You Make Me Believe [Oliver]

[lau]

The night was up above with a faint full moon, but scared that it hid behind the clouds. Leaving a faint glow of the moon as Laurelin's eyes looked upon it. A small smile upon her faint pink lips as she contemplated howling to it, but unsure she would be howled back. This was probably not the most wise thing to do, as her hands tightened around the railing of the Gazebo. Why was she here? As she stepped around the flooring taking in the sight of the kingdom. She was here for Oliver, but why did he need her? There was the crisp change in the wind not a few hours the night before. As the wings of Nuri took guidance to her friend. All she knew was something had caused him to need her. What exactly she had no clue. Only that she felt the racing of her heart and it coursing through her veins. Had she not just seen Oliver some moons back. His heart stretched out, perhaps now it was broken. No. From what Laurelin took in. Something else. She felt the itching of her skin. As Nuri had took flight to his window. Giving him sight she was here before being off for the night. She then stopped between the paces. Feeling she was most likely overreacting. Besides she didn't wish him to be needing to calm her down, when its he that probably needs the comforting.

Forgetting that just some foot steps away, laid the kingdom. The city in which as much as she could, would never fit. Even being here, ran some kind of goosebumps. Not so much out of fear, but merely out of not wanted. Not that had ever stopped her. If she listened or peaked at any that didn't agree with her way of life, then good chance is she wouldn't even be here. Though as her eyes rang over the kingdom and the castle. She could bare any obstacle to reach Oliver. He meant something, she wasn't quite sure even he knew. All he knew was how he kept making her smile. On occasion make her laugh. In which as her hands grasped the railing. She escaped a soft laugh. She was half sure he would never know, but she was in no way for him to ever truly figuring it out. As she was content with what was. As she leant on the railing with her arms crossed. Her brown eyes reaching the faintly covered moon. Closing her eyes faintly. As she smelt the chill. Her legs covered in slick animal skin pants as well as her top. A fur coat... Though her bare feet felt the frost through her toes. As she lived how she did, did make her used to it. Although a warm fire was still something comforting. The smell of smoke and wood... hmmmm. She muttered as her closed eyes imagined and suddenly felt warmer. Before reopening to realise her reality of Mercia and soon Oliver, she hoped was well enough. Which her eyes fell doubtful, felt her heart question perhaps to take the steps herself. Breathed. As she contemplated. Before retreating to the moon above. Letting out a howl. Echoing through the kingdom around her.

Before a smile reached her lips as she motioned from the Gazebo. Skipping across the cold ground as she moved across in the darkness. Motioning to remain out of sight as she motioned closer to the castle. She couldn't wait. What if he never came? What if he was stuck in his castle, with no length of hair of his own to let him down? Or if his own Princess charming? Which she was no princess, but she could easily catch him. In fact she was sure she had kidnapped him a few times from his window, but then that was so many lifetimes ago. Then why does it seem only ghosts away? Perhaps she could kidnap him again, just minus the child part. Unless he was wounded by falling out of a tree again. That is what another kiss upon the knee? Laurelin's mind rang as she soon stopped under his window, hearing Nuri above. So she had made it. Perhaps they had some catching up to do. Laurelin smiled as motioned her hands to her lips. Letting out faint howling sounds, until Oliver held out the white flag and let down what ever he could. So she can catch him and run off with him, through the night. Oh, she could get him to bring blankets. As she was realising her cold feet in the snow. Unless it was past his curfew and he would insist on her to climb. She rolled her eyes, as if curfew ever stopped either of them. Or anything for that matter.

"OLIVER... "

---

♬Shakira - Something♬

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver sat behind the desk in his room, hunched in concentration over a piece of parchment, taking down notes from a thick geography book spread in front of him. It was one of the many tomes of different sizes stacked in front of him. A couple of days after the sword incident with Edmund, Oliver was resigned to spending his days inside the castle by orders of his healer. Make that healers. Marcus and Yassia. Never had the Mercian court physician been so happy to be working and exchanging notes about healing with the princess. That is to Oliver's chagrin. Of course, he knew it was all for the best. His wound may not have been deep or dangerous enough, but it was still fresh, and Oliver was not a fool to risk it getting worse with infection.

