Date: 10/9/97 12:12 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
He had been raised in the providence of Verdun; a quaint city nestled in a valley
and surrounded by mountainous terrain. He had been raised with the teachings
of the Church and the State and breed in him were the ideals of honor, loyality
and patriotism. Though his childhood was far in his past, those early lessons
stayed with him with a fierceness that was matched only by the depth of his
emotions when invoked.
He had been told many times that he aloof manner, matched with the lack
of emotion normally reflected within his cool gray eyes, made him all but
unapproachable. None doubted his courage, nor the fact that he would protect
the innocent with his life, but few thought of him as a dear friend, more often
labelled a worthy ally.
His life had always been a chain of a steady flow of events and he the stone
that allowed it to wash away what was needed to shore up the boundaries of
chaos and immorality.
Later, much later, he would reflect upon the splash that one Lady made in
the calming waters; sending ripples of activity through his life and indeed his
very soul. He would reflect upon the night that she rode up, dusty from long
travel, upon a stallion as dark as the night that blanketed her, requesting
the right of refuge for the evening.
A Tale of Life
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Date: 10/15/97 7:20 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
She had been out far too late and the coming autumn storm was
approaching faster than her tired mount could carry her. When Mydnight
stumbled from the unsure path she had determined she would need to
stop somewhere and seek refuge for the night.
The soft lights from the battlements came into sight, just then, as
though Illior had heard her thoughtful plea and provided for her needs.
The castle was located in the depths of a valley; it's high walls where
not exactly inviting, but then again, war was running through the
country, caution was the norm.
She led Mydnight down the sloping hills toward the moonlit
building; the light splashing dancing shadows across the cold stone,
giving it the appearance of life and breath.
By the time she approached the gates, there were guards waiting,
armed with crossbows trained upon her. Slowly she raised her empty
hands, calling out, "Hail upon the gates, in the name of the Queen and
the honor of Illior, I request refuge for the evening."
Mydknight nickered softly and pawed nervously at the ground; a
beast trained for war and sensing the tensions in the air. Beka put a
slight pressure on him with her knees, trying to calm him down without
having to lower her hands.
Just when she thought she would be forced into a hasty retreat a
deep, toneless voice called out from high above, "In the name of God,
you may spend a safe evening in this haven we call the Castle of Verdun."
From: BekaCavish
She had been out far too late and the coming autumn storm was
approaching faster than her tired mount could carry her. When Mydnight
stumbled from the unsure path she had determined she would need to
stop somewhere and seek refuge for the night.
The soft lights from the battlements came into sight, just then, as
though Illior had heard her thoughtful plea and provided for her needs.
The castle was located in the depths of a valley; it's high walls where
not exactly inviting, but then again, war was running through the
country, caution was the norm.
She led Mydnight down the sloping hills toward the moonlit
building; the light splashing dancing shadows across the cold stone,
giving it the appearance of life and breath.
By the time she approached the gates, there were guards waiting,
armed with crossbows trained upon her. Slowly she raised her empty
hands, calling out, "Hail upon the gates, in the name of the Queen and
the honor of Illior, I request refuge for the evening."
Mydknight nickered softly and pawed nervously at the ground; a
beast trained for war and sensing the tensions in the air. Beka put a
slight pressure on him with her knees, trying to calm him down without
having to lower her hands.
Just when she thought she would be forced into a hasty retreat a
deep, toneless voice called out from high above, "In the name of God,
you may spend a safe evening in this haven we call the Castle of Verdun."
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Date: 10/16/97 7:26 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
The lead guard immediately dropped his weapon to his side, bowing
his head in acquienscence to his Lords' wishes. The others falling into
suit in the blink of an eye. The first man(whom she later found out to be
the Captain of the guard, Evan Thompson) looked up toward the shadows
from whence the voice emmanated and must have gleaned something she
could not for he snapped a salute then turned to her.
Speaking gently, "My lady, if you would dismount and follow me?
The Lord Knight of Verdun wishes to converse with the one that would
demand refuge from him in the dead of an autumn's evening."
She could feel the blush flooding her freckled cheeks as she
stuttered, "I-I-I did not demand." Still she swung her leg over
to dismount and grasp hold of the reigns to lead her nervous
warhorse into the courtyard.
He tone softened as he spoke, "Fear the Knight not, my lady.
His heart is as pure as his honor. He simply wishes a word or two."
She tried hard to calm herself along with her horse as she followed
him across the open space; the gates closing with a ring of finality.
Suddenly the flickering torch lights seemed to take on a menancing
quality; she swallowed softly and whispered a prayer.
Reluctantly, she allowed a squire to take the reigns of her horse,
patting him with more assurance than she felt. She followed Evan
up through the main corridor of the castle; he had stopped to acquire
a torch to light the way, if barely.
Down the dark and unfamiliar halls he took her until at last he halted
his wanderings before a large set of double doors. The handles were
entwined and formed the shape of a mighty lion; in the dim light the
effect was quite impressive.
"Take a deep breath my lady, you look as pale as an apparition.
That surely would start some rumors that we could do without this winter."
His warm smile gave her a bit of hope and surprisingly(or not so,considering
her naviete' that comes with prideful youth) she was reassured by his
friendly overtures.
He pulled the door open and she blinked as this room was better lit
than the dismal hallways she had been lead through.
From: BekaCavish
The lead guard immediately dropped his weapon to his side, bowing
his head in acquienscence to his Lords' wishes. The others falling into
suit in the blink of an eye. The first man(whom she later found out to be
the Captain of the guard, Evan Thompson) looked up toward the shadows
from whence the voice emmanated and must have gleaned something she
could not for he snapped a salute then turned to her.
Speaking gently, "My lady, if you would dismount and follow me?
The Lord Knight of Verdun wishes to converse with the one that would
demand refuge from him in the dead of an autumn's evening."
She could feel the blush flooding her freckled cheeks as she
stuttered, "I-I-I did not demand." Still she swung her leg over
to dismount and grasp hold of the reigns to lead her nervous
warhorse into the courtyard.
He tone softened as he spoke, "Fear the Knight not, my lady.
His heart is as pure as his honor. He simply wishes a word or two."
She tried hard to calm herself along with her horse as she followed
him across the open space; the gates closing with a ring of finality.
