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Post by Firehead on Nov 28, 2011 15:22:04 GMT -5
"I have a horse, my lady. And his name is Kadock"
"Hunh? What's that?" Pippen paused, almost to the ground, and looked back at Gedric. She blinked when he whistled, bringing a chestnut pony galloping over to the tree. "Oh. Well, that takes care of that." Pippen remarked, dropping to the ground and approaching the pony carefully.
She ran her gaze over the small pony thoughtfully, letting him rest his muzzle in the palm of her hand as she did, then turned back to Gedric. "You said his name is Kadock, yes? A very nice pony. I think it's high time you became a better rider. You and he can have so much fun together! Let's get away from the tents and such. We'll need some elbow room to work with."
(OOC:Just head on over to Pippen's Ridding assessment and Tricks. We can pick this up there.)
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Ben had saved Heather her seat and had guarded it from several other Rangers looking for a place to sit, as it came time for Rick to begin his arrow-making class. When at last Heather returned, an apprentice in tow, Ben relaxed from his vigil. He was curious about the apprentice, but figured he could ask her later, if he didn't find out otherwise, first.
With the arrival of Heather, Rick brought out a bag of food, that was soon making the rounds. Judging by the speed at which the bag was emptying, It was probably a good thing he'd eaten before, Ben thought to himself, as he turned his attention to Rick, as he carried on with his class.
Heather glanced over at Ben and gently touched the back of his hand to get his attention. She offered him a grape and a hunk of cheese from her lap. Her fingers lingered on his hand probably a bit longer than they needed to, but realizing that Rick was watching her every move, she removed her hand and then offered him the food.
She wasn't the only one who noticed Rick's eyes on them. Ben accepted her offer, with a quiet "Thanks.", not wanting to inturrupt the class by speaking louder. Ben chewed slowly, making the food last, and lost himself in thought. And there was a lot to think about. Not the least of which was what he was going to do about his feelings for Heather.
He kept his eyes focused on a spot at Rick's feet, so that while it looked like he was paying attention, he was, in actuality, not paying any attention whatsoever.
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Post by Brandwyn on Dec 13, 2011 13:19:04 GMT -5
Heather was having a hard time paying attention to Rick’s teaching as well. She was still bone tired. The week before she’d left for the Gathering she had been chasing the pirates that were stealing horses and had probably gotten a grand total of 20 hours sleep the entire week. She was going to have a mess to return to, but a ranger couldn’t ignore the Gathering without a very good reason and general pirate hunting was not a good enough reason. Besides, she couldn’t pass up the chance to see her friends again and knew she would be able to rest some once she got here.
She followed Rick’s hands as he demonstrated tying on the fletches after he had stripped the river reed stalk of its outer layer of leaves, but she wasn’t really seeing the feather or the reed. She longed to lean her head against Ben’s shoulder and doze off, but she was sure that would hurt Rick and so she refrained. She’d already gone over the dilemma in her heart so many times that her mind was numb and still she had no clear solution to her problem. She simply couldn’t bring herself to choose between the four of them, and so another year would likely pass without any of them being any happier, but also without any of them being any sadder on her account. Still…
Her thoughts went to Enya and she wondered how she would ever train an apprentice. She didn’t have any idea where to begin. She tried to remember back to her first days as an apprentice, but it seemed to be a large blur of endless days of shooting her bow, riding her horse and throwing knives. Not to mention all of the fetching water, cleaning the ranger cabin, collecting firewood, grooming the horses, mucking out the stable and so on. She did remember wondering if there was anything ever exciting in a ranger’s life and why she had ever opened her mouth to say she wanted to become one. She almost chuckled at the memory, then caught herself, realizing she actually had almost dozed off.
Finally Rick was finished and Heather turned to her apprentice, “I’ve got something I want to do and you need to pick out a horse. See those horses over there near Crowley’s big top? You go over there where Ole Bob is and tell him you need a ranger horse. He should get you started on that and when you get done, bring your new horse over here, make sure he or she is taken care of and then get your tent set back up again. I am sure Rick will give you a hand.” She winked at Rick. “I will catch up with you here in a while.”
Heather then turned back to Ben and said very softly, steering him away from Rick with a bit of pressure on his elbow. “I haven’t seen you all year, Ben. You wanna take a walk and catch up on everything that’s been going on?” she had her uninjured left hand looped through the crook of his right arm. “You have a few minutes don’t you?”
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Rick tried not to pay any attention to Heather and Ben sitting so close together as he finished up his class. He answered several questions and then dismissed everyone. He had wanted to get Heather alone for a few minutes, but it seemed she had other plans.
He politely nodded to Enya when Heather suggested he help the girl with her tent. “Sure, I would be happy to help such a pretty little Lady.” Rick grinned, oozing charm as was his normal way around any females. “My name is Rick Greenriver.” He extended his hand to her, palm up. “I am the ranger of Araluen Fief and Tam is my apprentice. And you are Enya?” He enquired. “What a pretty name,” he smiled, his blue eyes twinkling and the crow feathers in his long dark hair fluttered in the slight breeze. He looked over Enya’s head at the departing figure of Heather and resisted the urge to sigh, instead he began to collect the props from his class and pack them away. “I noticed you didn’t eat very much, though you looked at the food like you were ravenous,” he said to Enya. “Are you still hungry? It is going to be a couple hours before this goose is done cooking I think.” He pointed to the pot buried in the coals of his fire. “but I might have something else for you to nibble on around here.”
