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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jan 9, 2013 5:57:36 GMT -5
Even as Oliver started putting his clothes on, his eyes were lovingly watching his beloved wife put hers on as well. Somehow after the wedding or a few days before that, Oliver had taken to dressing himself up without the aid of a servant, at least the basic breeches and tunic. It was the least he could do as a respectful nod and reverence to the days when Yassia had been wandering the lands of Albion all on her own, fending for herself, surviving day to day without the aid of a servant. He could see the benefits now. He need not require the services of his servant Lot right away as soon as he wakes up, and that only gives him more alone time with Yassia. He wouldn't want it any other way.
“Would you help me with the lacing, love?”
"Always," Oliver replied, a smile in his eyes, as he slung his tunic over his bare shoulder and moved to stand behind Yassia. His hands found the dainty lacing on the back of her dress and he gently woved them together as he had done before. It had been a rather intimate gesture the first time Yassia had asked him to do it after their wedding night, and he had no idea what the meaning behind the gesture was until his lovely wife told him about it. One thing that never seized to amaze him about his wife is her ability to well...amaze him with knowledge and lores that Oliver never knew existed. Their nights, while mostly heavy with sweet and passionate lovemaking, were also filled with easy conversations on just about anything. And well, Oliver loved a conversation more than anything in the world. Well, now after his wife.
"So tell me again," he asked taking his time tying the laces. "What makes this simple gesture an intimate moment shared only between a husband and a wife?" He couldn't help it, but he loved listening to his wife tell him of tales from her side of the land.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Nov 28, 2012 11:11:52 GMT -5
Oliver was traveling with his father, Mercian king Lord Bayard to Graecia following an invitation. Bayard and the king of Graecia had been good friends and allies, and it was but natural for them to renew those ties every so often to keep the friendship and confidence between the two kingdoms. Most often, it was Edmund who would accompany Bayard to these visits seeing as his Crown Prince and would soon takeover the Mercian throne after his father. But this time, Edmund had to hold the fort to take care of some border issues with a nearby kingdom that it was Oliver's turn to take his father's right hand side.
Not that the old man needed it. Bayard always run these shows himself, and young Oliver was only too willing to let him do it. The second prince of Mercia was more interested in seeing more of the kingdom. The last time he had visited, he was but a little boy. And his only memory of the kingdom of Graecia was the pretty princess Polyxena. He wondered how she looked like now. Probably still lovely. An amused grin curved on the corner of his lips at the thought of meeting her again after all these years.
Oliver snapped out of his thoughts at the voice of his friend and knight Pablo. "It was too quiet, Sir," he remarked with a small chuckle. "Hopefully, we will have some excitement inside...like a rowdy and noisy welcome party to be exact." Of course, Oliver had spoken in a low tone that only Pablo can hear. He doubt his father would be pleased to know Oliver wasn't really looking forward to the boring royal council meetings. The prince was here to have fun, and he hoped his dear friend Pablo was up for it. "Cheer up. You wouldn't want the princess to see you all brooding and mopey now, would you?" he teased the knight, an impish grin on his face.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Nov 28, 2012 10:41:19 GMT -5
The young prince couldn't help but wonder if his princess wife was already starting to inherit from him that trademark cheekiness Oliver had been infamous for around the kingdom. For definitely at this very moment, Yassia was meeting his comments with cheeky retorts of her own. Not that he was complaining. He liked this carefree and humorous side of her. He just have to keep telling himself that he needed to get used to it. More often than not, Yassia would always catch him unaware, pulling the rug from under his feet with clever quips of her own that came out of nowhere. "Oh, you'll see. I'll be quite the outstanding student you'll want to reward me with showers and showers of kisses instead," he replied with a wink.
To be with her like this, every waking moment of his life from here onwards, was too much a dream come true that there were times Oliver had to pinch himself to see if it was truly real. All his life being the rebel prince, the black sheep of the family, never had he ever dreamed to be blessed with the love of this extraordinary woman lying here with him. Her eyes showing nothing but complete trust and joy, giving him nothing less than all of herself and her love to him. Sometimes, he couldn't deny that there is a hint of fear in his heart that Yassia might be taken away from him in a blink of an eye as some sort of punishment for playing around, for not caring one bit about his responsibilities as a son of Mercia back in the days. He had repented for those transgressions, and he hoped that would be more than enough to atone for his sins.
That is why in precious moments such as this, Oliver would never ever hold back. He would never let a moment pass without letting Yassia know just how much she meant to him, how special and important she is in his life, how much he needed her, how much he loved her. In his every kiss and every touch, his every move and every breath, Oliver wanted her to always know he was all hers and hers alone.
---
"We can, if I say it so," Oliver replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he leaned his head down to plant a long and tender kiss on her shoulder which was veiled with nothing but a thin shimmer of sweat against her soft skin. If he were to have it his way, he'd much rather stay inside the tent with Yassia than go out there. They were still in their honeymoon phase to be exact, and Oliver still couldn't get enough of his beloved wife. He doubt he ever would. But of course, the young prince knew his duties all too well to be dilly-dallying about. He will have the rest of his life with Yassia, no reason to be selfish now.