Suddenly the flickering torch lights seemed to take on a menancing
quality; she swallowed softly and whispered a prayer.
Reluctantly, she allowed a squire to take the reigns of her horse,
patting him with more assurance than she felt. She followed Evan
up through the main corridor of the castle; he had stopped to acquire
a torch to light the way, if barely.
Down the dark and unfamiliar halls he took her until at last he halted
his wanderings before a large set of double doors. The handles were
entwined and formed the shape of a mighty lion; in the dim light the
effect was quite impressive.
"Take a deep breath my lady, you look as pale as an apparition.
That surely would start some rumors that we could do without this winter."
His warm smile gave her a bit of hope and surprisingly(or not so,considering
her naviete' that comes with prideful youth) she was reassured by his
friendly overtures.
He pulled the door open and she blinked as this room was better lit
than the dismal hallways she had been lead through.
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Date: 10/16/97 4:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
He was gifted, or cursed, by the Lord with a certain ability to see
into the souls of others and assess their dispositions, in a general
sense. He could not read specific thoughts, but he had found more
often than not that the first flash image he received from a person was
a true portrayal of attitudes.
The woman that came to his door, seeking refuge, her hands spread
wide and her heart a seemingly open book for him to read.
She shone.
That was the only way he could describe it; as he looked down from
the ramparts, he could see from somewhere deep within her soul a light
that emmanated from a sense of balance and truth.
He called out his welcomed before he had known he was going to
do so; signaling to Evan to show her here, to his private study. The small
chamber was lit with several candles and in the hearth a fire blazed, keeping
all but the corners' free of shadows. Bookcases lined the walls and two
chairs were set up before the cracking flames.
She entered almost timidly, though her shoulders were squared and
her demeanor held a distinctive prideful edge. She had a simple beauty
that Rand found captivating in it's purity.
He rose and strode to the door to meet her, extending his hand
seeking hers,"My lady, I am Durandal of Verdun, Knight of Charlemagne,
protector of these lands and Lord of this manor. Most just call me Rand
for sake of ease, as you may should you so wish. "
She slipped her hand in his as though she sought to clasp arms as
he would a fellow knight; deftly he halted her movement by bowing over
her hand and brushing a kiss across her knuckles. The flesh of her hand
was surprisingly smooth and as he rose from the bow he could not help
but notice the fine crimson blush that had made it's way onto her pale
cheeks.
And then she spoke, and it was as though angels drifted into and
through his soul, for her words echoed within his heart,"I am called Beka
Cavish, of Rhiminee', Lt. in the Queen's calvary and I thank you for your
hospitality."
He did not believe in love at first sight, simply put, simply thought.
He was far older than his appearance told and he had not found any
woman that intrigued him enough to compromise time from his duties.
He did not believe in love at first sight... and yet still she spoke.
From: KnDurandal
He was gifted, or cursed, by the Lord with a certain ability to see
into the souls of others and assess their dispositions, in a general
sense. He could not read specific thoughts, but he had found more
often than not that the first flash image he received from a person was
a true portrayal of attitudes.
The woman that came to his door, seeking refuge, her hands spread
wide and her heart a seemingly open book for him to read.
She shone.
That was the only way he could describe it; as he looked down from
the ramparts, he could see from somewhere deep within her soul a light
that emmanated from a sense of balance and truth.
He called out his welcomed before he had known he was going to
do so; signaling to Evan to show her here, to his private study. The small
chamber was lit with several candles and in the hearth a fire blazed, keeping
all but the corners' free of shadows. Bookcases lined the walls and two
chairs were set up before the cracking flames.
She entered almost timidly, though her shoulders were squared and
her demeanor held a distinctive prideful edge. She had a simple beauty
that Rand found captivating in it's purity.
He rose and strode to the door to meet her, extending his hand
seeking hers,"My lady, I am Durandal of Verdun, Knight of Charlemagne,
protector of these lands and Lord of this manor. Most just call me Rand
for sake of ease, as you may should you so wish. "
She slipped her hand in his as though she sought to clasp arms as
he would a fellow knight; deftly he halted her movement by bowing over
her hand and brushing a kiss across her knuckles. The flesh of her hand
was surprisingly smooth and as he rose from the bow he could not help
but notice the fine crimson blush that had made it's way onto her pale
cheeks.
And then she spoke, and it was as though angels drifted into and
through his soul, for her words echoed within his heart,"I am called Beka
Cavish, of Rhiminee', Lt. in the Queen's calvary and I thank you for your
hospitality."
He did not believe in love at first sight, simply put, simply thought.
He was far older than his appearance told and he had not found any
woman that intrigued him enough to compromise time from his duties.
He did not believe in love at first sight... and yet still she spoke.
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Date: 10/18/97 8:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
They spoke well into the night, over and about everything and nothing.
He was a tall, handsome stranger with the most alluring gray eyes; Beka
found him captivating.
The fire was just a pile of dying embers by the time he rose from
his chair, "My lady, I have kept you up far too long. Forgive my lapse
in courtesy."
She watched him as he sketched a deep bow, not knowing what to
do or say; she did not desire sleep. She rose and placed a hand upon
his retreating form, catching him by his arm. She felt the blush rise to
her cheeks as he turned; his features framed by hair as dark as the
deepest time of night, his gaze holding a question, almost pleadingly.
"Please Lord Durandal... stay.", it was all she could think of and it was
all she wished.
His features softened, she couldn't tell what he was thinking and
beneath the gaze her blush deepened to the shade of rose petals in
spring bloom.
He reached out to her, his hand rose to her face, cradling her cheek
in his palm. "Thee are the fairest woman I have e'er set my sights upon.
And methinks, for thee, I wouldst try to conquer the sky, were thee to
state that was your desire."
Turning his body around so that he fully faced her, his other hand
rose to cup her other cheek. Gently, with aching delicacy, he drew her
closer; his warm breath caressing her skin with proximity.
"My lady, I do believe that thee have captured my heart."
With the words he leaned forward, his lips brushing across hers for
a brief eternity; a shiver of sensation shot up her spine at the touch. It
was her first kiss and one filled with emotions that were new and
unexplored within her; with a soft sigh she surrendered to the action.
