allarick’s lips pressed against her curls, Arabella’s heart melted. There was no protecting herself from this man. She may not have known him for very long, but if the way she felt was any indication there was no way to keep from falling in love with this man. She was already in love with him, and her mind just hadn’t had the chance to catch up with what her heart and body was telling her.

“What is it that you do to me Bella?” Allarick’s whisper was nothing more than a soft breath against her skin. She didn’t offer a response since she was certain he had not meant to speak out loud. Instead, she tucked herself more securely into his arms, and reveled in the feeling of safety and caring she found there. With a small tug, Allarick pulled her securely into his lap and sat her facing him. The emotions in his golden eyes were hard to read, but there was both wonder and love swimming beneath their surface. If she could have seen her own expression, Arabella would have been surprised to see that her own were brimming with the same emotions, but her expression also held a trace of wariness. She was terrified that she was going to find nothing but heartache here in this strange world.

Staring into Allarick’s eyes, Arabella found it impossible to care that she was risking her heart if she allowed herself to fall in love. She could not seem to come up with any reason to deny this man the love and caring that he so desperately needed in his life. Unable to deny either of them, Arabella leaned forward and pressed her lips softly against his. It was a chaste kiss for the second it took for Allarick to participate. He took her mouth possessing her and claiming her for his own. Arabella knew there would be no going back after this and surrendered herself to him.
* * * * * * * * * *
The soft brush of Arabella’s lips against his mouth was Allarick’s undoing. He had not been able to stop himself from gathering her to him, but he had been trying to convince himself to let her go and leave the room. The emotions surged between them like the churning water of a storm swept sea, and they were drowning within. There was no denying them when she started their kiss. Unable to stop himself, Allarick pulled Arabella to straddle his hips. One hand fisted in her hair, holding her captive to his ravishing mouth. The other grasped the curve of her lower spine both pressing her closer and bowing her beneath his onslaught.

He possessed Arabella with his touch in a manner that he had never conceived of with anyone else. Everywhere he touched seemed to catch fire, and her soft moan of pleasure made him purr deep in his chest. With another moan, Arabella’s grasp became as fierce as his own, and Allarick turned to roll her beneath him on the bed. She had a feverish look about her with her eyes swept downward and her cheeks flushed pink with desire. The fire in him was burning just as hot, and he molded her to himself once again kissing her with a desperation he could not explain.

The two of them were so engrossed they did not hear the opening of the door. They also missed Philomina’s exclamation of surprise at seeing the two of them in such a passionate embrace. It took Nechemya, who was right behind his mistress, clearing his throat three times and finally calling loudly to them to distract them from one another.

“My Syine… Arabella,” Nechemya nearly yelled, “there is a visitor here to see Arabella.”

“Who is it,” with a growl, Allarick turned upon the intruders. There was no mistaking his disgruntlement at having been interrupted by them. The anger quickly turned to embarrassment when he saw that it was Philomina before him.

“I did not think to find you here. I was just coming to speak with Bella about your earlier argument. I feared that she may need some comfort, and I wanted to be sure that all was well. It seems you have all under control, and I should not have worried,” Allarick read the amusement in his sister’s words. It did puzzle him a bit that she did not seem shocked to have found the two of them together. He would be sure to talk with the little minx about that later. For the moment, though, he figured it would be best to leave before making an embarrassing situation worse.

“I shall leave the two of you to talk then,” for Arabella’s ears only he said, “We will talk of this later when we are alone,” the love in his eyes kept the words from seeming as foreboding as they sounded, and then he added, “I expect to see you at the evening meal.” With that, Allarick disentangled himself and left the chambers.

Philomina’s watched his parting with bemusement. Her amusement was still evident when she turned to Arabella and demanded, “Just what is going on between the two of you?”
* * * * * * * * *
Philomina stood in Arabella’s chamber and continued to laugh at her friend. The two of them had been talking for much of the afternoon about her brother and the scene she had walked in on. It had taken many assurances for Arabella to get over her humiliation at having been caught in an embrace with Allarick.

“I am so sorry that you found us that way Mina,” Arabella said again. She had been apologizing periodically throughout their conversation.

“Why would you apologize to me? I would be happy for the both of you if you find love here. My brother needs someone to help bring lightness to his world again. For so long he has done nothing but work tirelessly for the good of our people. All the hard work has taken its toll, and I fear that Allarick is forgetting the joys in life. He has forgotten many of the things he fights so hard to provide to others. I did not even believe that my brother could feel things like love or passion anymore, but since you have arrived he is becoming another person. His eyes hold warmth they had lost long ago, and there is a vibrancy about him that had all but disappeared. The passionate man you are coming to know is the man that Allarick was before becoming the Syine. I feared that he had been lost to me, and I grieved. You have given a gift that can never be repaid, so please to not apologize for that.”

“What am I to do Mina?” for a moment Philomina was able to see the terror Arabella felt, “This thing between Allarick and I is bound to cause us nothing but pain. I must leave, and when I do, I fear that a piece of me will be left behind. I do not know why I would let myself risk such pain, but I can not seem to deny this attraction between us either.”

