What Must Be Must Be

In just a few days with this woman, he couldn’t hardly stand her at first he had come to understand her. She was not a child in a woman’s body. She was a woman. One that her family could leave to rule and not worry that she would falter. She had been taken in the middle of the night, abused and threatened and the way she looked at him now made his throat go dry. Under all the dirt, sweat and grime she was indeed a beautiful woman. And she had managed to tie her heart strings to him. Deshane cared deeply for Calane but he would not allow what was between them now to compromise her. She was a Princess and one day she would marry a young lord and rule his household. Deshane had no hope that that man would be him, no matter how much he truly wished it could be. He had chosen his lot in life he would not let those choices taint her life nor her standing. She deserved more than he could give her and all of that started by getting her home.

The road soon filled with travelers, merchants and the like. He flagged one merchant down who was both surprised to see the princess and appalled at what had happened to her. The King had sent soldiers and scouts in several different directions to look for her but they had to be circumspect and in disguises lest her kidnappers discover tem and kill his daughter in retribution. That same afternoon the white towers of Minas Tirith came into view and by that time Calane and Deshane’s cart was surrounded by merchant guards, merchants, travelers and just people who were traveling on the road. Deshane used what was left of the ointment on her feet and it appeared that she’d not have much scarring perhaps for a mild discoloration on one wrist and on the bottoms of her feet. A rider had gone ahead to inform the royal family of her return and a large contingent of soldiers and people formed a sizable crowd outside of the gates. First and foremost were the King and Queen. Elessar could not pick her out from the mass of people that moved toward them on the road. He reached over and squeezed Nauriel’s arm as they anxiously await her. Their daughter had been saved, their Calene would be with them again soon.

Calene was rather upset when Deshane ended things before they had really began. She had been ready to give herself to him...in every way possible. He would have only to ask her father for her hand and her father would not hesitate to give it to him she was certain. She had never felt this way about any man before...but then again all of her suitors had been boys...not men...not like Deshane. She knew he was old...much older than her, but she truly believed she could make him happy...if he would just give her a chance.

As they neared the city she felt truly safe and out of harm's way. She would soon be home and with her family, and while she was more than a little dirty, she was relatively unharmed. Nauriel could hardly wait another second. She tried to stand still next to her husband, but that was nearly impossible. Finally, she spotted the large group as they neared the gates. Her eyes scanned the group, trying to pick out Calene. It was not obvious at first, but then she spotted Deshane...and beside him was their daughter. Upon seeing her parents Calene broke from Deshane's side and rushed over to them and into their arms. Nauriel started crying almost immediately...as did Calene.

OOC-So, at this point I am thinking that Calene would not push Deshane away (as we had originally planned). What if she actually begs him to stay in Minas Tirith with her, but he refuses (thinking she deserves better) and leaves her broken hearted. Her brother goes after him to try and talk to him, but he doesn't listen to him...or tries not to. However, after Eldarion is gone he truly realizes his mistake and goes back to Minas Tirith to find Calene. When he goes to her she is having dinner with a young lord (like he had wanted), but upon seeing him Calene immediately leaves the table to go to Deshane....or something like that.

ooc: I like some of these elements alot. What I'd like to have happen before hand though is that Deshane will fall away into the crowd, not wishing to spoil the reunion, he still has hard feelings for her father he has not buried yet. Lord Holton and his wife join them for a reunion dinner and by this time she believes Deshane took the gold and left and might even be a little put off by that. However when it comes up Holton tells her that he didn't take the gold. That and he was leaving tomorrow morning, first thing. and that he was staying at his families estate in the city.

OOC-That sounds perfect to me.

As her family surrounded her and literally bathed her in love and affection Deshane had seemingly gotten swallowed up by the crowd that pressed in on them and shared in their happiness that the Princess had been returned safely. She had been taken back into the palace and allowed to bathe as long as she wished to. No one made any demands upon her for the rest of the day and all kinds of foods and drinks were brought to her, most were of those she loved.

Deshane had been summoned by Lord Holton and as he stepped into his office Holton tossed a large, fat bag of gold at him.

“Nice work Deshane...I had no doubts about you...nice work indeed,” he said quite pleased with himself and Deshane. “All were killed my lord and I am afraid to report I did not see a boy. When this woman arrives to take up the gold, I fear that she may never know what really happened to her son,” he said solemnly. He weighed the bag in his hand a moment. Let the weight of it bounce in his hand. He remembered how light Calene felt in his arms and how much more he’d rather be with her again. As Holton sat back down to look over his papers the bag of gold he tossed at Deshane was tossed back onto his desk before him. “When she arrives give that to her. A small compensation for her loss but perhaps…” He could not finish the thought.

“I can not accept gold for a deed that any man would do given the chance. It was my pleasure and duty to serve the Princess, may she live a long, happy life,” he said though he could not keep the profound sadness he felt from his face. Without another word he turned and left.

