As was his custom since the days of riding with his Fathers Army, Alaric woke just as the first rays of the morning sun sliced through the darkness of the bed chamber, casting a soft glow upon the curves of the woman that laid at his side. He yawned then stretched and for a moment let his thoughts wander, enjoying the peaceful stillness of dawn, he rolled over on his side facing the woman lying on her belly and turned away from him, he placed a palm upon the small of her back and slowly slipped his hand up along her spine relishing the feel of her soft smooth skin under his calloused hand.

Since the time he took his first steps he had been trained and taught in the ways of combat and war, glory and honor from a battle won, the conquering of an enemy and the subjugation of his people and lands had been his world, things such as tenderness, affection, gentleness and love were signs of weakness and had no place within the heart of a warrior, but all of that changed the day she stepped into his life. His fingers now toyed with the long tresses of silk like hair that hung about her shoulders, she moaned and stirred softly but remained fast asleep.

It had been an arranged marriage, an agreement between his Father and a lesser Lord to keep the Lord from losing his holdings and title due to a lost wager made during a jousting tournament. Alaric had never seen nor heard of the woman until the day they were wedded, but the moment he lifted her vail after the Priest pronounced them man and Wife and he looked into her eyes, his life was forever changed.

Feeling amorous now, he nudged her slightly and got yet another murmer of soft protest at his urging, he smiled to himself and decided to let her be, then the thought crossed his mind as to how many more children they would of had, if he had not spent the better part of five, almost six years securing lands for his Father instead of romping about like a pair of rabbits with his young Bride. A soft knock and the sliding of the doors bolt stirred him from his thoughts and he spun about, tossed the furs away and rose to his feet with a deep growl in his hushed tone of voice, "Stand your place or I'll have the flesh flayed from your backside...give me but a few moments more and ye may enter and tend to her Highness". 

Now dressed and letting the visibly shaken Handmaiden of the Queen enter the Chamber, he strode down the stone hall to the stairway leading down to the greathall of the inner Keep where the morning meal was laid out upon the tables by still sleepy eyed servants who had long since learned it was better to lose sleep then encounter a hungry King. He spotted Cilla, a frown crossing his face as he noted her choice of attire, he started to comment but held his tongue and nodded his head instead in way of greeting as he approached his seat, today was not the day to be spent in a winless argument over the proper attire of a Princess. Before seating he took hold of a knife and speared a few pieces of venison, cheese and bread, took another glance at his Daughter, noting she seemed lost in her own thoughts before he sat and ate in silence.

A moment later a servant appeared and hasting placed a tankard of meade before him then hurried off, he finished the last few bites of venison left on the plate, then drained the tankard of its contents and rose to his feet, he started to walk past his Daughter but then stopped and turned to face her back. Stepping toward her, he draped his right arm over her shoulder and gently hugged her about the neck, with his left hand he ruffled her hair playfully, "How is it to be that the spirit of a mighty warrior should come to be found within the form of a Princess", he chided softly, "Were I to have but a mere hundred warriors with tenacity such as yours, the world would be mine to rule". He held her briefly then kissed the top of her head before letting go and returning to his chambers to dress for the days coming event.

Alaric stood along with the others and watched in awe as the Queen of Sevaviel came forth with her entourage, were once a lil Princess, nothing but knees and elbows walked, now came a young Lady of striking beauty. he followed her glance toward Rowan whom may as well have been a statue of stone, whatever his feelings were at the moment, he managed to keep well hid behind a mask of indifference.

[color=ed145b]"I thank you for allowing me to come and stay in your lands until the wedding day of me and the Crowned Prince, Rowan, It's been years it feels like since I've been here. Was I missed?"[/color]

Her voice was soft, almost melodious, but something about her tone made it seem to him as if controlled, perhaps even rehearsed, he studied her a moment, then widened his stance and folded his arms across his chest before speaking in his deep gruff tone of voice,  

"Missed indeed", he paused a moment, and looked to his beloved Queen with a quick wink of an eye before looking back to the Queen of Sevaiel, "It was just this very Morn that thoughts of a young Princess not much taller then my knee with eyes that sparkled like the bluest of diamonds with merriment, and a joyous infectious laughter that echoed throughout the halls of this Keep came to my thoughts. And now here stands before me a remarkable young Lady, whom wishes to know if shes been missed".

Then to everyones astonishment and surprise, he stepped forward, opened his arms and embraced her as if she were his own child, "Aye the lil Princess has and will be missed, but I'm honoured to be gaining a Daughter in law in her place". He released her, but kept hold of her hand, he turned to look for Lord Robert and spotted hom next to Cilla and called out to him, "Lord Robert, if you please, see that the Queens baggage is sent to her quarters, and the other guests to their quarters as well so that they might freshen up if they should wish to before dinner". He turned back to Emillia and announced,"The Queen and I will have words in private", he turned to look at those who had travelled with her, " Welcome to Thirmos, I will take but a brief moment of your Queens time, please go inside and enjoy the hospitality of my Castle, if you have need of anything, hasitate not in asking".

Alaric escorted her to the seclusion of his Wifes private garden, then closed the gate so only he and her could walk among the various plants and blooms of radiant colors, after a brief moment he spoke, his tone now soft and caring as they walked the path around the garden,

" My apologies for not sending my condolences for the loss of your Father, I was away and did not recieve word in time to make arrangments to travel to his burial...your Father and I may of had our disagreements and moments of anger, but he was an honorable and just man and will be missed", he puased a moment before continuing,"Emillia, under the circumstances, with the passing of your Father, and the sudden burden of becoming a Ruler, I will not hold you to the marriage arrangement, should you wish not to follow through, but I well say once more, it would be an honor to have you in the Family". He paused then turned to face her, studied her face and awaited her answer.