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Enchanted Night	By : EmpressMoonchildOfFantasia Category: M through R > Neverending Story Views: 3814 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The names, people, places, etc of The NES are all owned by the late Michal Ende & Warrnor Bros. Copyright � 1984. I'm just borrowing them for fun. I do not own anything but the plotline of this fic.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter Rating: M: [For Profanity & 'naughty' thoughts & feelings on Atreyu's part :)]
DISCLAIMER: The names, people, places, etc of The NES are all owned by the late Michal Ende & Warrnor Bros. Copyright © 1984. I'm just borrowing them for fun. I do not own anything but Brijatte and the plotline of this fic.
The following day, shortly before dawn, Atreyu and Moonchild met up near one of the main paths leading into the Royal Gardens for an early morning walk. Though the days and evenings were warm, even hot at some points, the late nights and early mornings still had a sharp chilliness to them. That was why, on what was promising to be a beautiful late spring/early summer day, they each wore cloaks over their attire.
Atreyu, dressed in a pair of close-fitting ozoges and ankle-length boots, pulled the cloak of silky-smooth buffalo fur tighter over his covered arms The long-sleeved ógle he had on that morning was a shade or two lighter then his dark brown trousers. As soon as he saw Moonchild, his face lit up, his smile widening as he enveloped her in a warm hug, his cheek resting on the top of her head.
"Híŋháŋni Ogliglewakan. Doe ksh kay ya oun hey?"
"Good morning to you too, My Atreyu." she replied, hugging him in return, her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shirt-covered chest. "I'm fine. Did you sleep well?"
"Hau. Did you?"
"I did indeed." Moonchild raised her head to stare in his beautiful dark orbs. 'Especially after you came into my room.' her eyes told him.
Atreyu hugged her tighter when he read this message her gaze had conveyed to him. "You look beautiful by the way."
And she did indeed. This morning The Empress was garbed in a simple seashell pink dress with tiny dots sprinkled here and there over the light cashmere material. Looking closer Atreyu saw these dots were actually minuscule sprays of lilies. Draped over her shoulders was an unadorned lightweight cloak in a tone two shades darker then the background on her dress. Her dark gold and chestnut hair had been plaited in a loose braid that hung down her back.
"Thank you My Atreyu." Even after all these years, he still found indirect ways to make her blush.
Hard as it was, Atreyu resisted the urge to kiss her. Instead, he put an arm around her shoulders as they started down the wide path leading into the Royal Gardens.
Still exchanging smiles every now and then, they manged to act respectively enough towards one another, in case there was the slim chance Cairon or Brijatte might be nearby, as they strolled through the lush Gardens admiring the beautifully manicured arrangements of flowerbeds and trees.
As they rounded a corner, they saw a Royal Gardener-about fifty or so-working on raking up a pile of fallen leaves nearby. He looked up, his eyes catching sight of His Empress coming in his direction with that admirable Great Warrior-Buffalo Hunter by her side. The Gardener smiled to himself when he saw how the latter's fingers were interwoven with those of His Empress. As they drew nearer to where he was working the six pairs of eyes caught one another. With a knowing glint sparkling in his pale grey eyes, he motioned the couple to come closer with a barely noticeable gesture of his hand. After glancing at one another, Atreyu and Moonchild approached him, both a bit curious as to what he wanted.
"Good Morning My Empress. Good Morning Atreyu." he said, respectfully bowing marginally at the waist to each of them in turn.
A flash of crimson came and went on Atreyu's face. Even after all this time, he still wasn't completely used to having the servants bow down to him whenever he was with The Empress.
"It looks as if it is going to be a beautiful day is it not?"
The Empress smiled, "I believe it is to be so."
Leaning on his rake, the Gardener flashed them a crafty smile, his eyes full of mischief. "You know-" his mouth opened then closed, that wily, knowing glint still sparkling in his eye as he pretended to be pausing in his thinking. He raised a hand, one finger hovering in midair, "you know..." his voice dropped to a hushful whisper, that hovering finger crooking inwards as he beckend the Great Warrior and His Empress to lean in closer so that only they could hear what this kind-souled man had to say. "...there is a little-known alcove in these Gardens that is located not too far from here..." his lone finger pointed down the pathway the couple were standing on, "...I think you should check out. " His voice dropped even lower, "It's a place that NOT EVEN your Head Adviser/Servant OR your Head Handmaiden knows about My Empress..." The Royal Gardener flashed a toothy grin at them. "I'd go there if I were you...for it is a beautiful place to see. It is exceptionally stunning to be there at this time of the morning for the whole alcove seems to shimmer as the rising sun touches it." The Royal Gardener's gaze softened, "Oh, and there is no need to worry my children, this alcove I speak of is safely tucked away so you will be VERY well hidden from 'certain prying eyes'..." He winked at this last sentence, and the couple knew he was talking about Cairon and Brijatte.
"Where is this place?" Moonchild breathlessly whispered.
Stepping off the emerald-green grass, the Gardener approached them and whispered in their ears, carefully hinted directions on how they were to locate this secretive patch of trees, bushes and flowerbeds. Then, The Royal Gardner stepped back onto the grassy area as quickly as he'd stepped off of it. Bringing his tone back up to normalcy, he said, "Well, have a good walk My Empress and Atreyu. I hope the two of you have a pleasant day."
