Just the right gifts ( open to everyone)

[damienlove]

He would press his finger to her lips to silence her. He would hear no more of her wearing out her welcome. That was impossible. He stood and offered his hand to help her up he had a surprise for her "You cannot wear out your welcome....now come. We must head back inside I have something to show you Agnes" He smiled warmly and once she stood he escorted her into the great hall. Marble floors that looked like gold veins. The ceilings imprinted with rose and dragons reliefs. Over the single large hearth was a sculpute of his parents. Near the fire was all the gifts she had purchased back in the markets. His guards had brought them back not allowing the thieving gang to get away with their injustice.

[agnes]

She stared at him as his finger pressed against her lips. She looked down and away from him. He may not hear it, but she wasn't silly enough to believe anything else. She looked at him as he rose up and offered his hand. She looked at him a moment as the curious frown touched her face. The small hand lightly rested for a moment on his hand as she stood up. The small frown appeared for a moment as she took a breath to swallow her pain.

She lifted a brow. " What is it? "She asked quietly allowing him to guide her steps. The young lady did however look around the great hall and the artistic paintings upon the ceilings. She paused for a moment to slowly turn in a circle to ensure she saw the whole of the painting. She didn't bother to hide the small smile at the artwork before her attention was shifted to the sculpture. She studied it as well before the packages caught her attention.

" Damien.. how... "She frowned a little as she looked over to the man with a surprised if somewhat confused expression. " I thought they were gone... "She spoke softly as she lightly touched her chest.. before turning to give the man a gentle hug. The soft chaste kiss given to his cheek. " Thank you.. " She stated quietly.

[damienlove]

Damien smiled as he watched Agnes as she studied the room. Always the inquisitive girl she was. "As soon as I brought you back my men were sent back to the city. The discovered the lair of those boys. Thankfully no blood was spilt. A bunch of boys against armored men is not much of a fight." He returned the gentle hug glad to see his friend happy.

What was this Damien blushing? Yep his cheecks turned a slight red as her lips placed that kiss. He never expected such from Agnes of all people. He would return the chaste kiss with one of his own on her forhead as he gave her back a little rub "No need for thanks Agnes. Even if I was not sworn to uphold my oath to protect and serve I would have still done it for a friend"

He smiled and looked back over to the gifts wondering how the poor girl would get all this home "Will you need a carriage or a hand taking this back to the keep Agnes? It seems a bit much...hence you had a porter" Damien had nothing better to do except kill things. A nice quiet walk would do him some good now and again. "Whenever you are well that is. You are not leaving untill such time"

[agnes]

She smiled and for a moment her eyes closed for the soft brush against her forehead. Yes well that made a matched set of blushing fools. She gave a small nod and stepped away from him. " Then I am very blessed to be able to call you such. "She stated quietly as she looked back to the items. The small nod was given as she sighed quietly.

" I have told you and the others that I would be returning to my parents soon.. for a visit. "she explained. " There are quite a few of us, and neices and nephews as well. "She explained quietly. The dark eyes looked up at him a moment. " I would appreciate that help.. in carrying them back. "she spoke softly. The small hands returning to their clasp before her. The expression was unusual for her as she seemed a little uncertain. " I am fine.. Damien.. you and I both know we have taken far worse within the magi sands "She pointed out to him softly. Only she had panicked and expelled far too much energy before.. which had lead to her passing out. That and the sight of her own blood.

[damienlove]

Seeing her blush caused the smile upon his face to grow. He chuckled a bit looking down to her with a raised brow "Would you really call it blessed or cursed?" Yep she knew he was not all there at times making a fool of himself. But he always took care of his friends for they were the closest thing to a family he had.

"I would be happy to help in carrying the items. Would you also wish for help in bringing them to see your family? I am sure I could drop them off and return home in no time." Despite being an accomplished mage Damien still had the notion of the sword coming first. "That may be true Agnes but does not lessen my worry at all. I shall always worry about your well being. That is something you will just have to learn to deal with"

[agnes]

She avoided looking at the smile as it widened on his face. She canted her head a little. " I'm sometimes certain it is both, but upon this occasion I will call it a blessing. "She stated softly as she walked toward the pacels and kept herself busy there for a moment. they could all make fools out of themselves, thankfully the one and truly only time she had stepped off into silliness... no one was about. She looked back at him and stared for a moment before the uncharactistic bubble of laughter came from her as she looked back down.