Calene was attended by her ladies and servants. No one hardly said anything and they all jumped when she asked for anything. Sometimes, almost falling over themselves to get what she asked first before the other. She had been missed by almost everyone. Proof that her fairness and goodness was not just something that was expected. People appreciated those qualities in a leader and not one of her friends could keep the tears from their eyes when they were allowed to visit her. The only one that hadn’t come to see her was Deshane. She had asked Lord Holton to invite him to the reunion dinner though.

Calene was overwhelmed at everything. She looked back for Deshane after a while but he was gone. Her heart sank as she realized he must have gone to collect his reward. Were these past few days nothing to him? She sighed softly as she allowed herself to be swept towards the palace. She was greeted with a hot tub and a large sponge. She sat in the tub for over an hour, just letting the water soak into her muscles and wash away the dirt.

After she was dressed and her hair done she allowed her friends to come and see her. She was still upset about Deshane, but smiled at her friends and hugged them. She visited with them for a while before needing to change for dinner. Deshane hadn't come to visit her, but she had asked him to be invited to dinner. Her parents came to collect her and she walked with them down to the dining room. For the first time in days she looked clean and like a princess again.

Deshane had packed but his new horse wouldn’t be ready until morning. If he had his way he’d have left already. He was tempted to go to the dinner, Calane certainly deserved something for keeping her wits about her. She deserved the best life had to offer and more which he knew he didn't factor into. Being apart from her made him nervous and sick to his stomach. He now knew that he loved her. Especially when he knew he had to leave her. He thought that she cared for him to but all things healed in time. His hurt would pass like any other. He laid back in his bed and thought of her.

All they could fit at the table they did. Many of her favorite dishes and drinks were served and all with the table setting she had always liked. Nauriel had not taken her kidnapping well at all and she would scarcely leave her side now. Elessar let that be for now. A mother had a right to feel a little overprotective when she had cause and Nauriel had cause. He did as well but he had matters that needed to be addressed. None less important than the safety of his family. They had become to complacent and they almost lost their daughter because of it. Tonight though was for her and for her to know how much she meant to them and their people.

Calene was very upset when Deshane didn't come to dinner. She had hoped he would. She wanted to see him...to talk to him. She was hungry but because she was upset about Deshane she didn't eat very much. She was pretty quiet during dinner and Nauriel didn't force her to speak or eat if she didn't want to.

After dinner was done Calene went to find Deshane, with several guards around her of course. She was shown inside and immediately a servant went to inform him of her presence.

Deshane was reluctant to let her in...clean breaks were always best but there was nothing for it now that she was here. He nodded an assent and she was escorted inside. Her guards had wanted to come in with her but instead his servant held the door and allowed Calane only to enter. He closed the door behind her so that they could have all the privacy they needed.

“I’m...sorry I missed your dinner Calene,” he said regretfully and he was. He regretted much in the last few days. Not least of which was not making love to her. It would have bound her to him but he felt it would have been taking advantage. He had rescued people before and some were more than a little grateful. Some thought that they loved him but he had set them straight. Calene however...he felt different about her. Alot different. “You...you look well,” he said softly as he stepped up to her. God she was beautiful he thought. Every bit of her the Princess she was.

Calene walked inside and stood quietly as she waited for Deshane. Upon seeing him her heart began to beat faster. He was so incredibly handsome and strong. He was everything she wanted and more.

"I missed you at dinner...and my father too. I think he would have liked to speak to you."

She fell quiet for a moment before speaking again. "Deshane...I want to thank you for everything you did for me. You were incredibly brave and risked your life to ensure my safety. I have met quite a few men...well boys in my life but I have never met anyone like you before. I...I feel something for you that I have never felt for anyone else. My heart aches to think of being parted from you. Please Deshane...don't leave. Stay for me...with me."

He smiled a small smile. He was actually happy to see her. It was nice to be missed he thought as well and he put his hands on her upper arms and gave them an affectionate rub. A forward act but no more forward than kissing her, which is what he so desperately wanted to do right then. It took real effort to hold himself back.

“Calene...I don’t think speaking to your father would be wise...I...My father…” His mouth worked to try and say what was on his mind but it wouldn’t come out. Confidences were a tricky thing between kin. He wasn’t completely certain what he said wouldn’t get back to the King and he’d prefer to confront him when he was ready. Not have him hear what he had to say from another.

“I can’t stay. I leave tomorrow at first light...and...and you have responsibilities here. Your family needs you Calene. You will make an excellent Queen one day if it would be so,” he complimented. He’d likely have no place in her life then but not being with her...was going to hurt just as badly. “I want you to know though that I saw a woman trying to survive out there,” he said as he looked deeply into her eyes. Eyes he could stare into forever he was sure.

The hurt in Calene's eyes was obvious. She fought back some tears, but her eyes did water a little. Her heart was breaking and she felt close to breaking down. She wanted to be strong, but she didn't know how much longer she could hold out and she didn't want to cry in front of him.

"I...I wish you the best of luck Deshane," she said with a quivering voice. "You deserve every happiness. I...I love you."

She then turned and quickly left as tears began to stream down her cheeks.

ooc-new thread