It was a nasty incident and although a divorce granted when that kind of insult could not be set aside, it no longer mattered anymore. My second wife, bore me Gerrard and Autumn. It was a mutual parting as her time was spent away. It is rumored she might come back but there is nothing there other than cordial. The children hardly knew her and it might be good in that aspect if she did. Other than a past, no, there is no one presently in my life. There has not been for many years in that way. I concentrated on the farm and other duties required of me by the crown. I was first knight, my title then Sir Draven before taking on that which I became heir to. Titles don't mean a whole lot other than who the person is. I have thought, perhaps, of maybe you and I seeing each other and where it might go. I'm not sure, so many variables that leave me feeling old and maybe foolish to even begin thinking in those terms." He finally turned more to face her as blue eyes held. "I do know I have enjoyed your company so far." That much he could admit to as being so.

For a man whose life had been touched by so much turmoil, he held such a positive outlook on life. She admired that. Head tilted slightly, as she watched his changing features as he spoke. When he spoke of lost loves, it was more a reaction that her hand moved to lightly rest upon his arm. More in offering of compassion, she knew how hard it was to relive old memories, especially those that hurt deep inside. "At least you have two loving children with you, and I pray, that if your estranged wife does return, that she be a ray of sunshine to touch your lives, as she once had." There had to be something there once, even if long lost over time. A brow rose when she learned of how he came to be where he is today. "Quite a path you followed, to gain your dreams. I can understand that, for I do that very thing myself." It was then she would be surprised by his comment of their seeing one another. It took a moment before she could respond, having to turn back to look out over the land at the lake beyond. "I wouldn't mind spending time with you Draven. I enjoy your company, the way you make me laugh, and how you inflate my ego with your compliments." Another pause, then she'd look back over at him. "You know of my hopes and dreams, and how much I'm dedicated to seeing them through. I'm not sure I could be fair with my time, and I'd not wish you to think it's because of you that I remain behind closed doors, or constant travel. It's only one of the reasons why I've avoided such commitments so far." There was more, so much more to that, just not an easy thing to speak about openly.

He cleared his throat on the comment about his past wife returning to their lives. "For the children only, mostly for her in that. I do not hold any negative thoughts towards her but anything else is absolutely not there. To be clear on that Carly. Nothing against her but it didn't work between us in that way." Firm words. There was not even the slightest doubt. "I'm not asking you to commit all your time for me with this interest in seeing you again, Carly, I too have many duties that take up my time. It is more not to just toss aside completely the opportunity of seeing you by not. I have no idea what could come of it but I feel friendship is there already no matter. I am no fool nor young to have colored dreams of the perfect woman making the perfect wife for me before even that first step is taken beyond meeting. I have more doubt than positive if anything. I would enjoy the time but if time is allotted then it might be a step more than just hanging out together or chance encounters. I would take you out." Curiosity had not died in him as he searched her eyes again and asked something he picked up on. "What do you escape if you do the same as me, or as I have been doing and you are doing?" Knowing well it was not put where she would feel cornered to answer but only answer that which she wanted or not

Turning more to face him as he responded. Hands at some point, had began to toy with the material of her skirt, absently. "Then for your children's sake, I pray all is well, and no hardships come forth from their reuniting." A gentle smile to appear, evidence of the man's hurt was very noticeable, even if not admitted to himself. There was no hatred noted, nor harsh anger, but the hurt could not be denied, and she'd speak not of it either. It was then her smile would appear. "All right, then I agree to our seeing one another. There's nothing wrong with friends partaking a meal with one another, or going for walks .. or even rides, to enjoy the company of another." It was a safe route to follow, for both. It would be his last question that would have her looking away, back out towards the lake. A deep breath taken, then slowly released before she'd reply. "My father, and his shallow ways of thinking. Though that I've accomplished, no matter the reward he offers for my return." It was then she looked down to her hands, which now rested upon the railing. "I've been involved in some things. Things that are not considered proper ... or legal. I've sworn to protect those, who many would consider below such dedication, but I do so for good reason." Gaze rose to look out at the lake once more. "When I first left home, I snuck onto a ship to carry me away. The ship..." A pause as that inner anger at the individuals would slowly begin to rise. "...the ship I was on was taken over by pirates. I was one of several captives. What I endured...." Hands form into small fists as she fought to keep her emotions in check. Her voice became hushed. "...What I endured is unspeakable, before I was saved."

