Thomas
The Message

Thomas was sitting enjoying the warmth of the fire and the heady aroma of his pipe when a message was laid upon the table by the same maid who delivered Thomas’s first message about Dorin. Thomas looked up from his smoke and locked eyes with the lovely bar maid, he notices she flinched when his eyes burned into hers. Did she fear him? Thomas smiled and thanked the bar maid who quickly went back to her duties.

Thomas untied the rough twine sealing the package and broke the seal from Castle Lyons. He opened the envelope and was assaulted with the fragrance of warm lilac bathed in Sunlight, Annalise. In the fragrant exterior lay a modest letter in ’her’ hand-writing, Thomas read it in her voice:

My Dearest Thomas,

I am very sorry to write you this letter after our last encounter but I didn’t believe anyone would tell you or know how to find you so I took it upon myself to inform you. Thomas, I am so sorry your Mother, Mary has died she was found in her rocking chair cradling your swaddling cloth smiling. The doctor said she went peacefully in her sleep. Thomas come home.

Forever yours,

Lady Annalise

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Thomas’s heart filled with sorrow as he folded the letter from Annalise into his coat pocket he laid down a small sum of gold and left without a word. As he left he commandeered a large stead and left for home, Castle Lyons. Thomas’s journey was long and arduous leading him beyond his memory to places even unknown to Thomas. He traveled through the entire kingdom only stopping for the few hours of rest here and there. Thomas spent months out on the road dreaming of home. When the spring had come to Lyons kingdom, Thomas saw the edges of the village and woods he called home for his entire childhood. The village looked bigger and more populated to Thomas, he rode his stead through town glancing at the dirtied faces of the populace. Each road he turned reminded Thomas of a beautiful life he once led. Then Thomas spotted an old woman buying bread at the open market in the center of the village, Thomas almost spoke out to the woman whose vision resembled that of his dearly departed mother. This fresh thought of why he traveled across the kingdom was a sorrowful reminder of what Thomas had lost. Soon Thomas came upon the wooded forest he enjoyed exploring in his youthful days he could hear the laughter of children roaming and hiding amongst the foliage. Thomas was strolling down a warm and sunny path through the forest just outside of Lyons kingdom. A vision on a tree triggered his mind to wander to his youth chasing a dear friend through the dense forest and up the tall moss-covered trees. He remembered this path from his adolescence the smell of pine and oak intermingling into an aroma made for childhood dreams and great aspirations. Thomas looked to the tops of the trees remembering his vow to make his mother proud, to be her hero. What kind of hero is not even there for his mother’s final hours. He chastised himself for leaving her all alone with no one to care for her, no one to hold her hand as she passed. Thomas let his mind wander to the trees, they are much bigger than he remembered. Then he envisioned seeing Annalise running down the path towards his awaiting arms, her flaming locks bouncing in soft curls around her pale heart shaped face. Thomas could see her eyes green like emeralds dancing in the sunlight as if they laughed with her inner joy. These visions assailed Thomas causing his feet to stop their steady gate, he sighed as the vision of loveliness melted away to reality. It has been sixteen years, she must be a mother by now and have a happy family all her own. Thomas dismissed his aching heart and carried on farther to the castle walls where his life began so many years ago, the place he vowed to be a hero, where he fell in love and where love broke his heart. The memories of days gone by forced Thomas to stop his journey for the night finding solace in the high rock walls of the castle. Tomorrow Thomas thought I will face my angel tomorrow and mourn my mother when the sun shines upon her grave. Thomas slept a fitful sleep filled with demons, angels and heroes. The sun greeted Thomas as he watched the horizon glow and sparkle with the coming dawn.

Annalise waited in the castle library for many days looking out the large windows into the garden always waiting to see her young Thomas grown into a strong and statuesque man. One day late in the evening when Annalise all but gave up her search for Thomas a large figure sauntered through the trees and into view. Annalise did not recognize the tall hulking man, gracefully moving through the garden making his way to her library. Then the stranger removed his worn large brimmed hat and pushed his long black locks out of his face with his massive leathered hands, at this moment his icy blue gaze shined in the sun’s golden rays as it set behind the castles walls Thomas had come to Annalise once more. Annalise’s heart fluttered and her breath caught short in her throat as she slowly exited the library to the garden to meet with her long-lost love.

Thomas knew this place too well, the smell of fresh roses and lilacs, the sun warming the earth and fueling its damp and humid fragrance. This was the smell of home, Thomas squinted through the light to the Library windows he was so accustomed to in his youth. The glaring sun beat upon Thomas’s leather hat warming him to an uncomfortable level. Thomas removed his hat and pushed back his ever-growing black mane as he looked up into the sparkling window of the library it began to open. Thomas’s heart skipped a beat his large leathered hands began to sweat and tremor, finally his breath became shallow and hurried as he moved wearily forward he saw her. Annalise her red halo glowing in the dying lights rays. Her green eyes filling with tears as she slowly approaches Thomas her small body gently trembling as she made her way to his open arms.

