Elenis (The Witch of Laverlock)

Chapter 7 Like a Moth to a Flame

Stumbling into her room, soaked to the skin, Elenis slumped on her straw bed with a satisfied smile. She grabbed her blanket and hugged it close to her body feeling a bit giddy. Her body trembelled not from the chill of the water pouring down her skin  but from the feel of his lips tingling on her own.
She had never been kissed before until that day near the secret waterfall where Wulfric took her in his arms and coaxed her lips to respond to the warmth of his own. It made her feel utterly blissful and warm, building a fire deep within her core that had thawed  the rain pelted about them. Where the rain had come from was still a mystery but it did not bother them at first so caught up were they with each other.
The outing which started right after the morning joust lasted way into the afternoon.  They had both missed their meal, not feeling any pang of hunger.
She was just supposed to show him the entrance to the forest but something compelled her forward into the secret place.  She watched as his face lit with awe, transforming his handsome face into something ethereal. She had been talking then, sharing tales about the castle and its history when they both stood still, listening to the music of the water cascading down from the rocks.
Transfixed staring at each other , when suddenly he came closer touching her face with his calloused fingers. She could feel the tingling of the brush of his fingers against her warm skin as it traced a path down her cheek to her jawline. She had watched his eyes as they followed the the path of his fingers. There was something raw and unspoken in his expression that made her catch her breath. His lips had parted slightly............
"There you are!" The maid Hawise walked into her room clucking her tongue bringing Elenis back to reality.   The maid balanced a tray on her hands and dropped it into the nearby table.
"Your mother thought you'd be with Caedmon. Where did you run off to my lady?"
Sitting up on the bed she watched the maid absently "The forest" she said softly standing to walk toward the table. She tore a hunk of bread and bit into it feeling her stomach suddenly growl in protest.
"Onch! You be the death of me lass! And wet to the bone!" She started pulling at the strings of Elens's gown. "Come away to yer sister's room then and have a warm bath. There's a tub of water for bathing"
Grabbing some cheese she followed the maid the Gertrudis's room where a tub of water was set for bathing. Gertrudis was busy being dressed by another servant, turning to Elenis she raised her brow.
"Did you decide to have a bath in the rain?" Gertrudis asked good naturedly.
"I never expected it to rain" Elenis shrugged out of her dress and emerged herself in the still warm water.
"Strange...it isn't time for rain" her sister mused as the maid fussed over her hair "Papa had to halt the joust for the field became muddy and uncle Horace was miffed for he was to go on next" she added.
"Too bad I missed it" Elenis replied feeling the warm water douse her cool flesh.
"There's always tomorrow. Anyway there is much you have missed about cousin Susan,." Gertrudis said excitedly.
Elenis truly did not care to hear at that moment but at the sudden mention of Susan's name Elenis sat up leaning forward as the maid scrubbed her back "What of Suasan?"
Rolling her eyes heavenward Gertrudis flashed Elenis an enigmatic smile "As usual you weren't listening! As I was saying I think things are serious between Sir Macdonald and Susan."
"You mean the knight that lost?"
"Aye" Gertrudis replied impatiently "Mother is of the opinion that he will ask for her hand soon"
Elenis was struck by the swiftness of the match. Her cousin barely knew the man and yet there it was, the possibility of a marital link that was the sole purpose of the event.
"What of you?"Elenis asked her sister.
Gertrudis stood admiring herself through the looking glass. "Sir Richard Blackthorne has come forward. It was him I danced with last night."
"And it was him that lost the javelin throw" Elenis mused.
"Aye but that is not the point.  Since he has come he has been quite attentive. We have gone for walks, chaperoned of course" she had to add . "He owns a large demense and he served in the crusades. He is favored by the king, what more could I want. Not to mention he is rather handsome and strong. I shall be happy Elenis."
It was as if her sister was weaving an image of sunshine and roses. Sitting back against the bath she pondered on what had transpired earlier with Wulfric. Touching her fingers to her lips, she smiled inwardly. Perhaps if the right man pursued her the idea of Marraige would not be so bad. Elenis stood, when their mother walked into the room. Thankfully the maid had wrapped a drying cloth around her.
