TAll around people sat together, talking and eating whatever the servants had brought out there. Most were in a cheerful mode and one could hear laughter everywhere. But how could people be naught but cheerful? The hunt was over and now waited nothing but friendly conversations, good food and the beautiful outdoors.

To Elayne this seemed close to paradise. To actually be out in the free where she could see horizon and not only a castle wall felt wonderful. She had enjoyed the ride and now sat in the shadow of a tree together with some of the other younger court ladies. They were all clad in beautiful riding-outfits and all four of them were rather beautiful. And yet Elayne was the one you’d notice first; her cheeks blossomed red from the ride, her eyes gleamed of happiness and the smile on her lips couldn’t be mistaken for anything but sincere. Even her uncle, who was standing not too far from his brother-daughter, noticed how happy she looked.

But she could still only tolerate the dry-speak of the other girls for so long. Soon their simple conversations bored her, and Elayne’s attention kept drawn to other things. A servant losing a plate of some tart there, the men discussing the hunt there. Everything seemed so alive and exciting from where she sat with the other girls. If only she could be apart of that and not what she had, surely she would have more fun? If only she come up with a reason to escape, even for a little while!

Looking down at the half-eaten white bread on her plate, an idea suddenly formed in Elayne’s head, and she slowly stood up. A little bow to the ladies and a polite excuse and she was already headed in direction of where she had seen the horses being kept. It wasn’t the best of plans, but if anyone asked her she’d just say she wanted to see to her horse. A woman should at least be allowed that, should she not? On a day like this, shouldn’t she be allowed even a little bit of freedom?

---

It didn’t take her long to find Astra, as the mare was, as is normal for white horses, excluded from the rest. Whatever the reason, Elayne didn’t know, but it was a true fact that most horses will never fully accept those that are white. In some ways, Elayne felt it was a bit like herself, and how she still didn’t feel at home with the other court ladies.

Stamping with her hooves and ears flicked backwards, the little mare clearly stated that she would not be hassled with, yet it was ignored. The other horses seemed too busy grazing or dazing in the sun. A little snort escaped from Astra, and she seemed as restless as ever until she noticed her mistress. And when she did, her ears perked forward again and a little snort escaped her, as if she said “it took you too long!”

Elayne hurried forward and put a hand on the horse’s soft neck, smiling as she did so. “You’re bored too? Silly…” she muttered softly in the mare’s ear before offering her the left-over bread. “That’s for outrunning Lord Lawley’s horse today,” she giggled, gently patting the horse’s neck.

Darien had been quietly watching Elayne from the distance and could not help but be infected by that smile of hers. When she stepped away from the ladies and tried to sneak away, he grinned as he left the other lords he was speaking with and headed in the direction that his heart was running away to.

Darien followed her quietly, making sure that she did not see him as he pursued her to the place where they were keeping the horses.

_______________________________________________________________

Darien arrived at the make shift stable as he heard Elayne speaking to her horse yet again.

“That’s for outrunning Lord Lawley’s horse today."

"Does the rider also get a prize or is it simply the horse?" Darien asked as he made his presence known to Elayne and headed to his horse which, as if fate had planned it, happened to be on the other side of her's.

"Sometimes the chase can be more enjoyable than the succeeding in it," Darien said. "For example, most of the ladies here are not particularly fond of the killing of an animal, but there is an increasing interest in the socialization and the small talk that you are doing. Or at least, what you were doing with those ladies. I couldn't help but notice that you seemed less enthused by the conversation than you did your surroundings," Darien said with a grin as he began to prepare to mount his horse.

"Perhaps a more casual ride might prove more enjoyable for you. I'm sure the fair lady has enough strength in her for a gentle stroll," Darien said gesturing toward Astra.

”Does the rider also get a prize or is it simply the horse?”

The words startled Elayne, and she quickly turned around only to find herself staring at Lord Lawley. A faint pink spread on her cheeks and she quickly turned back to her horse, trying to pretend as if she wasn’t embarrassed at all. Ugh, but why did he have to be here now? Why did he always show up?

