Sunrise 6/16 (Closed to Donovan and Ramira)

[Donovan Castell]

He had woken up a few hours before. Mostly out of habit. And he quickly made his way to the stables. He wanted to be out and riding before the rest of the men arrived to leave to Tjuvar. They'd be riding east. So Donovan thought that he and Ramira could ride Northeast for a while before turning in that direction. He had finished preparing his horse for the ride, noticing that a few people had risen to do the same thing.

He wondered if Rex had told Ramira yet of the marriage? An event that at first Donovan as reluctant but obligated to enter into was now beginning to look like one he was looking forward to. He never could have dreamed that he would have been so lucky. He felt fortunate that Victor had considered him before any of his other cousins. But there was still one issue that he couldn't overlook. The issue that kept him up for most of the night. Sure, she seemed to get on well with him last night, but after discovering what was to become of her, would she feel the same way? Would she like him or resent him?

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira was nervous, to say the least. She'd already given Donovan her acceptance to the invitation and then after the fact, she found out from her dear cousin Rex, that she was to marry the man! What was she to do now?

Granted, he was very nice and very polite, which surprised her a bit. Still, Rex had told her he had known all along about the decision, and that made her feel even more foolish. Had she known, would she have said the things she did to him during their dancing?

Nevertheless, Ramira fully intended to keep her word. She showed up at the stables shortly after Donovan did. Well, she honestly couldn't tell how long he'd been there since both their horses, and were already saddled and ready to go.

Ramira showed up wearing a split skirt in a brilliant, crimson cotton, that fell just below her knees. Sable riding boots rose up to her knees and her white poet's shirt, complete with laced long sleeves and collar billowed about her top. She had her maidservant pull the long, straight locks of dark hair back, and tie it off with a ribbon in a pony tail. Ramira had foregone any jewelry considering they were riding out on the field. It wasn't a fear of robbery, considering Donovan was a knight, but rather she didn't want to lose anything.

Just then, Ramira realized there were only two horses. He'd said something about a chaperone last night, but it seemed there wasn't one coming...? Did she deduce correctly?

"Good morning, my Lord," Ramira greeted Donovan properly with a slight curtsey, at least whatever a split skirt would allow. "I trust you slept well last night?" She asked. Because I don't think I slept at all...

[Donovan Castell]

Donovan turned at the sound of her voice and once again was stunned by her beauty. It took him a moment to realize that she had curtsied. He smiled as he bowed and returned her greeting. "Good morning, Lady Letalis." He wouldn't call it a good sleep, but he'd had worse. "I slept well enough," he said. That wasn't actually a lie. "Better than our chaperone did. Received word this morning that he was up all night with some sort of illness and that he would not be able to join us today. If that makes you uncomfortable, my lady, I would understand if you declined my invitation."

He noticed that she seemed slightly different than last night and felt compelled to ask, "Are you well, my lady?" He hoped she wasn't getting sick either. Where the concern was coming from was a mystery though. He'd only known her for a few hours. "I... have something for you," he said. If she was sick or declined, he wanted to at least give this to her before she left. He turned to his horse and reached for what he'd hidden from sight. Turning around he handed her a black leather bound book. "You made it sound like you adored poetry. I thought you might appreciate this. It is my favorite book. It belonged to my mother."

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira seemed slightly perturbed at his news of a lack of a chaperone, then she thought better of it. Rex had told her last night she was promised to Donovan, so even if anybody discovered that they had been out riding alone, it wouldn't be too big a deal.

A smile crossed Ramira's face and she felt so completely at ease with Donovan that the mere idea to decline his invitation hadn't even crossed her mind. She just couldn't see him doing her any harm.

"No, that's quite all right," Ramira offered as a little smile crept across her lips. "I accepted the invitation and fully intend to keep it." Then it all happened so fast, Ramira wasn't sure what to answer to first: his concern for her health, or the gift he'd presented her with.

"Why...thank you," Ramira breathed lightly as she accepted the black book, taking a few steps forward to do so, closing the distance between their bodies. In truth, she didn't adore poetry. She really just enjoyed reading in general, escaping from reality for brief moments, before coming back to the world she lived in.

