Samhain's Blessing

[Hikari]

Lorgha had made a more than passionate plea to the much older man. However there were two major problems with it. For one, Aleda had yet to say that she'd been out lastnight. Second, The house of Aron was quite adept at spell writing and finding new methods of conjuration. Silvin was already furious having learned of his daughter's blatant defiance, now some regular fellow wanted to court her. There was pressure on him to forge better alliances through marriage, and this one would be far from notable.

"I had heard whispers that Aleda went to the festival, but I never once believed it until now. I thought no, not my child. So you give me this information and expect me to be thrilled. I would thank you for making certain she was safe, but of that I can not be certain. It's quite a position you've put me in. Her virtue will be called into question and she has you to thank for it, but I know my Aleda. Nothing happened. This I'm certain of. However I'm certain that you can understand why I must decline your offer."

Master Silvin sipped at his morning tea, and stroked at his beard.

"It is no offense to you. I'm certain you are a fine young man, but this household and my daughter need something far different. It's something you cannot offer. You have no reputation, neither good nor bad and you have no name. Had you never arrived here this morning, I'd never know you even existed."

He signaled a servant.

"Peter, if you would please escort Mister Lorgha to the exit. I've enjoyed our chat, please try to have a nice day. Oh and if I see you snooping about the grounds, I'll dispose of you myself."

Aleda overheard the conversation, while on her way to confess to what she'd done. Tears came to her lovely eyes, and the way she looked. Well, it was enough to break anyone's heart.

"Aleda, come out from where you've been hiding."

She slowly slipped through the doorway.

"You're not to see that man again and you're not to leave this household without a member of this family. When I find someone suitable to court you, he will escort you then. What you've done is very serious. I had hoped to not have to do this, but you leave me no choice. You will marry as soon as possible and there will be no discussion about it."

Her heart was breaking. While being very beautiful, Aleda was also very powerful. That day, flowers in vases all over the village wilted simultaneously and the sky filled with dark clouds. Her magic made nature weep along with her.

 

[a_libertine]

Lorgha was flabbergasted. He had expected that Silvin would decline his request, but to be tossed out summarily like a beggar?! Rage boiled in his blood as he turned angrily back toward the two servants, or guards, that deposited him on the street.

Clouds began gathering almost at the same instant and Lorgha looked up at them and then back down, "Tell your master, that I shall return, and he shall be forced to acquiesce to my request; my beloved will have no other."

Back to his home, Lorgha walked in a daze. The world which mere hours ago seemed so bright and cheery was now dark and dismal. He would have to create something that would amaze the city, something that would leave Silvin humbled in disbelief.

The problem was what to make. It would have to be something unique, something dazzling, something that he could generate great wealth from. If Silvin would not allow their courtship, then Lorgha would buy it.

 

[Hikari]

Una knew a great deal about Aleda, but what had happened? How did such a tragedy come to be? There were many tellings of the story. She always believed that what happened was an accident. While married, both of their families were quite happy and a powerful alliance formed. Lorgha must've been a skilled craftsmen. That mirror was priceless. Lirar seemed equally wonderful and it would be more than fun to date him freely. It was hardly the middle ages. She wanted to date whom she pleased. So comfortable was Una in his arms that she drifted off to sleep, hoping that it wasn't all a dream.

----------------------------------------------------

Aleda wept in her room. Even the house felt a little bit colder, but her father would not budge on the topic. Her hands busied about with paper. This was a spell she'd been working on for awhile, and this was the perfect occasion to use it. The paper held a message that only the correct person could view. As she folded, she wove in non-verbal enchantments.

Dearest Lorgha,

I was unaware that my father would regret it so openly. He is quick to anger and is not easily satisfied. Please, we must do something quickly. He has made it known to me that he means to find someone to court me immediately. I cannot do that. I didn't know it would hurt this greatly to know that I can not see you. I will do anything to see you, there is something that links us together in spirit. I know because mine was crushed this morning. I can not be seen with you, and should you try again to ask they may hurt you. Write or contact me as soon as you are able. They will be watching, so it will have to be undetectable. Until I see you again, I will lock my heart away.

