The Chronicles of Ahlissa - Book 1 - The Midnight Maiden - Chapter 10

Chapter 10: A Favor Returned

The stables were quiet when Brion arrived; everyone was still at the field of honor, talking about the contest with raised voices and excited hand gestures. The dark rider dismounted and briefly bowed his head in thanks to the Archpaladin. He then began to remove Armageddon's armor and place it in a bin across from his mount's stall. By the time he had finished, a young stable boy appeared and assured the victorious warrior that it would be his honor to brush down and feed the massive black destrier. Brion thanked the boy, patted his friend's great muscled neck and then proceeded to his room.

Arriving in his room, he removed his armor and neatly piled it in the corner of his bedroom. His took a rag from his gear and wiped Yarol's blood from his blade; then he finished removing his chainmail and plates and had just tied a piece of cloth over his leg wound when everyone entered the main room looking for him. Wearing only his sweaty clothes and muddy boots he went out to greet them.

"There is my victorious son!" Bellowed Lord Barnard. "You had us all fooled with your little ruse. I thought Eryca was going to faint when she saw you injured!" he said laughing.

Brion looked up at Eryca and smiled, she smiled back shyly; clearly embarrassed by having her concern for him be so apparent. Paragon Astinos immediately moved to Brion's injured leg and began to murmur the words of a healing prayer. Lord Brion grabbed the old priests' hands and stopped him.

"Save your divine prayers Paragon. It isn't as bad as it looks and it will heal in time. You know I like to recover from my wounds without magik if at all possible, it keeps me in better shape."

The Paragon shook his head and rolled his eyes, "Young warriors..."

William instructed the page at the door to run to the kitchen and have them send up a mid-day meal. When it arrived they all sat around the table in the common room eating, drinking and talking about the fight. The two young lovers merely sat and ate quietly while they looked at one another. Occasionally they were asked for their thoughts on matters, but otherwise they were content to be together among friends and family.

In the late afternoon after Lord Brion had washed, dressed his wound properly and changed his garments, he walked down to the garden where he had first seen Eryca. He leaned on the rock and watched the sky as the sun set and night began to fall. Off to his right he saw a muted flash of light, and there she was looking resplendent in a flowing gown of white and gold. Her feet were bare and a thin golden cord tried in vain to contain her red curls.

"Good evening Brion. I thought I would find you here." She said as she approached him.

"Eryca." He said simply as he gathered her to him. Eryca's scent wrapped about him and the ache in his leg seemed to disappear. Brion looked into the deep emerald pools that were her eyes; leaning in he kissed her passionately. His tongue brushed against her lips and at its gentle insistence they parted to allow him entry. Brion was pleased when he felt Eryca's tongue explore his lips; it was the deepest kiss they had yet shared. All too soon they parted.

"I want to thank you for fighting on my behalf today Brion. It was an honor to have you as my champion." Eryca said as she looked into his sky blue eyes, her tone sincere.

"The honor was mine, my Lady. I have something for you." He reached into his shirt and brought out the gauzy purple veil she had tied around his arm earlier that day. As he pressed it into her small hands he could see silent tears run down her cheeks. Brion reached up and wiped away her tears and looked at her with concern.

"Eryca, my Lady?" he asked, concern evident in his voice. When she spoke again it was barely a whisper.

"No one has ever done anything like that for me before..." Eryca's voice trailed off, her words lost in the light breeze that ruffled the leaves on the trees around them. Suddenly Eryca threw her arms around Brion's neck and kissed him deeply, her tongue seeking his. Then she broke their kiss and looked into Brion's eyes.

"I love you." She said simply. Brion pulled her close and kissed her again, feeling her heart beating against his own. Their lips separated, both of them breathless.

With his lips still touching Eryca's, he whispered, "And I love you."

She looked at him imploringly, searching his eyes for any hint of a jest.

"You do not have to say it if you do not truly mean it." Eryca said, still looking into his eyes.

"My Lady I have had more than enough time to consider it." He said with a gentle smile. "Also I have fought for, and bled for your honor. I accepted your favor and returned it to you intact, as promised. I mean what I say and say what I mean, I am your humble protector my Lady, and I love you."

"And I am your Lady, my dark protector." Eryca said as she again moved to kiss him. Now their kiss was deep and the love between the two of them obvious. Their lips and tongues explored each other as the two lovers stood wrapped in each other's arms. Eryca ran her fingers through Brion's thick black hair as he kissed her jawline and neck. They kissed for what seemed like hours, all the while whispering words of endearment and love to each other. Breathless, they ended their love-making when Brion had stayed on his injured leg to long. Eryca concerned for him urged him to sit and rest himself on the grass. Brion sat down with his back to a tree and stretched out his leg. Eryca sat and curled up next to him.

"You really should let Astinos mend your leg. It will heal much faster." Eryca said, her head resting on Brion's chest.

"I know but I like to let my wounds heal themselves. Besides I will always have the scar as a reminder of my victory in your honor." Brion said, as he squeezed Eryca to himself.

Eryca rolled her eyes in mock exasperation. "Men and their marks of honor." she giggled, teasing him.

They sat for a long while before Brion spoke again. "That veil that you gave me as a favor..."

"Yes?" she asked.

"It's quite pretty. Will I ever get to see you wear it?" He said teasingly.

"Well that all depends Brion." Eryca said, her jade eyes glinting in the moonlight.

"Depends on what?" Brion asked, enjoying their little game.

Eryca sat up straight and looked directly into his eyes.

"It depends on whether or not, you ask me to be your wife." she replied. "The women of my family wear it when we dance for our husbands on our wedding night." The way she spoke, and the words she used, were not lost on Brion as he took them in.

"Well you never know what the future may hold my Lady." He replied, squeezing her tightly and his eyes dancing mischievously. That comment earned him a well deserved jab in the ribs.

Continued in Chapter 11