Passion in the Desert
folder
BtVS AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
5
Views:
2,236
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
BtVS AU/AR › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
5
Views:
2,236
Reviews:
4
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS), nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 5
PASSION IN THE DESERT - Chapter 5
On the third day, as promised, Marcus arrived at the sacred caves to retrieve Gwillym, dead or alive. To his great relief and that of the two Royal Guardsmen with him, their Prince was standing in the sun near the entrance looking like a serene, ancient god.
The hot winds coming off the dunes had caught Gwillym’s unbound flaxen hair and made it dance around his face like golden tentacles reaching for the heavens; the jewels interwoven in his braids shimmered radiantly in the sunlight, the likes of which Marcus had never seen before. A thin, almost transparent silk robe the young Prince wore billowed out around his body like magnificent white wings, holding the warriors transfixed by the holy vision.
Marcus dismounted from his mighty steed and ordered his men to stand down while he saw to Gwillym. Slowly and with great reverence, he approached, then fell to his knees in front of him and lowered his head in respect.
“My Lord, Gwillym…”
Gwillym blinked at the sound of the familiar voice, the faraway look in his azure eyes fading as he looked down, smiling serenely at his old friend.
“Marcus…” Gwillym whispered softly, then to the warrior’s surprise, knelt down beside him. Putting an arm around the big man’s shoulders, the Prince drew him into a tender embrace.
Tears of joy ran down Marcus’ face and his body shook with silent sobs as Gwillym folded him into his arms, thankful that his Lord had survived the cleansing ritual. He raised his head and smiled weakly at Gwillym, unashamed to show his former lover his tears.
“I and mine have made sacrifice and prayed for you, my Prince. The gods have been merciful.”
Gwillym smiled benevolently as he rose to his feet and helped Marcus up. “They have been forgiving and they honor me, my friend. I will pay tribute to the Ancient Ones in thanksgiving for their grace as soon as we arrive at camp. I am anxious to be home.”
With a nod to his second-in-command, Marcus’ Lieutenant hastily reined in his mare and led the two horses he was charged with over to his Prince and Captain, waiting patiently as they prepared to mount.
Gwillym was especially pleased to see his black Beauty and it was obvious by the way the big stallion whinnied and shook its head, that the feeling was mutual. Taking hold of Beauty’s bridle, he gave the animal a fond rub on its muzzle before he mounted and settled into the saddle.
“Missed me, big boy, didn’t you,” he purred softly and patted his steed’s neck fondly. Then, with a gentle nudge against its ribs, Gwillym turned and galloped off in the direction of home.
~ * ~
It was no secret that the Prince had sinned and had done penance for his transgression at the sacred caves, therefore, his arrival at the Aurelius Clan homestead was without fanfare as he and his men made their way to the Royal compound.
Gwillym acknowledged those who had stopped and bowed their heads in respect as he passed by, unashamed. The Gods had forgiven him for his indiscretion and his mere presence in camp would bear witness to the Ancient Ones’ benevolence, strengthening the clan’s allegiance and faith in their leader.
Word traveled fast throughout the encampment that Gwillym had returned safely and a buzz of excitement filled the air. Those who were fortunate enough to have seen him had quickly spread the news and it didn’t take long before it reached Anxo.
Thank the Gods… Anxo closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief after his neighbor left to continue spreading the word of the Prince’s return.
The past three days had been hell for the big blacksmith and not knowing Gwillym’s fate had weighed heavily upon him. Unable to eat or sleep, his work was the only thing that had kept him grounded. Somehow, pounding precious metals into weapons had soothed his savage beast and had kept him from following his beloved into the desert and to certain death.
Anxo was sorely tempted to drop his tools and run to make sure that Gwillym was indeed, alive and well, but leaving his blazing forge unattended was not an option. Instead, he tried to control his shaking hands enough to carefully put down his hammer and tongs and lower the heat on his fire.
After wiping his hands on his apron, Anxo hurried into his tent and over to the little altar where he had prayed and kept a candle burning. Falling to his knees, he bowed his head and gave thanks to the Ancient Ones, letting the tears of relief roll down his face, his body trembling as he wept.
His beloved was safe and finally home.
~ * ~
When the news of Gwillym’s return reached Wrenn’s family, she had hastily dropped her sewing and, ignoring her mother’s warning to be careful, flew outside to catch sight of the Prince as he and his soldiers passed by. All of Gwillym’s followers had spent the last three days preoccupied with his safe return, offering prayers and sacrifices to the Gods to bestow their mercy upon him and Wrenn was no exception.
The scorching sand burned her bare feet as she weaved her way amongst the tents toward the Royal compound but she ignored the pain and the blisters that were already forming to have a glimpse of her love.
