Final - Marguerite Davenport
This is a story about forbidden love and beating fate. The story is about a logical actor who has a crush on a striking druid. It starts in a hamlet. The crux of the story involves a wedding.
Magic and Me was opening the next day. The hamlet of Evermore was abuzz with the new production. Seeing as nothing wonderful ever happens there. Bennett Lore stood on the stage as the last line of the production was said. The director rose from his chair clapping with tears in his eyes. Tomorrow night would be the big show, well the first of several. He knew why he had won the lead role. Why wouldn’t he. Bennett was tall, with a slight muscular build. His blond hair off set his blue eyes especially when some of the unruly locks fell forward. Bennett’s father had been a scholar and had been quite disappointed when he chose acting over joining his father in the pursuit of study. Don’t be mistaken regardless of his job choice and his name Bennett is very much is fathers son. He didn’t believe in anything that couldn’t be proven.
Before Bennett could walk off stage his wispy leading lady lend over. “Benny” he inwardly cringed. He hated that name. “isn’t it all so magical?” she continued. “You know Benny-Bear” He swallowed his anger and rolled his eyes. “we work so well together, don’t you think. Our characters are so in love, just look around you its like were in this magical field. Don’t you just love the theater.” He wasn’t sure when it happened but by time she finished she was too close for comfort.
Bennett chose to untangle himself from Lady Alyssa, who only won the lead role because she is the High Prince’s sister. He suspected that she was quite taken with him, but he felt she was a woman without substance. She was as silly and as useless as a butterfly, pretty to look at, or in Alyssa’s case very pretty, but good for nothing. Alyssa was tall and blond. Her head was always in the clouds, which is what he suspected her head was full of. “Lady Alyssa, the theater is just a show, a production. It isn’t real or magical. It just is what it is.”
“Benny-Ben why so formal?” she said with a pout. “I told you” she said flirting, oblivious to the fact that he was very not interested. “call me Lissy.” She said puckering her lips. That was enough for Bennett. The second her eyes closed he was out of there. Five minuets later when Alyssa finally opened her eyes noticed for the first time that her Benny-Ben wasn’t there. She left in a pout.
Bennett made it out of the dressing room Alyssa free. Once outside he planed to head straight home. Well he did plan a little side trip. Three blocks out of the way was the outer garden of the Druid Temple. The Druids were a sacred bunch. Bennett didn’t understand their faith in something that couldn’t be proven. It made no sense to him. The Druids consisted of a high counsel that helped advise the Prince, these were all males. The Elphin are female druids that serve. They are very much a secluded bunch never venturing in to the main hamlet. Still that didn’t stop him from talking to her. Honestly he didn’t understand the point, why invest in something that could never be. Every morning he decides that he won’t go again and yet every afternoon at 3 he some how finds away there.
Ameria was someone he felt that he had known his whole life. There was nothing he couldn’t say to her. They were very much friends but he longed for something more. He couldn’t believe his foolishness. Love was as meaningless in this situation as it was with Alyssa. Once someone goes into the Temple life they can never leave it is their calling, it was where she belonged. But Ameria, oh how he though of her everyday.
It wasn’t long before he stood outside the garden. Ameria had positioned herself away from the supervisors’ watchful gaze. Hidden by the hedge Bennett felt as alone with Ameria as he ever would. To him she was the most beautiful thing in the world. She had long wavy hair, petit frame and the most amazing hazel eyes. She had devoted herself to the druids 6 years ago and until meeting Bennett 2 years ago was quite sure that this was what she wanted. Now her heart was torn.
It wasn’t long, well long for them that the temple gong sounded and Ameria had to leave. Bennett knew this was his one shot. He grabbed her hand through the hedge as she turned to leave. “Come tomorrow… please. I’d like you to be there” His eyes pleaded with hers. Ameria was torn, she knew she’d have to sneak out if she was to go. She wanted to go. Every word Bennett spoke was like music to her ears. The sound of her name from is lips, for that she’d trade the world. The gong sounded again. She knew they’d come looking if you didn’t leave soon. “Ameria please”
That was it, she nodded and smiled, turning and leaving before they were found. Both hearts pounded in their chests. They we sure others could hear it, for they couldn’t hear anything above the thud. Bennett couldn’t stop smiling. As wrong as he knew it was he couldn’t stop himself. He blissfully walked home unaware of anything around him, least of all Lady Alyssa, who was casting daggers at the temple.
