The Hunter and the Hunted (Oliver/Yassia)

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“I will be forever indebted to your steady hands and your clear head.”

Oliver still continued to feel rather shy from the comment that she had given him. How funny things had unexpectedly turned for him and for her. “You’re just saying that now. Earlier, you had cursed me to the depths of hell and maybe beyond,” he told her. He was not really used to compliments like that. Sure, he’d heard a lot of praises from women and friends about his charms, and hunting prowess, and what-not. But to be seen as a good man and by Yassia even, it somehow meant something more, something meaningful that he couldn’t quite explain. It surely meant a lot to him, that was certain.

When she tried but failed to suppress her laughter at his ‘oliver tree to your thistle’ comment, Oliver didn’t know what just happened. Did I say something wrong? Or funny? He had not intended that to be a humorous one, did he? He looked at Sir Sigfried and to his friends for help, but they only shrugged their shoulders, and was just as amused at the laughing Yassia as they were by his cluelessness. “What? What did I just say?” Oliver finally asked her, confusion still written all over his face. While he loved the sound of her soft laughter ringing in his ears, he wanted so much to be in on the joke that he couldn’t help but insist. “Tell me or else…” Or else what really? Oliver didn’t know. It was a totally empty thread if there ever was one. He hoped Yassia didn't know that it was.

”You are very comfortable furniture, so I decree you’ll be used for that henceforth.”

Twisted as it may be, Oliver liked the sound of that. “Only if I was your furniture,” he told her jokingly, winking as he went. Jokes were half-meant, but Oliver totally meant that even if that sounded like a harmless jest. “And if the pay is up to my standards. I am a superb huntsman after all. I’d be giving up the lure of the forest to the comforts of your bed---your home.” He had meant to say ‘bedroom’, meaning himself to be her bed, and caught himself just at the last minute. He doubt though if Yassia hadn’t caught on to it. She had this nasty habit of catching that which he was trying hard not to blurt out.

Oliver looked at her when she outlined her ‘eating plan’ for both of them. It was sweet of her to worry about him eating when he was really just focused on her comfort. It made Oliver feel all warm and fuzzy underneath to have her care for him like that. Her suggestion to eat from the same plate had its own set of implications, symbolism in his world, just like the undoing of her lacings had. A man and a woman sharing a plate spoke of a union between them, permanent, marriage. But then again, what do symbols and traditions matter here now. His friends may know but Yassia was only a nomad. She had no knowledge whatsoever about such royal or noble traditions. And besides, he wasn’t going to see her again after today. If they were to act as a “married” couple now, it would all be forgotten tomorrow. The thought made Oliver sad, but he was going to make this all worthwhile for now. “Deal!” he replied with a wide smile, and went on to take the next spoonful of stew to his mouth, and lavished the feel of the delicious food in his tongue. “Your turn,” he said as he fed her another spoonful. When he did, part of the sauce dripped down the side of her lip, and Oliver immediately grabbed the handkerchief in his pocket, and wiped it off with a most tender of touch. For a moment there, his locked eyes with her again, and Oliver felt something warm and wonderful pass between them.

“Sorry about that. Not that the sauce on your face mattered really. You already look so grimy it only added more to the effect,” he told her when he realized, quite belatedly, that he had been staring. He added a huge grin to clearly show that he was just playing with her. On the other side of the camp, everybody else had just had their fill of the sumptuous dinner, and were now preparing their cots for sleep. Sir Sigfried had first watch for the night, and he was scouting the surrounding area again.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

“You’re just saying that now. Earlier, you had cursed me to the depths of hell and maybe beyond,”
The sole mentioning of this particular fact, made Yassia’s guts squirm and burn in shame. Did he HAVE to bring that up again? She was already feeling so bad about it as it was. Given, she had only said these words under the impact of severe pain, and it had been the first thing to come to her mind, but she still felt the urgent need to redeem herself from this inexcusable slip. Not for cursing in general, for cursing HIM. He surely did not deserve that!
”I know I have, but you must believe me when I say I did not mean these words, Oliver”, she beseeched him, a rather pitiful expression on her face. “Can you forgive me? Please, you must! I know what a dire thing it is to curse someone, and the least thing I want is you to have bad luck because of me… I’ve brought you enough of that already.”

Yassia tried to rein her laughter in, as she saw how puzzled Oliver was. Had he really not caught on the rather insinuating content of his remark? But then, maybe it was just a language problem again… as the word for the woolly thistle spikes could also be used as a euphemism for hair at a very particular place… - not that a girl of her state should know any of these things, but she had been quite prone to eavesdrop on maidservant’s conversations in her younger years, not expecting the things she would get to hear. And even now, just thinking of it made her cheeks flush. Oh why could Oliver not leave that subject be? It was embarrassing enough already! She could not possibly tell him what his words had made her think of! She wanted to hit her head for it anyway!
“Tell me or else…”
Yassia, too desperate to let this subject be, had to play with fire now. At least it might divert his attention momentarily. “Or else… what?” she asked with a wink. “You’ll use me for target practise again? Or is there something even more vile on your mind?” Now, she only hoped he would not get THAT wrong as well… Sweet stars, out of the kettle and into the fire!

“And if the pay is up to my standards. I am a superb huntsman after all. I’d be giving up the lure of the forest to the comforts of your bed---your home.”
She blinked when she caught on the slip. Had he meant to say bed? Or bedroom?! Well, either one of those was highly unseemly in itself, and she could not possibly let him get away with that without monishing him… or could she? Did it even matter? There was nothing vile behind his words after all, yes? If so, she would have realized it long ago, as he surely would not have waited long to make a move of some kind. No, she was safe with him… and anyway… the thought of him in her bedroom… it did not fill her with irritation at all. Goodness, Yassia, stop it!!! This can’t be, never! But she felt sad at the thought, truly sad.
As the whiskey still made her very reckless, Yassia suddenly heard herself saying: “Well what would be an acceptable price, my dear furniture? Name it.”

He agreed to her eating plan, which made Yassia feel oddly excited. This should be nothing, yes? So many people did that all the time, sharing bowls, because they simply couldn’t afford more than a few. And this was a similar situation. Pure need of circumstances, nothing else. And yet again… she knew what story was now coursing inside her mind. Her mother had told her this one so very often when she was a child, and it had always been her favourite. Today, Yassia sometimes thought that the princess in the tale had been very similar to her: A proud lady that had given a promise she didn’t want to keep, but circumstances had forced her to change… and it had been a temper fit that had broken the curse, that was peculiar and amusing indeed. Right now, Princess Yassia was willingly setting up the stage to get her own Frog Prince… allowing him to eat from her bowl.

She had not minded the little spill of sauce, but Oliver’s hands turned the simple moment into something magical. Oh, if he only could let his fingers linger there… if he would only never look away. For now, Yassia was simply caught under his spell, and she didn’t even mind. Her eyes gleamed with trust and a feeling of deep affection as she was looking up at him. Whatever he decided to do now… it would be wonderful… and she would not mind at all.
But his joking words somehow broke the spell, dragging her back into reality. She was not sure how to take these words, they had surely not been meant to offend… but Yassia was nothing if not a little vain!
”You have a peculiar choice of compliments sometimes”, she teased him and slapped his arm lightly where she could reach it. “You try to stay clean when on the road and the brooks are freezing cold!”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

The rather pitiful look she was giving him was more than enough to make any man melt. And it didn’t spare Oliver. And besides if this was bad luck, having her lay there in his arms, then he’d rather have bad luck of the rest of his life. Still, he could see that this troubled her, and he didn’t want her to feel that way. “There is nothing forgive. I would have done more than curse if I were in your place.” Not sounding like it was enough, his lips curved into a small conspiratory smile when he added, “But if I must…I will forgive you, if you will forgive me for being such a reckless huntsman. I promise to watch my arrows from here on out. I make that oath to you now.”

Whatever was going on inside that head of hers, Oliver desperately wanted in. From the genuine mirth on her face and the failure with which she tried to contain her laughter, there was some really funny private joke going on in there that was making it too hard for him to resist. Then quite unexpectedly, she challenged him yet again. If he didn’t know any better, it was a clever ploy to stop him from being too nosy. “Vile? Me? How dare you accuse me of being vile when all this time I had been nothing but gentle,” he quipped in mock outrage. It turns out, her ploy was working. If only Oliver realized how gullible he was when it came to her, how easily she could distract him, how easily he could give in to her. He had never let his guard down with strangers until now. There was just something so comfortable and natural with Yassia that it was easy to throw all caution to the wind.

