Forbidden Lovers

Chapter 2

Slightly hopping as they scurried down the path, Jess held the horse firmly with wandering eyes as she kept glancing back to Fen’revas. Howe could be heard coaxing his mare into a mild canter. A slight breeze and clear skies allowed the group to make decent time. Fen’revas eventually broke the silence with his curiousity  “If you don't mind me asking. Aside from meeting Lord Howe in Lothering what would bring you this far south?"

"My father wanted me to search for more men to help in our armies. We are at war at the moment. Or so I am told... Father won't say much about it and won't allow me to fight with him and my brother because of mother. I love her dearly but I want to make sure my family is safe” She sighed slightly."Bryce only wants what is best for you my dear." Howe interrupted as he pulled abreast of the two. "Someone needs to stay behind and make sure everything goes according to plan." "I know he does, but what is best is me fighting with him and Fergus" She sighed. "I want to protect them" Howe chuckled at the image. "Of course you do. This war as you call it is little more than a few unwelcome incursions. It will be dealt with in no time and your father and Fergus will return shortly following." "Speaking of the end of this little campaign." His voice in a soothing drawl. "My son has been asking after you again. I would be honored if you would consent to him paying you a visit." "Oh really Howe? I thought he hated me?” She chuckled sarcastically then back to a serious tone as she listened to Howe. Howe relaxed and let out an easy chuckle. "Thomas never hated you, in fact he seems quite taken with you in fact." "Well we will see. I don’t want an arranged marriage. I want to marry for love as we discussed before so I do not plan to throw myself at him with no feelings toward the lad" She smiled and glanced at the sun. Howe smiled. "Our stations rarely allow us to make such choices my dear." He sighed. "Someday when you are older, you will understand." "My decision will not change. I do not care about the law, My mind's made up." Jess had her horse speed ahead in a canter. Fen's deep voice came from behind. "It seems you've had this conversation before?" Jess sighed with sorrow. "Every encounter with him. Each time my answer is the same." she slowed the horse down to a totter. "And is it this Thomas that you object to or the idea of an arranged marriage? " Fen was genuinely curious, he'd never had the opportunity to ask questions of this sort before and have them answered."Well Thomas is a great person but arranged marriage? I just can't bring myself to do it. It should be for love especially if I have to spend the rest of my life with that person” She smiled slightly at the thought of her brothers marriage.
"Do," Fen chuckled, mimicking Howe's condescending tone. "Those of your stature marry for love?" His tone returned normal. "Ir arbelas if my questions are too bold." "Not at all Fen, I do not mind. I know it sounds ridiculous but I can dream right." Jess chuckled at his curious mind. She loved teaching others of her thoughts and opinions, but it often got her in trouble with her teachers. He shook his head, then chuckled when he realized she couldn't see his gesture. "No, it's not ridiculous" "Are you sure it's wise to discuss such personal information with a perfect stranger?" Howe's voice cut in. "It's not personal Howe. I am simply answering his questions of nobility to ease his thoughts. It's a great way to earn trust and bond” Jess smiled at her smart comment. Howe's voice soured a little as he responded. "Trust can be highly over rated my dear." He kicked his horse into a trot. "He doesn't think very highly of anyone does he?" Fen was very amused. "No he doesn't. I'm sorry for his behavior" Jess sighed then her voice returned to silence for a bit of time.

***
They continued on for sometime, the occasional bird’s song breaking the endless silence. "It is not you who owes an apology. Ir arbales falon, I have made things between you and your friend difficult. " "No you actually made it amusing and fun. You listen to me and thank you for coming if not for you this journey would be dead quiet" Jess grinned at him slightly. He returned her smile with an easy one of his own. "Ar'vas ensansal. The light will not last long we should think of setting camp soon." "Agreed we will travel a little bit longer before we make camp for the night. I will keep the first watch" She sped up the horse in attempt to get further before nightfall. He nodded assent. "The land here has some small game. I will hunt inland and return before nightfall. " "Be careful. May the maker watch over you" She stopped the horse and dismounted. "Ma serannas Jess." Fen'revas quickly dismounted, stowed his pack and headed off into the dark,shadowy, woods after dinner.