Wrenn’s heart hammered in her chest as she struggled toward the high-pitched sound of neighing horses, each step in the searing sand more painful than the last. Finally, with a burst of energy that took all of the strength that she had left, Wrenn stumbled into the path of Gwillym’s entourage and fell face down in front of Marcus’ horse.
Marcus had seen the small girl out of the corner of his eye as he led Gwillym toward his tents. His extensive training and service to the Royal Family had prepared him for almost anything but it still came as a surprise when Wrenn fell in front of him. Reigning in his steed harshly, the animal balked and rose up on its hind legs, wheezing in protest.
Gwillym had also seen Wrenn struggling toward them and his demon instincts had him off his horse and by her side in an instant. Pulling her away from certain death by the crashing hooves, he rolled safely away from Marcus’ horse with her small body wrapped tightly in his arms.
A crush of bodies clamoring for a better look and a cacophony of voices mixed with the cry of horses made Wrenn’s head spin as she struggled for breath. Strong arms held her still against a well-muscled chest and the sound of a heartbeat tapped steadily in her ears, making her feel faint.
“I have you, little one,” Gwillym purred softly to the quivering girl he held in his arms as he lightly stroked her shiny red hair. “You are safe now.”
Wrenn began to panic when she recognized Gwillym’s voice and realized that she was laying in his arms. She would certainly bring down dishonor on her family if she had displeased him and if they found out that she had spoken to her intended before Red Moon, she would be severely punished and banned from the sacred mating ceremony.
“Please, my Lord,” Wrenn whispered, trembling as she looked up at Gwillym’s face with pleading emerald eyes. “Forgive me…”
Marcus regained control over his mount and ordered his men to push back the inquisitive crowd that had gathered around Gwillym and Wrenn. The Prince’s quiet homecoming was fast becoming an embarrassing spectacle that Marcus knew would try his patience and he had to work fast. He quickly dismounted and helped Gwillym up, then took Wrenn from his arms and looked over the multitude of faces, searching for someone who would take the clumsy child back to her parents.
Gwillym lightly brushed the sand from his robe and looked over at Marcus. “It is all right, my friend. I wish to speak to the girl.”
Marcus bowed his head in understanding, then slowly set Wrenn on her feet.
Lowering her head in respect and embarrassment, Wrenn stood on wobbly legs in front of the man she had hoped to wed at Red Moon. This was the closest she had ever been to Gwillym and now that she was in his presence, all she could think of was falling at his feet and begging for mercy for her stupidity.
“What is your name, Child?” Gwillym asked softly as he tucked a finger under Wrenn’s chin to make her look at him.
“Wrenn… my Lord,” a small voice said and it made Gwillym smile compassionately.
“Well, Wrenn. You could have been hurt very badly just now. Where are your parents?”
“Here, my Lord,” Wrenn’s father said softly as he approached Gwillym warily and lowered his head in respect. When word had come to him that Wrenn had fallen, all he could think of was getting to her and nothing else. Now, standing in front of the Prince, he silently prayed that Gwillym would be merciful.
Gwillym gently took Wrenn’s hand and offered it to her father. “She does not seem to be hurt. Take her home and care for her. Send word to me if you need anything.”
Wrenn’s father took her hand and before he had a chance to grovel before Gwillym in thanksgiving for his mercy, the Prince was already astride Beauty and surrounded by his guards. With a nod of his head to Wrenn's father, Gwillym nudged his steed’s ribs and was out of sight in seconds.
~ * ~
Rowan stood stoically at the head of the line of servants from the Royal Household, waiting for Gwillym’s arrival. His makeup had been applied with painstaking care as had his jewels and the informal dress afforded the Court Courtesan. Although still in a weakened state, he silently thanked the Ancient Ones for the strength and healing properties of his Aurelian blood. Without it, he would have never been able to greet his Master while standing in his rightful place among the servants.
There had been plenty of time for him to pray and reflect on the actions that had sent Gwillym to the sacred caves and Rowan was truly remorseful and filled with guilt. He hoped with all that he was that the Prince would forgive him and that things could be as they were before.
A shiver ran down Rowan’s spine as Gwillym came into view. He was ecstatic that his Lord had survived the cleansing ritual and marveled at how wonderful he looked despite his ordeal.
One by one, each servant lowered their eyes in respect as the Prince passed and acknowledged them, but when Gwillym came to Rowan, he did not look him in the eye as he had done for the others. Panic roiled up in the Courtesan's belly as Gwillym passed and he was sure that it was a sign that his Master had not settled with him just yet.
Gwillym dismounted from Beauty gracefully, his toned and muscled body moving fluidly from the saddle. After handing the reigns to his stable boy, he slowly walked over to Rowan and looked him in the eye.
Rowan shook with fear under Gwillym’s gaze, the little confidence he still had wilting under the piercing blue stare into his soul.
“Rowan…” Gwillym said softly as he knelt down on one knee in front of him. Gently taking a pale hand in his, the Warrior Prince pressed it to his forehead as a sign of his humility.
