Finding Acceptance (Skyro & darkangel76)

[darkangel76]

Vivianne Kenton walked down the dark corridor, her head looking down at her feet as she did so. She could barely make them out in the dim torchlight, but she didn’t mind. Dusk was her favorite time of day. Everything and everyone were winding down, readying themselves for sleep. She found it peaceful, a time in which she could reflect and allow her mind to wander and dream. It was a time in which she could push aside all the nonsense she had no choice but to deal with because of her familial connections, her life at court.

As Vivianne walked, she came upon a window. She stepped closer to it so that she could peer outside and see the happenings below. People were slowly milling about, most heading back home to their modest lives and families. Suddenly, she felt something grab at her arm. Hard. She gasped and turned around, her violet eyes wide.

“Lord Fielding,” Vivianne spoke in a whisper.

“Vivianne,” Lord Fielding responded. “Please, my dear, call me Peter. How many times must I tell you this?”

Vivianne nodded. “My apologies, Peter.” Her body shivered as his name crossed her lips. She hated the man with all her soul and thus tried to keep herself as distant from him as she could. But it was proving to be harder and harder to do as time continued to pass.

Lord Peter Fielding seemed to always show a great interest in Vivianne, something that bothered her greatly. And what was worse was that her parents, especially her father, thought it wonderful that she’d captured his eye. They encouraged her to spend time with him, flirt with him, accept any and all advances he made. But Vivianne just could not do that. The man was a snake. She saw the way he slithered through court, eying and scheming. And the way he looked at her. It made her feel dirty, both inside and out. The idea of spending more time than was necessary with him made her stomach hurt.

“You look lovely this night,” Lord Peter whispered in Vivianne’s ear as he pulled her close. He placed a hand on her tiny waist, his fingers splayed over the blue satin that covered her body.

Vivianne felt her body begin to tremble. She feared Lord Fielding. The man was large, had connections. Her parents approved of him. Being so close to him without anyone around made her more than uncomfortable.

“Thank your for the compliment,” Vivianne stated, trying to show no emotion in her voice whatsoever. Gently, she pulled away from his hold so that she could look out the window once more. She let out a little sigh of relief as he let her go. She then turned around and gave a small curtsey. “I hope you have a good night. I’m retiring for the evening.”

Lord Peter looked as though he were about to protest. But something held him back. Vivianne was grateful for that, finding that she didn’t care what caused him to change his mind. Quickly, she walked through the corridor, making a few turns here and there until she finally came upon her room.

Vivianne went over to her bed and all but collapsed on it. Her heart was racing as she thought on her encounter with Lord Peter. She sat up then and went over to her vanity and looked at herself in the looking glass. She studied her features. Her long dark hair fell in rippling waves just over her bare shoulders. The blue of the satin of her dress set off her violet-colored eyes, making them stand out. Making her look almost ethereal. She bit down on her lip just then and scowled. She didn’t understand why Lord Peter was focusing his attentions on her. She didn’t think of herself as a great beauty and her family’s own connections, though good, were below that of Lord Peter’s. And that man was known for trying to find ways, loopholes in gaining power within the court. Then again, so did her parents. She suddenly wondered if they’d secretly come to some sort of arrangement. The idea of that sickened her and she instantly shrugged that off. Her father had his issues, but surely he wouldn’t go so far.

Vivianne went over to her teak armoire and opened it up so that she could get her nightdress. She removed her clothes carefully, putting things away as she did so. Most ladies of her lineage had ladies in waiting to help with such things. But not Vivianne. She liked her privacy and was thus granted it.

The cold air made Vivianne’s nearly naked skin break out into goosebumps. Despite the chill, she found the caress of the cool air against her flesh to be refreshing, almost invigorating. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before finally pulling her nightdress over her head. She then turned down the covers of her four-poster bed and snuggled deeply under the covers, a small smile on her lips.

Everything was quiet and it didn’t take long for Vivianne to fall asleep. She hoped the next day would be a wonderful one. Though she knew she’d have to start finding out why exactly Lord Peter was taken with her. And whether or not her parents were aware of his potential schemes.

 

[Skyro]

Dime sat alone in the dungeons deep below the keep. He was currently in a small cell, no bigger than fiver yards by five yards. The only thing in the room with him was a bucket and a small matress. At least, that's what they called it, a matress. It was nothing more than a square sack filled with some hay. The cell its self was no better, the walls were covered in green plants that had appeared to grow from years of allowing the room to grow gruadually damp. No window was present in this room, he was at least two stories underground but he couldn't be sure, he had been down here for a few months now.

In those few months he had lived of bread and water, hardly enough to keep a man of his build alive, but he had survived. And survive he would. He spent many hours thinking about ways of escaping and return to life as he had knew it. No human contact but much gold, much food and many women. Even if not all the women had agreed to be with him.

Dime now stood at the bars at the front of the cell, looking out at three or four more dark cells opposite him, the only light source came from a slow burning torch near the stairs which would soon be allowed to burn out until morning came. The torch gave an eerie feel to the room. Dime had spent many a night in the dark, less suitable places but this was the worse. He would not leave in the morning to continue doing what he loved most, reigning fear into those who crossed him and then taking their hard earned possessions.

