My favorite painting
by Vanillafire
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Lady Valarian's Quest

Midnight came upon the castle and the full moon shone with brilliance overhead. The lady quietly pulls Fire, her white mare, from the stables to take her weekly ride along the barren hills into the dark forest. The night was muggy and the lady’s bed clothes clung to her body as she road to her secret place. A man…watched from the shadow….cloaked in the darkness. The old rogue had grown used to being so close to people yet hidden, unbeknownst to them.
 
The lady arrives at this secret lake deep in the Valatar Forest and dismounts Fire. After tying Fire to a low hanging branch she pulls out her secret diary. All her hopes and dreams lie in wait for her heart and soul to pour over the words once again. She kneels upon a tattered stone and dips her hands in the cool water to let flow down her face and chest. *SNAP* Reaching for her dagger strapped to her inner thigh she looks around startled. After a long silence, a jack rabbit comes scurrying out of the thicket. Relief washes over her face and she continues to try to cool herself from the muggy air with the cool calm water of the lake. She walks to the edge of the Lake and climbs upon a huge rock and sits to open her book. She writes………

The old rogue, unable to resist the temptation and having followed this Lady of wonder stood fast cloaked in the darkness. Far away so as not to be seen but, close enough that he could tell her every move. The lady seemed as if preparing to read or perhaps write in a book. He took a seat  uponthe branch of the great elm tree. *SNAP* Damn his luck. Seeing the lady draw a small fine blade, the rogue freezes.
  

Then as if the fates have decided to pity him and give him a moments break. A rabbit scurries out of the brush. The lady, looks relieved and returns to the task at hand. The rogue, just sitting, watching, waiting, dreaming, and yet alert. Guarding and watchful of the fair maiden’s safety and well being.
 
Many days have passed with no sign that my love will return to me. Will I ever feel the soft brush of his lips upon mine again or feel the heat of his stare? ‘Tis fate that taunts me and keeps me as a prisoner in mine father’s castle. Why could I not be born a man? I desire the freedom to ride the countryside, fighting amongst the bravest of men. Oh, if only to have my own choice of whom I will wed.

Thinking to himself. If I were a rich man or one of the king's knights. Perhaps, then I would be worthy of such as thee M’Lady. Sighing, if only for another chance to taste your sweet lips against mine. But alas, the king would have my head if he even knew I had sullied his daughter with my stare alone. To contemplate a stolen kiss as well…..so, I am destined to lurk the shadows and watch over thee til I can prove worthy to the king.

The night air was so thick and warm. Cursed fate. The lady throws down her book. She looks around quickly scanning her surrounding area. Shrugging the lady removes her riding boots. And then her long white gown, exposing her nakedness to the gods and moon shining along the rippling water.

*SNAP* Swiftly, the lady turns toward the south of the lake exposing her creamy white skin and womanhood to the trees and wildflowers. Scanning the forest, the maiden can only see darkness surrounding her. She shrugs, turns, and dives into the cool shimmering waters…….disappearing from sight. Her small form emerges from the dark depths of the lake after several minutes gasping for air. She begins with a small paddle and then she rolls to her back and allows her sweet form to glide along the surface of the water with moonbeams shining over her creamy white breasts.

This can not be…..the lady…no…yes. She removes her dressing gown. The knave looks away for he deserves  not to look upon such beauty. But curse his evil eyes, they draw his stare back.
 
The rogue is captivated by the beauty before him. Carelessness, a wrong move, and another twig breaks. "DAMN his clumsiness!" he mutters. His breath stops and his blood turns cold as ice. Please if luck be with him…..please.

Finally, after what seems an eternity the maiden seems assured that she is truly alone and dives into the water. Ahhhhh but to be that lake at this moment to wrap himself around her. The full moon shining brightly across the open water seeming almost as daylight as the lady emerges the water glistening upon her skin. Once again looking away feeling unworthy to behold such beauty….
 
The lady stands shivering at the side of the lake deep in thought. Methodically, she heads towards the rock to gather her belongings. While climbing back upon the rock she pauses for a brief moment and looks around dreamily. She whispers aloud, "Oh M’Lord and Knave you would please me well."

Unable to keep his gaze from the lithe form of the lady. The rogue stares upon her beauty watching as the cool night air chills her body. If he were but worthy of her. He would warm her and kindle the fire of passion with in her. Dreaming that the shivers that the lady felt were caused by his touch and not that of the cool breeze upon her wet, nude body.