“Let me ask you this Bella. Why must you leave? This pain that you fear can be avoided by simply staying here with us. It is not such a bad place to be, is it?”

“This is not where I belong. I can not stay here when my home is somewhere else. Everything that I know is on Earth. There are people there who will be worried if I do not come home, and I know nothing of your world. I know that you are giving me lessons about your culture, but there are things that I simply can not accept. You view the social structure of your world as nothing more than the way life is. To me it is abominable that people are owned by others. I can not accept that people are told to whom they will mate, and that those who are at the lowest tier of society can be beaten and killed without anyone caring. Only the ruling class here possess the same rights that everyone in my home is granted.”

“But do you not see that you are perfect for Allarick? He works to change all of these things, and you would be supportive of his decisions. You could help to bring those rights to everyone here if you were to stay with us. If you leave us, then there will be people here as well that will miss you,” Philomina was pleading with Arabella to understand. She needed Arabella to see that maybe her purpose in coming here was to become mate to Allarick. Perhaps it had not been a mere accident that caused her to come. It might have been fate bringing the couple together. If she could not make Arabella see that remaining here was her destiny, she worried over what would become of herself and Allarick when she left them. She had come to care for the girl very much in the past days, and her affection only deepened to know that she was falling in love with her brother. It would kill Allarick to have Arabella walk out of his life, and Philomina knew that she would never be the same again either.

“Do not cry Mina. Please do not weep because of me,” Arabella hugged her friend and tried to soothe her, “we will talk no more of this today. Come, let us prepare for dinner before Allarick comes in search of us. The suns are beginning to set, and I believe we shall be late for the meal if we do not hurry. I had to promise to attend, and I would not like for your brother to come and forcibly escort me down to dinner,” the last was said with an impish look that made Philomina crack a watery smile. She dried her tears and the two of them began to ready themselves for the evening meal. ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7115-(21)-Chapter-10-Pt2 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7114-Chapter-1 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:18:28 GMT Chapter 1 2041 A.D. The sound of the phone ringing woke Lucien from his nightmare. He buried his head down into the softness of his pillow... Chapter 1

2041 A.D.

The sound of the phone ringing woke Lucien from his nightmare. He buried his head down into the softness of his pillow wishing for the incessant noise to go away. When the ringing continued he conceded that the call must be important, and he began to fumble for the phone. He only succeeded in knocking a stack of books and magazines to the floor which set off an irritated string of cursing. After what seemed like ages, but was only a few rings, he answered the call.

“What!” Lucien demanded in a tone that expressed his tiredness and irritation at being woken at what he assumed was an unreasonably early hour.

Just to be sure he took a peek at the clock he had also managed to knock onto the floor. The blinking red digits only read seven o’clock. With a sigh of disgust at being woken at seven in the morning he tried to concentrate on what the person at the other end was trying to tell him.

“I’m sorry sir, I know that you just got back into town after being in Denver, but there is a Police Chief demanding your presence at his crime scene. He is insisting on you specifically. He asked that you be told that this is the third victim. If that wasn’t enough, he also said to remind you that you owe him a favor.”

“Just who do I owe a favor to,” Lucien started. His tone had dropped to a menacing growl at what he viewed as some sort of threat. It was far too early for anyone to be demanding anything. As it might be suspected, being a vampire tended to mean that he was more of a night owl. Just because the light of day didn’t harm him, it did not mean that he preferred to be up and about during the morning hours. He was never able to understand those people who woke up every day at six in the morning and liked it.

“D-D-D-Dom-Dominique Bra-Bra-Brakas sir,” the voice on the line stammered at the malice in his tone.

Hearing the name of his old friend, Lucien relaxed and started to laugh. Leave it to old Dom to be the one to wake him at such an early hour. With a final bark of laugh, he informed the officer to tell Dominique that he would be on site as soon as he had breakfast and dressed. His mood lightened some at the assurance that the demand was no threat from some overzealous commanding officer.

Dominique was as demanding as they come, but he was also one of the best Police Chiefs that Lucien had ever met. Years ago, they had met on a case where the killer was emulating Jack the Ripper. The only difference was that this particular killer had a penchant for targeting male prostitutes instead of women. Lucien had admired the determination within Dominique for justice, and Dominique had respected Lucien’s need to shield the innocent. A kind of professional friendship had developed between the two of them, and they often worked together on cases which required Lucien’s specialties. In the years they had know one another their friendship had moved to a more personal level that just business, and Dominique had become the Chief of Police for Santa Fe. Dominique made many demands upon those in his charge, but he did so with a quiet and kind authority that earned him the devotion of those who served him. It is part of what made him so efficient at his job.

As he showered, he contemplated why Dominique would summon him at such an early hour. He was aware that Lucien had been gone to Denver for these past two weeks on a case, and he also knew that he had only arrived back home in the early morning hours after making the 6 hour drive between the cities. The case he had been working in Denver finally broke the day before, and Lucien had left after the killer had been arrested. He would have to return to testify, but trial for the killer was a few months off. Until then he had returned home for a bit of rest and relaxation. He had decided to take a week of vacation to recuperate from the two months of 16 hour days he had spent on the job, and the plan was that he would return to work following that time. For Dominique to have called during his vacation the situation must be serious.