Throwing his head back, Dime sighed and let go of the bars in front of him. He turned to lie on the sack they had dubbed a matress when he heard someone coming down the stairs. This was unusual at this time of night, something big must have happened. The door to the stairs crashed open and two men entered each carring a torch. A third man, Dime had never seen before was stood between then, his hands tied in front of him. In the few months that he had spent down here, he had yet to see someone else who had been notorious enough to be locked up in the keep itself.

The guards made their way across the room towards the cell that was situated next to that of Dime's. Dime peered out, the two guards were the same that had abused him for the last few months, punching and kicking him when he could do nothing but take the beating. The result was Dime's skin had become broken, bruised and a gash above his right eye had now left a large scar. He made a vow when he saw these men that night that he would kill them, even if it killed him.

The two men carried their prisoner towards the cell and chucked him inside. Kicking and punching could be heard as the man was silenced after he tried to protest and argue. Soon the man would learn not to argue, you couldn't beat this corrupt authority.

As the two men closed the cage, not fit for an animal, they turned to leave the room. Coming close to cell that Dime resided in, Dime slid over to the bars and peered out. They were drunk. Both guards were stinking drunk. Dime, also the oppurtunist quickly formulated a plan, he reached out and pulled on the shirt of the guard. Immediately, in a drunken haste the guard attempted to fight Dime but he was able to pull his arm between the bars.

The other guard opened the gate and they both rushed in, kicking and shouting at Dime. Dime huddled up as they kicked broke his nose and left his with a large bruise the size of a base ball on his stomach. Sneering at Dime, they left the cell and locked it after them and left again in drunken laughter.

In the dark, Dime smiled and shook his head. Tonight, he would escape he tought, pulling the guard's keys from under the matress that he had grabbing while pulling him through the bars. Tonight, he would return to his spree of crime.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne awoke with a start, sitting bolt upright in her bed. She frantically glanced around, but there was nothing to be seen. She was alone in her room and the sky was as black as pitch. Calming herself back down, she pulled the blankets up and laid back down, staring at the stone ceiling above.

As she lay there, Vivianne could hear soft footsteps out in the corridor. She wondered who they could belong to. It was late, far too late for anyone to be wandering about. Curious, she sat up and crept over to her door, pressing her ear up against it. Suddenly, she could hear voices, low and soft, echoing slightly off the stone walls. Though they were faint, she knew exactly to whom they belonged. Lord Peter Fielding and her father, Lord Winchell Kenton.

“Lord Fielding, it’s all been arranged,” came Lord Winchell Kenton’s voice. He sounded so sure of himself. “My wife, Esmerelda, will see sure that things go according to our plans. She has a better way with Vivianne than I do.”

Vivianne’s eyes widened when she realized her father was talking about her. And with Lord Peter Fielding of all people.

“I trust you, Lord Kenton. And you will not regret this match one bit,” Lord Peter Fielding then said.

“Good lad, this will be a glorious union indeed. She will provide you the means to continue your blood line and she will give us better standing within the court. It works for us both.”

“That it does, quite well.” There was a pause in Lord Peter’s speech. “I find your daughter to be quite a beauty, if I may be so bold as to say so. With her as my bride we will have the most exquisite children at court. It’ll only increase my own standings as well.”

The two men laughed at their plan. Vivianne winced, her heart racing, her mind reeling. Surely she hadn’t heard them correctly. She couldn’t have. Her own father? Yes, she knew what he was capable of, but never did she think he’d use such devious skills on his own family. His own daughter. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Never,” Vivianne whispered. “I can’t.” She was beside herself, frantic at what to do. There was no way she’d ever marry Lord Peter Fielding. She hated the man and she had made a promise to herself that she’d only marry for the deepest love, the most precious of connections.

Without hesitation, Vivianne took off her nightdress and quickly and quietly changed into one of her many blue dresses. Nothing was appropriate for what she was about to do, but at the moment she didn’t care. She then grabbed her hooded cloak and her pouch filled with a few valuable possessions she thought she might be able to barter for money and pressed her ear to her door. The voices could no longer be heard. Terrified, she slowly pushed open her door.

Vivianne peeked outside her doorway. No one was there, only a very few torches lit the corridor. Taking a shaky breath, she stepped outside. Slowly, she made her way down the corridors, twisting along them, making her way towards one of the many staircases leading to the outside. She couldn’t believe what she was attempting. It was almost suicide. She knew nothing of the outside world, but she saw no other choice. It was either face her father’s decision and marry a despicable man she detested or try and escape a fate worse than death. She chose the latter.

After several minutes, Vivianne finally came upon a staircase. It was narrow and the stairs were steep. Swallowing, she began to descend them, slowly approaching the ground level where sweet freedom could be attained. Or so she hoped. Her entire body shook with fear the closer she got to the ground level. Biting down on her lip, her heart thumping in her chest, she pulled her hood up over her head. As she continued to make her way downward, she passed by a window. It would be dawn soon. She hoped that she’d be far enough away by the time the sun rose overhead and everyone in the castle came awake. She hoped with all her heart, all her soul. For death would be a far sweeter than not being able to marry for the deepest love. Pressing on, she suddenly felt her eyes prickle with tears, tears of someone who felt utterly betrayed.