After taking Yassia's lips in one more lingering kiss, Oliver then pushed himself up and off the bed to prepare himself to meet the new day waiting for them outside the tent. "Come, my love. Let's not deprive our dear friends any longer of the chance to tease us again about being besotted newlyweds," he said as he reached a hand out to Yassia, who looked heartstoppingly beautiful still all flushed from their early morning lovemaking. Oliver's heart skipped a beat looking at her, knowing he was the reason for that wonderful glow in her eyes and her smile. He knew he probably looked more like a smitten kitten than anything himself.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Nov 9, 2012 22:56:33 GMT -5
It was heartwarming to see his beloved wife getting easily acclimated to her new life as Lady Strathmore, wife to the second prince of Mercia, after all her years of wandering Albion with all its dangers and occasional cruelties. Of course, he knew it wouldn't be much too hard for the princess seeing as she is only going back to the life she once had before. When he had said his vows to her in marriage, he had also made a promise to keep her life this way now, better, more protected, safe. To see her act and look carefree every now and then was a sign that she was trusting him with that part of her life, and the Mercian prince couldn't be any more happier. When she answered his query, Oliver couldn't help but be thoughful. Two years. That is a good record to master a language. Oliver knew he would certainly do his best. Perhaps once they arrive in Ailantha where more speak the language, it would be easier. Maybe. "With your help, I know I can do it as well," he remarked with a trusting smile. He knew Yassia will also be there for him just as he would be there for her.
"Make your choice, either it STAYS under there now, or you remove it, Oliver of Mercia!"
"Oh no, that is such a difficult decision to make," he teased with his trademark mischievous grin just as his fingers dig genty onto the soft skin on Yassia's back. His lips started moving up her jaw and to that soft spot behind her ear, his kisses slowly growing in intensity and hunger. Then in one swift but gentle move, Oliver had his wife all pinned down beneath him as he took her lips in a hot and searing kiss. He didn't care about the hustle that was already growing outside of their tent as preparations for breakfast was going underway. His men and the few women who are accompanying them on this trip to Ailantha knew all too well what newlywed couples are always up to anyway. And besides, isn't this a natural thing? When love overflows between two people, they will always find a way to express them, to let each other know and feel their love in all ways imaginable. Oliver was sure that his people will, in fact, only be confused and maybe worried if he and Yassia would emerge from their tent earlier than expected. They all expected and want their prince and princess to spend some quality time together, and not want to be rid of each other as fast as they can. Happy rulers are always good rulers, they say. And Oliver was only too proud and happy to wear his heart out on his sleeve for everyone to see. His knights had even teased him more than once about it, that everyone was only seeing hearts in his eyes. Oliver didn't care. He loved Yassia with all his heart, mind, body and soul...and he wanted the whole world to know it.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Nov 4, 2012 2:00:41 GMT -5
A heartfelt little laugh issued from Oliver when Yassia told him what her foreign words meant. "You are the sleepyhead. Look at you ready to fall back to sleep again," he playfully retorted back, although he already committed the sentence to memory for use next time. He really appreciated all these little bits of conversations in Ailanthan, and hoped that soon enough he would be able to sustain it longer. Slowly but surely, yes, that was the way to go. "How long did it take your mother to learn the Ailanthan tongue?" Oliver couldn't help but wonder. From Yassia's stories of her family, her mother had been well-loved by her people even if she was not a native. Oliver could only hope he could measure up to that. The last thing he wanted was for Yassia's people to love her and yet hate him. He knew he would do his best to warm himself up to the Ailanthans and vice versa.
The gentle smile on her face and the trust and love clearly reflected in her sleepy eyes told Oliver more than enough and gave him all the strength he needed to go on everyday and do what must be done. He knew that they were both drawing strength from each other, and nothing could be more beautiful and inspiring than that. And then of course, they have the teasing that always never fails to lighten up whatever somber mood they were in. Oliver was determined to not only have love but also a healthy dose of laughter in his family. He knew full well that the ability to look at life with optimism and humor can take them a long way. And besides, life is too short to spend it brooding and skulking.
He gave Yassia a smug little smirk as she tried to worm herself out of the reward that he was asking. And then of course, Oliver knew better when he felt her hands around his neck and pulled him to her for a long, lingering and truly wonderful kiss. Oliver didn't want to pull back. More than anything, he loved the feel of Yassia's lips on his. All those time since they have parted ways in the Forest of Balor, since meeting in Camelot again, Oliver had only wished to kiss her again. Never in his wildest dreams then had he expected to be given what he has now -- a lifetime of kisses with Yassia, a lifetime of love. When their lips parted for air, Oliver rested his forehead on hers as a mischievous little grin curved up the corner of his lips. "Rewarding enough?" Now it was his turn to tease. "Ahh my love, you don't tease your husband like that in the morning, and not expect him to want more, you know," he said as he pulled Yassia closer to him, his hand snaking under the sheets and around the small of her back. Then with a sly little grin, he leaned his head in and planted a slow passionate kiss down the dainty curve of her throat.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 30, 2012 9:22:07 GMT -5
"Mol bo, dormilega!"
