Healing a king and a kingdom (yajirobe and silverdreamer)

As Alfred settled in besides Eri and her head settled gently against his chest the tears started to subside and she finally, properly seemed to quieten down and enter truly peaceful sleep. Her legs sought his own and wrapped about his nearest one gently and loosely while her arms circled his waist. Often she would nestle and rub her head against his chest.

Only when everyone else had gone and the castle fell into silence would Alfred hear perhaps the faint scrape of something writhing against and along the floor and walls. Vines would show themselves to grow across the surface of them but seemed to moving and growing towards the bed.

Alfred didn't think much about what was going on at all, he figured that Eri needed his comfort and that she would need help in any way or fashion possible. He was curious why she was acting this way more and more recently, but he wasn't sure to be honest. He slowly drifted back to sleep. He hoped that something would be able to help Eri with her current nightmares, he figured that this friend of the princess might be able to pull it off and help her recover to where she was before she fell into the water.

Alfred heard a sound or two, but waved it off as someone moving along the outside of the room working on improving it or helping in some other way or fashion. The King was confident that he was doing the right thing to help the beautiful woman, as he slowly opened his eyes he looked around quietly saying nothing as he knew that Eri was very close to him. It was something he rather like, having her as close as she happened to be in that moment, it felt comforting and nice.

The vines continued to slither towards him as if they were snakes or animals that writhed along the ground. They made the way up along the base of the bed and across the mattress until the tips of them began to encircle Alfred's ankles. The gripping at first was loose but started to tighten and restrict his movements.

The dream of drowning had ceased for Eri and had changed to a dream once more of Alfred. She could feel his form beneath her own, except her form was naked as was his own. She could feel his length sliding in and out of her form with her head tilted backwards, her eyes closed in pleasure as she bedded him. The vines of her dreams grew and bound him in a similar fashion to those that were actually starting to snare the person that subconsciously Eri would have as her mate. A soft groan of pleasure left her throat in the proper world and slowly she tilted her head backwards and thrust her chest up into the air as she began to wriggle against the bed. Her hips would nudge into Alfred accidentally provocatively.

Alfred looked at the vines wondering what the heck they were, honestly , he had no clue at all, he found them a bit scary actually, as he looked at them not knowing and everything caused him a bit of alarm, he moved his foot but then he felt his foot was kind of stuck, he blinked as he tried to move it again and felt both his feet stuck, he looked at Eri as she laid close and knew that he had to wake her up right away. He wasn't sure what the heck they were, but they were strong and it was like the same thing he saw when he had last laid with the beautiful Eri. That made him a bit more worried that they were some how connected and he figured he would know for sure if he woke her up.



He took his hand and shook her shoulder for a good moment unsure, but hopeful that he could awaken the beautiful wild woman. He shook her gently and then a bit more firmly, "Eri, it is time to wake up, Eri," he said with a at first soft tone, but a progressively louder tone to her hoping that he would be able to wake up the beautiful cooper haired female from her sleep as he wasn't sure what was going to happen if he didn't manage to wake her in the next few moments of time.

In her dream state Eri felt Alfred place a firm hand on her shoulder and then began to shake her strangely and firmly. Finally her conscious stirred and her eyes opened. The moment that happened the vines loosened there grip on Alfreds ankles and started to seemingly go the way they had come out of Eri's room. Eri sat bolt up right and saw just in time some of the vines disappear from sight.

She slowly looked to Alfred before she without a word calmly rose from her bed. She was far to aware of a slow heat in her loins that suggested the dream she had been having she had been more than simply enjoying. "I think you should return to your bed chambers Sire. My apologies for any disturbance I may have caused to you and your staff." She spoke calmly and in a way of fact rather than look at him.

Alfred looked at Eri and nodded his head as he looked at her, "I just wish you to get better and healthy again," he said softly as he smiled getting up, "you were having a horrible nightmare, and well, I hope that things get better for you. The princess is going to have a friend of hers come down and meet with you so that he might be able to help you. Apparently he has similar unique skills like yourself that might be able to help you with your problems and help you get better," he added before leaving the room so that he get ready for the day.