 

[Skyro]

Dime breathed heavily and pokes his hand through the bars on the cell, hoping he had stolen the right keys he slowly entered the key into the old brass lock in anticipation. Turning the key slowly, he heard a click. Yes! He was free. Well, at least from the bars that had held him for the past few months.

Well, he assumed it was months, he couldn't be sure since he hadn't seen daylight since they bought him down here. This was the treatment you got for attempting to rob a nobleman, they would lock you up down there and forget about you. It wasn't even like he was being held by the state. The nobleman was just as much a crook as he was in Dime's eyes.

Making his way gingerly towards the door leading to the stairs, Dime was careful to pick up the torch on the wall before leaving and slowly make the climb up the staircase. He was deeper unground then even he had expected. He met some storage space and then some servent quarters before he finally found ground level. And the first window.

It was still dark, but outside there were great fires lit around the gates of the estate, giving the entire house a glow and the trees in the field's beyond looked unreal, just silloettes against the great burning fires. It had been a long time sine Dime had seen such beauty. But he didn't care how beautiful it was, if it wasn't worth gold, it wasn't worth having in his book. He was just gracious that he had finally escaped being underground.

Dime looked around his cautiously, the house was big, he had only seen a small part of it when he had entered to attempt to steal something months before. He couldn't even remember what that thing was now. The carpet was a deep red and soft beneath his feet. He had no shoes on, they had removed them from him when they first captured him, he had seen the guard wearing them the very next day. The curtains were a soft velvet and the walls were lined with torches each in their own silver bracket. Dime wondered if it was real silver. If he got the chance, he'd have a few of those.

First he needed clothes, he was currently in rags. He was sure this shirt they gave him was just an old potatoe sack with wholes in it and the shorts where of a similar fixture, they even have been hand-me-downs from a servent. He was used to having the best, if it belonged to him or not.

He checked each of the rooms on the corridor, most contained nothing but a table surrounded by a few chairs. Dime wondered what the point in all these unused rooms were, he shook his head and continued round the corner into the next corridor. No one was about, and he checked the next door on his left. The handle was engraved ivory, important room he guessed. He turned the knob and entered. The wardrobe! Perfect!

Dime hastily looked around the room, cursing at finding many things that were too small for him. Eventually he found some suit trousers and a shirt that was slightly too small so he folded up the sleeves. He was a fashion pioneer in his eyes. Grabbing the best shoes he could fit his feet into, he composed himself.

Now to exit the house. Dime left with the room with a smile on his, would it last for much longer?

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne finally reached ground level of the castle. Ever so cautiously, she pushed open the door and peeked to see if anyone was around. She saw no one, not anything, save a torch in the distance. Taking a deep breath, she exited the staircase and entered the corridor, making her way towards a door that would lead her to the outside. To freedom. The stone was hard under her feet as she made her way to that precious door.

Finally, Vivianne came upon the door she’d been seeking. She stopped dead in her tracks, her heart nearly stopping as she did so. There was a guard nearby, blocking her way. She scowled a little despite the fear she felt welling up inside, the panic, as she got closer and closer to the freedom she could almost taste on her tongue. It was so wrong to get so close to reaching one’s goal only to have something so simple foil it. Just then, when she’d begun to fear the worst, she saw the guard look away from his post. Something got his attention. She had no idea what it was, but she didn’t plan on staying long enough to find out. So, seizing the moment, she hurried past where the guard had been stationed and made it outside.

The air was damp and cold, making Vivianne shiver as it seeped deep within her bones. Her satin blue dress clung tightly to her slender body as she hurried away from the castle. Trying to keep out some of the chill, she clutched at her cloak, pulling it closer to her body.

Though the chill of the darkened air was overwhelming, Vivianne found it to be wonderful, exhilarating as well. It almost gave her a strength to forge on ahead, away from the only life she ever knew. Away from her father, from Lord Peter Fielding.

Fear still in her heart, adrenaline pumping through her veins, Vivianne began to run across the large expanse outside the castle and headed toward the nearby village where the farmers and other such peasants resided. Her shoes were horrible for running, but she’d had no other alternatives at the time she’d made her decision to run. She’d have to make the best of it and hope she didn’t twist an ankle or worse. She glanced behind herself to see how far she’d gotten. But it was hard to tell given that it was still fairly dark. Trying not to dwell on it and focusing on her future alone, she turned around and continued to run, hoping beyond hope that she’d soon have her freedom.

 

[Skyro]

Dime found a window that he could unlock, it took him a while to find it. Most were fastened shut or just too small for his large frame to fit through. He unhinged the window and pushed it open as far as it would go. Then, stepping one foot out at a time he left through the window...

And tumbled straight into a bush with a 'thud,' "Shit" he cursed under his breathe. A nearby guard looked in his direction, had he been seen?