"There you are Elenis, you were lost for a time. Where did you run of to?" Oranya raised an arched brow at her daughter.
"She was in the forest mother" Gertrudis replied.
"I should chastise you for your sudden departure, however I will have to do that later for my announcement cannot wait : your father has had a change of plans. Daughters we are to prepare for the masked ball" she announced patting Gertrudis gown.
"But I thought it was meant to be the final event." Elenis looked mortified for she completely unprepared.
"This weather has changed all that. He hopes to entertain the disgruntled Knights this eve in the hopes he may appease them" turning to Elenis sharply "Your gown is not ready, you'll just have to settle for one of your sister's gowns. Try not to make a spectacle of yourself daughter, Tis an important evening for the family and do not tempt me to tie a rope around around your ankle and cinch it to mine for you will attend this ball and you will remain until the very end. Is that understood Elenis!"
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Struggling with her slippers Elenis tried to keep in stride with her family but the damned heels prevented her from walking much faster than she should have. She marveled at how Gertrudis could carry herself upright with such offending slippers. Thankfully her mask was tied securely even if she could barely inhale the air through her nose , at least it was something not think about while she was concentrating on walking.
Somewhere between looking at the floor and chasing after her family she almost lost her footing, a strong hand steadied her before she fell face down on the rushes. Turning to thank her savior she was caught spell bound by the mesmerizing slate grey eyes that had haunted her this eve. Despite the mask which covered half his face she could never forget those eyes or those lips.
"Let me escort you Lady Elenis" Wulfric's smile made her forget the confounded slippers.
Walking beside him she could feel the warmth from his body reaching out to engulf her.
"I trust you are well rested." He began.
"I.. Yes I have had a chance to catch up on some rest." She managed to say.
"Then  you will remain this eve." He turned to her as soon as they reached the high table.
"I wouldn't miss it" she managed a smile watching his head bend low as he planted a kiss on her gloved Palm. She decided she wouldn't remove it at all for it bore the imprint of his lips.
She took a seat beside Lucille who was busy chatting with another young cousin. Gertrudis was to her left after her parents. Her father stood and gave a brief speech welcoming the guests to the evening festivities. He spoke about the tourney and briefly touched on the weather but hoped that the morrow would bring sunshine for the rains had ceased.
"There he is" Gertrudis whispered beside her pointing to the Knight Sir Richard Blackthorne who sauntered to the table. Bowing before Gertrudis he invited her to join his table.  The moment her father consented, she immediately stood and went to the knight
Elenis watched this with a growing sense of unease, realizing that her sister would soon be leaving them if all went well. If... She wondered why she courted such a doubt for in viewing  the radiance in her sister's face it alsmost seemed like it was a set match.
"You look lost Elenis, come sit by me" Oranya gestured to her daughter.
She stood taking the seat previously occupied by her sister and remained beside her mother.
"I noticed the knight help you to the table. What is his name again?" Oranya asked
"Sir Wulfric FitzWilliam" Elenis replied swiftly.
"That's it!" Her mother smiled " He hails from Somerset I believe, he represents his liege lord who happens to be his uncle. It is said he is the man to inherit the title after his uncle unless the king decides otherwise."
Elenis looked at her mother in surprise "I see. Any more nobles whose background you happen to be checking."
"Name me anyone and we shall see" Oranya goaded sipping her wine and clapping  as the jugglers made their exit.
"What of Justin Fitzhugh" Elenis broke a hunk off bread and started chewing. It was an after thought but it was the first name she could think of.
"Laverloch" her mother sighed, the expression on her face became suddenly guarded "Any reason why you should pick him?"
"I danced with him last eve mother or have you forgotten?" Elenis replied innocently.
"What little I know of him I would rather keep to myself. Avoid him daughter if you can, I would prefer you keep your interest toward more tamer men. Fitzhugh is a flame, if your not careful your wings will singe before you can even fly."
