Aetheling Ten

[ismenin]

Lando, by Primsie!

Hello! I hope you forgive me for my nuttiness in posting another Hobart Drizzle story yesterday. I was just in that sort of a mood!

But today, we are back to normal, with Aetheling, and our bois.


This part is dedicated to the lambent lisabellex HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweetie!





Thanks to ladysunrope for beta.


Aetheling - 10

Dom insisted that he was not at all weary, and that everyone should retire to bed. "You will all need your strength if we have to travel further. Who knows what plans may be offered to us for our safety? I am perfectly capable of looking after Lando for tonight."

Emm looked mutinous at being deprived of her charge, but Dan and Rufe were relieved, for they were not hardened warriors. All left the three men alone for the night, for Lighe, noting his squire's weary eyes and drooping frame, told Dan he would not need him to sleep in his room, and to take himself off to his own chamber, which the lad did with alacrity.

Lighe was grateful to be offered the luxury of bed after several nights on the cold ground, although his body was much recovered from the abuse it had received at Leofric's hands.
He told Dom that he would come to see how Lando did in a few hours. "He does not look well, by any means," Lighe had said softly, as Dom had come into the other chamber for a last cup of wine before retiring.

"He does not; but I meant it when I said I have seen him worse, and he me, for that matter. He is strong - it will be well with him. I am certain of it."

Lighe poured the last of the wine into Dom's cup, and Dom took it, with a smile, back to his room.

Lighe began to remove his veil, then remembered that he had sent Dan to bed, and his gown was still laced at the back. He would have to sleep in it, if Dom would not aid him.

He stood at the adjoining door, twisting the veil in his hand.

"Dom," Lighe said from the doorway, with a slight blush which Dom was surprised to note. "Will you unlace me this gown? Dan was so wearied, I sent him away before I thought of it."

Dom finished his wine, and glancing at Lando who was snoring loudly, came forward, and followed Lighe into the other chamber.

"It is a thing I have never before attempted," Dom remarked as he began the unlacing, staring intently at the white smoothness that was the back of Lighe's neck. He resisted the almost overwhelming urge to kiss it.

Lighe also had something on his mind, and it was easier to ask his question with his back turned to Dom. "Have you ever...lain with a woman?"

Tugging the lacing through a stubborn eyelet, Dom coughed, surprised by the question. "Once or twice, I did. But I am not as Lando, who has lain with as many women as he has men. It did not...please me." He continued his unthreadings.

Lighe's head was bowed, and his voice so quiet Dom had to strain to hear him. "So did I. Once. It was not for me, either."

Dom thought of the softness of a woman's body compared with the hard muscle of the warrior man, and longed to ask Lighe why he, too, preferred men, but he did not do so. There was time and enough for questions such as that.

He held the gown and the undershift as Lighe stepped out of them, and forced his eyes to stare at the table, not at the naked form in front of him. He neatly folded the gown and put it on a chair, glad to be occupied, as Lighe slipped into the night robe of Swidwulf's providing.

Lighe climbed into the high bed, and smiled at Dom. "Thank you. I shall come to see how he does in a few hours, as I said. Sleep well!"

"And you, also," Dom replied with an answering smile. Lighe blew out the candle, and Dom left the room with the door ajar in case he needed help. He removed his outer garments, and leaving one candle burning, settled to rest on the edge of the bed so as not to disturb the injured Lando's sleep.

He was glad that the beds in these rooms seemed made to accommodate Swidwulf's impressive girth, so he turned comfortably to keep an eye on his cousin, who was resting better now he was lying in a bed, and not in a jolting cart. Lando seemed to be breathing well, and was much cooler than when he had arrived. Dom leaned over, kissed his cousin on the forehead, and settled to sleep.

Lighe watched all this through the crack of the open door, and was conscious of a slight twinge - could it be of jealousy? - in his chest. He was a lonely young man, having few friends at the castle. Most of the people there were conscious of Cerdic's negligent attitude towards his son, and, truth to tell, Lighe thought that, because of it, they were afraid to come too near him in friendship.

Except Swefred, Rufe's brother, and one or two others - besides those who shared the infrequent commands to his bed - there were few to share his thoughts. His sister, although a sweet enough girl, was mostly concerned with her appearance and the acquisition of new gowns, and his mother was devoted - Odin knew why! - wholly to her husband, sparing little time for any of her children. His aunt Ermyngarde was kept busy by the sickness always rife where many live so close together, and the time he was able to spend with her was rare, and all too brief.