Lucien and Dominique had worked together many times over the years, but in the fifteen years they had never imposed on the other’s personal time for anything work related. Thinking again that this must be something highly critical, Lucien hurried through his morning ablutions. Before leaving his studio apartment, Lucien made sure to grab some packaged blood out of his refrigerator and eat it. It would not be good for his image if the thirst came upon him while at the crime scene. Even after three centuries, he was still a slave to the devil inside that demanded he feed. Crime scenes could be especially tortuous. The lingering scent of fear combined with the smell of blood always taunted his hunger to rise. Lucien had taken to feeding immediately before going to a crime scene so that he could better control himself. It was imperative that he keep his peculiarities a secret from the rest of the work, and he had to follow certain precautions to ensure that they were.

It was a little strange that Lucien pursued the line of work that he did. Lucien walked a line somewhere between private investigator and profiler as a career. He was involved with the local police, and was often the first called in when things began to seem as if the local forces did not have the resources to handle the situation. He also did work for people willing to pay for his services in looking at a case. Wealthy parents, spouses, friends, and family were all too willing to pay him large sums to look at murders of their loved ones when the trail had gone cold for the police. Most of his work, however, stemmed from the boys in blue. He was renowned nation wide for his ability to ferret out killers, and it ensured he was kept on retainer with many cities. Lucien believed that it kept his life from becoming too dull.

It only took Lucien forty-five minutes to get ready and to the crime scene. The body had been found on the stairs to St. Francis Cathedral. When he first arrived, Lucien was shocked by the lack of activity at the crime scene. Normally they were teeming with people moving around and chatting. Today everyone was milling about with their eyes cast downward. More than a few people looked wan, and Lucien knew what he was going to see would be bad. You could often tell by the way everyone behaved at a scene how horrific the crime was. Judging from the reactions that he was seeing, he expected this to be high on his scale of bad things that he had seen.

“Luc, glad you could make it,” Dominique’s voice boomed out at Lucien from behind him. With a hearty slap on Lucien’s back, Dominique added, “This one is ugly, my friend. The body was discovered by a seventeen year old debutant. Our killer has been sending her an eye from his victims, but this time he told her where to find the body. Rather than calling the police immediately, she came to investigate, and she found the body. There was also one of the eyes left with a note addressed directly to her.” ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7114-Chapter-1 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7113-(17)-Chapter-15-Pt2 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:14:09 GMT “Wait here and I will have all ready in just a few moments,” Tamarin instructed. He moved further into the stables to acquire the necessary... “Wait here and I will have all ready in just a few moments,” Tamarin instructed. He moved further into the stables to acquire the necessary equipment for the ride. Arabella watched him disappear with a smile and turned her attention back to the lorelilla.

There was a soft crunch behind her and a rustle of fabric. Both warned Arabella that someone was there, but no one she had me should be causing the hairs on her neck to rise in warning. Taking a deep breath and gathering her courage she turned to face the intruder. The sight that greeted her was not a welcome one. Phelon stood before her.

Arrogance and cruelty fairly radiated from the man. It was a stark contrast to the bright colors and attractive face which were also a part of the picture. It did not seem right that anyone with an angel’s face could seem as vicious as this man.

“My lady,” Phelon gave a mocking bow as he addressed her, “I am surprised to find you outside of the wall. Has our great Syine finally allowed you to move about without his darling little sister to keep watch?”

“I have no keeper my lord. I’ve been busy visiting with Philomina, but I thought to take some time today to go a look about outside of the walls. I wanted to see the insert name. I’ve never seen one up close, and I just couldn’t resist coming out to see ones which are tame enough to ride.”

“It is a foolish plan to train such an animal for riding. They are nothing more than useless beasts which should be exterminated. It is a weakness of the Syine’s just as his ideas of equality and fairness are. A slave is no better than this borca here,” he gestured to the nearby animal with an ugly twist of his face. “They are nothing more than animals domesticated for the purpose of serving their master.”

“Not even an animal should be treated in the manner that you describe. An intelligent being should not even be considered for subjugation to such treatment. To even compare the two things is offensive and intolerable.” Arabella turned on her heel to leave Phelon’s presence. She was able to understand why Allarick felt the need to rush to the defense of a servant girl. It was simple to believe that the abomination before her was capable of beating someone who is defenseless.

“I have not dismissed you,” Phelon grabbed Arabella by her arm and wrenched it behind her back. “You are nothing more than a foolish woman and I will tell you when you may leave here. It would offer much satisfaction to mar your lovely hide if it would cause pain to the Syine. I could see the other night at dinner that he must care deeply for you, so I would advise giving me no reason to follow through on my desires.”

With her arm pulled painfully tight and Phelon’s rough grasp bruising her, all Arabella could do is nod her assent. Phelon’s grip loosened at her agreement, and it was removed entirely as Tamarin returned to collect Arabella.