Her hands moved to lightly grasp his body, reveling in the intimacy of
the act.
When their lips parted, she waited for a long moment, her eyes
closed tight, savoring the lingering tingle of the kiss. He remained silent
watching her; his finger tips brushing a light path down her jawline.
Finally, words begging to be spoke broke the silence, "My Lady
Beka of Rhiminee', I love thee."
Hardly believing the words spoke to her, her disbelief only surpassed
by her reply and the depth of the truth of her statement,"Lord Knight,
Durandal of Verdun, I love you."
From: BekaCavish
They spoke well into the night, over and about everything and nothing.
He was a tall, handsome stranger with the most alluring gray eyes; Beka
found him captivating.
The fire was just a pile of dying embers by the time he rose from
his chair, "My lady, I have kept you up far too long. Forgive my lapse
in courtesy."
She watched him as he sketched a deep bow, not knowing what to
do or say; she did not desire sleep. She rose and placed a hand upon
his retreating form, catching him by his arm. She felt the blush rise to
her cheeks as he turned; his features framed by hair as dark as the
deepest time of night, his gaze holding a question, almost pleadingly.
"Please Lord Durandal... stay.", it was all she could think of and it was
all she wished.
His features softened, she couldn't tell what he was thinking and
beneath the gaze her blush deepened to the shade of rose petals in
spring bloom.
He reached out to her, his hand rose to her face, cradling her cheek
in his palm. "Thee are the fairest woman I have e'er set my sights upon.
And methinks, for thee, I wouldst try to conquer the sky, were thee to
state that was your desire."
Turning his body around so that he fully faced her, his other hand
rose to cup her other cheek. Gently, with aching delicacy, he drew her
closer; his warm breath caressing her skin with proximity.
"My lady, I do believe that thee have captured my heart."
With the words he leaned forward, his lips brushing across hers for
a brief eternity; a shiver of sensation shot up her spine at the touch. It
was her first kiss and one filled with emotions that were new and
unexplored within her; with a soft sigh she surrendered to the action.
Her hands moved to lightly grasp his body, reveling in the intimacy of
the act.
When their lips parted, she waited for a long moment, her eyes
closed tight, savoring the lingering tingle of the kiss. He remained silent
watching her; his finger tips brushing a light path down her jawline.
Finally, words begging to be spoke broke the silence, "My Lady
Beka of Rhiminee', I love thee."
Hardly believing the words spoke to her, her disbelief only surpassed
by her reply and the depth of the truth of her statement,"Lord Knight,
Durandal of Verdun, I love you."
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Date: 10/25/97 9:31 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
He knew not what the fates had in mind when he cast her path before
and across his; but for all they had just met he could not imagine his life
without her. He held her in his arms and brushed his fingertips up the fabric
of her uniform jacket; the material course, yet real. In this dream of emotion
and surrealism, it was real and he found himself repeating the pattern with
his hand time and time again.
She tilted her face up and there within her eyes he could see his future.
They didn't speak, the only sound in the room was the whisper of the fading
embers. He felt,for the first time in his centuries, a true sense of contentment.
Pulling her into his embrace, he leaned forward to breath in the scent of
her hair; he wanted to drink her in with all of his senses.
He felt her muscles tense as he pressed closer to her,"Do not worry, I
will not take more than a sweet embrace, my Lady."
"I feel safe with you. That is not what I fear.", her voice trembled slightly
and his heart felt the first ache of desire to appease her with all the
resources he had at his disposal.
"Then what is it you fear? If it be in my power, I will banish it forever."
Later, the words would imbue within him a strong sense of wonder at the
ring of truth that echoed in his heart.
"I fear the morning and the parting it will surely bring.", she leaned back;
her hands coming to rest on his forearms as she distanced herself from the
embrace.
If dreams were to be lived out, then Rand was sure that this was one he
would happily replay night after night to day. A calmness fell over his mind
and soul, like a blanket of righteousness and peace,"Marry me, Lady Beka.
Marry me this night so that the parting you fear will never have the weight
of permanence."
From: KnDurandal
He knew not what the fates had in mind when he cast her path before
and across his; but for all they had just met he could not imagine his life
without her. He held her in his arms and brushed his fingertips up the fabric
of her uniform jacket; the material course, yet real. In this dream of emotion
and surrealism, it was real and he found himself repeating the pattern with
his hand time and time again.
She tilted her face up and there within her eyes he could see his future.
They didn't speak, the only sound in the room was the whisper of the fading
embers. He felt,for the first time in his centuries, a true sense of contentment.
Pulling her into his embrace, he leaned forward to breath in the scent of
her hair; he wanted to drink her in with all of his senses.
He felt her muscles tense as he pressed closer to her,"Do not worry, I
will not take more than a sweet embrace, my Lady."
"I feel safe with you. That is not what I fear.", her voice trembled slightly
and his heart felt the first ache of desire to appease her with all the
resources he had at his disposal.
"Then what is it you fear? If it be in my power, I will banish it forever."
Later, the words would imbue within him a strong sense of wonder at the
ring of truth that echoed in his heart.
"I fear the morning and the parting it will surely bring.", she leaned back;
her hands coming to rest on his forearms as she distanced herself from the
embrace.
If dreams were to be lived out, then Rand was sure that this was one he
would happily replay night after night to day. A calmness fell over his mind
and soul, like a blanket of righteousness and peace,"Marry me, Lady Beka.
Marry me this night so that the parting you fear will never have the weight
of permanence."
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Date: 11/11/97 6:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
She thought to ask him to repeat the words he spoke, thinking that it was
a certainty that she misheard; she did not. Standing there before him, her gaze
meeting his with a steady assurance that this was all somehow exactly where
she was meant to be. That this moment was the culimination of the workings
of destiny and she could no sooner deny Rand his wishes than she could
breathe water rather than air.
It was lunancy, she was on her way to the front lines for her country, her
days could right well end in but a few cycles of sun and moon. His homeland
was preparing for battle as the enemy swept up through the southeast.
And yet... her fingers grasped his forearms and he felt real... Her gaze bestowed,
etched within her mind the fine details of his strong features and the gentle soul
that she alone had access to through his calm, gray eyes.
She stood speechless before him, an open book for him to read and explore.