The poetry comments were actually Ramira being surprised, and enthralled, by his softer side. "I will cherish it as it should be cherished," Ramira added, hugging the book to her chest for a brief instant while she decided what to do with it. She couldn't leave it here in the stables because somebody might take it. Nor did she want to carry it on her person, lest she drop it or somehow destroy it on their ride. "But would you mind giving it back to me upon our return?" Ramira inquired, holding the book back out for him. "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to it and I don't have any saddle bags where to keep it while we ride."

"And I am well," Ramira added after he took the book, stepping closer to her designated horse and taking the reins in hand. In truth, she hadn't slept much last night, if at all. She'd been so nervous about seeing Donovan again that sleep escaped her. Could he read that in her eyes...is that what he meant about her possibly being ill? Gods! She must have black bags the size of wineskins beneath her eyes!

"Again, I fully intend on taking advantage of this invitation. I've no reservations about spending time with..." she gulped and averted her eyes before she was able to produce the words, "My betrothed," Ramira finished as she turned to mount. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks, hot and red. There, the word was out. He knew, she knew, and they both knew that they each knew that it was official.

Ramira waited for a brief instant, waited to see if he would assist her in mounting. She was very capable of pulling herself up on the horse's back, but that wasn't what she wanted...

[Donovan Castell]

He took the book back from her, pleased that she was still keen on riding with him. It was as he was putting it away that she said it, and he closed his eyes to savor the way it sounded from her lips. He turned slowly and looked at her with eyes full of adoration. "So he has told you?" he asked. He would have more to say on that later, but he would prefer they were out of range from curious ears.

He walked back to her. He knew, from her talks, that she was more than able to mount her own horse, but this was the perfect excuse to touch her again. His hands went to her waist as he helped her onto the horse, and he was slow to pull them back from her. He pulled himself up onto his own horse and for a time, rode in comfortable silence, waiting until they were an acceptable distance away from the stables.

He slowed his horse a little and looked towards the east. "The men will be riding out to Tjuvar before long," he said. "Travelling East to get there. I thought it would suit us better to go North-East for a time, if that pleases you, my lady." He glanced at her and smiled. "This wedding... it has been interesting to say the least. One cannot help but feel sorry for them. So few of us are lucky enough to find happiness in this world... and in those we must spend the rest of our lives with."

He looked back at the horizon. "And yet, I want you to know what an honor it is to be your betrothed. I do not intend to make a mockery of the vows I will take when you are made my wife." He knew that when many men married, they kept up their old habits which may even include keeping mistresses, but as Donovan had no mistress, and was in fact, turned off by women who would so willingly go to the bed of a married man, he didn't see that as a possible outcome of their marriage. That, and he could easily see himself being devoted to her wholly.

"Forgive me, my lady. Here I am, going on about how I feel. But... I am quite curious to know what you are feeling? Do you think... you could be happy with me?"

[Ramira Letalis]

"He told me after we danced," Ramira replied softly. "Thank you," she added as she settled herself on the horse's back, noting just how long it took for his hands to leave her hips. A trail of fire tingled where his hand had been, the heat of his touch slowly fading. She definitely wasn't complaining; instead, she took the hint of silence. There were too many ears to listen, even though the eastern sky had barely grayed in the morning dawn.

Servants and squires alike were scrambling to prepare horses and luggage for the Tjuvar trip. Provisions were being packed, saddles secured, bridles placed, swords oiled, and arrows bundled. Ramira knew there'd be plenty of people listening, and watching. Again, she wasn't exactly concerned with anything that would be said: Donovan was, after all, her betrothed. She'd said so herself.

The couple made their way out, and Ramira's horse stayed nose and nose with Donovan's, until they slowed down. Ramira reined the horse in, falling back slightly. "Whatever direction you feel is best," Ramira said, "Will please me. I am unfamiliar with this area." And that much was true. She was clueless about the surroundings and she hoped she hadn’t mislaid her trust in Donovan to come on this ride.

Ramira listened to Donovan's words, about how sad the wedding had been and how incredibly difficult it was to find true love. She couldn’t help but agree. Ramira remembered when Rex had married Regina off to that old fart De Torna, and how angry the pasty redhead had been about the whole mess. She knew men only arranged marriages to further their family. How fortunate Ramira might be, having been promised to somebody with such a good heart.