“I’ve the animal saddled for your pleasure lady. If you will follow me, then I will take you to Lani. She is a gentle girl full of speed. I am sure that she will be a perfect fit.” Tamarin spoke only to Arabella as he threaded her arm into his, but he viewed Phelon with a cool disgust as he collected his charge. He was unsure of what this lady meant to the Syine, but she was his guest. There would be little tolerance if he allowed her to be harmed by the visiting lord.

All in the palace knew of Phelon’s penchant for abuse, but few would stand in his way. Tamarin was not a slave, and while he didn’t have the privileges of the ruling caste, he was afforded much freedom within his position. He answered only to the Syine, and there was an agreement of sorts between the two. Allarick allowed him to oversee the stables as he saw fit provided that all the animals were suitably cared for, those visiting the stables had no cause for complaint, and all those under his supervision were treated fairly and kindly.

“How dare you interrupt our talk,” Phelon raised his arm to strike Tamarin, but he was stopped by Arabella’s vehement defense.

“How dare you my lord. If you strike Tam it will be the last time you ever raise you hand to another. I’ve had enough of you brand of mastery for one day. It is a weak man who feels the need to manhandle women and beat those beneath him.” Arabella had come between the two men as she spoke, and she made Phelon recoil at the force of her words.

Phelon lowered his arm and spoke softly, “You will regret this day my lady,” venom dripped from his every word. The fire in his eyes promised retribution for crossing him. With that said in parting, he turned and stalked from the stable with long, angry strides.

Seeing Phelon disappear around the corner, Arabella let out her pent up breath in a long sigh. She had thought for a moment that Phelon would choose to beat her instead of leaving their presence.

“It is a foolish thing you’ve done Arabella,” Tamarin said, but the admiration in his eyes belied his appreciation. “Lord Phelon would not have caused much damage, and now you’ve made an enemy within the palace walls.”

“I couldn’t let him just hit you for coming to get me,” Arabella replied. With a small smile she added, “He was already proving that he wished me harm. Phelon hopes to hurt the Syine through me, but I’m not sure why he thinks this would be the case. I barely know the Syine, and he does not care for me more than he would any guest. So, about that ride… are you still willing to show me this secluded spot, or should we wait for another day?”

Tamarin could not stop his short bark of laughter at the quick subject change. There was more there than met the eyes with this unique woman. Most of the women he was acquainted with would have spent the remainder of the day crying and fearful. The young lady before him wished to continue on with her adventure for the day.

“Come with me then,” Tamarin continued to smile, “the lorelilla are saddled and waiting in back.” ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7113-(17)-Chapter-15-Pt2 https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7105-(23)-New-chapter-part-two Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:01:14 GMT [I]Sorry, it was too long to post in a single entry as it is about 13 pages typed[/I]



Arabella was shocked at the nervousness thrumming through her body as Allarick led her into one of the other chambers in his room. His hands were covering her eyes, but she was able to feel his strong presence pressed against the length of her back. Strangely, it was calming rather than contributing to the tension.

Allarick’s breath blew softly across her ear as he leaned forward to whisper, “Are you ready tamore?”

“Yes,” she replied, and inhaled deeply to try and calm her anxiety. With her deeply drawn breath, a sweet smelling odor pervaded her senses. She couldn’t really place what it smelled like, but it was divine. All that she wore was a long robe that was much softer than any fiber she had ever felt, and it only seemed to heighten her sensitivity to her surroundings. A shocked gasp escaped as Arabella’s eyes were uncovered. The room was filled with what must have been hundreds of clear vessels full of burning oil. A small table with two cushions for seating had been moved into the room, and a soft steam was rising from the gloriously large bathing pool.

“You are pleased with my efforts this eve Bella,” it came as more of a statement than a question, but Arabella nodded her assent regardless. She was turning in his arms to ask how he had accomplished so much in so little time, but instead she found herself being propelled towards the table and the array of food awaiting them.

Deciding to just wait and see what Allarick had in store for the evening, Arabella sat quietly and watched as drinks were poured and one was pressed into her hand. The beverage tasted like sweet honey made into wine. Nothing in her world could have compared to the taste, and she sipped it savoring the slightly viscous texture. She smiled slightly as Allarick gulped down the majority of his first cup and poured himself another. It seemed that she was not the only one who was nervous.

In an effort to break the tension, Allarick pulled Arabella into his lap and cuddled her close. In response to his gentle affection, she buried herself close and breathed deep of his masculine musk. Until then, she had never found the smell of anyone to be so tantalizing, but as she inhaled her pulse began to thrum just a little more strongly with the first stirring of desire. Pulling back a little she reached for the plate of food laid before them. Choosing a cake like morsel she popped it into her mouth loving the sweet, yet slightly salty, flavor. Some inner demon prompted her to tease Allarick, just a little. She wasn’t the type to taunt someone, but she just could not resist paying him back for her earlier joke about mating.

She reached for one of the juicy pieces of fruit on the plate and popped one into her mouth. Then she proceeded to lick the sticky residue left behind from her fingers. From beneath her eyelashes she was able to watch as his pupils dilated with desire and a sharp hiss came from his clenched jaw. Before she even had a moment to savor that small victory, Allarick’s mouth was upon hers and all thought fled beneath the onslaught.