So she would be for the rest of her days; no matter what they might number. So
the words that she knew in the deepest recesses of her heart, mind and soul
that she would not ever regret were spoke in that silent study as the winds of
fate blew harshly across the vale.
"I will, Durandal of Verdun, for you already have my heart and soul, thread
lightly, lest you break them. Tell me that you have one that can perform the
rites of marriage as they are meant to be witnessed before the Gods and I will
pledge myself to you this night."
From: BekaCavish
She thought to ask him to repeat the words he spoke, thinking that it was
a certainty that she misheard; she did not. Standing there before him, her gaze
meeting his with a steady assurance that this was all somehow exactly where
she was meant to be. That this moment was the culimination of the workings
of destiny and she could no sooner deny Rand his wishes than she could
breathe water rather than air.
It was lunancy, she was on her way to the front lines for her country, her
days could right well end in but a few cycles of sun and moon. His homeland
was preparing for battle as the enemy swept up through the southeast.
And yet... her fingers grasped his forearms and he felt real... Her gaze bestowed,
etched within her mind the fine details of his strong features and the gentle soul
that she alone had access to through his calm, gray eyes.
She stood speechless before him, an open book for him to read and explore.
So she would be for the rest of her days; no matter what they might number. So
the words that she knew in the deepest recesses of her heart, mind and soul
that she would not ever regret were spoke in that silent study as the winds of
fate blew harshly across the vale.
"I will, Durandal of Verdun, for you already have my heart and soul, thread
lightly, lest you break them. Tell me that you have one that can perform the
rites of marriage as they are meant to be witnessed before the Gods and I will
pledge myself to you this night."
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Date: 11/16/97 3:42 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Qwen Bryon
It was not often that she allowed others to contact her by less mundane
means and even that was an exaggeration of how often she would. Yet there
were a few that warranted special considerations for deeds done or services
rendered or in the case of the Knight of Verdun, oaths given and held true.
She had been deep in slumber when the wards that wrapped her mind felt
the first wave of energy hit, his way of tapping her shoulder for her to awaken.
As she bolted upright her wings fanned out in irritation, sending a few stray
black tipped silvery feathers through the musty air of the room she opted to
spend the night in.
She had just started looking around for the source of her alertness when
the soft pressure of his mindlink was made known to her again. Focusing on
the energies pattern, she lowered her defenses enough to allow the link to form.
~Fair evening, Knight Durandal, I will assume that it is with good cause that
you stir me from my rest.~, she sent her thoughts with an mixture of kinship
and stern admonishment if he woke her on a lark.
His voice came through as silken and with the deep timbre that Qwen
remembered from so many years ago when they had first met, ~Sweet
Qwendolen, I seek the fulfillment of a promise, made in a time long gone.~
She rose from her makeshift bed, her wings spread to full extension as
she thread lightly toward the wash basin. ~I owe thee only one, good knight.
Are thee requesting my services to bond thee to another?~ Dipping the edge
of a thick towel into the tepid water, bringing it to her face to wash the sleep
from her eyes.
She had known the knight for centuries and the circumstances of the
promise was a memory she held in a tender light in her past; for that day
was also the day of her wedding. She had long given up hope that Rand
would ever find a woman that could capture his heart and had all but
forgotten her promise to perform the rites of bonding for him should that
unimaginable day ever come to pass.
~Could you come to the castle tonight?~, his tone softly imploring, enriched
by an emotion she had never before heard from her friend... he had found love.
Her heart soared with warmth and her overjoyous emotions flooded through
the mindlink she shared with Rand, enveloping him. His soft chuckle only
amplified the moment,~Is that a yes Qwendolen?~
~I will be there as soon as I am done with my preparations.~ She had
already begun to gather her necessary adornments and items. Pausing for
a moment. ~Rand... who is it that you are to marry? And why have you not
discussed her with me before?~ She felt slightly hurt that he had not shared
with her the moments of his happiness and found companionship.
~Her name is Lady Beka Cavish of Rhiminee' and no pouting Qwen, I will
explain when you arrive. Safe travels and Gods' speed, my friend.~
With that the link was severed and Qwendolen was left alone with her
thoughts. She paused once more as she came to the doning of ribbon that
symbolized her status; her fingers brushing across the bright blue of one in
wedlock... With a slight hardening of her features she lifted up the black ribbon,
tying it through her vestments; the color of the darkest night against the soft
hues of spring.
"This is Rand's big day, Michael... I only wish that you were here to see it."
With a soft sigh to the winds she whispered an incantation, the air weaving a
blanket around her form, she disappeared from the small loft and a single
breath later found herself upon the ramparts of the Castle called Verdun.
From: Qwen Bryon
It was not often that she allowed others to contact her by less mundane
means and even that was an exaggeration of how often she would. Yet there
were a few that warranted special considerations for deeds done or services
rendered or in the case of the Knight of Verdun, oaths given and held true.
She had been deep in slumber when the wards that wrapped her mind felt
the first wave of energy hit, his way of tapping her shoulder for her to awaken.
As she bolted upright her wings fanned out in irritation, sending a few stray
black tipped silvery feathers through the musty air of the room she opted to
spend the night in.
She had just started looking around for the source of her alertness when
the soft pressure of his mindlink was made known to her again. Focusing on
the energies pattern, she lowered her defenses enough to allow the link to form.
~Fair evening, Knight Durandal, I will assume that it is with good cause that
you stir me from my rest.~, she sent her thoughts with an mixture of kinship
and stern admonishment if he woke her on a lark.
His voice came through as silken and with the deep timbre that Qwen
remembered from so many years ago when they had first met, ~Sweet
Qwendolen, I seek the fulfillment of a promise, made in a time long gone.~
She rose from her makeshift bed, her wings spread to full extension as
she thread lightly toward the wash basin. ~I owe thee only one, good knight.
Are thee requesting my services to bond thee to another?~ Dipping the edge
of a thick towel into the tepid water, bringing it to her face to wash the sleep
from her eyes.
She had known the knight for centuries and the circumstances of the
promise was a memory she held in a tender light in her past; for that day
was also the day of her wedding. She had long given up hope that Rand
would ever find a woman that could capture his heart and had all but
forgotten her promise to perform the rites of bonding for him should that
unimaginable day ever come to pass.