He was reading a particularly interest book about the culture and people of the faraway kingdom of Ailantha when he heard a scuffling from his balcony door. Standing up from his seat, he made his way towards the sound and couldn't help the surprise on his face when he saw who it was perched along the balustrade. "Nuri!" he exclaimed as he rushed towards the bird, and held his hand out to pet the bird. He leaned out to see if the eagle was with someone, and saw a fleeting figure run from the gazebo towards the shadow of the castle. A smile appeared on Oliver's lips as he knew exactly who it was. "It's good to see you, old pal," he told Nuri before turning on his heel. He slowly put his boots on, taking care not to unnecessary jolt his chest wound, and then grabbed his thick woolen coat before stepping out his room.

"OLIVER..."

"You called?" After a few good minutes, Oliver had arrived in the gazebo and was leaning against one of the posts, looking at Laurelin with an amused expression on his face as she tried to call out to him from under his window. "Don't you think we're too old for sneaking out now?" he teased her. He had seen her back in Camelot, had told her about his predicament with Yassia, and she had been the ever supportive friend that she always was. And now she was back here in Mercia as well. Had he known she was making her way back, he would have asked her to join the royal caravan home. But then again, that would be imposing on her free spirit. She was happy this way, and Oliver wouldn't want it any other way.

[lau]

With the slight dancing of her toes which belatedly was probably only causing them to get colder and the slight chattering of her teeth. As she patiently waited for the descend of Oliver. She heard the voice of Nuri before the eagle took flight to land upon her arm. Bringing a friendly smile as she could tell in her eye that Oliver had indeed answered the call. Her eyes gazing up for there was a good chance he was watching her now. Was he planning to jump her? Unlike him she hadn't grown so much, she was well tiny still. Although she half believed down to her lent him to have a rather gentle touch. Well, with that she reframed that thought with a blush, but she had nothing than Nuri to know none the wiser. With a gentle stroke under the eagle's neck and the smile in her eyes. She let Nuri fly off within the night. As now was the waiting. Deciding if she was best to be prepared, but little good that will do until she landed on her mark. As with one hand she hugged the coat a little tighter. Feeling the rise in her chest breathe just a little warmer, but it still didn't help the chill of her toes. Then even in a blizzard she would risk it all. As she motioned down. Her hand feeling the subtle rocks beneath her fingers. Feeling the cold snap that had taken the kingdom this night, sending bits of frost at its wake. As she fiddled with the small rocks and dirt in her palm. To help her cause. Though as she motioned for her aim, something jolted her reflexes and caused the rocks half landing on herself instead. Dirt sprinkled upon her coat.

In other circumstances she probably be peeved he was getting her off guard again. Ok maybe a little. As she turned back to where she had left. Letting out a laugh caught in her breath. Wondering how she was already forgiving him as he smugly rested on the post. She half looked around and back to his window. How in the world did he sneak passed her? Perhaps he lied to her. That he did have wings. Frowned in play as it would make the distance a whole lot easier. Then when was anything about Oliver ever truly easy. As she then motioned back to the gazebo, back to Oliver. 'You called?' As if out of everything she got simply labeled a sheep, she smiled as she eyed his fancy woollen coat. She was sure she could warm someone up, if not herself. As she then quickened her pace to best be rid of her frost chill at her feet. Quite sure he was even more amused. With the same time, she wasn't out to be lent a hand. Although she would have hard trouble saying no. When did one learn that word? Whether to say it let alone heed its meaning. As she then reached the first step, it was rather like coming home.

"Well aren't you looking all smug, still a pleasant surprise as always... Ahhhh man, you made me miss my target."