And the mere fact that he found it an honor to be her betrothed made her feel a bit exhaled, as if she were sitting on a pedestal, high above any other woman. Was it wrong to feel this way?

... when you are made my wife. Her tummy fluttered at the idea. She would be Ramira Letalis Castell, wife of ... what exactly was Donovan's title in the military? Did his military title supersede his Lord title? Would it be Lord Commander? Even thinking of it made her head swim. They weren't even married yet!

Do you think... you could be happy with me? Oh gods! Did he have to ask her that?! Damn it all to hell. Could she ever be happy with any man? The idea terrified her, yet, she smiled. Donovan had done absolutely nothing for her to fear him. Sure, he killed people, that's why he was a knight, but other than doing it for duty, Ramira couldn't fathom he'd do it for pleasure. He just didn't seem so...callus.

"I don't know, Donovan," Ramira said, softly. Her voice, although tender, waivered a bit from nervousness and her eyes glanced over at him, wondering...wondering about how he held the power to end life in his hands, and if he could end life, what else could he do so easily and simply? "I mean...it's not you. It's me," she added quickly, hoping she didn't sound like a complete ass.

Ramira didn't want Donovan to feel shunned in any way whatsoever. Quite the opposite, in fact. How could she make him understand that it would take time? "All things take time," Ramira added. "We don't even know each other yet. But I will admit, what I do know of you, keeps me interested, and makes me want to know more." Ramira glanced his way, smiling shyly before she blushed and averted her eyes.

Gods! She didn't want Donovan thinking she wasn't willing to get to know him. How was she going to fashion her words accordingly, without hurting his feelings or making him feel inadequate?

"So, if I had to answer the question with only what I know now: yes, I believe I could be happy as your wife," Ramira finally responded to his query, hoping she hadn't misguided him in any way.

"I honestly don't know what I should feel to be betrothed before my cousin, Rosalie, and to a Castell, no less. I'm rather surprised and I certainly feel privileged. I know you might not have even had a choice in the matter, for I certainly did not, and I must agree that so few of us are lucky enough to find happiness. I pray that we are not like Kaedon and Ara-Lynn on their wedding day," Ramira added. Then again, considering Donovan had already stated he would not make a mockery of their vows made him more of a man than Kaedon could ever hope to be. Kaedon, and Rex, two stupid peas in a pod...gods, she prayed that there was never another born like them.

"I can only hope that you continue to think highly of me," Ramira said, knowing the dark secret in the back of her mind would bring shame down upon the Letalis name, not only her own head.

[Donovan Castell]

Usually those words would have evoked some sort of doubt. But he could see her struggling to answer it in such a way that she would avoid any misunderstanding, and that alone helped him to understand. He chuckled at her honesty. "Yes. You are quite right. We hardly know one another. Therein lies the point of this adventure. I want to get to know my future bride. As I said, I have no intention of having a friendless marriage. I want my wife to be somebody I enjoy having near me. One I can speak with, share things with. I find it odd that some men go through their married lives without uttering more than ten words to their wives. Yet, based on what I know, I do not think that will be a problem between the two of us."

He looked back towards the East, wondering how much longer it'd be before the men left. "I think it put our cousins on equal footing. You are the cousin of Lord Letalis, I am the cousin of Lord Castell. Perhaps they thought it more fair that way." He smiled. "They pretended to make the choice mine," he said. "I would be lying if I admitted that I was entirely happy with this from the start. But I agreed to it for my cousin and I made a promise to myself at the moment of agreeing to it that I would, regardless of who his cousin was, be faithful and devoted. And then I saw you. I don't look at it now as a burden, a vow that I must endeavor to maintain. I see it as an inevitability."

He looked back at her. There was so much going on behind those eyes. He had a feeling that even if he tried, it'd take a lifetime to fully understand her and know her. A lifetime that he was more than willing to spend doing just that. "I have no doubt that how I think of you will change. But for the better, I do assure you."

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira looked over at Donovan once more. But this time, instead of coyly looking away, she held his gaze intently, almost unable to believe her hearing. He not only wanted a wife, but a friend, a confidant, a partner. What more could she ask for?