Rufe, Emm and Dan were a little young to share Lighe's interests and concerns, but he greatly valued their friendship, given, as it was, freely, and in the face of so much opposition.

No, there had been no-one, barring Leofric - whose attentions he had always despised - no-one but Thrydwulf, and he had been gone for a long while. There had been no-one of equal rank to laugh with, to ride and to joke with, until...until Dom arrived.

Dom and Lando, who had both helped him with Leofric...and Dom had been rewarded for this aid, in recent days, not with kind words and expressions of gratitude, but by exhibitions of Lighe's short temper, and by lashings from his extremely cutting tongue.

And Lando had been wounded - stabbed by Leofric - and left to die, which surely would not have happened if he had kept himself out of Leofric's bed. Despite this, the man still laughed and smiled and made everyone about him happy. He had not complained that, but for trying to help Lighe, he would not have found himself in such a position.

And what of himself? The Aetheling? Prince of this realm? What had he done, he thought, to assist those about him - especially the younglings - in these latest, most difficult and dangerous times, to conquer any fear they may have for the future? Despite the darkness, Lighe felt a blush flood his cheeks. Well, he would manage better, from now onwards. It would be a aim with himself, also, to make Dom laugh. He nodded... yes, it would!

He must have slept a while, for when he looked again, the candle in the next room had burnt down and was guttering in its socket. Lighe rose quickly and taking a candle from the rush basket underneath the table, went quietly into the other room, and replaced it.

Dom was still sleeping fast, so he felt Lando's head, glad to find it cooler, and the sick man opened his eyes at the touch. "Will you help me?" he whispered, and Lighe smiled at him and did as the man desired.

When he had done what Lando had asked of him, he rang out a cloth and gently wiped Lando's sweating body - at least all the parts he could reach - and made him comfortable. Then he changed the dressing on the wound, and was pleased to see that the flow of pus had lessened. The laudable pus was clearing, and he was sure this meant that the lining of the wound had come away. He told Lando so, and was glad when the man gave a relieved sigh.

There was mead in a cup and Lando drank some of this, smiling his thanks. Then Lighe saw the small bottle of poppy juice which Swidwulf must have placed on the table, and when he unstoppered it, he immediately recognised its distinct and pungent smell.

"Do you wish for some? Are you in much pain?" Lighe asked softly, kneeling beside Lando's head.

The man nodded. "Sacré Bleu - I am! - I feel like a stuck pig. I would be glad of some, Aetheling."

"Lighe," the Aetheling whispered, staring at the bottle in some dismay. "I am Lighe, remember? But Lando, I have not the remotest clue as to how much to give. I have never..."

"Four drops is the usual dose for a man. Put it in a little mead." Lando's voice was hoarse with pain and Lighe hurried to do as he directed.

"Thank you!" Lando breathed, after he had gulped it down, real gratitude in his tone. "You look much better than when I last saw you, Lighe. How does my Dom? I feel him lying next to me, but I have turned my head, for it is more comfortable for my back, facing outwards. Is he well?"

My Dom! How well that sounded. I wish it were I...

Lando, looking at the desolate landscape of loneliness that was Lighe's face - so close to his, so clear the man's longing was to his poppy-heightened perception - that despite his own physical pain, he kept his eyes open, awaiting an answer.

"He is well, Lando; yes, well, but tired, I think. He has been very kind and attentive to me on our journey. I fear I have not...valued him as I ought." Lighe's soft voice was tight with suppressed emotion.

Lando's eyes closed. "He is a great prince, and a good man, Lighe. I have often wished that he loved me as much as I love him, but he does not. Love has not yet entered into his life. Still I am happy to have his close friendship, and his true affection..."

"...and, Lighe," Lando continued, his voice growing quieter, so that Lighe had to lean closer to hear the words, "I am sorry for what happened the night before we parted. I...I truly thought it was he..." and with that, the drug took him, and he fell asleep.

Lighe pulled the sheet carefully over Lando's exposed shoulders, and went back to bed.


I am sorry for what happened...

Lighe closed his eyes and, smiling at the memory, thought of that night.

He had been dozing, not quite asleep, when he was suddenly awakened by a shifting in the bed next to him. Dom had risen and gone outside, and he and Lando shared the bed alone.