The next night Bennett’s eyes were locked on Ameria all night, much to Alyssa’s dismay. She tried all night during the show to capture his gaze. But nothing would help, he acted only to her. Alyssa couldn’t see her but she knew she has to be there. No amount of over acting could draw Bennett’s attention back. This would not do.
Regardless of the over acting by some the show was a grand success, but before Alyssa could trap her Bennykins. He was changed and gone. Bennett was walking around the wood with Ameria. He knew it was nearly time to walk her back. But he didn’t want to let her go. They kept pace, holding hands. Not saying anything but they were speaking volumes. He led her to the hedge where the fence is cut, knowing that this was the end. He really should cut this off, but he couldn’t. Regardless the night had to end soon. It wasn’t long before bed checks and she had to be back by then. Ameria stood, the moon glistening off her eyes, as Bennett seemed flustered at the hedge.
“I know I told you already, but you did wonderful. You are truly talented” she blushed a bit, quickly brushed a strip of hair behind her ear.
“Don’t” she paused her hand. “I like it like that” he moved the strand back. Druids are required to wear their hair back. But Bennett likes it down, long and wavy. She wore it that way just for him. “I want to ask you something” He stammered a bit, as if he was unsure of what he was about to say, even though she was looking at him expectantly. That made him more nervous. He held her hand knowing that if he didn’t do this now he never would. “Would you…. Ameria would you” he took a shaky breath. “Would you Marry me” there he had said it, but before she could answer he continued. Rambling without taking a breath. “I know that this is against your vow, and I know that love is irreverent. I know that this is asking a lot. But I also know there is no one else in the world that I would ever what to spend my life with. I can under-“
Ameria silenced him with a light chaste kiss. Pulling back she searched his eyes. “Was that okay.”
A broad smile fell on his face. “That was more then okay.” He embraced her as he had always wanted, she leaned into the hug. “So is that a yes.”
“A thousand time over, yes.” He pulled out a beautiful ring out of his pocket, and slid it onto her finger.
“Tomorrow? Can you get away? Meet me in the meadow. I don’t want to spend anymore time without you.” He pleaded. She though for a moment and nodded her head. Knowing that she had to leave, he reluctantly let her go.
The day went by in a blur. He couldn’t wait till it was time. About an hour before Lady Alyssa showed up at his house. She wanted to practice the Kiss from the show, claiming it didn’t look believable on stage. She wanted it to be perfect. He wasn’t sure how. Honestly wasn’t paying much attention, but some how he managed to loose the pest.
It was ten till. The meadow is one of the most sacred places. Couples come from all over Hunterlas came to stand in the waters and be joined together. There are several but the most popular, the most divine belongs to Evermore. When he arrived she was already there standing on the bank. Just watching.
“Having second thoughts.” He whispered at her ear.
“No” she said smiling.
“Are you sure” he asked her in all serious. He knew what she was giving up. He also knew they’d have to leave. What they were about to do was punishable by death.
“I’m sure about you, you are my life now.” They clasped hands and walked into the water. The water intertwined there souls as they recited the ancient words. The water glowed and the faded into the ring. As they shared their first true kiss.
From the tree line hidden is shadow was Alyssa. She had followed Bennett curious to see where he had gone. She couldn’t believe her eyes Bennett’s life as well as the man-stealer’s were now forfeit. Enrages she took off. While the couple was none the wiser.
Neither could leave right away. There was too much to do. Bennett needed to stash some funds and Ameria needed to figure the best time to leave, the time that would give them the most head start. So in the mean time they continued as normal. Bennett continued in the play by night and making plans by day. He still found time to steal a few moments to visit his love. Things weren’t as tough on Ameria, she moved her ring to her neck and longed for the times to see her husband. She needed to be careful though. As part of the waters magic her ring glowed when ever they were together. Though this wasn’t a normal event, the water always does something different for each couple to show their bond. All in all no one would suspect anything, they were being super careful.
