Raiyne/ Juniper Victorian romance (private)

   The first thing Amberlee saw, was his tailcoat. Stars above he looked handsome in it, her heart skipping a beat clearly agreeing with her. But he seemed so formal, so stiff in comparison to earlier. She wondered if it was because he was home now. When he looked up at her, and their eyes met once again, she had to clench her jaw to keep from gasping and smiling like a love struck fool, which she definitely was not. Or so she kept telling herself.
But then he started talking. The smile in her eyes slowly faded. He was talking to her as if she was no more than a mere commoner. And then he apologized yet again. You sure do apologize a lot, she thought. When he stepped toward her, she couldn't help but notice how tall he was. The hand he extended to her practically begged her to place her own hand within. However, the warnings he issued after, even though she knew them, made her tense up. Even after he said she didn't deserve those punishments. She refused to back up a step, like most ladies would have done. She stood her ground, holding this gaze. She retrieved the pocket watch from her own pocket and placed it in his hand, "I'm sure you'll find everything is in order," she said a little stiffly. She held his gaze, trying to figure out who he was, truly was, when he stepped closer and took her hand. Before she could pull away, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her hand so gently, had she not known better, she would have thought it was done truly affectionately, almost like lovers do. You know better than that, Amber! she scolded herself. Her world was once again flipped on its head and she felt almost faint. What in the world was going on with her? Was she sick?
Before she could catch herself, the guard, named Westley, was escorting her off the property. She looked back over her shoulder at Andres just in time to see him disappear back into the building. 

"Excuse me, my lord," one of the guards asked just as Andres walked into the manor, "but why did you not hire her as a maid, if you don't mind me asking?" he asked curiously, "since she returned the watch, does that not make her more trustworthy than most?"



Meanwhile, Amberlee walked back to town in silence, trying to figure out what just happened between her and Andres. She always did this, she would replay conversations in her mind, trying to figure out if there was some hidden meaning behind it all. She knew it was a bad habit and most of the time, there was no "deeper meaning" to any of the conversations. Which lead her to conclude that she was simply reading too much into this. She tried her best to ignore the guard escorting her, and the stares from all the townsfolk that happened to pass them. On the outskirts of town, she turned to the guard, "surely this is far enough?" she asked him, almost pleading with him to just go away, "I will be fine from here, thanks," she said trying to sound as polite as she possibly could before turning on her heel and hurrying back to her father's shop

Andres looked at his second guard “That is none of your business. Plus I cant take her away from her elderly father. I just cant.” he replied before clearing his throat “ you are excused.” Was all he said before sitting back down to finish off the last items for his father. His mind racing at what happened when  the commoner was in his sight.
It was finally time for his father to come home and in that millisecond, his father Hector Osborne cleared his own throat to let everyone in his house that he was back. “ I hope you are done with those tasks, Andres” he began as the one and only elderly maid helped him out of the tailcoat and hung it up before being shooed away.
A grin escaped Andres’s lips when he hear his fathers voice “ Yes father. I'm done. As well as getting Carbriel’s and  Ternura’s  new shoes down at the blacksmith’s”

He came out of his study and looked at his father like he was crazy “ did you want to know what I did in town today?” he asked. “ You would be surprised to know that I met a  young and possible suitor for me when I was doing the errands.”
“ oh… what is her name?” His father said looking at his only son “ I hope you know her name because I am the only one who will accept or decline you to take her hand in marriage.”

“ I actually don’t know her name, sir… I did ask her to come walking with me earlier though. I hope she accepts it. I have a lot to ask her” the young Lord said “Now were’s that lunch Ive been waiting for all afternoon?” He questioned as he headed for the lower kitchen on the first floor of the mansion.

 A huge meal was being made. Broccoli and fresh caught salmon from the River Nyx and soup or all sorts. When everything was set in place, The young Lord and hid father and mother took their rightful places at the table and the chef served them the rightful portions so nothing was waisted. “ Enjoy” was all he said as he  quickly headed back to the kitchen. But as he ate, Andres couldn’t stop thinking about her I have got to ask for her nae before anything else. If she is to be my wife in the next few years… I have to know her name and get to know her as much as possible.  He came and went out of a dreamlike state every time his mother snapped her royal fingers at his face.

" Im sorry mother... I cant stop thinking about her... think shes putting some weird trance on me.." Was all he said before excusing himself from the table and went to grab Carbriel again and headed back to town to talk to her. He just had to and no one in the family was going to stop him. But he just had to go and have a chat. He didn’t know if he would see her or not, but he grabbed his pocket patch,, his sword and a pocket knife in case they were needed and  got dressed into his red paisley and black boots. And headed out to grab the mare. But there would be a little problem down in town and it would involve Amberlee. And the young Lord would have to save her, no matter the cost. Even his own life.
When he reached the town, something was off and   a scream filled his ears and he went right towards. And he saw  her.. her arms behind her back, her hair messed up and red in the face. Just what I hoped to get into now.  He thought

His voice rang out " What do you think you are doing with that commoner" he asked the man  holding her tightly " or should I say.... what did she do to upset you?" he wasnt mad at all at the issue in front of him... but curious on what had happened to the young lady he met only 3 hours ago. He then turned his full attention to her "  A commoner like you aught to be careful with thieves and street  stealers. I suggest either one of you explain what in tarnation is going on. " But his eyes never left hers.