Laurelin beamed to Oliver as she stepped on to the Gazebo, meeting him where he leant against the railing. Not that she was pointing out the obvious as she then smiled friendlier. Despite he nearly made her lose her skin, she was pleased he had answered. In well, Oliver fashion. She motioned next to him. Hmmm, feeling the faint brush of his wool. As her brown eyes looked up at him with a faint rest of her head upon his arm. Whispering 'home'. Then retreated as she felt the heaviness on her own coat where the dirt had scattered upon her coat. As she motioned to brush it off, she was amusingly complaining. He knew her well that a little dirt and rocks wouldn't dint her. Nor was she so easily hurt. As she fiddled with the remaining dirt on her coat felt the easing as she stood close to him. She smiled as he teased her about sneaking out. As she did one last brush of her coat. Before hugging it a little more. As she looked up at him amused by his words. How did he do it? Where she felt there had been something wrong and yet he made out as if nothing really changed? Though with the even slight shuffle in his step, much had changed.

"*¿Estás diciendo que soy viejo, Oliver? Your older than me and yet, I'm the one usually doing the kidnapping... You know if you don't want to sneak out, you can always invite me in. Well, then where's the fun in that."

Laurelin teased him back as if she jokingly accused him calling her old in her spanish tongue as she lent on him again playfully. Teased he was older and yet well he did have moments still in his youth. Although she had seen him behave in ways children never do. Her tiny hand held his arm feeling the warmth in the wool as she spoke light heartedly as her voice softened. Her eyes traced the outline of the moon. Before retreating her eyes down. As looked almost sad. He maybe charming enough, but he couldn't avoid her.

"What happened, Oliver? I was concerned when Nuri came back to me all flustered a little while ago, so I know Nuri saw something."

Her throat caught a little dry asked. As she felt the tug at her heart trying not to show to much concern, but she failed badly when it dealt with her best friend. Either he was downplaying so to avoid, or it wasn't as bad as she imagined. Either way it was the not knowing that toyed at her. Relieved she was here now.

---

*Are you saying I'm old, Oliver?

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Seeing that Laurelin's coat was barely enough to compensate for the cold of the night, Oliver willingly opened his arms wide and let her scoot closer to him. His coat was big enough for them both. It always concerns him how the coldness of Mercia never seem to faze her even before. Perhaps it came with her being all active, up and about as lifestyles of gypsies do, but still it wouldn't stop Oliver from worrying about her. At least it was less cold in the gazebo with the roof and the surrounding thick foliage that protected them from the chilly air. "We need to get you a thicker coat," he told her as he wrapped his arms over her shoulders and helped her dust off the dirt from her coat.

"¿Estás diciendo que soy viejo, Oliver?"

"Si!" Oliver replied from what little he knew of her foreign tongue, a wide cheeky grin on his face. He would love to invite Laurelin in, but the last thing he wanted was to put her in a situation where she might not want to be in. He knew she was joking, but he knew he owe it to her to be honest as well. "Those days were fun, weren't they? Sadly, I do have to be a grown-up now. My father has put me on the council. When Edmund becomes king, I will definitely be his right hand man. I'm afraid I will have to act my age now." Part of him did miss that happy-go-lucky part of him, that part that would just as easily wander off and get lost in the forest with Laurelin for days. Those were the days indeed. Sadly, as much as Oliver wanted to relive them, they were all in his past now. Of course, he still wanted to spend time with Laurelin, but he knew he can no longer disappear for weeks away from the castle. He knew Laurelin understood that. "When did you arrive? We barely talked when we saw each other back in Camelot. We just got ourselves drunk," he said laughing at the memory of their tavern meeting.

"What happened, Oliver? I was concerned when Nuri came back to me all flustered a little while ago, so I know Nuri saw something."

It came as no surprise that Nuri had found out about his accident. That eagle of hers was always very perceptive and intuitive. With a sigh, Oliver knew he couldn't really hide it from Lau. "I got in a little accident during a training duel with Edmund a few days ago, but I'm better now. No cause for worry. I had quite a team of healers looking after me," he said smiling, as he gestured towards his chest, just over his heart where Edmund's sword had slashed a rather long but harmless gash.

[lau]

*Comp messed up on me and deleted this post. I'll try and rewrite it when I can or least recap. So Sorry!!! I remember most of what she said at least... *

"Why? And miss all this? That or I just need thicker skin. Wait? We? Are we going hunting? I did not know designing coats was a skill of yours Oliver. What other secrets have you kept from me? I think this calls for the picking of brains or that of your hair… Least I don't look old. Is that a grey hair?"