~Could you come to the castle tonight?~, his tone softly imploring, enriched
by an emotion she had never before heard from her friend... he had found love.
Her heart soared with warmth and her overjoyous emotions flooded through
the mindlink she shared with Rand, enveloping him. His soft chuckle only
amplified the moment,~Is that a yes Qwendolen?~
~I will be there as soon as I am done with my preparations.~ She had
already begun to gather her necessary adornments and items. Pausing for
a moment. ~Rand... who is it that you are to marry? And why have you not
discussed her with me before?~ She felt slightly hurt that he had not shared
with her the moments of his happiness and found companionship.
~Her name is Lady Beka Cavish of Rhiminee' and no pouting Qwen, I will
explain when you arrive. Safe travels and Gods' speed, my friend.~
With that the link was severed and Qwendolen was left alone with her
thoughts. She paused once more as she came to the doning of ribbon that
symbolized her status; her fingers brushing across the bright blue of one in
wedlock... With a slight hardening of her features she lifted up the black ribbon,
tying it through her vestments; the color of the darkest night against the soft
hues of spring.
"This is Rand's big day, Michael... I only wish that you were here to see it."
With a soft sigh to the winds she whispered an incantation, the air weaving a
blanket around her form, she disappeared from the small loft and a single
breath later found herself upon the ramparts of the Castle called Verdun.
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Date: 11/22/97 6:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
Qwendolen arrived quickly and insisted upon spending time with Bekabefore she performed the bonding. Rand paced nervously in his chambersuntil such time as he was called upon to attend. Whatever they had spokeover, Beka must have won Qwen over quickly; for an hour after having mether, Qwen was whispering conspiritorily to Beka as though she was a dearold companion. He had to pause to catch his breath at the sight of Beka prepared for the ceremony. Qwen had lent her a simple silken dress that seemed to amplifyevery feminine aspect about her and he was entranced. He spoke a soft prayer to his Lord in seeking guidance for his decisions. He looked from Qwen to Beka and the accoutrements for the bonding and knew that nothing in his life would be as right as the one that he was about to experience. Qwen looked to him expectantly as he stood stock-still in the doorway. "Are you prepared, Knight Durandal of Verdun?", Qwen's softly, melodicvoice echoed deep within him and he realized that she had begun the bonding spells to weave his soul to Beka's. He answered the only way he could,"I am, now and forever."
From: KnDurandal
Qwendolen arrived quickly and insisted upon spending time with Bekabefore she performed the bonding. Rand paced nervously in his chambersuntil such time as he was called upon to attend. Whatever they had spokeover, Beka must have won Qwen over quickly; for an hour after having mether, Qwen was whispering conspiritorily to Beka as though she was a dearold companion. He had to pause to catch his breath at the sight of Beka prepared for the ceremony. Qwen had lent her a simple silken dress that seemed to amplifyevery feminine aspect about her and he was entranced. He spoke a soft prayer to his Lord in seeking guidance for his decisions. He looked from Qwen to Beka and the accoutrements for the bonding and knew that nothing in his life would be as right as the one that he was about to experience. Qwen looked to him expectantly as he stood stock-still in the doorway. "Are you prepared, Knight Durandal of Verdun?", Qwen's softly, melodicvoice echoed deep within him and he realized that she had begun the bonding spells to weave his soul to Beka's. He answered the only way he could,"I am, now and forever."
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Date: 11/23/97 5:03 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
It was hard for her to leave the next morning and though she knew she
had to; she lingered until an hour after dawn. She had found passion so deep
in his heart and his arms that night after the ceremony she thought her soul
might break by the next nightfall without him there.
She closed her eyes as she lay down to sleep that dusk within the confines
of her camp; her command unit were all gathered and on the morrow they
would ride into battle. She nearly gasped as an image of Rand sprung to her
mind so crisp and detailed she could have sworn that he was before her. Words
echoed in her mind, soft and tender, ~Sleep well, my lady.~
In her minds' eye she watched him, her love for him finding no purchase in
words.
A whisper of a sigh~The look in your gaze could sustain a man for eternity,
Beka... may it be forever in eyes.~
~It will be forever in my heart, Rand~, she could hear her words echo as
though through a tunnel and somehow... somehow she knew that in the distant
and cold castle that Durandal was at now he could hear her words and the
inflections of her love.
Bonded.
She had not truly understood until that moment when a warmth
flooded through her soul, embracing her with the newly discovered emotions
invoked by the man that was now her husband.
~Forever in my heart...~
From: BekaCavish
It was hard for her to leave the next morning and though she knew she
had to; she lingered until an hour after dawn. She had found passion so deep
in his heart and his arms that night after the ceremony she thought her soul
might break by the next nightfall without him there.
She closed her eyes as she lay down to sleep that dusk within the confines
of her camp; her command unit were all gathered and on the morrow they
would ride into battle. She nearly gasped as an image of Rand sprung to her
mind so crisp and detailed she could have sworn that he was before her. Words
echoed in her mind, soft and tender, ~Sleep well, my lady.~
In her minds' eye she watched him, her love for him finding no purchase in
words.
A whisper of a sigh~The look in your gaze could sustain a man for eternity,
Beka... may it be forever in eyes.~
~It will be forever in my heart, Rand~, she could hear her words echo as
though through a tunnel and somehow... somehow she knew that in the distant
and cold castle that Durandal was at now he could hear her words and the
inflections of her love.
Bonded.
She had not truly understood until that moment when a warmth
flooded through her soul, embracing her with the newly discovered emotions
invoked by the man that was now her husband.