   Amberlee's gaze rose to meet Andres'. She was panting, and in a bit of pain.
Earlier, she had given the guard who had been escorting her the slip, but instead of heading straight to her father's shop, she meandered around town, lost in her thoughts, mostly revolving around Andres. She began noticing someone following her, and tried to lose her pursuer by turning into various alley ways. When this didn't work, she began running, trying to weave a path back to her father's shop. By trying to escape the one, she ran - literally ran - right into another. He had grabbed her by the wrists, hauling them up a little and holding onto them tight enough to bruise, ensuring that she couldn't break free. "Why, hello there, little missy," he breathed into her face, "you'll fetch a fine price, especially being so young and healthy."
Amberlee nearly gagged at the stench of his breath. "Let me go!" she yelled, trying to break free but failing miserably. In a desperate attempt, she lifted her leg and kicked for the place she knew all males had a weakness too, her shin finding its mark.
The male wailed, sinking to his knees in agony, before collapsing onto the ground, curled into a little ball. The moment he released Amberlee, she fled, speeding through the alley ways. The other male who had been pursuing her bolted after her, yelling curses at her as he tried to catch her. 
Amberlee made a fatal mistake though. She looked back over her shoulder instead of focusing where she was running. In that moment, she slammed into a pile of crates, tumbling to the ground. That one mistake gave her pursuer chance to reach her and grab her by the arm. As he pulled her toward him, she tried fighting him off, earning a hard slap through the face. He used that moment of disorientation to get her arms behind her back and hold her down. That was when she screamed and tried desperately to squirm free. The male holding her was about to grab her by the jaw and growl at her to keep her mouth shut while trying to keep his hold on her, when the young lord appeared.

Amberlee gazed at Andres, tears staining her cheeks. Her emerald gaze was glued to his, silently begging him to help her.
"There's nothing to see here, milord," her captor said as casually as possible, smiling wryly at the young lord, "nothing more than a scullery maid who tried making off with something that don't belong to her," he lied.
"You're lying!" Amberlee cried out, trying desperately to break free, "let me go!" She stomped on his foot as hard as she could in the hopes it force him to set her free, but all it did was have him tighten his grip to the point where her bones creaked, and she let out another wail in agony.
"Don't listen to her, milord, she'll say anything to escape her punishment," the captor said, trying to subdue Amberlee.

“I would let go of the young lady if I were you” Andres said threateningly, getting off Carbriel and slowly walked towards the captor and the commoner. His pocketknife in his hand “I will take care of her myself. So, I suggest you hand her over to me and I will decide her punishment myself. “ his right hand gripping the pocket knife tightly.
When her captor did no such thing, he ran right towards them and forced her hands free before punching the man in the stomach “You have no right to take her. Even if she is a commoner. Shes a human being! I know your kind anywhere. Never met one with the likes of you, but you seem to be the worst of them all.” But she wasn’t a human being. He didn’t know that. He would soon find out about her true identity, including her name.

His gorgeous blue eyes weren’t so gorgeous anymore. Until he looked at her “You and I have so much to talk about young lady. I suggest you get on Carbriel and wait for me at your fathers forge” he said before going for another round of fighting and lost his pocketknife in the process.

It was three hours later when Andres Osborne was able to scare off the man and dusted himself off. Only a few minor cuts and bruises on his arms, neck and face. But nothing his father or mother were worried about. It was normal for the likes of a Lord like Andres. Once he finished with the task at hand, he walked to the forge and saw Carbriel standing there with the young lady stroking her nervously.

“ What in the name of  this town  where you doing? Or even thinking? Didn't I remind you before that it was dangerous when alone?” Andres asked.... or rather scolded her, his hands in his pocket. “ You know if I believed what that man said… you would be severely punished; by me if i may add…. But I don’t believe him… You look innocent in my eyes.  At least from what im seeing  in your eyes right about now. “ he then walked up to his mare and took the reins in his own hand and leaned against her shoulder before looking at her. His left hand then reached up and took her chin in his hand and moved it side to side to make sure she wasn’t  hurt anywhere else. Then placed that hand behind his back to keep him from doing any more crazy things. “ Up you get.. Get on Carbriel and we three will go walking around the River and talk. And as we walk there… think about what I have said. And  don’t make me wait.” He hated treating her like this... but this was how he was raised. He couldn't break the tradition. or could he?
He helped her get into the saddle before clucking Carbriel on and they slowly walked to the River Nyx. Carbriel's new shoes making noise, and Andres whistles also filling the air. Glancing at the commoner every now and then, with an addition of a smile that wasn’t there moments ago.

By the time they reached the river Carbriel stopped and  Andres went to her side and without warning, lifted her off the saddle and back onto the ground " now.... explain who you truly are. Im a difficult man to talk to,and make deals with, but I know every one in this town from the poorest to well... you. "
He then walked to the rivers edge and tossed a stone. Hoping that his impatience wouldn't  take over and just punish her for  wasting his time.  She's really thinking about her words, eh?  he thought after a long silence past and he looked over his shoulder to make sure she hadn't left.

Last edited on 2022-01-29 at 18:14:10 by Juniper

    The first thing Amberlee noticed was the glint of the little pocket knife. For a moment, she feared he was coming for her, to dish out punishment fit for a thief. "No, please," she begged, barely a whisper, but she soon realized he wasn't coming for her. In fact, Andres didn't seem to believe that she was guilty of this false crime at all. Was he protecting her? Why? He was demanding that she be handed over to him, that he would decide her punishment. Amberlee began praying to any deity willing to lend an ear. She felt her magic well up in her core, but knew she couldn't unleash it. Not here, not now. She had to resist the urge. She had to. 
The next thing she knew, her hands were free. And Andres was telling her to take  his mare and flee to her father's shop, and wait there. He was fighting her captors. Amberlee was so bewildered by all this, she didn't argue, or hesitate. She swiftly mounted the chestnut mare and spurred her toward her father's workshop. 