It was still dark, and he could see nothing, but he could feel Lando's body had moved closer to his. Then, a hand was resting on his naked thigh. A hand that was warm and... Was Lando awake? Lighe had thought he must be, for his hand moved upwards until it found...

Lighe blushed in the dark as he recalled the long fingers grasping him, teasing him...

He had reached down and removed the hand. There was a sigh of annoyance from Lando, and his hand returned to smooth and to caress. Lighe removed it again, for the pressure and the teasing was, naturally, making him hard, and he did not wish it.

Lando had replaced the hand, this time on Lighe's belly, and tried to draw him closer, into an embrace. This time Lighe grasped the hand and squeezed it, hard.

There was a disgruntled squeak from his companion. "Dom. I beg you, let me touch..."

Lighe had spoken softly in Lando's ear. "It is not Dom's body you are touching, Orleans, but mine. Remove your hand, before I break it!"

Lando's hand shot off Lighe's body like an arrow from a bow. "Merde!" the voice had muttered out of the darkness. "I am sorry..."


Lighe was still smiling as he glanced through the door into the next room. Lando was fast asleep, and next to him, Dom lay, oblivious to anything happening about him.

He must be very weary not to have heard Lando or myself talking, even if we spoke in whispers, Lighe thought.

He was sure that he would have woken had it been someone he cared for who needed aid. Except... Lighe remembered the nights on the road, when Dom seemed to sleep little, and was always awake when the company stirred at dawn. It was as if something more than their present predicament troubled him. What could it be?

Then Lighe remembered the kiss. Felt, once more, Dom's warm lips upon his, eager and soft, claiming him; felt strong arms draw him closer, as he was too giddy and weak as yet to resist. Those arms, holding him pressed against Dom's hard body, the hands firm, but shaking, running over his back, the taste of Dom's mouth like warm, sweet wine against his tongue...

That was no lesson. It was no punishment designed to put Lighe in his place, Lighe knew that, now, of a certainty. Dom had desired that kiss. Dom desired...him.

Lighe groaned as he felt himself rise, hard and damp against his belly. With a shake of his head he turned to press himself against the soft mattress, and with the strength of will that had marked the whole of his lonely, disciplined life, he willed himself to ignore it.

Eventually he fell asleep, and did not wake until Dan brought him his break-fast.



The morning dawned fair, but the small group were advised by Swidwulf to stay indoors. "I cannot have you seen by the servants, my prince. Who knows if any of them are in Leofric's pay? I do not think it could be so - but it is well not to risk it.
They must realise I have people up here, but they cannot say who. It may be I will have to sacrifice Dan and Rufe to any searchers - but I swear, Aetheling, it shall not be you!"

Lighe sighed, but acknowledged the sense of it. At least Swidwulf's house had larger windows - he being a rich man - and was not as stuffy as had been the tower where Leofric had imprisoned them.

Later in the day, when Lando was feeling better, all the company gathered around his bed to hear what had happened to him, as there had been little opportunity to do so before. Besides, as Lando confided in them, he wished now to tell the tale.

"I misjudged him," the injured man revealed, making a wry face. "It seems he knew very well that I had been set on to distract him from Lighe. When he invited me out to ride that last day, he took me to a lonely spot where his men were waiting. They bound me and took me to the place where the Aetheling was held."

"He took great pleasure in telling me what he would do to Lighe when he was able to return. He laughed at the plot laid against him by us for Lighe's benefit, and said we were as transparent as children in our intentions. He said he would..."

He had glanced at the younglings as he spoke, and Dom thought he was wise not to reveal more. Lando would tell him when the time was more opportune, he was sure.

"Then, later - hours, days - I do not know how long it was, it was dark in the room, he came to me and told me that it was to be that night. He said that all the...things...he was going to do to Lighe he would also do to me. Then he would kill us both. It suited his purposes very well, he said. I do not know what were his purposes, but I know evil when I see it. He must have some skill to have hidden much of his true self from me."

There was silence for a few moments whilst Lando refreshed himself with some ale, then he continued.

"I heard angry voices but I could not hear what was being said; then he came down and dragged me, still bound, upstairs."

He looked down, unwilling to meet Lighe's clear eyes. "Lighe was lying on the bed, barely conscious. He was much bruised and Leofric, the mad bastard as he is, stabbed me in the back without a word, and wrote MINE on Lighe's belly in my blood. Then, as I was fainting with shock and loss of blood, he laid me on top of Lighe.