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

Allarick felt as if he were on fire. One more moment of torture, that’s what it was to hold his tamore and not touch her, and he would have been mad. She yielded so sweetly, that he could feel his body clamoring for more of what she so easily gave. Rather than allowing himself to lose all control, however, he stood with Arabella in his arms and began to more towards the pool. While he was walking he managed to strip off each of heir robes so that he fluidly moved them into the water.

A sigh escaped Arabella as they lowered into the water and her eyes closed blissfully. He was able to understand her pleasure appreciating the soothing warmth of the water himself. It was a perfect night for spending time within the spring water. A slightly chill breeze moved around them heightening their senses further at the contrast of hot and cold. It seemed as if the gods conspired to have the evening perfect for his mating. It wasn’t often any more that someone found their tamore so maybe the gods were showing their favor. Either way, he was grateful for it.

The warmth of the water was working to sooth both of their nerves, and Allarick decided that it was past time he start to devote his attention to seducing his mate. He could smell Arabella’s sweet musk in the air telling him of her desire, but he wanted more. He wanted, no needed, to know that his tamore needed him as badly as he did her. With his aim in mind, Allarick set about doing just that.

Moving to the side of the pool, he reached for the variety of bathing supplies that Nechemya had brought for their use. He swiftly picked out the three different cleansers, and he began to inhale the intoxicating fragrance of each. The first smelled like exotic sitha flowers found at only the highest elevations. They were a tiny bloom of the palest yellow, and to reap the benefits of their sweet fragrance they needed to be harvested in the middle of the night when they were blooming. The sitha was one of only four varieties of flowers that bloomed beneath the night sky rather than the suns. The second cleanser was extracted from a fibrous fruit known for its sweet earthy scent. The fruit also had the benefit of being full of a milky liquid which is what had been processed into cleanser. The remainder of the fruit had likely been served as a puree at one of the many feasts within the palace. The final one was made from the cascading gyilla flowers that grew along the planets largest waterfall. The water that flowed there was full of salts and rich with minerals. These were deposited amidst the flowers by the billows of mist rising from the waterfall.

While it was not the rarest, the gyilla flower cleanser was the one that Allarick selected for Arabella. It was a complex scent that was sweet and spicy, earthy while still reminding one of the salt filled mists that made it so coveted for its cleansing and moisturizing properties. Looking at his tamore, he was unable to think of a scent that would suit her better. The delicate floral bouquet of the sitha did not suit his lady, but neither did the masculine tone of the other.

Satisfied with his choice, he urged Arabella beneath the water and began to moisten her inky curls. Once wet, he drew her against him and began to lather the entire length with the gyilla cleanser. He massaged it into her hair and scalp finding himself rewarded with a soft moan. He had to bite back his own as she ducked beneath the water to rinse, however. It was bliss to feel her hair moving softly through his fingers and wrapping its way around his body as if to pull him closer.

Arabella turned on him with a siren’s smile, “My turn,” was all she said as she moved to wash him. Allarick watched as she repeated his earlier actions of smelling the bottles of cleanser. He was not able to see which she had selected, but he was not surprised at the earthy smell that reached him as she lathered his hair. To his surprise, she didn’t stop with just washing his hair, but her hands started to smooth over his body spreading cleaner in their wake as she familiarized herself with his body. He groaned as her deft hands moved across his chest and slowly down the taut skin of his stomach.

“Enough,” he rasped out, grabbing her hands and bringing them to his lips. He was glad to see that her lovely eyes, which had been shadowed with doubt, were now glazed with the same passion burning within him. He leaned forward and kissed her hard on the mouth showing her without words the passion that she incited within him. Then he ducked beneath the water to quickly clear his body of the soap.

Taking Arabella’s hand he led her from the pool and wrapped her within one of the cloths brought for drying themselves. He also took the time to wrap one about his waist before approaching her with a wide comb for her hair. Gently, Allarick began to run the comb through the long strands. He was amazed that her hair fell nearly to her waist when left unbound, and it was with satisfaction that he realized no other would see her in such a way. She looked like a goddess brought to life. Her pale skin glowed in the evening light while her hair fell in long, glistening, black locks around her. He could have stayed there all night just looking at her and pulling both the comb and his fingers through her hair, but instead he moved her to lie upon the bed.

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

The feel of Allarick’s hands massaging her back was heavenly, and it too all of her concentration to keep from saying out loud the things that he was making her feel. Arabella’s body had turned to jelly, but her insides were quivering with anticipation. She was finally going to experience lovemaking.

It seemed odd to think that she was past her mid twenties, and she had never lain with a man. The sad truth was that none had ever managed to incite the raging fever within her that Allarick could with a smoldering glance. He had set her senses ablaze, and she was rapt with anticipating of their coming mating. Fear had abandoned her, and she was left only with a profound feeling that this was her destiny. All the trials and tribulations in her life, all of the triumphs in her career had brought her to this one culminating point in her life. She had never been one to believe in God or the powers of fate, but she was certain that they had conspired to bring her to this amazing man.