"Do they expect you to lose your sense of humour as well, Oliver? What are you really trying to say Oliver? I mean you might as well tell me how you really feel. Right hand man? And your ok with that? We may joke about it Oliver, I am not a child, don't ever think it of me. If your trying to pull me away, then be a man about it."

"I left and came straight here. If I was a bird I would have gotten here sooner. Perhaps you just don't remember, Oliver. There was a lot coming out of your mouth. then maybe that was something other than words. I believe I even held your hair back."

"Be honest with me Oliver. Was it an accident? We both know what he did to us wasn't an accident. Forgive me, but I don't trust him... Can I see it?"

"If he asks it of you, Oliver… Please don't do it"

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Laurelin and her freedom-loving nature never fail to lift Oliver's spirits up. She always has this way of turning dismal situations into happy ones or at least make you forget about them for a while enough to feel better. That was what he liked most about her company. Just like the time when they had accidentally met at a tavern in Camelot. He had come from a rather heated confrontation with Yassia the night before that, and wasn't exactly in the best of moods that day. But after talking to Lau, listening to her give him advice on matters of the heart, he felt much better. When his fingers brushed her sides and tickled her, he totally forgot that she was ticklish, and Oliver couldn't help but laugh with her as well. More so when she laughed at his reply to her Spanish question.

"Who knows what coats we can hunt down inside my closet," Oliver playfully replied. When she motioned to pick a grey hair from his head, he reached out and caught her by her wrist. "Do you know that you get more grey hair if you pluck one out? I love my golden locks, thank you very much, so you behave," he playfully reprimanded her, an impish glint in his eyes.

Then he noticed the change of air around her, and realized that his words about growing up had been rather callous. He didn't mean to imply that she was childish and that he can no longer go with that. He was only telling her the inevitable direction his life was going to take. Then she reminded him about the time Edmund practically wrenched them apart and ended what had been beautiful between them. He lapsed in silence as he took a deep breath, trying not to let the memory ruin what was supposedly a fun and lighthearted reunion. "I didn't say you were a child, Lau," he started, the mirth lost in his voice now. "I know that you can never forgive Edmund for what he did to us, and that we have both learned and grown up from that." When Oliver and Laurelin where still together as a couple years ago or so, it was Edmund who practically put an end to it all. It was Edmund who devised the plan, in his father's orders, to take the gypsy away from his son.

When Laurelin retreated away from his arms, Oliver didn't know what say. He felt guilty for being so thick like that, and still he wished Lau understood that he wasn't implying anything bad about it. "You're actually lucky that you can get away from it, move on, and find happiness somewhere else. I can't. I'm stuck with him for the rest of my life because he's my brother, he is heir to the throne, and I am duty-bound to respect him and offer him my allegiance despite all that he had done to me...to us."

Then he reached out and took her hands in his. He brought them up to his lips, and planted a soft and lingering kiss on her palms. "I'm sorry if I sound like I'm pushing you away, Lau. I'm not. I just thought you should know what my future holds now, that I'm practically doomed to a life of servitude and misery for the rest of my life just because I am a son of the king. I'm so sorry you're caught up in all this royal drama." Like before, he wouldn't hold her down, he would give her a choice. It would hurt him so bad if Lau would decide to end their friendship, for she was practically one of the few shining stars in his otherwise dark and dreary days now.

"Be honest with me Oliver. Was it an accident? We both know what he did to us wasn't an accident. Forgive me, but I don't trust him... Can I see it?"

"It was an accident, Lau." He had lied to Yassia then. He was lying to Laurelin now. It was an accident, but Oliver knew what had brought it on. Oliver himself had pushed Edmund too far with his words, and Edmund had struck back.

"If he asks it of you Oliver... Please don't do it."