He got dressed and sat out on the balcony of his room in deep thought, thinking about the situation he was in, and figuring that things were so not going his way. He had set up Eri with someone more her style, figuring that he wasn't. He then figured that he let the kind princess out of the chase by setting her up with his brother in law. In truth his choose had pretty much left the idea so far of picking a woman to be his wife at the festival seem rather pointless and mute.

Eri managed to force out a breath of relaxing air as Alfred left her room. She bathed and them dressed but before she managed to exit the room, the doctor appeared and informed her that she was not yet ready to venture out of the castle alone. With a sigh she settled at the desk in her room and focused on eating some food and trying to focus on anything but the fact she was wishing she had not so easily and firmly sent Alfred away. She had not really wanted to but in her mind at least had to. There had never been the plan to be attracted to the King. Simply help, heal and be back on her way home. She decided to read and with one of the members of the staffs aid she was escorted down to the library and was allowed to read as long as someone checked on her often.

Athena had first woke up in a bad mood, the news around the castle had been that the King had spent the night int he feral woman's chambers but by the afternoon it had become following news despite his aid to her she had for some reason dismissed him on waking. The man had left but clearly not happily. Well if the feral female was too wild too realize a good thing she certainly was not. Her friend would arrive in less than a day. It would all be perfect. She would give the King what he desired, a proper Queen, she would ensure though the feral female would be out of the castle and out of temptations reach.

Athena arrived just outside the King's bedroom and asked the outer guard for permission to enter. A smile touched her lips as she waited for an answer outside.

Alfred looked outside as he saw the guards, he could tell that something was on the mind of the young woman and that she wished to talk to him. Alfred smiled as he could tell something with her caused her happiness, he had of course no clue what it was, but it was nice to see his guest happy. He walked past his guard, up to the Princess, "Well good morning, how have you been doing this find day," he asked with a respectful and kind tone to his void as he looked at Athena. He figured that Athena was busy with her own social actives still not sure of her interest in him at that moment at least.

"Would you care to take a walk with me Athena, I have much on my mind at the time. I find that when I have such issues taking a walk can be a great way to think though things," he informed her as he walked past her inviting her to follow him as he walked around the castle looking at the various windows that looked out upon the village heading up as he walked up a ramp that led to the highest part of the castle. The view from the top of the castle was breathtaking one of the whole land around the castle, for a good couple of miles at least, something that could led one to a sense of awe.

Athena smiled to Alfred as he appeared and spoke to her. "My day has been well King Alfred, your own? I hope your guest settled down and is not too upset or tired by her upsetting dreams last night. I would love to walk with you. I was about to ask you if you wished to do the same actually." She leaned in when he moved and walked beside him as she would when she was Queen. She asked him questions about the castle and the staff within. Some she already had plans to move onto early retirement or at least bring her own staff to replace them with.

She smiled at the sight of the kingdom around her and felt almost dizzy with the notion that one day this could be hers to rule along side Alfred if all her plans fell into place. "This is amazing view. You must come up here often when you need piece of mind and to think. I am very pleased you brought me up here."

Alfred looked down his eyes scanning the green landscape, it looked so much better then it had in years, the grounds looked alive with color and health. He knew just who he had to think for that. He had to think Eri, she had done so much for the village, and honestly, he felt guilty that he had done so little for her in return. He knew that setting her up with this other person would be the least he could do. She seemed to want someone who wasn't him. If she had wanted to marry him, he would of done so months before, and well that she didn't meant he wasn't her type which was okay, he just wanted her to be happy really

He leaned against the stone wall as he closed his eyes and felt the wind, "yes, the view is remarkable, I used to come up here when I was younger and spend the day looking at people and then the nights looking up at the starts in the sky trying to count them as a kid or watching out for shooting starts," he explained as he smiled thinking back on those days, "that or my late wife would chase me up here and we would chase after each other till we always got in trouble by our parents."

