Beyond Time (closed)

[KieranSoares]

"It's a possible expense I have to grapple with for the good of the common people and their leaders, love," Ashien told her. "And it's a possible expense I accepted long ago when I took up my training." Reaching out to take her hand, he met her gaze. "It's not easy to think about, Dylandra, I know that. But even if I wasn't a soldier, I'd gladly risk myself for my people. It's an honor and a privilege to help and protect them. And now it's for you too. My passion is in art, but my purpose is in this."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Ash, if you left me behind in this world, I don't know what I would do. I can't just go home. I would be stuck here without the person that makes everything worthwhile." Dylan said softly as she gave his hand a squeeze.

 

[KieranSoares]

"There's not a day that doesn't cross my mind, darling. I would hate to leave you behind." Ashien drew her in close to kiss her cheek and sit her in his lap. "If that ever did happen, Gods forbid, I do have a plan in place to make sure you're taken care of. But I'll try my damnedest to see that plan never has to go into effect."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You have a plan?" Dylan asked as he pulled her into his lap, telling her that he had thought about it. "What plan have you made?"

 

[KieranSoares]

"If I die... Darkwood is yours free and clear, and everything we own save for a few things I want to go to friends and family. My two best horses would be yours while the rest go to the Lunars or Henry's men, and I made a budget plan to make sure Kiva and Van would be able to stay and still be paid properly for the rest of their working lives. I included a budget plan to last the rest of your life and then some, including the possibility of funds for children and inheritances for them. Of course I don't have all that money right now... It's too much. But I own stables and businesses around England and some in Scotland. Those and good investments in the future would keep you comfortable forever. It would take a little business savvy on your part, but that's why Van's around. I made this plan so you'd never be saddled with debt or worry, so you could do what you love. And so you could keep making those beautiful paintings I love so much. That's my plan." He gave her a soft, even slightly sad smile knowing that implementing that plan was a real possibility.

 

[heartofcourage]

Dylan soaked in that information as he told her of the plans that he had made for the future. He had thought of everything to make sure that she was well cared for, even if he couldn't be around to help her. It brought tears to her eyes as he spoke about her continuing to do what she wanted, which included painting.

"I would rather have you here holding me than a silly old painting any day." She murmured as she leaned in to kiss her husband and let out a soft sigh. "And I know you will try your hardest to make sure that is what happens."

 

[KieranSoares]

It's just there in case my best efforts don't come through. I don't plan on you actually having to use it." He shared a kiss with her before sitting back, letting his head rest on her shoulder.

It was quite a wait, but late into the night they were informed Lothair was resting well and had made it through the operation to remove the bolt head that had lodged under his shoulder blade. John had taken up a place by Lothair, watching over him, his hand constantly ready on the hilt of his sword. But he was also battling the painful knowledge that, however justified, he'd taken a life. It felt horrible, but John found a little comfort in the fact that it was all in defense of his dear new friend. When Van came to take John's place, John went to find Dylandra. He had always come to her when something deeply troubled him.

 

[heartofcourage]

Dylan was tired but too wound up to sleep. Instead, she sat in front of the wide window of the parlor as Ashien slept upstairs. Ballas was beside her, curled around her ankles as she stared into the darkness of the manor grounds. Hearing the door open, she turned to watch John enter quietly and take a seat to talk.

"You did what you had to do, John." She said softly. "He would have killed us without a thought if you hadn't attacked first."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I know." John sat down beside her. "Doesn't make it any better though... I know becoming a knight meant I'd have to kill someone someday... But I'm kind of scared of myself. I didn't even think about it. All that training made it like second nature. It was so... Easy. I didn't realize how fragile humans are, I guess." He then met her gaze for a moment. "When Lothair woke up... He said he was going to ask Henry to knight me before he went home. He says he thinks I've proven I'm ready. But I've never felt less ready."

 

[heartofcourage]

"You'll never feel ready, John. Trust me." Dylan said as she reached out to take his hand and hold it tightly. "Just as I don't think I'll ever be ready to be a mother. It has to happen some time, though."