The lady lay upon the rock still unclothed drying in the night air staring at the stars and moon as the soft clouds slowly moved overhead. "Why hath he not come to her?" she asks herself. Why can he not show himself and save her from the horrid upcoming marriage her father bestowed upon her at birth? Laying there dreamily, she recounts the times in her mind seeing the black steed with the handsome warrior. Fortnight after fortnight she would see him there at the edge of the Valatar Forest.
 
 
He would just stand there holding the reins gazing at the castle walls. Staring longingly out her castle window she wondered what made this knight pause to stare back at the castle night after night. And then suddenly mount his steed to gallop into the cloaked darkness of Valatar once more.
 

The rogue thinks to himself, "Is this my destiny? To skulk in the shadows and to watch the lady fair only from afar. To know my feelings but to have them known only unto myself. Alas, what can I do? She is so close and yet seems so unattainable. And now I have found she is to be wed soon…." He utters a hushed curse to the gods and to the fates who seem to only rain misfortune upon him. If he could only come forth to expose his feelings and profess his desires. But to do that would surly be his death. But then, what life is there knowing he can never have the one thing he truly desires…….

The lady still lying there dreamily brushed the last of the glistening drops from her breasts. Sitting up to grab here diary once again. Frantically with mind reeling she writes, Oh my love if only you knew the depths of my desire for you. To know how I ache to see your rogue dark eyes. I will never marry that horrid strip of a so called man, Lord Vyron Barthanes, the man is pure evil. I would as soon take my own life. She falls backwards on the rock staring at the stars in pure despair…….if only…….
 

Yes, if only he could prove his worthiness. To prove that Barthanes cares not for the lady, but only the power and wealth that the marriage will bring him. How can fate be soooo cruel to send one so gentle and so beautiful to such a bastard. If Barthanes were here, be damned the hangman, he would feel the cold steel of my blades between his ribs. For swinging from the gallows would be worth the price to free her from such a life as he will bring the lady…..
 
The lady sits up and continues to write in her book. Frustrated by her lack of concentration, she hastily grabs her gown  thrusting it over her head as she rushes to her steed to have a long hard ride on Fire. It is the one thing that helps her release the tension her fate has served her. With her hasty retreat she forgets her most prized possession…..her diary. Lost in his thoughts, the rogue notices a quick movement.

It is the lady. She hastily dresses and mounts her steed. Had he missed something while daydreaming? His hand goes to the hilt of his sword. He scans the trees…..nothing…. damn him again. He must be more watchful. As the lady rides off he notices something left behind. What is it? He gets down from his perch in the gnarled old elm and makes his way to the rock.  A book. The ladies book, a book of remembrance, and the clasp left unlocked. Holding the book, thoughts cross through the mind of the rogue. What could she have written? What are her desires? Her dreams? Am I in here?  Did she think highly enough to favor me with a remembrance? Before there is a chance to open the book…..a sound…
*hoof beats* Who could it be at this hour? Using the shadows as the friend they always have been, the thief seems to disappear into thin air.

Fire breathing heavily now from the fast ride. The lady brings her to a trot. "Cursed fates, where did I put my diary?" she proclaims. Stopping Fire she dismounts and searches. I left it at the rock in my haste to get home before anyone discovers I’m missing. The lady treks back to the lake and begins her search for her diary but cannot find it anywhere…..

But wait, that white steed, those auburn tresses, it is the lady returning to claim her lost book? Looking down, still holding it in his hand, damn, now what? She will be upset to find it gone.
  

The lady, frantic, begins to search the wildflowers beside the rock. If the book is found I will be ruined. All my hopes and dreams, the first time she met her handsome rogue all there waiting to be discovered. Finally, summoning up his courage. A muttered if not hushed…. "Well, M’Lady" as he steps from the shadows of the old elm. "What do you search for by the lake at such an hour of the night? This is the time for rogues, not beautiful young maidens."

At that moment her mind wonders back to a time when she first set eyes on a mysterious Knight. It was a festive occasion. All the men had come home from many months of battle. It was a time to rejoice and pray for those who lost their loved ones along the way. The lady sat quietly at the King’s table staring at the crowd. The men drinking their mead and chewing on turkey and fancy breads. And then she saw him, the most beautiful man she had ever set her eyes upon.

Startled,the lady takes a few steps back and reaches for her ruby and pearl studded dagger. "And what is it to you Sir? Lurking in the shadows like a thief in the night." "Don’t come
any closer!" she shrieks *hands trembling* A bit taken aback. "Sorry to have startled you M’Lady. It just seems you had lost something of great importance and I thought perchance there may be a reward in helping find it. If I am wrong I can take my leave."