""I think it will not please Amiens to find either of you thus," he said. "This is what he gets for meddling in my affairs. And worse will come to you all, when the time is more opportune." Then he laughed, kissed Lighe on the mouth, and ran out. I do not remember more until you came."

He raised his eyes then, and looked at the company. "I know that there are those who require vengeance upon him, who come before me in the lists, but by God, Saint Michael and all his holy angels, I intend to crush him as one would crush a viper! No-one strikes at the Bastard of Orléans and lives!"

Lando was sitting up in bed, his back cushioned by many soft pillows, but the pain in his eyes was still plain to be seen - and the anger.

Emm came forward and said it would be better if Lando rested, now, and he smiled at her and said, "as my lady pleases," and allowed her to settle him more comfortably.

Dan and Rufe went off to do something with Swidwulf, so Dom and Lighe were left alone in the other bed-chamber.

Lighe, getting up from his chair to fetch some mead from the side table, let out a very manly oath as he tripped over the skirts of his gown.

"I do not know how women manage to stay upright in these things. These skirts attack my ankles as would a rabid pup!" He commented, as he leant against the bed and pulled the skirts out from under his shoes.

Dom laughed, and Lighe, remembering his promise to make Dom do so, flushed with pleasure, and resolved to do it again. For Dom's laugh had a comfortable, warm ring to it, like being wrapped in a wool blanket.

They spent the day talking together, in between visiting the next room to see how Lando fared, and each man learned much about the other.

Lighe was thrilled to hear of Dom's exploits in other lands, and of the group of holy knights with whom he once rode in fellowship, men dedicated to roaming the world, preaching of God, doing good wherever they went, and helping those sick and in need.

"It seems to me your ways have brought something to mankind of much use. It is good to be at one with each other. Tell me more..."

...and Dom, knowing that Lighe's history was brief and lacking in amusing tales, told of how Lando and he had been hiding in a house of ill-repute from some renegades who were out to rob them of their last coin. "We dressed as women - washerwomen - then, and escaped through the town unnoticed. In our rush to escape Lando became entangled in his skirts and landed headfirst into a barrel. So you are not the only one to have tripped over a gown, my friend!"

They ate together, and Dan, coming in later to see if his master needed anything, was glad to see the two men so comfortable in each other's company, after the animosity he had before witnessed between them. It seemed to him there was a softer look in the Aetheling's eyes, and he was glad of it.

Emm, tending to Lando in the next room, begrudged anyone attempting to help with looking after him. It was fast dawning on Dan, as he told Lighe later, when they were alone, that Emm regarded the stricken prince as her sole property.

"And what's more," remarked Dan rather indistinctly over a mouthful of the mutton pie Lighe had left upon his plate, "he seems to be very content with the situation. I shan't reveal, my lord, what he said to Rufe when he offered him his services, but I never thought a puissant prince as is he would employ such language, even to one inferior in rank."

Lighe laughed and said that as both Dan and Rufe had heard him complain over burned meats or a blunted sword, neither of them should be surprised if a man swear, and they laughed over it until Swidwulf came to order Dan's help with the removal of some furniture.

"If I can house you and Rufe in the same room, it'll be easier for all if we have to move swiftly," he commented. Dan, stuffing in a last mouthful of the excellent pie, was glad to have something to do.

Lighe knew it was difficult for Dan, returning home so soon after his mother's death. He saw the lad looking around him, expecting to see his mother at every turn. It was harder for him than anyone, Lighe thought, because he was at home.

Luckily, Swidwulf was no fool; he saw the look on his son's face as anything belonging to his mother was brought out, or moved. Her chair, Lighe used. Her favourite footstool was in Emm's room. Her tapestries and woolwork still lined the walls. Her sewing basket still rested beside Lighe's bed, where she had worked upon her needlework until she was too weak to hold the needle.

Dan was kept busy for quite some time, and it was with a thankful heart that he sank into bed after it all. But sleep did not come to him that night. The boy was beginning to grieve at last. The heavy, cold feeling surrounding his heart had begun to disappear, and was turning into something sharper. Lying in his bed alone, feeling as he did, almost choked with longing for his mother, was more than he could bear.

He thought of going to his father, but knew in his heart his Da suffered from the same pain. Before he realised where he was, the lad found himself in Lighe's room, staring at the figure lying in the bed. His mother's bed.

The door clicked loudly behind him, and Lighe stirred. "Dan, is that you?"