Things were even looking up for Bennett. Lady Alyssa hadn’t showed up for the play since opening night. Her understudy wasn’t nearly as forward as she was. And Bennett found this more enjoyable. Overall things were working out great by Bennett’s count they would be set to leave as early as next week. These last two weeks had been torture for the pair.
It was the morning of the last show. Tonight would be the night. Everything was set. Instead of doing the show they would flee. Nothing would get in their way. Bennett heard a commotion from down stairs. He headed out the door when everything went black.
When he finally came to, he knew he didn’t know where he was. He didn’t recognize anything but the unmoving form of Ameria. He rushed to her, trying to wake her up. Before he could, the door opened and a huge man dressed in black pried her away, leaving him alone with nothing but his echoing screams. Within moments a second man came in and dragged him out. The light on the outside was so bright that he could see nothing.
“So these are the two that have defied the gods. Bennett Lore are you aware of the seriousness of what you have done.” The voice boomed from somewhere above. As his sight came again he could see the High Prince. They had been found out.
“Yes” He answered.
“Bring in the druid” there was movement to the side of him and he noticed that Ameria was now there. “She is assured that you will stand for her. Be advised. My sister has asked for your hand. Had she not, you’d be dead already.” He paused for effect. Bennett saw Lady Alyssa standing proudly to the left of her brother. “Do you denounce the connection with this Druid.”
Bennett froze, he knew what he had to do. Knowing there was only one way to save his life. He looked at Ameria and clasped her hand. “No! I love her and only her. If we are separated in this life we will be joined in the next.” His voice was loud and clear. There wasn’t a shadow of a doubt in his tone. However no one had really heard what he said. What everyone was looking at was the ring which glowed in the purest of light. A sign from the gods of their blessings. Bennett looked back to where everyone stared Ameria never looked so beautiful. The Light bloomed around her.
The prince cast a glare at his sister. “You fool, Look at what was almost done.” He cleared his throat. “It is my royal decree, Ameria is released from her devoutment. May many blessings follow you on your journey together.”
With that they were free to go. Free to live their life full of love. And yes they had many blessings.
Magic and Me was opening the next day. The hamlet of Evermore was abuzz with the new production. Seeing as nothing wonderful ever happens there. Bennett Lore stood on the stage as the last line of the production was said. The director rose from his chair clapping with tears in his eyes. Tomorrow night would be the big show, well the first of several. He knew why he had won the lead role. Why wouldn’t he. Bennett was tall, with a slight muscular build. His blond hair off set his blue eyes especially when some of the unruly locks fell forward. Bennett’s father had been a scholar and had been quite disappointed when he chose acting over joining his father in the pursuit of study. Don’t be mistaken regardless of his job choice and his name Bennett is very much is fathers son. He didn’t believe in anything that couldn’t be proven.
Before Bennett could walk off stage his wispy leading lady lend over. “Benny” he inwardly cringed. He hated that name. “isn’t it all so magical?” she continued. “You know Benny-Bear” He swallowed his anger and rolled his eyes. “we work so well together, don’t you think. Our characters are so in love, just look around you its like were in this magical field. Don’t you just love the theater.” He wasn’t sure when it happened but by time she finished she was too close for comfort.
Bennett chose to untangle himself from Lady Alyssa, who only won the lead role because she is the High Prince’s sister. He suspected that she was quite taken with him, but he felt she was a woman without substance. She was as silly and as useless as a butterfly, pretty to look at, or in Alyssa’s case very pretty, but good for nothing. Alyssa was tall and blond. Her head was always in the clouds, which is what he suspected her head was full of. “Lady Alyssa, the theater is just a show, a production. It isn’t real or magical. It just is what it is.”
“Benny-Ben why so formal?” she said with a pout. “I told you” she said flirting, oblivious to the fact that he was very not interested. “call me Lissy.” She said puckering her lips. That was enough for Bennett. The second her eyes closed he was out of there. Five minuets later when Alyssa finally opened her eyes noticed for the first time that her Benny-Ben wasn’t there. She left in a pout.