Then, from behind the guard a woman appeared! She ran across the lawns as fast as her legs could carry her. Dime watched as she made her bid for freedom. Then he realised something, he was horny. He needed a women's body.

The guard went back to watching his station just as the women got out of sight but Dime knew where she was headed, the same place he was. The way out, the way to freedom.

Getting up and dusting himself off, he began to make his own way across the lawn, careful to keep a good distance away from the guard's outpost. After running for about thirty seconds, he spotted her. She was about fifty yards away and had stopped in her tracks...

He stood concealed in the shadows to see what she was up to.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne stopped as she neared the outskirts of the village. She needed to catch her breath. Running had been difficult, much more so than she thought it would be. She wasn’t used to it and her clothes and shoes did not help the matter either. In fact, they’d made it more difficult and she’d had to compensate as a result. Again, she glanced behind herself.

The castle appeared to be quite far, though Vivianne could see the soft glow of the torchlight surrounding it as well as in some of the windows. She shivered, pulling her cloak tighter around her body. There was no way she could ever go back now. She’d gone too far, was so close to getting away. Her eyes prickled with tears at the thought of leaving her life behind. But, in the end, she knew it was the right decision to make. She couldn’t live a life with a man she despised. She couldn’t bear him children. The thought of his hands on her, being intimate with him… Again, she shivered. And her father, her mother. She could never look at them in the same way again. They’d betrayed her. They were willing to use her as a pawn to increase their own standings within the court. To gain power over others.

Vivianne turned away from the castle and looked toward the village. It was deathly quiet and an eerie mist was slowly starting to roll its way in. Frightened, but determined, she pulled her cloak even tighter around herself and began to head toward the village. She had no idea where to go or where anything was within it, but she knew she needed to find a place to hide until dawn finally came. Maybe then, she’d be able to find a way out. Even the peasants knew who her father was, who she was. So she knew she couldn’t linger for too long without someone noticing and more than likely raising some sort of alarm.

Vivianne hurried into the village, her eyes searching for somewhere to hide. Finally she saw a small structure. She had no idea what it was, though it looked like a stable of some sort. Immediately, she headed for it, hoping that she’d be safe there for another few hours. Before life re-emerged once more, before the sun was fully up.

 

[Skyro]

Dime moved slowly through the shadows. As expected, she was heading towards the village on the other side of the gates. He needed to get to her quick unless he wanted to cause a public scene.

Crouching in the shadows, he sped up, keeping his footsteps light he looked for his moment to strike. Suddenly, the woman stopped. Dime stood still, pondering his next move and then she moved again. With her hood around her head, and pulled close Dime could just about make out a magnificent body beneath the cloak, ample, small, perfect. His reward for escaping.

Speeding up still he made his way closer to her, and that's when she stole off into a small barn looking house, probably a stabel. Could she make this any easier for him? Grinning in the dark, Dime made his was to the stable side, where he stood and peeked in as he could see the woman looking around. He could now make her out properly and she was one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen.

Slowly, he stepped out and slipped inside the barn, sticking to the sides within, his footsteps were silent. He edged towards where the woman stood. Then reaching out slowly, he grabbed one arm around her neck, covering her screams with is hand, and the other around her waist to stop her running.

"Hello," he growled in a low, meanacing tone.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne hurried into what looked like a stable. She glanced over her shoulder as she entered it, making sure that no one had accidentally seen her. The last thing she wanted was for someone to see her, or worse yet recognize her, and alert everyone of her whereabouts. Freedom was so close. She could taste it and it was the sweetest thing in the world to her at that moment.

When she was satisfied that no one had seen her, Vivianne walked further into the stable-like building. She pushed her hood back and flicked her long, dark hair over her shoulder. Letting out a small sigh, she began to look around a little. The stable was dry, much warmer than it was outside and a single lantern near the doorway cast a dim, yet soothing glow about the room. It was soft, it was comfortable.

Vivianne stood in the room’s center for several moments, trying to catch her breath and calm her nerves now that she felt safe enough. She only had a few more hours before the sun would start to rise. Then, she could move on, away from her life, away from Lord Fielding.

A strange chill suddenly swept through the room making Vivianne shiver. Though she didn’t pull her hood back up, she did tug on her cloak a little. Hugging it tighter to her body. Just then, she felt something grab at her neck, pulling her off balance.

Violet eyes wide, Vivianne opened her mouth to scream. But no scream escaped her lips. A large hand had covered her mouth, muffling any sound she dared tried to make. Immediately, she began to struggle. Someone else was there with her and if she had to guess, that someone was male, large, strong.

“Hello,” came a low growl. The sound of the voice made an icy chill run up Vivianne’s spine. And confirmed her suspicions onto who was with her in the stable.

Vivianne continued to struggle as the strong hands held onto her tightly. One hand squeezing her throat, the other preventing her from making any kind of sound. She felt her eyes well with tears, which instantly began to spill down her cheeks. And the terror filling her body and soul was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. To have freedom so close and then to potentially have it taken away? It was too much, so overwhelming.