The sun set upon the love that Thomas and Annalise shared but for the briefest of moments as he held her small body he felt all the love return to his soul. The memories flooded in one after the other inundating Thomas with an emotional flood as he looked down upon Annalise his eyes wept and wept until there were no tears to cry. Annalise finally looked up at Thomas’s face her tears staining her sweet cheeks. She grinned and Thomas died and was reborn with her soft, angelic, and pure smile. Never had Thomas been so shook or defeated yet Annalise was his only weakness and he knew she was aware of this. Annalise took Thomas’s hand and led him away from the castle walls, he followed dumbstruck by how beautiful she looked in her royal gown it’s satin bustle swishing with each careful step he was entranced by her grace. She was an Angel, his Angel all over again. Thomas finally realized what their destination was as Annalise stopped and looked up into Thomas’s deep blue eyes. She never uttered a word as her small soft hands pulled Thomas’s face to hers, she closed her lovely eyes and softly kissed Thomas her breath warm upon his hard-cracked lips. She smiled and continued to lay tiny butterfly kisses upon his worn and tattered face. She cried as she tried to sooth his aching arms with her gentle touch. Annalise pulled Thomas to a small meadow just beyond the river and laid down her dark blue velvet shall upon the soft grassy mound. Thomas sat down next to Annalise she moved into his lap and slowly began to untie his linen shirt pressing soft kisses along his rough and hardened chest and neck she nuzzles, Thomas can no longer could stand the soft kisses and gentle caresses. He pulls Annalise in tightly to his body and kisses her mouth with all the passion he held for her furiously searching her gaping mouth with his hungry tongue. Annalise moaned and cooed, “Thomas my one true love, am I dreaming or is this finally my reality?” she looked for the answer to so many questions in his deep icy gaze, she saw his passion clouding his gaze and luring her into his body. Thomas kissed Annalise’s throat and shoulder then he whispered to Annalise, “Be mine, just now be with me Annalise, I love you, my heart is yours always.” Annalise sighed and moaned “Yes, yes I am yours Thomas take me.” With this last demand Thomas and Annalise consolidate their love in the moonlight as the stars danced and shined on the two lovers. All was well with the world as the Kingdom slept Thomas and Annalise joined in the blissful state of desire and love. If only this night would last for all eternity then Thomas’s heart might survive.

The next morning as Thomas awoke in the warm sunlight upon the grassy knoll he reached over to find he was all alone.

“Were you a dream, a specter of my heart, where are you Annalise.” Thomas spoke softly to the surrounding woods when he heard a rustling, his eyes caught sight of her Annalise moved gracefully through the trees her soft small body glowed with the light of a new lover. Annalise smiled at Thomas, she was a vision to behold, so pure and young with her red hair disheveled about her head and shoulder small bits of the forest clung to her silken tresses. Her pink, blossoms of a mouth sitting like a small heart upon her radiant face, this sight left Thomas flabbergasted, He sat and gawked pondering, what mystical deed did he accomplish that afforded him the company of an Angel. Annalise the Seraphim could brighten any darkened day with nothing more than her divine presence, Thomas could not help but beam at the thought that Annalise belonged to him.

“Thomas,” Annalise’s voice broke Thomas’s wandering thoughts with a tiny murmur. “I want to be with you always, will you take me away from this gilded cage?” Annalise’s eyes sparkled and danced at the suggestion, Thomas was entranced he could never refuse a goddess any request, “Let us run away, Lyon’s kingdom will go to Lord Deter for I have been unable to conceive him an heir.” As Annalise spoke these words her heart sank and her eyes brimmed tears threatening to flood, her bereavement over being barren echoed in her words. “I forsake this kingdom and all its privileges, to be with you, My love.” Anna’s cheeks blossomed with a sweet cherry kissed blush as she made one last request of Thomas. “Thomas take me with you.” As she finished her plea her lips quivered with anticipation and fear, Thomas could see her eyes begging for a promise to be free. Thomas wanted only to be with her, damn the consequences, he agreed.

“Go and collect all you need for travel, leave the gold and jewels you are all the treasure I will ever need.” Thomas kissed Annalise a gentle lovers kiss, she turned and disappeared into the twinkling sunlight cascading down through their forest canopy. She swore as her voice echoed away into the distance, “I shall return shortly my sweet Thomas.” One last smile and a twinkle in her eye.