"Thank you! " The Empress called back, tugging her warrior back to the middle of the pathway. "We will."
The Royal Gardener sent them off with an approving smile and a wave then picked up a pair of gardening shears and returned to his work.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the Gardener, Atreyu turned to Moonchild. "What was that was all about?" he asked, dumbfounded.
Laughing softly, Moonchild grinned up at him, shaking her head in wonderment. "I have this VERY strong feeling My Atreyu, that over the years, many of the Royal Staff have secretly been watching over us. It seems to me that we're not the only ones who have been becoming aware of how our relationship have gone from 'acquaintances; to friends, to good friends to very best friends to ever so slowly falling in love with each other'. And," she added, "unlike Brijatte and Cairon, they Highly Approve of what we share between us and have done so from the very beginning."
"Do you think any of your Staff know for certain that we are in love with each other?"
"No. But from what happened a moment ago, and from what I've been able to pick up over the years, they DO have VERY STRONG suspicions about it but so far, none of the Royal Staff know for certain. All they have to go on is speculation."
"Do you think there'd be the slightest chance that any of your servants would 'squeal' on us?"
To this Moonchild stopped abruptly in her tracks and gave her warrior an insulted look.
"Absolutely Not! Not One Single Member of My Staff who is in their Right Mind Would EVER Consider Doing Such a Thing." The Empress walked briskly ahead of him, moving so fast Atreyu had to run to keep up. "Every Single Person," she continued, not slowing in her pace, "on my Royal Staff cannot stand being around Brijatte and Cairon for longer then two seconds if they can help it. Each and Every servant has told me at one time or another how MUCH they dislike taking orders from my Head Adviser/Servant or my Head Handmaiden to one degree or another due to their bossiness and their HIGH LEVEL neediness for control in how EVERYTHING should be run, done and be. Not to mention they like to make sure that everyone-from the stablehands that handle the manure to my seven beloved handmaidens that are under Brijatte's supervision-acts in a way that is NOTHING LESS then prim, proper and in a way that won't reflect badly on or embarrass them in any shape or form.." Moonchild's steps paused long enough for Atreyu to reach her side and he could see there was no longer any trace of insult in her tone, only a faint hint of sadness. She glanced sideways at him. A huge sigh left her body as she managed to give her warrior a tiny smile of reassurance, though the words she spoke next were of a desperate plea for understandment. "My servants loyalty has always been to Me-and, now it seems, that loyalty has been extended to you as well, My Atreyu-first and foremost. Not to Cairon OR to Brijatte. But to ME. To Us."
Atreyu nodded, his expression guiltily grave over his earlier mischosen words. He had not meant to insult her.
Even so, he knew The Empress was correct in her descriptions of Cairon and Brijatte. And the Great Warrior did not disagree with her one bit about how rigid the Head Adviser/Servant and Head Handmaiden of the Ivory Tower could be. He was fully aware of just HOW fanatically controlling Cairon and Brijatte were. There were MANY times in the past where he'd witnessed The Empress's Head Adviser/Servant or Head Handmaiden blow up over the MOST trivial things. Over the years Atreyu had been witness to servants shaking like leaves, scurrying to correct whatever fault in their work that had been harshly pointed out by Cairon or Brijatte. He'd seen the fear in their eyes, seen their lips tremble with unspoken apologies as they quaked under their supervisors scrutinizing gaze.
But it was The Empress of Fantasia whose grip the Head Adviser/Servant and Head Handmaiden had the tightest reign on. It was his precious Moonchild whom Cairon and Brijatte seemed to have chained to them the most. On more then one occasion the Great Warrior happened to catch the sound of Cairon or Brijatte's voices berating his beloved Empress over something as minor as not holding her fork correctly when they thought he wasn't around to hear them. At other times he thought he'd seen The Empress emerge from either one of their offices looking drained and worn out. Sometimes she'd emerge looking withdrawn, pale and even a little shaken up. At those times he'd caught a glimpse of how she'd have to pause in her steps and embrace herself long enough to gather her composure before she could continue. When he'd question her about it, she'd shake her head and tell him "everything was fine', that all what he was seeing was the result of her having a long, hard day, that she could 'handle it' [meaning Cairon and Brijatte] and 'to please not worry about her" her woebegone eyes silently asking him to please drop the matter. So he did, out of respect for her.
Yet Atreyu DID worry about her. A great deal. He couldn't help it. He loved her that much.