“Well what would be an acceptable price, my dear furniture? Name it.”

Oh, there were so many things that he could reply to that. The first thing that came to mind was the simple pleasure of her company for as long as he wanted it. To hear her say his name over and over with such fondness wouldn’t hurt either. Then he wouldn’t mind a taste of those sweet lips as bonus. “Food, lots and lots of food,” Oliver replied with a safe answer and a wide, obviously fake grin.

Unperturbed by the amused and amazed looks that his friends were giving him, Oliver continued to feed Yassia as he, too, ate from her bowl of stew. Let them think all they want. Yassia and me make one lovely couple anyway. Yes, his head was still swimming in alcohol all right, albeit shallower now. When that one bowl was clean, he moved to on to pick up the one that Lot had set aside for him. He was hungry all right, and it didn’t hurt that he was eating with Yassia. He could certainly get used to this.

He only laughed at her response and the light smack she gave him. Of course, he didn’t mean it, and he was rather impressed that she knew how to handle his jokes now. He wasn’t exactly sparkling clean himself after having been on the road for a couple of days himself.

He gave Yassia the flask of water to drink from as Lot cleaned up the empty bowls, and then drank from it himself. He had shifted a bit to lean back against a nearby log, holding Yassia gently when he did so as not to unnecessarily jostle her. He should be able to sleep well this way even with Yassia lying against him. “How does your wound feel now? Is it cooperating? Not as stubborn as the body she’s attached to?” he asked with a wink, although his voice showed clear concern for her and her condition. While he couldn’t expect her to feel all well and good right away, he was hoping she would be at last in less pain than before. He could never forgive himself if the pain still persists or worsen into an infection.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

His kind words were reassuring, but they also sparked up a certain kind of interest in Yassia. Now she was slowly getting used to the pain, her span of thoughts had widened considerably and she wanted to know more about Oliver. What indeed would he have done more than cursing? Trying to lash out or something? Well, in any way she was almost glad it was her lying here and not him… she would never forgive herself if she had not been able to safe him.
Oliver’s own plea to be forgiven made her heart melt, and she slowly shook her head, locking his gaze to get her point across – a point she wasn’t even so clear about herself yet, but it was dear to her heart to voice it, wherever that may lead her.
“You don’t need to make a vow, Oliver. Such things happen. You didn’t mean to and that’s enough for me. Besides…” now she was getting closer to the point … “somehow I can’t help but think this… happened for a reason.” Even though she could not bestow a name on this reason yet, she was all but sure of her notion. After all, if Oliver had not shot her, she would have never met him…

They had reached the general banter stage again, throwing each other’s words back into each other’s faces, and Yassia had to admit she really enjoyed it. Of course she would never think Oliver vile, and his exaggerated reaction made her all but he had not really taken offence.
“Well, who knows”, she quipped, raising her brows. “This could all be just the leadup to some greater scheme of yours. Make me trust you and then… when I’m thoroughly ensnared…” she trailed of with a rather mischievous smirk. For all she knew she was thoroughly ensnared already with his presence. She would already allow him a great deal… which may be partly due to the alcohol but not fully.

Yassia found her stomach rather fluttery at the prospect of what he could answer to the line she had practically opened up for him. What had possessed her to say something like that? But now there was no way back. Or was there?
“Food, lots and lots of food,”
Once again it was Oliver saving the situation by behaving thoroughly honorable. Had she really called him a flirt before? Surely a flirt would not have passed up that chance? Sometimes, he really was too good to be true. He joked around but he never made her lose her face.
“Food is it then”, she agreed with another smirk. “If anything, lots of food will make you a softer cushion – not that I am complaining now, you’re still very comfortable.”

She had probably never enjoyed a meal so much. A meal had been a mere bleak necessity to her in her times in Ailantha, something interrupting whatever she had been up to in her carefree youth. Over the last weeks food had become precious, a treasure she had high respect of as her stomach went empty for hours two times out of three, but she had still never seen its gentle perks. But now, being fed by Oliver, Yassia found a meal could be so much more than consuming food. The first bowl was emptied far too soon, but thank the stars there was still the second. But that as well was emptied with two hungry mouths being fed from it and Yassia felt a pang of sadness as Oliver’s friend took the bowls away. Don’t be silly Yassia…

After having drunk the water he presented her, she relaxed into his arms again, subconsciously wiggling a bit deeper into his embrace. Yes, she could definitely stay here forever! However silly that may be.
Her pain, now that he mentioned it, had considerably died down to a dull throbbing she could easily put in the back of her mind if she wanted. That was a good sign. It only flamed up rarely when she moved too much, and as she didn’t want to anyway…
“I’m fine, Oliver, really!” she promised him, flashing him another genuine and truly heartfelt smile. “Stop worrying about me, please. I’m a strong girl. I can feel the wound settling down already, which is a good sign. It should not get infected as it is cleanly dressed.” For no apparent reason she locked his gaze. Perhaps she simply liked to look at him…

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Everything does happen for a reason. While Oliver doesn’t really leave everything to chance, he knew fate has a hand in how things work out. So he couldn’t help but agree with Yassia with she said that all this had happened for a reason. He was very sorry and still very remorseful that she had to get hurt to get to whatever that reason was. And he was somehow glad that Yassia was not too angry or too bitter to keep her from forgiving him. Although he would understand if she wouldn’t. “The reason is for me to watch where my arrows go, to be less reckless, to be more caring, to watch before I leap, to be more responsible...to put my act together so to speak.” These were the reasons that came to mind for Oliver. For most of his life, he had been labeled as the rebel prince for doing anything out of what was expected from someone of his title. Not that he didn’t like to be a prince, he just didn’t like to be made to conform to set rules and traditions, to be cooped up everyday inside the four walls of the castle when the world out there was begging to be explored and discovered. He had been hunting for almost a decade now, and he had never unnecessarily hurt anyone with his arrows. To have this happen now, to have someone else suffer because of his recklessness, was indeed quite a wake-up call.

“Until now, I've always been very reckless, with a devil-may-care attitude. Selfish, insisting on what I want than what others need. I am truly sorry that this had to happen to you for me to realize that...that this has to stop,” Oliver said, speaking more to himself than to Yassia. “So please let me make this oath. To you, to my family. Please? It would mean a lot to me,” he added with a small chuckle, although seriousness was written all over his face.

As far as reasons go, something else at the back of his mind was nagging at him, but Oliver stomped it down, not wanting it to interfere with what was happening right now. He was connecting with Yassia, and he didn’t know why but it mattered to him if she could witness that vow, that seemingly big transition that he was about to make with his life from here on out. It wouldn’t mean that he wouldn’t hunt anymore, no. It just meant that he’d take his responsibilities as a prince of Mercia more seriously, with the maturity that was expected of him. He’d make his father and the kingdom proud. Funny how it had to be Yassia who had to make him realize that without her knowing pretty much about it.

Oliver laughed at her quip, thoroughly amused. Though that wasn’t far from truth though. Had she stumbled upon less honorable men, that might as well just happen. Oliver once again had to thank the fates for letting her meet them instead of bandits. Heaven knows what could have happened. “When you’re thoroughly ensnared, I will turn into a hideous beast and devour you limb by limb by limb. You’d certainly make a truly delectable meal, young woman,” he teased, making an act of looking all scary and frightening, his hands making a show of clawing at her while he bared his teeth and leaned his head to try and bite her ear. Oh, he’d gladly bite her all right, but not in a scary way. Quite the opposite really. A chuckle issued from him more at the latter thought than at his scary act.

“If anything, lots of food will make you a softer cushion – not that I am complaining now, you’re still very comfortable.”

Something fluttered inside him when she said that he was very comfortable. He knew he shouldn’t try to read too much into her words. She was probably just being grateful for all the help that he was giving her, but Oliver couldn’t help it. She found him comfortable, even as a ‘furniture,’ and Oliver really liked the thought. “Then you’ve got a deal. You have my services as a furniture for as long as you can pay me. Although right now, you already owe me as you are eating my food while making use of my services,” he winked at her. What a wonderful thought that would be if they could just remain this way for as long as possible.

