...Walked with you once upon a dream...

Pt. 10

When both of you arrived at the dining hall, the servants and chefs were filling the table with hot and cold food. Jacques led you to your seat as you sat down and then sat in his own.

The table was an array of different foods. Both you and Jacques were made a special juice from the kitchen. You both took a sip out of your goblet's to find it had a satisfying sweetness. The server's started to fill both of your plates. Full of meats, eggs, fruits, breads, and pastries. As usual, you both ate in silence as both of your mouths were full.

After you both finished eating, Jacques stood up and walked next to you. ''Can I interest you for a stroll on the beach?'' Jacques asked holding his hand out. You grinned at him, took his hand, and stood up. You were more than happy to go on a stroll with Jacques, plus you haven't been on the beach this year yet.

It was clear and sunny outside, with the water being totally calm. Just smelling the ocean breeze was joyous. There was a swing type bench at the back of the sand. You both walked to it and sat down looking at the water. You looked over at Jacques who looked radiant and healthy now. So what now? You HATED this question, but WANTED to know the answer!

''So....what are you going to do now?'' you answered lowly and with your head down.

Jacques could tell this bothered you some, so he chose his words wisely.

''I don't know. I don't know if I have an estate, lands or even a horse! I do know this, I have a TARNISHED name!'' he said hiding his face in his hands.

Your hand found it's way on his back and gently rubbed circles. You did this for a few minutes. He stayed in his current state until you dragged him into your body hugging and holding him.

He could tell by your touch and some of your maternal instincts, that didn't matter to you at all. Usually, this information would turn women away. Especially in a place where status was of high importance. You obviously could care less. He could of been a peasant who worked in the fields, didn't matter.

You shushed him as you continued to rub his back. His head found a place on your shoulder to lay on. Eventually, his arm snaked around your neck. Your hand moved to rubbing the back of his head as you slowly felt his body relax.

Jacques slowly turned his head to face your neck. You looked over as you saw strands of dark hair covering his face. You slowly cleared the loose strands and tucked some behind his ear. He smiled at you and then spoke, ''I need to get a letter to Count Pierre d'Alençon.'' You nodded to him as you continued to rub his head. ''Let's ho to the library then,'' you said as you kissed his forehead.

You both got up and then went inside. A thunder storm formed out of no where bringing large droplets of rain. The temperature had dropped some too. It was a good thing both of you made it inside before it landed.

The servants were putting on more wood on the fire as you both entered. When they finished, you thanked them and ordered for them to bring you each a little snack. As they left, you pointed Jacques to the desk that held the paper, quill, ink, and sealing wax. He thanked you and went over and set everything up.

The fire was roaring as you sat down on the floor pillows. The servants brought you each a mug of rich, hot chocolate. Each of you thanked them as they left. Weirdly, you wanted to see Jacques write. Curiosity was eating at you, so you got up and went over.

He wrote beautifully. Some of the best calligraphy you have seen. As he signed his name, you had to ask, ''Where did you learn such perfect writing?''

''I wouldn't necessarily call it perfect,'' Jacques said. He then rolled it and put some hot wax on it and stamped it with a ring he had on. It appeared to be a sigil, HIS sigil. It looked to be a bird sitting on a snake. You didn't ask what it meant because in reality, most sigil's don't make sense.

He looked at you afterward. ''Is there someway I can get this delivered?'' he asked.

''Of course! Just give it to me and tell me where it's going and I'll give it to our mail rider, you said. He gave you the paper with the unbroken seal and went to the room next door. You relayed the information to the rider. He took the letter, bowed, and left. 

You then went back into the other room to find Jacques of the floor with YOUR book. You dragged a floor cushion next to him and sat down. ''Enjoying yourself?''you asked.

''I see you like these fictional tales of magic and odd beasts,'' he said.

''Not all, some have princesses, princes, fairy's, mermaids, sorcerers, witches, warlocks.....,'' you said.

''I can't really blame you for having interest, who wouldn't like to find some magic to pull them out of their standard lives?'' Jacques replied.

You sat down next to him. ''My thoughts too,'' you responded.

''Your turn to read to me,'' you added.

He knew he was going to walk into that trap sometime, but he didn't mind. He just smiled at you and began reading one of your stories.

His voice was a soothing baritone to you as he read. Something you could never grow tired of hearing! You sat between his legs and got comfortable. The weather outside grew dark. The fire showered you both with it's heat as Jacques read on.

Your head was slowly shifting to the side as you quickly straightened it a few times. The last time defeated you as you fell into a slumber. Jacques read on a few minutes before he heard your tiny snores. He untied his cloak and covered you with it. He then pulled you onto his lap and held you there.

The scent of your shampoo was intoxicating. He combed his fingers through your (H/C) locks and brushed his fingertips down your soft cheek. He didn't deserve to be saved, but you did it anyway. Why?