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Post by Firehead on Dec 13, 2011 13:57:44 GMT -5
Heather then turned back to Ben and said very softly, steering him away from Rick with a bit of pressure on his elbow. “I haven’t seen you all year, Ben. You wanna take a walk and catch up on everything that’s been going on?” she had her uninjured left hand looped through the crook of his right arm. “You have a few minutes don’t you?”
Ben studied her a moment before answering. He wasn't entirely sure that she wasn't ready to fall alseep on her feet. "Sure, Heather." As they started away from Rick's encampment, Ben added, "I always have a few minutes available for you, Heather. Don't be afraid to ask for fear of interrupting something."
They headed toward a path leading away from the camp. He walked slowly, keeping one eye on her, making sure Heather didn't fall or grow weary. "If you need to rest, say so--there's always a fallen tree available to serve as a bench, nearby." he said, his shy grin appearing for a moment as he smiled at her.
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Post by Firehead on Feb 17, 2012 17:39:46 GMT -5
Ben walked with Heather through the woods for a ways, in a companionable silence. As they walked, Ben found himself contemplating what he'd been contemplating for years, ever since he'd met Heather, in fact.
From the first, he'd been attracted to her, but he'd said nothing those first five years because she'd been an apprentice and he himself was just a newly minted silver leaf. And then, of course, she'd seemed to think that they were in some mutual competition to see who was the better Ranger, and he'd quietly let her go first. Eventually the competitive behavior morphed into a line of thinking that she had to be tough all the time, and Ben, at a loss for words to tell her that she didn't have to be a tom-boy all the time, had quietly gone on being her friend and unspoken admirer. Even after she'd earned her silver leaf, and it hadn't seemed so awkward to pursue her--by then it had become a habit--a routine-- and both, he contemplated, were hard things to break.
Perhaps he was too quiet, Ben mused as the two of them stopped and seated themselves on a log. Another moment of silence went by, before Ben finally broke it. "I pestered Crowley into letting Dalin test for his silver leaf this year. I think he's ready for it. He's good." he added almost as an afterthought. He plucked a few late-growing chicory and started twining the long stems together. The silence was not forced, and Ben was glad of it. With Heather, he reflected, he never felt pressed to keep a conversation going. Actions spoke louder than words, they had come to agree a long time ago.
"Been thinking some...'Bout retiring." he was silent for a moment before going on, "Got a cabin up by the northern border, used to be my dad's. It was a great place--the cabin and stable overlooked a wide meadow...greenest grass you ever saw, even in the summer. The woods were full of hickory, walnut, oak, chestnut, even had some wild plum, pear, and apple trees scattered about in 'em. You watch the sun set over the horizon on most days, some of the most magnificent sunsets I've ever seen." His hands had stilled from their task as he spoke, but now he fell silent and looked back down, resuming his work. After a moment he said, "Best not tell anyone about that speech--might think I was looking' to become an orator." his mouth quirked upward a little with humor at the jest. He finished twining the Chicory stems in a circle, and worked to secure it.
After a moment, he looked up and met her eyes. They had always seemed to draw him in; a mysterious mesmerism that he'd never completely understood. Just like the rest of her. character, personality, and yes, her form. A man would have to be blind, dumb and, well, downright stupid not to be attracted to her, Ben always thought. Now, coming back to himself in the present, he realized that he had unconsciously raised a hand and was gently caressing her cheek. Whoa up, there--crossing the line, buddy. He drew his hand back, although it seemed to him that he was pulling it through thick molasses. "Sorry." He paused and took a deep breath, mentally trying to bring himself away from the line he'd been toeing a moment before. Wasn't happening. So tell her. "I been thinking a lot lately... about you." As if it wasn't obvious by now. But at least it was out on the table. Now, finish what you started. "Been in love with you for a long time. Just' kept my mouth shut 'cause you didn't seem interested in..." He trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence, half-hoping that she thought the sentence was ended.
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Post by Brandwyn on Feb 20, 2012 8:31:46 GMT -5
Ben walked with Heather through the woods for a ways, in a companionable silence. Heather enjoyed the silence – it felt ‘right’ just being with Ben. They didn’t need to talk to know what the other was thinking; it all just seemed to come naturally. Heather could tell he was trying to decide if he should tell her something or not and she resisted the urge to prompt him. Ben would either tell her or not, but there was no forcing him, not that she wanted to. She had an inkling of what he was thinking as they seated themselves on the log and she rubbed her shoulder to ease the ache.
"I pestered Crowley into letting Dalin test for his silver leaf this year. I think he's ready for it. He's good." Ben said and then trailed off again. Heather was sure he wanted to say something else.
“Dalin looks like he will be a good ranger. But then he has had one of the best mentors.” She smiled at him. They were silent for a bit longer, looking out through the trees. Heather was thinking it was a beautiful day as she watched a bright red cardinal flit in and out around a blueberry bush.
"Been thinking some...'Bout retiring." he was silent for a moment before going on, "Got a cabin up by the northern border, used to be my dad's. It was a great place--the cabin and stable overlooked a wide meadow...greenest grass you ever saw, even in the summer. The woods were full of hickory, walnut, oak, chestnut, even had some wild plum, pear, and apple trees scattered about in 'em. You watch the sun set over the horizon on most days, some of the most magnificent sunsets I've ever seen." His hands had stilled from their task as he spoke, but now he fell silent and looked back down, resuming his work. After a moment he said, "Best not tell anyone about that speech--might think I was looking' to become an orator." his mouth quirked upward a little with humor at the jest. He finished twining the Chicory stems in a circle, and worked to secure it.