“Forgive me.”
~ tbc ~
On the third day, as promised, Marcus arrived at the sacred caves to retrieve Gwillym, dead or alive. To his great relief and that of the two Royal Guardsmen with him, their Prince was standing in the sun near the entrance looking like a serene, ancient god.
The hot winds coming off the dunes had caught Gwillym’s unbound flaxen hair and made it dance around his face like golden tentacles reaching for the heavens; the jewels interwoven in his braids shimmered radiantly in the sunlight, the likes of which Marcus had never seen before. A thin, almost transparent silk robe the young Prince wore billowed out around his body like magnificent white wings, holding the warriors transfixed by the holy vision.
Marcus dismounted from his mighty steed and ordered his men to stand down while he saw to Gwillym. Slowly and with great reverence, he approached, then fell to his knees in front of him and lowered his head in respect.
“My Lord, Gwillym…”
Gwillym blinked at the sound of the familiar voice, the faraway look in his azure eyes fading as he looked down, smiling serenely at his old friend.
“Marcus…” Gwillym whispered softly, then to the warrior’s surprise, knelt down beside him. Putting an arm around the big man’s shoulders, the Prince drew him into a tender embrace.
Tears of joy ran down Marcus’ face and his body shook with silent sobs as Gwillym folded him into his arms, thankful that his Lord had survived the cleansing ritual. He raised his head and smiled weakly at Gwillym, unashamed to show his former lover his tears.
“I and mine have made sacrifice and prayed for you, my Prince. The gods have been merciful.”
Gwillym smiled benevolently as he rose to his feet and helped Marcus up. “They have been forgiving and they honor me, my friend. I will pay tribute to the Ancient Ones in thanksgiving for their grace as soon as we arrive at camp. I am anxious to be home.”
With a nod to his second-in-command, Marcus’ Lieutenant hastily reined in his mare and led the two horses he was charged with over to his Prince and Captain, waiting patiently as they prepared to mount.
Gwillym was especially pleased to see his black Beauty and it was obvious by the way the big stallion whinnied and shook its head, that the feeling was mutual. Taking hold of Beauty’s bridle, he gave the animal a fond rub on its muzzle before he mounted and settled into the saddle.
“Missed me, big boy, didn’t you,” he purred softly and patted his steed’s neck fondly. Then, with a gentle nudge against its ribs, Gwillym turned and galloped off in the direction of home.
~ * ~
It was no secret that the Prince had sinned and had done penance for his transgression at the sacred caves, therefore, his arrival at the Aurelius Clan homestead was without fanfare as he and his men made their way to the Royal compound.
Gwillym acknowledged those who had stopped and bowed their heads in respect as he passed by, unashamed. The Gods had forgiven him for his indiscretion and his mere presence in camp would bear witness to the Ancient Ones’ benevolence, strengthening the clan’s allegiance and faith in their leader.
Word traveled fast throughout the encampment that Gwillym had returned safely and a buzz of excitement filled the air. Those who were fortunate enough to have seen him had quickly spread the news and it didn’t take long before it reached Anxo.
Thank the Gods… Anxo closed his eyes and breathed a sigh of relief after his neighbor left to continue spreading the word of the Prince’s return.
The past three days had been hell for the big blacksmith and not knowing Gwillym’s fate had weighed heavily upon him. Unable to eat or sleep, his work was the only thing that had kept him grounded. Somehow, pounding precious metals into weapons had soothed his savage beast and had kept him from following his beloved into the desert and to certain death.
Anxo was sorely tempted to drop his tools and run to make sure that Gwillym was indeed, alive and well, but leaving his blazing forge unattended was not an option. Instead, he tried to control his shaking hands enough to carefully put down his hammer and tongs and lower the heat on his fire.
After wiping his hands on his apron, Anxo hurried into his tent and over to the little altar where he had prayed and kept a candle burning. Falling to his knees, he bowed his head and gave thanks to the Ancient Ones, letting the tears of relief roll down his face, his body trembling as he wept.
His beloved was safe and finally home.
~ * ~
When the news of Gwillym’s return reached Wrenn’s family, she had hastily dropped her sewing and, ignoring her mother’s warning to be careful, flew outside to catch sight of the Prince as he and his soldiers passed by. All of Gwillym’s followers had spent the last three days preoccupied with his safe return, offering prayers and sacrifices to the Gods to bestow their mercy upon him and Wrenn was no exception.
The scorching sand burned her bare feet as she weaved her way amongst the tents toward the Royal compound but she ignored the pain and the blisters that were already forming to have a glimpse of her love.
Wrenn’s heart hammered in her chest as she struggled toward the high-pitched sound of neighing horses, each step in the searing sand more painful than the last. Finally, with a burst of energy that took all of the strength that she had left, Wrenn stumbled into the path of Gwillym’s entourage and fell face down in front of Marcus’ horse.