Blinking her stare away, Ramira realized she'd been off in dreamland, envisioning her future with Donovan. And in all honesty, she liked what she saw and a soft smile curled about her lips.

You might think less of me if you knew what I've suffered through, Ramira thought to herself after hearing Donovan's last words, yet she remained silent in that aspect. He didn't need to know that...not now, and maybe not ever. As long as she could keep it silent, she would.

"Honestly, Donovan," Ramira started, liking the way his name rolled off her tongue. She caught herself, realizing she'd failed to address him properly. They were still, after all, not yet married. "My lord," she corrected quickly before continuing.

"The more you speak, the more I look forward to our union. I know little girls dream of their wedding day, and I'd be lying if I said I did too. I've dreaded marriage ever since I knew what it was. I didn't think I could ever understand how anybody could give themselves so wholly to somebody that had been chosen for them. I'm beginning to see now how that is possible.

"But you must understand, I've had some..." Ramira's voice trailed off. What was she going to tell him? I've had some difficulties? I'm terrified? I don't think you could ever understand what I've been through? "Bad lessons in embroidery, and I fear that your Lord's Kerchief might not turn out as splendid as you deserve," Ramira recovered, laughing a bit as if she were laughing at herself.

[Donovan Castell]

He rose a brow when she addressed him so casually, but he was not upset. Quite the contrary. He was pleased, and amused by her startling realization that she had forgotten the title. "Please, my lady. When we are alone, you are free to call me by my given name."

He didn't blame her nor did he think ill of her confession. "I understand more than you know," he admitted. This, after all, was not his first arranged marriage. Just the first he was looking forward to. "I think to give yourself wholly to anybody requires a certain level of wisdom and maturity that I fear most men and women lack. But, it is more than possible. I have seen many a great love grow from arrangements such as this one."

Donovan was at a loss for words. For more reasons than one. After the confusion dissipated, he smiled. Whatever she'd been about to tell him, she obviously wasn't comfortable enough getting out. So she had come up with ridiculous if not wonderfully endearing excuse. "I won't hold you accountable for bad embroidery," he said lightly. "I will be happy with whatever you choose to give me. And..." he began, now speaking figuratively, "I have the patience to allow you however long you need. You need not feel you must... rush on my account, my lady."

[Ramira Letalis]

"And I am simply Ramira," she added, even though he had not made the mistake of calling her on a first name basis. Ramira was glad he'd not been offended and even gave her permission to refer to him by his given name as well. It spoke volumes of his desire to get to know her better. First name basis made her feel even more at ease with him. However, she was still unable to bring herself to share such a hidden part of herself. Would she ever?

Ramira let the rest of his words sink in as they rode on slowly. The double meaning of his last clause was not lost on her. She completely and utterly understood exactly what he was insinuating. Donovan must have figured something was amiss with her struggle to find the right words, and in so doing, gave her plenty of space to not feel smothered or suffocated.

She felt a warmth spread within her heart at his last few words as she smiled sadly. Ramira glanced over in his direction, wondering what might be going through his mind to say such a thing. Could he suspect? He must have known something was out of place to have prompted such words, but what exactly was he thinking?

"You must think me strange," Ramira attempted to laugh, trying to lighten the mood with her smile and forced laughter. "And I apologize if this has at all come out awkward, Donovan," Ramira added, again allowing herself the small pleasure of the sound of his name rolling off her tongue.

"If you don't mind, I've a question I'd like to ask," Ramira said, changing the subject. "If you're always so busy...then I guess we may not be attending too many formal functions?" You won't be there for our children...or for me? she really wanted to ask, but kept silent.

[Donovan Castell]

"There is no need to apologize, Ramira," he said, returning a fond smile. "I think many things. The first of which is that for a woman who has suddenly been thrust into a situation she had no control over, you are handling yourself with grace, dignity and maturity beyond your years. I think you're incredibly wise. Incredibly beautiful. But strange is not a word I would use to describe what I think of you."

He shook his head slowly. "I don't mind." He listened carefully to her question and paused to consider the answer. "For the most part, I am away from certain social events. Usually I am able to attend those held by my family, particularly my cousin. I am almost always in our region, near my home. Ever since my father died, I have been making trips home more often. My brother has made it clear that he wants no part in running the home, so naturally that responsibility falls to me. Why do you ask? If there is ever an event you wish to attend, I would not stop you from going."