Thomas was about to begin hammering at a piece of red hot metal to forge it into a blade, when Amberlee came speeding toward the shop, nearly riding the chestnut into the workshop. "By the stars, child, what's wrong?" he asked, rushing over to her. He could see she was bewildered. When he got closer, he saw the redness on the side of her face, the bruise that began lightly forming.
"Father, I...they came out of nowhere and...I...I don't know how they knew," Amberlee sobbed after swiftly dismounting the mare. She ran to her father, who embraced her protectively. She trembled fiercely, trying to piece her thoughts together, "they wanted to sell me. They knew what I am, somehow," she sobbed.
Thomas tensed, but still held his daughter tight, "how did they know? Did you use your magic?" he whispered.
"No! I know better than that," Amberlee wept, "I don't know how, but somehow they knew the truth."
Thomas placed a hand behind her head, "shh, there there," he tried comforting.
"Andres saved me," Amberlee breathed, realizing what had happened, "he appeared out of nowhere. He fought them off and told me to flee with his mare," she recalled, piecing together what happened in her mind.
"Did they say anything to him?" Thomas asked.
"They claimed I was a scullery maid who stole something," Amberlee said with disdain.
"Okay, good," Thomas breathed a sigh of relief, "everyone knows you're my daughter, they see you here with me often. So they'll know they lied. Fortunately, because of that lie,  your secret is still safe," he said confidently, "now, don't worry. I get the feeling Lord Andres will take care of it all. Dry your tears child, and see to that mare. She looks just as spooked as you are," he motioned to the mare.
Amberlee nodded, taking a moment to wash her face and calm her spooked heart, before making her way to the chestnut, trying to calm the mare down as well. She gently stroked her, and spoke to her in as calm a voice as she could muster.

Some time later, Amberlee wasn't sure how long exactly, Andres returned. She was stroking the mare, when the young lord began scolding her. His anger, or what she perceived as anger, stunned her into silence yet again as she stood with eyes wide, lips slightly parted, listening to him scold her. She noticed he was hurt, but didn't mention it. In fact, she didn't say anything at all. 
Thomas rushed over, "thank you, my lord, for saving my daughter. I assure you, she is no thief. Those men were nothing but liars," he said firmly, bowing low before Andres, thanking him over and over again.
Amberlee still said nothing, even when his hand grasped her chin and turned her face from side to side. Or when he picked her up onto his mare and rode off. She remained silent for the entire trip. But thoughts raced through her mind. Why did he protect me? His family is not known for being compassionate to commoners and peasants. That is all I am to him, after all, another commoner, right? She heard his whistling fill the air, and noticed he was glancing at her every so often, but she still remained silent.

When they stopped, Andres lifted her out the saddle and set her on the ground. She couldn't help but immediately notice his strength. And she still wasn't sure why he made her heart race and flutter, especially when he touched her. Then he demanded to know who she was. She watched him walk to the river's edge and toss a stone. She considered not telling him anything at all, just because he seemed so impatient and demanding. But he did save me, he helped me when no one else even bothered to look in my direction, she thought, I at least owe him a bit of an explanation, I think. She chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment, trying to find the words to say, wondering if she should tell him the full truth. She took a steadying breath and started fidgeting with her nails just as he looked back at her, "sleigh beggies are very highly prized," she began, "they are a rare type of human who posses the ability to subconsciously absorb and generate vast amounts of magical energy. However, the cost of that is usually a shorter life span, especially if they do not learn to control themselves or their magic. They also have a natural affinity toward fae and other supernatural beings, often times drawing their kind to them. The reason they are highly prized, is because for poachers, sleigh beggies work as good bait to trap fae and magical creatures. Another reason is because of their organs. Sleigh beggies absorb such vast amounts of magical energies, that they are often harvested or sold whole for all manner of uses by practitioners of the dark arts and magics, since their organs function as storage places for magic, so to say. Even the fae find them highly prized because they are seen as being close to their own kind," she explained, then gave it all a moment to sink in. She hesitated for a moment, brushing stray strands  of hair in behind her ear, "my name is Amberlee Dawson, and I am a sleigh beggy," she said nervously.
When it became clear that he wasn't about to run away, or faint at the news, she continued, "those men today somehow knew what I was. No doubt they wanted to sell me off to a client they had lined up," she explained, fidgeting with her ring. Her gaze dropped to it, "this ring was gifted to me by a mage many years ago. It's purpose is to help me control how much magic I absorb and generate, so I may never take it off. I've learned to control little bits of my magic, which is why I can make healing tonics for the local alchemist and such, but I haven't learnt how to control larger spells. My mother...mother was a sleigh beggy as well. She died just after I was born because she couldn't control her magic, and since then, father has forbidden me from doing anything other than simply making healing tonics," she told him. She realized this was a great risk, telling him everything like this. She had just admitted that she was actually rather healthy for a sleigh beggy of her age because the ring was helping her control her magic, and because she only used little amounts of it, she wasn't at the risk of dying immediately. Which made her an even greater prize. But she had decided to attempt trusting this young lord. And she prayed that her judgement was not flawed.

“ I don’t know what to say, Amberlee. I have no words. None at all for what I’m hearing. I always thought that there were just humans here. “ He then looked over at her as he sat on the soft grass “ Until I met you, that is.” He looked away for a single moment to think about what his next words were going to be, before looking back at Amberlee “ You did something to me that I couldn’t even fathom. You placed a spark in my heart that still hasn’t gone away. “ then added “ It could be your magic holding my heart out to you. But that would just make things more complicated. “

He then stood up and walked over to Carbriel and stroked her smooth neck “ I am the richest man other than my father, and if I was seen with someone like you…” he paused to looked at her “ my father wouldn’t hear the end of it. “

Another stone tossed.