Much love,

Aleda

She blew at the folds till it became a bright green butterfly and flitted out of the window. It would find Lorgha where ever he might be.

 

[a_libertine]

Lorgha had been working on it for quite a while. It was a small silver mirror, and he had spent over 100 hours carving it intricately. He had always known it would go to the woman he loved; the problem up into then was he did not know who she was.

Now he did.

He turned it over in his hands, rotating it, imagining what he would do with it. As he sat a bright green butterfly landed on the table next to him and stayed. As his hand moved toward it cautiously, the butterfly flapped its wings once and then as his hand touched a wing unfolded into a letter.

He read the missive and leaned back into his chair. Then the idea of what to do with the mirror dawned on him.

He put it aside then gathered several tomes of arcane research and put them on the table. For the next three days, Lorgha researched the spells he would need and then the proper way to combine them into what he needed them to do.

Then at dawn on the fourth day, Lorgha began his incantations, drawing a knife across his wrist, bathing the mirror in his blood. As the last syllable left his mouth, the blood disappeared and was absorbed into the mirror.

Looking down he saw that the mirror was spotless, not a trace of his blood remained. Smiling he tucked it into a safe and began plotting how to deliver it to her with instructions.

He finally settled on getting a missive to her, using a similar magic as hers had been, and left the mirror in a hiding place on the grounds of Silvin's estate.

On the mirror he tied a note that merely said, "Say my name."



*~*~*~*~

It took nearly a month for Lirar to create a detection proof identity. He settled on a caster from a wealthy family from a far kingdom. He rented a fairly large house and through an incredibly hard series of incantations, that strictly speaking were illegal to cast, moved his intellect and soul into a recently deceased man, who had come from a kingdom equally far away.

Each day he sent a message to Una, a very brief conversation to be sure, but all they could safely manage.

After it was all set up, including an excuse to disappear from his family, Lirar finagled an invitation to a party where Una was expected to attend.

 

[Hikari]

It was nearly winter, when the invitations arrived. An old friend of the family always held a party at the close of fall. Her immediate family usually went. It was the beginning of a long string of parties and celebrations throughout the winter months. She was expected to go, seeing as it would be a safe place for her to find a boyfriend. They didn't mind her dating, as long as it was on their terms. It had to be someone they approved of. She wasn't thrilled about the event until Lirar made her aware that he'd be there. How he'd manage it, she didn't know, but she put on her best and went out with her family into the chilly night. There was no way of knowing even what he might look like. All she knew is that he would come.

"Excited about the party Una?" her mother whispered.

"As excited as one could be." She said.

"Well I have a feeling that things will be looking up soon."

The party was the same as usual. Same people, same music. Dull as ever. She danced to pass the time, but none of her partners were Lirar. For awhile she drifted around the punch bowl, overhearing meaningless discussion.Where was he? He'd promised, he would come. Perhaps he was running late.

 

[a_libertine]

He could see her glancing left and right, seeking him out, looking for the face she new, but this one she would not know. He had thought about how to approach the situation, her, and gain her father's blessing to a courtship.

Most of which was easy to do. With enough magic and wealth the only limits that existed were one's imagination. His clothes were immaculate and pricey, his tan and accent perfect, and the letter of introduction in his hand was a nearly perfect forgery. Any better and it would be suspected of being a forgery.

"Master Silvin," Lirar said in a smooth baritone, "I am Hornus from the Canyon of Wyrms. May I present to you my letter of introduction?"

Silvin waved the offer off, saying, "I have heard much of you lately Hornus, and my nephews vouch for you and that you are a good man. That is enough for me."

Hornus stood and said, "Thank you gracious lord."

Silvin waved Una over and said, "This is my daughter Una, Hornus."

Hornus leaned over her hand as he caressed it and whispered, "Finally."

 

[Hikari]

A man came forward to speak to her father. He was tall, tan, and foreign looking. Dressed in finery, with a strange air about him, they began to engage in conversation.

"I am Hornus from the Canyon of Wyrms. May I present to you my letter of introduction?"

"I have heard much of you lately Hornus, and my nephews vouch for you and that you are a good man. That is enough for me."

Her cousins knew this guy? It was weird, she'd never even heard of him. Could he be? No, this man was nothing like Lirar. There were no recognizable features. No hint of that kindness she often saw in his eyes.