"It has been some time since the information filtered my way and she has not come. Honestly, I doubt she will or she would have." Passing it off then with no reaction other than it was a reflection of a past, one very much in the past. Securely there and accepted as was or in this case, both, as wasn't. "If it is less scary, accepting to allow an opportunity with an open end with no stipulations. I'm sure if some man comes and sweeps you off your feet, you will tell me for it would not be proper to be together in more intimate ways such as the kiss we shared already." Not planned but certainly one of the reasons he was willing to chance even an opportunity. He too would not just sit home but get out like he should be and meet others too. All was set aside then as he listened to what was important. "Fathers are like that, well some." It was not abnormal even if Draven had been different as a father. Maybe he was the oddity? "I've been involved in things not legal." So he wasn't shocked that she had been. He did some work with his cousin Maurice and why his tavern was not on these lands as to not bring certain kinds of trouble here. It would not be very kosher. The last though, had the muscle twitch along his jaw as teeth ground against each other in the repressed reaction. He knew well what pirates did and she was lucky to be alive some would say but then some things done, death would have been the mercy. A strong arm slid around her waist and drew her into the strength of his embrace, offering her that silent comfort and not grill her on the particulars. If one day she wanted to speak on them she could and would. Fingers stroked against her hair as he was unsure after those few moments to say anything. It said a lot about her, her outlook but also that strength he saw in her too. Words came low in hoping to reassure. "That part of your life is behind you. I am at your service if needed, I have resources.." Implication was real and not just words. "..if any of your past wants to harm you in the present."

 

There was strength found in that moment he drew her close. It wasn't often she'd allow that vulnerable side of her to show. So easy it was to build a wall, to keep herself distanced from the nightmare she lived. Concentrating on her future, helped her to avoid thoughts of the past and things that happened. "None will come to harm me, JD seen to that. She was my savior, and she made those beasts pay dearly." Strange thing to say, about a woman who's heart was blacker than the very men who abducted her to begin with. She could never explain why JD took favor with her, or offered her a position that she hadn't the others. Perhaps her spirit had touched the lady captain, in the way she took part in seeing to the demise of the men who caused her so much pain and suffering. Though none here knew JD, as she did, so perhaps they wouldn't see it as such a strange event themselves. Looking up at him, she'd manage a smile to appear. "I'd not wish to ruin this wonderful evening, by talking about such dreadful things."

Perhaps that's why her playful nature was always there, if not serious, then serious situations could be avoided. Even now, she'd show that teasing nature. "Besides, you have such a wonderful smile. I'd much rather see that." Head tilted slightly. "Upon such kissable lips."

His hold loosened as he drew back enough to let his eyes fill with hers while she talked on the last. Smile hitched to one side as a hand drew up to cup her cheek, roughen skin against softer, with the caress of his thumb against the corner of her lips. He could tease back and maybe that was needed most right now. She knew he would help her if she needed, he expressed he had means to meet anything. It would be up to her and hopefully not ever needed for the implication there. Blue eyes trailed down to her lips instead. "Yes. Very kissable." Which had him leaning in to touch a tender one there. A moment to linger before easing away slow enough it would leave that sensitive tingle. Hand falling away while focus lifted as Sally and Roy showed up carrying the dinner to set out. Both plates had a succulent variety of lobster, scallops and crab that were drizzled with a light cheese sauce. A portion of mixed vegetables drizzled in the same and a twice baked potato with sour cream and chives over freshly churned butter soaked in. Roy saw to filling the tall glasses with the iced cider. "I think dinner is being served." Smile still hitched and if Sally noticed how close he was standing to Carly, he didn't try to hide or cover it up. Hand was down to escort her over. Sally gave a sparkling smile Carly's way and managed to move past her on the other side with lowered words. "His lordship cooked this meal." She would not take credit where it was not hers. Twinkle in her eyes as she darted off with her son in tow just in case Draven had heard her.