"In English, please," he replied with a wide sheepish grin after a confused crease had appeared on the prince's forehead as he tried but failed to decipher the foreign words that his wife was now speaking. All he knew from that mischievous look in her eyes was that she was playing with him. If Oliver didn't know any better, he would have thought that Yassia was deliberately trying to lose him in the Ailanthan tongue. Of course, he knew that his wife was only helping him enrich his vocabulary by exposing him to as much of her language as she could manage before they arrive in her country. And Oliver could only be nothing but grateful. He knew exactly what was waiting for him across the seas. If victory becomes theirs, he knew he would be more than just Yassia's husband. He would take her side as her king, and together they would reign over her people like her father and mother did. And learning the Ailanthan language by heart was only the first step for him to be able to measure up to even just half of what Yassia's father king had been. To be honest, he couldn't shake off the fear and apprehension that he might fail her there. Of course, while Oliver had been pretty honest to Yassia about this, he was also doing his best to be the best for her and for her people.
He listened to her tell him of her dream, and Oliver couldn't help but heave a deep sigh at knowing thoughts of her uncle's treachery had yet again managed to find its way into her dreams--or nightmares more like. As much as Oliver wanted to help her here, now, there was only so much he could do. Until they arrive in Ailantha, until they have gathered their forces there, until they have executed even at least phase one of their plan, there was nothing Oliver could do but comfort her with words, with loving caresses that he hoped could help even just a little bit.
"I am so sorry, my love," he whispered lovingly as his hand reached up to caress her cheek, giving it a gentle and reassuring squeeze before he leaned in and planted a long kiss on her forehead. "Not long now, you will have Ailantha back. We will take it from him, and your people will be mighty glad to have you looking after them again, you and me. Nothing is ever too late." While it was the best he could do, reassuring her with words, Oliver knew he would do anything and everything for Yassia, even if it meant giving his life so she could get hers back.
Of course, the fact that, even in her dreams, Oliver still figured quite prominently added a boost to his confidence. Yassia trusts him, and Oliver trusts her just as much. That trust, multiplied and strengthened over a million times by their love, was what's going to see them through all of this. And that thought lifted Oliver's spirits up. He wasn't going to let thoughts of Guifre ruin their day, moreso now that they are already nearing Camelot. "Surely I deserve a reward for helping you in your dream? How exactly did I help you?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mirth and mischief just like hers.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 22, 2012 19:04:22 GMT -5
The prince watched the subtle play of emotions on her sweet face as she slept, the crease of her forehead and the movement under her eyelids as if she was dreaming. And somehow, Oliver felt that it didn't seem to be quite a good one. He resisted waking her up just as her face relaxed into a soft and calm one, and couldn't help but wonder what it was from her subsconscious that was trying to sneak up through her dreams this time. He wouldn't be surprised to know if it had anything to do with Ailantha and her treacherous uncle. These past few days, as the plans to leave for Yassia's kingdom were being put in place, the princess has been having dreams as of late about her beloved home, both good and bad. How Oliver wanted to wipe those bad ones away and just replace them with good new ones.
When her eyes fluttered open, he waited for her to get acclimated to her surroundings before he would swoop in. Oh how, he wanted to "swoop" in right there and then. The sight of Yassia waking up every morning was a glorious sight he would try as much not to miss. Sometimes Yassia would beat him to it though. Waking up ahead of him, and doing the gazing herself. Somehow, it had become a playful game to them every morning. A playful yet loving one. And Oliver would like to think he was winning it, though for sure, Yassia would debate otherwise.
"Bon dia, el meu amor," he whispered softly back, smiling fondly, practicing what little Ailanthan language he had learned these past few weeks with her. His arms automatically snaked around her waist as Yassia snuggled closer, and leaned in to plant a kiss on the tip of her nose. Then he moved gently down to take her lips into his in a sweet and loving early morning kiss. "I slept like a baby," he replied as he lay his head back on the pillow beside hers, lying on his side to watch her. Outside, he could already hear their camp slowly coming to life, getting ready for breakfast and another day of traveling. "But I don't think you did. Want to tell me about it?" They were in no hurry. Camelot was now less than a day's ride, and he knew once they get there, they'd have at least a couple of days to restock their provisions...and of course, to bid their friends goodbye.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 16, 2012 8:25:23 GMT -5
Sweet dreams are made of both the explainable and unexplainable. But most often than not, it is the unexplainable, the unfathomable that make those dreams sweeter. It is the tempting and the beautiful unknown that make every moment exciting, mysterious, and worth looking forward to--every second, every minute of everyday.
Such were the thoughts raving inside Oliver's mind as he gazed down at the lovely sight slumbering softly beside him. Hungrily drinking in every curve and every line on her beautiful face, the prince lovingly watched his one and only princess just as the first rays of the early morning sun started to peek from the distant horizon and kiss the walls of their tent. The unknown may be waiting for them ahead, but Oliver felt neither fear nor hesitation in his heart as he knew he would not be facing it alone.