“ My father wants me to marry another rich hierarchy. But as things stand… the last one died. So I am the last one standing.”  His emotions boiling inside him as he pondered with what happened just a while ago with the Captor  “ You said they wanted you for being a… sleigh beggy? Well… There is always one way to keep you safe. But you wouldn’t like it. But that isn’t for you to decide. From now on..  one of the guards will be in this town very close to your father workshop so no trouble arises while im not here myself. “

He then saw her open her mouth to speak and he walked over to her and faced her and placed his  index finger on her lips to  keep her from speaking “ As for those punishments that you didn’t deserve… that man did. I will deal with them later. I will talk to my father about this and see what he has to say. But I promise on my royal heart. I will not mention you…. Unless it pops up from my fathers own lips.”

He looked into her eyes, the redness still in her face from the slap and he gently touched her cheek “Does it  hurt when I touch it?” he asked trying to be as gentle as possible.  She’s placing that spell on me again he thought as he placed his hand back to his side but kept looking at her. Blue on green. “You are a good person, Amberlee. Don’t let anyone take you for granted.”
They spent three hours at the river before Andres took out his pocket watch and looked at the time “ I think I better get you back to your father. He will be worried sick. “ he led her back to carbriel and  helped her up once more before leading them to the forge.

“ Your daughter is a very brave young lady, sir. “ he began as he stopped at the entrance and smiled “ But I am going to set up precautions for her safety. I know shes strong willed and wishes for not my help at times… But I cant let those men take advantage of her again. By sometime tomorrow morning, one of my guards will be close by for her protection. “
He then said nothing more and got onto Carbriel and trotted off back into to the house. Not even a second glace at her.

Last edited on 2022-01-30 at 08:48:43 by Juniper

  

  Amberlee furrowed her brows in confusion when Andres suggested her magic was holding his heart out to her. My magic did no such thing! she protested inwardly. "As I said, aside from making healing tonics, I don't use my magic. To keep what I am hidden from the world," she said to him, her gaze never moving from him.
She watched him stand up and walk to his mare. She felt her own heart reach out to him, but she would not say as much, not yet. When he spoke of marriage with another of the wealthy, her heart sank into her boots. She wasn't sure why, but it felt like someone had pulled a rug out from under her. Marriage? He speaks of marriage? Did he consider it with me? No, no he couldn't have. We are not the same, he and I. I could never be with him, she thought, her gaze lowered, he could never love me, her thought continued sadly. She lifted her gaze back to meet his and parted her lips to speak, but he placed his finger on her lips to silence her, and it was all she could do to keep from reacting. Hearing he would deal with her pursuers made her feel relieved, and she once again smiled sweetly at him.
 And then he touched her cheek so gently and asked if it hurt. Even  though he was being so gently, she winced, then gave a half smile, "yes it does, but don't worry, I should be right as rain by tomorrow," she reassured him, knowing she still had a healing tonic or two at home. 

The time they spent together was like a dream to her, simply talking about small things. She nearly wept when he told her it was time to return, but he was right, her father would be worried sick. So she didn't fight him when he returned her to her father, but she did hum a melody all the way back.

Once returned, Thomas rushed out to meet them. Amberlee smiled at her father and waved in greeting. However, as soon as she heard Andres' precautions he'd set up, she instantly began protesting. "I don't need guards watching me, it will draw too much attention!" she moaned.
Thomas, on the other hand, thank Andres profusely, bowing low before him, "thank you, my lord, thank you for your kindness to my daughter," he said sincierely.
""Kindness? This will paint an even bigger target on my back!" Amberlee protested, but soon realized neither male was listening to her. And then Andres just rode off, without even taking another look at her. She threw her hands into the air, "great, just great," she moaned, then turned to her father, "I'm staying home tomorrow," she snapped, "I am not going to be shadowed by guards everywhere I go!" she stomped her foot.
"He means well, Amberlee," Thomas said gently, "you should feel honored. He could have turned his back and done nothing," he said reminded her.
Amberlee sighed. Deep down, she knew her father was right. But still. Then her eye caught something in his hand. It was wrapped in silk, "what is that?" she asked.
"It's a small dagger," Thomas said, unwrapping then unsheathing the beautiful weapon and showing it to his daughter. It was the finest weapon he'd ever made, light and perfectly balanced, easy to conceal and fatally sharp. The hilt of the dagger was wrapped in leather to aid grip. "This was to be a gift to Lord Andres for saving you, but he left before I could give it to him," he explained.
"It's absolutely beautiful, father," Amberlee breathed, admiring the blade.
"Any chance you could take it to him?" Thomas asked, sheathing the blade again and wrapping it in silk.
"What, now?" Amberlee asked with surprise.
Thomas looked her up and down, "go home, and put on something nice. Then take a carriage up to his house," he said with a smile, handing her the blade.
"But, father I-" Amberlee began arguing, but her father gave her one of those looks that meant arguing would get her nowhere. So she sighed, "alright," she said and did as he told her.