She could not see what he was thinking nor would she truly of been happy if she could. She managed to turn her face into one of tenderness as he spoke of his late wife. She reached one hand out and gave his own a tender squeeze. "Well if ever you wish to count the stars again I am more than willing to try and help you succeed in that venture. "She spoke gently and almost shyly before she smiled up to him. Carefully she moved herself up onto tip toes and kissed the nearest cheek. "I was wondering if you would be willing to show me around your kingdom tomorrow. Perhaps spend the day or a couple of days beyond the castle. Maybe we could stay at a inn over night."

Alfred smiled as he looked at the scenery for another moment, he blinked though as he felt Athena's hand press against his shoulder giving him the small squeeze. He turned to her his mind and himself focused completely upon her again. He looked at her and smiled as he then listened to what she had to tell him. He listened to her question thinking about it for a moment and nodded his head. It was a reasonable request that she had put forward to him, and it would make sense to get to know her better in some way.

"Sure, we can do that, I can show you the kingdom, two days, wouldn't be to back perhaps I can get a carriage set up to take us to various points in the kingdom," he said with a warm look on his face as he looked at Athena, "then we can stay at a inn on the night of the first day and head here on the second day if you want. It wouldn't take much work for me to get all set up and I am sure that the people will love to see you."

Athena smiled warmly and nodded her head gently at his words."I would certainly love to do that. I am glad you think the people would. I will enjoy seeing them also. " She spoke softly and carefully. She could care for his people, she knew that, though rumour had it the feral female certainly had made quite a name for herself amongst them. Oh well, they would soon forget her most likely. "Would you like to do anything together for the rest of the evening?"

Eri had spent much of the afternoon reading, one of the female cooks came to check on her often and brought her thin broths to eat to give her strength. Even she though could see Eri was not quite happy. Nor in truth was the King even though eh had spent much of the day with the new Princess. She had often found Eri staring out at the sea or even looking to the portrait of the King's first wife. At first the cook had been concerned until she understood the look. It was one of guilt, uncertainty and one of trying to understand. As if the portrait could somehow answer questions. Yet what ever burden currently was upon Eri's shoulders she kept between herself and the portrait. After several soups Eri felt strong enough to walk around the castle and she did, she heard soft laughter from one of the bedrooms that were being cleaned. Silently she approached and listened to, two unfamiliar voices discuss matters between the Princess and the King. While she did not like what she heard she felt at least to some degree of satisfaction that what ever the King had said seemed fixed by another female. Clearly his desires had been nothing more than physical rather than emotionally bound.

Alfred looked at the sky it was such a clear beautiful sky as he looked at it thinking about the sky and Athena's last statement to him about what to do to that night. He looked over at the princess after a few monuments of thinking about it. "Well now, I think that we can take this time and take care of all of the things that we need to do. I think then after we are done we can come back up here tonight and we can watch the stars if you wish," he said as he turned and opened the door and held it for her to to walk though.

After they were both inside he started to walk around and started to get things arranged for the next day. He found this interesting, after the rejection by Eri he found this to be nice, he was not thinking about it being anything overly serious as of yet, but he knew that it had some small potential and he knew that he had to marry some royal it seemed. Plus is way if he avoided Eri as he knew she would be better off if he did avoid her at that time.

Later the king headed back up to the top level with a large blanket and a couple of pillows,so that the both of he and the princess could relax as they watched the stars trying to count them before they would end the end fall asleep most likely.

Eri returned to her room and decided to not travel further that day. She spent the early evening giving the plant that was now growing quite well some extra energy. She bathed in a long , hot bath and read late into the night. The doctor checked on her twice and both times gave her some type of tablet to help her sleep more calmly.

Athena was slightly disappointed when he spoke of them parting as they arranged everything but the mention of them coming back later to count the stars eased it away. She packed a small bag with clothes and something she hoped would stir the blood and lust of the King the following night once they were alone.