Dan tried to answer, but all that came out was a harsh sob. Lighe sat up, then seeing the boy's distress, and called softly to him.

"Come and warm yourself, Dan. The bed is big enough, and you must be cold."

Dan walked forward, then, shivering, climbed in and lay down. "This is the side on which my mother used to lie..." was all he managed before Lighe put his arms about him, and held him as he sobbed into his master's chest. He wept as a man would weep, not a child - terrifying, loud rasping sobs that tore at his chest. Lighe patted his back, and held him tight, not trying to soothe the lad, but allowing his grief to have full rein.

Dom came to the open doorway, carrying the candle, to see what was afoot, then observing Dan's distress, and realising the cause of it, nodded at Lighe over the boy's head and returned to Lando.

Eventually Dan stopped weeping, and then, ashamed at his tears, tried to apologise to Lighe for what he called his "weakness".

Lighe rubbed the lad's arm affectionately as he lay back on the pillows beside him. "I know full well the weight of such grief. Do not be ashamed to share it with understanding friends. Think you that I have not desired to weep in the darkest of the night, over the happenings of the last days?"

He could say no more, and Dan, understanding this, forbore to speak.

They lay side by side, in the middle of the bed, each receiving comfort from the mere presence of the other. "Do not fear to come to me, Dan, with any concern you may have, and with which you would not care to burden your father. I will help you if I can. I am proud of the way you have comported yourself. So proud must be your father, also - feeling as he must - as you do - over Aithne's loss. Sleep, now."

"Thank you," Dan whispered, and turned to face the door, preparing for sleep. Lighe waited until he heard the light snoring that usually accompanied Dan's rest, and went to see Dom and Lando, who were talking quietly in the next room.

"Poor lad," Lando said, with easy sympathy, when Lighe had settled in the chair beside him. Then his brow furrowed and he examined Lighe carefully. "Why are you not asleep, Lighe? Dom is the same. I have good reason for my wakefulness - and before you ask, no, I thank you, I do not wish for more of the juice. I know what happens to those who take too much of the poppy. But you two? What keeps you from sleep?"

Lighe pressed his lips tight together. "I was thinking of my brother, and whether he is safe," he volunteered, in a burst of candour. "And whether my uncle is involved with his son in this...rape...for it would have been nothing less. And if my father..."

Lando reached over and grasped Lighe's arm. "We are with you, Aetheling, for good or ill. Although I am not fit to help you, now, I will be well soon. And then - then, my prince, we shall see what transpires."

Dom said nothing. He had been looking at Lighe across the bed, and thinking that if he had been lying beside Lighe, as Dan had been - and would yet be - it would have made him a very contented man.

Lighe seemed to sense Dom's feelings in some way, because his eyes sparkled as he left the room, and Lando, watching his cousin most carefully, remarked softly, "so that is the way the wind blows, is it, coz?"

Dom said, loftily, that he had not the remotest idea what Lando meant by that remark, and pretended sleep, until he drifted off at length to the pleasant thought of kissing a man with blue eyes, and touching his skin, burnished as it was, like polished silk.

Comments

[ladysunrope.livejournal.com]

okay I'm officially smitten by Siglandus. He is gorgeous. *thanks Prim for giving us all The Pretty*

meep

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. He's so cute in that outfit, isn't he?
: )

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

He is rather cute, isn't he? Bless his cotton socks! :D

[verangel.livejournal.com]

I kept thinking...look up Dom, look at that gorgeous naked white body instead of the table. P'''' I was hoping Dom might have heard some of the frank and open discussion between Lighe and Lando. Later made up for that with Lando's realization of what he saw in Dom's face. This chapter was so wonderful. It was about kindness, gratefullness, making peace in some ways. Lighe made peace with his inner self and resolved to show Dom kindness, laughter. He is wonderful with Lando. Dan made peace with his grief he has had to withhold. Again, the compassion from Lighe is heartwarming. They all found peace in each other's company to heal before the storm. A lot of discovery. It is painful to think of Lighe's great loneliness. It is caught and observed by each companion. But the loneliness revealed through Lighe is overwhelming. It made me so sad for him.
I am so looking forward to when he is given love and comfort. He is more than deserving.
Hugs you close. Another week to suffer. You are making me wish my weeks away for the next chapter! xoxooxox v
Oh and Siglandus is beautiful in this picture...nice boots. :P

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, now Lighe has a Dom, I don't think he'll be lonely any longer. We all need a DomLijj, don't we? I know I do.