Marcus had seen the small girl out of the corner of his eye as he led Gwillym toward his tents. His extensive training and service to the Royal Family had prepared him for almost anything but it still came as a surprise when Wrenn fell in front of him. Reigning in his steed harshly, the animal balked and rose up on its hind legs, wheezing in protest.
Gwillym had also seen Wrenn struggling toward them and his demon instincts had him off his horse and by her side in an instant. Pulling her away from certain death by the crashing hooves, he rolled safely away from Marcus’ horse with her small body wrapped tightly in his arms.
A crush of bodies clamoring for a better look and a cacophony of voices mixed with the cry of horses made Wrenn’s head spin as she struggled for breath. Strong arms held her still against a well-muscled chest and the sound of a heartbeat tapped steadily in her ears, making her feel faint.
“I have you, little one,” Gwillym purred softly to the quivering girl he held in his arms as he lightly stroked her shiny red hair. “You are safe now.”
Wrenn began to panic when she recognized Gwillym’s voice and realized that she was laying in his arms. She would certainly bring down dishonor on her family if she had displeased him and if they found out that she had spoken to her intended before Red Moon, she would be severely punished and banned from the sacred mating ceremony.
“Please, my Lord,” Wrenn whispered, trembling as she looked up at Gwillym’s face with pleading emerald eyes. “Forgive me…”
Marcus regained control over his mount and ordered his men to push back the inquisitive crowd that had gathered around Gwillym and Wrenn. The Prince’s quiet homecoming was fast becoming an embarrassing spectacle that Marcus knew would try his patience and he had to work fast. He quickly dismounted and helped Gwillym up, then took Wrenn from his arms and looked over the multitude of faces, searching for someone who would take the clumsy child back to her parents.
Gwillym lightly brushed the sand from his robe and looked over at Marcus. “It is all right, my friend. I wish to speak to the girl.”
Marcus bowed his head in understanding, then slowly set Wrenn on her feet.
Lowering her head in respect and embarrassment, Wrenn stood on wobbly legs in front of the man she had hoped to wed at Red Moon. This was the closest she had ever been to Gwillym and now that she was in his presence, all she could think of was falling at his feet and begging for mercy for her stupidity.
“What is your name, Child?” Gwillym asked softly as he tucked a finger under Wrenn’s chin to make her look at him.
“Wrenn… my Lord,” a small voice said and it made Gwillym smile compassionately.
“Well, Wrenn. You could have been hurt very badly just now. Where are your parents?”
“Here, my Lord,” Wrenn’s father said softly as he approached Gwillym warily and lowered his head in respect. When word had come to him that Wrenn had fallen, all he could think of was getting to her and nothing else. Now, standing in front of the Prince, he silently prayed that Gwillym would be merciful.
Gwillym gently took Wrenn’s hand and offered it to her father. “She does not seem to be hurt. Take her home and care for her. Send word to me if you need anything.”
Wrenn’s father took her hand and before he had a chance to grovel before Gwillym in thanksgiving for his mercy, the Prince was already astride Beauty and surrounded by his guards. With a nod of his head to Wrenn's father, Gwillym nudged his steed’s ribs and was out of sight in seconds.
~ * ~
Rowan stood stoically at the head of the line of servants from the Royal Household, waiting for Gwillym’s arrival. His makeup had been applied with painstaking care as had his jewels and the informal dress afforded the Court Courtesan. Although still in a weakened state, he silently thanked the Ancient Ones for the strength and healing properties of his Aurelian blood. Without it, he would have never been able to greet his Master while standing in his rightful place among the servants.
There had been plenty of time for him to pray and reflect on the actions that had sent Gwillym to the sacred caves and Rowan was truly remorseful and filled with guilt. He hoped with all that he was that the Prince would forgive him and that things could be as they were before.
A shiver ran down Rowan’s spine as Gwillym came into view. He was ecstatic that his Lord had survived the cleansing ritual and marveled at how wonderful he looked despite his ordeal.
One by one, each servant lowered their eyes in respect as the Prince passed and acknowledged them, but when Gwillym came to Rowan, he did not look him in the eye as he had done for the others. Panic roiled up in the Courtesan's belly as Gwillym passed and he was sure that it was a sign that his Master had not settled with him just yet.
Gwillym dismounted from Beauty gracefully, his toned and muscled body moving fluidly from the saddle. After handing the reigns to his stable boy, he slowly walked over to Rowan and looked him in the eye.
Rowan shook with fear under Gwillym’s gaze, the little confidence he still had wilting under the piercing blue stare into his soul.
“Rowan…” Gwillym said softly as he knelt down on one knee in front of him. Gently taking a pale hand in his, the Warrior Prince pressed it to his forehead as a sign of his humility.
“Forgive me.”
~ tbc ~