Long Oneshots

Lost Desire

The door groaned open, revealing a sodden figure standing in the entrance of my secluded cabin. Rainwater dripped from the edges of his princely garments, and his eyes, a mix of fear and fatigue, met mine beneath a mop of wet, disheveled hair.

Aerin: "Thank you kindly milady... I am Prince Aerin Valborn, and have been ambushed by a lone rogue during this dreadful storm." The somewhat frightened young man stated though why would he not be carrying any protection or be allowed beyond the Royal Palace alone? Very suspicious...

Jaylynn: "Attacked on the road, you say?" I studied him, the young princeling named Aerin. His response was a nod, and I stepped aside, allowing him to enter my refuge. The cabin's wooden floor creaked under his weight as he moved in, leaving behind a trail of rainwater. With a subtle wave of my hand, I closed the door, shutting out the storm that raged beyond the cabin walls.

The tapestries on the walls, relics of a forgotten era, flickered in the dim light. The air carried the faint scent of herbs, remnants of concoctions and potions I brewed for my own mysterious purposes. The hearth crackled, offering a feeble warmth against the relentless onslaught of rain outside.

As Aerin took in his surroundings, I broke the silence. "I'm Jaylynn," I stated, my voice a mixture of warmth and intrigue. "What brings a princeling like you to my humble abode?" My gaze bore into him, seeking the truth behind the facade of a shelter-seeking royal.

Aerin: "N-nothing much madam, just a solid roof to wait beneath to stay dry during this endless downpour." The Prince politely answered in short, but something about his face and eyes told a different story.

Meanwhile outside, a panicked young man was running in pain and leaving a trail of blood behind him. This was me, I was Sean Harris and I was a Royal soldier, but I'd been. hurt badly and found a nice house and banged on the door rampantly praying that someone would open it for me. It was long before my weakness overwhelmed my physical and mental form and this led to me collapsing outside.

I heard the frantic pounding at my front door and upon opening it my heart clenched as I approached the prone figure lying in a puddle of rainwater. I knelt down beside him, my fingers trailing softly down the contours of his face, inspecting him for wounds.

Jaylynn: "You poor thing, whatever did you do to deserve such treatment?" "Wait," I paused upon closer inspection. "His soft, silky black hair, and this strangely familiar scent..." Then memories flooded my mind as I suddenly knew who this was. *gasps* "Sean?" I uttered, the name lingering between us. The young man seemed to have fainted in exhaustion, his breathing shallow and labored. Aerin saw Jaylynn over my unconscious body which then sent slight rage down his spine, but he had to make an excuse to not be found out if Sean were to wake soon.

Aerin: "I believe I heard my guards just now. Forgive my ignorance, but I best be going." The princeling said before returning outside only for his drying attire to get drenched all over again.

Aerin, the royal, had merely come to seek refuge, a noble bargaining chip if needed. Sean, on the other hand, was a wounded soul, in dire need of my healing touch.

Picking him up, I cradled him against my chest, his head tucked under my chin. The rain continued its assault, but I was unperturbed. Sean's battle-weary form felt fragile in my arms, the weight of his burdens pressing down on both of us.

As I carried him back inside, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to dear brave Sean. Who had dared to leave him half-dead on this treacherous road? My cabin, once a haven for solitude, now welcomed a newcomer, one in need of affection and mending. Soon, the darkness would recede, and the light of my care would drive away the shadows, granting Sean sanctuary, if only for a time.