Bennett made it out of the dressing room Alyssa free. Once outside he planed to head straight home. Well he did plan a little side trip. Three blocks out of the way was the outer garden of the Druid Temple. The Druids were a sacred bunch. Bennett didn’t understand their faith in something that couldn’t be proven. It made no sense to him. The Druids consisted of a high counsel that helped advise the Prince, these were all males. The Elphin are female druids that serve. They are very much a secluded bunch never venturing in to the main hamlet. Still that didn’t stop him from talking to her. Honestly he didn’t understand the point, why invest in something that could never be. Every morning he decides that he won’t go again and yet every afternoon at 3 he some how finds away there.
Ameria was someone he felt that he had known his whole life. There was nothing he couldn’t say to her. They were very much friends but he longed for something more. He couldn’t believe his foolishness. Love was as meaningless in this situation as it was with Alyssa. Once someone goes into the Temple life they can never leave it is their calling, it was where she belonged. But Ameria, oh how he though of her everyday.
It wasn’t long before he stood outside the garden. Ameria had positioned herself away from the supervisors’ watchful gaze. Hidden by the hedge Bennett felt as alone with Ameria as he ever would. To him she was the most beautiful thing in the world. She had long wavy hair, petit frame and the most amazing hazel eyes. She had devoted herself to the druids 6 years ago and until meeting Bennett 2 years ago was quite sure that this was what she wanted. Now her heart was torn.
It wasn’t long, well long for them that the temple gong sounded and Ameria had to leave. Bennett knew this was his one shot. He grabbed her hand through the hedge as she turned to leave. “Come tomorrow… please. I’d like you to be there” His eyes pleaded with hers. Ameria was torn, she knew she’d have to sneak out if she was to go. She wanted to go. Every word Bennett spoke was like music to her ears. The sound of her name from is lips, for that she’d trade the world. The gong sounded again. She knew they’d come looking if you didn’t leave soon. “Ameria please”
That was it, she nodded and smiled, turning and leaving before they were found. Both hearts pounded in their chests. They we sure others could hear it, for they couldn’t hear anything above the thud. Bennett couldn’t stop smiling. As wrong as he knew it was he couldn’t stop himself. He blissfully walked home unaware of anything around him, least of all Lady Alyssa, who was casting daggers at the temple.
The next night Bennett’s eyes were locked on Ameria all night, much to Alyssa’s dismay. She tried all night during the show to capture his gaze. But nothing would help, he acted only to her. Alyssa couldn’t see her but she knew she has to be there. No amount of over acting could draw Bennett’s attention back. This would not do.
Regardless of the over acting by some the show was a grand success, but before Alyssa could trap her Bennykins. He was changed and gone. Bennett was walking around the wood with Ameria. He knew it was nearly time to walk her back. But he didn’t want to let her go. They kept pace, holding hands. Not saying anything but they were speaking volumes. He led her to the hedge where the fence is cut, knowing that this was the end. He really should cut this off, but he couldn’t. Regardless the night had to end soon. It wasn’t long before bed checks and she had to be back by then. Ameria stood, the moon glistening off her eyes, as Bennett seemed flustered at the hedge.
“I know I told you already, but you did wonderful. You are truly talented” she blushed a bit, quickly brushed a strip of hair behind her ear.
“Don’t” she paused her hand. “I like it like that” he moved the strand back. Druids are required to wear their hair back. But Bennett likes it down, long and wavy. She wore it that way just for him. “I want to ask you something” He stammered a bit, as if he was unsure of what he was about to say, even though she was looking at him expectantly. That made him more nervous. He held her hand knowing that if he didn’t do this now he never would. “Would you…. Ameria would you” he took a shaky breath. “Would you Marry me” there he had said it, but before she could answer he continued. Rambling without taking a breath. “I know that this is against your vow, and I know that love is irreverent. I know that this is asking a lot. But I also know there is no one else in the world that I would ever what to spend my life with. I can under-“
Ameria silenced him with a light chaste kiss. Pulling back she searched his eyes. “Was that okay.”
A broad smile fell on his face. “That was more then okay.” He embraced her as he had always wanted, she leaned into the hug. “So is that a yes.”