The voice it sounds so familiar to me. "Come closer Sir so as I can see the face of the thief I shall surly kill if you even try to touch Fire!" As he comes closer she circles him keeping her back to Fire "Are you offering to help me look for a reward? What kind of reward could I give thee???"

"A horse thief I am not lass. I am merely a traveler. Bedded down by yon tree for a nights rest and I’ve my own mount and surly have no need of thine own." With a quick whistle a whinny can be heard. Then a raven black stallion trots towards the man. The lady’s eyes widen in disbelief. Could it truly be him?
 
 
The man who haunts her dreams and fills her heart with such
desire. "You are familiar to me Sir. Have we not met before at our kingships feast many a fortnight ago???"

He smiles. Eyes twinkle for a moment, "All men seek rewards in this life M’Lady. But if we find what ye have lost. A smile to lift the burdened look from thy brow will be reward enough for me. And perhaps the kindness of knowing thy name." Leery the lady softens her pose and lowers the dagger just an inch or two.  "My name is Valarian and who might you be sir?" "I M’Lady am Quin de Havok, bowing with a flourish, at your service and call."

Quin de Havok…….*pondering the name in her head………Valarian de Havok* "Sir are you sure we did not meet many a fortnight ago? Come closer…into the light." Hesitantly, stepping slightly forward. "Aye I was there. If but for a brief moment." Gasping, the lady takes a step back. *those dark eyes, it is him* Her heart begins to pound in her chest. With her mind reeling she ponders. Has he already found her diary? Could he have read it?

"Now M’Lady…..what is it we seem to have misplaced…..a broach….a pendant…. perhaps thy wedding band….." "No I I am not married Lord Havok…..it…..it was a book." The lady taking her eyes slowly from his handsome form begins to search anew…..

"Then a book it is," says Quin smiling with in a second of her saying his name. Ahhhh, but if I was a lord and if I could only dream of making her my lady. Slowly bending, fiegning to search. Quickly so the lady does not see him placing the book in such a place so as the lady herself finds it. Not wanting her to know that he even had it in his possession….never ye mind that he had contemplated what its pages could hold. The search continues as Valarian
searches the wildflowers and overgrown weeds. She bumps into Quin with her backside. Standing up quickly and blushing…"Pardon me, Lord Havok" Her heart is beating so fast it feels as if it will jump from her chest at the mere touch.
 
 
Embarrassed Valarian continues her search and there it is staring up at her hiding in the weeds by the huge rock.  "I must have knocked it off in my haste to return home," Valarian replies.

Smiling that she had not seen him carefully place the book in its place, Havok nods, "Ye must. But what would cause you such haste M’Lady…..?" Grasping the book to her bosom…….Valarian comtemplates how to get Quin’s attention. Does he so soon forget that eve their eyes locked? Does he not have any feeling for me at all???

"What? Oh, I…..ah…..I am late returning Fire to the stables….." *looking at him pleadingly…..does he not recognize me at all*  "Then allow me to at least accompany you back to the castle grounds M’Lady. ‘Tis dangerous world we live in and by the crowd of young men you had around you at the feast. There would be much sorrow in the realms if anything were to happen to you."

Still mesmerized by his dark handsome eyes she tries for coherent thought. "Lord Havok now for your reward. The book is a treasured heirloom and I must repay your kindness." Lowering the book revealing the creamy skin of the top of one breast she reaches for her pendant. It was given to her by her father at her 16th birthday. It’s Celtic markings stand for happiness, love, and unity…….

"Nay M’Lady. I can’t take such a prized possession. I told thee my price and if ye think it not enough to pay with a name and a smile. Then allow me to accompany you home. The ability to gaze upon thy beauty and to hear the song of your voice in conversation is all the reward I will ever need."
 
"Thank you Lord Havok for your kindness. Your accompaniment back to the grounds would be most kind." Valarian steps forward hesitantly, heart beating even more rapidly than before, and stands on tip toes to reach Quin’s tall form to place the pendant around his neck. A  brief but gentle sway of her breasts brush across his chest. The feel of her breath across his skin, the scent of a fresh summers swim, and a moonlight ride caught in her hair. These all flood his senses. Thoughts bombard his brain. Looking down, gazing into those eyes, knowing its only seconds, but feeling as if he has spent and eternity lost within the well of her very soul.