Heather’s heart skipped a beat at his first words and her first thought was that she would never see him if he retired. They hardly ever saw each other now except at the Gatherings. She held her tongue though and let him continue. He sounded so wistful as he described the cabin and she began to picture herself there with him. It would be a good life. Heather chuckled at his last words, “Yes, you’d better be careful or the King will have you strutting around as his herald giving speeches all over Court.” She snickered at the image.
She looked up at him and their eyes met and for a moment they seemed to loose themselves. Heather didn’t realize it at first, but then noticed he was stroking her cheek. She felt a thrill go through her at his gentle touch.
He drew his hand back, although it seemed to him that he was pulling it through thick molasses. "Sorry."
Heather felt a wrench as he pulled away from her and started to reach up and grab his hand and place it back on her cheek. Then she realized he was gathering the courage to say something and she held perfectly still like a deer frozen in that moment before it takes flight from danger. Was he going to tell her to leave him alone? Was he pushing her away? Maybe she had been too forward in insisting they take this walk. A million things were racing through her mind and she forced herself to calm down and listen to him.
He paused and took a deep breath, mentally trying to bring himself away from the line he'd been toeing a moment before. Wasn't happening. So tell her. "I been thinking a lot lately... about you."
Heather was stunned. Was it possible he really did have more feelings for her than just the close friendship they shared? Why hadn’t they come out before in all these past years? The answer was obvious; they had both been afraid to mess up their friendship. She held her breath and gazed into his eyes, willing him to continue.
"Been in love with you for a long time. Just' kept my mouth shut 'cause you didn't seem interested in..." He trailed off.
There it was – the words she had wanted to hear. Someone did love her for who she is and not just to have a little fling and then cast her aside. What was more, that someone was Ben and she knew she loved him too but had been too afraid to tell him so. She realized now that he had been just as nervous as she and that helped her to relax.
Heather reached up with her good hand and very gently caressed his jaw and cheek bone with her fingers. She leaned toward him and said, “I have always been interested in you Ben, I’ve just been too stupid to let you know.” She looked into his eyes, baring her soul to him. “I love you Ben. It just took me a while to figure that out and I didn’t want to hurt the others.” She slid her hand around to the back of his neck and twirled the hair at the base of his head, all the while staring into his beautiful eyes. There now she had laid her cards on the table too. “Life is too short though to spend it alone, especially when we don’t have to.”
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Post by Firehead on Feb 20, 2012 14:00:50 GMT -5
Ben felt a start when Heather reached out and touched the side of his face. He could definitely get used to it, he knew. She leaned toward him and said, “I have always been interested in you Ben, I’ve just been too stupid to let you know.” She looked into his eyes, baring her soul to him. “I love you Ben. It just took me a while to figure that out and I didn’t want to hurt the others.” The others. Yeah, he understood that. She slid her hand around to the back of his neck and twirled the hair at the base of his head, all the while staring into his beautiful eyes. There now she had laid her cards on the table too. “Life is too short though to spend it alone, especially when we don’t have to.”
Having Heather this close to him sent his good sense reeling. He shifted, putting a hand around her slim waist and guided her closer. The feel of her in his arms made him want to keep her there forever. Well, he already intended too, if she'd let him. With his free hand he gently lifted her chin, til their faces were just centimeters apart. He hesitated a moment, wondering if he should carry on. With his thumb he lightly traced the line of her jaw, his eyes following the movement, before meeting her gaze again. It drew him in relentlessly, and he almost unconsciously dipped his head, his lips whispering across hers in an almost imperceptible gesture. His hand slid around, cupping the back of her head, steadying her as he brushed her lips again, enjoying the slight contact.
Common sense reached in and grabbed hold of his brain, dragging it away from the line that he had now crossed. He pulled away, enough that he could meet her eyes. Great. Now what if she hates you? What if she hates you for kissing her like that, without her permission?
Ben found himself swalloing a large lump that had taken up residence in his throat, before he was able to speak. His voice husky and soft, he asked, "Will you marry me?" Probably shouldn't have asked her that right after he'd just violated his own promise to himself never to cross the line with Heather, but it was too late to back things up and start over now.
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Post by Brandwyn on Feb 25, 2012 16:02:09 GMT -5
Heather closed her eyes as he leaned in and a thrill went all the way down her spine when she felt his thumb on her jaw and his arm around her. She opened her eyes when he hesitated, urging him to continue with the look in her eyes. Her heart did a flip as she felt his breath on her face just before he brushed his lips against hers. His second kiss was slightly longer but then he pulled away and wouldn’t look at her. She wished he hadn’t pulled back. She wanted him to hold her and kiss her like that forever.
He swallowed and the look on his face told her he was struggling with himself again. She wanted to reassure him that it was okay and was just about to open her mouth to tell him so when he spoke in a soft, husky voice.
"Will you marry me?"
Heather was surprised. She had not been expecting that question considering how they hadn’t even properly courted each other. Of course the last 15 years or so could probably be considered a courtship to some extent. She glanced at the Chicory stems he had fashioned into a ring. ‘So that’s what he had been up to,’ she thought, ‘how sweet.’ She had opened her mouth moments before he spoke and it now just hung there partly open for a bit while her brain backpedaled. Her initial reaction was to say ‘yes!’, but then she thought she should take a moment and think about her answer for a bit. Marriage was a big step – it was permanent. She realized her mouth was open and closed it, searching his face to make sure he was sincere and not teasing her. She should know better than that. Ben would never tease her about this.