Eyes would slowly close, as his lips pressed so gently against hers. Suddenly aware of his closeness, scent, and strong frame of build. Funny how things can be before you, at all times, and only noticed during a specific moment in time. Lips would form that smile, which would be seen when he drew away. To further the tease, tip of tongue would slip out to draw over that bottom lip. "Mmm, dessert before dinner." Eyes would again open to peer up at him, then drawn away when their food arrived. Eyes widened in delight to that which was being served, and her hunger would announce itself, before she could do anything to hide the sound of stomach's rumbling ..feed me! "It smells wonderful."As if that wasn't already noticed a bit more loudly than she'd like. Moving to the table, a slight lean to hear Sally's words as she spoke. Her smile grew more, a glance over to Draven. "I hope you have lots of linen napkins. I'm sure my hearty appetite may cause my manners to be forgotten, as I chow down." Brow rose as she gazed upon him, and a touch of a grin to interfere with her smile. "Just to get it over quickly, so I can get back to the dessert." Teasingly stated .... or was it?

That smile only spread more as she kept on talking. In the very least, Carly was a great conversationalist partner he was finding. He'd been out a couple of times over the years, more cameo appearances and had never gotten really into a conversation with another lass that flowed so easily. He had wondered if he could but maybe it was her easy ways that brought his back. Something he use to be an expert in. Time had a way of changing things and sometimes changing them around again too. Better second time around? There were some of his ways he would not go back to. He saw her seated before picking up one of the extra linens folded there on the table in a pile. Sally was very efficient and also saved her time running back out for an unexpected accident. She was one that would give Draven his privacy with the lady. This he handed to her as his smile tipped even more. "I like a woman that has a good hearty appetite but also works it off." As in there was not an ounce of fat on Carly that didn't belong where it should be.

He knew of JD but had never met her and made a mental note to try and cross paths with her at some point. Let her know he would help if needed being she seemed to be Carly's self appointed guardian. Even guardians might need a helping hand sometimes. He knew of her reputation, enough of it, but that would not stop him for the kind of man he was. Moving then to take up his seat situated near hers. "There is plenty of dessert of what you like the most." Wicked glint in blue eyes before he took up one of the linens to spread over his lap. Next he took up the glass of cider as he thought on an appropriate toast. "To friends of all kinds and levels, may ours grow as only time allows to what it should become." A balance between curiosity, a drawing to another, wondering and hopes kept in realistic check. It left that open end to be as it should instead.

 

Accepting the offered napkin, a soft laugh to sound with his words. "I honestly believe, it's the work that creates the appetite." The sound of her laughter to be heard in her words. Then a chuckle followed. "Wonderful! I'd pout horribly, if there was no dessert to be found." Playful wink directed his way, the napkin laid to rest upon her lap. Glass in hand, it would be lifted with his toast. "That's something I'll definitely drink to." Her glass then moved just enough to touch the side of his. "Explorations and adventure, at times can be much closer to home, than most think." A showing of her smile as she drew her glass back to take a slow, savored sip of the sweet beverage.

"Agreed. Life should be left open to an ongoing adventure to face each day. Large or small, all add to the person we become." Blue eyes were darker in the shading this side of the porch offering a more intense look to them or maybe it was the moment. He watched her take her drink first as his immediately followed then there was food to be had in a break from the seriousness of most of their conversation. He had been acting on impulse and would probably wonder on himself later but for now, there was a good meal to be eaten.