Amberlee made her way home, bathed and dressed in a lovely mint green dress. Even though it was rather plain, it still looked lovely on her figure. A simple cotton dress with long sleeves, that hugged her body to her waist, with the skirt flaring out ever so slightly. On her hips sat a lovely leather and jade belt. She left her hair down, her wild curls cascading down her back, and dabbed a bit of powder onto her cheek in an attempt at hiding the soft bruise that had begun to form. Even though she'd taken her healing tonic, without actually using healing magic to heal it, it would still take some time to heal the injury completely. Feeling a little nervous, and altogether silly, she took up the gift her father had handed her and made her way back to town. Once there, she took a carriage up to Andres' estate. She was nervous when she arrived, not knowing what to expect. And a little frightened that he would simply send her off. 
As the early evening sky painted in colors of lilac, periwinkle and burnt orange, Amberlee arrived once again at the gate. She took a steadying breath, then made her way to the guards once more. She cleared her throat, "good evening," she said to them, "might I ask for Lord Andres?" she asked politely.
The guard cocked his head, "aren't you the girl from before? The one who returned his pocket watch?" he asked.
"I, err, yes, I am. My father has asked I deliver him this gift," Amberlee explained, showing the silk covered sheath she had in her hands. 
The guard looked at her suspiciously, "his lordship is a very busy man. It would do you well to remember that. Disturbing him at his home at this hour is not a welcomed thing," he warned. Even if you look lovely and smell divine, like blossoms in spring, he thought, then cleared his throat. He had been trained to keep any pestering folk, male and female, at bay, and that was exactly what he'd do.
"Yes, I understand, but this is not like that," Amberlee protested, then pulled her mouth to the side, realizing that is exactly what this was. She looked to the blade in her hands, "I suppose this could have waited. For one of his excursions to town, at least. That is when he said I should approach him," she said softly, more to herself than them.
"Begging your pardon, miss?" the guard asked firmly, he was growing a little irritated, believing she was nothing more than a commoner who hoped to find praise with the young lord.
"It's nothing, I apologize," Amberlee said with a smile as she stepped away, "I'll be on my way now," she said to him politely, turning to leave.
Meanwhile, while Amberlee was talking to the guard at the gate, another guard - the one who had told Andres of her visit earlier that day - ran to find him once again. "Milord!" he called when he finally found him, a little out of breath, "milord, that girl from earlier has returned to see you," he told him in between trying to catch his breath once again.

Andres was surprised that the girl he met was here… again.  What could she possibly want at this hour he thought as he stopped his work and pulled back his chair before standing up to look at the guard. “ She cant get enough of me can she?” he chuckled as he tidied up his red paisley and fixed the ring on his finger before turning towards the door. “ Come with me, Westley,” he ordered and the two headed down the  flight of elegant mahogany stairs before  Andres stopped and  opened the door himself.

He didn’t see Amberlee the minute he opened the door. His eyes closed when the fresh air swept into his hair and onto his face. But when he did, he came right towards her before standing in front of her. “ What are you doing here at this late hour? Don’t you know I am not available to talk to until twenty minutes after sunup?” He wasn’t trying to be mean, but his voice was harsh. “Amberlee… Please... just go back home and rest. And get that pretty face unbruised. I will be in town today at some point. “ He then looked at her dress and smiled  she really does have a sense of fashion just like me…. But like I already told myself… father will NEVER accept her to being my wife He thought as he zoned out for a little bit before Westley shook him back to reality.


When he came to, Andres sighed and placed two hands to the bridge of his nose, thinking. “ Can I speak to Amberlee alone, please?” He asked the guards.  Once they left, Andres looked at her. “ You shouldn’t have come. Alone.. again. Whether you like it or not, Westley WILL be at your father forge til I see fit that no one will come to your harm again. I know you have a price on your head. But with Westley… you wont have a price on your head. Not a cent. Westley may be a male, but he is my best officer. So I suggest you take my offer on him and let him protect you while I am not around near the town. He will, though, send me daily reports on what goes on. No matter what happens so that I can change anything that may happen to you or anyone else. “

He then placed a hand on her shoulder and stepped up to her so that only a brick could pass. His soft blue eyes on her once again. “ I care about your safety, Amberlee. And no matter what you say or do, will change that. “ He kissed her hand before leading her back to the carriage “And remember… if you need anything… just come find Westley if I am not around.” He told the man to go on and bring her back home before heading back into the house “ Westley… come into my  office so we can discuss your new arrangements.”

He wasn’t allowed to leave the office for a full hour “I hope you can do everything you can to keep her safe, Westley. I'm putting my full trust on you.” He then  allowed him to leave, still not knowing of the gift Amberlee held when he told her to head back to the house. The gift would have to wait another day.
By nightfall, he headed off to bed. I wish I wasn’t so mean and pushy like that towards her… But father and mother will know about this in the morning after I have dealt with the Captor he reminded himself as his eyes shut and all around him was dark.

Last edited on 2022-01-30 at 13:38:35 by Juniper

   Amberlee couldn't help the smile that spread on her lips when she saw Andres. He looked so handsome, and the way the breeze swept through his hair...it's a good thing her feet were grounded or she may have drifted up to the stars that had begun shining their little bright lights. But her smile instantly faded when he started talking. He asked what she was doing there, said that he was unavailable until twenty minutes after sunup. His voice was so harsh when he spoke to her. This was a mistake, she thought. She clenched her jaw when he called her face pretty to keep from growling at him. She parted her lips to speak, but closed them right away, feeling like it might be a waste of breath saying anything. I knew this was a bad idea, I knew father should have done this, she scolded herself inwardly.
"You shouldn't have come..." he said to her, and the words hit her right in the chest, she hardly heard the rest. But she knew he was probably right. She shouldn't have come. This was a mistake. It was a late and she had no business being near him. So she quietly stood listening to him, to this elaborate plan of his that would have this Westley person guarding her whether she liked it or not. 
Then he stepped up to her. She had half a mind to step away from him, especially when he placed a hand on her shoulder. She tensed, but refused to move. She would stand her ground. When he kissed her hand, she couldn't stop the scowl that tugged her brow. "Your mixed signals are giving me whiplash," she mumbled more to herself than him. Before she knew it, she was back in the carriage, with the dagger still not gifted to him. She looked back at him as the carriage left, but he didn't spare her a second glance.