She was puzzled by her mother's words when a melody of boisterous laughter made Elenis look to her right, there she found a tall man with a dark mask embellished in gold threads surrounded by ladies in bejeweled masks, . As if sensing her gaze he looked at her but she quickly turned away, picking up her knife as she made to slice her meat.
"I do not understand what you are saying mother." But in truth she did understand, for she had felt exactly the same way.
The light soon dimmed and the food was quickly cleared away allowing for the music to pick up the beat for the dancing to begin. She felt the tingling at the pit of her stomach and when she turned and saw Wulfric come for her. He bowed before her and reached out his arm. As she gazed into his mesmerizing silver eyes, she knew no words needed to be exchanged for the willingness to be with him was palpable. He led he into the dance.
All she could see were his eyes as they stared into her own. In those steely depth she glimpsed his soul, a pure force of honor darkening slightly as she saw her face mirrored in them.
"You are very beautiful." He whispered in her ear, his voice was husky and deep.
"Surely you jest" she turned away breaking the spell of their connection abruptly.
"Nay I do not. I speak truthfully. Your eyes are like the color of Amber, they glow in the dimness of the light. And your face is pure perfection. Those lips are temptation for any man."he spoke with such fervor it would have been easy to fall prey to his candor.
"Surely you've spoken such words before but it was not directed at me. Perhaps some other damsel you found appealing" she teased.
He smiled not taking offense at her bold words "I count myself lucky then to speak these words to you for they have only been said at this very moment." Bending forward to whisper in her ear "May I be so bold as to share with you a reflection of what had transpired earlier this afternoon."
She sucked in her breath feeling the warmth from his body through the layers of clothing that served as a barrier against her heated flesh. Nodding her head in consent for the words stuck in her throat.
" The kiss we shared this afternoon stays with me until this moment. Dare I ask if I could drink from those soft lips once more and purge this burning ache that is making me loose my mind"the boldness of his words made her flush as the memory of his lips pressed against her own reminded her of just how much she wanted to grant his desire.
Sucking in her breath, she went limp in his arms and allowed him to dance her far from the crowd. She followed his lead feeling powerless to resist the magnetic pull of his body. They found themselves in a private alcove where he pushed her against the wall, his breath fanning her face as his eyes roamed freely caressing her skin with his look. His lips where soft, pliant as they touched her own pressing against her skin before his tongue delved into her open mouth and she was lost.
Allowing her own tongue to meet his, a groan escaped his lips building excitement within her. She could taste his sweet minty flavor as their tongues merged. The tingling in her body grew wilder as a sudden heat enveloped them, cocooning them in a slow burning warmth that made flesh start melting like wax on a candle she slumped into his body as he drew her into a deep embrace.
She could feel his fingers caress her neck before dipping down the bodice of her gown and grasping her breast. Gasping for breath she ripped her lips from his mouth and turned slightly as his lips found the apex of her neck. She tremble led with such frenzy from the foriegn feeling she almost shrieked when his lips found the crest of her breast and started licking with his tongue.
"You are such a precious jewel" he murmured making her moan in ecstasy feeling the featherlight kisses on the mounds of her breast that peeked from her gown.
Feeling the heavy weight of the mask on her face she tore it away gasping as the cool air fanned her skin but it only turned warmed as he continued his perusal of her flesh. He pushed his lips back into her own, she could feel the roughness of his leather mask as it pressed into her face.
This was so wrong and yet it was just perfect. She wanted to press further into his flesh, feeling her heart beat rise to a crescendo as their kiss deepened. She could not think except she had this desperate need to feel this exquisite elixir of the unknown. Throwing caution to the wind she cupped his face feeling the strength of his cheekbones and the groove underneath.
"Ahem!"
The disturbance came crashing into their world bringing them back to reality. Wulfric's lips ripped from her own making her stumble back into their present circumstance. She noticed he had turned his head slightly a frown marring his brow as he looked at the intruder. Sliding her head slightly she gasped as she saw Justin Fitzhugh leaning against the stone archway.
"It seems l've intruded on this passionate tryst" he mocked. His gaze was casual as they flitted first toward Wulfric then stayed with Elenis.