Even when he was back home, the Great Warrior couldn't keep himself FROM worrying about his Angelic Empress day and night, wondering how she was fairing, if Cairon or Brijatte were pressuring her improve on such ridiculous things such as propriety and how to conduct herself in 'a royal manner.' From the strained expressions on her cherubic face he'd caught from time to time, Atreyu thought The Empress's Head Adviser/Servant alone was piling more 'royal work' on her then she could handle. He'd seen her schedule the Head Adviser/Servant had mapped out for The Empress of Fantasia for the upcoming weeks, after he was home on the Great Plains, many a day and he wondered how in the hell ONE person was expected to do SO much in SO little time. He was appalled whenever he found himself reading the lists of forty or fifty things that was planned out for her to accomplish in twenty-four hours or less. Atreyu was surprised Moonchild hadn't dropped from exhaustion from working so hard-or if she had, she hadn't told him about it. It pained him to see her so stressed out-sometimes to the point where she'd be on the verge of tears. It was like she was a mule relentlessly being worked from early dawn to well past dark. To make matters worse, both Cairon and Brijatte were constantly criticizing The Empress for being 'too wild and free-spirited.' and the Great Warrior had a vague suspicion, from the looks of disapproval Cairon or Brijatte gave him, that they felt that The Empress of Fantasia was spending far too much time with him and they felt he was 'a bad influence on her.' Furthermore, both Cairon and Brijatte always went berserk whenever they happened to come across The Empress participating in activities with him they deeply considered 'unroyal' in their eyes, such as archery, running-not walking-laps, riding both bareback AND non side-saddle, or helping him groom Artax or her own horse, Phasck. There were several occasions where Atreyu thought the pair of them would have a set of heart attacks when they'd found him teaching The Empress how to wrestle. [and she was GOOD, VERY GOOD at the latter, for during many a lesson, she'd easily overpowered him thus winning the 'lesson-turned-game'. And whenever Moonchild had managed to pin him to the ground, her actions had pleasantly shocked the Great Warrior. For it was during these 'games' where Atreyu could clearly see that The Empress of Fantasia was his equal in more ways then one] At those times, Cairon and Brijatte didn't even BOTHER dragging Moonchild off to a private area to give her a lecture. They bawled her out right there in front of him, not giving a luckdragon's ass if they'd made her feel like a 'disobedient child.'
"I agree with you on ALL of what you say Ogliglewakan. Belive me, I do, and I'm proud to know you have such loyal people around you." Atreyu felt a little better now knowing the Ones who served The Empress of Fantasia were and would continue to be FEICRCLY loyal to them both. What she had told him eased his mind, His heart felt a bit lighter with the knowledge there was a good chance the servants of the Ivory Tower would be there for them should the need arise.
By now they had reached an archway hidden within a stone wall on the far right side of the Garden's pathway of which beyond, lay the alcove the Royal Gardener has spoken of.
"Here it is." Moonchild whispered. "I think this is it..."
A tingle of excitement shimmied through Atreyu. "I think you're right." he whispered back. He turned towards her, his heart pounding at the thought of that, in less then a minute, she'd be in his arms again.
'Should we go in?' his eyes asked her.
Feeling the dryness on her lips, Moonchild consented with a single nod of her head.
With their fingers intertwined, Atreyu lead Moonchild forward, pushing aside thickly overgrown ivy, stepping over low flowerbeds and massive clumps of bushes growing together, all of which shielded the archway from the rest of the Gardens.
What they found before them was a grassy circular area surrounded by an even tighter mass of trees, bushes and flowerbeds then the one in the Secret Garden. The alcove was so small there was no less the five feet of space all around which gave the couple just enough room to move around in. Nevertheless, the Gardener was right. It WAS beautiful. Maybe not AS beautiful as the Secret Garden, but this little tucked away place was still lovely in its own way.
"It's beautiful..."
"Not as beautiful as you mitawa oiyokipi Ogliglewakan..." Atreyu replied, turning His Empress around and taking her into his arms.
His mouth found hers as he gave her a tender kiss-the first of the day-their arms sliding 'round the others waist, their lips parting as they welcomed the others invitation to deepen such a kiss. It felt wonderful to hold her so close to him. The hours between the time he'd left her bedside to the time of the predawn when he'd seen her at the entrance to the Royal Garden's path had seemed to drag on forever in spite of the fact he'd slept soundly the rest of the previous night.
It was a long time before they parted, their eyes shinning full of the love they shared.
"Híŋháŋni mitawa cantkiya." He softly repeated with a huge grin on his face.
"Híŋháŋni mitawa wanasapiolepier-akicita...I wastelake niye..." Atreyu's heart melted at the sound of his native tongue on her lips. It filled him with pride to hear her speak his language so clearly, so easily, as if she'd been speaking it from birth...
"I wastelake niye yota mitawa lila wiyawaste, mitawa Empress..."
They stood there in the hidden alcove for a little while longer, exchanging long, deep kisses while allowing their hands to explore one another's upper body-just a little, they didn't want to get too carried away at this early hour 'just in case'-as the rays of the rising sun bathed them in the warmth of its light.
After perhaps thirty minutes or so they let go of one another and slipped out of their 'hiding place' where they resumed their morning walk. The Empress sighing happily as she relaxedly leaned up against her Atreyu's side, her head resting against the underside of his left arm which was lazily draped around her slender waist, as if this wasn't any different then any other morning stroll.