The carriage driver had been kind enough to take Amberlee all the way home. After thanking him, she stormed into the house.
"Amberlee," Thomas smiled, "how did it-"
Amberlee dropped the dagger onto the table, "I told you to give it to him yourself," she snapped, "I'm sure his highness will find time in his oh so busy schedule tomorrow to show his face at the forge, do it then. Or better yet, give it to the guard that will be posted near the forge, I don't care," she said with agitation. Then she stormed off to her room and closed the door behind her rather loudly.
Thomas only sighed. He gathered up the blade and would return it to the forge, perhaps he'd find another opportunity to present the gift to the young lord.

As Amberlee lay in her bed, her mind went running wild. She couldn't understand that male, and was questioning why she even tried. When she finally managed to fall asleep, she would find that her dreams were not welcoming.

She once again had that terrible nightmare, of the thing in the dark chasing her down, threatening to devour her. She never knew what it was or why she had that recurring nightmare over and over again. But when she awoke in a cold sweat the following morning, she decided she wasn't heading to town. She only hoped her father would understand. She dressed comfortably, and headed into the forest to both clear her mind after that awful nightmare, and find some new medicinal herbs for tonics as well as her face, which had almost completely healed. She would venture out deep into the forest, returning only at dinner to talk to her father about his day, to share a meal and rest.

Andres didnt sleep well at all either. He woke many in the night on multiple occasions.  His mother came in as always to check on him  she needs to stop doing that.. I can care for myself he grumbled loudly.
 
“ What seems to be the problem you can sleep tonight, Andres?” She sked sitting him down on his bed and looked at her son “ Is it that girl from the forge?”
 
“ Oh Mother… Shes doing something to me I cant place in words… I got so  mad at her yesterday when I told her to leave because I was so busy at that particular hour. I wasn’t lying… but I could have at least been  nice to her" then added “ I feel like such a damn fool. I cant go see her now. She would hate me after what I did to her.
 
“ Oh come now, dear. Go on and get dressed and grab Carbriel Ill take Ternura and we can go to the woods together. You know how long its been since I have been in those woods?
 
 Yes mother…. Years he thought to himself and he gave a kiss on her cheek and jumped off his bed and got dressed into his morning best.  Black tailcoat, and his gold pocket watch within.  He then  let his mother leave on her own time before going into his bathroom and got his hair washed and fixed up before walking out of  room, headed downstairs and into the kitchen and grabbed two apples. One for each mare.
It was slightly cooler in the mornings, but that never bothered the young Lord. He headed for the stable and began to get the two mares ready. Their royal saddles and bridles clan as a whistle.
 
He set up both mares before seeing his mother walking to the barn, in her royal red and gold dress “ Ahh good I thought I was going to tack them up this time” she teased,  grabbing  the black mare and sat side saddle before walking out of the barn and waited for Andres and Carbriel.
 
After a long while, they headed towards the woods not knowing that someone was there before them. “ Come on mother.. ill race you to the pond!” he laughed as he spurred Carbriel and she squealed and raced off to the woods at the speed of lightning.  His mother spurred her mare and raced her son all the way through the woods to the pond.
 
And as always, Andres won. He had already gotten off Carbriel and let her roam without the saddle, but the royal dark red bridle stayed on. She roamed around the woods, looking for grass and little snacks along the way when she spotted her. Leaning over to pick what looked like flowers and she stood still, letting the wind take over. Her freshly washed long mane and tail, moving in the wind. Ever so slightly.
 
As she was watching, Andres and his mother were laughing and just having so much fun.  “ Oh come on mother… you have to admit… she is a pretty young girl.” He said with a laugh “ You should just… see her.  Im in total awe of her. I cant stop thinking about her.”
 
But it wasnt too long when Carbrien came back with the person Andres was talking about, Carbriel shaking her head happily. Like she knew that Andres and Amberlee were meant to be together. And when Andres saw her he quickly stood up and brushed himself off and walked to her " Amberlee... " he said quickly dusting himself off.  I cant talk to her now. He blushed slightly at her figure and her eyes. Her eyes never leaving him.

  Amberlee was out looking for herbs and flowers, when she felt something watching her. She snapped her gaze to the side with a little gasp, but then realized what was staring at her. "Carbriel?" she asked, relaxing. She approached the mare, "hey girl," she purred, her hand outstretched, "you're wearing a lovely bridle, but no other tack, how strange," she said softly, smiling. She gently stroked the mare, "I'm going to assume your rider can't be very far," she said quietly, hoping beyond hope that it wasn't Andres, she was not ready to see him, "let's get you back then, before someone decides to steal you away," she said softly, patting her shoulder. The mare seemed to lead her somewhere, and against her better judgement, Amberlee decided to follow.

She heard a male and female talking and laughing, immediately recognizing the male as Andres. She heard him say to the female how he was in total awe of some young female, and that he can't stop thinking about her. Well that explains alot, she thought, believing he meant someone else, I guess I was wrong. His heart belongs to another already. Lucky girl, she found herself thinking. Amberlee was so lost in thought, and enchanted by Andres' voice, he sounded so happy and care free, that she didn't seem to realize that Carbriel had walked them both right to Andres and the female he was talking to. She realized too late.
When Andres said her name, and then blushed slightly, Amberlee thought her heart would leap from her chest. What do I do? What do I say? she panicked, merely staring at him for a moment. Her emerald gaze was glued to his, as if it was only the two of them in that moment. A gentle breeze drifted past them, making her long, curly hair which she wore lose that day dance around her. Her forest green dress ran beautifully down her figure emphasizing her stunning eyes. Say something! she moaned at herself, but then aptly got lost in his beautiful blue eyes.

