Thread: The Wolf, the Forge, and Love Forbidden - Raivh & Abovetheroses

The disappointment written over her features made him clench his jaw, forcing back the truth that wished to separate itself from the lie. His eyebrows furrowed, watching over his shoulder as she stowed a small book at her breast. I see, he said, acknowledging her remark that the clothing gave her a sense of freedom. He trekked on, heavy booted feet crunching against the fallen snow as it thickened on the ground. This woman lived an entirely different life from him and the people of that keep. It was a life of privilege, and yet she seemed disenchanted by the world of nobility. Listening to her speak, it was almost as though she wished to forgo the life of riches and power for a simple life. Hm? He quirked a brow when she requested permission to ask a question. His eyes were locked with hers, and he felt himself slowing to a halt a few feet away and turning to face her more fully. Her curiosity swirled around his mind as it worked to think of an explanation that was both feasible and convincing. Another question followed before he could reply to the first. This one, however, was clearly more lighthearted with a hint of concern. A broad smile spread quickly across his lips, turning up the corners as he flashed a toothy smile in her direction. No, Milady, scaling that wall would have been quite impossible, he stated in a matter-of-fact way and folded his arms across his chest. Ice blue-gray eyes flitted about her face, picking apart confidence from fear. It was quiet in the forest where they were. All Ahren could hear were the creaking tree branches overhead and muffled sounds of the falling snow. He stepped toward her, closing the few feet of distance between them. Boldly, he reached up and gently tipped her chin up so he could better see her eyes from such close proximity. He leaned down, turning her head ever so slightly. Milady, I'll tell you a secret, he whispered, his lips just a breath away from her ear. Your presence is much preferred to your father's, so I have no intention of dragging you out into the woods simply to abandon you. What sort of inquiries would your father and brothers have for me upon my return if you disappeared shortly before I arrived? Leaning back, his expression serious and only inches from her, he smiled and then released his hold on her. Once again, he turned to walk in the direction he'd last seen Aldred. His eyes were fixed forward. The skin on his hand that had made contact with her tingled as it recalled the softness of her flesh. Her scent was light. He hadn't told her a whole truth earlier when he'd said she smelled like the young Lord Luca. Hers was an earthy smell, likely from years spent wandering her garden, and sweet like flowers and fruit. He lifted his head slightly, looking toward the mountains and his birthplace. He wouldn't be able to travel far with her. The best he could do to help her was to take her to the base of the mountains and direct her to scale the cliff and keep her wits about her. It was then that it occurred to him, and he glanced back at her. Milady, have you brought a weapon, just in case it's needed? he asked. There were times when Aldred could be reasoned with, but after today, he wasn't sure she'd be able to make an impression on him before his fangs made an impression on her delicate skin. His eyes were suddenly flooded with concern. Truthfully, it wasn't Aldred she had to fear. It was his younger brother Alden whose mate had been snatched from him not long ago and only just returned. Not only would he be angry, but with Elise having been wounded and pregnant, his mood was surely to be worse than ever. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wandering the streets of the keep, Luca was becoming more angry the longer he went without finding Alice. None of the peasants had seen his sister. At least that's what they claimed. Eventually, she would have to come home, and when she did, he fully intended to get some answers. Not only had he come home without the head of his prized beast, but she had interfered with his ceremony earlier. Her actions were without excuse, if not questionable, and where the wolf had shown him her bared fangs, she'd shown Alice favor. There was something wrong with his sister, and Luca wasn't quite sure what it was. She was different from father and his brothers, different from himself. When he came upon the blacksmith's shop, he found only the boy Rinan there. Boy! Luca bellowed, startling Rinan as he was working a hide over. Rinan rose to his feet immediately. Yes, Milord? Luca's eyes scanned the exterior of the shop, and when he didn't see the smith, he once again turned his gaze to Rinan. Where is the smith? I-I-I don't know, Milord, Rinan stuttered, shaking his head. I haven't seen him since leaving your ceremony, Milord. Without a word, Luca spun away from the boy and stalked off and back up the street toward the keep. His jaw was clenched tight as he walked and watched the snow shift around his feet. The last time he'd seen his sister, he'd sent her off with the smith. It was likely she'd disappeared into her garden. Perhaps she was still there. When he reached the keep, he strode past the guards, making his way through the winding halls until he reached the entrance of Alice's garden. His sister spent much of her time in this garden, more than anyone in their family. As he walked around, he came upon a crude hole in the dirt. Considering it was only partially dug, it couldn't have been done by any of the keep's gardeners, and moreover, winter was coming. It wasn't likely anyone was planting this time of year. With his brow furrowed, he continued his trek through the garden, making his way deeper and deeper until he reached the far wall and took the path along it. He stopped col in his tracks when he saw the sword propped against the great stone wall and looked up. It wasn't possible that she could have scaled it. Perhaps the smith? Luca shook the thoughts away. It was impossible for anyone to scale that wall without proper equipment, and the smith hadn't had any equipment of the sort with him at the ceremony. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Luca's eyes worked over the wall once more, trying to solve the puzzle he was presented with.