She had her tea and then walked back up the tower, this time in heavy night garments to keep out the cold. She smiled at the romantic set up he had created and moved to stand by his side as the sun set and the star started to show themselves briefly. Soon she feigned being cold and laid beneath the covers with her head rested on the pillows. "My apologies Alfred, care to keep warm with me?"

Athena was a nice young woman, sweet, or at least that was the impression that he had gotten from the time he had spent around her before all the ordeal with Eri had happened and now that they were together after. He stood there looking at the sunset, the colors lighting up the horizon as he smiled, it was beautiful, so very much so. He couldn't believe that he got to see such a sight. He smiled softly as he felt the last warmth that the sun provided for that day and then laid down on the blanket that he had left for the to rest on as they looked up over the heavens.

He soon heard her voice as he looked over at her and blinked. He was a gentleman and that meant taking care of a woman no matter her need. He nodded his head and moved the covers as he inched closer to her as he let her rest her head against himself if she wanted letting her rest close to him as he could then slip an arm around her, letting her use his strong body for warmth as they gazed up upon the countless stars that happened to be over them at that moment.

For Eri the tablet had not worked and hours passed while she remained awake. She decided after a time perhaps a long, slow walk of the castle would help push her towards sleeping. She pulled on a long robe and ventured around the castle slowly and carefully. Eventually by chance she found the stair way that lead up to the roof. AT first she did not notice the slumbering pair as her eyes took in the bright glow of the stars. It was only when her foot caught on something did she look down and see the two sleeping in each others arms. Without a word she stepped back off of the roof and returned to her room. That night she did not sleep and by noon she was in the foulest of moods. Lack of sleep, annoyance at herself and the fact that by all appearances indicated the kisses, the words Alfred had used had been nothing more than his attempt to try and bed her. Just after noon a knock sounded form her door, when she opened it her eyes widened on the young man who smiled at her broadly. "You must be Eri, my name is Thorn. Your Sire asked me to come aid you and help you heal." He gave her a soft smile but his frame was rugged and as wild as her own in ways. As their hands met she felt a merging of energies between them. The energy made her hand feel warm and eased the tension along her frame. "Eri, my name is and welcome Thorn."

Athena had settled her head on Alfred's chest and her arms had secured around him once he had settled next to her. She enjoyed the soft contact but decided not to move further in case it became uncomfortable and he decided to run from her than fall asleep. She woke up early in the morning to find him with her still and a warm smile touched her lips. Just as the sun was rising she lowered her head to his so that their lips came together as she hoped he would enjoy the sweet wake up.

The following morning Alfred did wake up and looked at the princess for a moment, she was a kind and sweet thing, she wasn't Eri, but given Eri's rejection, she was the next best thing, plus Eri had pushed him on finding someone who was his own rank and someone who wasn't her too, the vines aimed to capture and maybe kill him were proof enough of that. He walked down quietly and saw Eri and the young man outside from where he was standing, she seemed from what he could tell happy with the wild man. Yeah, that would work out well, she would have someone more her style then he ever was. Yeah, it wouldn't of ever worked out, they were just to different from each other.

Alfred went and made sure everything was prepared for that day, packing up his things, as well as making sure that everyone knew what they needed to do while he was gone as well. He knew that the day would be over quickly and then it was only a short period of time a few weeks or so till the big festival, and given the situation. He couldn't see himself announcing anyone but the princess as his future wife. He had set it up to find a way to force Eri to marry him, after he won her, but that hadn't happened, so he would handle this like he was going to have to handle the situation. He carried his things to the carriage and put them inside.

Silverknight said:

The following morning Alfred did wake up and looked at the princess for a moment, she was a kind and sweet thing, she wasn't Eri, but given Eri's rejection, she was the next best thing, plus Eri had pushed him on finding someone who was his own rank and someone who wasn't her too, the vines aimed to capture and maybe kill him were proof enough of that. He walked down quietly and saw Eri and the young man outside from where he was standing, she seemed from what he could tell happy with the wild man. Yeah, that would work out well, she would have someone more her style then he ever was. Yeah, it wouldn't of ever worked out, they were just to different from each other.