They were on their fifth day of travel, leaving Mercia a few days after the wedding to make their way down south of Albion, across the seas to the east, and on to Ailantha for Yassia to take back what was rightfully hers. With the rather daunting task waiting for them ahead, Oliver chose to make the most out of quiet moments like this, just to pause and marvel at all the blessings around him, especially this one lying peacefully beside him, trusting him with all her heart. Oliver knew he would never get over just how heartbreakingly beautiful his wife was, inside and out. Everyday, he never fails to thank the stars for this wonderful gift that he was given, inspite and despite of everything.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 14, 2012 8:41:20 GMT -5
1. Wants to tackleglomphug Yassia because I miss her like woah.
2. I still haven't watched both Merlin episodes yet, must stay away from spoilers.
3. Why are weekends so short?
4. That pizza I had for dinner is made of heavy stuff. Burp. Excuse me.
5. *singing in my mind to the neighbor's music* Billie Jean is not my lover...she's just a girl who thinks that I am the one...
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 13, 2012 20:09:12 GMT -5
Nice to meet you, too, Merln! And hello, Arabis and Xenia!
1. I'd love a big thread with Merlin, Arabis, and Polyxena.
2. I'm still sleepy.
3. Need to get a good external keyboard for my tablet so RPing (and typing) would be easier here.
4. I can feel a headache coming.
5. I want to sleep.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Oct 13, 2012 6:45:42 GMT -5
Breaking my absence with this. 
1. I'm so full right now.
2. I'm sleepy.
3. I need to watch the new Merlin series episode.
4. I wonder what everybody here is up to right now.
5. I miss this site and can't wait to have awesome fun here again.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Aug 5, 2012 10:32:16 GMT -5
Oliver was pulling the reins of the two horses back to where Yassia stood explaining what happened to Jeffrey and Caitrin. Of course, she would tell them a different tale, one that is innocent yet seemingly believable. The de Archer siblings can never know what exactly had transpired between him and Yassia. What had happened will become a well guarded secret, like their time in the Forest of Balor, like their time in the river just days past. As much as Oliver was starting to hate these clandestine, yet unplanned, meetings between him and the princess, there was nothing he could do but stay mum. News and gossip travel fast, and while he trusted these friends to keep the secret, it would be too hard to explain the truth to them. Oliver can only guess how much Caitrin knew, but Jeffrey was completely clueless. It was best to keep it that way for everybody's sake.
"Next time, you ladies contemplate on giving us a chase, you best take the racing horses. This mare of yours got spooked by Arrow," he said, supporting Yassia's story and gently stroking the mane of Yassia's horse. It was actually quite a fine horse as it gave Arrow a rather good chase. But Jeffrey or Caitrin wouldn't know that unless they closely inspect the horse. Then he turned to Yassia. "Are you feeling better to ride, princess?" he asked, not really alluding to Yassia's made-up story now, but to her overall well-being. Oliver was honestly still reeling, feeling lightheaded, from their heated kisses earlier, and wasn't so sure if Yassia had recovered as well.
Addressing everybody this time, Oliver asked. "So...do you ladies have any other plans for today? Any other hunts to foil?" he asked with as wide a grin as he could afford, trying his best to regain composure as soon as he could. "I am famished, and I am sure you are too after that chase. Lot had brought a good amount of food for a quick snack back at camp. We'd love for you to join us. Right, Jeffrey?" he asked, giving his friend a little suggestive glance. He hoped Jeffrey wouldn't spoil it for him. Despite and inspite of everything, Oliver was glad to see Yassia and wanted to spend just a few more time with her before they head back to the castle where Edmund will most likely take up Yassia's time again, like he always does.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 16, 2012 10:33:43 GMT -5
Trust Yassia to call him out again for continuing to kneel before her even after she had said yes to his proposal. Trust her to always make him know that they were equals. Oliver admired her greatly for that. Though he had been brought up with a strong father ruling over the family as he does over the entire kingdom, his mother had always been a prominent and significant fixture beside him. Although not starkly clear and evident to many, Lord Bayard does seek the counsel of his beloved wife with matters that both concern the kingdom of Mercia as well as their little brood of four. But Oliver, the mischievous kid that he could be, couldn't help but squeeze in a little joke.
He couldn't resist it. Yassia did have the tendency to take things very seriously at times. Though she does have streaks of naughtiness about her, Oliver will have to make her do better. After all, the second prince of Mercia was not called the Rebel Prince for nothing. "Oh, but I do worship you, el meu amor. I worship the ground you walk on, the objects your fingers touch, the creatures your eyes lay upon. I am not worthy. Oh to me, you are--umm...perfecte!" he replied, adding a rather poetic lilt to the words as he spoke them, but then chuckling as he stumbled on the last word as he tried to remember "perfect" in her tongue. And still he didn't move. Oliver just knelt there for a good few seconds, looking up at her like an adoring, lovesick admirer.