“A thousand time over, yes.” He pulled out a beautiful ring out of his pocket, and slid it onto her finger.
“Tomorrow? Can you get away? Meet me in the meadow. I don’t want to spend anymore time without you.” He pleaded. She though for a moment and nodded her head. Knowing that she had to leave, he reluctantly let her go.
The day went by in a blur. He couldn’t wait till it was time. About an hour before Lady Alyssa showed up at his house. She wanted to practice the Kiss from the show, claiming it didn’t look believable on stage. She wanted it to be perfect. He wasn’t sure how. Honestly wasn’t paying much attention, but some how he managed to loose the pest.
It was ten till. The meadow is one of the most sacred places. Couples come from all over Hunterlas came to stand in the waters and be joined together. There are several but the most popular, the most divine belongs to Evermore. When he arrived she was already there standing on the bank. Just watching.
“Having second thoughts.” He whispered at her ear.
“No” she said smiling.
“Are you sure” he asked her in all serious. He knew what she was giving up. He also knew they’d have to leave. What they were about to do was punishable by death.
“I’m sure about you, you are my life now.” They clasped hands and walked into the water. The water intertwined there souls as they recited the ancient words. The water glowed and the faded into the ring. As they shared their first true kiss.
From the tree line hidden is shadow was Alyssa. She had followed Bennett curious to see where he had gone. She couldn’t believe her eyes Bennett’s life as well as the man-stealer’s were now forfeit. Enrages she took off. While the couple was none the wiser.
Neither could leave right away. There was too much to do. Bennett needed to stash some funds and Ameria needed to figure the best time to leave, the time that would give them the most head start. So in the mean time they continued as normal. Bennett continued in the play by night and making plans by day. He still found time to steal a few moments to visit his love. Things weren’t as tough on Ameria, she moved her ring to her neck and longed for the times to see her husband. She needed to be careful though. As part of the waters magic her ring glowed when ever they were together. Though this wasn’t a normal event, the water always does something different for each couple to show their bond. All in all no one would suspect anything, they were being super careful.
Things were even looking up for Bennett. Lady Alyssa hadn’t showed up for the play since opening night. Her understudy wasn’t nearly as forward as she was. And Bennett found this more enjoyable. Overall things were working out great by Bennett’s count they would be set to leave as early as next week. These last two weeks had been torture for the pair.
It was the morning of the last show. Tonight would be the night. Everything was set. Instead of doing the show they would flee. Nothing would get in their way. Bennett heard a commotion from down stairs. He headed out the door when everything went black.
When he finally came to, he knew he didn’t know where he was. He didn’t recognize anything but the unmoving form of Ameria. He rushed to her, trying to wake her up. Before he could, the door opened and a huge man dressed in black pried her away, leaving him alone with nothing but his echoing screams. Within moments a second man came in and dragged him out. The light on the outside was so bright that he could see nothing.
“So these are the two that have defied the gods. Bennett Lore are you aware of the seriousness of what you have done.” The voice boomed from somewhere above. As his sight came again he could see the High Prince. They had been found out.
“Yes” He answered.
“Bring in the druid” there was movement to the side of him and he noticed that Ameria was now there. “She is assured that you will stand for her. Be advised. My sister has asked for your hand. Had she not, you’d be dead already.” He paused for effect. Bennett saw Lady Alyssa standing proudly to the left of her brother. “Do you denounce the connection with this Druid.”
Bennett froze, he knew what he had to do. Knowing there was only one way to save his life. He looked at Ameria and clasped her hand. “No! I love her and only her. If we are separated in this life we will be joined in the next.” His voice was loud and clear. There wasn’t a shadow of a doubt in his tone. However no one had really heard what he said. What everyone was looking at was the ring which glowed in the purest of light. A sign from the gods of their blessings. Bennett looked back to where everyone stared Ameria never looked so beautiful. The Light bloomed around her.
The prince cast a glare at his sister. “You fool, Look at what was almost done.” He cleared his throat. “It is my royal decree, Ameria is released from her devoutment. May many blessings follow you on your journey together.”
With that they were free to go. Free to live their life full of love. And yes they had many blessings.