They finally came upon the gazebo where they usually breakfasted at, to find a wonderful meal of toasted breads that looked like bagels with jars of blackberry and raspberry jams, softened honeyed butter and creamed cheese to accompany them. Bite-sized pieces of melons, grapes, strawberries and raspberries were arranged in a creative pattern on a plate. There was also a small platter of eggs for each of them-his scrambled with bits of buffalo sausage, black pepper and cheese mixed in, hers runnily poached-, along with another platter containing crisp hashed browned potatoes. [This was one of Moonchild's favorite things to have in the morning dispute 'two certain people' bitching on how "such fare was too fattening for Empresses to be consuming."] To round off the meal there stood two medium sized pitchers of juice. One held orange, the other held apple. In addition to these juices, there was also a pitcher full of fresh milk and a steaming pot of black and peppermint tea to drink. [the latter of which was also VERY much frowned upon by 'two certain people, ' citing that "the caffeine in black tea is unnecessary and unhealthy for fragile stomachs such as yours, My Empress."] All of this fare had been meticulously laid out on the portable dumbwaiter standing next to a cozy little rounded table already set with a lace-edged white tablecloth and pretty dishes, their silver rims sparkling in the sunlight. Tummies rumbling, the couple slid into chairs at opposite ends of this tiny table, where Atreyu filled their plates in turn from the portable dumbwaiter, and dove into their food, laughing and talking animatedly as they passed one another this or that while sharing bites of food from one another's plates via forks-something they did often when privately sharing a meal.
"I was thinking," Atreyu said, around a mouthful of scrambled egg, "we could go to the maze which has that obsiticale course in it and run a few laps after breakfast." He swallowed, then took a swig of apple juice. "How does that sound cantkiya?"
"I love it, Atreyu. It'll be a good way for me to get in some hard exercise. I hardly get the chance to get in good, long, hard laps the rest of the month." Moonchild drained half a glass of milk in one swallow, her upper lip painted with a wide, milky streak.
Atreyu bit back a moan. He was tempted to lean over and lick it off.
But The Empress beat him to it by running her tongue over that upper lip, wiping away the foamy line as if she were a baby lioness cleansing itself.
The Great Warrior nearly choked on his next mouthful of food while he watched her do this. She was being sensual without even realizing she was doing it. Subconsciously, his free hand disappeared out of sight to take hold of the edge of the chair he was sitting on, his knuckles turning white as they clenched and unclenched the chair's edge. Praying Moonchild wouldn't notice the trembling of his right hand, he took hold of his mug of tea and drained its entire contents in one gulp, thus effectively hiding the lustful shiver that was making his body quiver with want.
Oh, Gods, it was hardly the middle of the morning and already she was driving him crazy...and she wasn't even aware of it...
"...Cairon and Brijatte don't approve of me running. They find it 'unladylike." The voice of The Empress snapped him out of his amorous musings. "Atreyu..." He lowered his mug to find Moonchild staring at him with a puzzled, concerned expression. "are you alright?"
Luckily a series of coughs wracking his body gave Atreyu an oppertunity to turn away long enough to have an excuse to cover his tracks. "H-hau...I'm-I'm fine...tea...just...went...down the...wrong...windpipe...that's all..." Tears smarted his clouded vision. He coughed harder, clearing his throat with hs fist, then swiped at his watering eyes. "Ahem...ahem...I'm sorry, Moonchild, I didn't catch that last part. Would you mind repeating it?"
The Empress gave a smile of understanding patience. "I was saying I love being able to have the opportunity to run laps with you My Atreyu. The rest of the month I only get to walk at no more then a brisk pace because Cairon and Brijatte don't approve of me running. They find it 'unladylike." She peered at him over the rim of her own mug. "Are you sure you're alright My Atreyu? You seem a little pale."
Atreyu nodded, hurriedly seizing his linion napkin to dab at his watery eyes. " I'm fine, Pilamayaye, Ogliglewakan. Honestly, I am." He coughed a final time. "Don't worry about me, I'm good." He refilled both their mugs with fresh tea.
The Empress took another strawberry half. "All right, if you certain..." She popped the red berry into her mouth, sucking berry juice off her thumb.
'Oh, for the love of ki Wakantanka...she's doing it again...if she doesn't stop...'
Now it was the warrior's turn to shove a piece of melon into his mouth before another lustrous moan could make an appearance.
Chewing, then swallowing, he scooped up a forkful of egg and sausage. "Have you tried these eggs today?" Moonchild shook her head. "Do you want a bite?" She nodded eagerly. He held out his fork. "Here you go cantkiya, They're great."
Her hand closed around the fork's handle, her fingertips grazing the fingers closed around the untensal. "Lila Pilamayaye mitawa akicita." She took the fork from his grasp then sucked the bite of egg and sausage mixture off of it, a soft, catlike, moan of blissful pleasure rumbling from her throut. She held the now empty fork out to him, her eyes closing, the edge of her chin tilting upwards as she relished in the flaver of savory cheesy eggs, sausage and black pepper. "Yum...that IS delicious..."
Atreyu was thankful her eyes stayed closed for so long. For it kept her from seeing him grip both sides of the chair this time, his own gaze hidden behind his closed lids, his chin also subtly tilting skyward, his lips pressed together as he deeply inhaled, then exhaled. It amazed him how well he was able to keep his heated desire for her totally 'under wraps.' [as Bastian would put it]-but only just barely. Straightening his head, he quietly let out another deep whoosh as he reopened his eyes. Eyes that were teetering on becoming darkened with enamored longing.
