The box lay in Shay's hands with a checked leather surface and a tarnished latch. The box was ancient, but what it held inside was even older and priceless; offering to her something that she could get in no other way, a brief respite from her current life.
Shay's hands shook as she her fingers slipped beneath the latch and released the clasp from the box. She felt slight trepidation -- her long quest was ending -- but she had to make the right use to quell her hunger for good.
Shay slowly raised the lid, gazing down upon the satin liner. Upon the satin lay a nondescript length of rod. She took it into her right hand and lay down the box. A strange feeling overcame her, then she closed her eyes and said, "with this wand I thee request, that time halt and others rest until seventy-hours do past, then no memory of such shall I bequest."
The ticking of the clock on the wall halted. She felt a load lift from her shoulders and knew that there was no time to waste. She knelt down and lay the box on the floor. Her hand reached in, she ran a finger along its length. The finish was smooth and the surface was warm to the touch. Perhaps this was because of the magic contained within.
The horses' hooves clattered over the cobblestones. The carriage shook, rattled, and rolled up the drive to the great plantation house, until it jolted to a halt. Two men in long coats and long hair gathered in a pony tail helped her from her ride. She floated up the steps to the main entrance. She was announced and all eyes turned to gaze as the lovely woman make her as she entered the room.
Shay moved gracefully into the room; catching the eye of every man in the room, their heads following her as she floated across the room. Shay could scarcely breathe. She felts restricted in layers of under garments, they rustle as she walks.
Her gaze is upon a man at the head of the room; the master of the estate who had sent her a special invitation. She strode toward him with a single purpose. Her stride moved with grace, yet her stomach was filled with butterflies. Outwardly, she was stoic, inwardly, she felt like a school girl before the handsome, poetic teacher of her youth.
Shay approached him, noting his height, the features of his face. God he is handsome, tall and distinguished looking in his grey and black hair. She put on her most alluring smile.
The women in the room watched him, then her as she passed by. Most wished that they had such courage, the fortitude to approach this man, or even a moment of the attention he was giving her.
She moved before him such that she captured his attention away from all the others that sought his charms, his interest, and his love. She intrigued him above all others. She carried herself with poise and distinction that came from natural charms, not what was taught in finishing school.
The hue of her red hair shown in the ballroom light and her eyes spoke of deep desire, passion, and mystery. No one knew from where she really came, and she possessed something that the other women could only dream of having and she was about to get what all the other women in the room wanted.
He reached out with his right hand, and she laid it palm up. He took her hand under his arm and led her to the dance floor as the orchestra began to play a waltz. Inside she was trembling; outwardly no one could tell that she was nervous at all.
Shay’s body and feet followed his lead. She moved with him with such grace, that they looked as though they were one. The chatted and smile, he falling as much under her spell as she had fallen under his. They knew of not others in the giant ballroom. No matter how the other ladies tried, they could not attract his attention.
They stepped onto the veranda, into the warm evening air. Beyond them, they could see the rolling hills lit in the moonlight. Above them the stars twinkled, some falling to meet their fate with the earth. In the distance, a few lights could be seen. Peasants no doubt, that had been kept awake by their dreams of someday attending a ball, just as she had done.
She looked up at him, his face pale in the moonlight and her eyes sparkling in the twilight. He was tall and so handsome. She could feel strength in his arms and chest, yet his touch was gentle.
He gathered her into his arms, against his broad chest. He leaned towards her, touching her lips with his. She parted her mouth and gave herself to his kiss. It was warm and soft, full yet carrying an under current of passion. His kissed warmed her, even though the air was cold.
He led her to a set of French doors and into his master suite. A fire burned in the corner of the room, casting a warm flickering light, with which she saw a richly furnished room, the centerpiece being a large four poster bed. She imagined herself holding onto one of those posts as he took her from behind. She suddenly felt a little flush with the thought.
Shay steadied her self against the wall. Noticing this, he helped her to a chair next to the fireplace. The warmth felt good. She looked up and noticed that there were two handmaidens, ladies in waiting, were in the room. She was slightly taken back by the sight of servants. She was not accustomed to such things.
He knelt before Shay, concern furrowing his face, a glass of wine in his hand for her. She took a sip of the sweet nectar. She looked at him and smiled. "I am fine," she said. "It has been quite an evening so far."
He helped her to her feet. She realized that he had forsaken all of his guests, save for her. She was thrilled with the prospect that she now had him to herself. She had come here to have him, to experience the skill of a legendary lover, one that she had read about – as history – many years before. One who could equal her first experienced lover, yet now she brought much experience of her own.