Thomas’s heart was full of delight and joy as he sat waiting by the river’s edge for his love to return. Thomas’s dreams finally came true Annalise’s eyes no longer carried accusations, in its place were the eyes of love, passion, and an eternity of bliss. Thomas lay back upon the cool damp grass his thoughts began to unfold and duty came calling once more. Thomas’s duty to his mother was unfinished he would have to visit his home and say his good byes to his beloved Mother. The morning wore on and Thomas knew he must leave, soon so he wandered carelessly towards the Castle’s library to find Annalise and carry on with his duties. Approaching the open window of the Library something was amiss Thomas hastened his steps. His senses immediately responded to the commotion emanating from the Great Room just outside the Library. Thomas readied himself his body tensing he quietly slipped into the hall and among the Shadows he watched. Thomas only waited a brief time as shouting and panic filled the room he moved with resolve towards the ruckus. The roaring escaladed as Thomas quickly entered the great hall, Thomas stood at the threshold his body ready to pounce at the first break. He saw Deter a fat Bloated man his face rutty and red from years of decadence and drink his beady eyes two black pin pricks in a round face soft and doughy. Deter lifted his ample frame from his immensely adorned Throne then with his massive engorged fist he struck Annalise, the force of the blow sent her small body through the empty room hitting the granite floor with a hard Thud, Annalise lay motionless.

Thomas with the swiftness of lightening and the strength of the north wind, he stepped in between Annalise and her assailant. Deter moved to strike his helpless victim again as he moved towards Annalise with anger and desire in his eyes a large figure, taut and weathered, stood facing him. Thomas’s eyes danced wildly with hate as he moved towards Deter, the bloated coward moved weakly back stifling a scream. Without warning Thomas’s right hand flew from under his dark green linen cape and struck deter sending the bloated Lord back into his throne. Moving to the heaped lump of Lord, Thomas grabs hold of the Lords tunic with both hands the grip tightening Deter’s clothes about his almost nonexistent neck. His face millimeters from Deter’s sweat coated, pasty rotund face. Thomas spoke, his words a gravelly, threatening whisper filled with rage and dripped with venom as he demanded Lord Deter’s attention, “Lord Deter, I will not allow you to touch my angel again.” His first statement was not a request. Thomas let the bloated toad go and moved to Annalise’s side. He lifted her fragile body and then facing Deter spoke his last word. “She and I are leaving this kingdom and if you should follow I will unleash the wrath of hell upon you and your house.” Thomas’s eyes glowed with the truth he spoke, Deter, dumbstruck only stared wide eyed as Thomas turned his back on the Portly Lord and his frail kingdom, Thomas and Annalise disappeared into the awaiting sunlight.

Thomas attained a stead named Socrates from the royal stables, this his only gift from the Kingdom he called home, dismissing the unfortunate realization that this was no longer his home, Thomas loaded up his unconscious cargo. Thomas sprung lively into the saddle and held his prize carefully as he sauntered out of the castle walls and into the approaching village. Thomas traveled the familiar roads and alley’s one last time until he came to the meager dwelling him and his mother made in the village. Its walls crumbling and decaying under the weight of the ivy choking the small hut. It was just a cottage with a garden, rocking chair and a feather bed not a true lover’s palace but it was filled with much love. Thomas’s eyes darted around the room his mind racing with memories of his childhood, He could almost smell the warming bread his mother would bake. Thomas touched the stones upon the hearth and looked in to see his mother’s black Dutch oven still aromatic with small bits of fresh bread. Thomas seeing that the house was secure went to fetch his bride. She still lay unconscious her small body limp, Thomas moved her long crimson tresses away to reveal the purple swollen evidence of Deter’s cruelty. Thomas clenched his jaw in disgust as he moved Annalise into the small room. He laid her softly upon the feather bed and went back to assessing the world around him. Thomas quietly reminisced about the small table still sitting by the kitchen window where he would hover waiting for his mother’s amazing culinary treats. The house still smelled of warming bread, roses and a hard day’s work. He touched all the nooks and crannies only he would remember and cried as he thought of his mother. Although Thomas worried about Annalise’s well-being he was glad to have this moment alone to mourn his mother. Thomas sat in Mary’s rocking chair and sobbed silently trembling alone as his angel slept.

When Annalise awoke, her face ached and throbbed from her tussle with Lord Deter. At the thought of the disgraceful Lord she cringed and held her hand gingerly to her swollen face. When her eyes finally adjusted to the failing light she saw Thomas sleeping soundly in his mother’s chair. She could see the tears staining his handsome face, she moved closer and gentle caressed her love’s rough and leathery face, lingering on his soft wet mouth for just a moment. Anna covered up her hero with a small handmade quilt and went out to collect the ingredients for a home cooked meal. The garden was wild and unkept so Annalise rolled up her sleeves and went to work clearing the debris from what was left of the vegetables buried within. As Annalise dug up the potatoes that were still left in the garden she heard a soft step then the sound of a snapping twig behind her. Annalise innocently unaware prepared herself to meet the eyes of her beloved, she smiled as she turned only to be met with a hulking scoundrel come to collect the Lady of the castle for Lord Deter. Annalise opened her small mouth to scream the assailant silenced her with a massive paw. Annalise tried to kick and scream but her small frame was no match for the towering man whisking her away on his large black steed. Thomas slept soundly as Annalise was abducted and returned to the hands of Lord Deter, Annalise was to meet his rage and pay.

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