Realizing she had been quiet for a bit too long and that she was holding her breath, she slowly let it out and then lay her head on his shoulder, slipping her arm around his back so he couldn’t run off while she entertained the idea.
“Marriage, that’s a – give me a moment to let the idea sink in.” She finally answered as her mind raced through the implications. What would their getting married do to the relationships with the other three in their little group? Rick would appear to be devastated, but she still wasn’t sure if he genuinely cared about her or just wanted a little fling to add to the notches on his bedpost. Things with Quade would likely not change and Roary would probably tease her mercilessly, but she didn’t think it would bother their friendship. Things would be slightly different between them all though. Was that reason enough to deny her feelings and keep on like she had been going for years?
Then Heather thought about what she wanted. She had never wanted to grow up as a farmer and raise a bunch of babies, that is true, but as she had gotten older she realized she didn’t want to grow old all alone either. There was something to be said for having some kids to take care of you in your old age and Heather was fast approaching the age where having children would not be a possibility. But if she did marry Ben and they had kids what then? Would she have to give up being a ranger like Shanna had? Ben had just said he was thinking about retiring. Would he expect her to do likewise? She knew she wasn’t ready to give up on being a ranger yet. Being married and having a baby would be sure to affect her ranger career.
When it came right down to it, though, she knew what she wanted. It was something she had been wanting for several years now but she had been too afraid to push the issue. She wanted to be with Ben regardless of what the others thought or what would happen in their careers. Somehow they would work all of that out later. Right now Ben was waiting for her answer.
She looked back up at him, figuring he was probably getting worried that she hadn’t immediately answered, so she smiled warmly at him and said abruptly but with a smile on her face and a glow in her eyes, “Ben, I love you. Yes, I will marry you!”
This time it was her turn and she gently cupped his jaw in her hand and turned his head toward her, then she sat up straight until she was able to just reach his lips with her own. She slipped her hand back under his arm and hugged him tight as their lips met and she felt a fire run through her and settle in her guts. Yes, she could definitely get used to this and she didn’t want to stop kissing him. This was right and for the first time in years she felt truly happy.
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Post by Firehead on Feb 29, 2012 13:42:04 GMT -5
Heather was still for a moment, staring at him in suprise. Then she leaned forward, laying her head on Ben's shoulder. “Marriage, that’s a – give me a moment to let the idea sink in.” Ben waited, a sense of nervousness creeping slowly over him as she thought, his lips resting lightly on her hair as he held her gently.
Heather looked back up at him, figuring he was probably getting worried that she hadn’t immediately answered, so she smiled warmly at him and said abruptly but with a smile on her face and a glow in her eyes, “Ben, I love you. Yes, I will marry you!”
This time it was her turn and she gently cupped his jaw in her hand and turned his head toward her, then she sat up straight until she was able to just reach his lips with her own. She slipped her hand back under his arm and hugged him tight as their lips met and she felt a fire run through her and settle in her guts.
Ben's sense vanished like smoke in a strong breeze once more at the feel of Heather's soft lips pressed lightly against his. He responded to her kiss, pulling her closer against him and angling her head back. A warm heat, a protective instinct rose up inside of him, boiling hot and spreading throughout his body underneith his skin. The feel of her hands on his skin was like a cool fire, sending sparks shooting through him to combine with the fire within him, creating a cataclysmic effect inside. It was as though they had moved outside of time and space, to a place where only the two of them existed.
In a remote corner of his mind, a warning light flared, telling him to stop, that if he wasn't careful, he could easily take things way to far. He struggled to focus on that warning for a moment before drawing back again, breaking off their heated kiss, but not the embrace, as he held her pressed against his body, his every sense on fire at her touch. He was breathing hard, as though he'd just finished running a race. He gazed back into Heather's eyes, watching her face, guaging her response as he whispered to her, his voice ragged, husky and soft, "Maybe we should head back. Before I take things too far out here."
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Post by Brandwyn on Mar 9, 2012 13:16:44 GMT -5
Heather felt his arms tighten around her as he pulled her close. She responded to his kiss and felt strange things happening inside. Her heart was beating like it was going to leap out of her chest and she felt her body flush with heat. His touch was thrilling and she clung to him as best she could with one arm, pulling him tight against her, almost unaware of the pain in her bad shoulder as the world dissolved around them. Her mind went blank and her senses were heightened. She felt a tingle on her skin where he touched her and he smelled earthy and wonderful. She wasn’t quite sure what was happening to her body, but she was enjoying it and didn’t want it to end. She had a sudden impulse to run her lips down his jaw and neck but he pulled back slightly, their faces still nearly touching.
He gazed back into Heather's eyes, watching her face, gauging her response as he whispered to her, his voice ragged, husky and soft, "Maybe we should head back. Before I take things too far out here."
Heather looked at him uncomprehending, ‘what is he talking about?’ she thought, trying to brush the fog from her mind, ‘go too far?’ She didn’t want him to stop kissing her and started to shake her head, “No,” she breathed softly, “I don’t want you to” She broke off abruptly, finally realizing what he meant. Her eyes widened and she blushed bright red. “Oh!” She exclaimed. “Oh, that!” she hid her face in his chest again, breathing hard and trying to sort out what was happening to her.