He tried to make himself relax when she told him she was all right, but a part of him was still a worrywart. He knew he would never be fully at peace until he would see the wound all healed up and she all up and alert. His hand gently caressed the arm near her wounded shoulder as he thoughtfully looked at the wound. That would surely leave a mark. Every time she would look at the wound, he would remember him and all that had happened. Oliver hoped that despite the accident, her memory of him would be nothing but nice. The thought of a parting left him sad again, and it took him a while to notice that she was looking up at him. He held her gaze when she did, loving the look of trust that she was giving him. There was something else there, too, something he knew to be familiar because he was feeling it, too. And it made him feel real good even if didn't know what it was. He gave her a small smile and let the tenderness of the moment just wash over him. “It will leave a nasty scar,” he said softly, his eyes a tad bit sad at the thought of the scar being an ugly blemish on her otherwise fair and smooth complexion.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

Yassia listened to his words intently, trying to give them the attention they deserved though her head was beginning to get slightly woozy and she would have liked to close her eyes at some point. But something held her back. She had not meant the ‘reason’ part like this, but she sensed that this was a very important moment for Oliver. He was realizing something for himself, a resolution for life and she ought to treat that with respect. Yassia just found it odd to listen to his exact words, because they painted a picture of Oliver she would have not recognized him as. Devil-may-care, selfish, irresponsible? He had taken responsibility for his actions in the blink of an eye! In Yassia’s opinion he was having a very bad image of himself and it was by no means justified, but it took a great amount of strength and self-reflection to do it. And maturity. He might think himself immature and bad, but in Yassia’s eyes he was anything but. Still she would not openly contradict him, this was his resolution, his decision, she could not meddle with that.

Without really thinking about it, Yassia felt for Oliver’s hand and squeezed it tight for a second. “If it means so much to you, of course, take the oath, Oliver. I will be your witness. But I still think you’re being too hard on yourself. You acted very responsible today, my life might have been in peril because of you, but I also owe it to you.” And then another thought crossed her mind and it made her smile. No matter how seriously Oliver would take his resolution, she would have to ask something of him, just in case. Because if he sacrificed his carefree nature to his new responsibility, the world would lose a shining light.
“But promise me one thing: Never become too mature, too responsible. Don’t resign to lock yourself up in such a cage. Always keep an eye on the keys, yes? Because as much as the world needs people to take responsibilities, it needs people who make it a carefree place.”
Where these words had come from Yassia couldn’t really tell. She usually was very stuck up in maturity and responsibility as well, this was how she had been raised and she had never found anything wrong with it… until she had broken out herself.

“When you’re thoroughly ensnared, I will turn into a hideous beast and devour you limb by limb by limb. You’d certainly make a truly delectable meal, young woman,”
Yassia made a show of trying to wriggle free, half gasping in laughter, half in pain as she had momentarily forgotten her injury. His head was suddenly so very close to hers and it made a weird sting run through her whole body, but it was no sting of pain. Rather a weird sense of “what might have been”, similar to what you experience when almost stumbling or falling down from some dangerous height. But contrary to the feeling of just having escaped a dangerous situation, Yassia had the indistinctive feeling she had just passed up a chance of some kind. What was wrong with her?!
“Oh please, mercy!” she chuckled. “I’m far too bony and stringy to be delectable, you’ll see.” She puckered up her face in a thoroughly worried expression. “Now this is right predicament, the one who could be my knight in shining armour is the beast itself… I am doomed.”

All this talk about furniture and payment was turning very ridiculous indeed, and Yassia slowly was running out of retorts. That usually never happened… and hadn’t the talk acquired some sort of suggestiveness as well? How had this happened? And why did she not pull the rip cord? That was not like her at all! And yet she enjoyed it, enjoyed it very much. Oliver had almost stolen her heart now and it would not take long until she was all his, without regretting the step in the slightest.
“Grievous day”, she chuckled, biting her lip. “I usually don’t do debts. Now how can I get out of this predicament? What can I do to pay my dues?”

She slightly shivered under his caressing touch, but it was no shiver of fright nor was it of pain. His fingers made a tingling sensation run down her whole body, even in places where he did not touch her at all. Yassia found herself wishing he would not stop, and so she spoke in an almost hushed fashion as if not to disturb him. “It’s a mark, not a scar”, she corrected him softly. “I might have been vain once, but I don’t care about this one.” That he worried about such things made her heart nearly melt. He should not worry, all was well. “Better a visible mark with good memories than invisible scars with terrifying memories”, she mused more to herself. Vortigern had be careful in his tortures not to leave too many visible indicators of what he had done, but the scars he had left would remain on her soul forever.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver had not truly expected her to accept all his seemingly stupid notion about making oaths and vows. He had expected her to actually laugh at him and just shrug him off. But no, Yassia did not. She seemed to have understood, that she knew exactly what it meant for him, that she obliged him. It was like she knew how important oaths were. Not that Oliver was thinking of her any less. It was just surprising for a nomad to understand the gravity of the circumstances. Naturally free and flighty, he had not expected them to know the true meaning of oaths the way they do in the kingdoms and for royalty like him.

Then she made her caveat, and Oliver couldn’t resist the smile that lit up his face at what it was she was asking from him. It was like she knew him all too well. Far too well that Oliver couldn’t help the goosebumps on his skin. Oliver knew he would be miserable, maybe even die, if he’d totally let go of that very thing that makes him who he is. He would never totally let go of his zest for life and the great outdoors. Grateful for her, Oliver leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. Then he took her hand and looked her in the eye. “I, Oliver Leofric, swore to be more responsible in my ways, in every word that I say, and in every action that I take, without sacrificing my love for adventure and my unparalleled zest for life,” he spoke in his most steady and confident of voices. The act brought chills to his spine as it was very much akin to making the vows of marriage, holding hands with his bride and gazing into her eyes. “How’s that?” he asked Yassia with a twinkle in his eyes.

“ I’m far too bony and stringy to be delectable, you’ll see.”

“That is why I am fattening you up, my dear, and making you as comfortable as you can be,” Oliver continued on with the teasing. His eyes taking on a playfully manic quality to them as he played with her. ”The moment you close your eyes, I will have more than my fill.” That didn’t sound right. Oliver’s playful expression turned into a thoughtful frown when he realized that. The last thing he wanted was for Yassia to think that he was a pervert and was going to take advantage of her once she falls asleep. “I was just joking,” he told her, a tad too seriously. No, now would not be a good time to make her afraid, not when she was already starting to trust him.

Seeing as she was already feeling all tired and woozy, Oliver thought it was best to continue the playful banter when she’d had enough rest. Night was fast falling, and everybody else, save for Sir Sigfried who was patrolling the area around them, was already dozing off in their respective cots. “I’ll think of something tomorrow,” Oliver told her with a wink. “For now, you need to get some sleep. Your wound needs it.”

She corrected him on his concern for her soon-to-be scar, and somehow Oliver felt relieved that she had connected the mark to good memories. He was a good memory! That thought buoyed him to heights he never thought possible. What she said though about ‘invisible scars with terrifying memories’ brought a worried look on his face. He shuddered to think of what else she had gone through in her many travels, and he hoped there was some way to comfort her without unnecessarily prying.

He guided her head to rest against his chest as he grabbed the sleeping mat nearby to drape over them instead. The night was going to be chilly, and he didn’t want Yassia catching any more colds and suffering any more discomforts after what his arrow had already gotten her through. “Do you consider this a good memory then?” he whispered back. There was suddenly a distinct feel to the moment that Oliver didn’t want to destroy by talking out loud. And it was pushing him to be forthright with her. It was telling him to seize the opportunity now or it would soon be lost forever. “I don’t want to think of you as a memory just yet. Would it be too forward of me to say I don’t want this to end so soon? I don’t want it to end at all,” he added as he looked down at her, his hand tightening around her while still careful enough not to hurt her wound. He didn’t know what made him do it, but he knew it was the right thing to do. There was just something about Yassia that made him want to hold on to her for as long as he possibly could.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

The way he took her hand, the way he looked her in the eye… Yassia could not help a shower running down her spine, but it was no shower of fright or unease, it was like the soft caress of the first spring rain, making her shiver with anything but discomfort. Did he even know what Yassia thought to read in his eyes? Yes, he was taking a vow for himself, but it nearly looked as if he was also taking a vow for her… but what was she thinking?! This whole game of Frog Prince had taken on a self-perpetuating dynamic, without both of them really knowing where it would lead. Just that Yassia did not care at all. It might be the first time in her life that she did not want to think of the consequences of her actions. This evening belonged to her, above everything she wanted to be free!
When he kissed her forehead she shivered a little, but her eyes clearly showed that she did not mind. A kiss on the forehead might be a sign of friendship, but she could not help hoping for more…

”And I, Yassia Remei, have born witness to these words”, she replied softly in a very solemn tone, but then a hint of mischief entered her voice, “and I find nothing wrong with them. Zest for life in the right measure is always good. Let’s hope for the world that you stay true to both sides of your vow.”
But her mind, after processing his words, had taken a totally different direction. Leofric… what a beautiful second name! She hadn’t even known that even commoners would give their children more than just the first name. But then, maybe they simply couldn’t decide between those two, and Yassia could see where they came from. Come to think of it, she would not be able to say which one she liked better.

