Forbidden Lovers

Chapter 3

Jess held onto her steed, pleased to be back traveling. "Aaaah, this is quite breath taking" she simpered as she closed her eyes, trying to enjoy the cool breeze. Howe continued to fume behind them, trying to come up with a plausible reason the unwanted knife ear would want to leave. As he pulled abreast of the two he attempted to smile. "I wanted to apologize my dear, I only have your well being in mind. After all what would your father do should I fail to keep you safe from harm?” "Thank you Howe, but I'm perfectly capable of saving myself" Jess snickered softly while shaking her head in disbelief. "Whatever you say princess" he drawled before nudging his horse into a cantor.

Jess pick up her speed upon her horse, wanting to get there in less time as possible. Fen smiled behind her. Balancing himself behind her he withdraws his reed pipe from his pack. "Would you mind?" "I do not mind at all." Jess pulled back gently and they slowly came to a normal canter. Fen'revas closed his eyes and placed the pipe to his lips. An old Dalish melody began to softly dance between them, the horses steps a perfect counterpoint. Jess listened and began to serenade them to the beautiful tune.

Fen let himself become lost in the melody, after long moments he let the lilting music fade away. He then opened his eyes feeling peaceful. "You play beautifully" Jess turned her head towards Fen, looking over her shoulder. "Ma serannas. It helps to pass the time on long journeys." He smiled, remembering the last time he had played that melody. "Well thank you for sharing" Jess beamed with gleaming eyes. He nodded. "Ar'vas ensansel. Do you play?" "Not much, but a little. It's been years" Jess chuckled with a whisper.
He passed Jess his pipe. "Would you?" Fen smiled encouragingly. "I shall try" Jess accepted the pipe and began to play a melody from her head, one nan had sang to her as a child. He wrapped his arms around her waist to hold her steady while she played. Jess closed her eyes going by the sound that filled her ears, leaning back against the elf. Fen listened while she played, still relaxed. Jess played softly as they moved gently along for quite some time...
***
Howe dropped back a little catching sight of the elf's arms around Jess' waist. He grabbed the reins of Jess's horse and brought them both to a instant stop, eyes full of fiery. He then launched into a tirade on the appropriate actions and decorum befitting to one's station. "To think the scandal that would ensue. Think what this would do to the Cousland name allowing a Kn...lowly commoner and an elf none the less. Your poor mother would be beside herself." He glared at the elf. "You forget your station." "Howe! Back off. This elf has a name! Not just that he is no less than we are. In fact he's better than you and any noble like you. Heads up your ass" Jess dismounted her horse and threw her dagger deep into a near by Oak tree. Fen glared back at Lord Howe all of the Dalish arrogance coming to the fore. "Lasa adahl su nar masa." he cursed, "I forget nothing." Fen'revas leaned over in the saddle. "My place is wherever I choose to be. If Jess would like me to leave she may ask and I will do so. Until then may you be unhappy in my welcome." He dismounted and walked the short distance to Jess. "Ir arbelas for my temper. There is a Dalish camp not far from here, if they may be willing to allow me the use of one of the Halla." "Fen...it's fine you can ride with me unless you don't wish too..." Jess exhaled with a cracking tone, raising her glaring eyes at Howe. Her arms were crossed over one another, rubbing gently like she would do when scared. He arched a brow, anger still in his eyes at the insult. "I do not mind riding with you." He glared at Howe. "if it is your wish I will continue to ride with you, I do not however wish to cause issues for you." "You are not causing issues. Howe is just being rude... I apologize. We can travel ahead and Howe can stay away from you but still travel along with us" Jess stared at Howe. "That is an order Howe. So do I make myself clear” Howe scowled "We shall discuss this later." He glared at the elf then spurred his horse into a gallop, passing the two by. Fen shook his head. "We should reach Lake Calihad later today." He gestured to the horse. "Shall we?" "Yes we shall. You’re too kind Fen’revas" Jess whispered. "Would you like to control the horse? Or shall I continue?" Fen's eyes sparkled and smiled at the offer. "Ma serannas Jess." He climbed into the saddle holding his hand out to Jess and helped her up behind him before nudging the horse into an easy canter. Jess wrapped her arms lightly around him. Feeling his warmth as her body pressed against his. Watching the clouds pass by as they Gallop along the trail.

***
The rest of the ride to Lake Calihad was uneventful. Lord Howe would shoot an occasional evil eye the elf's way when Jess wasn't looking, but otherwise kept his comments to himself. Fen'revas caught himself chuckling at the mabari's antics as it ran alongside the horse chasing random butterflies. Jess let out a guffaw at her mabari. "Such a good boy Jake." The mabari let out a friendly bark which put a smile on Jess's face. They came to a steep embankment. Fen dismounted, taking the horse by the ranks he led the horse down the narrow roadway.