" I thank you for the offer, however I do not believe that would be entirely wise.. the agenda that my mother as sent to me will be quite .. interesting as it is. " Sure showing up with a gentleman would certainly stifle alot of introductions , however would bring to bare a good many questions that would likely be.. embarassing, if he were to return after seeing her safely there. "Besides, this is a journey that would be better suited if I did alone. " It was more to prove a point. She hoped.
" Is that so? "She lifted a brow and looked at him for a long moment. " Well since you will not cease the worry, then know that I am fine. A little shaken.. perhaps .. but no worse for wear. "She really wasn't used to being worried about. Even her best friend Agrylax had pointed out unless she was severely injuried, he probably wouldn't even flinch. Oddly, Agnes found that suitable, in that oddly humbling manner.

[damienlove]

His smile grew again as she laughed causing him to join in slightly. He begins to think he never heard the woman laugh ever. "That very well could be true. But things are never dull when I am around. He walked over to join her near the parcels "Well you may be fine then. I am glad to see you in high spirits." He smirked and gave her a little nudge "I think I can handle your mothers agenda. If you wish I could always stay incase you have just as many gifts to bring back to the keep"

[agnes]

She made a little face considering the list her mother had sent to her of the teas and meetings and dinners.. though that abruptly stopped in her head as she looked up at the nudge. She had gotten lost in thought for a moment and not realized he was so close again. " Damien, I.. don't think you really understand.. "She spoke quietly. Though well... it would put an end to the foolish nonsense of attempting to marry her off. Nothing she couldn't really put off, given she would likely go through the list of insults , she had used before to keep herself at arms length from most of the 'gentlemen' her mother thought perhaps suitable.

She stared at him a moment then looked down once more. "Allow me to explain.. "she spoke and gestured to one of the couches. She was getting a little tired and if she remained standing she knew she'd start pacing through her own anxiety of the trip. She stepped over and carefully seated herself as she thought for a long moment. The small frown appeared then slipped away as she looked at him.

" My parents were terribly unhappy that I left, more so to continue an education that do not believe that first of all a lady should have, let alone want.. mages have been known to run in our family but they were fairly certain they could.. pretend as if the talent didn't exist. Unfortunately, then.there was me. "She paused a moment to consider how to say it all. "Not that they were ever unkind, perhaps a little .. .. indifferent to my own wishes. This trip is going to be a rather lengthy string of teas.. and parties and social gatherings , not to mention if I am correct in understanding my Mother's intent.. a parade of gentleman callers. " She explained softly. No.she was not looking forward to the trip. " You would be placing yourself in a rather.. delicate situation and not to mention a good deal of speculation. " She pointed out quietly.

" I would not wish to strain our friendship that way. " She wasn't telling him no, but she was telling him what to expect. He was a noble , himself, he had to understand what she was saying .. she hoped he did.

[damienlove]

Damien would walk with her and take a seat on the couch. He comfortingly rubbed her back as she spoke hoping to keep her from another attack. Good tea and little foods? That was supposed to drive Damien away? The girl obviously underestimated the man's appetite.

"Well first off I am sure once they see what you have become Agnes they would be very proud of you. Despite you amazing abilities you have kept yourself a proper lady. And threats of tea and finger foods will not work" He chuckled a little bit a smile remaining on his features. "And what better way to scare off unwanted men than to have the jolly scarred giant at your side. If you do not mind I think I just might enjoy some social gatherings. A far cry from the battle field is just what i need"

[agnes]

" It isn't that I'm at all worried what they think.. proud or otherwise.. they will take the assumption there is more between us Damien. "She stated quietly as she looked at him. But well by his own words he had thought of this? She could't help but consider this a bad idea but .. very well. She could use the support.

" Alright.. then I shall write Mother back and explain that I will be bringing a guest home with me. Though I reserve all rights at this very moment to tel you at any point.. I told you so. "She pointed at him.