Forcing up a little smile, she slowly turned towards the lord again. “Smalltalk like that I can easily enjoy every day at the Keep. But the beautiful out-of-doors I can only enjoy on days like this. So should I not have it as my top priority to enjoy that? Or perhaps you do not share my view, Lord Lawley? Perhaps you prefer your stonewalls and wonderful halls?” When she spoke there was a daring ring to her voice. It had a tone that seemed to say “you probably don’t know how to enjoy anything else but yourself, stupid!”

Tempted to just walk away, Darien’s offer proved more tempting. Another ride was just what she wanted, so how could she refuse? Even if the company was horrible, she could just try to ignore him once they were further away from the others! He was so rude himself, so if she showed a bit lack of manner he most likely wouldn’t care.

Without saying anything else, Elayne mounted Astra and gave Darien a look that could only mean, “Let’s go!” before she turned Astra around and started to trot slowly away from the gathering of people behind them.

Darien smiled. "The stone walls have never entranced me as...other things have done so," Darien said as he watched Elayne about to leave. Walls were all that he had ever lived with, of one kind or another. When his father gave him a bit of freedom, it became blatantly clear that Darien would rather go to war than be trapped in his father's castle. As for Thiasa Keep, well, after his introduction to the King he would rather not be there any longer than was required.

"What better way to enjoy the country side than with a man to protect you from the elements," Darien grinned. Her lack of verbal response made him think that this might not be the best idea. But, at the very least, it would be an interesting ride. She simply mounted her horse and led it away from the other courtiers, he took Elliot to follow at her side.

"What is it about me that makes you despise me so? Perhaps I could change it, or at the very least keep it from your prying eyes," Darien said as he finally caught up with her, if he had been paranoid, he might have thought that she was purposely trying to keep her distance from him.

Darien found that he was once again becoming entangled with the image of her face. The thought of her head resting against his chest. He usually had a better guard on his thoughts, but for whatever reason fate had deemed that this woman would not be so easy to use and forget.

/What made her despise him so? Turning slightly towards him, Elayne’s lips curled in a little smile. “If I said I despised you, would that not be rude of me? And I’ve been brought up to be polite, not rude! So I shan’t say anything, no?” she was teasing him again, that was obvious. But there was just something about him! The way he looked at her, everything he said, it gave her a want to tease him, make him flustered. He had managed to make her more flustered, but she’d at least like to try to see him stutter for words once!

Holding Astra back enough to let Darien’s horse come up beside her, Elayne gave him another one of her little looks before she looked away. He annoyed her and he amused her. She felt as if she sat in a boat, and what he said became waves that led the boat in one direction or the other, depending on what came from him. Because of what he had said about despising him, she was amused. He had actually been so much aware of her that he’d noticed? Last time they had met, he had only seemed concerned about himself, that pompous brat he was sure to be!

“As for changing yourself… From what I hear, you’ve done mostly just what you have wanted. Why change now? I cannot see a proper reason for you to perform such a struggle, at least not if it is just to escape from my ‘prying eyes?"

Darien laughed at her comment. This was awfully strange territory for him. After all, most of the women he had had were not of reputable circles. Those that were, no longer were part of those circles. But every time, they always sought him out or he did very little "hunting" as it were. It seemed he was simply shopping for his prey rather than pursuing. But Elayne Argyle was different. She held something in him that he could not deny himself, though he would probably deny it to her for as long as he could stand it.

"But my lady, surely you have heard the old proverb, actions speak louder than words. If you cannot confess as to why you despise me, perhaps you could confess as to why it appears you avoid me or continuously try to break my spirit?" Darien asked with a noble flair. Darien did have to give his father some credit, he had always taught Darien to never show fear, especially in his voice when speaking to someone who he felt intimidated by. Right now, Elayne Argyle was more intimidating than even the King.

"Perhaps I should have chosen my words more carefully. Besides, your eyes are a feature of yourself that I daresay I could stare at for a millenia," Darien grinned as he recalled one of his father's poems that he had written to his mother in order to woo her.

"And as if the world were black and grey
As if time did nothing but faded away
Your eyes the brightest dawn I've seen
And holds Tempest at bay."

Darien wondered if the poem had possibly been a bit over the top. Also, compared to other poems that he had read during his life, was rather childish in his mind. But, it had worked for his mother, perhaps it was a Lawley Charm?