[Ramira Letalis]

“Thank you for your compliments; you are very perceptive,” Ramira said coyly, as she felt a rush of heat surface on her cheeks. Not again…stop blushing! she chided herself, trying to get at least that much under control. From what he’d just said, it was obvious Donovan wanted a woman, not a girl, and he was analyzing her every word, behavior and expression. Ramira knew she’d better be on her best behavior, lest she be a disappointment. Suffering the wrath of Rex was not exactly on her priority list.

“Even if I wanted to attend such events, unless you were there, I would rather stay home,” Ramira added. She knew it was one thing to attend functions and events as a single lady, and even then, she’d been tagging along with the rest of House Letalis. To show up as a married woman without her husband? Ramira couldn’t ever remember that happening in the whole of any history lesson she’d learned.

“How often am I going to see you after we’re wed?” Ramira wondered, quietly, almost too quietly as her gaze stared into nothingness before her, obviously thinking, contemplating. How will our children remember your face if you are away for so long?

[Donovan Castell]

"Quite often," he promised. "My duties almost always keep me near home, or are such that you will be able to join me." Unless, of course, there was a war. But then it would be said for all men that they would rarely be home. He looked at her, seeing the familiar pensive look in her eyes. It was clear that he was going to wed an intelligent woman, one who thought more than spoke. One who analyzed and reasoned with herself. "Do you fear that I'll leave you to manage the home without me there to help you?" he teased lightly, but really he was only half joking. She seemed legitimately concerned about this.

"It might not have been so when I was younger that I was home often. Yet, when I was younger, I barely had a reason to be there. My father managed just well without me, and he had by brother and sister to help him with things he could not handle on his own. Since his death, as I have said, I have been home more frequently. And when when you are there, I will have even more reason to return."

[Ramira Letalis]

"I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing," Ramira started, knowing she'd forgotten to say it once before and felt a bit absentminded and disrespectful in that regard. Hopefully he could overlook the tiny mistake. "And I apologize for not saying it sooner." Ramira allowed for a bit more silence as they rode on as she formulated her thoughts.

"In all truth," Ramira started, thinking of how to say this without offending Donovan in any way, since it seemed he had almost no control over his travels. "My fear is not that you'll leave me to manage alone. That I can handle. I don't wish for our children to forget your face," Ramira said softly. "Or me either," she finished, barely above a whisper, letting her eyes fall to her hands as they held loosely to the reins and rested on the pommel of the saddle.

"I want our children," our girls "To be well protected," Ramira finished, glancing over at Donovan again with such a sadness in her eyes that the sky might have fallen in the next moment.

[Donovan Castell]

He didn't say anything. When she finished speaking, he slowed his horse until it stopped, and his dismounted, walking a short distance before looking out over the horizon. He had no idea what to tell her, and he hated not having a reply or an answer. The look in her eyes... it had been so pleading. How could he deny her anything she asked for? How could he promise her when he had no choice? He turned back, his blue eyes resting on his betrothed, and he walked towards her horse, his hand going up to steady the reins.

He put his hand on her waist and said, "I think this spot is ideal for watching the sunset." Or for having a discussion. Either way, they would not be bothered here. He raised his hands to help her down, setting her in front of him and then grabbed both reigns and led their horses to a nearby tree to tie them. Returning to her, he offered his hand. "I cannot say what sort of father I will be. Before the arrangement had been made, I'd given little thought to children. I knew I'd one day have them... but it was not such an immediate possibility that I had to think of what I might have to do."

He stopped and turned his body towards hers, still keeping a proper distance between them. "I cannot promise anything. My cousin controls the army, not I. But I will say that our children will know my face. You will know my face. You may depend upon it."

[Ramira Letalis]

"This is a perfect place to watch the sunrise," Ramira agreed, nodding. She steadied herself with her outstretched hands on his shoulders while he helped her dismount, thanking him with a polite murmur.