His hand went to cover the hand she had placed above his wound, and then he let out a resigned sigh. He understood that Lau was only asking out of care and concern for him. If only it were that easy, Oliver said to himself. "He need not ask it of me, Lau. It is my duty and responsibility to do so. I'm sorry." This has really been his line and mantra these past months. Not just to Laurelin, but also to Yassia, to Caitrin, even to his mother. And yes, to himself as well. He is a Prince of Mercia, and he was going to act and conduct himself accordingly.

[lau]

Laurelin etched her eyes back up at the moon. All around them was blackened. Everything that was supposed to matter just wasn't there. She fell into the place with Oliver. She felt the warm thud of her heart as if it was settling back home. For now it was happy to have returned. Although the faint rustling of the trees, Laurelin knew there was a call looming. She just couldn't stay here forever. Unlike Oliver she didn't care for shackles to the material world. What she saw through the kingdom was stone rocks. Wood. Abled to be burnt and melted into nothiningness. This just wasn't what home meant to her. It was destroyable. As she herself warm up with his arms, this was what home meant to Laurelin. That and the land. There maybe a time she never sees Oliver again, in which she tried not to think, but she would always have the memories. He would live forever. They would live forever in the wind. As which Laurelin rolled her eyes with this spiritual thoughts. In the end Laurelin just followed her heart and sometimes her heart made a mistake. Laurelin was strong enough to pick herself up. The true miracle was life.

"Your inviting me into your closet?" Laurelin asked with the raise of her brow with a playful smile as her cheeks blushed as he continued to warm her with the coat he had on now, she rather liked the idea. "Might have to be careful not to fall in the colossal scale of it, I might have to hunt you down." Laurelin remarked at the size and the possible losing of Oliver. It was well, maybe more normal sized closet, but then Laurelin just isn't around many. So it was huge to her. She did remember falling in it when she was younger and it took forever for him to pull her back out. She half remembered he tripped and fell upon her. She softly laughed at the thought with a gentle shake of her head *kids*. She was thankful he wasn't heavy. She gently tapped his belly as she turned to him now. He was still not overly heavy. 'OH' Laurelin gasped amusingly as he gripped her hand before she could pull his hair. So he still remembered how to play rough? Laurelin could make him cry mercy tonight, but considering she could easily get that at the poke of his wound. It lost its appeal. Well? Laurelin rethought that. Laurelin stopped her hand as Oliver spoke. She listened intensely as she was taking what he said as facts. Really he could get her to believe a lot of things. She laughed at his remark and smiled. She would behave. Her hand then pulled a strand of her own from her head and offered to him. "Here. Just incase you do lose it, you have a replacement... I also love your gold locks. You'd still look handsome with all silver."

For that moment she felt Oliver pull away in his implications. She felt at ease as he came to make up for it. Laurelin knew she had read into it more than she should have, things were tough on him and he didn't realise how his words sounded. Didn't realise what they could possibly mean, but he was realising maybe now he wasn't sounding himself. Laurelin looked at him side wards. Realising just how much he was maybe carrying. Maybe he had been more trying to convince himself in his words than trying to convince Laurelin. In that moment came realisation to her. "I know, Oliver!" Laurelin responded softly in tone to him with a hand to his cheek and a smile that she believed him now. She had mistook his meaning and for a moment didn't know Oliver. Now he was coming back to her. Her eyes dead in his as she knew he felt bad for having hurt her. He always feared doing it ever since. Really ever since she met him, so she knew when she mistook his words, it was maybe a little over the top on her part, but she didn't like the feeling Oliver was forcing himself to drift apart. As she looked into his eyes now, she knew that's not what he wanted. He saved her more than he ever hurt her. Everytime he hurt her, it only made her love him more. Because moments came when he showed he really cared and they were even more precious. He was her best friend. Her brother. Her family. She would always forgive him, but she would also be honest to him and tell him how it is. As he would do to her. "I'm not sure its about forgiving him. I just don't trust him. I just don't see remorse in his heart. He hurt you. He hurt us. Because of him, he not only changed us. He stole from me. Something I cannot get back."

