Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

As silence closed in around him again, Marcus stood at the balcony railing and stared out into the night, trying to process all that he had just heard. Illayna was gone now, headed for the Royal Garden at his request, never once questioning why or doubting his sincerity or his honor. Her faith in him was unexpected, almost curious, but he didnt linger long on it. The High Knight was a man that followed his instincts, no matter what he was doing or where it was part of what made him such a good soldier and leader of men. Right now, those instincts were telling him that Illayna was his hope for a better future, not an enemy that was setting him up. Of course, one might argue that he was biased in his thoughts, having heard her confession and knowing what was in his own heart. Life was about risks though, about taking steps for a brighter future, and his gut told him she was real. Turning away from the night, he glanced down at his hand, curling it closed and then opening it again. The echo of her caress still flowed through his veins, his blood molten liquid to the touch, and it had his body stirring in ways it hadnt stirred much. He closed his eyes and let her words play through his mind again, a smile forming on his lips as he did. It wasnt the first time hed heard such comments, of course, but it was the first time he felt something in return and that alone gave him pause to ponder it more. The Lady Illayna tugged at his heart and his soul in a way that no other woman had ever done and with each smile she granted him, each gaze from her brilliant green eyes, he felt that wall around his heart crack a little more. He was a leader in a brutal war, surrounded by bloodshed and death at every turn there had never been time or need for love or romance in his life but nownow he wondered if that were no longer true. The minute he had that thought though, the image of her emblem flashed into his mind, and he let out a tiny growl, the sound carrying in the stillness of the night. Shaking his head, he pushed those thoughts from his mind, reminding himself that the God and Goddess worked in mysterious ways and he was in no position to judge. Marcus and Illayna had been brought together for a reason and only time would tell why that had been. Whistling lightly, the High Knight re-entered the ballroom and slowly made his way through the crowd, exchanging a pleasant comment here and there. He sidestepped two women that were trying to flag him down and scanned the room for his Lord. Seeing him occupied, Marcus made all haste for the exit, wanting to reach the Gardens as quickly as possible. As he neared the doors though, a man stepped from the crowd into his path, drawing him up short. High Knight, might I have a word with you? Marcus focused on the man, recognizing Lord Jacobs immediately, and cursed under his breath. Nodding briskly, he stepped to the side, drawing the man with him. You seemed shocked and, dare I say, disappointed, to hear of our talks about an alliance the Lord said, his gaze locked on Marcuss own. As the High Knight of Narvashal, in command of their troops, I would think youd find that idea rather appealing. Marcus studied the man carefully with a measuring gaze, well aware of the trap that was laid before him. He might not have been a scholar or a Lord but he was no fool. Inclining his head out of respect he gathered his thoughts and gave the Lord a small smile. Not shocked, milord, nor disappointed. I had simply not thought of that possibility myself so it caught me by surprise. An alliance between our kingdoms makes strategic sense and our combined might would bring the war to a swift end, saving many lives. I would endorse it. Lord Jacobs beamed when he heard his words and nodded his head fervently. I knew you were a man of cunning and intelligence he said, watching Marcus carefully. You are the kind of man who could lead an army onto greater things. With those cryptic words, Lord Jacobs shot a look across the room towards the High King and then focused on Marcus again, giving him a small bow. I shall let you go about your business now, kind sir he said, stepping away and fading into the crowd. The exchange left Marcus stunned and frightened, for the implications were quite clear if the two kingdoms joined hands, they would not stop with Greymere. With a single glance, Lord Jacobs had hinted at something more, something greater, but did nothing to implicate himself. As he slipped through the doors and headed down the hallway though, Marcus had another thought. Perhaps the message had been less about conquest and more about warnings. Lord Jacobs was frightened of Lord Aquitaine, that much he had picked up could the message have been a warning of what could happen if Lord Aquitaine remained in power and perhaps a silent entreaty for help? Marcus was not a man of politics and he did not know but he filed the information away for future use. He had known his quest for peace was important but it had always been a personal one now, though, there was much more at stake and he knew, in his heart, he must not fail. Weaving his way through the halls, he reached the door to the gardens and passed through into the land of fragrant smells. Flowers and bushes were in full bloom, their scents filling the air, teasing his nose with their delights. Taking a deep breath, he began to walk the path, his eyes searching for her. When he saw her in the distance, he paused, his heart suddenly pounding inside his chest. For the first time in a very long time, Marcus felt nervous about a woman, nervous because he knew how he felt. Shaking the feeling off, he moved up the path, but paused when a flash of brilliant blue caught his eye. Turning, he saw a bunch of tulips swaying in the breeze and an impish grin came over his face. Bending down, he snapped the blooms off at the bottom of their stems and then wrapped them together with a long blade of grass. He could only imagine what the royal gardener would think when he saw the cut stems the next day but he didnt care. Approaching her from behind, Marcus stopped and leaned forward so that his chest barely touched her back. Moving an arm in front of her, he represented her with the homemade bouquet. These are for trusting me, milady he said, the words a soft whisper in her ear. And for giving me the pleasure of a walk with you.