Arabella writhed against the sheets as Allarick’s hands meandered up her sides smoothing her skin with warmed oil that smelled like the cleanser he had used in her hair. Before she could focus too much on the placement of those devilish hands, he slipped them beneath her to cup her breasts. Too inflamed to lay passive any longer, she reared up and flipped to her back so that she could look Allarick in the eyes as he drove her wild with need.

“Can I help you with something tamore,” he asked with mischief alight in his eyes. Arabella didn’t miss the glazed look of desire, and she wordlessly pulled him down for a kiss.

At the touch of their lips, Allarick let out a growl and moved his body within the cradle of her thighs. Gently he pushed at her entrance, and Arabella felt as if she would go mad if he did not fully claim her soon.

“Please Allarick,” she begged him for an end to this torture, her nails dug deep furrows in his back as she tried to reign in her passion.

“Patience Bella, we have all night so there is no need to rush,” belying his words, he granted her demand and pushed just a little deeper, “you are too tight to go quickly. I’ve no wish to cause you any pain.”

Arabella did not miss the toll that his restraint was taking on him. Allarick’s back was covered in a sheen of moisture, his breathing came in ragged pants, and his muscles felt as if they were carved of granite from the tension coursing through his body. Rather than spend more time trying to convince him to quit tormenting the both of them, Arabella arched towards him while trying to distract him with another intoxicating kiss. She was not prepared, however, for the searing pain as he seated himself to the hilt. Unable to prevent it a sharp gasp of pain escaped her as her entire body stiffened in reaction.

The pain quickly gave way to pleasure as the two of them rushed head long towards release. As they neared the edge an oddly musical tune seemed to hum between their bodies. Arabella looked towards Allarick in her confusion, and she was surprised to see the depth of love radiating from his eyes.

“Allarick, what is…”

“Just listen to and feel it,” he silenced her with another kiss, and the tide of rapture broke across them. The melodic tones reached a crescendo, and there was a feeling like butterfly wings caressing her arm.

As their bodies settled and their breath returned to normal, Arabella could not help but peek at the new tattoo decorating her arm. It was beautiful in its intricacy. It looked like a full score of vines woven into a delicate lace pattern. Here and there along its length were stunning gold and crimson blooms that reminded her of the jasmine flowers found on earth.

“They are gyilla blooms,” Allarick told her with amazement radiating from him. He smiled as he showed her his identical armband, “it is done Bella, and you are now fully claimed as my mate.” ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7105-(23)-New-chapter-part-two https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7104-(22)-Finally-the-new-chapter-) Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:00:22 GMT [I]Hey everyone,

Finally, I've finished it. Here is the latest chapter of Kings, Queens, and Pawns. I struggled hard to get this one out, and I finally just sat and wrote every night until I had it on paper. There are many reasons that I struggled here, but I suppose the biggest would be that I never really accounted for having to write a love scene for a love story:lol: I'm not too certain why I railed so hard against it. Maybe it is simply that I have no desire to write a romance novel, but that is certainly what it felt like until I finished it. The good news is that now that I have the hurdle jumped, the hardest part is out of the way. Anyway, I'm curious to see how the story unfolds since while I've planned the major plot the intricacy between the characters is only making itself known as the words are put to paper. I hope you enjoy it, and I also want to personally thank Rich for encouraging me to keep at it and write true to myself and the characters. He's reminded me all along that I should write the true story and not contemplating changing things simply because I was bothered by where it was leading.

Much Love,
Meg[/I]

Arabella kicked at a small pebble in the walkway of the garden. It was late into the night, but she was unable to sleep because of her active mind. Dinner had been a strained affair. Allarick had tried to behave as if nothing had occurred, and Phelon had persisted in making his threat known with venomous glances. For her own part, she struggled to keep from touching Allarick in too familiar of a manner and tried to behave as if she were unaffected by Phelon’s threats. The simple truth was that she was terrified, but it was not for herself that she feared. It was Allarick she worried over since he had become tenser as the meal progressed. With each vicious look that had been given his mood had become more intense. At one point during the evening she had expected an attack. Phelon made a comment about the dangers of wandering about alone, and the thinly veiled threat was easy for those looking to see. Allarick had only been restrained by his sister’s calming hand and the beseeching look from Arabella.

There was a rustle of leaves, and the sound of footsteps behind her. Muscles tensing, Arabella turned to see who was approaching, but she relaxed when she saw that it was Allarick.

“Have you come to join me on my walk,” she gave him an easy smile then inwardly grimaced as she realized that she was flirting.

“I came to be sure that you were safe tamore. After the threats Phelon has made, I do not trust him to leave you alone. He made it clear during the meal that he wished you harm yet here I find you wandering alone in the garden with no one to keep you safe,” his words were gentle, but the unspoken demand that she not take such risks did not escape Arabella’s notice.

“I am sorry if I caused you worry, but I just needed some time to walk and think. I will be wary of Phelon since I’ve no wish to encounter him again,” changing the subject she asked, “Why is it that you call me tamore? You said the same earlier, but I am not your mate. Therefore it is impossible for you to refer to me as such.”