Valarian cannot control her senses. Staring at his soft lips. The urge to touch them with her fingertips. Oh, if only to feel the softness on his lips. If only a brief touch. His smell is intoxicating her making her feel as if she will swoon at any moment. Finally, unable to withstand the urge any longer. Tilting his head down, gently placing a soft kiss upon her lips. Awaiting the slap for his forwardness and gladly accepting it. For the feel of her
lips against his is heaven sent.

Valarian’s knees buckling from the touch of his lips to hers, collapsing into his arms crushing her breasts against him. Regaining some of her senses she runs her hands upon his chest and deepens the kiss.
 

Stepping back ashamed. "Forgive me M’Lady. I’ve lost all manners. I was intoxicated by your beauty. I beg that you forgive me or run me through with my own blade for such crass behavior."  Head hung in dishonor for his actions, he awaits the verdict from the lady. Will she forgive him? Will he hang yet for letting his destiny run his common sense???

Valarian stunned and cold by the loss of his warmth. Her eyes fly open looking into his eyes. Thinking to herself, "Do mine ears deceive me or did my beloved call me beautiful."
As his eyes turn away, the spell is broken. Valarian tries to compose herself and brushes at her night gown as if it where the fine linen she is adorned with every eve.
 
She says, "Lord Havok…..was the pendant not reward enough for you?" Temper flaring from the loss of his lips and warm embrace. Sighing, did he not feel the earth close around him as she did? Embarrassed by her actions, she storms back to mount her horse tripping on her damn diary that she dropped while Quin had taken her into his embrace.

"I have spoiled all reward and deserve none M’Lady. I became entranced with thy beauty. And the fool I became to believe that one as lovely as you would favor me with a kiss.  And like so many times in the past, that which I felt could not be given to me. I stole and now I cry pardon M’Lady. Pleading, not realizing but almost begging. Allow that smile to shine upon me once more…….that I might die happy."

!#@% unladylike profanity professed from the dear maiden’s mouth. Scraping her knee in the fall Valarian scrambles to get up with some dignity not realizing how provocative it is to see the maiden derriere with her gown molded to it. She stands limping to Fire with bits of wildflowers and grass stuck to her hair.

Quin steps forward to help the lady up. But she brushes aside his offered hand. His heart sinks further. Leaning forward he retrieves the lost book yet again as he watches the lady mount her steed.

She, in her embarrassment and stormy fiery red hair temper, leaves with Fire while tears stain her cheeks. She leaves the blessed diary behind and gallops off at a dangerous speed. Seeing her leave, once again forgetting the precious book behind, anger welling up within him at his own arrogance. To believe that he could take something so precious from his lovely maid. But if nothing more, he will at least return the book to the castle. Perhaps it will at least quell some of the anger she feels towards him for such a forward gesture.
 
He whistles again…..and the jet black stallion gallops over to his side…..he mounts his horse and clicks his tongue…. "Come Raven, we have a mission to complete." He turns the horse and gallops off towards the castle. Using short cuts that many do not know. Hoping to get ahead of the auburn hared beauty named Valarian.

Alas, though her lead on him is too great. He arrives at the castle to see the stableboy leading the white mare to its stall. His heart sinks. He calls the boy over and hands him ten gold pieces. "Your mistress dropped this book on the path.  Would you be kind enough to see that it is returned to her?" Then before handing him the book….He quickly leafs through it…..to the next blank page…..And hastily scribbles…..

               Valarian….my passion overwhelmed me…..I hope
           that you can only find it in your heart of hearts to
           forgive me…….

           It burns within me as if a fire…….a fire as red
           as your auburn tresses…….

           Quin
 
 

Valarian reaches her room and throws herself onto her bed and continues her childlike tears. Then suddenly she remembers the diary. Sitting straight up in bed she leaps and runs from her room back to the stables. Just in time to see Lord Havok riding out of sight…… *fates be cursed*

The stable boy sees his mistress and runs to her with the book. "He left a message," Toby said. Valarian’s heart swims with anticipation. Grabbing the diary and running again to her room.  Breathless she sits calmly on her settee by the window trying to control her anticipation. Taking a quick glance at the moon and frantically turning the pages to find her beloved’s words…….
 
 
 
 

As he rides off…..Quin whispers a short prayer….."Mistress Fate, I have always put myself in your hands. Please this one time, smile upon me and let the Lady Valarian forgive an old rogue for his foolhardy ways."
 
 

To be Continued....