LICKING A LAMPPOST IN WINTER
Alistair cocked one eyebrow, a slight redness spread across his cheeks, “Have I what? Have I ever licked a lamppost in winter? No. Have YOU ever LICKED a lamppost in winter?”
Kistra stared at him for a moment, before nodding, “Yes, once.” Unlike Alistair’s slightly reddened cheeks, her cheeks drained of all color. Kistra closed her brown eyes for a moment, and clenched her hands into fists before turning away from Alistair instantly regretting her teasing of Alistair.
Alistair’s hand warmly encompassed her arm, turning her back towards him. “Tell me.” He pulled her over to a fallen log, gently pulling her down to sit next to him. Alistair wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her close to him.
Kistra stared at her hands for a moment before beginning quietly. “My mother’s dearest friend since childhood was Lady Landra. Lady Landra has…had…a son, name Dairren. Dairren was Fergus’ age. When we were young he would tease me, and I would tail after Fergus and Dairren hoping to be allowed in their games.
“My mother had been bringing up the subject of marriage for some time, but I have…had… been resistant. I thought, ‘there is plenty of time’. I am young, my mother was relatively young. I would have her grandchildren – I do…did…want children.” Rubbing her eyes, her voice cracked “O...Oren, my nephew, was a pure joy.”
“Last year we travelled to Lady Landra’s home for a house party. Each time she spoke to me during the week we were there, Land Landra went on and on about how Dairren and I would be a good match. She even managed to assure that Dairren and I were left alone on two occasions. I think we played chess on one of those occasions, and on the other we discussed our love of books, and we laughed over the machinations of mothers.” Kistra smiled a slight sad smile.
“Lady Landra arrived at my home the day before my father was due to leave for Ostagar. Dairren, who would be going with my father, was with her. I joined my mother, Lady Landra and Dairren in the Atrium for tea. His mother apologized to me for all but throwing Dairren at me when we met last. Dairren commented that is was unfortunate that she was unsuccessful.
“Later in the afternoon, I found Dairren in the Study, and we talked a bit about books. I teased him about my love of the book ……………. and invited him back to my room. I know, it was brazen of me, but I wanted to talk to him about marriage – I felt ready, and I cared for him. He met me in my room after dinner. I asked him if he were interested in marriage as he indicated earlier, and he stated he was, and we agreed we would wed. We decided to announce our betrothal in the morning before my father and he left for Ostagar. I, well, we sealed our betrothal.” Her cheeks warmed at this last statement, red infusing the pale skin.
“Dairren and I awoke a few hours later to noise in the corridor. Chap was barking madly. Dairren opened the door, and was killed by one of Howe’s men. Sweet Dairren.” Kistra looked up and her brown eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t love him, but I cared for him, and I could have loved him.”
Alistair pulled Kistra to him, brushing her hair with his hand. He kissed her head. “It was hard. I understand. I’m here for you. After this is all over, we will remember our dead properly.” With a finger on her chin, he tipped her face up so his lips met hers.
THE RENDING OF HOWE
….Kistra slashed Rendon Howe’s left arm with her sword, nearly severing it at the elbow, “That is for Dairren.” Kistra slammed her dagger’s blade into his right shoulder, metal grating against bone, “That is for Oriana and Oren.” Ripping her dagger free, Kistra sliced the blade across his chest, leaving a gaping hole flowing freely with blood, “That is for my FATHER.” Kistra knocked him back, and sliced his belly with her sword, blood spurted from the clean line as the flesh separated, “that is for my MOTHER!” Lifting up her foot, Kistra kicked Howe in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Kistra was upon his chest in a moment, legs pinning his arms to his side. Howe looked at her, his blood covering her as he lay dying, “I deserved more…” Kistra leaned in his face, and spit, “You deserve NOTHING!” and slit his throat.
Tears running down her face, Kistra dropped her sword and dagger. “YOU DESERVE NOTHING, YOU BASTARD!!” Kistra screamed as she rose to kick the body that was once Rendon Howe.
Strong hands were on her waist and Kistra was pulled away. “Shhhhhh. He’s dead. It’s alright.” Alistair held her as tightly as his and her armor would permit; he sat on a nearby bench, cradling her in his lap, rocking back and forth slowly. “Go ahead, cry. Let it out. I understand.” He brushed his lips against her hair. Howe’s blood mixed with her tears ran down the front of Alistair’s armor. “He has nothing. He is nothing.”
“I miss them so much,” Kistra sobbed
“I know, my love, I know. Shhhhhhhh.” Alistair kissed her forehead, gently swaying back and forth as Kistra cried in his arms.
[edited to correct formatting issues]
Modifié par Chanileslie, 04 février 2010 - 06:04 .
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