They walked alone in a vast field, the long grasses brushing against their legs softly. Stars littered the sky overhead, the moon overpowering them with its pale light. Ahead, covered mostly by shadows, he saw what they had come for. A small building, barely visible from where they stood, shot out of the ground like something alien in the otherwise predictable plains.
"What is it, Allan?" the woman whispered, her hand gripping his tighter. He heard a trace of fear, and also of excitement, in her voice.
"You'll soon see," he replied, "patience, my dear." She looked up at him curiously, saying nothing, and continued through the grass, allowing herself to be led by him.
Distance was harder to judge on such a flat ground, and they walked for some time. He looked over at the woman now and then, admiring the way the gentle moonlight painted her features, and watching her hair flow over her shoulders. He smiled to himself, brushing his thumb over her fingers softly as a small token of affection. He loved her, he knew, and he suspected she felt the same for him. The way her face brightened when he showed up unannounced, told him everything.
"Rachel," he spoke, after some time walking, "We will arrive shortly. I wanted it to be tonight, with the light of the full moon washing over us, and the stars glittering in the sky. The beauty of the night is the only sight I know that comes close to your brilliance. I want you to come with me, but if you are scared- if you have doubts, we can stop now. If we continue, you must surrender yourself to me completely, willingly. I can take nothing from you that you will not give freely. Your mind, your body, your soul.. if you choose to go forward, they will be mine until morning. I will give you pleasure, and pain, yes.. and you will give me anything I ask of you. So choose now, my love, if you are ready."
She stared up into his eyes as he spoke, listening to his words carefully. He felt her tremble slightly, as if a chill had blown through them. The silence fell over them for what was a moment, but seemed an eternity, and she pulled his hand to her heart and replied, "Allan, I cannot turn back now." She looked down at the ground, leaning her head against his chest slightly, "I have wanted you for so long, wanted.. to be yours. I am scared, I won't lie, but in my heart I trust you and want whatever you will give me. Please," she stopped, turning back towards the shadow of the building in the distance, "please, take me."
At this, he looked her over briefly, then nodded. Saying nothing, he began walking again, not allowing her hand to leave his grasp. They were silent. The only sounds to touch their ears were the soft brushing of the grasses at their feet, and from somewhere in the distance, a quiet babble of water flowing peacefully.
The structure was becoming clearer some minutes later, and in the moonlight they could begin to make out the shape. It was not large, perhaps enough for eight people to fit inside, and shaped like a hexagon. The roof pointed up into the sky like a beacon, and there were empty windows on the side of each wall, allowing the crisp night air to flow through. The flowing sound of water was louder here, and as they approached she saw a short bridge leading to the building, and knew there was a stream leading into a moat. Sure enough, she caught the glistening of the stream in the moonlight as it ran out the other side and through the field. It was a gazebo, she was sure of it.
They were closer now, and they said nothing. A thousand questions raced through Rachel's mind, but she ignored them, focusing on Allan's hand holding hers and the gazebo ahead of them. He looked down at her and smiled, his face filled with warmth and at the same time, a quiet longing. She found herself smiling brightly in return. As they approached, she realized the intricate craftsmanship of the structure. Tiny carvings lined the walls, floral patterns and beautiful vines, all with an amazing amount of detail. Even the shingles of the roof were carved, clouds and stars and moons, so that the top was a reflection of the sky above.
She gasped slightly, and he slid his arm around her shoulders, allowing her a moment to take it all in. He had found the gazebo years before, but never had he shown it to another living soul. He had spent much time there, usually at night, writing in the dim lunar light, or singing quietly to himself.
"It is beautiful." she said at last, her voice quiet.
"Yes, it is." he replied simply, "Come." He led her around to the side, and stopped her. He quickly took her in his arms, and smiling softly, carried her over the bridge and inside the gazebo.
The inside was more gorgeous than the outside had been, not just carved but painted, a tremendous mural covering the ceiling and walls. Allan held her tightly as he spun slowly around, showing her the entirety of the place. Clouds of many colors, shapes and sizes rested above them, a myriad of sunrises, sunsets, nights and storms that somehow came together in a brilliant collage. Below that, mountains and forests rose up to meet the sky, and lower still there were plains, so delicately painted that they seemed to match the fields outside. Under the windows and around the entire gazebo were heavy benches of oak. Some of them had cupboards underneath, stretching down to the floor, which was also a hard, polished oak. The whole place was apparently undamaged by weather, and still in pristine condition.
Rachel wasn't sure how long she stared at the gazebo, gaping at its beauty, it seemed each part was made of a thousand details one could stare into forever. Finally though, Allan set her on the bench and put his hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes.