~Forever in my heart...~
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Date: 11/29/97 10:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
The days and nights passed and he felt as though he slept walk throughthose moments that Beka was not beside him. Nothing seemed real withouther prescence. It was not easy on either of them, he could sense her loneliness throughthe bond they shared; both sworn to duty, both at war. He had travelled to the fronts every chance he could without jeopardizing those that counted onhim to provide protection and guidance. He could empathize with her from across the distances whilst they clashedon different battlefields; intent upon the survival of those beneath their care. It was the times together that he lived for now; sweet stolen moments of pleasure and peace. They spent most of their time in each others arms quietlytalking of past and present; somehow the future never brought up as though itwould somehow jinx their dreams of building one together. He had been holding her close...he could feel the thrum of her heartbeating, when he had been gripped by an icy grip of fear. His muscles must have tensedfor she tilted her face up to gaze upon his features. "What is it, my love?", she whispered as the flickering lights of the candlesby the bed dimmed and sputtered. "It is naught, my lady, rest easy in my arms this night", he could only hope that the lie was not so tangible that she would sense it. He had gathered her into a tighter embrace and waited until he heard the rhythmic pattern of her breathing fall into one of a person drifting off to sleep. He could not speak aloud the dreadful portent of loss and mournful image that had been shown to him by his Lord. They both had destinies to fulfill; ones that were equally important. He would treasure each moment he had with his wife until that last moment arrived. He whispered to her slumbering form tenderly,"Forever in your eyes, my lady. The fates and the Lord let you know that my love is true and will remain with you till time exists no longer."
From: KnDurandal
The days and nights passed and he felt as though he slept walk throughthose moments that Beka was not beside him. Nothing seemed real withouther prescence. It was not easy on either of them, he could sense her loneliness throughthe bond they shared; both sworn to duty, both at war. He had travelled to the fronts every chance he could without jeopardizing those that counted onhim to provide protection and guidance. He could empathize with her from across the distances whilst they clashedon different battlefields; intent upon the survival of those beneath their care. It was the times together that he lived for now; sweet stolen moments of pleasure and peace. They spent most of their time in each others arms quietlytalking of past and present; somehow the future never brought up as though itwould somehow jinx their dreams of building one together. He had been holding her close...he could feel the thrum of her heartbeating, when he had been gripped by an icy grip of fear. His muscles must have tensedfor she tilted her face up to gaze upon his features. "What is it, my love?", she whispered as the flickering lights of the candlesby the bed dimmed and sputtered. "It is naught, my lady, rest easy in my arms this night", he could only hope that the lie was not so tangible that she would sense it. He had gathered her into a tighter embrace and waited until he heard the rhythmic pattern of her breathing fall into one of a person drifting off to sleep. He could not speak aloud the dreadful portent of loss and mournful image that had been shown to him by his Lord. They both had destinies to fulfill; ones that were equally important. He would treasure each moment he had with his wife until that last moment arrived. He whispered to her slumbering form tenderly,"Forever in your eyes, my lady. The fates and the Lord let you know that my love is true and will remain with you till time exists no longer."
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Date: 12/2/97 9:22 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
It was all she could do to stay away from Rand and every chance she
could she stole back to their home in Verdun to hoard precious moments
with him.
It was the season's first snow and she was at the castle preparing for
dinner as she saw the first flakes begin to drift down from the gray skies.
With a delighted laugh she had raced through the long hallways, her boots
creating loud echos with each footfall.
Hitting a corner at top speeds she ran into...literally Evan and her
laughter rang out as he let out an exasperated gasp as his papers went
flying through the air. She grasped hold of his hands as he flailed for the
parchments and swung him around. "It's snowing, dear Evan! Where is
Rand?"
He could not help but laugh, Beka's mood was infectious and he swung
her around and dipped her low in his arms. "My Lady, he is in the courtyard
tending to the training of the young knights. I am sure that he would not mind
a few minutes breather if you were of a mind to.. ". His last words drifted off
into a laugh as she spun out of the dip and took flight down the hall.
"Thanks Evan, you should come out to play as well. You will get sick if
you work all the time."
She reached the courtyard in record time and the sky had opened up and
great flakes of fluffy, white snow fell like a blanket toward the ground. One of
the servants, sent by Evan had caught up with her and fussed enough to force
her to pause to don her cloak before racing over to her husband.
He had just ended the training session to retreat to warmer habitats when
she came up behind him. Sensing her close, he turned and his gray eyes
warmed at the sight of her enthusiasm and obvious joy.
"My lady, you seem to be in high spirits today.", he lifted her off the ground
and spun her around, illiciting the laugh he desired.
"Yes, by Illior I will be tossing snowballs at you by dawn!", her coppery hair
was laced with snow and her cheeks held a crimson blush from the cold.
"You may toss whatever you wish at me, my heart. Perhaps you could toss
an old man a kiss?", his tone filled with the emotions he held for his wife.
Her arms were wrapped tightly around his shoulders, her feet still off the
ground as he held her aloft. She tilted her face down and placed a kiss as
light as an angels' feather across his lips then whispered,"As many kisses
and there are stars in your eyes and flakes upon the ground."
He set her down gently and slipped her arm through his own, guiding
her back toward the castle; their footsteps leaving a visible trail in the layer
of snow that had already covered the ground in white as pure as their love.
From: BekaCavish
It was all she could do to stay away from Rand and every chance she
could she stole back to their home in Verdun to hoard precious moments
with him.
It was the season's first snow and she was at the castle preparing for
dinner as she saw the first flakes begin to drift down from the gray skies.
With a delighted laugh she had raced through the long hallways, her boots
creating loud echos with each footfall.
Hitting a corner at top speeds she ran into...literally Evan and her
laughter rang out as he let out an exasperated gasp as his papers went
flying through the air. She grasped hold of his hands as he flailed for the
parchments and swung him around. "It's snowing, dear Evan! Where is
Rand?"
He could not help but laugh, Beka's mood was infectious and he swung
her around and dipped her low in his arms. "My Lady, he is in the courtyard
tending to the training of the young knights. I am sure that he would not mind
a few minutes breather if you were of a mind to.. ". His last words drifted off
into a laugh as she spun out of the dip and took flight down the hall.
"Thanks Evan, you should come out to play as well. You will get sick if
you work all the time."
She reached the courtyard in record time and the sky had opened up and
great flakes of fluffy, white snow fell like a blanket toward the ground. One of
the servants, sent by Evan had caught up with her and fussed enough to force
her to pause to don her cloak before racing over to her husband.
He had just ended the training session to retreat to warmer habitats when
she came up behind him. Sensing her close, he turned and his gray eyes
warmed at the sight of her enthusiasm and obvious joy.
"My lady, you seem to be in high spirits today.", he lifted her off the ground
and spun her around, illiciting the laugh he desired.