“That is why I am fattening you up, my dear, and making you as comfortable as you can be,”
Sweet stars, he was a good actor alright! Had her trust in him not been so profound for whatever reason, Yassia would have ended the game right here and there, scrambling out of his arms as little as she wanted to, to get a respectable distance between them once again.
Still, even he seemed to have caught on the fact that he had maybe taken the joke a little too far, because he instantly declared his intentions. Even though she had believed him, Yassia could still feel a little trickle of relief inside her body.
”I know!” she assured him softly, the gleaming of trust and fondness reappearing in her eyes. “But just in case you weren’t, be warned huntsman, I bite even in sleep!”

Oliver spoke of sleeping, and even though Yassia knew he was right and knew how tired she was, it made her want to protest like a stubborn child. No, she did not want to go to sleep yet. Maybe the next morning would bring a change in both their behavior? Maybe the light of day would remind them once again how they should act properly? They would lose the closeness they now shared, and for whatever reason Yassia clung to it for dear life. Then again… sleeping in his arms… why was the thought so very appealing? If anything, it would complete the vow, however silly it was. She would be his then… and he hers. And Yassia would not mind that at all.

There it was again, the sweet tension rising up between them again, making Yassia’s heartbeat flutter and falter. It rose with every word Oliver said until she thought she could not breathe any longer.
”Would it be too forward of me to say I don’t want this to end so soon? I don’t want it to end at all”
Too forward? Well, under normal circumstances surely. But not now. Now it just seemed like the most natural thing to say and to hear. It felt good, it felt right, and yet Yassia knew that whatever she said now would deem the consequences. She had it in her hand now. It felt like standing right on the edge of a high cliff, foaming water below. There might be rocks hidden below the surface, you never knew. You might die when you jumped, or you might fly.
Should she jump?
”No…” she heard herself whisper. “I know what you mean… I don’t want it to end either…”
Her right hand suddenly rose towards his face and tenderly touched his cheek.
Jump, Yassia… jump.

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Yassia Remei. Never had a name been so sweet-sounding to his ears. This oath he was making will surely be an unforgettable one considering the circumstances around it. It was made with a beautiful nomad, whose name is just as charming as her, in the middle of a dangerous forest. He would have to be very insane to forget ever making this vow. He managed a chuckle at her playful addendum. “I will do my best, ma’am,” he replied as he bent his head into a small bow. A bright smile ever plastered on his lips as he finally completed the promise to himself, to his family, to his kingdom in general…and to her. Somehow, she was very important in all of this, Oliver just didn’t know why. “Thank you, Yassia,” he told her earnestly, letting her see exactly how all this meant to him and how grateful he was for her.

”…be warned huntsman, I bite even in sleep!”

“You’re not some evil witch, are you? You won’t pull our hearts out and eat them while we sleep?” Oliver eyed her warily, while trying his best not to crack a grin or two. Now that would be quite the predicament, would it? If he were to die tonight, at least he will die a happy man after having made her company, heard the sound of her laughter, seen the twinkle and trust in her eyes when she looked at him. She may turn into an evil witch later, but right now, she was every bit a damsel in distress that Oliver was only too willing to protect and take care of. “Well, if you are, my heart is all yours,” he added with a wink. While the joke had been made in the literal sense, part of it was meant figuratively for him. He didn’t know how or when it happened, but Yassia had completely stolen his heart, and Oliver was only too willing to give it to her.

He never expected to hear those words from her, and he loved hearing them nevertheless. To know that she felt just as he does at that moment was like being given a magical gift. Then he felt the tender touch of her fingers on his cheek, and Oliver felt tingles where their skin made contact. He covered her hand with his own, and then turned his head to plant a soft and lingering kiss on the palm of her hand. He turned back to look at her. His face dangerously close to her. His eyes searched hers, trying to find something there, and when it seems he had found it, Oliver smiled. “Crazy as it sounds, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. Like we’ve already met before, and yet everything is still new and fascinating here with you.” Words, so many words, and yet he couldn’t put in words whatever it was that he wanted to say to her, whatever it was that he was feeling towards her. How crazy it was, and yet everything still made sense.

Not wanting to undermine the moment with any more words, Oliver closed his eyes and just basked in the wonderful feel of the air surrounding them. In his mind, he pictured him and Yassia, not in a forest, but out there, facing the world and everybody else together, forever. There was definitely something working here for them, and Oliver was only too willing to let it do its job. When he opened his eyes, he met hers, and he leaned in and boldly feathered a soft kiss on the tip of her nose, even as his heart hammered loud and fast against his chest. It must be the alcohol talking, making him do and feel all these crazy heightened emotions, but right now, Oliver was way past caring. He just wanted Yassia. “Who are you? And what have you done to me?” he whispered with a small smile as his eyes dropped to her lips. Needing them like he needed air to breathe. Thirsty and hungry like his life depended on them. Wanting them like he had never wanted anything before.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

His gratitude was almost too much and it made Yassia blush with slight unease. She hadn’t done much, had she, she had only bore witness to an oath! This oath might mean much to him, but there was nothing he should thank her for, yes? But she accepted it with a bright smile, simply putting it on the list why this man was too good for this world. The woman who could eventually claim him as a prize was a very lucky woman indeed, and Yassia found she even envied her. She had never wished to be born as anything else than the princess she was, had always thought herself so very blessed and privileged. Her flight had maybe blemished this perfect picture, but it had not destroyed it. Yassia had seen too much misery and poverty on her travels and had experienced hunger at first hand to not see what a perfect life she had led. But suddenly, oddly enough, another life seemed appealing. The idea that popped into her head was ridiculous and would not see the light of day, but just in this moment, Yassia actually examined the path that seemed to open up before her: what if she abandoned her hopeless quest now… and became nothing but Yassia the nomad? … For him…?

Evil witch? Tear hearts out and eat them? Sweet stars he had some gory imagination indeed! Fine lines showed around her nose as she crinkled it delicately for a moment, pondering over his words. If anything, the bloody talk was distracting her from other confusing thoughts that assaulted her mind, but it got harder and harder to stay in ‘character’ and not burst out with laughter.
”How did you find that out?” she asked, giving her voice a slightly annoyed undertone. “Was I being so obvious? But then, you should know there’s a rule to every witch’s taking.” She was just making things up as she went, but what she had to say was a reaction to his rather sweet and touching words. There had been a wink to them, but Yassia felt – or rather hoped – there was more to this all. Lowering her voice she added. “We never take what wasn’t offered to us freely. Not as a price, but as a gift.”

Yassia’s breath caught in her throat and she also felt her heart flutter there like an encaged bird as she felt Oliver’s hand covering hers. She had hoped he would respond to her rather bold action, but she had by no means been prepared for it. How could you be prepared for such an overwhelming sensation? His touch, though only inflicted to the back of her hand, coursed through her whole body like the sweetest poison she had ever known, affecting every fibre and limb. And then the kiss… the kiss! Never before had someone behaved so tenderly towards Yassia, not with such a wonderful meaning behind it. Still glued to his gaze, she listened to his words and felt like she was about to burst. She wanted to cry with joy and with sadness at the same time, and her mouth suddenly was too dry to speak. But she had to say something, he needed to know that she felt the same!
”I told you it all happened for a reason”, she whispered hoarsly, not even daring to believe what she saw in his eyes. “When such things happen it was written in the stars all along.” At least that was the firm belief of Yassia’s people and she had never been more inclined to follow this teaching than now.