She was in her thirties and although no one was likely to believe it, she had never lain with a man before. Everyone had assumed that she and Rick had dallied together when they were apprentices, but it had never happened. Oh Rick had tried on numerous occasions down through the years, but she had never given in to his advances. She had never let anyone get close enough to her in all these years to have that kind of relationship. She told herself it was because she had been brought up to wait for her wedding night, but she had often wondered if there was something socially wrong with her. How could she be a thirty-something-year-old virgin? Oh she’d had opportunities, but they had never seemed right.
Now, here was Ben and their emotions were running high right now. They had just made a commitment to each other and it would be so easy to give in to her desire to be with him. She knew he wanted her just as much as she wanted him right now. Their bodies were screaming for it with every ragged breath. But she was scared. What if he changed his mind about wanting her after he saw her – all of her? What if she wasn’t any good? Would he still want her if then? Most of all she had no idea what to do and maybe he would laugh at her. She didn’t think she could take that. What would he think if he knew she was a virgin? Would he laugh about that or would that make him want her even more? Should she say anything? From what little she understood about it, she knew that when it happened the man would be able to know, so keeping it a secret seemed stupid. Besides, if they were going to get married, they shouldn’t go into it with any secrets.
She held her breath for a couple of minutes, frozen in fear as she sorted out these thoughts, hiding in his arms. She felt herself trembling a little with all of the pent up emotions trying to escape as she held them in check. Still hiding her face, her voice muffled, she said, “Ben… I’m… …I never…” This was harder than anything she’d ever done in her life. Finally she looked up at him, took a deep breath and blurted, “I’m a virgin, and… I’m scared!” She couldn’t keep looking at his eyes, she was too embarrassed and buried her face in his chest again, her shoulders shaking as she tried to get herself back under control. She could feel the heat on her face and even the tips of her ears as she turned as red as she had ever been in her life. For some reason she was fighting back tears, desperate to keep from crying in front of him and not knowing why she was even wanting to cry.
‘Now I’ve done it,’ she thought, ‘he is going to call off the engagement, or worse, he is going to laugh…’
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Post by Firehead on Mar 21, 2012 12:23:04 GMT -5
Heather looked at him uncomprehending, ‘what is he talking about?’ she thought, trying to brush the fog from her mind, ‘go too far?’ She didn’t want him to stop kissing her and started to shake her head, “No,” she breathed softly, “I don’t want you to” She broke off abruptly, finally realizing what he meant. Her eyes widened and she blushed bright red. “Oh!” She exclaimed. “Oh, that!” she hid her face in his chest again, breathing hard and trying to sort out what was happening to her.
"Yeah...that." Ben replied softly as what he'd said sank in. He swallowed hard, as he tried to bring his mind and body back under his control. It was so tempting to simply give in to it all...No. He wouldn't. He needed to do right by Heather.
As the moments gradually slipped past, with niether one moving so much as a muscle, the earlier emotional high slowly faded. Ben's thinking gradually cleared. in his arms heather trembled a little, and Ben feared that he might have frightened her. But then she spoke.
Still hiding her face, her voice muffled, she said, “Ben… I’m… …I never…” This was harder than anything she’d ever done in her life. Finally she looked up at him, took a deep breath and blurted, “I’m a virgin, and… I’m scared!” She couldn’t keep looking at his eyes, she was too embarrassed and buried her face in his chest again, her shoulders shaking as she tried to get herself back under control.
Whoa. Her admission left him breathless. He drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out. Pulling back a little, he raised Heather's chin, gently tugging her gaze up to meet his again. "Heather, your the first girl I've ever kissed, let alone..." he took a deep breath, again feeling her gaze pulling him to the edge of his commen sense. He traced her lips with his thumb as he spoke gently. "I think you're sexy as all get out, not to mention being plain amazing in every way possible. I wouldn't want to hurt you for the world, Heather. I love you too much to hurt you." he whispered the last words as he pulled her close again, resting his forehead against hers.
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Post by Brandwyn on Apr 19, 2012 7:54:39 GMT -5
"Heather, your the first girl I've ever kissed, let alone..." he took a deep breath, again feeling her gaze pulling him to the edge of his commen sense.
“Really? You never?...” She whispered, calming down a little.
He traced her lips with his thumb as he spoke gently. "I think you're sexy as all get out, not to mention being plain amazing in every way possible. I wouldn't want to hurt you for the world, Heather. I love you too much to hurt you." he whispered the last words as he pulled her close again, resting his forehead against hers.
His admission surprised her initially, but then she thought back and couldn’t recall a single time when Ben might have shown the slightest interest in anyone and knew it was true. So she had at least kissed someone before and that meant she had more experience than he? Well that was comforting in an odd sort of way. At least she didn’t have to live up to his expectations, nor he to hers.
“I love you too Ben, and I want you so much right now, but perhaps it would be wiser to head back to camp right now.” She said reluctantly, making no move to pull away from him. In fact, she tried to snuggle in closer, not wanting to leave the protective circle of his arms.
She just sat there, her arm around him, enjoying the feeling of his body pressed against hers and thought about what their life would be like together. That thought led to others like planning the wedding and how they would work around their jobs. Then she suddenly sat upright, pulling back from him, a startled look of revelation on her face, “Ben, before we can plan anything you are going to have to come visit the farm and ask my Father for permission.” She wondered how Ben was going to take that news. “He and Mother are very proper concerning these things and if we don’t follow protocol they will make the rest of our lives rather miserable.”