 

[KieranSoares]

John offered her a soft smile. "You know Ashien would never make you do anything you weren't sure of. But if you do go through with it, I think you'd be a fantastic Mom. And he'd be a great Dad."

 

[heartofcourage]

"He said the same thing but I still have my doubts." She said softly as she looked st John. "What am I going to do without a hospital and drugs? That right there scares the life out of me. What if something goes wrong?"

 

[KieranSoares]

"Well... The werefolk are the best people to ask about that, kiddo. Ashien would get you the best, and they're the best healers as I understand it." He reached out to take her hand. "If you do decide to do it... You'll be the best-cared for woman in all England. You know Ashien wouldn't spare any expense."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I'll probably send him to the poor house before everything is said and done." Dylan said with a small smile. "Because I'm a big baby when I comes to pain. I wish that my grandpa were still around for all of this. He would have been over the moon about everything that has happened."

 

[KieranSoares]

John chuckled and hugged her against his side. "I know you are. I had to take care of you after you got that wisdom tooth removed." When she mentioned her grandfather, he smiled. "He'd be really proud. Even if we're a long way in the past, you still take care of Darkwood and you married a man who loves you more than anything else. That's all any parent can ask of their kids. I'm gonna make my Mom proud too, if I can do the same with Elizabeth. All she wanted for me was for me to find my way and be happy. Even with the responsibilities I have now, some of them I don't quite like... this is what I need to do; serve the princess and make furniture for her in my spare time."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Would you make us a cradle when the time comes? I think I would like a lovely little piece with vines and trees." She said with a smile. "Only the best for the future heir of Darkwood."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I will, if you decide you want an heir of Darkwood," John assured her. "Don't rush into it, though, kiddo. You're still young."

The next few days passed without incident, and Lothair healed well enough to begin walking around again, though he leaned heavily on a crutch. Other than bloodloss and a slight limp, he'd come out fairly well from such an attack.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You are lucky you kept your life." Dylan said as she strolled the grounds with Lothair and Ballas. "If the bolt had been lower, it would have gone through your heart."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Thankfully my horse shifted when he did, then," Lothair said with a nod. "And thankfully John didn't let the assassin finish the job... I hope Henry takes my recommendation for his knighthood. He's proven himself beyond a doubt."

 

[heartofcourage]

"John never sees himself as good enough for much. His father was not a kind man." She said softly. "But he always wants to prove himself. He is a hard worker. And...he loves Elizabeth with all of his heart. Hopefully becoming a knight will help him with his suit for marriage."

 

[KieranSoares]

"If knowing him for this short time tells me anything... I don't think Henry would deny his daughter much, especially if she loves John too." Lothair paused for a moment, stroking Ballas' head. "I will miss this place, despite what happened. You and Ashien have spared nothing to look after me. I'm very grateful."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Perhaps one day you can return the favor of Ashien and I ever travel that way. You are always welcome here, of course. It is a good place to get away from the world for a little while." Dylan said with a smile as she watched him pet Ballas with a fond look in his eyes.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I think I might miss this fellow most of all. Perhaps I should get a friend like him too." Lothair smiled before they continued on, Ballas padding on ahead. Ashien came riding out to meet them, another horse on a lead behind him.

"Lothair, Henry sent a messenger over. He's requested us all at the palace tonight." He pulled the horses to a halt and Lothair took the reins of the second mount.

"What for?" Lothair asked with a smile.

"For John's knighting ceremony, of course." Ashien then looked to Dylandra. "I hope you have a good gown in mind, love. This is far more than just dinner."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Knowing you, there is one waiting for me in our chambers." Dylan said with a smile as she took Ashien's hand and kissed him as he pulled her into the saddle in front of him. "You'll never let me make a fool of myself when the court is concerned."

 

[KieranSoares]

"At least not where clothes are concerned. The social aspect is entirely on you," he turned the horse about and they headed back. John still wasn't sure what was happening until Lothair spoke to him, and encouraged him to go put on the uniform Ashien had had made for him as a squire of King Henry's court. It would soon be replaced by the finery of a knight.