[damienlove]

He chuckled and leaned in giving her a small hug "It's a deal. I am sure you will be saying it in no time. But if it gets the men off you I am an excellent actor" He emphasized actor as he stroke a pose from Hamlet. This would only cause him to laugh even more. He stood up offering his hand with a smile "There is plenty of paper and ink in my office if you wish to write. Are you hungry?" Of course he was so no point in asking.

The idea of him meeting the family of Agnes was a bit nerve wrecking. For the most part he did not like nobles. Despite having once been one himself he found them to be a lower quality of person. He only hoped this trip those words did not escape his lips. He could only hope the family was as kind as Agnes was and good to the people.

[agnes]

She found herself in that light hug as she gave a small nod. Though she wasn't so sure about this. She looked at him and lifted abrow. " I do hope you are better than that. "She couldn't help it not even she could keep a straight face as she laughed softly. He rose and offered his hand as she lightly placed hers into it and stood up. "Thank you.. and yes actually..something to eat sounds.. lovely. "She admitted.

Agnes was just hoping this would be a smooth swift trip.. of course this would likely throw a wrench into a good many of her Mother's ideas.. she hoped. That.. and she hoped her father and brothers behaved!

[agnes]

It was a few days after the letter had been sent and Agnes was well enough to travel. She had of course packed for the trip , which entailed several trunks and a very nervous young lady as she arrived at Damien's castle. The usual gray dress was set aside, after all she couldn't very well show up at her parents dressed that way. Though she couldn't open the portal gate within the city, she had ensured the carriage and the footman would travel with them. With the payment of coin and her word that he would have room and board while they remained, Agnes stepped down from the carriage. The lavender dress was just as modest as the rest of her clothing to date though merely a lighter color. She approached the door and knocked.. partically hoping that Damien had changed his mind.. or perhaps forgotten all about it.

[damienlove]

There was no way Damien would forget such an event. Damien wore a white tunic. black pants and leather shoes. His tabard was embroidered with his family crest of the gold dragon. The white ensemble was trimmed in gold. He smiled seeing Agnes and bowed::: "Lady Agnes good to see you" He chuckled a bit and grabbed his trunks. He would carry them to the awaiting coach and set them with her own.

Damien would open the carriage door and await for Agnes to step in before he entered. Sitting across from her so he did not make her uncomfortable he smiled a bit anxious "Well......you ready for this Agnes? How far of a ride is it? Should I watch out for anything?" The knight had a million questions and would most likely try to ask them all on the journey as nerves started to settle in.

[agnes]

Agnes smiled and dipped her head as he was all ready to go.. yay... " M'lord Love.. "she spoke quietly as she stepped out of the way while he loaded his own trunks onto the back of the carriage. She paused for a moment speaking to the footman. " Just keep the horses steady.. I will take care of the rest. "She stated softly as she gave him a nod and stepped inside. She looked nervous enough to faint really as she looked at him.

"As ready I am likely to be. "She admitted softly as she listened to the rest of the questions he rattled off as the carriage started forward again. " It shouldn't take us long, once I set up the gate. From there.. likely fourty minutes or so. "she admitted softly as she shifted and looked out the window. " Here is fine. "She stated aloud. The carriage came to a halt as she looked at Damien. " Give me a moment .. please. "She spoke softly as she stepped out of the carriage once more. The little hands soothed down her skirts as she looked at the two large trees she had decided upon the day before.

She closed her eyes for a moent to calm herself before the soft words passed her lips, the small hands slowly lifted upward as they opened the portal doorway. The image before them shimmered a moment from the pale yellow to an open field of amber. In the background the mountains could be scene and the air itself was a bit cooler as it came through the portal. She gave only a small nod as the carriage started forward through the portal.. only after they had passed.. did Agnes follow on foot. The portal itself closed as she came through and staggered a step or three. It was a difficult task however it was done.

The landscape around them had shifted dramatically, the air was indeed cooler and somewhat thinner. However the fields that rolled out before them was of the barley grains of one farm or another. Behind them however was the road that lead directly into Kerberian. The vast city that lay nestled between the mountain ranges on the rolling foothills.