The Night wind blew down from the mountains and across the rolling tundra of the steppes.
So much had ended this night....and yet so much had begun!


They both had been cold before but He had never been allowed to comfort her. Tonighht the realization struck him, that NOW He could! The rush of warmth it sent through his very soul scould be felt where she lay across from him under the boughs of the evergreen they sheltered under.

The customs forbade them to even speak except in formal ceremony. Why should something of such real beauty face away in the withering glare of others suspicions. But the two had. And had always felt as if they were betraying the other every time. They swore to each other they would take the first chance to break away no matter the cost.....wondering if it would truly.....ever come.

The King was new, and the local nameless tribes thought him weak......it was so soon none could tell. They came in the night and raided the settlement of the young king! The bandits were raising chaos everywhere! It was everywarriors own life as they faced four or more bandits each! and among the houses already! someone must have surrendered the gates! The Lady Hollie, a priestess but only a bauble to the personal wims of the powerful clans. The Young Councilor Shazir who had just been raised to the critical position by his friend, contrary to the desires of some others. Those who had thought to gain their own power their and manipulate the young king. Well there he was as well, having evening meal with the 2 other most pwerful people of his reign. As they dined that evening a shout of BETRAYAL! BETRAYAaaaahhh! Alarm arose and the Berater and he knew he must defend his King AND his secret Love! But he was glad he could now look into her eyes without regret and show her his Love. A s the bandits raced up to the central Hall...he saw the odds.......new they were poor, and just planted himself more firmly in their path..................

....................

But that was before...before now. Now he had only to ask with a whisper and she welcomed him...no other to intervene. This time he covered her with his cloack his arms and his warmth . The sweet smell of the swaet and ritual perfumes she had prepared herself with. These were his benchmark, his surety. Even as he loved her and she him, he could still enjoy the dedication this young priestess held to her Goddess and owed to her other world. She had had a service for one and yet, he had fely another presence almost the power he had always suspected was her Goddess , where the service she had befor in among all the others had NEVER been so .......poingant as this simple one for two.
with that blessing, he knew. He knew at least one in the universe approved of them....and 1 other than them, was always MORE than enough.*he kissed her and held her and fell to sleep without worry wrapped round her.*