“Now, what fun would there be in teasing you so, if that is what I’m doing, if you knew the reason?” Elayne asked calmly, giving Astra’s warm neck a light pat. For his rudeness the other day she had now decided to act as she did, just to tease him. But he deserved it! He had humiliated her, flustered her and annoyed her the other day. Wasn’t it her time to try and do such a thing to him? “And should I be completely honest, my lord, what spirit is it I am supposedly breaking? No matter how I turn it I…I just can’t see why your spirit should be affected by me!”

Riding on in silence, Elayne brought Astra to a sudden halt when his words once again reached her. And what he said… In two seconds her cheeks had turned bright red, and her chestnut glance seemed fixed at a very interesting rock on the ground. Really, anything but what he had said she could probably have countered. But to say something like that…to sound as sincere as he had! That stupid man! Making her blush like this!

But obviously he was not finished yet. Nor had Elayne’s cheeks ever been red compared to how scarlet she now was. The girl threw a glance over at Darien, and he could probably tell it had affected her. Just that he could say something as sweet had caught her off guard, and now she was unsure of what to do. “I… You…!” she tried, but the words didn’t really seem to come.

Deep breath, swallow and concentrate!

“Should you not save your poetry for the lady you search to woe, my lord? I am hardly worthy of such praise, nor such attention!” The words were forced, she couldn’t hide that. Nor could Elayne hide the fact that she had found the words sweet, and she had actually enjoyed being told such things. Up until now, it was only her father who’d say nice things that he seemed to mean. Her uncle only told her about how worthy her appearance could be, as if she was a butcher’s pig. But now Darien came and said something like this? It really did fluster her!

"To give me a fair opportunity for rebuttal," answered Darien with a broad smile. Darien nudged his horse further along as they made their way across the country side. "An effect that I'm sure has been mirrored by other mere mortals such as myself. One can't help but feel passion for something that he believes he cannot live without."

Darien held a sincere smile as her cheeks blushed at his father's words. Darien had never been much of a poet, but thankfully his father had been. Though the words were not his own, they spoke the meaning that his heart failed to compel.

Darien chuckled at her temporary loss of words. But suddenly felt that he may have said too much. What if she had been offended by his words? What if she did not feel anything for him, except the occasional annoyance? What if she ran away this time and he never saw her again?

"I pray I did not offend you. Words have never been my most noble virtue. In fact, as you may recall, I have very few seldom virtues. I pray you did not take offense," Darien said. Her eyes bore into his as if she would devour him, at least so it seemed to Darien.

Her next words he was not sure what to say. She seemed annoyed, but the blush had been there on her cheeks. [i]I daresay, my father may have been onto something with this poetry business,[i] Darien thought as she began to speak.

Her words however gave him nothing of neither hope nor refusal. Darien grinned. "Indeed, I thought I had."

His words were confusing. Compared to what he had said during their first meeting, what he said now seemed bolder. But at the same time they also seemed carefully chosen, almost as if he was afraid to say the wrong thing. He didn’t even give her time to consider what he had said before he spoke again.

It wasn’t much of a sentence, but it left her feeling insecure. He thought he had? What did he mean by saying something like that? He couldn’t have thought it well through or perhaps he hadn’t heard what she said? Elayne gave him a little sideways stare, hoping to find that he was only teasing her. But she saw no real traces of that. And since she didn’t see any, did that mean he was serious? Had he honestly meant what he had just said?

Nervously fidgeting with the reins, Elayne tried to come up with a good enough answer to this. Something that wouldn’t reveal how off balance his words had made her feel. But the pause became too long for her to not have been affected. And so, in an almost desperate attempt to try and make him believe she didn’t care much, she just blurted out what came to her mind.

“Your virtues does seem few, but at least you speak up. Some say silence is golden, but the spoken word carries more strength.”

Oh dear! How could she have said something like that? Now he’d laugh at her again. And she knew that if he did, she’d get angry again. He didn’t have any right at all to laugh at her, and he shouldn’t either!

Darien became somewhat bewildered by Elayne. Could the lady who always spoke her mind be truly speechless. The pause seemed to linger for an eternity between them. But then she spoke.

Darien dare not laugh. If nothing else, her words made him a bit bolder for the effort. Darien saw a small stream running nearby and gave her a bit of a devilish look.