"Thank you gracious lord."

Her father signaled her to come forward, which she did at once, but not happily. There was a gloom and look of disinterest on her face. She wanted only Lirar and this was probably her father's idea of matchmaking.

"This is my daughter Una, Hornus."

Hornus? What an odd name. It was in that moment, that he touched her hand in a way that stunned her. Gods, It was him.

"Finally." he whispered

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

She looked him over, how had he managed such a transformation? It even had her fooled. What had he done?

"Sir, I know it is bold of me, but would you be so kind to dance with me?"

 

[a_libertine]

Lirar/Hornus stood straight and inclined his head, "Of course, I am, and will always be, yours to request from."

Lirar looked directly at Silvin and asked, "If the master of the house approves?"

Silvin looked from one to the other and watched his daughter stare at Hornus, her eyes wide in wonder and perhaps a little confusion. A smile spread slowly across the older man's face as he nodded and said, "It seems my daughter, approves, and I would see her smile."

Lirar/Hornus offered Una his elbow and gracefully escorted her to the floor. "My heart may beat again," he whispered to Una as he swung her in a tight arc around him.

He could see the questions roiling and boiling under the surface, "Patience beloved, I will answer them all when I can, here is not the place."

 

[Hikari]

Without a moment's hesitation her father allowed it. This was so unlike him. Whatever Lirar had done, he'd done it well. He seemed almost pleased to have her dance with this strange person. In his eye, for a mere second, she saw a flicker of lirar's spirit, which finally assured her.

"My heart may beat again,"

A shiver ran through her again and she thought of everything he'd done to get to this point. It made her wonder whether she was worth it.

"Patience beloved, I will answer them all when I can, here is not the place."

With a smile they began to dance. It filled her with joy than she had not known in weeks. Already she longed to be alone with him. It would all come painfully slow, but for now she would savor him and this moment.

"Hornus, is a silly name don't you think?" she laughed.

"It doesn't do you justice."

 

[a_libertine]

Hornus gave her a crooked grin, one that was still unfamiliar in the face he wore, but still uniquely his own. "We all must face the name we are given in life," he said lightly. "Besides, clearly your male relatives take themselves seriously enough as it is, this gives them little motivation to look into very much."

After the dance, he stood in the middle of the dance floor, and quipped, "Now, shall we see how successfully I have laid the foundations?"

He could see the trepidation in her eyes and nodded encouragingly to her, "It will be fine. I hear your cousins have been digging into my past quite vigorously the last few days."

He walked over to Silvin and bowed upon arriving. "Master Silvin, I am stricken by your daughter's beauty and dulcet laughter; and I fear my heart may never be my own again." Straightening up, "May I have your permission to court her in the manner that befits her?"

Silvin's eyes shined a luminescent red, an after effect of a spell he had cast. He looked from Una to Hornus/Lirar and back. "Hand me your letter."

Hornus reached into his doublet and removed the letter. Handing it to the older mage and waited patiently.

"Your hand did not write this," Silvin muttered, "You do not appear to be disguised, and my nephews have dug vigorously into your history as presented and found nothing to doubt."

His eyes snapped one last time to Una, and then to the gathering crowd at large then nodded once. Though his tone indicated he would not tolerate such, Silvin said, "As long as my daughter does not object, then I will allow it."

 

[Hikari]

"As long as my daughter does not object, then I will allow it."

She practically radiated joy even though she saw some of her family give him ill glances. No one would ever be good enough in their eyes, even one who seemed this well off.

"I'd be happy to."

Una took his hand into hers, locking her fingers into his. She would honor the sacrifices he'd made to get this close. It was almost silly how things were almost medieval. Not much had changed in their minds. She would be with Lirar and no one would stop them. Not if she had anything to say about it.

"As long as Mister Hornus will have me."

There were questioning glances from the party members. It was odd of a foreigner to ask so openly, but then again these were no ordinary circumstances. This family was beyond over-protective, if anything was off in their presence it would end quickly. The only other member of her family that smiled was her mother. If those eyes of her saw anything, for some reason she didn't make it known.

"If you don't mind father, I'd like to dance a bit more with my date."