Her heart now was hammering so fast against her ribs she feared it might collapse any minute, but if she was to die, she would die in the happiest moment of her life. All thoughts of tomorrow had been washed from her mind, this was a moment she wanted to cherish. There might be no future to this all, but frankly Yassia could not care less. She just wanted to lie here forever, feeling the sweetest devotion as she looked up into his perfect face.
She only shook her head with a smile at his question, as she felt there was no answer to it. She could have asked him the same thing but this was no moment for words. Yassia felt a strange need building up in her, starting in her stomach and spreading throughout her body, her eyes suddenly fixed on his lips. She had never felt the need to kiss someone before, but she still knew it was what she wanted. Slowly, but almost impatiently she tried to flex her muscles to bring up her upper body and meet him half way, but it hurt too much and so she sank back down again, an almost pleading look in her eyes.

Come… please come, because I can’t…

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

If only it were possible, Oliver sighed inwardly. If only he could just live in the moment, with her. Life wouldn't probably be easy but it would more carefree. He would gladly live the life of an ordinary huntsman for her. They would live in a nice humble cottage. He would hunt and trade his captured game in the markets for money and food. She would help heal the afflicted. They would be a couple, and they would just live the rest of their life together happy and free. Just him and her.

But no, Oliver shook the thought from his head. Had he not tried to live that life before? Not about living in a cottage but about being carefree. Had he not forgotten about his responsibilities and chose instead to enjoy life with a freewheeling gypsy? And had he not burned himself and her in the process? As much as Oliver wanted Yassia to remain in his life for as long as he wanted, he couldn’t. He was a prince, and she was a nomad. She would never be at home with him. She would never be happy with his kind of life. The thought made Oliver sad yet again, and he immediately forced it out of his mind. No use letting it ruin this beautiful moment now.

“We never take what wasn’t offered to us freely. Not as a price, but as a gift.”

Oliver eyes twinkled with the same mischief that was in hers, matching it with equal enthusiasm in the game that they were playing. A game that could very well tell his true feelings towards her more than anything. “Please accept the humble offering of my heart! Take mine and spare those of my friends, I beg you,” he implored teasingly. Although a good part of him wished she would indeed take his heart and take care of it. He certainly wouldn’t mind. He knew it was going to happen anyway. When she goes, Oliver knew she would take his heart with him. “But tell me, what do you do with the offerings of your victims? More importantly, what will you do with mine?” he asked, curious to hear what her answer would be. If every day for the rest of his life was going to be as fun as this, Oliver would have gladly traded everything for it. If only.

“When such things happen it was written in the stars all along.”

This was the reason she had been talking about. While his mind was pre-occupied with his own desire to change for the better, Yassia had already been thinking about them, about him and her, being all written in the stars. How sweet was that? Oliver wasn’t prepared for the rather powerful effect her words had on him, but it somehow made his heart swell with so much emotions that he wasn’t sure if he could contain them any longer. Was it really written in the stars? Had the fates really destined them to meet? But for what reason? For a brief moment of happiness and a life-long sadness of what could have been? How cruel the fates were! “Somewhere in my childhood, I must have done something good^* to be given this day, to be given you even for just a moment,” Oliver said fervently, as he stared deep into her lovely eyes, showing her just how happy and grateful he was for this gift from the stars.

A warm and tender smile broke across his face when he saw that Yassia was trying to bring herself closer to him only to sink back down again from the pain on her shoulders. It was more than enough for Oliver to know she wanted this, too. And he seemed to have felt her fervent plea. Come… please come, because I can’t… He would be a fool to deny themselves what they both wanted. It had been written in the stars. The fates guaranteed it. Oliver knew he and Yassia do not stand a chance. He moved his hands up to touch her cheek with his fingers, just as gently as she had caressed his, reveling in the electricity that raced up his fingers to the rest of his body at the soft contact yet again. With his touch, he adored her, worshiped her, cherished her. He gave her one tender and longing look before he slowly leaned his head in. He closed his eyes in complete surrender to the fates as his lips captured hers in one deep and passionate kiss.




^*hrhrhr for Sound of Music reference

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

As little as these thoughts would see the light of day, as fast did Yassia cling to them for now. Otherwise she would have to rein herself in, would have to admit that she could not fall head first into a dalliance without future, that she needed to be responsible for her actions as future Queen of Ailantha. She might have the heart of a woman, but she could not act on it. She never would be able to.
And maybe that was why she pushed all these thoughts about reality back with full force. If she was to be unhappy for the rest of her life – the inkling of a complex story with Lorcan she had ended before it even had the chance to fully begin, as soon as she had found out he was a future king – she could not deny herself one moment of bliss, could she? Something she could cling to in future times when she would have to put the wellbeing of her kingdom before her own for all time to come.

How could she refuse the offering of his heart, however jokingly sounded? Yassia had slowly realized, their talk had taken on another, subtle meaning, nothing more than a timbre, but it was definitely there… and it made her heart race to imagine that maybe, through all this talk of stealing and giving hearts, he meant it. That he wanted his heart to be hers, not the beating lump of flesh in his chest, but what was generally connected with it: his feelings.
”Rest assured I have no desire for the hearts of your friends”, she told him in mock seriousness, but her eyes were shining brightly. “Yours will do perfectly. But before I can take it, I have to check it for signs of wearout. I cannot do with such a heart.”
And with a mischievous grin, she turned her head just a little so that her left ear was now on his chest while listened to his heartbeat, as if to check if it was steady and strong. She liked to hear the sound of his heart, it gave her a peculiar feeling of being at home.

Her mouth was getting drier and drier as she kept looking into Oliver’s deep and meaningful eyes. This was a perfect moment, and yet it was laced already with the bittersweet note of caducity. But then, everything was ephemeral, and the only way to make something last was to live in the moment, milk it to the last drop. Yassia had never thought that such words would ever cross her responsible mind, but right now, she was not ruled by her mind anymore. Only by her heart. And this heart told her to cling to this wonderful moment for all it was worth.
”Well, then I thank your childhood self for being such a good boy”, she said, her words maybe joking, but the meaning was anything if not deadly serious. “Because if I am lucky enough to participate in this prize you’ve been given, then I could not be called any happier. I don’t even know what I could have done to deserve this… I never was a particularly good girl…”
All her life she had feared to not live up to the expectations others had of her, but now she had simply cast this expectations aside for just a moment… and it felt like being born anew.

Would he come, would he indeed? Yassia’s heart missed a long and sweet beat as she felt Oliver leaning even closer. It happened so slowly and yet it happened far too fast. Taking in one last shaky breath, Yassia felt her lips being touched by Oliver’s and the world stopped turning for a wonderful moment. There was no past for her now, and no future. Just a breathtaking present that seemed to set her whole body on fire. This was – however unseemly that might be – by no means her first kiss, but she had never felt like this before, liquid fire rushing through her veins instead of blood, but not burning her.
As passionately as him, she responded to the kiss, not wanting it to end for all eternity. Her right hand found a way around his neck and entangled itself into his blond hair, steading him and herself and pressing herself closer to him, regardless of the pain that caused.
She wanted to feel him, wanted to be hold too tight so that she may believe this was not a dream, but was happening for real. He was hers. He wanted her. And she wanted him. They belonged together.

---

Muse song: As long as you're mine

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

“Yours will do perfectly. But before I can take it, I have to check it for signs of wearout. I cannot do with such a heart.”

Oliver managed a lighthearted chuckle as Yassia leaned her head against his chest to listen to his heartbeat. He could feel it skip a beat at her most tender gesture, and Oliver hoped she liked what she was hearing there. For certain, he knew it was beating a little too rapidly to his liking. To have Yassia lying there against him, to have her exchanging these not-so-subtle flirtation with him, it was exhilarating, His heart had never felt anything like this. Sure, he have had his heart beat rapidly before whenever he was with women, but it hadn’t fluttered the way it did now. With Yassia, it seemed to soar high. “It’s been broken and beaten, played with fire and got burnt, but I assure you it remains strong and whole,” he replied, a serious undertone evident in his voice as if guaranteeing her that his heart was capable of giving anything and everything that she would ask from it.

His heart has been through quite an overwhelming past with a gypsy lover once before, but Oliver had remained strong. He had thought he would never feel the same way again for a woman, but what he was feeling with Yassia now, albeit in so short a time, was eerily like that…and yet more. There was something new here, something that he hadn’t felt before. And Oliver wished he knew what it was.

“I’m not exactly a good boy myself. I was constantly the source of my father’s frustrations,” Oliver remarked with a small laugh. 'Despite the circumstances, I truly am thankful and happy to have met you.” Technically, he was some sort of the family black sheep. Quite the rebel, pigheaded, happy-go-lucky. Somehow, somewhere, he must have done something in his past to experience this kind of happiness right here, right now. He knew he didn’t deserve this, but he was nevertheless full of gratitude to the powers-that-be that made this happen.