Amberlee cleared her throat, snapping back to reality. She curtsied before Andres and the female, a perfect curtsy as if she'd been trained by a noble, not just a simple action that most commoners know. "Hello, my lord," she said politely, "I found Carbriel roaming in the forest. Or rather, she found me," she said sheepishly, glancing at the chestnut mare before returning her gaze to the young lord, "I thought I should escort her back to her rider before she gets lost, or worse. It's not always safe being alone in the forest, and she is a truly lovely young mare."
Stop talking, Amberlee, she scolded herself, her cheeks painting a soft pink blush. She was rambling, because she was nervous, and she knew it. She lightly cleared her throat again, "forgive the intrusion, my lord, my lady," she said politely, nodding her head to each of them as she said their titles, then curtsied again, once again that flawlessly graceful bob deep down before straightening up, "I shall be on my way then," she said, slowly turning to leave, her gaze still glued to Andres.

“ No.. Amberlee.. Stay. Please. I want you to meet my mother. “ he said with out thinking as he reached for her arm and stopped her from turning.  He then let go when Amberlee was face to face with him “This is my mother Emmi Osborne”  he then looked at his  mother since he didn’t know what else to say to the young commoner.  His eyes pleading her to say something.

“ You must be Amberlee” Emmi said with a sweet smile. “ It is finally a pleasure to meet you.” She reached her hand out like Andres his when he was at the forge.

 That curtsy drives me crazy. I like it... but it just.. grrr! I should talk to my father about making her a maid in  his house one day.  He thought as he grabbed Carbriel's reins as he heard his mom compliment Amberlee's clothing. Rolling his eyes  typical of my mother he thought as he leaned against Carbriel and just watched them talk
“ I hope my son has been a pure gentleman. If he hasn’t...” she didn’t even want to finish the sentence. For what she was going to say next always angered him. And she didn’t want to anger him in front of Amberlee. “ I have an idea” she exclaimed a while later “ Why don’t you come to the house with us and have a meal. “
Andres scowled at her “ Mother… father  would just turn his back. You know how he s when a commoner comes through the doors. Don’t you remember the la-“ but his mother stopped him  “ I know how he gets, dear. But this could be different.” She said before turning her head back to Amberlee " Ill have Andres let your father know I have you as a guest at our home for a few hours”

Then looked back at Amdres, who put Carbriel’s saddle back on “Why cant you do that mom… you know I… Yes mother… I’ll go” He spurred his mare hard into her side, angrily as a matter of fact,  before galloping off back into town towards the forge where Thomas should be.
“ Now come on dear. Up you get.” She held her mare steady as Amberlee climbed on before clucking to her and walked  towards the house. And as they walked, Emmi talked. “ So…  Andres seems to have a liking for you, dear.  Do you feel the same for him?” She looked up at her as they walked together. Reaching the house an hour later.
Meanwhile, Andres reached the forge and called out to Thomas, he got off the mare and tied her up since he wanted to talk to Thomas for a bit before heading back to the house. Still not knowing about the special gift.

   His mother? Amberlee thought, surprise evident in her eyes and uncertain smile. Her gaze drifted to the female. She swallowed nervously. The female reached out her hand to her, drawing her gaze to it. Well, don't just stand with a mouth full of teeth, say something, she pushed herself, trying her best to ignore her nervously racing heart. She politely took the female's hand, "The pleasure is mine, my lady," she said politely, albeit a little formally, "my name is Amberlee Dawson," she introduced herself. 
Amberlee thanked Emmi for the compliment to her clothing and burst out laughing when she asked if her son had been a gentleman, a sound like chimes in the gentle breeze. However, the invitation to join them for a meal made her tense up a little. She glanced nervously at Andres, then back at Emmi, "I...err, well," she began stuttering, but soon realized she couldn't really say no to this lady, or rather, felt it might be a bad idea to say no.

While riding back, Emmi and Amberlee talked a little. She blushed when Emmi said Andres had a liking for her and lowered her gaze. "That is very kind of you to say," she said sheepishly, "but even if I did feel the same, nothing could come from it. As he's clearly pointed out so very many times, I am but a commoner, and he is a young lord, a very rich man," she repeated the words he had said before, then sighed. A sweet smile tugged on her lips, "that being said, I still find him to seem to draw me closer. And we always seem to cross paths. At one point I wondered if fate was perhaps trying to prove a point, but after last night, I know this not to be true," she said softly, more to herself that Emmi. Feeling a little reluctant to share her inner most feelings just yet, especially to a stranger, she quickly added, "Lord Andres is a good man. His morals seem to be in the right place, and for that, many respect him," she said, "speaking of respect, should I not be the one walking beside your horse?" she asked timidly, glancing at Emmi, then quickly added, "my lady," so as not to appear rude.