 

[a_libertine]

They moved onto the dance floor Hornus keeping Una at a proper distance despite his burning need to crush her body against his. He whispered softly, "This will work, Una."

They twirled and whirled for hours, keeping the conversation light and easy going, not saying too much, not saying too little. It was the time of his life. He knew that eyes were constantly watching them, always judging him, her, them together.

Before he knew it, the night was coming to a close, the expectant eyes of Una staring up at him, "I promise soon, we will never be parted again."

 

[Hikari]

Aleda received a message soon after the failure that morning. She held it close to her heart, and soon found the token he'd left for her on the grounds. For years she'd thought that she had control of her magic, but somehow the sky was always grayer these days. When a week had passed and the house was quiet she opened the gift. It was an intricately crafted silver mirror. It was strong, magic deeply saturated into it. The note read, "Say my name."

"Lorgha," she whispered.

A brilliant light glowed from it. What sort of magic was this? Her reflection became that of Lorgha who seemed to be checking whether the rain was natural or her doing. It made her smile. If only she could be there with him.

"Oh my love..how I wish you were here."

--------------------------------------------------------

Una sent a message to the home of the wizard Hornus. It atleast made things easier in that respect, but she never sent anything that could cause trouble if intercepted. She hadn't seen him since the party and longed for the time that they could be alone together and put her mind at ease. There were few ways to disguise one's self that well and all of them against the law. If discovered it would put him in danger. So for now she sent letters that seemed only mushy, and spoke of seeing him again.

What her family didn't know was that Lirar was busy leading two lives at the same time. It was enough to make anyone exhausted. If anthing he probably needed sleep twice as much as they did. She would help him sleep if he allowed it. She longed for a time when she could spend the night with her beloved and no one batted an eye.

 

[a_libertine]

Lorgha heard Aleda's voice and smiled warmly. "Not quite beloved, but you may talk to me whenever you desire through the mirror, just say my name first."

He could not see her, and his heart ached terribly at the loss, but was heartened that they could at least talk on occasion. "Also, if you are in dire threat, smash the mirror and say, or scream, my name, and I will appear by your side."

Glancing up at the sky and hearing a rumble of thunder, he asked, "Are you responsible for the preternaturally bad weather, beloved?"


*~*~*~*~

It was hectic, maddening but nearly over. He should have known that it would be more difficult than it had been to leave one life to take up another, especially when not killing the original life.

Hornus/Lirar was sure that everything was in place now and the Lirar side of his life could be put on hold while he 'traveled.' His parents now knew that he would be gone for an extended treasure hunt, specifically for the heart of a True Dragon for a spell. Their fear at his self imposed quest evident as he said goodbye.

He had no sooner taken care of that when he heard that one of Una's cousins was digging around in his past again, this time looking for people that had known Hornus from his homeland. It took a while to find a respectable enough merchant that was purchasable enough to lie. The assistance of some major magic ensured the story and the threat averted.

So much so that Una's father stopped by wondering why Hornus had not been by to visit her. A slight ever so unintended, and Hornus promised that he would not repeat it again.

 

[Hikari]

Una wrote to him once more, asking why he hadn't been by.

Dear Hornus,

My darling, why have you not been by to see me? My heart aches and I wish you to be near to me. The party was only a moment's happiness. I wish to share everything I am with you. Sooner rather than later. If visiting me is not possible, perhaps I could see you.

Love,

Una

She sent it out early in the morning, hoping he would see her sometime that day. Una would give herself to him the moment he asked. Infact she hadn't stopped thinking about it since they'd met at the old tree. It was driving her mad. More than once she'd touched herself, imagining what it'd be like for them to become one. She wanted to know.

 

[a_libertine]

Hornus received Una's letter and anguish flooded him knowing the pain she felt. Each moment apart felt as if a lifetime went by. A lifetime of excruciating pain. A feeling that they probably would not have to feel again, well, at least not until the big reveal, when and if that came.

Hiring a carriage for the night, Hornus packed up a small gift of a cloud statuette made of a blue and white crystal.