Dear Fucking Gods...if she kept this up, she was going to cause him to pounce on her... And sooner rather then later...
"Nitawa Taayaayahi." His answer came out as a raspy groan. A groan he hastily covered by polishing off the rest of his juice. In doing so, this seemed to calm the desirous heat flooding through his veins, in spite of the fact it was threatening to settle into his groin if he didn't watch himself.
"These bagels are good. I think I'll have another. Would you like one?"
"Hau, canlwaste."
She plucked a hot bagel off a small platter, split it in half then lavishly covered both pieces with butter, creamed cheese and a smudge of blackberry jam.
She held out his half to him. He took it eagerly from her, devouring it in seconds while, for a fleeting moment, imagining how he'd go about devouring her instead.
"You're right, These are good."
Moonchild smiled. "Once again the Royal Baker outdid himself..."
"I'll say, even I can't make bread this fabulous!"
"I can arrange for him to give you a lesson or two so you can make them yourself when you get back home." she offered, laughing as his joyous expression.
"Only if you're there to share the lesson with me." He was grinning.
"I'll see what I can do. You know how Cairon and Brijatte feel about me doing domestic work."
Atreyu rolled his eyes in annoyance. "I know all too well Ogliglewakan..." He was now halfway through his plate of scrambled eggs and hashed browned potatoes. "And it pisses me off to see and hear how they keep barring you from learning household tasks." He polished off some more fruit. "I believe you should have the knowledge of cooking, cleaning, mending, making and laundering your own clothes, et cetera, et cetera. Such domestics preetaining to both inside and outside the household are just as important as 'royal tasks.' The warrior was now sipping on some pulp-free orange juice. "Because you never know what will happen in the future. There may come a time where you'll have to do those things for yourself."
"I agree with you Atreyu. But Caiorn and Brijatte don't see it that way. They think it's 'unnecessary' for me to know how everyday people live. They're always going on about how that 'I'm The Empress' and I shouldn't have to do such hard, laborious work.' It's not someone of my rank and position should be doing. They keep telling me three's no reason why I should not want to have 'hired help' around whom can manage and run the home for me. According to them, the only future housewifentry things I should be concentrating on are 'tending to my husband's needs' and overseeing the upbringing of our children."
Atreyu slowly put down his juice, staring at His Empress in bewilderment. "Are you saying you won't be allowed to raise your own children?..."
"Not directly raise them, just 'indirectly,' from the sidelines, from the shadows. So in a way, yes, that is exactly what I'm saying..." Sadness had crept into her eyes and her voice.
"That's not fair to you Moonchild. Someday you will conceive and birth whatever children you have. You should have the right to raise them yourself. A child needs his or her mother-and father. They should be raised jointly by both parents. Not by hired strangers."
"I know. " She sounded like she was going to cry from the knowledge alone. "But Cairon and Brijatte tell me that I'll be too busy attending to 'royal matters' to look after my children 'properly'. "
"And your future husband? What about him? What role will he have?"
"None. Except perhaps discipline. 'It's not a man's place to be rearing children.' " She recited.
Atreyu shook his head. "So the only thing 'he' thinks 'he'll' be responsible for is impregnating you. Whatever happens after that is none of his concern. Am I correct?"
"Yes. Once my husband gets me with child and 'he' is satisfied that I have borne the child safely, the only thing 'he'll' be responsible for is disciplining the child." Moonchild paused, staring into her mug of tea. "And getting me with child as soon as possible afterwards so that the next heir of 'his' family's bloodline...and the spare may have siblings..."
Atreyu slowly put down his empty glass, then reached over and put his hand over hers. "So that's all you have to look forward to in the future?...Being nothing more then 'a 'tool' to be used for mating' for your husband and bearing his children...year after year?..."
"Yes..." She softly spoke the word in the same tone she'd used eight years ago when she'd said it to Bastian immediately after he'd gave her name. "I have been told this will be my duty Atreyu." She raised bleak, sorrowful eyes to him. "It is what...will be...'expected of me'..."
But Atreyu could see in those lost eyes that The Empress longed for something more then just being a 'sexual object to her husband' and a 'breeder.' Of course, she wanted to be a wife and mother, there was no question about that, but she also wanted to be able to contribute to her family and home more then solely those two things. She didn't want to be someone else's possession, another man's property. She wanted equality in her marriage. She wanted a partnership-not a dictatorship in which her husband made ALL the decisions for both the marriage AND the family. And where 'he' expected-NO-DEMANDED she be completely obedient to his EVERY rule and command without questioning or 'challenging' his authority. But most importantly, The Empress of Fantasia wanted love. She wanted to be loved by her future husband. Not only that, she wanted to be respected and vauldaited as a woman and as an equal partner in her marriage.
Atreyu didn't think that was too much to ask of anybody.
With sympathy in his almond eyes, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze before returning to his meal. After a moment, he glanced up at her, his forkful of scrambled eggs hovering in the air. There was sadness in his own eyes as he watched her pick at the remainder of her breakfast.
It hurt him to see her looking so miserable.