The feel of her soft lips against his own sent his nerves into frenzy. Waking up every corner of his body, it felt like being brought back to life after decades of a meaningless existence. Sure, he had kissed a few other women in the past, have even entered into a rather passionate relationship at one time, but none of them equaled this feeling, this moment right here with Yassia. Oliver had never felt more alive in all his life than now. Suddenly, it felt like everything was making sense, like everything had meaning all of a sudden.

When she responded to his kiss, Oliver felt fire roar inside him. The feel of her fingers digging through his hair only fueled him on as his hand moved down the side of her body and rested on her waist. As he deepened the kiss, he snaked his hand around the small of her back to hold her closer to him. They had only met hours ago, and yet the kiss felt so right, so perfect. Could this really be happening? The fear that he might suddenly wake up and find out that this was all just a dream suddenly coursed through him, and Oliver only intensified the kiss, not wanting to let go just yet. But when the need for air came, Oliver gently pulled back and rested his forehead against hers, not wanting to pull away too far. He gave her a small smile as his breathing came out in ragged sighs, his chest heavy with panting.

Lightheaded, his head swimming in ecstasy, Oliver might as well be drunk in all of this. She was intoxicating, and he knew he could never have enough of her. He ought to say something, anything, but the words escape him. No, words were not enough to describe what he was feeling right now. Words would only undermine it, so he just let it go. Looking into her eyes, he hoped she could see in his own just how happy and content he was right now. Oliver gave Yassia another tender kiss on the tip of her nose before leaning his head and taking her lips into another kiss, this time more heated and more passionate than the last one.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

“It’s been broken and beaten, played with fire and got burnt, but I assure you it remains strong and whole,”

His words intrigued her even more than the beat of his heart, which was truly saying something, as she had been occupied with its luring, calming sound for a good moment, not missing the slight faltering there had been for a second. That could mean nothing at all, but it could also mean the world. Her world. Sweet stars, what dangerous game had she started to play? She should not do any of this, should stop before she got entangled too deep! It was already happening, but Yassia just could not bring herself to pull the ripcord. Not this time. She had been reasonable and rational all her life… but she had never known how strong a temptation could be.
And then there were his words. Broken and played with, really? And if he had gone through these ordeals with still having a whole heart, he was a strong man indeed. Yassia didn’t know if she could do that.

”Who dared to hurt you that much?” she whispered, looking at him questioingly. Maybe it was too private a question to ask, but Yassia did not like this at all. No one had a right to play with this beautiful heart. Not because she thought she had a claim on it now, but because it was Oliver’s heart. And no one should ever hurt Oliver! He was too precious for that! “Tell me the name and with my witchpower I will find this person and take revenge!”

She gave a light, amused chuckle as he delved deeper into explaining what a bad boy he had been. Oh, she could see it all! The little boy, probably already yearning to be a hunter, running around in the forest while his parents rather would have had him at home, safe. Also, not in every forest you were allowed to hunt, sweet stars, you weren’t even allowed to so much as set a foot in some, if the ruler of that area was particularly crazy! On her journey, Yassia had truly seen it all, sometimes even experienced it the hard way. Little Oliver might have gotten himself in much trouble disobeying these rules!
”I’m sure you drove them crazy sometimes”, she teased him, but her eyes were glowing warmly. “However, I am sure you have parents that are very proud of their son! You are fearless, else you wouldn’t have wanted to go after a cockatrice in the first place. Then you showed consideration and initiative… yes, I am sure they can be proud of such a son.”

He was happy he had met her?! Well, even if it had been evident before, hearing him actually say it, made the bubble of happiness in Yassia swell even more. It felt so unbelievable good to be… accepted like that. Even though, a bitter thought sneaked its way into her mind, if he knew who she really was, he might not accept her so readily. And Yassia was too selfish in this very moment to open her mouth and tell him the truth.
”I might have said it before…but just to say it again. The feeling is mutual. I’d gladly take another shot if that is what it takes.” That was sounded only half jokingly. Yassia had probably never meant anything so serious in her entire life.

This kiss… and the whole encounter that had led to it was simply too good to be true! Oh how she wished for it never to end, never to cease. She knew that eventually they would have to break apart, if only to take in a new breath of air, but for now Yassia pushed this thought far back into her mind. She feared that if she let go of him for just a second, he would disappear, think twice maybe, or anything else could happen.
But nothing did. Like this moment was meant for only him and her, a zone of protection had been figuratively drawn aorund them, so no one dared to penetrate it. Thinking, however, was the farthest thing from Yassia’s mind right now, she was far too occupied with FEELING.
With every second, another new and unexplored sensation added itself to the heap she was already experiencing, and she felt like ever fibre of her body was humming with life and bliss.

For just a split second she tensed, as Oliver’s hand slipped around her waist, as it brought back a flicker of a horrible memory buried deep inside her, but it vanished as quickly as it had c ome. No, she was not in any danger. She wanted this, wanted to feel him as close as she possibly could!
Seeing her own exuberant joy mirrored in his eyes made her want to scream out with happiness, but she just stared back at him, out of breath, but practically yearning for what was to come next.
Yassia might be no expert in kissing, and so she could not tell if what she did was acceptable to him, but she responded with the same kind of passion, letting go of every restraint she might have felt. Just for this moment, just for this night… she wanted to be happy. And this made her happy, so why stop?

---

OOC: Bleck, really not satisfied with this one... sorry :/

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

”Who dared to hurt you that much?”

He had managed a chuckle at her bold question. Normally, he would have stepped back and refuse to answer a rather private question, but Oliver was feeling none of that at the moment. Matters of the heart was not private when it comes to her. Somehow, the earlier offering of his heart had made him want her to know what it had been through. Whether she realized or not that he had meant it, Oliver was determined to let her in about that part of his past.

"Me," he replied simply. "I played with fire and I got burnt. It was all my fault." That was true. He had defied his father and went on to have a clandestine affair with a wanderer, a total no-no for a prince like him. When his father found out, things had gone the wrong turn for both him and the girl. His only consolation was she had loved him enough to still want to remain friends. "I had a gypsy lover once. She was the most carefree and freedom-loving woman I have ever met, and I fell madly in love with her." His time spent with Laurelin had always been the sunshine to his otherwise dreary and boring palace life. It was no surprise that he had easily attached himself to her as his means of escape, rebellion. "I didn't realize until later that I only enjoyed the good times with her. My father didn't approve. When he found out, he told me to leave her or else..." Oliver paused. His father had threatened to disinherit him, to strike him out of the family if he continued to be stubborn. "I might as well have easily turned my back on her." It hadn't been that easy of course, and the events had all been muddled and hazy in his head as he didn't want to relive them again. Why he was suddenly gushing out all of this to Yassia now was beyond him. For a moment, Oliver had lapsed into a silent and thoughtful reverie, looking out towards the shadows before them. When he shook himself out of it, he looked apologetically at Yassia. "I'm sorry, I didn't meant to tell you about all the drama in my life. You bewitched me to do so, didn't you?" he added with an impish smirk, hoping to lighten up the moment.

Then he paused and looked her in the eye. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to ask her the same private question. He hoped she wouldn't mind him asking it, although he wouldn't force her if she didn't want to reveal her story. "What about your heart?" He couldn't hear nor feel the beating of hers as he was afraid to unnecessarily disturb the wound over her left shoulder. He would have to take her word for it.

But the kiss, the kiss all made up for every pain and suffering that he had brought upon himself in the past. This kiss was all that mattered right now. And it may be too soon, but Oliver was already too tempted to ask Yassia to run away with him. Oh, if only. If only he hadn't made that vow to be mature and responsible earlier, then he would have probably taken her away with him, and he would have easily left his friends and his life behind. But no, part of him was telling him to set his life straight from here on out. He didn't know what it was but somehow it was Yassia who made him want to do it. Instead of wanting to run away like he almost did with Laurelin, Yassia was somehow telling him to go back and be a good prince...and everything will be better.