Struggling, kicking, thrashing, Vivianne tried to get a look at the man who had a hold of her. Try as she might, she could not. Suddenly, she found herself pushed onto the floor, a heavy weight pinning her body so that it couldn’t move. She looked up, her violet eyes watery, and saw the menacing face and wild eyes of a very large man. The sight of him made her entire body tremble in fear and then shake with sobs.

 

[Skyro]

Forcing her down to the ground, Dime stradelled he young lady. Her facial features were refine and she had breasts that begged to be touched, to be massaged and rubbed. It was warm in here and Dime was certain they would not be heard, with this reassurance, he released his hand from her mouth. "Don't scream," he order.

Her brilliant Violet eyes were filled with fear. This got him extremely excited, it had been months since he had been able to have this pleasure but tonight he certainly would. With his body weight on top of her, he looked around in the dark, only the small latern showing him the edges of the stable. Fortunately for Dime, not to far away was the remains of some straps assumingly used for the control of horses. He reached over as the girl squirmed. "Stay still," he growled again. Picking up the leather straps, he carefully tied her arms in front of her and her ankles together.

With her tied up, he could now move around freely. He stood over her, through his suit trousers it could clearly be seen that he was aroused. "What would a girl like you be doing out here?" he asked with a smirk, "and what is your name?" he added after a few seconds of silence.

Circling the young girl, he reached down to run a finger along her face, feeling her lips, her neck and her chest. He wanted to savour this, this one was special.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne’s mind reeled, her heart raced, as the man wound the leather straps around her wrists and then her ankles. ‘What is he doing and why is he doing this?’ she asked herself as she whimpered there on the floor, hoping beyond hope that somehow she’d be able to get out of this situation.

More than anything, Vivianne wanted to scream, to hit this man. Though she knew she was no match for him at all. He could break her in half with a look, let alone with his bare hands. So, his stern orders were enough to keep her both still and quiet. The look she saw in his eyes was enough to make her comply. His appearance, the fact that he was so much bigger than she was, only made her listen all the more though she didn’t want to.

Once the man had finished securing Vivianne’s wrists and ankles, he left her there on the floor. He stood up, his large body looming over her as he did so. Small whimpers escaped her lips as she cried. She had no idea what this man was planning for her. But from the look in his eye and the way she saw him bulging behind the material of his trousers, she could only guess. The idea that he might take her, use her in such a way made her want to be sick. It just couldn’t happen, no, it just couldn’t. She didn’t want one of her most precious gifts taken from her like this. She wanted more from life, had always thought she’d get it. The idea of having to lose herself to a snake of a man like Lord Fielding suddenly looked more appealing than having to do so with some crazed stranger. And the fact that she found herself comparing the two only made things worse, made her see just how pitiful her life truly was.

Just then, the man began to stalk around Vivianne. Like he was the predator and she his prey. She sat up as best she could, her eyes and heart filled with terror.

“What would a girl like you be doing out here?” he suddenly asked, making Vivianne shiver. “And what’s your name?” He kneeled down then and let his fingers caress her cheek, then lips and finally her chest. His fingers played with the edge of the material barring her breasts from his view.

Trying her best not to cry, Vivianne answered him. “I’m V-vianne Kenton,” she stammered. “I’m running away from my family.” She licked her lips and closed her eyes, wishing that somehow everything that was happening was just a nightmare. Something she could wake up from. When she opened her eyes, the man was still there, a smirk crossing his lips. “Please, please don’t hurt me,” she begged in a whisper as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

 

[Skyro]

He peered into her great eyes, now filled with tears and questioned her name. He didn't expect the response. He blinked at her, surprised and forgot all about using her for physical purposes. At least for the time being.

He had a nobleman's daughter, that was like a pot of gold to him. He grinned at her, "I will let you stay innocent for a little while longer," he said with meanance, "but I'm going to take your father for everything he owns." Standing up again, he walked to the door of the stable and peered out, smelling in the fresh air he had been denied for so long.

The sun was starting to rise now, everything had a strange glow to it, he guessed he had maybe an hour before the stable's owners awoke. He needed to move them. His fun could wait.

"We need to leave," he said turning back around and aiming his words at her. "Do you think you can walk without creating creating a scene?" he asked, stepping back towards her, fiddling with the straps that held her in place. He raised his eyebrows at her, waiting for a response. All the time, the sun got higher and the day would soon start, but what would it hold?

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne’s breaths were shaky, making her entire body quake with each exhale. Looking up into the man’s eyes, she nodded. “Y-yes,” she answered. She didn’t want to create a scene any more than he did. She had no idea what his story was, but she knew she couldn’t go back. Not now, not ever.

The man loosened the straps holding Vivianne’s wrists and ankles. Once free, he firmly grasped her arm and pulled her up onto her feet. Pulling her close, he kept one hand around her arm and the other around her waist.

The man slowly pushed open the door to the stable and both he and Vivianne stepped back outside. The sky was just beginning to lighten. She could see the pale reds and yellows streaking the sky as the sun rose just over the horizon. It wouldn’t be long before the villagers awoke, before the hustle and bustle began.