Darien rode closer to her, probably a bit too close than was proper but he didn't care. "I wasn't always like that always. I usually kept my opinions to myself, unless it was a demeaning one," Darien looked down thinking back to their previous conversation how she had stormed off because of his damned mouth.

"I don't think I ever apologized for the other day. Some habits die harder than others. Though, I do have one habit that I'm afraid that I'll never be able to give up," Darien smirked as he gazed at her side profile. Darien imagined her leaping from her horse onto his own and kissing him passionately. For a brief moment, feeling fulfilled beyond his wildest imagination. Unfortunately, reality was not so kind so he simply looked toward the stream again, to change the subject.

"I'm not sure about your spirited steed, but Elliot could probably use with some water right about now. How about the stream just over there?" Darien pointed toward the stream and gestured his horse in that direction.

The look he sent her was impossible to interpret. Actually, every look he had given her ever since they rode off together had been impossible to interpret! He was impossible! Had Elayne been a well-experienced woman of the court, she wouldn’t have let him ride so close to her either. But she didn’t think much of it, as no one had ever told her how she should ride! At least not about proper distances, manners and so on.

“You know, I find that hard to believe, my lord,” Elayne countered, truthful as ever. From what she had seen, he couldn’t possibly have been any other way than this! It seemed a bit wrong too, imagining him some other way than he already was. Though he could have adjusted those stares a bit! There was another one of those strange glances, and she didn’t understand anything about it. But she did understand the apology. “Apology accepted. And I would very much like to know what that habit would be, my lord. You are making me curious!” she smiled, finally starting to get over the embarrassment of his previous words.

A silent nod was all Elayne offered Darien’s proposal. Astra might not really feel like she needed the rest, but Elayne had a sudden urge to get her feet on the ground. This conversation was tiring her out, both because of Darien’s bold words and her own inexperience with court manners and titles and…it was tiring.

But when they closed in on the stream, Astra seemed to feel just what her mistress was feeling, and automatically slowed down, bending down her head as she always did when tired. Elayne was about to utter a little comment to her horse again, but remembered how Darien had mocked it and stopped herself from speaking. Instead she sent a little glance in his direction, a slight annoyance in her eyes.

Darien blushed a bit at the question about his habit. He turned his face away from hers. "I'm sorry, I should not have spoken such things. Forgive my loose tongue," said Darien, praying to any gods that would hear him that Elayne would drop the matter and not discuss it again. But once a lady became curious, it was a difficulat task to sway her interests into another direction.

Darien rode on in silence until they reached the stream. There had been a purpose, but his mind seemed to be getting lost very quickly these days. These days, man. Don't you mean since you first spoke with Elayne Argyle? Darien's mind and Darien's heart seemed to be in an eternal conflict that had no hoping of ending. His heart wished to be with Lady Argyle, his mind lacked the ability to understand why.

Darien led Elliot to the stream with Elayne and Astra coming close behind him. Darien stepped down from his horse after leading him to the stream. Elliot would be distracted long enough for Darien to be a gentleman.

Darien made his way to Lady Argyle and her horse. "Might I help you down, my lady?" Darien said as he raised his hand towards her to assist her.

"Today you bid me forgive it, thus before you seemed not to care. Tell me, did you changed person from last time we met until today?" Elayne mused. Yes, she had wondered why he had turned away, but luckily for him she didn't see his blush.

Elayne had all preapred to dismount Astra when Darien came to offer her help. It wasn't as if she really needed it, but... Her behaviour last time hadn't been the best either. So perhaps if she showed him how perfectly well-mannered she could be, he wouldn't laugh and mock her anymore? Fool's hope, perhaps, but she did thank him before placing a slender little hand in his.

Everything would have proceeded smoothly now, hadn't Elayne had such a spirited horse. Because when Astra felt Elayne loosen the grip on the reins, she let out a little snort before trotting happily towards the stream. This threw Elayne off balance and she fell lightly against Darien.

This isn't happening, this isn't happening! Why me? she desperatly thought to herself, her cheeks burning. One hand still clutched to his and the other held against the fabric of his tunic. Her eyes were halfway cloed, and one couldn't possibly miss her embarressment and discomfort.