Then of course, knowing he can never really resist his beloved's sweet plea or simply the look on her beautiful face, he slowly stood up. Without a word, he cupped her cheeks in the palm of his hands and brought his lips to capture hers in another deep and heartfelt kiss just as the sun continued to spread its rays over the horizon, over the land, waking all of Mercia up to this glorious morning.
When they pulled back, he then brought the hand with the ring before them, and saw how the rays of the sun struck the huge blue diamond that adorned it. He shifted her finger so the light could bounce off the stone and saw hues of green reflecting off of it. "This was my mother's engagement ring. It is an old Strathmore heirloom, centuries old. I hope you like old things," he added with his trademark grin. It may not be as grandiose as the diamond-studded engagement ring that Edmund had had fashioned for Yassia, but it spoke of generations and generations of love in the Strathmore family. He hoped Yassia appreciated that, and he had a feeling she would. "Can you see the hints of green there? Your green," he couldn't help but express. Reflecting Mercian blue and Ailanthan green, the ring itself was already a marriage of the colors of the two kingdoms. Though he earlier regretted Edmund's decision not to use this ring for his proposal, Oliver was happy it turned out that way now. Yes, things really do happen for a reason, and all of them had already been written in the stars.
Oliver then turned Yassia so she could watch the steadily rising sun before them and stood a little bit behind her. He wrapped his hands around her and pulled her close willing her to rest her head against his chest. With a relieved and happy sigh, he watched the serene yet breathtaking scene before them, the symbol of a new day, the symbol of the love they had once again found in each other. "I look forward to more mornings like this with you, Lady Strathmore," he expressed with a smile as he planted a gentle and loving kiss on her temple. "I love you."
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 14, 2012 8:55:23 GMT -5
She was responding. More than anything that was going on around them in the middle of the jungle, Yassia was receiving and returning his passionate kisses with a fire that was distinctly her own. The kiss was so familiar, and yet it was not. Oliver had kissed her only at least a couple of times since they have first met, and already he knew her lips against his like no other. The softness and the sweetness was a welcome and familiar respite, and yet Oliver could never get used to the way she was responding, like she was surrendering to the kiss like he was, relinquishing control, and just letting go to bask in its wonderful glory.
Boldly, he had pulled her closer not really thinking of consequences or the thereafters. On their own, his mind, his heart, and his body had acted on their singular strongest want, their strongest need, unable to hold back any longer, to be near Yassia as close as was possible in that moment. Oliver didn't even realize what he was doing until he felt her one other hand ease its way up his back, engulfing him in the warmest of embraces that sent tingles down his spine. She had accepted him, and it was all Oliver needed to turn his kisses into more feverish and passionate ones. He had been long gone, had long fallen off that cliff, not caring whether someone would catch him or not. But she was there. With open arms, she had caught him and held him close like she wasn't letting go. And Oliver fervently wished she truly wouldn't, that she'd stay there, forever.
Of course, like everything else in his life these days, nothing really ever goes Oliver's way. When he felt her jerk her head to the side, breaking the kiss, he tried his best not to take her lips back again. And then he felt her push him back, and Oliver felt himself crash against the jagged rocks by that cliff. She wouldn't even look at him, and Oliver need not be told twice. Yassia was only caught in the heat of the moment. Nothing more, Oliver told himself even as the voice inside his head wasn't agreeing with him. She was only human after all. And Oliver had to scold himself for letting his own feelings get the best of him.
As fast as his still frazzled mind and body would allow him, Oliver pushed himself off of Yassia, and stood up. The sudden loss of contact was unbearable, but he held back, an unreadable mask coming over his face even as he tried to steady his ragged breathing and calm his senses down. It wasn't until then that he heard the hoofbeats, and realized what had made Yassia stop. He didn't know what to think or what to say to her. He ought to apologize for kissing her like that, but he couldn't bring himself to lying. He wasn't sorry for what he did. He even wished he had done it sooner. But of course, his wishes were not exactly for the betterment of everybody, are they? They were his own selfish motives, one that he couldn't allow Yassia to get entangled with considering the predicament she's already in. With that thought, he held his hand out to help her up. "I'll get the horses," he told her afterwards before turning away from her, and making his way towards where Arrow and the other horse had stopped to graze on a clump of bushes.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 10, 2012 5:38:56 GMT -5
Somewhere at the back of his head, a very small voice was telling Oliver this wasn't right. Something about the way this was happening was not supposed to happen at all. But another voice, louder the first one, was drowning that small voice. This is the right thing to do, it practically shouted over the other one's whisper. This is how it ought to happen. Don't let it go. What was Oliver to do? He had always been a slave of his own thoughts. And right now, his emotions are agreeing with them. The small voice tried its best to be heard, tried to tell Oliver to think of the promise he once made, the promise to be a good and responsible son of Mercia, the promise he made to Yassia, concerning Edmund and the kingdom--
And then he felt her hand playing with his hair, and it drove the loud voice crazy and ecstatic. The small voice didn't stand a chance. The excited shouting and the rapid beating of his heart were much too loud for Oliver to ignore now. He was already trapped in her eyes, and her hands only removed any chance for him to escape. When she whispered, it only fueled the burning fire that was already raging inside him, eager and impatient to escape.