She remembered the only other time Ben had been to her family’s farm. She had just graduated from the apprenticeship and insisted that Rick, Ben, Roary and Quade come out for a little celebration for all of them. It had been a little awkward with her family since none of them knew what to expect of a house full of rangers.
Then Heather groaned, “ooohhh gee… Father is going to drill you on your plans to take care of me, provide for a family and all of that.” She shook her head and slumped back against him again. “I remember him doing that to my brother-in-law before my sister got married and it seemed he nearly had the man in tears before he was done.” She looked up at him, “I hate to put you through that, but if you don’t…” her voice trailed off miserably. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t have a family.”
Things were racing through her mind now. “There’s so much to figure out and so much to do.” She was staring with unfocused eyes at a leaf between her feet. “When and where are we going to have the wedding? Where will we live? How are we going to work this with our Ranger job? You aren’t really going to retire are you? Will I have to retire too?” She looked back up at him with big doe eyes, “Oh Ben, I love you, but I love being a ranger too. I don’t think I am ready to give that up yet. How is this ever going to work?”
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Post by Firehead on May 13, 2012 19:53:09 GMT -5
“I love you too Ben, and I want you so much right now, but perhaps it would be wiser to head back to camp right now.” Heather said reluctantly, making no move to pull away from him. In fact, she tried to snuggle in closer, not wanting to leave the protective circle of his arms.
Ben was also reluctant to let her go, holding her close, simply enjoying the feel of her in his arms. It felt so right to have her there. The protective instinct welled up inside of him, Binding him with a promise to hold Heather dear above all else in life.
Then she suddenly sat upright, pulling back from him, a startled look of revelation on her face, “Ben, before we can plan anything you are going to have to come visit the farm and ask my Father for permission.” She wondered how Ben was going to take that news. “He and Mother are very proper concerning these things and if we don’t follow protocol they will make the rest of our lives rather miserable.”
Then Heather groaned, “ooohhh gee… Father is going to drill you on your plans to take care of me, provide for a family and all of that.” She shook her head and slumped back against him again. “I remember him doing that to my brother-in-law before my sister got married and it seemed he nearly had the man in tears before he was done.” She looked up at him, “I hate to put you through that, but if you don’t…” her voice trailed off miserably. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t have a family.”
Ben met her eyes almost sharply, but his voice remained soft, gentle. "You're lucky to have family. They care about you." He grinned at her, chuckling quietly. "Just think what our children would have to look forward to."
He took a deep breath and went on. "Your father grilled me once. He's very sharp-eyed and quick-minded....and extremely intimidating, too. He caught me watching you--back the day when we were at your farm after you graduated. To cut the chase short, I promised him that I would get word to him somehow, if ever I got up the courage to ask you." He gave her a smile. "I'll get word to him."
“There’s so much to figure out and so much to do.” She was staring with unfocused eyes at a leaf between her feet. “When and where are we going to have the wedding? Where will we live? How are we going to work this with our Ranger job? You aren’t really going to retire are you? Will I have to retire too?” She looked back up at him with big doe eyes, “Oh Ben, I love you, but I love being a ranger too. I don’t think I am ready to give that up yet. How is this ever going to work?”
Ben let out a long, low sigh and gently pulled her head against his chest, resting his lips lightly on the top of her head. For several minutes he was silent, thinking, hard and long. Finally he spoke, slowly, still working it out in his mind. "It doesn't matter where we go or what we do for a living, after today, but we'll always be rangers." again he was silent for a moment, then he went on. "Let's wait a year. If you still want to be a Ranger...." He trailed off for a moment, searching for words, then looked down at her, met her eyes, holding her gaze. "Promise me...if we have children....you'll take time off." He traced the line of her jaw, lifting her chin slightly. "I'm not trying to smother you....I just want you to think of..." he trailed off agin, unable to go on, letting his eyes tell her the rest. The baby, your safety...me...you...the baby.
"I can take over, during that time....That's the good thing about having two Rangers in one fief." he added, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small hint of a smile.
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Post by Brandwyn on May 15, 2012 20:19:53 GMT -5
Ben met her eyes almost sharply, but his voice remained soft, gentle. "You're lucky to have family. They care about you." He grinned at her, chuckling quietly. "Just think what our children would have to look forward to."
“I know, but…” Heather started to reply then his next phrase plowed that thought right out of her head. ‘Our children’ … Hers and Ben’s … She, Heather, having kids… That was a thought that definitely needed some getting used to, and yet, she was surprised to find that there was a part of her that desired to have his baby.
He took a deep breath and went on. "Your father grilled me once. He's very sharp-eyed and quick-minded....and extremely intimidating, too. He caught me watching you--back the day when we were at your farm after you graduated. To cut the chase short, I promised him that I would get word to him somehow, if ever I got up the courage to ask you." He gave her a smile. "I'll get word to him."
Heather’s mouth dropped open in surprise, “he did?” She thought back to that day and wondered when they had spoken and how she had missed that. Her father had never said anything about it all these years. “Then, he –“ she wasn’t sure what to say. “He approved then – of you and me?” she asked leaning back against him and looking up into his eyes while she rested her head on his collar bone. “I never knew…”
That sat holding each other for a moment and Heather’s thoughts were racing. “You aren’t really going to retire are you? Will I have to retire too?” She looked back up at him with big doe eyes, “Oh Ben, I love you, but I love being a ranger too. I don’t think I am ready to give that up yet. How is this ever going to work?”