"Yes, by Illior I will be tossing snowballs at you by dawn!", her coppery hair
was laced with snow and her cheeks held a crimson blush from the cold.
"You may toss whatever you wish at me, my heart. Perhaps you could toss
an old man a kiss?", his tone filled with the emotions he held for his wife.
Her arms were wrapped tightly around his shoulders, her feet still off the
ground as he held her aloft. She tilted her face down and placed a kiss as
light as an angels' feather across his lips then whispered,"As many kisses
and there are stars in your eyes and flakes upon the ground."
He set her down gently and slipped her arm through his own, guiding
her back toward the castle; their footsteps leaving a visible trail in the layer
of snow that had already covered the ground in white as pure as their love.
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Date: 12/9/97 6:25 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: KnDurandal
(Author's note: This is reposted here for thread continuity)
The letter had arrived the evening Beka had returned to the front and he
had not opened it expecting her return on the 29th. But the day had come
and passed with no word from his wife.
By the morning of the 1st he had taken to pacing the empty halls of
their castle, his thundering steps sending servants and knights alike to
avoid him at all costs. They were accustomed to his moods and realized
that his concern for his wife could well lead him to actions that were not
usual for him.
Evan, his best friend and advisor, came to him that evening with the
papers and decisions that required his immediate attention and his mind
could not focus on the tasks of this supply running low or that route being
patrolled more often.
And then he came to it, "My lord, the Lady's challenge must be answered
by the morrow else she might forfeit her title unduly."
He could tell by the tone of Evan's voice that he had been hesitant in
bringing up the subject of Beka and that could only mean one thing...
"What word have you heard of my wife, Evan.", a command for
knowledge, not a question.
Knowing that hesitation would only make his friend's rage worse Evan
spoke the message he had been given just an hour hence, "My Lord...
your wife's turma... the last report they have of them was that they had
fallen prey to an enemy ambush and are believed lost."
Durandal shook his head fiercely as he turned to face Evan, "She is
not dead, I would know it through the bond we share.", defiance and concern
mingled in his voice.
"Then she is behind enemy lines, Rand.. the Lord protect and save her.",
Evan's head bowed down as he began to pray silently. He had grown to love
his Lords' lady in the short time he had know her, she had a vitality and a
genuine purity of heart that gave those at the castle a renewed sense of
hope and faith.
"Send a reply to this challenger immediately. I ride in the morning to find
and return with Beka. Give me as much time as you can, Evan.", as he
strode from the room he pretended not to hear Evan's reply.
"May the Lord have mercy on her soul..."
From: KnDurandal
(Author's note: This is reposted here for thread continuity)
The letter had arrived the evening Beka had returned to the front and he
had not opened it expecting her return on the 29th. But the day had come
and passed with no word from his wife.
By the morning of the 1st he had taken to pacing the empty halls of
their castle, his thundering steps sending servants and knights alike to
avoid him at all costs. They were accustomed to his moods and realized
that his concern for his wife could well lead him to actions that were not
usual for him.
Evan, his best friend and advisor, came to him that evening with the
papers and decisions that required his immediate attention and his mind
could not focus on the tasks of this supply running low or that route being
patrolled more often.
And then he came to it, "My lord, the Lady's challenge must be answered
by the morrow else she might forfeit her title unduly."
He could tell by the tone of Evan's voice that he had been hesitant in
bringing up the subject of Beka and that could only mean one thing...
"What word have you heard of my wife, Evan.", a command for
knowledge, not a question.
Knowing that hesitation would only make his friend's rage worse Evan
spoke the message he had been given just an hour hence, "My Lord...
your wife's turma... the last report they have of them was that they had
fallen prey to an enemy ambush and are believed lost."
Durandal shook his head fiercely as he turned to face Evan, "She is
not dead, I would know it through the bond we share.", defiance and concern
mingled in his voice.
"Then she is behind enemy lines, Rand.. the Lord protect and save her.",
Evan's head bowed down as he began to pray silently. He had grown to love
his Lords' lady in the short time he had know her, she had a vitality and a
genuine purity of heart that gave those at the castle a renewed sense of
hope and faith.
"Send a reply to this challenger immediately. I ride in the morning to find
and return with Beka. Give me as much time as you can, Evan.", as he
strode from the room he pretended not to hear Evan's reply.
"May the Lord have mercy on her soul..."
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Date: 12/9/97 6:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
Harsh winds blew across the fields of despair; so they would be seen by
others for years to come. The battle had been fierce and the ground held a
rust color tint that nature never intended. Bodies lie shrewn at angles that were
nightmarish in aspect and that would haunt her sleeping hours for the rest of
her days.
Again she wiped her palms down the front of her cloak, the blood stains
remained stubbornly. She turned Mydknight by applying soft pressure with
her knees.
"At least we won.", the words as bitter as the coppery taste in her mouth.
Her turan had done better than most with only twelve members killed in battle.
Her short, clipped laugh held none of her earlier brightness;she was not the
same woman she had been when the war began.
She turned her gaze away as another group of medics began shifting
through another pile of bodies, leading her mount toward the tents. She
had earned herself a higher rank by her actions in the battle, but not on the
field she had just witnessed.
She had been ambushed miles back and ten days ago; that was where
she lost: Rema, Tellra, Sash, Mixen, Leo, Collin, and Tie. They were taken
unawares and the losses there were ones that would cause her to doubt her
skills for a long time yet to come.
They had fought their way through and went on to skirt a path to freedom
only to realize with the rising of the sun that they had fallen behind the lines
of enemy territory.
It had been a dark and desperate ten days of harassing the enemy in
small strikes. They had found what could have only been the leaders of the
foul host and as a unit decided to ghost them;scouting and gathering
information; attacking when it was viable and chances of sucess seemed high.
It had been only five days since they began that harried trail behind the
small caravan of soldiers and the vast numbers of battered and abused
prisoners.
At every dusk, just as the last rays of the sun touched upon the land,
a sacrifice was made in a ritual so horrid and malicious that she could
not bear to watch after that first. She had nearly leapt from her hiding niche
to race to the defense of the innocents being slaughtered. It was only by the
restraining hands of her comrades and the urgently whispered warnings that
she was not captured or killed that first night.