"The cider is made from the apples here and Ravanna supplies it to all the other taverns that request it." Glass set aside as he took up his fork. "There is more in the kitchen if you want a second helping." So she could fill up as much as she needed. Slanting a glance her way with that hitch of a grin before he started digging in.

Glass set aside, she'd await until his fork was in hand. She did have some proper manners, when the situation called for them. Once the barrier was broke, it wouldn't take any urging to begin digging into her food. In fact, she had already began on the lobster, as he spoke of the cider, and more of the delicious food in the kitchen. Head tilted slightly, once that being chewed was consumed, another drink would be taken. "It's absolutely wonderful. All of it." Exclaimed as another bite of her food would be taken. Vegetables, then potato, before the sea food was delved into. They say you spend enough time around some, you tend to adapt their habits. Perhaps that would be considered in the way she tore into her meal, as if she hadn't eaten in months. "I'll do my best to take in what's there. Though if I eat too much, you may find me snoring on the ground shortly after." Teasingly stated. "Did I tell you how wonderful this all is?" Beaming smile, then back to digging into her meal.

"More wonderful to be shared with another." Words meant as one pause was taken in between bites then right back until his whole plate was cleared. The chuckle came just before the linen was lifted up to wipe off his lips and chin then set aside again over the plate. "If you fall asleep on the floor, you can be certain I will lift you up and let you sleep off the meal on the swing over there. I might even sit beside you and watch while slightly keeping it to rock." Wink offered with the visual of him being some kind of guardian angel. The patter of Sally's feet were heard as she had Roy in tow again. The lad saw to clearing off the table once both were done before Sally set out a platter with a sampling of each of the kind of pies brought. Smaller plates set before them with forks. This time it was Draven Sally rounded with lowered words. "They're delicious your Lordship." Sassy wink of the older woman as she beamed a smile then hustled off. Draven couldn't help teasing her as she made her escape. Loud enough Carly would hear too. "Sampling again, Sally? And will it be the excuse as usual that you're just making sure I'm not poisoned?" Sally stepped into the manor by that time but her laughter could be heard trailing in her wake at that point.

Her own meal was polished off in a short period of time. Not a morsel left upon her plate. She had all but licked it clean. Glass in hand, a soft laugh upon hearing his words. "In that I would find comfort and solace, not to mention warmth." Stated just prior to Sally and Roy's arrival. A smile offered to both in thanks. Head tilted slightly as she watched Sally dip to whisper near Draven's ear. The wink spoke volumes, and she couldn't help but to chuckle. Seems Sally was doing a bit of buttering on both sides, she found that quite endearing. Again she'd laugh as she heard Draven tease the hard working woman as she moved away. A glance to watch the retreat of the two, then back to him attention would return. "I'll have to make a point of coming here to pay Sally a visit. Bring her a special pie, just for herself and her son." Which she would too. She'd set to the task of placing small wedges of each flavored pie upon a plate, this would be set before him, then she'd fix her own. Raspberry and peach, were her favorite, and the only two to grace her plate.

"I believe her favorite is lemon meringue. Then again she has been known to eat a whole pumpkin pie by herself. Rhubarb.. a few!" Sally was loved dearly by all upon the farmlands and especially he and his family. She had been with them a long time and seen her through hardships when she lost her husband and she to see him through hardships and those of the children. Motherly type even if she wasn't much older than Draven. Roy was her youngest, the others grown and gone. Roy also had the biggest crush on Autumn not that anyone teased him over it. Lad was sensitive to his feelings and was a little devastated as it were when Autumn got engaged. Autumn never knew and best she was not told being she would have felt bad then. Households with so many had the usual secrets but no real skeletons in the closet. "I got the whispered seal of approval.." Meaning the pies as he started in on each and savored every single bite. Draven was a pie man.

Continued    Main