Ben let out a long, low sigh and gently pulled her head against his chest, resting his lips lightly on the top of her head. For several minutes he was silent, thinking, hard and long.
Heather loved the way he caressed her head with his lips and she just sat there listening to the steady rhythm of his heart while he pondered the questions she’d posed. It all seemed rather impossible to her.
Finally he spoke, slowly, still working it out in his mind. "It doesn't matter where we go or what we do for a living, after today, but we'll always be rangers." again he was silent for a moment, then he went on. "Let's wait a year. If you still want to be a Ranger...." He trailed off for a moment, searching for words…
“A year?” Heather repeated, thinking about how long a wait that would be. Now that she had said yes a big part of her wanted to go get married on the spot right here at the Gathering. Another part of her, the practical side, knew that it would likely take her a year just to plan the arrangements, for though she wanted a simple, small wedding, she knew with her family that was just a dream…. Unless they eloped…’hmmm’ she thought.
…then looked down at her, met her eyes, holding her gaze. "Promise me...if we have children....you'll take time off." He traced the line of her jaw, lifting her chin slightly. "I'm not trying to smother you....I just want you to think of..." he trailed off again, unable to go on, letting his eyes tell her the rest. The baby, your safety...me...you...the baby.
Heather blushed again, gazing into his eyes. She knew what he was thinking and that his suggestion was all out of concern for her and their future baby. She thought for a moment and knew he was right. She nodded, “I promise, Ben. I would never do anything to put – our baby – at risk.” Now that she’d said it, she found that desire welling up very strong and she flushed again. “I don’t see how I could do my duties as a ranger while carrying a child anyway.” She smiled at him, “but we might have to work something out after it’s born so I could still do ranger stuff – if I still want to at that point.” She knew it was possible, though she thought it unlikely, that by the time she got to that point she might be ready to give up the life of a ranger.
"I can take over, during that time....That's the good thing about having two Rangers in one fief." he added, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small hint of a smile.
Heather looked at him in surprise again. “Two rangers in one fief?” she repeated, “can Crowley do that?” She pondered that idea for a moment. “I never thought of that,” she mused. “Which fief? Can we maybe request the one your father’s cabin is in?” That could solve a lot of problems if Crowley would put them in the same fief. “Has it ever been done before?” Maybe this could work out after all, she thought as she leaned back against him, still reluctant to head back to camp.
They sat there holding each other for several minutes, not saying a word, just enjoying being together. She was fighting sleep again, feeling safe and secure in his arms lured her into giving in to her exhaustion. Her eyelids drooped a little, the steady beating of his heart and rhythmic breathing all pushing her to just close her eyes and sleep. She kept waking herself up, however, not wanting to waste a moment with him by sleeping.
She was jolted wide awake when a ranger trotted by them and called out, “Crowley’s called for an emergency meeting of the senior rangers in his tent immediately!” Heather called after him, “What’s going on?”
The ranger called back over his shoulder, “No idea, but Crowley’s in a fowl mood, so it can’t be good.”
Heather looked worriedly at Ben wondering how whatever was happening was going to impact them. “I suppose we better go see what’s up.” She reached up and rubbed her fingertips along his jaw. Something told her that it was likely going to be a while before they were to have another private quiet moment together. Duty called, but she was loath to go. She brushed his lips softly with her own, knowing they probably didn’t have time for another kiss, but she couldn’t help herself. She had a feeling of impending doom bearing down on her now and everything in her was screaming at her to stay with Ben except that logical side of her brain that was reminding her of her oaths to the Ranger Corps. She had no idea which half was going to prevail.
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Post by Firehead on May 17, 2012 11:12:45 GMT -5
Heather looked at him in surprise again. “Two rangers in one fief?” she repeated, “can Crowley do that?” She pondered that idea for a moment. “I never thought of that,” she mused. “Which fief? Can we maybe request the one your father’s cabin is in?” That could solve a lot of problems if Crowley would put them in the same fief. “Has it ever been done before?” Maybe this could work out after all, she thought as she leaned back against him, still reluctant to head back to camp.
Ben relaxed a little, when she agreed. "If we're married, he'd better, else he'll be out at least one good Ranger, if not two." Ben responded.
The two of them stayed there for several minutes, niether one wanting to be the one to initate their parting. Ben held Heather gently in his arms, as she dozed, enjoying the feel of her body completely relaxed against his. A Ranger finally trotted past, and called out, “Crowley’s called for an emergency meeting of the senior rangers in his tent immediately!” Heather called after him, “What’s going on?”
The ranger called back over his shoulder, “No idea, but Crowley’s in a fowl mood, so it can’t be good.”
Heather looked worriedly at Ben wondering how whatever was happening was going to impact them. “I suppose we better go see what’s up.” She reached up and rubbed her fingertips along his jaw. Something told her that it was likely going to be a while before they were to have another private quiet moment together. Duty called, but she was loath to go. She brushed his lips softly with her own, knowing they probably didn’t have time for another kiss, but she couldn’t help herself. She had a feeling of impending doom bearing down on her now and everything in her was screaming at her to stay with Ben except that logical side of her brain that was reminding her of her oaths to the Ranger Corps. She had no idea which half was going to prevail.