'Oh, Ogliglewakan, if you were mitawa tawicu, I'd NEVER treat you like you were beneath me. Not for a single second would I make you feel ANYTHING BUT cherished, loved and appreciated. Not only that, I'd wholeheartedly acknowledge EACH and EVERY one of your inputs in ANYTHING and EVERYTHING regarding our marriage AND our children. If you wanted to pitch in with the housework, I'd let you do whatever domestics you'd want to and I'd praise you for them-even if the completed task isn't done perfectly. That doesn't matter to me. What would matter is that you'd accomplish it to the very best of your abilities. As to our children, should Maka bless us with any, you can be sure I'd jump right in and do my equal share-and then some if there should come times where you are too tired or busy 'taking care of royal matters' to do your half. Never would I EVEN CONSIDER hiring a nanny to TOTALLY rear our children. To help out yes, but to have that person take over the job completely?-Hell No. We would have conceived and brought our child or children into this world so it would ONLY be rightfully fair for US to bring them up. All the nanny [if we decided we wanted one] would have to do is look after them during those times where your or I were away or swamped with work of our own. I wouldn't mind that at all. Oh, cantkiya, if only it were possible for you TO be mitawa tawicu...if only...'
As if she could hear his thoughts, Moonchild met his gaze and gave him an understanding half-smile. 'I know, mitawa akicita, I know. Perhaps someday...if we're lucky...'
For a breif moment Atreyu caught a glimpse of a faraway look of wistfulness in her eyes...one that reflected his own musings of what their future could be if they were allowed to marry...
He returned her half-smile as he ate his nearly cold forkful of breakfast. 'Hau, cantkiya...one day...if we're lucky...if we're VERY lucky...'
He was deeply touched to know she wanted to be his wife as much as he did.
But at the moment he wasn't holding his breath. He didn't dare try to envision such blissfulness just yet. Not with Cairon and Brijatte still in the picture.
Then, not wanting to put a damper on their meal any more then it might already have, The Empress wisely turned their conversation to more pleasant things. Things that broke the heavy cloud hanging over them and made them not only smile but laugh. Soon it was as if the previous part of their discussion had never happened. Soon they were joking and laughing as if their entire conversation had been nothing but lighthearted all around-with no traces of somberness or sadness to be found.
They had barely finished eating when Cairon, followed by Brijatte, strode up to their table
"Good Morning, My Empress!" Cairon greeted. Then, as if it were an afterthought, he added-with much less enthusiasm, "Good Day, Atreyu."
"Good Morning." Atreyu replied casually, as if the differences in the Head Adviser/Servant's tone didn't faze him one bit.
As if the Great Warrior wasn't sitting right there in their midst, Cairon turned towards Moonchild. "Forgive us for interrupting your breakfast Your Highness." He cleared his throat, his hands behind his back, his tall figure standing stiffly before the couple. "We have come to inform you it is time for you to change your attire for the business meeting that you are scheduled to have this morning with some ambassadors whom have attended the Ball last night."
"Can't I wear what I have on Cairon?' Moonchild pleaded. "I don't see why the dress I'm wearing would work just as well."
"Absolutely not Your Highness!" Brijatte was astonished at such a suggestion. "What you are wearing simply does not reflect your position as The Empress of Fantasia!" Her hazel eyes flashed angerly, "I'm surprised at you young lady! You are fully aware that when your attendance is required at important events such as business meetings you need to wear the proper garments! My Gods, what has gotten into you!?"
Moonchild's face fell, "I just thought...I just thought it'd be nice to not have to dress up for a change..." Her voice drifted off as she pleaded her case, a wounded look in her eyes. She looked as if she'd been slapped.
Atreyu watched the exchange between His Empress and her Head Handmaiden and Head Adviser/Servant. For a brief moment he wanted to say something but thought better of it. At times like this he knew when it was best to keep quiet and when to speak up. He calmly sat there at the little table, the remains of their breakfast still on its rounded surface. But on the inside he was fuming. He was shocked at how the pair standing before them was treating his Angel.
Good Gods, what age did they fucking think she was!? Five!?
Not wanting to let them know he aware of their conversation, he took a long sip of tea, watching the three of them closely over the rim of his mug-just in case Moonchild wanted him to step in. But so far, so good, The Empress was doing her best in holding her ground. Even if she ended up losing the argument-which, unfortunately, was how it usually ended up happening ninety-five percent of the time-he was, nevertheless, proud of her for attempting to give voice to her requests. Still and all, it was all he could do to keep from burying his face in one hand, he felt so embarrassed for her. Hell, he felt embarrassed for both himself AND Moonchild. This WASN'T how they'd planned on ending their meal, let alone their morning.
"Come Your Highness." Brijatte stated, "It is time for you to take leave of Atreyu now."
"Now!? But Atreyu and I had planned to-"
"Whatever you and the Great Warrior have planned to do this morning must be put on hold Your Highness!" Brijatte fired back. "Your duties as Empress are FAR MORE important then frivolously spending the morning with HIM!" Her eyes threw daggers in Atreyu's direction.
Stiffling back an exasperated sigh with a large swallow of tea, The Empress gave Atreyu an apologetic look as she rose from the table. She looked crestfallen...and beaten. Once again, she'd lost the battle.