Oliver felt her grip tighten around his neck, and it was all the push he needed to jump off the edge, throwing all caution to the wind. He closed the rest of the small distance between their faces, and his lips touched hers in a kiss that poured all of the bottled up feelings inside him. It was passionate yet sweet at the same time. Gentle yet fiery. Ever since that kiss by the river, Oliver had told himself never to succumb to such temptation ever again. But who was he kidding? Every night, he dreamed of that kiss, of the kiss before that, and of more kisses to come. And somehow, this kiss right here, this was a dream come true.
Deepening the kiss, his arms snaked around her waist as Oliver pulled Yassia closer. He wanted to feel her against him, to be near her as much as possible. The small voice was gone now. The loud voice had totally taken over, rejoicing in its triumph, pushing and encouraging Oliver on. And somehow, the loud voice wasn't annoying or irritating at all. Interestingly, it assured Oliver that, yes, this was the right thing to do in this situation, and that he need not worry because, yes, something good will come out of this.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 8, 2012 21:42:39 GMT -5
Although Yassia had already practically given Oliver her answer back at the stables, the young prince somehow still felt a bit nervous about doing this proposal right here, as properly as he could do it. The first proposal had been a major blunder. Even though it was heartfelt and sincere, it didn't really come off as such to Yassia. She had seen it as a last ditch effort of the brothers to play with her emotions. Oliver admitted that had been a mistake. But of course, he didn't allow it to stay that way. He had remedied it as much as he could, bared his heart and soul to her, with the horses as witnesses no less. It took a while, but Yassia finally believed him. And with painstaking care, they relieved the heartaches of the past and tried to charge them to experience, to learn from them as they face their new life ahead together.
But for Oliver, who still felt that the proposal hadn't been truly proper mainly because it lacked a ring, he thought he might as well propose yet again. While Edmund had not exactly asked for his help on his own proposal to Yassia, Oliver had taken it upon himself to start learning bits and pieces of the Ailanthan tongue. He would be a hypocrite not to admit that he had specifically looked up the translations for "my love" and "my wife." He had not expected to use them with Yassia, but it came in handy now. And from the look on her face, she seemed to love the fact that he took the effort.
"Sempre si! Forever yes, my love!"
Oliver couldn't explain how her words affected him. If he had been happy earlier in the stables for having finally found their love for each other again, he was far happier now that she had practically blurted out her gleeful "yes" when he properly asked for her hand in marriage. And she wasn't just saying "yes" to the now, she was saying "yes" to forever. Forever with Yassia. Oliver couldn't believe how such a thing would be possible, but he knew it was. Yassia was his soulmate, the one and only person he was fated to spend the rest of his life with, and maybe even beyond that.
With a smile, he took her left hand and gently slipped the ring on her ring finger. It was his mother's engagement ring, the Strathmore heirloom that Edmund had refused to use for his supposed engagement to Yassia. Oliver had his mother's blessing to use it however he wanted to. Oliver hadn't expected to be the one to give it to Yassia, but he had kept the ring nevertheless. Like learning the Ailanthan native tongue, keeping the ring had come in handy now. He would have wanted to say something, anything, but he feared that words would only undermine the beauty and importance of this moment. Words were not enough. They never were, never will be, when it comes to his love for Yassia.
Still kneeling there, Oliver brought her hand to his lips and planted a long kiss there. As his lips touched the soft skin of her hand, the first rays of the rising sun finally crawled out of its hiding place and gloriously lit the horizon before them in spellbinding shades of yellow, orange, and white. The cold atmosphere that is characteristic of Mercian mornings lent a cool and soft feel to the world around them. Even the sound of the forest, of birds chirping, deers bleating, leaves rustling, the wind whistling...they all sang in harmony to the song in Oliver's heart. To the young prince, it was the most perfect and beautiful morning he had ever experienced in all his life.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 7, 2012 21:58:15 GMT -5
The predicament Oliver was in would have been terribly funny had it not been horribly embarrassing and scary. It was embarrassing because he had just realized how easily he had given in to the thought of pranksters destroying their hunt all for the sake of trouble, how he had easily given in to the emotions of catching the scalawags and making them pay without even much of a thought to knowing more or why. It was scary because he had assumed Yassia to be any strong man and had practically tackled her to the ground with as much force and impact. He could have easily hurt her. She could have broken some bones or hit her head against a rock. Oliver would never forgive himself for harming her like that...all because of a foiled hunt.
Still, he just lay there, practically sprawled on top of her, his face barely inches away from hers. Frozen, he could feel all wits leaving him. He was completely clueless on how to handle this situation. Yassia, it seems, always have this uncanny habit of popping up unceremoniously in his day. Not that he didn't welcome it (he welcomed it very much!), Oliver only wished he would be better prepared for it. As always, she manages to catch him unaware. And as always, he couldn't easily recover from them.
"Quite a bad surprise, huh? Once again it's the wrong prey."