Ben felt her lips brush his, and responded, claiming her mouth with his, leaving no doubt of his feelings for her. It was as though she came to life in his arms. The kiss lingered for several seconds, before Ben finally pulled away, leaving the both of them feeling breathless. "Well, I suppose we should get moving." Ben spoke reluctantly, helping Heather to her feet. They walked the distance back to the camp hand-in-hand. There, Ben reluctantly parted with Heather and headed for Crowley's command post.
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Post by Brandwyn on May 21, 2012 14:01:48 GMT -5
Rick saw Heather and Ben walking back to the camp and busied himself with basting the goose cooking in the Dutch oven. He glanced out of the corner of his eye, noting the hand squeeze before they parted and Ben went off to the meeting.
The whole Gathering grounds was astir with rangers trying to get close to the tent or get a glimpse of the courier to find out what was going on. Nearly everyone was within sight and hearing of Crowley’s tent from what Rick could see. It seemed the classes had even been disrupted or let out early, since it was now nearing suppertime anyway.
Rick didn’t pay attention to any of the other rangers however, he only had eyes for Heather and he detected something had changed between her and Ben. He knew what it was before she approached and sat down warily on the camp stool next to the fire.
Rick glanced at Ben’s back and then back at Heather, raising an eyebrow and challenging her to answer the unspoken question.
“Yes, you saw right.” She answered quietly, eyeing Rick for his reaction. She wasn’t exactly sure what to tell him because she didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “Ben and I…” her voice trailed off.
Rick put the lid back on the pot and settled the hot coals over it again. “Another half hour I think and she’ll be ready,” he stalled while he sorted out exactly what she was trying to say – or not to say. He looked at her and saw she was chewing on the inside of her lip. She always did that when she was nervous. He sat down near her, out of the campfire smoke, and said, “You two finally admitted your feelings for each other, didn’t you?” He could see in her eyes it was so. “It’s about time.”
Heather stared at him in surprise, “What do you mean by that?”
“Anyone who knows the both of you could see years ago that there has always been something there, just as…” No, he shouldn’t even say that out loud. He wanted Heather to be happy, but he’d been thinking a lot lately that perhaps he was the one to make her happy, not Ben.
Heather eyed him with that look she always gave when she was waiting for an answer. It made one feel like he was five and just got caught raiding the gingersnaps in his mother’s cupboard. When he didn’t answer, she prompted him, “just as…?”
Rick sighed and ran his hand through his long black hair. She knew him too well. “Just as there has always been something between us…” he said sheepishly, “or so I thought.”
Heather didn’t answer at first and stared into the flames. Finally she spoke, still not looking at him. “I never knew if you were sincere or not Rick. You know I don’t want to be another notch on your bedpost and … well how am I supposed to tell the difference?” She looked up at him then. “We’re friends. We always have been friends, and I didn’t want to mess that up. I still don’t.”
Rick knew she was right. Hell, he didn’t even know himself if what he felt for her was real or just the usual longing for the hunt. He’d been fixated on her since they were apprentices, but was that because he actually loved her or only because she kept saying no? He wasn’t at all sure.
“We’ll always be friends, Heather. Nothing’s going to change that.” Rick reassured her. He took her hand and gently kissed the back of it and let it go. “I want you to be happy and if Ben can give you that, then…” he wasn’t sure what. Would he just squash his feelings for her? Could he? “But if he ever hurts you, Heather, I swear he’ll be sorry.”
Heather smiled at him, relief in her eyes. “Funny, he once told me the same thing about you many years ago.” She picked up a stick and poked the fire, watching the end catch on fire. “There’s a bit more…”
Now Rick looked at her warily. ‘What more could there be?’ he wondered and waited for her to go on, giving her own look back to her. She didn’t answer and it was his turn to prompt her, “yes?”
Heather squirmed a little and then decided the direct approach was best so she said rather quickly, “BenaskedmetomarryhimandIsaidyes.” She managed to get it out in one breath and then held her breath for his reaction.
Rick froze, staring at her in surprise. Things had gone that far already? He was a little taken aback and though he was happy for them, he couldn’t help but feel a sad longing for himself. Heather married. Heather married to Ben, not to him. That was a hard pill to swallow.
Knowing she was waiting for his approval, and not wanting to cause her any distress, Rick bottled up his emotions and smiled back at her. “Congratulations!” He stood and gave her a hug which he took his sweet time in releasing her from. “Ben is a lucky man.” He said seriously, “a very lucky man and I wish you all the happiness in the world, Heather.” Then he kissed her on the forehead and let her go.
Heather was grateful that Rick had taken the news so well, but she could tell he was hurting. She decided they needed some distance to sort everything out. She smiled at him and then yawned, still tired from days of being on the trail of the pirates. “Thank you, Rick. I am so glad you understand. I was so afraid this would ruin our friendship.” She headed toward her tent, wondering if Enya was still picking out a ranger horse. She should probably check up on the girl, but she really wanted some time to herself to digest everything that had just happened. “It you’ll excuse me, I am going to try to catch another nap right before supper. You’ll wake me if there’s any news?” she inclined her head toward Crowley’s tent.
“Sure Heather.” Rick glanced at the tent. “Oh, and I think the youngsters took a trail ride on their new horses. Tory and Mylia and the new grads were going to show them around the Gathering Grounds.”
“Thanks! Me with an apprentice… What is Crowley thinking?” she shook her head as she ducked into her tent and closed the flap. She sat down on the bed that Rick had made and then lay back, intending to examine her feelings and actions of the past hour or so. Within five minutes she was sound asleep.
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