"I'm sorry Atreyu." Moonchild looked as if she was letting him down. She felt horrible leaving him like this on such short notice. But Atreyu was used to it. "I hate to leave you like this but it looks as if I'm needed elsewhere this morning..."
"It's all right Moonchild." He said gently, as he too rose from the table. "It's no big deal. I understand."
They stared at each other for a long, long moment, two pairs of eyes continuing the conversation without either of them realizing it.
'Are you sure, you're all right with me having to put our lap run on hold today?'
'Yes. I promise. Now, go on Ogliglewakan. Go, go do what you need to do.'
"You can see The Empress AFTER today's meeting Atreyu!" Brijatte was clearly miffed by the lingering gaze between the couple. "She should be finished no later then early this afternoon."
"That's fine, Brijatte." Atreyu said, almost coldly. "I can go for a run then spend some time with Artax while The Empress is at her Ambassador meeting." He turned back towards Moonchild. "If that is all right with you Moonchild."
The Empress smiled. "That will work just fine Atreyu. Shall we meet for lunch afterwards? Say a half hour after the meeting has ended?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Perfect, I'll send a Staff Member along with the details of our lunch date. Expect him or her about an hour or so before my meeting has ended. For I assume you'll want time to freshen up beforehand."
"Thank You Empress." He gave a little bow-for Cairon and Brijatte's benefit.
Both Cairon and Brijatte let out derifled snorts of disgust. It annoyed them to no end at how casually Their Empress treated this...this...commoner. They were even more unnerved at how this 'so-called Great Warrior' conducted himself in front of her. Like...like he was on the same status level as The Empress...
Unable to bear the sight of how the couple were interacting with one another any longer, both Brijatte and Cairon stepped up to The Empress-one on either side of her. With each firmly grasping a forearm, they tugged her back from the table and turned her in the direction of the gazebo's open arched entrance.
"Say goodbye to Atreyu now Your Highness." Cairon frostily ordered.
Feeling as if she'd swallowed a lump of lead for breakfast instead of what she'd actually consumed, The Empress's gaze met those of Atreyu's. "Goodbye Atreyu." she said mechanically. "I'll see you this afternoon."
Atreyu felt as if he too, had something heavy, like a rock, in his stomach. Making his features as expressionless as possible, in order not to give away his bitter disappointment at having his Angel literately frog-marched away from him, Atreyu swallowed before he spoke. "Goodbye Empress Moonchild," his tone as emotionless as hers, "I'll see you when your meeting is over."
Then, before either of the could say "I love you" with their eyes, The Empress was lead away from the gazebo, the fingers of her Head Handmaiden digging into her upper arm while the ones of her Head Adviser/Servant were prodding themselves into her back. Both of them grumbling under their breaths, both of them pushing her forwared. Not giving her the slightest chance to look back.
'I didn't even get a chance to give her a hug or kiss goodbye...' Atreyu thought miserably as he watched the figure of His Empress disappear from his visage. 'Not that either of us would have been able to... but still...if those two hadn't shown up...we would have shared a hug and kiss between us after breakfast...'
Sighing, Atreyu turned his attention to the empty table. Wanting to make things easier on the servants who would come to tend to their discarded breakfast dishes and to show their appreciation to them, he started to stack their empty plates atop one another. Not saying a word, his heart feeling heavy and empty, he heaped their used silverware in neat piles. Turning his attention to the remaining food, he returned whatever uneaten fruits and breads there were left to their respective baskets before covering each platter, serving bowl and dish with wide cloths he'd found hanging on the side of the portable dumbwaiter. The last thing the Great Warrior did before leaving was to push in the chairs they'd sat in and drink the last of the pot of tea-there wasn't much left in there anyhow. Then, after finding a pad of paper, quill and ink tucked away in a hidden drawer of the dumbwaiter, he wrote a quick note of thanks to the Kitchen Staff as well as those servants who had set up their al fresco breakfast. His sharp gaze checking over to make sure everything was stacked and covered neatly, Atreyu left the gazebo, his steps faultering as he made his way down the gazebo's wide, rounded steps.
He picked up the pace as soon as his feet were on the pathway leading away from where he'd breakfasted with The Empress. Without realizing it, the hunter-warrior found himself nearly breaking into a run as he headed in the direction of the obsticale coursed maze.
Yes, a good, long, and challenging post-breakfast run was exactly what he needed right now.
. . . . . .
The door of the bedroom banged shut as Atreyu entered the room, walking briskly towards the washroom, only pausing in mid-step long enough to glance at the clock on the mantle. He saw that it was thirty minutes to noon. Good. This left him an hour and a half before he was to meet up with Moonchild again.
In spite of Cairon and Brijatte abruptly spoiling their plans, Atreyu had had a good rest of the morning. He had done four rounds of the obsticale course AND four laps at his best speed-pushing his strength and agilities to their limits. Afterwards he'd gone and visited Artax, talking to him and petting him while feeding him long carrots and bunches of sweet hay before taking him out for a good hard run in the areas behind and around the stables that was designated for horseback riding. Then he'd brought his pet back to his stall where the warrior had treated his horse to a hearty meal of more carrots and hay, a good bran mash and oats.