Oliver found himself starting to nod, his mind actually still blank, still reeling from the rather unexpected turn of events. But then he fully grasped what it was she was saying, and he shook his head and managed a small shy chuckle. "A surprise, yes," he found himself whispering back. It wasn't bad at all really, and he knew he had not caught the wrong prey. She was the perfect prey, a prey any man would only be so lucky to catch and earn him the envy of all the other men. With that thought, he took a deep breath to steady himself. It was a mistake though, for instantly he was assaulted by a scent that was distinctly Yassia, sweet and foreign, and yet there was the scent of the forest all about her as well. It was a scent that Oliver knew he couldn't resist. She smelled of the forest, her hair, her skin, her cloak. She smelled of the very thing that keeps Oliver alive and alert.
He took another breath, just to take in the scent again, and this time, he found his mind slowly calming down, settling. "I'm sorry, I thought..." What did he thought exactly? Would he be able to tell Yassia about his embarrassing fumble without so much as blushing red. "I didn't mean to tackle you so hard like that. I should have just called out, but I was afraid..." Afraid of what? Afraid he'd lose the pursuit. Slowly but surely, Oliver was starting to realize now why he simply couldn't give up on the chase, why he desperately wanted to catch his prankster. His prankster was none other than Yassia, and it was no surprise he was so drawn to her, even without knowing it was her. "Are you alright?" he finally asked, gently and full of sincere concern, as his hand automatically reached up to pluck out a leaf from her hair. Unknowingly, his hand moved down her cheeks and he basked in the softness of her skin again his fingertips. Then his eyes met hers, and Oliver was ensnared.
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 6, 2012 20:50:31 GMT -5
Oliver planted a soft kiss on the top of her head even as he reveled in the feel of Yassia in his arms. She had accepted his warm embrace, and it only showed to Oliver how much Yassia would trust him with her safety, her life. And Oliver knew he would do anything to keep her out of harm's way from here on out. He was her sword and shield, and he will fight for her and defend her to the end. And she, well, Yassia was his strength, the wind beneath his wings, the one who makes things--anything and everything possible for him.
"No one's fault, my princess. Everything happens for a reason, and I could only hope that Edmund will see that reason," he replied just as softly as his eyes landed on his brother, still lying unconscious before them. Oliver didn't want to think about what all this was going to lead to now. He didn't even want think about what Bayard would even say. All he knew for sure was that he would do anything not to have Yassia taken from him anymore, even if it meant leaving and renouncing his kingdom, his home, he would. He had a new home now. Where Yassia was, there his heart and home is. "Don't worry you pretty little head about it. Everything will be fine," he reassured her, also at the same time reassuring himself.
With a small shake of his head, Oliver ignored her own protest at Marcus tending to her wound. He knew her enough to downplay anything that concerns her, and Oliver knew not to take them at face value so easily. Yassia was hurt, and Oliver was going to make sure she was well taken cared of. "Now what?" "Now, we get you back to bed so you can rest and get some sleep," he told her, trying so hard to keep a grin from his face. Oh, he had so many things in mind to do now that they are finally and truly together. But it seems those will have to wait until both of them had gotten their own strength back. While the night had totally brought a new and exciting kind of energy into both of their hearts, it had also taken quite a toll on their bodies.
As he stepped out of the stables, Yassia still in his arms, Oliver looked out at the horizon before them when Yassia pointed it out. He couldn't help the warm smile that appeared on his lips as he thought about the bright new things that this new day would bring them. Call it coincidence, call it fate, call it written in the stars...but it was interesting to note how so much had happened in the night and how it all sorted itself out just as a new day was dawning. As the sun would rise, so too would Oliver and Yassia's lives with each other. With the new day comes their love, a love they had once thought to have lost but have found again. "I know of a better view," he whispered as he turned towards the castle.
Along the way, a few servants and soldiers greeted them as they made their way to the stables, perhaps to help Edmund and fix things up there. Lot met them as they entered through the kitchens which was only just beginning to come to life. "Marcus is on his way, sire. I'll bring some food up to your room right away," Lot said with a smile. Then the servant turned to Yassia. "Rest well, my lady." Oliver smiled at Lot and turned towards the hallways. He walked the rest of the way up the staircase leading to the chambers, greeting the servants they meet and trying so hard to ignore the knowing smiles that he was seeing on their faces. A guard helped Oliver open the door to his chambers, and the prince proceeded towards the open balcony where he put Yassia down. The balcony offered them a better view of the horizon and the rays of the sun that had yet to start peeking out from behind the mountains. "I'll be right back," he told her as he turned towards one of the tables by his bed and took out something.
"Let me do this properly," he told her when he returned to her side, a rather shy grin playing on the corners of his lips. "I didn't exactly get a straight answer, so I just want to be sure," he added with a wink. He took a glance at the horizon and somehow tried to gather some strength from the rays of the sun that were now starting to shimmer out of their hiding place. Then he turned to look at Yassia, standing there a bit weary from all the night's events, but still looking all beautiful in his eyes. Then Oliver went down on one knee and held a rather old and well-worn ring out to her. "Yassia, el meu amor1, will you do me the greatest honor of spending the rest of your life with me, com la meva dona2?" he asked as confidently as he could, trying not to stumble over the words from Yassia's own native tongue.