As better as it was right now. He felt her soft lips respond to his own passionate kisses, and Oliver felt the fire continue to consume him. It was good kind of fire. It didn't burn. It warmed him up and wrapped him in a comfortable cocoon where he wanted to stay forever with her. Boldly, he teased her lips with a flick of his tongue, teasing them to open for him. He wanted more of her, and no matter what he was going to do, he knew he can never get enough. "Yassia," he moaned through the kiss as he gently but firmly lured her in, willing her to open up to him more.



ooc: Pfft! It’s still awesome to me.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

When she had asked the question, Yassia had not expected a detailed answer, in fact, she had even expected him to circumvent it, or tell her some name that would tell her nothing. But what Oliver did surprised and almost shocked her. Here he was, practically wearing his heart on his sleeve, telling her things that most likely were not easily disclosed. Even more astonishing was that he took the blam all for himself, even though Yassia honestly could not see where he would have been at fault. Why would his father not agree to a nomad? What kind of family was it Oliver had been born into, it didn’t sound a thing like what Yassia had had in her mind about commoner families. But then, nomads were seldomly warmly received anywhere. They were wanderers between firmly set world of common custom and tradition, and they could not be held responsible for whatever they did, as they were outside law and order. They were often seen as nuisances, threats even. So maybe Oliver’s father had just been one of the very conservative sort, while his son was refreshingly open minded and kind.

Yassia also couldn’t help the little sting of jealousy she felt as Oliver mentioned this carefree nomad girl. He must have been so in love with her to speak of his broken heart in such words! And she probably still held her in his heart. Maybe he didn’t even like her, Yassia, but only saw her as a reminder of a once wonderful time with someone else? Maybe he saw this other girl in her? It would be a reasonable explanation, even though the thought pained the young woman like nothing else. She could even feel her heart being pressed tightly together, ridding her of all strength and taking away the air to breathe. No… please, don’t let me be nothing but a substitute…
Then again…hadn’t he drawn the line himself under her dreams, maybe even unintentionally? With telling her his father would never approve of a nomad, he had put an end to her crazy thought of taking up a new identity. She could not very well assume he would defy his family for her. Who was she kidding? There was no future to any of this!
”It is all good, Oliver”, she reassured him though. “I don’t mind.”

And then he asked about her own heart. The question wasn’t even that easy to answer, like she had thought it would be. Looking at him to show him she would not avoid this inquiry, Yassia took a moment to think, then began in a low, composed voice.
”It’s rather peculiar when you think about it. I’ve been through a lot, but somehow it was never my heart that was in peril. My body, my will, my strength and my virtue, take your pick – but my heart?”
Vortigern had tried for sure, but somehow Yassia had always been able to keep her heart safe. He could not stomp it to pieces, because she had never opened it to him. She had hated him from the start, and that hatred had made her strong even in the darkest hours of her captivity. And he, too, had felt that there was something he could not reach and it had drove him livid with anger.
But then another thought crossed her mind, and a few faces, smiling and serious, appeared before her inner eye, making her shiver.
”Though my heart was stabbed every time I lost one of my family…. And worst when my stepbrother Mircea died, because of me… in a way I killed him.”

Was she doing the right thing? She could not help but ask herself this question quickly as their kiss deepened in heat and fire. Her body alone was most content, awake and practically sizzling with the amount of new sensations that washed through it every time his lips made contact with hers. She wanted more – but could she? Could she go further? Could she allow herself to let go of everything?
"Yassia,"
The voice seemed to come from far away, though she knew it was his. And it did not call her to reason, on the contrary… it lured her further on unknown, possibly dangerous ground.
It was a siren’s call… she could not resist. Slowly, hesitantly her lips parted to welcome him in, while she relaxed more into his arms, practically melted into them. She was his… and she wanted to be nothing else.


ooc: Oh wow, I just died reading your post... *fans herself* Hope this can do it at least a little justice

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Even as Yassia reassured him that she was fine with him telling her that particular drama in his life, part of Oliver told him she wasn't quite at ease about it. Did he just tell her in so many words that there can never be anything serious between them? Did his story about his gypsy lover just showed her that there was no place for nomads in his life? Oliver felt so stupid at already stomping down something that had just barely grown between them. He had no such intention even though he knew it to be the truth. Selfish and hurtful as it may be to admit it, but this moment right here with Yassia was only going to stay here, nothing more. And it hurt him to admit it.

He had to come clean. Something was telling him to at least explain himself, to not let his own hopes up too high. While he cannot tell her who he was exactly, at least he can be truthful about that which was going on between them. Moreso now that she was telling about her heart, how it had been repeatedly stabbed and yet never really in peril.  He understood the part about her body, her will, her strength, her virtue being put on the line. He can only imagine what she had gone through in all her travels. Life on the road is not exactly a relaxing walk in the gardens. Dangers lurk in every corner, and lucky is the man or woman who can survive each day living like that. He admired her bravery and courage. He admired her. And he owe it to her to be forthright about whatever it is that was going on between them.

"You killed nobody, Yassia. Life is cruel, but as you said everything happens for a reason. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger," he told her, reassuring her. She had already lost so much, she can't have the burden or guilt of their deaths in her hands as well. That was already taking more than enough beating than was necessary. It was not healthy. Oliver can't have her thinking like that. "Take strength in the fact that you're still alive despite everything. Life has something else, something wonderful in store for you to have come this far. Hang in there."

When she parted her lips and welcomed him, it felt like the most wonderful thing in the world to have happened to him. It was extraordinary and yet it was so natural. Not forced or coerced. Like it was the natural, normal progression of things. It felt like all of the world connived to bring him and Yassia here together. It felt like the meeting of souls that have been endlessly in search of each other. Oliver kissed her deep. He kissed her hard. He savored the taste of her lips in his own, and reveled in its sweetness. He willingly let himself go and sway in rhythm of the dance that their lips and their hearts were deep into. 

Their hearts. Oliver knew his own heart would take a beating once they part, but it had to be done. There was no future her for them. He can't subject her to the same pain he had subjected Laurelin. He will have to take this gift as it was given to him now--a temporary respite, a reminder of all the good things in life. The least he could do to cushion the pain was to face it head on, to face it bravely. But not right now. He was too weak to fight the welcome torrent of emotions that were swimming inside around him. He wanted to bask forever in the happy wonderful feeling they brought him. "I want you, Yassia. I want you like I've never wanted anyone in my life before," he spoke breathlessly when they broke the kiss for air. "I know I sound like some random stranger who's just trying to get lucky with you...it's just...I want you to know you can end this anytime you want to, and I won't stop you. I will respect your decision, I will respect you." He wanted to reassure her that he was no pervert, and that his intentions are pure and honorable. How it was possible to feel so strongly for someone he had just met was beyond him, but he was grateful for it happening anyway. It was too beautiful a feeling to just throw away.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

She had tried so hard to tell herself that. But somehow ‘everything happens for a reason’ just could not apply to Mircea’s death. What would be the reason in something so pointless?! It had caused her to go through so much pains, not only of the heart, but also of the body. She had been forced to travel Albion on foot, as she did not have enough money to buy herself a new horse. She had been without guidance and without a guard for most of her journey, and she still would be whenever this beautiful night was over.
”If it wasn’t for him dying, I know I’d be anywhere but here right now”, she stated softly, looking up at him. “So I cannot say which I would like better. Of course I would wish him alive and well, but…” she trailed off. No, that could not be true. How preposterous was it to bestow such a huge meaning on her meeting Oliver?! There was no future in this, so it could not be something that had been forged by the stars with such grand and desastrous means beforehand!

”Of course I am glad to be alive!” That came off almost too fierce, as if she had to convince herself, or rather: kick herself to finally snap out of her self-pity. “And… if any more moments I get in my life should make me feel as good as I feel now, then I truly can be called a happy person”, she continued softly, her eyes gleaming. “It’s certainly more than worth a little hanging in there. I just hope there will be no more deaths. What about a happy ending? That can’t be too much to ask for, yes?” she joked, though she knew that for her there would be no happy ending. Not in this case, at least, and maybe not ever. Only time would tell. Of course there were people always saying that those who suffered most under the bludgeonings of chance were those being rewarded mostly as well in the end. That everything served only to make them worthy of the great luck they were given when they had suffered enough, because who never lost did not deserve a victory and who did want everything had to give a lot to get it.