After tethering the horses, Donovan took her hand and his words flowed smoothly over the breeze, cutting through the peeking sunrise to reach her ears. Looking out over the meadows, Ramira could only hope that her union with Donovan would actually bring her happiness and love. So far...so good. Ramira's entire aura seemed to have been overcome by a saddened calm, as if she were relieved of a major burden, but unable to get out from under the shadow of the storm cloud.

"Donovan," Ramira said tenderly, stepping forward and closing the distance between them. She softly placed her hand on his arm, her eyes searching ever upward, from his arm, to chest, and finally resting on his face. "If your behavior so far is any indication of how you intend to treat me, as your wife, and as you said, your friend, then I've absolutely no doubt in the integrity you will exhibit as a father.

"If your cousin sends you out, then there's not much that can be done. I understand when the lord of the house commands, there is normally no option to go against his wishes," Ramira finished. Even though her words said one thing, her eyes said something else entirely.

[Donovan Castell]

"It is not so bad as you might imagine," he said. "In the past, long periods of absence only occurred because I have wanted it to be so. My father was alive. There was no need for my continued presence. And as of now, my brother manages when I am gone. But when you do become my wife, my wants and desires will shift. There will be reason for me to remain home." He was no longer looking at the sunrise. His eyes were only for her.

"If I could speak freely... I must say when I first heard people speak of your beauty, I underestimated it greatly. No words that were spoken about you could have captured fully how beautiful you are. But what I find most compelling about you, Ramira, is your voice. I had feared that I would one day find myself engaged to a woman I could not speak to. How fortunate I am. You speak so intelligently. Your face is beautiful Ramira, but it is your mind, I think, that has captured me." He had never been so forward with anybody before in his life. But if this was the woman who he would share his life with one day, he wanted to start forming a bond now.

[Ramira Letalis]

Again, Ramira was at a loss for words. His voice, his tone, everything captured her attention and held her suspended high above the clouds, as if she were floating on air. Finally, her wits met with her tongue as she produced a coy smile, trying to hide the crimson flush creeping into her cheeks. Never had Ramira been so complimented, nor in such a fashion, and she fought hard to think of words that were befitting of his own.

"You are too kind," Ramira managed to say, her voice light and airy, just like her head at the moment. Why was it she was finding Donovan so difficult to reply to? What was it about him that kept throwing her off guard? All she could remember were stupid Rex's words after she danced with Donovan yesterday, ringing in her head. Damn, if she messed this arrangement up, Rex would never forgive her. No, Ramira knew she couldn't do anything that would jeopardize this match.

"I can honestly say that my mind is not something that has ever earned compliments," Ramira continued, rather curses, "And you are the first to have made a good thing, instead of what it has always been labeled as." In addition to the poetry book, Donovan made it clear he wanted a woman who had a bit of mental culture as well as physical. Gods, Ramira wanted to ensure perfection. Suffering the wrath of Rex was not part of her priority list.

"Has..." that prick she thought, but continued, "My cousin Rex made any mention of our wedding date?" Ramira asked shyly. She didn't know when all this was taking place and in her dialogue with Rex last night, she'd failed to ask. Of course, it hadn't exactly been a conversation, but more like a monologue of threats spewed her way if things didn't go accordingly to plan.

[Donovan Castell]

Nobody really ever called Donovan too kind. Nobody actually ever called Donovan anything. But he was notorious for being withdrawn and somewhat disinterested. Removed from public spheres and when he was in a social setting, clearly bored with it all. But as he had pledged in the tavern when the match had been made, he meant to make this a happy union. He had seen the dissolution of he parents' marriage, and he refused to make the same mistakes as his father had made.

"I think that speaks more of the character of those around you and not of your mind," he said. "Most men do indeed only seek one quality in a wife, and it has little to do with her mind. In that, I cannot speak highly of my own gender. Perhaps for that reason, many of us find ourselves in unhappy marriages. I do not intend to make their mistake."

He shook his head. "No specific mention was made to me, though I'd imagine it will be soon."

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira nodded her head at Donovan's words, smiling at his methodology. Of course her mind was not a curse, but because of those around her, she'd began cursing her own thoughts. Donovan's fresh twist on the idea gave her a happier outlook, and her happier outlook manifested as contentment. Some people just had a way of seeing things from a different angle and it was nice to have a fresh point of view.