“I call you tamore because that is what you are Bella. Tamore is most often used now as an endearment for a well loved mate. This was not always the case, however. Once, tamore was the name given to a mate that was chosen for you by the gods. When you find them the love that blooms between you surpasses any other,” Allarick’s face softened as he spoke to her, “My father found his tamore when he met my mother. It was something I never thought to find, and I know Mina will accept nothing else. Once you have seen the kind of caring that comes from such a bond, it is difficult to settle for anything less. It is why I have never pressured Mina to mate. She is at the age when most are choosing their mates, but I can not force her to accept someone that will not give her what we witnessed in our parents.”

Arabella had listened quietly as Allarick answered her question. It sounded very much like the love found in the fairy tales she had adored so much as a young girl. Her heart constricted as her desire to fight left her. She supposed that she should be happy to have found love at last, but instead she was terrified of this thing between them. The attraction she felt for Allarick was too sudden and too compelling for it to not scare her. She was increasingly certain that the real danger to her here was not Phelon. Phelon may cause her physical damage, but she was strong and any injury would heal. Allarick posed a much greater threat since she guessed it would take both her heart and a piece of her soul when she left.

“I know that you can not stay Bella, but I can not deny this thing between us either,” Arabella turned from him, ashamed that her thoughts were so transparent. Allarick came up behind her and drew her back into the circle of his arms, “I’ll not ask you to stay, but I am pleading with you to not fight this. If we are not to have all our lives, then I want to experience all that I can of our life and love while you are here. I confess that I too am afraid of the future. All we can do is live in the present and wait on what our futures will bring to us.”

“Allarick,” his name was a whisper from Arabella’s lips as she turned and buried her face against his broad chest, “All that lies in our future is pain, and I can not turn away. What is it that you are asking of me? Am I to be your lover, your friend, your mate?” she trailed off at the end.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Be my mate,” it was out before he could stop himself. He had said that he would not ask her to stay, but he did not promise to make her so happy that she would not consider leaving him. If she agreed to become his mate, then he would do everything within his power to ensure that there would be no woman happier than she. Allarick vowed to make sure that Arabella would have no desire to ever leave him to return to her world. In time she would forget that she did not belong here.

It seemed like hours before he felt her slowly nodding her head against his chest. The breath he had been holding escaped in a rush, and he could not help but ask she clarify.
“Please tell me that you just agreed to become my mate, tamore.”

“Yes Allarick, I will become you mate. I do not know what the future will hold for us, but I will not deny this bond between us for fear of the future.” Smiling, Allarick tilted Arabella’s face so that he could look into her eyes. She was hesitant and wary, but there was the shiny look of love there as well. “Allarick, I hate to ask, but how exactly do we mate? Mina and I have not discussed the subject.” At the shy question, Allarick began to laugh. He picked Arabella up in his arms and kissed her soundly.

“Come with me tamore. It will be a surprise for you then, though I wonder of these men on your Earth that you do not know of mating,” mirth shone in his eyes at his own double entendre.

“Allarick,” Arabella giggled as the meaning began to penetrate, “I know how to mate you silly man. What is the formal ceremony like?”

“But Bella there is no ceremony. We mate, and it is my desire to claim you as my own coupled with your desire to be my mate that will mark us.”

“Mark us how?” Arabella asked beginning to look weary of the idea.

“Have you not noticed the bands around the arms of mated pairs Bella? These are what mark them. If the union is a true mating, then the two of us shall have matching bands when it is completed. No mated pair has the same bands since each love in unique and the bond reflects this.”

Arabella relaxed enough that Allarick was able to move through the gardens. He guided her with an arm clasped tightly around her waist to keep her with him. He led her through the twisting corridors until they were at the doors to his own chamber where he ushered her in.

With a frown, Allarick surveyed his quarters. He wished that he had taken the time to prepare them for such a special event, but he did not dare wait another day to claim his mate. Ruefully he admitted that he was too worried that she may change her mind if he did not lay stake to her while she was in such an accommodating mood. He would just have to work with what was available to make this night memorable. While there was no special ceremony, it was still a night to savor. It was an evening he hoped to remember for the rest of his life.

“Tamore, come back this way,” he led her into an inner room within that had a table low to the ground with cushions scattered about for seating and poured her a small amount of a wine like beverage, “sit here and make yourself comfortable. I will return shortly,” Allarick wanted to give her a small amount of time to relax. Things were moving very quickly, and the extra time would give him a moment to gather a few things.

Moving to the main door, he called for Nechemya not surprised to finding him waiting just outside the door.

“How may I be of assistance Allarick?” Nechemya never used a formal title with him when they were not in the presence of others. They had been together since childhood, and he refused to impose such subservient behavior on someone who had been with him for so many years.

“I need you to gather a selection of oils and flowers for me as well as create a platter of sweet treats to snack on as quickly as possible. Arabella has agreed to become my mate.”

“Then I shall have everything within moments. You could choose no better lady to be your mate. She is both lovely and kind, and I can think of no other who would suit you better,” there was no mistaking that Nechemya adored her.