-------
 
Meanwhile, back at the forge, Thomas was hammering away, busy crafting new swords for the local guards, when he heard Andres call out to him.
"Ah, my young lord, Amber is not here, she opted to stay home," he found himself saying to him with a gentle smile, then tilted his head slightly, "you seem like you have something on your mind. Care to share with this old man what clouds your mind so?" he asked with a gentle care, an openness to him which invited Andres to speak openly to him, if he so chose. "Oh, and while you are here, I have something for you," he said, turning to the silk covered dagger that sat on a crate nearby. He walked to it and fetched it, blowing off a bit of dust, before turning to Andres, "forgive me, my lord," he said politely, "I am the one who sent Amberlee to your residence last night, I had asked her to deliver to you this gift," he explained, extending the blade, "this is for you, to thank you for saving her yesterday," he said politely, handing him the dagger, "I assure you, it can be easily concealed, and yet, it's lethal if need be," he explained, then smiled gently, "I would ask that you please don't harbor feelings of anger toward my daughter for her appearance last night, my lord. She is a shy girl at the best of times, and I can see the way she looks at you that she seems to truly..." he searched for a word that would would not bring insult, "appreciate you. Just yesterday, after she came racing back with your mare, she looked for you, waiting rather impatiently for your return," he chuckled nervously, "I guess, what I'm trying to say is, I understand she's a commoner and that you could never be more than a friend to her, if my lord deems her worthy, but please, accept this sign of gratitude from a very grateful father," he said gently, offering the dagger, "and please give Amberlee a chance," he smiled lowering his head as a sign of respect.

Emmi  chuckled “ You may think I don’t know anything about commoners, Amberlee. But no.. I do.  Andres’s lineage goes far far back to two commoners before his great grandmother married a wealthy lord.  Then everything changed when their daughter was born.  She was to be the one to marry Andres those years ago. But a dreadful thing happened, and Andres saw her die in front of his eyes. His one and only lover took a blade for him when he was the one who deserved it.  Ever since then…. He has been on the look out for not just a royal. But someone of courage, love, gentleness, and someone with a sense of power within themselves. “Emmi looked back Amberlee “So no. I don’t think you should walk on the ground beside me. It is the only thing I can do to thank you for being where you needed to be when my son was in town. At the right time. You make his own life complete.”
 
They reached the gates and Emmi opened the gates, even though the guards could have done it for her. But the guards were nowhere in sight. Must be inside with my husband Emmi thought as the gate creaked inward and Ternura walked in all by herself.  She untacked Ternura, took the royal bridal off and placed them on the ground carefully. Before looking at Amberlee “Lets go inside. It’s a little chilly outside in the mornings. “ She gently led the guest by the shoulder into the home. “ Darling? “ she said hoping her husband wasn’t too busy to come down from his own study to meet their guest of honor.
 
Meanwhile, back at the forge Andres was talking to Thomas when he saw the knife within the silk packaging " She stayed home, did she? He laughed as he took it in his two hands hand and unsheathed it to look at the fine workmanship. “You made this? Its finely done and sturdy. My men could surely use finer blades than the ones  they have now. But that is for another time” he agreed before sheathing it back and looked at the old man “I could never be mad at your lovely daughter, sir. She has been everything I have been looking for since the last royal died years ago” he then looked into the old mans eyes “ Sir… if it is ok with you… my mother suggested that Amberlee stayed for a meal with my family for a few hours. Nothing fancy. Just a meal to meet and to get Amberlee comfortable around the others in my father household. Including my father himself.”
 
He leaned against the entrance of the forge, one leg tucked behind the other, and a hand in his pocket, fussing with his grandfathers pocket watch “ I assure you sir, that no such harm will come to your daughter while she is my fathers home. I will be her personal guardian til I can return her back to you safe and sound”

Last edited on 2022-02-01 at 08:31:57 by Juniper

  Thomas chuckled, "knowing my daughter, staying home probably meant going out exploring," he said, then shook his head, "that girl loves exploring. She used to spend hours running around as a child, chasing fae and gathering herbs...quite the free spirit, that one," he said with a  warm affection for her in his voice.
His grin widened when Andres asked if Amberlee could share a meal with them. "I will not stop her, or tell her she may not go, but all I ask is that she be treated with dignity. Which I'm sure she will be, my lord," he said with a father's care, "especially if you are her self appointed guardian," he chuckled, then leaned closer, "allow me to let you in on a little secret," he whispered, "she might argue with you if she catches on that you're being her personal guardian, but don't let that deter you. Once she learns to trust you, she will be the same to you. She has never had many friends because she's...special," he said carefully, not sure how much he knew, "so once you become a friend to her, she will cherish you," he whispered as if it were a secret. He tilted his head when he noted Andres' fidgeting, "is that the pocket watch?" he asked, "I take it it means quite a lot to you," he said softly, noting the ring on his finger. He wondered if he had a similar secret to Amber. But thought it wasn't his place to ask.

-------

Amberlee's heart broke when she heard the story, "I am so terribly sorry to hear about his lady friend," she said honestly. She couldn't help it, in that moment she wanted more than anything to give Andres a hug, even though she knew that was extremely inappropriate and likely would be unwelcomed. She lowered her gaze, and smiled, "in truth, my lady, lord Andres is the one who makes my life feel complete. He was the first who treated me like a person, not just some freak, aside from my father, of course," she said softly, playing with the ring on her finger. No, Amber, don't confess such things now, not to others, she thought, then cleared her throat, "thank you for this kind offer my lady," she said sweetly, "of inviting me for a meal."

When they reached the estate, Amberlee immediately noticed the missing guards. This isn't right, she thought, those guards are always here, especially the annoying one. She immediately tensed, watching their surroundings closely. She wondered how long Andres would still be away, her nervousness causing her magic to grow restless.
Amberlee was lead into the house by Emmi. She was completely tense by this point. "My lady, do you not find it strange that the guards were not posted outside? Perhaps we should wait for Lord Andres' return before we go in," she whispered in protest, then startled when Emmi suddenly called out to her husband. Her entire body jolted and she looked back over her shoulder at Lady Emmi, "my lady, where are all the guards?" she asked again