They both turned guiltily toward each other before Wulfric released Elenis slowly turning to face the other knight, tension ripped through his body, he stood ready as if to battle. He fisted his palms on his sides.
"Tis none of your concern" Wulfric replied icily, keeping his back to Elenis who tried to compose herself.
"Where the lady's honor is concerned it becomes the business of any man with decency. You should be thankful it was only me and not her father who caught the two of you. He would have had your head on platter and fed the rest of you to the dogs." Justin continued switching his gaze to Wulfric. Standing straight he walked forward slightly resting his arm against the stone pillar. His built seemed to drawrf the tiny area that was actually a hallway leading to the inner Bailey.
"You owe the lady an apology Fitzwilliam and you will give it" Justin ordered in a commanding voice. His eyes turned feral almost like translucent saphire making her watch in fascination.
Wulfric turned to her then, his eyes were glazed as he stared through her " I apologize my lady." He said
"And you will run along."Justin continued.
"I must run along" Wulfric said before bowing and leaving.
Elenis was too stunned to react. It was as if Wulfric was under a spell, he spoke withoout any emotion and his body seemed contrived as it moved away as if a force were pulling him from her. Closing her eyes briefly, she tried not to think of the shame that was gnawing within her. Blinking her eyes open she encountered the amused gaze of Justin Fitzhugh.
"What did you do?"she whispered.
" I saved you from ruin my lady. You would have given yourself freely to him and that would have been dire" he clucked his tongue
"Not that!" She spat "How did you get him to leave? It was as if ......." She was afraid to even think of what she just witnessed but it was as if his mind was being controlled.
"It's simple really, he's not serious about you,as soon as he saw me, he realized that if I speak to your father about this then he will have no choice but to offer for you which I seriously doubt is his intention. I will have you know he is promised to another. Twould be a waste of surrendering your virtue to one such as he." Justin walked to her, his eyes were back to being just an ordinary blue but she could have sworn they turned color as he spoke to Wulfric.
Walking around him she made to leave her heart pounding from the riot of emotions wracking through her body. Wulfric did not mention anything about promises and the surprise at finding out there was another waiting his favor exacerbated the rising havoc of her emotions.
"You forgot this" he handed her back her mask which she had thrown away in the heated frenzy of her passion. "I hope you do not plan to run away again this eve, let me escort you back to the ball. I'm sure your mother is looking for you." he held out his arm.
She looked at it wrathfully before turning to face him "What makes you think I would leave here with you?A snake would be better company!"
"Suit yourself then if you want your father to hear of your recent encounter with Fitzwilliam."he said amicably but his voice was laced with an underlying threat.
Placing her hand on his arm she stood stiffly beside him as they made their was back to the hall. They did not bother to exchange words.
"Here she is Lady Fitzriley as promised. Your daughter is not fond of dancing much but she does tend to use her wit as an excercise of the lips. Our conversation was most interesting" Justin stated as he handed Elenis back to her parents.
Oranya raised a brow as she studied her daughter "I hope her chatter was within reason."
"Oh absolutely" Justin bowed before Elenis kissing her gloved hand before departing.
"I see that Laverloch seems interested in your discourse daughter, I dare say that's progress. However I did spy you with Fitzwilliam earlier, has he abandoned his suit?" Lord Fitzriley looked at his daughter curiously sipping his mead.
"We danced father, that was all" Elenis replied in clipped tones sitting beside her mother.
"It is a start daughter." Her father said.
"Is he not promised to another?" She asked suddenly, hoping her father would shed some light to Justin's statement.
"Not that I heard, perhaps Tis but rumors. Why daughter are you showing interest?" There was humor in her father's voice.
"Stop teasing William , she's only come to know him." Oranya turned to her husband warningly.
The conversation between her parents flew passed her as she thought on what Justin revealed about Wulfric. Her father's response gave her a spark of hope.  But, what was she hoping for? He did make her body tremble with a need so powerful it overtook her sense. Indeed being around Justin was like being around a cur but being with Wulfric was like walking on fire. Which was the better of two evils?