Music and laughter fill the air. The sounds of life and pipe and drum mix with songs from a millennia before. Voices raised people gather and laugh breaking bread in the late Fall air as the sun passes it final hour before night blankets the sky. The mead and ale flow readily. He watches as she tosses her curly mane in mirth laughing deeply and carefree, her light green eyes dancing in the torch light as someone tells a bawdy joke to the company present. He smiles to himself pleased in her joy as he enjoys her raucous laughter and smile that could light the darkest, coldest night.
Leaning on the pole at the entrance to the food tent he admires her figure, especially how her neckline curves down to her shoulders which give way to the gentle curves of her hips which her hands rest on as she straddles the wood bench. She gives an equally bawdy retort to the previous joke, the Celtic floral pattern embroidery on the light blue brat catches in the light with flashes of green matching her eyes mixed with the gold thread and small pink and purple flowers she wears over her white linen liene.
Glancing over she smiles at him holding her hand out to him to join her at the table. He steps into the light as the musicians play another lively song. He takes her hand, fingers softly brushing his palm as she pulls him toward her. His blue eyes returning her smile. He steps behind her and straddles the bench as well sitting down breathing deeply taking her scent, the perfume mixed with the smells of dinner and cooking fires. The scents and sounds fill him and intoxicate him as puts his arms around her waist feeling the heat of her body leans into his chest.
"I've missed you," she whispers softly, head resting on his shoulder. "Where have you been?"
"Watching you, making sure you are safe," he whispers back pressing his face into her hair kissing her neck and holding her tight.
"I can take care of myself you know," she retorts, a playful indignation edging her voice.
"Hmm, I know but I enjoy it."
"Enjoy what?" she protests wiggling her body in tighter hoping to feel his excitement press into her.
Leaning forward to kiss her cheek, "Loving you, being here for you."
"I know. I just wanted to hear you say it," she whispers back in his ear.
The moon rises and the festivities begin to wane. The laughter has begun to subside and many fires burn low as people head back to their tents to rest from a long day. She sits forward and begins to rise from the table finishing her drink.
"Good sir, would you kindly escort your lady to her tent?" she asks.
Rising to take her hand and kiss her fingers, "Of course milady," he whispers back.
They walk quietly back to her tent. The canvas flaps pulled back revealing a surprisingly large bed sitting atop carpets with a wooden chest and a small unlit fire pit.
She sits on the edge of the bed feeling the effects of the long day while he reaches a small fire to keep the chill off.
"Is there anything you want tonight?" he asks. The fire glinting in his eyes gazing on her beauty.
"Hmm, yes. I believe there is. Help me with the laces on my dress and close the tent flap."
Closing the flap he returns to her gripping her hips and pulling her close. One arm wrapping around her just below her breasts, the other running fingers through her hair. He buries his face again breathing in her scent like a rose takes in the sun.
"I want you," he whispers in her ear. He begins to pull at the laces at her shoulder, the same laces well within her own reach she had asked for assistance with.