This was where the Staff Member Moonchild had sent, had found him. The Great Warrior had been in the process of grooming his horse when the Staff Member stepped into the stables. Giving him a brisk bow, he apologized for the interruption. With a wide brush in his hand, Atreyu had turned towards the Staff Member, saying, with a reassuring smile, that it wasn't a problem at all. Feeling at ease, the Staff Member went on to tell him that The Empress would meet him in the early afternoon-one hour past noon, and from then on they were free to have the entire afternoon and all of that evening to themselves, for The Empress had no other appoitments nor had any other demands been placed upon her this day so she was free to spend it with him. Atreyu smiled upon hearing this. This meant he and Moonchild would have at least eight hours to spend together. [with luck Cairon and Brijatte would be so busy with their own workloads they wouldn't have a chance to bother them]
Now, the hunter-warrior was back in his rooms. Kicking off his ankle boots at the threashold, he crossed the length of the washroom, bypassing the wide, circular tub he'd bathed in the night before, opting to use the shower instead. [something else Bastian had wished for] Opening the frosted glass door, he turned the dark silver knobs of the shower. At the sound of water hitting the tiled, enclosed space, Atreyu stripped off his clothes, letting each piece of clothing fall to the floor-he'd pick them up later-before getting into the wide, watery enclosed space and shutting the door behind him. The lukewarm water splashing his face and body felt good. He was hot and sweaty from his hard workout, first with running laps back to back and navigating the obsticale course in the same manner, then his ride on Artax. Closing his eyes, he ran both hands over his now drenched hair, his hands cupping the nape of his neck, feeling the thick sheen of sweat that had accumulated on his skin being rinsed away. He stood like this for a long time with his eyes closed, his head tilted back, letting his thoughts inavertably wander in the direction of Moonchild.
Maka, he couldn't get over how she was at breakfast...
In his mind's eye he could still see how the tip of her little tongue had swiped away that foamy line of milk over her upper lip. He could still hear the feline-like moan emerging from her throat. Could still see how her eyes had closed when she'd taken the bite of breakfast from him, her lips unknowingly wrapping themselves around the forkful of cheesy scrambled egg and sausage in such a way it was almost seductive. He could still see the gleam in her eye as she'd sucked berry juice off of her thumb...all the while unaware of the fact she was driving him crazy-both mentaly and, almost, physically. And it wasn't as if she was doing these things on purpose either. Even now, as he stood there, in the shower, with the water pouring down on him like a waterfall he could feel his heart start to race, his mouth starting to go dry and a heated sensation starting to settle itself in the depths of his groin.
His open palms slammed upon the wall in front of him so hard they stung from the force. Keeping his eyes closed, he fumbled for one of the knobs, frantically twisting it to the left. A wave of shockingly ice-cold water replaced the soothing lukewarmness that had been pelting his body. The fingers of Atreyu's open hands curled inwards as he bowed his head and rested it against the tiled wall. A low moan escaped him as he stood there, bent over, hands splayed on the wall, his nostrils flaring as he let out a series of deep low breaths while the icy waterfall he was in cooled the heated body that was on the verge of arousal.
'Don't even think about going 'there.' he sternly warned the part of his brain that was in charge of 'activating' or 'deactivating' 'that part of his male anatomy'. 'Don't even fucking try it.'
Biting on his lower lip, Atreyu shut his eyes tighter as he mentally forced his body to comply with his demands. After what seemed like ages, he could feel the fire in his groin simmer down, then die out. Turning around, [without even opening his eyes] his back now against the wall, Atreyu slid down to the floor of the showerstall with a low moan, followed by an even deeper sigh. Leaning his head back, he drew his knees nearly up to his chest where he let his wrists rest on his kneecaps, his hands dangling over the knees themselves. He sat there for a long, long time, not moving, not thinking. Just sitting as ice-cold water rained down upon him in steady streams.
It was a long, long time before he got up from his place against the showerstall wall. Without even thinking about what he was doing, he went through the motions of bathing then rinsing before turning off the water and emerging from the shower. Scooping up his discarded clothing, he dumped them into the launder hamper-basket as he made his way out of the washroom to dress in clean, lightweight garments for his afternoon with his Angel.
Author's Note: If anyone is curious, here are the translations for the native language Atreyu uses when he speaks to The Empress-and when she speaks it to him :) [it is based on the language of the Lakota]
Híŋháŋni Ogliglewakan. Doe ksh kay ya oun hey?" [Good morning Angel. How are you?]
Hau [yes-male speaking {this can also be used to say hello} ]
Híŋháŋni mitawa cantkiya. [Good Morning my love]
Híŋháŋni [Good Morning]
akicita [warrior]
mitawa lila wiyawaste [my beautiful woman]
mitawa [my]
wastelake niye yota [love you most]
Pilamayaye [Thank You]
Wakantanka [Great Spirit]
Maka [Earth Mother]
Lila Pilamayaye [Thank you very much]
Nitawa Taayaayahi [Your Welcome]
Hau, canlwaste [Yes, please]
mitawa tawicu [my wife]
ógle: [shirt]
ki [the]
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Enchanted Night