The carriage ride was indeterminable in length, it felt like forever, but he knew intellectually that it was less than 30 minutes. Nonetheless he found his heart beating a little faster with each rotation of the carriage wheels, especially the back left wheel which apparently had a little bump, causing the carriage to lurch slightly with each rotation.

As the carriage pulled to a stop at the palatial home, Hornus fairly leaped from the carriage and jogged to a walk as he approached the fourteen marble steps that led to the house's front door, which was made of ebony inlaid with silver and gold of the family crest.

The door opened and Hornus bowed low, "I am Hornus, and I have come to call on Lady Una, if she would consent to see me."

 

[Hikari]

Una had been gazing out the window when she heard a carriage pull up below. In an instant she knew who it was and quickly changed into something nicer. She pulled her hair back, and fastened it with a single comb before slipping into proper shoes and hurrying down the stairs. It was this she'd been looking forward to. A chance to be alone with Lirar.

"I am Hornus, and I have come to call on Lady Una, if she would consent to see me."

Nearly ran to the front of the house almost afraid that someone would send him away. Before he could say another word she stood there catching her breath.

"Absolutely!"

The house keeper stared at her for a moment before looking back at him. Una grabbed a cloak, and stood before him.

"It took you long enough," she said with a smile.

She stood beside him and spoke to the house keeper.

"Tell them I've gone out with Hornus if they ask."

With that the door closed leaving them in silence.

 

[a_libertine]

The strode toward the carriage, her hand on his forearm as they went down the stairs.

"Yes, I do apologize, there were two separate items I had to attend to in my absence."

He helped Una into the carriage and followed her inside. As he closed the door, Hornus stuck his head out the window and instructed the driver, "Wait until the lady's chaperon has a chance to get ready, then take us to the dinner location previously given."

The man's gravely voice reverberated, "Yes, sir."

Sitting back in the carriage, Hornus sat across from Una, his eyes seeking hers out. "I promise my dear, we will never again be separated by such a long time again, unless there is another dragon storm."

A couple seconds later a horse hurriedly pulled along side the carriage which then lurched forward. The two young lover's chatted amiably as the carriage wound its way across town.

They arrived at a doorway set against a rickety old building and disembarked the carriage and into the ornate door. A magical portal opened and Hornus walked through first, his hand intertwined with Una's as they stepped through.

A dulcet voice said, "Your diner is ready Master Hornus."

As the door closed the two found themselves standing on a fluffy white cloud looking down at the city below them.

 

[Hikari]

Happiness filled her in these moments and were suddenly dashed by tradition. She had nearly forgotten that her family would send a chaperone. Oh how she'd hoped that it too would be overlooked. It was agonizing. An overseer wouldn't allow so much as a kiss. Perhaps a more intimate setting could be arranged in time. The conversation made the ride go quicker, but it didn't answer a single question of the hundreds she had for him. She missed his features dearly. This new persona still felt alien to her.
When the carriage finally stopped, it was before a shabby old facade. Hardly the place for company. As they stood there, Lirar took her hand and they made their way through the entrance.

"Your diner is ready Master Hornus."

Una gasped. For a moment she'd wondered if this was still the man that kissed her beneath the ancient Oak, but when she saw where they were, she knew the answer. Never had she seen something so beautiful in her life. It left her breathless. Even as they took their seats, she was at a loss for words. Everything she wanted to say, was spoken in the way she looked at him.

"Thank you, for bringing me here."

 

[a_libertine]

The sun was setting as they sat on their cloud, dinner brought to them by amorphous shapeless beings made of light and air. Before the first course was laid out completely, Hornus turned to Una, and cupped her face in his hands. His eyes were expressive as he closed the distance between them and kissed her gently which gave way slowly to a ravenous kiss as he pressed Una back onto the cloud.

Breaking the kiss slowly, reluctantly, Hornua looked down at Una and whispered, "Your chaperon is below, far below. By the time he finds us, dinner will be over, and we will be returning to the carriage."

Hornus helped Una back into a sitting position, "This will be as alone as we will be allowed until we are married, I think."

 

[Hikari]

"Are you responsible for the preternaturally bad weather, beloved?"

She gazed into the mirror.

"I'm afraid that I am. Sometimes when I'm upset, I can't help it. You should have seen what happened when I was younger. I accidently flooded the house."