Alfred went and made sure everything was prepared for that day, packing up his things, as well as making sure that everyone knew what they needed to do while he was gone as well. He knew that the day would be over quickly and then it was only a short period of time a few weeks or so till the big festival, and given the situation. He couldn't see himself announcing anyone but the princess as his future wife. He had set it up to find a way to force Eri to marry him, after he won her, but that hadn't happened, so he would handle this like he was going to have to handle the situation. He carried his things to the carriage and put them inside.

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Athena smiled as the King woke up to her kiss but after very little time he quickly excused himself with the words of him having to finish preparing for the day and night ahead. Athena had not minded too much though she had hoped for a better reaction. None the less she still had the next day and night to try and entice him to her bed. If that worked then their wedding would be announced by the time of the festival. If she failed on the first night she was certain she could try and snag a second evening with him away from the castle and the feral female. As the King packed his luggage into the carriage she appeared with her own bags, just three small ones in total but she would have no hand maiden to help her dress or undress. She had plans for who would be doing that if all went as planned. She had spoken to Thorn and the day proved to be the turning point of her visit. Thorn seemed to like the feral female and was quite content in attempting to make it appear as if they were more than what they currently were. It helped that the feral female seemed intent on avoiding her and the King as much as possible. Nothing could go wrong now, the crown was as good as hers. "I am looking forward to our trip. Do you think the good weather will hold?" She looked to the sky which was bright and clear. The sun shone warmly. Long had the chill of the land gone, the darkness that had clouded the Kingdom before Eri's arrival had faded and left but there was a strange touch to the air. A tension that seemed to radiate from the curious townsfolk who watched the king and his possible new queen with eyes of concern and uncertainty.

Eri spent the early afternoon with the young man, carefully they explored her small spots in the castle that she had been using her energy to grow life of green and vivid colours. In the evening he helped her climb the stairs up to the garden her and Alfred had worked on. The flowers were now in full bloom and looked beautiful. She was surprised by how much had passed since her arrival. Days had turned into weeks and weeks into months. Soon the child would be born and the festival would happen. Eri knew that she would leave the day following the festival. Her and Thorn visited the pregnant female and smiled at the signs of movements along her stomach. She now suffered other ailments and Eri helped her once more while she could and had the surplus energy provided by Thorn but physical activities were still tough on her.

Alfred was looking outside when he heard Athena coming along. He said nothing for the moment as he figured she would have something to say. He nodded his head as he smiled, "yes, a lovely day indeed, I figure it will be a nice day for some sight seeing," he said with his normal kind tone of voice. He then helped the princess into the carriage and got in himself as it went along its way. He smiled and waved to the towns people who were there to see who this Athena was most likely he exchanged pleasantries with some of the people being rather kind to them as he stopped, and showed Athena some of the older parts of the own, letting her stay in the carriage and see them from there or walk with him though the buildings, and then back as he greeted people and gave well wishes to them as well.

He then led her out of town to the forest, to a natural geyser which was pretty active. He smiled as he pointed it out before it shot hot boiling water high into the air. "This is one of the great attractions of my land," he said as he looked over at it, "people come and visit this place and make wishes for good luck mostly," he explained as he watched the old geyser calm down after a good few minutes. "what do you think so far of my kingdom and my people?"

Athena smiled at his words and them climbed upon the carriage once her belongings and Alfred's own were on. During the ride when she was able to she held his hand gently and merely nodded her head to those that came to speak to Alfred. It was enough for now that they saw her with him and hopefully the entwined hands. She enjoyed the part of the forest when it was only them and she leaned in close against him. Her blue gaze settled intently upon his own. "I think it is quite romantic. Your kingdom is lovely and your people quite clearly have a loyal and genuine King." She brought her lips against his cheek gently to try and stir some reaction this time "Though I think it is time for them to have a proper queen."

