When Syaoran's mother finally retired to her bedroom, Syaoran climbed out of his bedroom window and used the vines growing on the estate wall to climb down safely. He quietly ran towards the stables to get his beautiful, black horse Damean.
He used his key to the stables to unlock the door and enter the room. He went towards his horse and softly stroked his head. His horse responded by leaning over and nuzzling his cheek.
"Sorry to wake you, boy," he whispered to the lovely stallion. "But I met a lady and my mother does not like her. I wish to see her tonight while my mother sleeps."
As if his horse could understand him, he moved back. Syaoran unlocked Damean's gate and took his reins. He guided his horse out of the stables quietly and closed the door softly behind him. He put a foot into the stirrup and hoisted himself onto his horse.
"To The Constance Crow!" he softly cried as he dug his heels into the horse's sides and sent the horse into a soft gallop.
**
"Tells us about yourself, Lady Sakura," said Eriol.
Eriol, Tomoyo, and Sakura had reserved a table and were all enjoying a glass of red wine; Sakura barely touched her share.
"Nay, just call me Sakura," she responded. "I've never been called Lady Sakura and I'd prefer Sakura."
"So very modest," Tomoyo softly sighed. "I think that Syaoran made a fine catch."
Sakura's cheeks turned red as Eriol admitted a soft chuckle. Tomoyo lifted her wineglass and took a sip of her wine.
"Now now, dear." said Eriol. "I don't think Syaoran would like it if thy took his catch."
Tomoyo put her wineglass down onto the table and slightly pouted. "Then I guess when he is off on business I will steal her for a bit."
Sakura looked between them with a confused look on her face.
"Kind lady and lord, you are making it sound like I am Syaoran's wife.........." she said and blushed even more at the thought of it.
Eriol and Tomoyo looked at each other and smiled.
"Speaking of thy devil," announced Eriol. Sakura's eyes widen and she slowly turned around to see Syaoran making his way towards them. Syaoran caught her glancing at him and stopped to look at her. They stared at each other, both of their cheeks glowing brightly; they were acting like they were the only ones in the room.
"Come join us," called Tomoyo.
Sakura and Syaoran snapped out of their trances. Sakura looked away to face Eriol and Tomoyo, and Syaoran walked towards them to take the empty seat next to Eriol.
"Sorry I am late," said Syaoran. "My mother takes forever to fall asleep."
"Then it appears our work here is done," said Eriol. "Come, dear wife."
He reached out and took hold of Tomoyo's hand. He helped her out of her seat and smiled towards Sakura and Syaoran.
"Yo-Your taking your leave?" asked Sakura in a slightly panicked voice.
"I can't stay up to long," said Tomoyo. "I need plenty of sleep since I am going to give birth soon."
"But........" protested Syaoran who was looking at Eriol. "I just arrived. Won't thy stay to finish thy drink?"
"Oh no," said Eriol. "I had quite enough for one night. You two finish our share."
Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other. They blushed once again and turned their heads away to look at Eriol and Tomoyo.
"Come visit us when you have the chance! called Tomoyo as Eriol lead her towards the door. "I'll be sure to have many beautiful dresses out for you to try on."
"Have a good eve, my friends," called Eriol as he and Tomoyo exited out of The Constance Crow.
Sakura stared at the door where Tomoyo and Eriol were last. Syaoran gulped slightly and turned his head towards Sakura.
"Why am I suddenly so nervous?" he thought to himself. "I wasn't before while we were dancing. But now.........my heart is racing and I can feel my cheeks burning. Did this women bewitched me?"
"I........" Sakura finally said, making Syaoran's thoughts stop as he paid fully attention to her.
"Yes, Sakura?"
".........."
Sakura lowered her head as she felt her cheeks burning red. "I am sorry about that man you met earlier. We used to be engaged but he...........did something that displeased my father. My father then died and so Drew took me in. He now thinks we are getting married once again."
Syaoran felt a sudden punch like pain in his chest when she mentioned that they were going to marry; he did not like that man near this beautiful, innocent, girl. He swallowed hard.
"Do you love this man?"
Sakura lifted her head. "Nay, he is a cruel man. I could never love him. I am hoping that one day my brother will come home from Ireland and rescue me from him."
"What is your brother doing in Ireland?"
"Getting married. He has been gone for two months. I am very excited to see my sister-in-law and I have heard that she is carrying his child now."
Syaoran held on to every word she was saying; he liked the sound of her voice and the looks she made whenever she spoke. He also liked the warm look in her emerald eyes whenever she mentioned her brother.
They both became silent once again when he had no more questions about her brother. Sakura had lowered her eyes again and Syaoran started to think for a moment.
"Tis ridiculous that we are both being so silent...........Maybe I should suggest we go for a walk........or I can take her for a ride on my horse."
Sakura kept her emerald eyes to her lap as if she was waiting for Syaoran to say something.
".........Would you like to go for a ride?" he asked her.
Sakura lifted her head up and softly smiled at him. "Aye, I'd love to."
Syaoran swallowed a lump in his throat and his eyes were wide.
"Dear god..........." he thought to himself. "She is so beautiful when she smiles. I have seen many pictures of angels in my books of poetry yet none of them can compare to that smile of hers."
Syaoran stared at her and Sakura's smile faded.
"Ummmmmm........shall we, my lord?" she asked.