The feel of the man’s hands on her body made Vivianne tremble. He had spared her for now, but would he later on? Once they were away from the village? She could only hope so. That somewhere underneath that crazed and menacing exterior was a man who could feel compassion, even a small amount of it.

They quickly made their way through the village. It was easier than expected since no one was awake, no animals stirring. Nothing was about. Vivianne could see the nearby woods up ahead and that they were making their way towards it. She wondered what would happen to her once they fell beyond the tree line, and were swallowed up by the canopy of trees and leaves and other wildlife. Vivianne’s hopes were not very high. She feared what this man would do to her. His eyes had already told her so much and the bulge in his trousers said the rest. She’d finally gotten her freedom, her escape. But at what price? She truly didn’t know, though she found herself suddenly wishing for death, a quick one. Given her situation and the way she imagined the near future’s events would unfold, that would be the greatest gift she could ever receive.

 

[Skyro]

Heading towards the wood front, Dime kept Vivianne close. He could smell her, she smelt sweet, innocent. She smelt of desire. Keeping a steady pace the approached the first set of trees guarding the dark wood like soldiers. Each one still, there was little wind, each one looked down upon them both. Each one would other a perfect cover.

They had to head a little along the front before they found an opening where a path was set and they stepped on the path. Almost instantly, it went pitch black again. Only now and again were there gaps in the huge trees above them where some sun light sneaked in. Dime released Vivianne slightly, she had no where to run. The continued to move, with just their other senses to guide them, occassionally they were knock into trees. They continued to move until they found an opening where there was a big enough gap in the trees in offer some substansial sunlight.

Dime guided the young lady into the clearing, "sit." It wasn't an offer. With Vivianne sitting, staring at the ground for the most, Dime began to roam around the clearing. Thinking. Contempating. What next? The woman who stood before him was worth thousands of gold to him. He would be rich beyond his wildest dreams, but first he had to get a ransom not back to the keep.

The entire time he thought, there was only two things on his mind, the only two things that were on his mind; first, the money he could make, and the second, women. Or to be more accurate, woman. He wouldn't be able to resist much longer, but he couldn't break her spirit too early.

He turned back around and face the beautiful woman before him, "hungry?" he asked. He DID need to keep her alive after all.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne sat on the cold, hard ground, clutching at her cloak, trying to wrap it as tightly as she could against her body. The sun was rising overhead, streaks of sunlight permeating through the trees.

The man who’d taken Vivianne away began to walk around the small clearing they were now in. It was as if he were searching for something. She had no idea what and looking at him only made her more frightened. Trying to keep calm and tamp down her fears, she stared at the ground beneath her. The grass was still wet with due and the mists that had rolled in were slowly starting to dissipate as the sun climbed higher in the sky.

Vivianne could feel her belly rumbling a little from hunger. She was hungry; she needed to eat something.

Just then, the man turned to look at her, the look in his eyes quite feral. “Hungry?” he asked. His voice was deep and gruff.

Shrinking back a little, Vivianne pulled her hood up over her head and answered him. “Yes.” She paused a moment. “I am.” She could feel her body shaking all over. Slowly, she shifted her position on the ground, bringing her knees closer to her body, her blue satin dress bunching as she did so.

Vivianne wished she’d been able to find something else to wear. Something more practical. Something more… plain. She didn’t like the way this man kept on looking at her. It was as if there was some sort of deep hunger residing within him. And that the only thing that would satiate it, tame the beast, was… her.

As the man smirked at Vivianne, she felt her body shiver again. “Please sir, may I ask you your name?” she found herself boldly asking. As terrified as she was, she needed some small something to make things less frightening. A name, she thought, just might help, though very little. Fearing his response, she pulled at her hood, pulling it so that it covered more of her face.

 

[Skyro]

Dime stared at her as she hesitated to answer the simple question, was she hungry? Eventually, she gave her answer and he let his shoulders drop. He was hungry too. He had hidden in clearings similar to this many times before when being chased by the guards of many a nobleman and once even the King's guards himself and knew that where there was a clearing like this, there was never food far off. Even if only berries.

Then Vivianne asked her question, he had never been asked it before and for a second he allowed an emotion cross his face that he never let slip, a look that showed only loneliness. He didn't let it last long. He looked back at the girl in front of him. "My name is.." he hesitated, settling on telling her the name he had used for many years now after living on the rough streets for so long, "Dime." He finally said. He felt weak, to combat this he quickly retorted, "But you had best shut your mouth. Before its shut for you." He turned away. He couldn't show any weakness!

Moving back to Vivianne again, he took the two leather straps he had thrown over his shoulder and tied her up once again. "Now don't move..." he grinned at her, "Sweetie." He added vindictively. Leaving her there, he pushed his way through a bush on the other side on the clearing to look for something to eat.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne watched Dime bind her wrists and ankles once again. The leather straps he used bit into her skin this time, rubbing it raw. Her eyes teared a little at the stinging sensation she felt around them so she bit down on her lip to prevent herself from crying out.

“Now don’t move,” Dime had said with a malicious grin. “Sweetie.”