Darien felt her hand in his and everything suddenly felt right. This was not a matter of courtly manners, it was an establishment of trust. Trust that was quickly tested, thanks to Astra.

Elayne lost her balance and fell into his arms. His arms braced around her, the other still holding her hand. Darien watched as Astra trotted happily over to the stream, but then immediately brought his attention to the heavenly creature that fell into his arms.

Darien steadied her up on to her feet, and found his face rather close to hers. Elayne's face seemed to glisten in the afternoon light, as if she held an other worldly glow about her. He gently brought her face to face his, running his thumb along her cheek.

Darien seemed to be possessed by his passion. Before he knew it, Darien had turned his head and came dangerously close to her face with his lips. His body seemed to work against his mind which was telling him that it was not proper for him to do such things, especially without proper courting. Darien closed his eyes, trying to compose himself, but his body had other plans as his lips grazed against hers.

Darien quickly snapped out of the trance that he was in and pulled himself away from her, though his body would not grant him the concession of letting go of her. Darien still had his arm around her back and his hand still held the delicate hand of Lady Argyle.

"Are you all right?" Darien finally managed to say through a dry throat.

Before Elayne could calm her thoughts and step back, a strong arm was placed around her waist and she found herself staring up at Darien's handsome face. Being close caused her to blush, and when his thumb brushed against her cheek, her lips trembled slightly. But there was something in his eyes made it impossible to look away.

But then he came closer, and all of a sudden he kissed her! Eyes wide open in shock and body rigid by surprise, Elayne couldn't do anything but wait until it was all over.

Lips trembling again, Elayne glance slowly changed from one of surprise into one of confused anger. With a quick motion she yanked her hand free from his and a second later it had connected with his face when she slapped him. And when that was done she struggled free from his grip and walked several steps away from him.

What had just happened? Now that there was distance between them once again, Elayne was unsure of what really had happened. Had he kissed her? He hadn, hadn't he? It shouldn't be such a big deal, since she didn't like him the least. But if that was a fact, then why in the world was her heart beating so fast? And why did the image of his face linger so strongly in her mind?

Turning towards him, she took a deep breath before...

"What do you think you're doing?!"

Darien barely had time to register the fact that Elayne slapped him. His arm quickly came away from her and he saw her back away from him. Darien's eyes darting from her to his hand. Darien's heart seemed to burn inside him, burn hotter than even the slap across his face.

Darien backed away from Elayne slowly. "I...I..." Darien had no words to speak. His throat seemed to be closed off to him. Now matter how hard he tried, words would not come forth from his lips to speak.

Finally, Darien found his voice and looked at Lady Argyle with the slightest bit of a smirk.

"I rarely deny such an invitation from a woman," Darien said, suddenly feeling as if he had lost his very soul. The bastard that resided in his tongue had finally grasped control yet again and Darien could do nothing against it.

"I mean...wait, that didn't come out right," Darien said approaching her yet again, but then deciding against it. Instead, he whistled for Elliot. His horse came upon him and Darien hoisted himself off and rode, not even going back to the picnic. Darien rode until he reached Thiasa's Keep and went directly to his chambers.

When he reached his room, he grabbed one of his personal feather pillows and tore it to shreds with his bare hands. It was a temporary release, for he had imagined the bastard that lie in his tongue had been the pillow.

His smirk was alarming. It was as if she could tell he would say something hurtful before he even had! And Elayne was right. He did say something hurtful. Something she found more hurtful than perhaps she should.

"I rarely deny such an invitation from a woman."

His words stung in her ears and Elayne blinked furiously not to cry. How dared he? Yes, perhaps she had found him somewhat rude before, but this was just too much! Their ride here, his words, his kiss? Had everything been nothing but lies? Had it all been said to achieve that kiss?

A part of her wanted to ask him if it was all lies. But when she sought him with her eyes, he was nowhere to be seen. He'd left her all alone out here, and there was nothing she could do about it. She didn't even want him to come back! For all she cared, he could just ride to the end of the world and stay there! He...yes, that's what she wanted him to do.

---

Almost an hour later Elayne returned to the others. Her eyes were slightly red from crying, but she explained both that and her absence to the other ladies with; I went to see to my horse, but when I sat down to watch her I must have fallen asleep.