“All I ask is that it is kept a secret from all for the night. I will make a formal announcement in the morning, but until then I do not wish to be disturbed,” Allarick watched as Nechemya turned on his heel and left to do his bidding. Then he turned and entered into the bathing room of his chambers.

Within the bathing area there was a giant pool of hot water. The palace had been built on top of a series of hot springs. The water was used to keep all of the many bathing pools within fresh and warm. The pool within his room was large enough to fit at least eight people, but he had never used it for such a purpose. In preparation for his mating, he laid luxurious drying cloths atop a nearby chair. He lighted small dishes of scented oil that both added extra illumination to the room as well as the sweet woody smell of the woods.

The room was starting to look more romantic by the moment, and Allarick was pleased with his efforts. They were such small things to be done. He turned down the bed covers, and he also made certain to draw the curtains open. This not only allowed a lovely view of the night sky with its double moon, but it also allowed a pleasantly cool breeze to whisper through the room.

A soft knock on the door signaled Nechemya’s return. He came laden with a tray of fruit, meats, and small deserts. He also had within his other arms a bunch of lily like flowers, a bag of bathing oils, and a thigh length robe of the deepest sapphire. “I thought your lady might like to have a covering of her own for the evening,” he admitted with a blush as Allarick spied the robe.

“I’m sure it will be much appreciated. I thank you for the service you have done this eve. I would not know what to do without you. I will speak with you in the morning before I make my announcement to our people. There is much I could use your help with when it comes to keeping my mate and sister safe.”

“Phelon?” Nechemya queried.

“You know all too well then what the situation is. We will speak tomorrow,” Allarick quietly shut the door and set about making the final preparation for his mating.

* * * * * * * * * * ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?7104-(22)-Finally-the-new-chapter-) https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?6126-mkhockenberry-s-Blog Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:33:43 GMT He's home:banana: Well as everyone could easily guess, Tom is home. This time it is the real deal, and that is taking a bit of getting used to... for all of us. It almost seems strange to know that he isn't going to have to leave again in a few weeks. Anyhow, stuff is good. We're all getting along fine, and it just feels so good to be a family again. It is great to have the extra set of hands with the kids, and I'm finally starting to relax and have time to think of working on things other than just the house and being mom to my hoodlums:) I say that with all affection, but they are terrors:lol:

Other than that, things are just going. I'm on vacation, so I've taken to opportunity to do a big family dinner. I love cooking for a crowd, and it is amazing how quickly things grow when inviting my family. There will be ten of us this evening, so it is bound to be a good time. Now I just have to come up with a menu keeping everyone's diets in mind.

I'm off for now. Much love!

Meg ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?6126-mkhockenberry-s-Blog https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?6086-mkhockenberry-s-Blog Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:24:39 GMT Wow, only two more days and Tom will be home. I am glad to see this little chapter coming to an end, but part of me is terrified at the thought of... Wow, only two more days and Tom will be home. I am glad to see this little chapter coming to an end, but part of me is terrified at the thought of him coming home. Not exactly the reaction that I expected, but it is there regardless of what I want. I just don't understand the whole situation. In many ways I'm thrilled. He's my husband and I love him to distraction. So why is there this bit that is whispering ill thoughts in my ear? When I should be nothing but happy, I can't help but dwell on niggling doubts.

Tom has not been studious in his search for a job as a starter. In fact, he's not even really looked, and he is showing no inclination to do so. His answer is that he wishes to take a week off, and then he will begin looking. Not a big deal if there were resumes in and all he had to do was take his time off and then make phone calls. He's starting from square one. I would be less worried if I didn't fear that he will have us draining our savings to keep from returning to work for a few months.

Another bit grinding at me, is that the only few jobs he has looked at would take him away from home for weeks at a time. He would be gone far more that he would be with us. Does he not want us??? Why would he work only to find things that would take him away if he did? Rather than turning his energy to finding something that will mean he is home, he has berated me a bit for not giving the green light on some of these other positions. In what world would I say that it was fine to take a job where you are gone 6 weeks and then home for 1 week. It is of little relevance to me that it was a 120K position. The whole point of getting out of the military was to have him home with his family instead of all the coming and going.

More than anything, I fear that he is going to hurt the kids and I. I'm most worried for my children. Not that he will physically abuse us, but that he is going to get home and decide it isn't where he wants to be. Garrick and Victoria will be devastated if he takes work that has him away. They're both so excited that he is finally coming home for good. I don't know what I would do. The truth is that we would likely find ourselves divorced within a couple of years. In two years, I'll likely be able to afford the house and all the bills on my own. As cruel as this sounds, if he is gone all the time and I can pay the bills, what need would I have of him then? It isn't like he would be home offering companionship and the type of relationship I want.

Anyhow, there are my slightly tortured thoughts for the day. I'm trying to clear them from the brain, but it just isn't working. Maybe this will help when nothing else is.

Much Love,
Meg ]]> applepie https://www.online-literature.com/forums/entry.php?6086-mkhockenberry-s-Blog