And it seemed nobody knew of what date their wedding had been planned for. Since both she and Donovan were mere cousins and not part of the main line, the gathering for their wedding would not be even close to the Severne wedding. That didn't exactly bother Ramira in the least and she rather would have a smaller, more private ceremony anyway.

"The sooner, the better," Ramira whispered, casting her eyes downward. Oh gods! Ramira felt a rising heat surface on her cheeks. But the words had been uttered and could not be taken away. What would Donovan think she meant?!? Oh gods! She only wanted to be gone from Strom. Granted, Ramira would miss Rosalie dearly, but after their chat last night, she knew Rosalie would visit if Rex allowed.

"The idea of starting our new life together," Ramira quickly tacked on, hoping she might salvage a bit of face. "Is exciting," Ramira added looking up, hoping to mute the desperation that might have been evident in her previous words.

As if the gods wished for Ramira to actually be spared, an interruption arrived on the horizon. Ramira heard the thundering of hooves, fast approaching. A group of riders were coming their way.

"Lord Castell," one of the knights greeted, saluting with an obvious sign of respect. Ramira could only guess Donovan knew who these people were. Of course he knew, they sported the Castell crest upon their persons, a detail that Ramira didn't catch until one of the horses turned slightly, giving her a frontal view of a Castell shield, tethered to the animal's rump.

"Lord Victor Castell awaits your return before the caravan leaves for Tjuvar," the knight added, obviously ignoring Ramira. Dropping her hand from Donovan's arm, Ramira took a small step back. Well, the sunrise had been enjoyable for what they'd seen. The idea of Donovan leaving to Tjuvar caused Ramira's smile to drop and her eyes to glaze over with a hint of sadness.

[Donovan Castell]

Donovan smiled tenderly at her. He was beginning to find this habit she had of saying things without fully thinking them through to be endearing. "Ramira... there is no need to feel shame when you are with me," he said, putting his hand beneath her chin so that her eyes would meet his once again. "I think the idea of creating a life with you sounds exciting as well. So, we are both in agreement and therefore there is no reason to feel embarrassed."

He looked up when he heard the horses approach, and quickly his benevolent countenance hardened and he looked up at the knights with cold eyes. He knew what this meant. He had intended to remain, but it seemed Victor had other plans. "Very well," he said. "Tell my cousin I shall be there shortly." He dismissed them before turning back to Ramira, his eyes filling with warmth once again. "It seems my plans have been altered," he said sadly. "Come." He took her hand and led her back to their horses, helping her once again onto her own. He untied them and mounted his own. The ride back was quicker than the ride there considering Donovan did not want to keep Victor waiting. When they arrived at the stables, more men had gathered for the trip, so Donovan had to make his farewell to Ramira as proper as possible.

"My lady, it was a pleasure," he said, helping her down. "I look forward to seeing you again."

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira understood this was Donovan's calling and she had to rescind her hold, regardless of her desire to continue watching the sunrise. She accepted Donovan's help in mounting up and then again upon dismount. The return ride was uneventful and seemed much too quick. Regardless, Ramira's heart fluttered at Donovan's words as he bid his farewell.

"As do I," Ramira said, curtseying low before rising and hold out her hand. "My lord...if you could return my book?" she asked, smiling. "I plan on reading it as soon as I return to my room."

[Donovan Castell]

He couldn't believe he'd nearly forgotten about it. "Of course," he said, turning to retrieve it. His eyes caught the movement of those around him, preparing either their own horses or their masters'. He had really hoped to avoid going to Tjuvar, but if Victor had sent his own men out to make sure that he went, that meant that this was no trifle thing for his cousin. How he'd rather stay with Ramira, though.

He turned and handed her the book and gave her one last smile. "Would it be all right, my lady, if I were to call on you when I returned?"

[Ramira Letalis]

Ramira gladly accepted the book with a quiet thanks, smiling even broader as she did so. "Actually, my lord, I'd be disappointed if you didn't," Ramira replied, the twinkle evident in her eyes.

"I do wish for your safe return," Ramira added, before she turned to leave, glancing back one last time before she cleared out of the courtyard altogether. Gods! She couldn't wait to go wake Rosalie and tell her just how splendid the sunrise was!