It was nice to hear the sound of his voice again. So badly did she want to touch him, to feel his warmth. She'd defy her father's rules to do so.

"Lorgha, I want to meet you somewhere. I'm alone here all the time and I long to see you smile. Name the place and I'll find a way to get there. I'm good at writing spells you see, and I'll find a way."

-------------------------

His kiss made her think of what it'd be like to give herself to him. If it was too soon to think of such things, she blamed these stupid traditions. Rarely seeing one's suitor released such frustrations all at once. She could tell he suffered as well, holding back what he longed to do.

"This will be as alone as we will be allowed until we are married, I think."

"That is fine love, but you must tell me. What have you done to yourself? Will I ever see you back to normal? It worries me so."

"It's just a lot to get used to."

 

[a_libertine]

Lorgha looked back at her, even though he could not see her. He knew that she could see him, and acted as if it were a two way visual. Nodding, he said, "The pain of being separated from you will kill me I am sure."

He thought a moment then smiled, his teeth flashing white. "There is a gala at the Academy of Naturalism in two days. Meet me there, beloved. I will find a way for us to shake off your chaperon and be alone with you."


*~*~*~*~

Hornus; body and Una's molded together, her breast crushing against his chest, his hardened member pressing against her stomach. "I have borrowed this body, and lent mine to him."

He lowered his face back to hers and kissed her gently. As they broke the kiss, he said, "I will take my own body back after our wedding, during our honey moon."

 

[Hikari]

"The pain of being separated from you will kill me I am sure."

She knew how he felt. There was nothing more that she wanted than the feel of his lips on hers once more. Lorgha's cloak was still hidden in her closet. On cold nights she held it fast to her chest. There wasn't much she wouldn't do to see him again.

"There is a gala at the Academy of Naturalism in two days. Meet me there, beloved. I will find a way for us to shake off your chaperone and be alone with you."

It was almost too good to be true. Certainly she'd be allowed to go, it was ridding herself of a chaperone that seemed the more difficult task.

"Then I will meet you there my love."

Two days would feel like torture, but it was well worth it. Even if it was only mere moments that they shared, she would treasure them. If she tried to explain these feelings to anyone, they'd think her mad. However she knew enough to trust her instincts. They'd meet in two days, she would see to it.

--------------------------------------------------------

"I have borrowed this body, and lent mine to him."

The words soon sank in. This sort of magic was entirely illegal. Still it was insanely romantic that he was willing to risk this much. It would only bring her worry until he was his old self again. These thoughts, though present, moved to the back of her head as he kissed her. She could feel his arousal, making her breath catch in her throat. Was it true what they said about some lovers? Were some meant to find one another? If so, fate had a cruel sense of humor.

"I will take my own body back after our wedding, during our honey moon."

The very thought of a honeymoon made her legs weak. Space between them, longed, and waited to be filled. Patience could be agony, but if she could not find it, she did not deserve him anyway.

"My love, I thank you for this. All of this, and I shall make known my gratitude, on our wedding night."

The last part she whispered into his ear. It was almost sultry. Yet it had come so naturally.

"Now, perhaps we should atleast focus a bit on dinner. It grows cold."

 

[a_libertine]

Nodding, Hornus/Lirar sat up and pulled Una up with him. Shaping and fluffing the cloud that they sat upon, each could recline comfortably side by side, while a tendril of cloud held the food for them just above their waists.

Lirar grinned as he said, "Perhaps I should admit to my fondness of cold food here and now."

His right hand twined with her left hand and Hornus/Lirar clutched to it as they ate, as if the parting would kill him emotionally, if not physically.

 

[Hikari]

She glanced at him every now and then as she ate. A few questions had been answered over the last month, but one had not. What sort of man meets a woman and commits to pursuing her so quickly? She certainly knew that it was crazy, but she knew that she'd probably go mad without him. Was it only the magic of Samhain or fate drawing them to one another? The only thing that she knew was the warmth in her heart replacing her solitude. It was also true that she too enjoyed certain meals cold, and that feeling of her hand in his own, was the safest she'd ever felt.

"Would be so kind as to tell me more about yourself? We've moved so quickly and yet we know so little of one another."