Aranée 36: Awakening by NetWorthy
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Description
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Mubela's ability with weapons was astounding and she left Aranée quite exhausted. Aranée was crestfallen to learn Galen had left during her lesson.
She freshened up and visited the common areas - no Galen. He must be in his quarters, but it was too awkward to visit him there because he lived with the soldiers. She could send a messenger - but no, that was too bold. Besides, he was probably resting from his long journey.
Her day flew by. Emotions held in check, she kept an afternoon appointment with Jobil's provisioning agents for supplies for her return trip. She glumly took her evening meal realizing she may not see him before she left the next morning. Later, restless and unable to sleep, she drew her cloak around her and went into the crisp night air of the castle terrace.
"So Elf royalty does not sleep either."
She started at his voice but her heart leapt for joy. "You heard about that."
"I am not surprised - I knew there was something about you." He came to her and stood silent for a moment, looking at her in the moonlight. "All I could think about on my trip was how you looked when I left you."
She smiled. "All I could think about was how I was shortchanged a dance or two by you leaving so early."
He laughed and a small smile crept onto his lips. He stood straight, bowed and held out his hand. "M'Lady."
She took his hand and he pulled her close and began silently dancing in the moonlight. She lost track of time, wishing the moment could last forever. He wound slowly to a standstill and stood motionless, still holding her, their breath loud in the stillness of the night. His hands slipped to her waist and he pulled her closer. She lifted her face to look at him - and he met her with a kiss.
She melted into his arms, burying her face into his neck. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "What took you so long..."
He nuzzled her hair. "I-I've... been sorting a few things in my mind." After a moment, "For one, with what we do, I... there is the possibility... you may be hurt someday..."
She leaned back to look into his eyes, placing fingers to his lips. "Don't worry about what 'might' happen, just accept what 'is' happening.'
They sat hand in hand talking for hours, hungry to learn all they could about each other, their inner glow blunting the cold. And later he held her silently as the first rosy fingers of dawn gently touched their faces.
Finally, she stood and held his face in her hands. "I am leaving this morning - come with me to the lodge."
Rising, he took her hands in his own and kissed them. "I cannot. I have... another short trip... a day or two." A pause. "Long ago I buried someone I loved... now it is time... to bury my grief." He embraced her, savoring the scent of her hair. "I... must close a chapter of my life."
She nestled into his chest, closed her eyes and nodded. "I understand..."
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
View episodes in sequence for the entire story.
I can see I am about to be sucked into a 7-10 day vortex and I had this one ready. After the "teaser" yesterday, I couldn't be mean and make you wait so long for this one...
EVERYONE HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!
PLEASE leave your comments or criticisms
- your words keep me going!
Image and story © 2009 by Larry Hodge
Comments (26)
Faemike55
this brought tears to my eyes as I read it! Excellent render and story
ragouc
Romantic mood.Well done.
brewgirlca
I wondered why this one came unusually fast; it is great to have one in reserve but I rarely do. It is such a great story that I put off reading it until it was the last image on my list tonight so I could end the day on a great note. I was not dissappointed.
joaq
With zoom the scene is wonderful,many beautiful détails!Perfect composition and great lighting!
PhilW
Beautiful and romantic image - and storyline! Great posing and lighting! And about time they got together!
restif
moving and beautiful. The moon light is perfect in this.
Rainastorm
AWESOME story with this...LOVE your image...sometimes it is interesting folding bodies together just right...love your lighting also...out under the moon,one of my favorite places!:-)
adrie
Beautiful scene my friend, superb poses and lighting.....love it.
neelzonline
Another great image and chapter
Cimaira
WOW! Wonderful image and fantastic chapter. Don't work to hard and come back soon :)
magnus073
You did a great job on this beautiful scene Larry
gabrielle_bri
Image is WONDERFUL and the story made me go all mushy!! Great job!
mgtcs
Very romantic, great mood and story!
jandunne
Your image is wonderful and I think Galen and Aranee are made for each other. Great moonlight, too!
densa
wonderful scene and love your story
mininessie
really beautiful render and story!!!
anitalee
Excellent
PSDuck
Of course they are meant for each other! See the way they fit together? LOL!
Flint_Hawk
Fantastic illustration! Perfect posing & wonderful lighting!
gibby.g
A beautiful and romantic scene. Your narrative is very well written, you have a real talent for this!
drifterlee
really romantic!!!!!!!
pspworkshop
Excellent image!!!!
Minda
awwwwwww soo romantic and great story larry.
e-brink
Very nicely posed and lit.
amirapsp
So romantic
RJS
Really, really well done. The framing and posing on this image are perfect, and the very challenging lighting is very impressive also. A really beautiful image that made me catch my breath. And I must confess that the narrative brought a lump to my throat. You have been keeping us waiting for so long, this turn of events was a relief. All I can say is "Phew! About time!" Nicely done!