__________
1 my love
2 as my wife
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 6, 2012 19:38:23 GMT -5
It didn't take a long while for Oliver to follow the trail of this particular prankster. Like Oliver, Arrow practically knew the forests of Mercia inside out and was navigating the rough roads like he owned it. With lightning speed, both horse and prince expertly dodged low lying branches, leapt over fallen logs, and stomped on muddy puddles as if it was a normal thing for them to do everyday. And soon enough, Oliver spied dark green cloak atop a horse billowing against the wind and running frantically away from them. He didn't have to second-guess himself as to who it might be. It was definitely one of the troublemakers who foiled their hunting plans for the day. With that thought, Oliver dug his heels into Arrow's side and spurred the horse onwards. There was no way the prankster was getting away from him now.
Arrow started gaining speed as he covered more road than the horse ahead of him did. Little by little, the horse, who knew he was definitely on a chase, was just as determined as its rider to overtake the one before them. Arrow seemed to be enjoying it herself. Indeed, it has been awhile since the young prince had taken her on a thrilling chase like this. And this was not to chase a measly rabbit or deer. This was a horse-and-rider chase. The best of its kind. When they reached the rather large fallen log that cut their path, Arrow gracefully leaped over it as if it was the easiest thing to do and continued on with the chase.
The hooded rider ahead was now only an arm's length away, and Oliver readied himself, leaning to the side. Oh, he was going to make this man pay. He had to admit that while the rider seemed to be in control of his mount, the horse was just not as superb in form as Arrow was. Although, he couldn't shake the nagging fact that the horse looked eeriely familiar. A few heartbeats later, Arrow and the other horse was finally neck and neck. Oliver guided Arrow closer to the other horse, and then without much thought, he let go of his own reins and jumped, launching himself at the man on the other horse. The strong impact of the jump brought both of them tumbling off the horse and onto the ground with a crash.
Oliver himself rolled a few ways off towards the nearby bushes, but he immediately scrambled towards the other figure on the ground grabbing on its cloak. "You coward!" he spat out as he pinned the person on the ground, digging his knees on both of his sides, trapping the other underneath him. He pulled at the man's shoulders and scrambled to grab the cloak that was now covering his face, Oliver himself getting ready to punch should he fight back. The man was trying to squirm out, and Oliver tried his best to pin him down. "What do you want? Messing with our hunting!" he spat again, a tad more angrily this time. But all fight suddenly flew out of him and the young prince was in for surprise of his life when he pulled the cloak away and saw a face, just a few inches away from his, that he didn't expect to see.
"Yassia?"
ooc: maybe just a couple more. but you can always post with Jeffrey and Caitrin still trying to find them when Oliver hadn't returned to that fork on the road yet. 
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Post by Oliver Strathmore of Mercia on Jul 4, 2012 1:03:09 GMT -5
With Lot staying behind to guard their hunting tools and supplies, it didn't take long for Oliver and Jeffrey to leave that clearing and chase after their troublemakers. He was glad that Jeffrey was just as eager to let the stag-hunting take a backseat for now in favor of catching these pranksters.
They had easily found the trail, thanks to the always cold and wet Mercian weather that made the forest floors soft and hardly resistant to all kinds of prints -- animal or human ones. Judging from the fresh tracks, there were only two horses. How brave of them to sneak up on a prince of Mercia and his friends on a hunt, just the two of them, Oliver thought with a smug. They have indeed picked the wrong hunters to mess with. Oliver could already feel his hands itching to grab them and drag them back to their own camp to answer for their little shenanigans. Oliver wasn't really that angry as Edmund would have been. He just thought it would be best to give them a lesson on manners. He just hoped that these pranksters are not bandits who have also plagued on the villagers. Or else, Oliver would most definitely make sure they suffer, and suffer hard.
"They must have split up."
He nodded at Jeffrey's remark as they inspected the tracks that separated into the two paths before them. "Sure," Oliver replied just as Jeffrey took the path on the right. As his friend disappeared, Oliver turned Arrow towards the other path and felt a bizarre quickening of his pulse. He knew he ought to feel at least apprehensive. If these were indeed bandits, they could have intentionally foiled the hunt so Oliver and Jeffrey would run after them. The pranksters would lead them into a trap, into a group of scalawags far greater in number than both Oliver and Jeffrey could handle. However, it wasn't that kind of "pulse" Oliver was feeling. There was hardly any feel of danger at all, only an absurd sense of excitement and a rush that pulled so hard at him to get on with the chase.
Finally, he spurred Arrow onwards. "Let's fly, Arrow!" With a grin, Oliver egged his prized horse as they sped along the path on the left, determined more than ever to catch his "prey" just as Jeffrey would catch his own. Somehow, Oliver couldn't help the nagging feeling that this hunt was going to be so much better than the previous one with the stag they had lost.
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