Alfred thought about her statement as he waved to more people, he wasn't sure what his aims were at this point, but he knew that she was right about one thing. "I know, a proper queen, is something that my people need, or at least that is what I keep hearing, even my wild adviser suggested such a thing a while ago," he said as he looked over the people who were gathered and thought about it for a moment, "we are having a festival, part of the reason for that festival is to announce my intentions to marry a woman, and shortly after that festival, I shall marry the woman that I choose that night and well, they will the this lands queen," he explained as the rode on to a beautiful warm natural springs that flowed from there down a small hill, which gave the whole area a most beautiful and romantic look to it, especially surrounded by beautiful tall trees and soft grass.

Athena made no move now to stop him as he spoke of his wild adviser and she felt certain in time she certainly would be nothing more than that, if of course she remained. If Athena had her way, the wild adviser would be leaving with Thorn or at least returning to her home soon enough. "Then your advisor is quite wise if she suggested as such to you and yet made no move to take such a place as her own. After all, with no offense meant to her, she was not raised to be a queen and I am certain with a spirit as free as her own, she would finding the bonds of a queen would be draining and binding rather than feel able to handle such a position."

As the carriage began to move on Athena smiled the next area was beautiful beyond measure. "Have you shown your adviser such beautiful sights as yet?"While she did not think she would mind if he had, because clearly if those had been his attempts at wooing they had failed, she would prefer it if he had brought her alone here. As the carriage came to a stop for them to admire the view, she suddenly reached out a hand to stroke along Alfred's cheek and to bring his attention directly to her. "Alfred, you have been so kind and honest with me that I feel I should be honest with you. While the match you settled me with is quite charming...I have to admit I have no desire for your brother in law." Her tone had turned serious with a gentle undertone of seduction as she brought her mouth towards his own. Her lips met his eagerly and hoped he would return the affection.

Alfred thought about the words of Athena for a moment, it was easy to tell that the thoughts she was having for him were causing her so much pain and trouble. He was the reason for her nightmares, he was so sure of that. It was as if heaven itself was saying to him that the two of them were not suppose to be together. Her nightmares had to be caused by the fact she was stressed by the fact that he had feelings for her, and couldn't turn him down kindly in any way. He looked out as he heard her commented thinking about Eri for a moment, yeah, perhaps a settled life isn't her style, maybe that was why she tried to kill him with her vines when he was asleep.

Alfred shook his head, "not really, I have shown her nice places, but we hadn't gotten a chance to come here, this is a unique place, but I had forgotten about it till recently," he replied before he felt her lips against his own lips. He did reply in kind as he lips pressed back against Athena's lips for a good long moment his hands pressing against her sides as he let the kiss linger in the air. It wasn't bad, he blinked, knowing that it wasn't the same feeling as he had towards Eri, but it wasn't so far off. If he couldn't be with Eri, Athena was a hell of a good second choose for his future wife.

Athena smiled at his words. The fact he had thought to bring her here and not the feral female was a good sign, the fact he kissed her back made her feel as light as air. Clearly he was forgetting about the feral female or his intentions for her certainly had not been as deep as she had perceived them to be. She gradually broke the kiss and a warm smile touched her lips as she looked to him tenderly. "I am sure your friend shall be happy soon. My friend is quite able to connect with her I am sure given time, they could be a couple together and be happy."

She settled back on the seat of the coach though this time she leaned in against him lightly as she showed her affection for him. "Perhaps we could stay away for more than one night."

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Back at the castle Eri enjoyed what time she had with Thorn but as the night rolled in the nightmares returned when she attempted to sleep. Waves rolled over her constantly and no matter how hard she fought she was constantly missing the surface. Fear and agony rose in her heart as she felt herself being suffocated. The halls were filled with her screams and cries, nothing the doctor could do seemed to settle her and no presence of any soothed her.