"Huh?" Syaoran snapped back to reality. "Oh......uh.......yes.......sorry, dear lady."
He coughed slightly as he got to his feet. He hid a shy look on his face as he offered his arm to her. Sakura reached out and hooked her arm around his own. Syaoran gulped slightly as he guided her away from their table and exited The Constance Crow.
"This is Damean," he said to her as he approached his stallion and softly stroked his head. "I had him for a very long time. He's my favorite horse."
Sakura hesitated at first when she saw the black beast. Syaoran smiled and ushered her over.
"Come now, he won't bite. Just stroke his head."
Sakura approached the horse and stood beside Syaoran. Syaoran's amber eyes watched her hand move to the stallion and place it onto his head. The horse softly snorted and leaned into Sakura's touch. She smiled and softly ran her hand down his head. Syaoran's looked to her face and inhaled slightly; he was taking a real liking to her smiles.
"Hello, Damean," she softly said to the horse. "You are very beautiful."
The stallion leaned over and nuzzled Sakura's cheek as if he was thanking her for the compliment.
"It appears he likes you, my lady," said Syaoran with a small smile.
Sakura softly gasped as he places his hands on her sides and gently lifted her onto his horse. She took hold of the reins to support her while he slid a foot into the stirrup and threw his leg over the horse's back. He sat comfortable on his horse and she released the reins for him.
"Lean against me," he softly commanded to her. "And if you feel that you should fall, wrap your arms around my waist."
He bit back a small gasp as he felt her arms lock tightly around his waist. "Not so tight."
"Sorry..."
She loosened her grip on him and pressed the side of her face into his back. Syaoran's body felt like it was on fire; her body against his is starting to highly affect him. Syaoran had moments where a women has effected his body but was never low enough to spoil them. This is the first time that a women has effected him so greatly.
Syaoran shook the though of her body against his out of his head and gently kicked the horse's sides with his heels. The horse shook his head and then started off in a slow trot.
"I'd like to take you somewhere," he said to her as he steered the horse down a narrow road. "Tis beautiful at night and I am sure you'll like it."
He could feel her nod her head against his back. His amber eyes widen and he hiss at his body to calm down; he didn't want her to see that she is effecting him and get offended over it.
When they both fell silent again as he guided his horse down the road, he felt his body calming. He sighed in relief and looked ahead.
"This many be silly but, close your eyes," he said to her.
"Eh?" Sakura lifted her head up and looked at the back of his head. "Why?"
"Trust me," he smiled.
He stopped the horse and turned to check if her eyes were closed; and they were. He slid his legs around and slid off his horse. He took her tiny waist between his hands and lifted her off the horse.
"Can I open them?" she asked.
"Not yet," he replied. "I'll guide you there and please trust me. I promise I won't lead you into any danger."
He walked around her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He felt her jump slightly at his touch and he frowned.
"Are you afraid of me?"
"Nay, I didn't expect that. Tis all."
"Just trust me, I promise that it will be worth it."
He urged her to walk forward. Whenever he wanted her to turn, he gently pushed one hand down against her shoulder to show her that she needs to turn.
"Almost there."
He suddenly stopped and turned her around. He looked to where she was facing and softly smiled.
"Open your eyes now."
Sakura's emerald eyes slowly opened and she gasped at the sight she saw. They were standing near a wide lake and the full moon was out. The lake looked as though it had liquid silver instead of water. Little ripples glided over the lake from the ducks and swans that were floating above the surface of it.
Sakura loved to look at scenery such as this; she had a passion for it since her father showed her first meteor shower when she was eight. She clasped her hands together as her eyes took in the beautiful sight and pictured it in her mind.
"Is it to your liking?" Syaoran asked her; his hands were still on her shoulders.
"Tis beautiful," she replied. "And the air smells so much sweeter here."
"I come here to write my poems and read my books," he explained to her as his head leaned down. "I find it.........beautiful, quiet, innocent.........and fragile."
Sakura turned to face him slowly, her emerald eyes wide. He released his hold on her shoulders and looked down at her quietly. The wind softly caressed their hair against their faces as they looked at each other without saying a word.
Sakura finally said something five minutes later. "I didn't know a lake could be innocent."
"I wasn't referring to the lake," he replied.
Sakura opened her mouth to question him. She blinked and then gazed into eyes. He gazed back into hers. She closed her mouth and felt her cheeks going red once again. They once again fell silent and unmoving.
Feeling there is no need for anymore words, Syaoran reached out and placed his hand upon her cheek. Sakura's eyes softened when she felt the touch of his hand on her cheek. At the same time, their eyes closed. Sakura's head tilted upward and Syaoran leaned his head down.
Sakura moved her hands up as she felt his body approaching her. She pressed her hands against his chest. Syaoran placed his other hand over her other cheek. Their noses softly brushed against each other and Sakura could feel the bangs of his hair brushing against her forehead. They both then felt each other's soft lips touch in a gentle kiss.
All went silent and the wind stilled. Everything seemed to be not moving. Sakura and Syaoran's lips continued to touch and their bodies didn't move. They looked like a statue of two lovers forbidden to show their love to the public.
Love can be a work of art and a piece of poetry. But will this love blossom for Sakura and Syaoran? If they are to be in love, they will have to conquer many things to keep their love alive.
But lets not be hasty.......many things could happen.......
End of Chapter 3