Vivianne felt a stray tear roll down her cheek just then. She didn’t see anyway out of the situation she was in. And she wondered how long Dime would keep her hostage, what he would do to her in the next few hours. More than anything, she hoped he’d feel pity and just let her go, let her be on her way. But the look in his eyes said that that wasn’t something even remotely close to what he had in mind for her. But she had to hold onto that hope nonetheless.

Sitting on the cold ground, bound, unable to move, Vivianne watched Dime scout around the clearing a little. While he was preoccupied with looking for food, she carefully began to examine the straps holding her wrists together. She began to wriggle her wrists around, desperately trying to loosen the straps. The leather rubbed her skin, making it bleed a little. Tears filled her eyes as the pain shot through her, but she had to continue to try. She was so close to her freedom. She couldn’t give up now. Not even when the situation looked grim, like it did for her now.

Vivianne saw Dime gathering what looked like berries of some sort. He was nearly done. Panicking, she wriggled her wrists harder, with a fury she didn’t know was buried deep inside. Finally, they were free. Immediately, she began to work on the straps holding her ankles together. Her hands shook as the tried to loosen the leather.

Suddenly, Vivianne felt a wave of icy cold wash over her. She was sitting in shadow. Looking up, she saw Dime standing over her, the expression on his face showing nothing but anger.

Vivianne winced and covered her head, “I’m sorry,” she spoke, her voice shaky. “Please, don’t hurt me.”

 

[Skyro]

Dime collected berries, throwing a few into his mouth. They weren't the best thing he'd ever tasted but better than the stale bread he'd eaten for months. Lots of thoughts swam around in his head, thoughts of how he would take the innocence of Vivianne. Oh, the things he would do with her.

Once he had collected enough berries, he chucked one last one into his mouth and turned on his heels. He was cold, but he had no plans on killing the young lady... or at least for as long as he didn't have to. Grinning, he looked back into the clearing just in time to see Vivianne free the straps around her wrist and begin on the ankle binds.

With quick paces he made his way to the centre of the clearing, litted with leaves and wet grass and stood over Vivianne just as she freed the final restraint. She went to stand up with a look of relief upon her faith. That look was short lived, it was quickly turned to fear when she saw Dime.

Pulling her up by her arm, he pulled her close. He could smell her, she smelt good despite the rough conditions. She would make a good meal. Pulling her body close to his, he touched his cheek to her's, the monster in his pants growing once more, and whispered, "Bad idea, little girl."

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne could feel the heat emanating off of Dime’s body as he held her close. He was angry at her, furious. And she could tell that he was more than aroused as well. The way he gripped her arm was rough and it hurt. A small whimper escaped her lips just then as she winced a little from the pain she felt in her arm.

“Please,” Vivianne begged. “Please.”

Vivianne stared pleadingly into Dime’s eyes. Her violet ones were tearing up again as they went wide with fear. The look on his face pierced through her, making her shake like a leaf in his grasp. He was so much larger than her. He truly could do whatever he wanted and she would not have the power to stop him. And given how things were looking, there was no way she could escape him either. It was a realization that hit her hard, made her stomach hurt.

“I won’t run again. I promise. I promise,” Vivianne whimpered. She meant every word of it too even though she wanted to run from Dime the first moment she got. “Please,” she said again in a whisper. She brought her free hand up to his cheek. “Please.” Just then, a single tear fell from her left eye.

 

[Skyro]

Dime had never experienced pity before in his life. But in an instant, he knew what it was. Her soft touch on his face, she was loving. He had had sex with many women in his life. None showed any love, any compassion. This was different.

Although he felt this, he was still aroused. What did he do? Did he go with his emotions, these emotions he had never trusted before. Or, did he go with his body and turn this girl from a young girl into a woman?

He looked into her bright, wide eyes. The tear that now ran down her face sealed the deal. "Sit back down." He ordered. He wasn't going to rape her, at least not yet, but that certainly didn't mean he was going to start being nice to her. "You WILL pay for that," he promised her and paused for a slight second, "At some point."

The wind blew the trees around them and for sometime they were silent. Dime sat next to the young lady and thought about the strange emotions he had felt. He didn't like them. They made him indecisive.

He decided there and then, if they were to move on from here, he would first have to get his emotions in check.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne sat there, still and silent, next to Dime. The ground was cold and hard underneath her delicate body. Shivering, she pulled her cloak tightly around herself and tried to hide the fact that she was freezing. She didn’t want Dime to see any more weaknesses. He’d seen enough.

As Vivianne sat there, she began to mull over what had happened to her that early morning. She never expected that she’d end up the hostage of some crazed man. He’d been mean, harsh. He’d hurt her a little. Though she did find herself perplexed at the fact that for whatever reason he’d controlled himself and not robbed her of the most precious gift she had. He easily could have taken her, she saw that he’d wanted to. So why did he stop each time? She truly didn’t know.

Whatever Dime’s reasons had been, Vivianne was grateful. She had vowed that she’d share herself only with the man to whom she had the deepest love for and no other. She didn’t know Dime and given the way he treated her, she certainly could never see herself loving him. Not ever. He was cruel, heartless. A criminal. In her eyes, he was worse that her own father. Than Lord Peter Fielding.

