The Remembered (Elements II)

Chapter 22

Their love blossomed, and she found herself happier than she had ever felt before. He completed her, made her feel whole, and she hoped that she did the same for him. He was always gentle with her, no longer snapping at her, or showing his temper. She could see him curbing it, and she prodded at him, trying to make him angry. Sometimes, he did, only for her to laugh at him. It always made him smile in return. She began to open his eyes to the humans, trying to show him that not all of them were unkind or clueless. And slowly, she could see him believing her.

Their meetings usually occurred at night, for during the day they were both busy with the jobs their respective ranks required. She knew he hated being a slave, but she still hadn’t been able to persuade her father to free him. It was an ongoing battle between them, one that Dvalin didn’t know of.

She slipped out of the house silently one night, making sure that her father didn’t hear her. She didn’t want the awkward questions that would arise because of her being awake at this time of night. And she wasn’t quite ready to tell her father what she was going to do.

Soft footed in the dark house, she finally made her way out to the garden, and then hesitated. She wasn’t sure where to go. All he had said was that it would come to her.

“You took your time, flodyn.”

She looked for him, trying to find where his voice was coming from. “I had to wait for Father,” she replied softly, finally picking out his outline. Now surer of herself, she walked forward to meet him under the tree.

He gathered her in his arms, and kissed her fleetingly. “Of course.”

She could hear the laughter in his voice, and knew that she was going red, for once thankful for the dark that hid her face. He took her hand, and led her deeper into the garden.

“Come, fy flodyn. I have something to show you.”

Trusting him, she followed him to the clearing that was theirs alone. However, it had changed a little, and she gasped with wonder. A wild rose bush was growing there, strong and healthy. Enchanted, she drew closer to it, touching the deep red rose that bloomed there. The little plant trembled, and she saw it grow. She looked at him.

“For me?” she whispered. He smiled at her tenderly.

“For you, fy rhosyn,” he confirmed, and came closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. She put her hands on his as she gazed at the rosebush, and his chin settled softly on her shoulder.

“Why?” she whispered. “I don’t understand.”

“Need there be a reason, flodyn?” he replied, amused. “I love you.”

She sniffed, trying to hold back tears, and his deep chuckle floated around her ears. He turned his head, kissing her neck, and she shivered suddenly. She turned in his hold, and found her mouth caught by his. When she could finally break free, she gazed into his dark eyes. He seemed to know what she wanted, for he raised an eyebrow.

“Are you sure, Nahara?”

She swallowed, and nodded. “I want to,” she whispered. “I trust you.”

He nodded slowly, and kissed her, long and slow. His hands roamed her, and she tensed a little. He stopped immediately.

“Nahara.”

She shook her head. “Please,” she begged. He hesitated, and then continued, making sure that she could anticipate every movement he made. Slowly, she began to relax. It was nothing like all those months ago. He was gentle with her. He loved her.