Laurelin pained at his words. She knew he had always felt a little like an outsider in his world, it was half the enjoyment together for him. She just never knew he was in this much pain. Laurelin had lived through it and felt the pain daily. She didn't know Oliver did as well. He had to watch it unfold unable to fully help her when she had fallen to pieces. She had spent the years sewing them back together. She did still have her spirit. It was half down to Oliver and mostly down to herself. She was stronger than she knew then. Now she wished she could simply offer Oliver what he wanted. He was free. He just didn't know it. If he really wanted to leave this behind he could. There was no real shackles pinning him down, save himself. Then in the end he was also staying for his family, which she understood, she just didn't favour watching him being swallowed. "I never knew Oliver... Your not stuck, if you really wanted out you could. But I know you won't, because your scared Oliver. That's ok. Its alright to be scared. For all the bad there is for you here. There is some goodness, it half made you who you are Oliver... I can only imagine when he has that power. The lengths he will go... My main fear is for you Oliver. I tell you, he best stay clear of me. As you said I am not a child" Laurelin spoke truths with Oliver. From her heart. He was opening his right now and she was admiring him for it. He was opening up. She wanted to make it ok for him, but there was little she could do. He would leave Mercia, even though she knew he wouldn't regret it in the long run. He would to begin with, but he was afraid. There was good here. As it made him. He was Mercia in some way, but he also held the world in his eyes. He was meant for this world, not locked up living someone else's life. She then expressed her other thoughts about Edmund. She was now forming the protection as she spoke it was probably best they don't meet. For Laurelin had plenty of years built up to really go at him. She then remarked him saying she wasn't a child as a sort of light hearted way of saying it as she also meant it.

Laurelin then beamed with iridescent light as he took her hands and kissed them. Felt her heart thud in crazy butterflies. As they bubbled into tears and laughter. She didn't like fighting with him any more than he did. The moment he said sorry flooded her. It was all he needed to say. His actions were so beautiful, she truly had missed him. She let out a giggle with a happy smile. He may have hurt her, but he sure knew how to make up for it and no one could make her smile as he did. As motioned closer to him, her hand upon his cheek leading her back into his arms. Her cheek upon his own and her hand upon his neck. Closed her eyes as the tears leaked out and rolled down her smile. "Already forgiven... I'm here Oliver, I didn't know... You don't have to be always strong. If you need to fall apart, I am here to catch you... If you can only escape for a moment, then let's lose ourselves. In me Oliver you have a home as well, when ever you need it. I am your shelter... Shhh, I am here." Laurelin spoke softly with a smile as he was pouring himself out now. She was here for him as she held him tightly. She didn't believe he was doomed. If he was unhappy, he just had to change it. She felt in his words, his actions it was weighing him down. He didn't have to try and bottle it up for her. They may spend time having fun, but they were always here for one another. To fall and be caught. If he was only see glimpses he could be reminded of who he was, when he was with Laurelin. Then it was best they enjoyed what they could.... Although she still couldn't see why he couldn't escape still even for a couple of days. Perhaps getting away would help, but again he was afraid. She let go all that had transpired moments ago and was simply here with him.

"Somehow I don't believe you" Laurelin remarked as she buried her face as Oliver again said it was an accident. She just was failing to believe it, but with her tone, she accepted it, it was maybe mostly in her state of mind.

"Then I am afraid for you, Oliver. I will lose you forever... If he commanded you do what he commanded happen to me. Would you do it? Would you be able to look me in the eye afterwards and be proud of it? If you don't feel its right, then there is a reason for that, Oliver. Its one thing to betray you best friend, it is another thing entirely to betray yourself..." Laurelin then pulled back as she looked up at him. Her hand upon his heart. As the thought almost made her mournful. She had to turn away from him, she couldn't believe he would sink that low for someone else's greed. That he would turn away from his own inner voice. Perhaps she needed more than Nuri to keep an eye on him. She was half concerned to learn Oliver had been sliced to death in his sleep, but perhaps she was again over thinking it. She then moved away from him. Sank to the step of the Gazebo and leaned on the rail. For this would be all she had if Oliver not only turned away from her, but from himself. She then let out a deep saddened shy and wept at the thought.

---

♬Shakira - Animal City♬