Vivianne wanted to run away, to shout out. But she’d made a promise. And as silly as it was, she had no intentions of breaking it. She hoped that somehow Dime would see this and realize that not everyone out there had an ulterior motive or was unworthy of trust.

The wind blew, rustling the leaves. Vivianne shivered and tugged on he cloak She could feel her lips trembling, her teeth chattering. She tried her best to hide this from Dime. To help her in her situation, she looked down at the ground.

“D-d-do you have any m-more b-b-berries?” Vivianne stammered. The fear in her voice was evident. So was the fact that she was freezing.

 

[Skyro]

Vivianne broke the silence after a long while with a question she was very well entitled to ask, 'could she have any more food?' Usually, or at least, some months prior, Dime would have laughed in her face and made a notion about eating something else but something copelled him to act different. From his pocket he drew the last few berries.

"Hold out your hand," he growled, when she complied he simply placed the berries in her hand and went back to staring at the ground as the wind around them whistled and it grew dark once again.

They had been here almost a full day, yet Dime still didn't know what to do. How could he trust her not to try and run when he couldn't try himself to keep his emotions hidden?

Vivianne lay next to him, shivering, she had been like that for many hours. "Just sleep now," he told her, "in the morning we move." He had no choice but to act confident, they could not spend any longer here. It was pointless, he must make it out the other side of the woods and to the next town. There he could send his ransom.

He lay back himself, looking up at the stars, he did not sleep though. The thoughts kept him away.

 

[darkangel76]

The day seemed to last forever to Vivianne. Dime kept her in the small glade for the entire day, giving her very little food to help sustain her. She could feel herself weakening a little as a result. Her head hurt, her body was cold. So very cold. The chill in the air seeped down deeply into her bones, making her shiver, her teeth chatter.

Dime refused to speak to Vivianne unless it was some sort of order. But those he barked at her as if she were nothing more than an animal. His silence only frightened her more. She had no idea what was to become of herself. She’d wanted freedom. Freedom from her family, from having to marry a man she loathed and detested. In trying to seek that freedom, she found herself now prisoner of a man who seemed set on making her life as difficult as possible.

Vivianne wrapped her arms around herself trying to keep warm, tugging at her cloak, pulling the hood up over her head. No matter what she did, however, it just was not enough. The air was too wet and she was dressed inappropriately.

As darkness came once more, Vivianne wondered if her family had raised an alarm about her having gone missing. More than likely they had. Especially since she was their pawn for gaining power and higher standing within the court. She looked up to the sky. It was turning purple, the stars were slowly appearing. Usually dusk was her most favorite time of day. But not this day. With the darkness, the air only got colder.

“Sleep now,” Dime suddenly barked at Vivianne making her jump a little. “In the morning we move.”

Vivianne just nodded and slowly laid down on the cold ground, curled up into a tight ball, tears falling from her eyes once more. Shivering, she drifted off into a restless sleep.

 

[Skyro]

Dime never once stopped listening, he was always alert. After many years on the run from all type of authority he had learnt this. That's how he knew how and where to hide, what to do and how not to get caught.

Sitting there, feeling the chill even through his cloak, he listened intently, thoughts still swimming around his head like fish in a bowl. Then he heard it, at first he thought nothing of it; probably just a fox. Then he heard it again, a rustle, leaves being disturbed and bushes being butchered. He opened his eyes wide and watched.

The first rays of sun were penetrating the darkness, yet Dime could not see what was causing the noice. And that's when he heard the first voice, it was deep and several other voices followed it. "He can't have got far," it said, "Keep looking."

Panic feeled Dime, this was another feeling he had never encountered since he was a small boy. He had to block it out. Reaching over, he shook the girl and put his hand over her mouth to ensure she made no noise. "Guards are here, rise and stay with me," he said in his cold, harsh tone.

He waited for her to rise, before ushering for her to move with him, all the while holding her arm.

Time to run.

 

[darkangel76]

Vivianne awoke with a start, a large hand covering her mouth as she attempted to shout out. The sky was just beginning to lighten, the air cold and damp. She twisted a little and saw that it was Dime who was covering her mouth.

“Guards are here,” Dime whispered in Vivianne’s ear. “Rise and stay with me.” His voice was cold and harsh despite how quietly he spoke.

Vivianne just nodded. Slowly, she rose from the ground. She felt Dime grab her arm and pull her close to him before they began to quickly and quietly make way for the trees. She felt her heart race as they re-entered the woods. Her mind wandering, wondering what would happen next.

Once hidden underneath the canopy of trees, Dime quickened his pace. His grip on Vivianne growing tighter. She winced a little as his hand squeezed her arm, a small whimper escaping her lips from the pain.

They ran for quite a while before finally stopping. Vivianne felt tired and weak and hungry. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her. She touched her forehead trying to get her bearings when she suddenly fell onto the ground. She blinked a few times and looked up at Dime who’s face showed anger. She tried to stand up, but everything was going in and out of blackness.

Vivianne looked up at Dime again, her eyes wide. Suddenly, her eyes rolled back and she collapsed onto the ground.