The guard was tight around the grounds of the ritual. One pale skinned
creature, for that is all the thing could have been, performed the rites. It's
flesh was shirvelled across it's bones and wisps of hair was all that was left
of what was once a full head of hair. The thing wore loose robes that
shadowed it's features into depths unknown except when the sun set and rose.
For those rituals it wore naught to cover the time-worn frame that it refused to
surrender.
The moon was full the night they had ended that particular part of their
"adventure" and all her memories seemed to her to be fragments of someone
else's life. She did not want to relive them and yet she saw bits and pieces
every time her eyes slid shut seeking refuge. Dark circles formed beneath
her once laughing gray eyes for sleep was a thing to be avoided.
From: BekaCavish
Harsh winds blew across the fields of despair; so they would be seen by
others for years to come. The battle had been fierce and the ground held a
rust color tint that nature never intended. Bodies lie shrewn at angles that were
nightmarish in aspect and that would haunt her sleeping hours for the rest of
her days.
Again she wiped her palms down the front of her cloak, the blood stains
remained stubbornly. She turned Mydknight by applying soft pressure with
her knees.
"At least we won.", the words as bitter as the coppery taste in her mouth.
Her turan had done better than most with only twelve members killed in battle.
Her short, clipped laugh held none of her earlier brightness;she was not the
same woman she had been when the war began.
She turned her gaze away as another group of medics began shifting
through another pile of bodies, leading her mount toward the tents. She
had earned herself a higher rank by her actions in the battle, but not on the
field she had just witnessed.
She had been ambushed miles back and ten days ago; that was where
she lost: Rema, Tellra, Sash, Mixen, Leo, Collin, and Tie. They were taken
unawares and the losses there were ones that would cause her to doubt her
skills for a long time yet to come.
They had fought their way through and went on to skirt a path to freedom
only to realize with the rising of the sun that they had fallen behind the lines
of enemy territory.
It had been a dark and desperate ten days of harassing the enemy in
small strikes. They had found what could have only been the leaders of the
foul host and as a unit decided to ghost them;scouting and gathering
information; attacking when it was viable and chances of sucess seemed high.
It had been only five days since they began that harried trail behind the
small caravan of soldiers and the vast numbers of battered and abused
prisoners.
At every dusk, just as the last rays of the sun touched upon the land,
a sacrifice was made in a ritual so horrid and malicious that she could
not bear to watch after that first. She had nearly leapt from her hiding niche
to race to the defense of the innocents being slaughtered. It was only by the
restraining hands of her comrades and the urgently whispered warnings that
she was not captured or killed that first night.
The guard was tight around the grounds of the ritual. One pale skinned
creature, for that is all the thing could have been, performed the rites. It's
flesh was shirvelled across it's bones and wisps of hair was all that was left
of what was once a full head of hair. The thing wore loose robes that
shadowed it's features into depths unknown except when the sun set and rose.
For those rituals it wore naught to cover the time-worn frame that it refused to
surrender.
The moon was full the night they had ended that particular part of their
"adventure" and all her memories seemed to her to be fragments of someone
else's life. She did not want to relive them and yet she saw bits and pieces
every time her eyes slid shut seeking refuge. Dark circles formed beneath
her once laughing gray eyes for sleep was a thing to be avoided.
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Date: 12/9/97 10:34 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: BekaCavish
She was lost in her thoughts by the time she reached her tent. Sliding
down off of Myd's back she handed the proud horse off to another to tend; she
was far too exhausted to do the stallion justice.
She supposed it was the days of harrying and hiding behind enemy lines
that heightened her awareness enough to sense anothers' prescence in her
tent and her whole body tensed. As though on cue, the flap opened and in
an instant her slender blade was in hand and ready to wield.
"Love, I yeild."
She laughed; she could not help herself for the mixture of fear and trepid-
ation she felt melted away in an instant.. the instant she recognized the man
before her, his hands held up in supplication.
Her blade dropped to the ground, forgotten, as she threw her arms around
his shoulders, sinking into his embrace. His arms seeking purchase around
her waist as he swept her up off the ground; swinging her around, her laughter
washing over him like a waterfall of love that warmed him to his soul.
"I have missed you, my heart.", she could hear the desparate longing in
her tone and made no efforts to cover the emotion.
"I could not wait for you to get leave to travel home, M'lady. I do hope that
you can find it within you to forgive my intrusion.". His melodic tone soothed
her fears and she answered him by entangling her fingers in his silken hair and
tugging him gently into a passionate kiss.
She was not so lost in the sensation of the kiss that her acute hearing did
not catch the twang of the bowstring as it snapped back to it's relaxed position,
it's arrow having been expelled, but she did not connect it with danger. It was
not until she felt Rand's body tense in her embrace, dropping her to the ground
swiftly as he gasped in pain that a wave of panic swept over her.
From: BekaCavish
She was lost in her thoughts by the time she reached her tent. Sliding
down off of Myd's back she handed the proud horse off to another to tend; she
was far too exhausted to do the stallion justice.
She supposed it was the days of harrying and hiding behind enemy lines
that heightened her awareness enough to sense anothers' prescence in her
tent and her whole body tensed. As though on cue, the flap opened and in
an instant her slender blade was in hand and ready to wield.
"Love, I yeild."
She laughed; she could not help herself for the mixture of fear and trepid-
ation she felt melted away in an instant.. the instant she recognized the man
before her, his hands held up in supplication.
Her blade dropped to the ground, forgotten, as she threw her arms around
his shoulders, sinking into his embrace. His arms seeking purchase around
her waist as he swept her up off the ground; swinging her around, her laughter
washing over him like a waterfall of love that warmed him to his soul.
"I have missed you, my heart.", she could hear the desparate longing in
her tone and made no efforts to cover the emotion.
"I could not wait for you to get leave to travel home, M'lady. I do hope that
you can find it within you to forgive my intrusion.". His melodic tone soothed
her fears and she answered him by entangling her fingers in his silken hair and
tugging him gently into a passionate kiss.
She was not so lost in the sensation of the kiss that her acute hearing did
not catch the twang of the bowstring as it snapped back to it's relaxed position,
it's arrow having been expelled, but she did not connect it with danger. It was
not until she felt Rand's body tense in her embrace, dropping her to the ground
swiftly as he gasped in pain that a wave of panic swept over her.