She had welcomed him, had jumped off that imaginary cliff and the reward she received was unlike anything she had ever known. As his tongue played with her teeth and explored her mouth, she felt hot fire surging all through her body, starting from somewhere deep within her. It was a sweet sensation, but thoroughly overwhelming and almost too much to bear. And yet she wanted more of it. She had heard of certain types of mushrooms that could make your head all light and show you the most wonderful things, so after a while you would get addicted to this feeling.A drug, they called it. Was Oliver her drug? If so, she wanted to stay addicted for the rest of her life! Moaning with the pleasure she felt, she pressed herself even closer to him, and this time, oddly enough, the pain she felt from her fresh wound only added to the sensation.

"I want you, Yassia. I want you like I've never wanted anyone in my life before,"
There it was again, the siren’s call. He wanted her… and she wanted him. Oh so, so much! Her body practically ached for him to touch her, also in places he could not reach yet, and for a moment she was so tempted to throw everything she had been brought up to and was made of overboard. She was ready to let go of Princess Yassia just for him and his flaming touch.
But then, his next words made her stop and think. Their lips had parted for him to say all this, and somehow it caused her mind to kick in again. What was she doing?! Just a day before she had been certain to never again let a man touch her. The wounds Vortigern and his cruel actions had caused had been numbed by Lorcan somewhat, but she had not done anything she would regret later. She had not felt so tempted to give herself to him, wholly, like she now was with Oliver. And now that the question was being brought up, Yassia found there was only one answer to it.

Her body was clearly telling her to go on…but her heart was saying no. There was no future to this, and she could not be so irresponsible. This was a great gift to give, and even though she surely would not find anyone more suitable than Oliver, it could not be. Not here. Not like this. And therefore never.
”I want you too”, she whispered, biting her lip as devastation flooded her mind. “But I can’t… please accept that. Not further… I can’t…”

[Oliver Strathmore of Mercia]

Oliver nodded, pensive, as Yassia continued to tell him about how her brother's death had affected her, had brought her to where she was now. It was always sad to know that recent circumstances have been brought about by previous sad ones. No matter how magical or beautiful things right now are, it can't help but be tainted by the fact that her brother's death had brought her here. Oliver didn't know whether he should be thankful now or not. He didn't want her to be sad, but then he probably wouldn't have met her had it turned out otherwise. "I am so sorry for your loss," he told her as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, reassuring her. "I wish you didn't have to go through so much pain." There was only so much Oliver could say to comfort her. Perhaps the only consolation they could get out of it was that Yassia still remained strong and steadfast throughout her ordeal. If she remained this way, Oliver knew she could survive anything and everything that life throws her way.

"What about a happy ending? That can’t be too much to ask for, yes?"

Oliver couldn't help but smile. Who wouldn't want a happy ending? People may not say it out loud, but they all want the rest of their life to be as happy as can be. However, looking at their situation now, the chances of them staying together and making a happy ending of their own was next to nothing, if not nothing at all. He couldn't be with her no matter how much his heart ached to spend every moment of his life with her. A free woman such as Yassia can never be forced to conform to the set rules and traditions of palace life. She would hate it, and Oliver cannot have that. And then of course, there's the matter of his father being nitpicky about the women he and his brother would marry.

Getting drunk in her kisses and the feel of her warm body against his was such a welcome respite on an otherwise cold and tiring night like this. Never had Oliver expected to "catch" this kind of reward when he had decided to come hunting in the Forest of Balor, and he was unbelievably joyous like never before. His body ached for her. He wanted to touch her, feel her, know more about her in so many ways others can only wish and imagine. And Oliver, too, would willingly offer himself to Yassia. Everything she wanted, he would give her. He had thrown all caution to the wind hours ago. All he wanted was to be one with her.

”I want you too, but I can’t… please accept that. Not further… I can’t…”

Then of course, she was a woman with her own wishes and principles. She was her own person. Oliver respected and cared for that person more than anything right now. The look on her face when she told him she couldn't go further devastated Oliver as well, but he understood. "Don't frown, sweetheart. Knowing that you want it as much as I do is more than enough for me. And I don't know how to thank you for already making me very happy tonight," he tenderly replied before feathering a soft kiss on her lips. This was truly a blissful moment for him, where everything just seemed so right, so perfect. His heart soared through the leaves on the trees and out to the clear night sky above in joyful release. This in itself was already a wonderful gift that he would forever be grateful for.

He gave Yassia a smile and leaned back on the log even as he guided her to lie comfortably against him. He took her hand and wove his fingers through her own. "I dread the morning, because I'm not ready to let you go just yet," Oliver spoke more to himself than to Yassia. He could already feel the slight ache in his chest at the thought of seeing her go, but he knew it was inevitable. He needed to prepare himself. He heaved a deep and heavy sigh as if trying to let all the pent up emotions out of him. "I will not forget you. Whatever tomorrow brings, I will always cherish you, Yassia." It felt like he was already saying goodbye, and he felt like he was being stabbed a million times. "You think you will remember me just as much? Even with all the men that you will continue to meet in your journeys?" he asked teasingly as he cocked his head to look at her, an impish little smirk playing on the corners of his lips.

[Yassia Dyfrène de Ailantha]

"I am so sorry for your loss," "I wish you didn't have to go through so much pain."
His words, his sweet caring words and the actions accompanying it had an effect on Yassia she had not thought possible: It somehow eased the raw pain of the inward wound she had ever since Mircea had died. And even before that. Suddenly it was as if he had not only made her forget what she had been through, he also healed it. Of course, it would take a long time for these wounds really to heal, more than it would take the actual wound on her shoulder to turn into nothing but a scar, but still… him caring for her made it bearable. It was this odd feeling again, she had already glimpsed before: that if he only stayed at her side she would be able to conquer the world and nothing would faze her. He was her shield and sword at the same time – and yet it could not be. Because she could not stay with him, as little as he could stay with her. Maybe the reminiscence of this feeling would have to do for the future.
”Like you said, maybe it has made me stronger”, she replied with a thoughtful smile that still held the warmth she was feeling towards him. “Who knows… in a few years time, I could look back on it all and smile.”

In a few years time… only the stars knew where she would be then. Her path was not as clear as the milky way, moving in a glittering band across the sky, but one day she would find it. Or she might not. The path maybe was not something you realized when walking it, but what you saw when you looked back. It might be a difficult way of living, never knowing what lay waiting around the next corner, but then it could also be a blessing. Had she know what would await her as soon as crossing the border, Yassia knew she would not have dared to flee. And then she would not be here, but living an unhappy life with a husband she despised and that constantly worked to overthrow her.

With a feeling like she would regret this decision for the rest of her life, Yassia felt Oliver pull back and she wanted to cry out with the unbearable pain. They had been brutally forced into reality again. Even though she wanted to, Yassia knew she could not change who she was. To him she might seem a homeless wanderer, but she was a woman with a clear destiny, and her feelings could not have any say in this matter. Losing her virtue for the first time had not been her choice to make, but this time she would have done it willingly, would have given him everything. But there were consequences at stake she could not risk. What if she became pregnant? Yassia knew from her mother that there were some very rare plants that could prevent conception, solidago for one, but they were of no use in hindsight and she had not bothered taking them. Why even? This had not been planned in any way!

But his words reassured her again and her heart melted at their sweetness. How could anyone be so understanding, so loving?!
Sweetheart… there were no words to describe what this simple and yet so meaningful word made her feel. She was now flying with the birds across the sky, soaring in a feeling of joy that was unfathomable. In her own language, this word held another connotation, a binding. Only someone you truly loved and you considered to stay with would be called Nuvi.
”Don’t thank me”, she protested softly. “You have given me so much more in return! I don’t know how I deserve this – it’s too magical. You, Oliver, are the best thing that ever happened to me in all my life.” And that was no lie. Even though she had had many happy moments in her life before, this ranked above everything, even though it was not meant to last – or maybe because?

They were already talking of departure now, and Yassia felt guilty for bringing it up. The thought of having to leave tomorrow, as she surely would be fit enough to walk again and could not waste another day, filled her with so much devastation she though her heart would burst.
Gladly she caught the teasing twinkling in his eyes, else she would have felt offended at his words. How could he say she would ever forget him?! Was that really what he thought of her, that she was running around seducing men at will and forgetting about them the next day? Somehow mere words seemed not enough to prove him wrong, and so Yassia, probably still slightly woozy from the alcohol and the intoxicating kisses they had shared, chose another path.
Reaching up slightly, she brought his head down again and met him in a kiss. A kiss that was as tender as it was sweet, as fierce as it already held the bittersweet taste of farewell. It was all she could give and she hoped it would be enough. After a moment she released him, her eyes now showing the same mischievous glinting. “Does that answer your question?”