“Your presence is requested by his lordship.” The voice of a guard breaks into the woman’s contemplation of the world outside the window.
“You may tell “his lordship” that I am indisposed at this moment and unable to fulfill his request.” The woman turns her dark brown gaze upon the guard standing within her door.
“Lady Solstice, you know he will not believe such words.” The guard sighs as he watches the elven woman laugh.
“Lady? Lady… that means he wants something of me.” Solstice rises to her feet, pushing the dark brown strands of her hair back from her face, the points of her ears coming into view for a mere moment before vanishing beneath the heavy locks.
“Merely the pleasure of your company, my lady.” The guard looks away from her, clearing his throat. Dressed in the colors of his lord, deep crimson and black, the guard appears a trifle uncomfortable.
“So says he. I do not believe you are this naive, Nicholas.” Solstice stops before him. She lofts a brow as she regards him, a faintly amused expression upon her face.
“If he says he wishes only your company, Lady Solstice, then I believe him.” Nicholas meets her gaze and holds it, unflinching.
“I almost believe you, Nicholas. Almost.” Solstice looks away from him, then around the room. It was actually a pair of rooms, rather than one large room. She and Nicholas were currently discussing “his lordship” within the sitting room. Through a door to the left was the bedchamber. Both rooms were truly fit for a lady of the aristocracy, perhaps even royalty. Yet, Solstice enjoyed the surroundings little. She was never allowed to leave on her own. She could only roam the manor house or the estate lands with a guard. A cage, however gilded, was still a cage.
“Lady Solstice, I beg of you. Please, take Lord Ryall’s words at face value.” Nicholas looks to her, near desperation, it seems.
“Nicholas, calm yourself. I will obey the summons. Allow me to change.” She was dressed simply and Ryall disliked it when she arrived within his presence dressed in attire fitting for a gypsy.
“As you wish, my lady.” Nicholas nods to her, rather glad she would be changing. While the colorful skirts and scarves were more fitting for her personality, his lordship would not be pleased to have her appear as a mere peasant. He watches the gypsy, elven seer move into the bedchamber. He sighs faintly, looking to the window she had been using for contemplation.
“Nicholas, have you found a lovely young lass to marry, yet?” The elf’s voice drifts through the partly open door to the bedchamber.
“Er.” Nicholas turns, staring at the door. He blinks several times, then clears his throat.
“Come now, Nicholas. You cannot be oblivious to the whispers in the court. You are considered to be quite a smart match.” Her voice sounds faintly amused.
“Lady Solstice, please.” He clears his throat again, looking a bit like he might shuffle his feet.
“Nicholas, certainly I have not embarrassed you.” She appears, dressed for court. Her hair has been swept back, braided into several braids which have been curled about her head and pinned. The gown, a gift from Ryall, fit her very well, the deep blue color suiting her.
“I generally do not discuss my personal life, my lady.” Nicholas says, rather stiffly.
“Nicholas, I am not trying to pry.” Solstice moves forward, taking his hands. She inhales sharply, then lets it out slowly.
“Lady Solstice?” He frowns. He had heard that particular indrawn breath often enough over the past months. He looks at her carefully, noting the sudden distance in her gaze, the utter paleness of the normally deep brown irises. He shifts, sliding an arm about her waist. He leads her toward a chair, helping her to sit. “Remember to breathe, my lady.”
“No, I will not forget.” She is easily drawn to the chair, evidence of something which is out of her control. She leans back, her eyes closing. She takes several deep breaths.
“Lady Solstice? What is it you see?” Nicholas asks, then blushes. He had been unable to stop himself from asking the question. His lordship would not be pleased. Nicholas drops to one knee beside her chair.
“Just – ” Solstice exhales slowly, again. The images were a blur. There was so much. It was all in flux. The clearest thing was a man she had never seen before – one on a mission. There was determination in the dark blue eyes, in the set of his jaw. Her lips curve lightly. “You will have quite the life, Nicholas. I am happy to say.” It was not a lie, technically. She had seen glimpses of Nicholas’s future life. Just not in this moment.
Nicholas looks at her carefully for several moments. He slowly nods to her, though he was not entirely sure she was giving him the full truth. It was well known she was unhappy here. She was being held against her will. “How do you feel? Have you the strength to see his lordship?” Nicholas would not do something detrimental to her health, despite his loyalty to Ryall. A cloud covers his eyes a moment.
“Aye, aye. I am well enough. Perhaps, you could give me a few minutes to myself.” Solstice opens her eyes, looking to Nicholas. He was at least 22 summers in age. He was not naive, no matter what she said to him in jest. Nor was he stupid. She only hoped he would let this one pass.
“Of course, my lady. I will wait outside your door for you.” Nicholas rises to his feet. He looks her over, noting the pallor to her skin, her uneven breathing. She was often like this after a vision. “Open the door when you are ready.” He strides across the room, vanishing out the door.
Solstice groans softly, closing her eyes again, once he is gone. She had seen much in this latest vision. The determined man. Death. Life. War. Peace. Whatever was coming, she had to decide what she was to do. She could warn Ryall of the coming storm – or she keep the information to herself. Whatever was coming, she knew life would change. Her life, Nicholas’s life – Ryall’s life. She inhales slowly, looking to the window.
“Well, here’s a dilemma. Do I tell what I know? Or do I wait for the coming storm in the hopes it will allow me the chance to escape?” She rises to her feet, moving to look out the window.
Oooh, I think I have a soft spot for Nicholas already.
O.O Ahh! You’ve got me wrapped around your little story telling finger. I applaud you! Seriously, if you could hear it, you’d be bombarded with praise from me. Bravo. 😀 Good luck with the Blogathon.
Thanks, Sarah! I’m glad you are enjoying the story! (=
Rachel – me too. (;