I do love these boys together, in any way, shape or form, I do! :D xxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

That is such a beautiful manip. Siglandus is gorgeous, and very lovable as you write him.

It's lovely to witness the gradual transformation of Lighe, through his observation of the mean he's with, to see his heart softening as he realizes his own loneliness, and reaches out toward the friendship and warmth he's been offered, and the possibility of real love. It's very moving in so many ways. The scene where he comforts Dan is so touching.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'm very grateful to Prims for her manips. So lovely

Lighe's hear is definitely softening. Yes. Love is on its way. :D xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

Darling Ru, thank you so much for the dedication! Am just about to read. Will be back in a mo!

xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

That is indeed the way the wind blows. Oh yes.

I love what's growing between Lighe and Dom, and the way this time of uncertainty and crisis is bonding all your wonderful characters together. And I agree with LSR - your Siglandus is gorgeous.

And coo - I'm officially lambent!

Eat your hearts out, folks!

Love this story, Ru. And thank you for the dedication. I feel honoured.

*hugs tight*

x

:D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, lambent was a daft word to describe you, as it means "flickering" and you definitely do not flicker!:D

I have grown very fond of Siglandus - he cracks me up, even when he's far from well. Bless them all. :D xxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

I have been known to flicker in our kitchen, as we have a somewhat dodgy light fitting, so under certain circumstances the adjective might well apply! :D

Bless them all, indeed.

*big, unlambent hugs*

:D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Effulgent is a nicer word. Giggles. :D

[frolijah-fan-54.livejournal.com]

I love this story more and more each week - the way that Lighe comforted Dan and cared for Lando and decided he wanted to make Dom laugh. They are each slowly realizing they have feelings for each other - I can't wait until the light bulb goes off for both of them and they ACT on those feelings!! I have a feeling that Lando may push Dom a bit - or at least I'm hoping he will!! But I have a feeling their are a few more bumps in the road first - they are still hunted men. You always have such a great mix of excitement and tension and love - you're a GREAT storyteller.

And the pic of Lando is beautiful!!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

My roads do tend to be a tad bumpy, yes, they do! I'm happy you are enjoying my story. It makes me warm inside! Thanbk you! :D xxx

[aliensouldream.livejournal.com]

"No-one strikes at the Bastard of Orléans and lives!"

Hehe, you said it, Lando! I am starting to like him a lot. It's amusing that he should please women as well as men. He's so agreeable! Seems a shame his love for Dom in not requited in the same way. However, we are starting to see how Lighe has a warm heart hidden under that cold exterior. He was so sweet to poor Dan! And the neck thing ... *wibbles*

"and of the group of holy knights with whom he once rode in fellowship"

Sounds familiar! I want to hear more about them. :-) I'm glad they're all bonding. Onward to vengence!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Lighe's heart is very warm - he's just not used to showing it, that's all. :D

Bonding goeth on apace! ;D xxx

[trianne.livejournal.com]

Oh Ru!
I just sat for two solid hours and read every word of this story. It's marvellous! I utterly love your characters, even the horrible ones, and was totally immersed in the story. I particularly love how you've written Siglandus and Dan, Rufe and Emm.
I hope against hope that Cerdric won't have been involved in his son's abduction and planned murder; and am very intrigued as to what's happened to the Aethling's brother. So yes, fantastic and I can't wait for Part 11 :D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy you like it, Tri. I do myself! :D

I hope it continues to hold your interest. Snoggles you! ;D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

Wow. That's an amazing manip of Orlando! I can so see him like that!!! :)

*prints fic*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

It's lovely, isn't it? Prims is so clever! :D

[ourdramaqueen.livejournal.com]

Yes I do believe that is in fact the way the wind blows, heee! :D Love how Lighe slowly thaws - poor lonely thing, but not for long anymore! Also glad to see Lando doing better. And Leofric, I foresee a lot of suffering for you... *cackle*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

He's a bad naughty man, that Leofric, and deserves everything thar's coming to him. But even *I* haven't a clue as yet what the something coming will be. It'll turn up - it always does! :D

[http://users.livejournal.com/saura_/]

oh, dear! I see Lighe warming and Dom falling in love and this is just so amazing, and so beautiful!!!!

Lighe is showing "weakness" --concerning for his brother, to his new friends and turning human more than Aetheling (by the time I'm able to write down "Aetheling" all right in one go, this amazing fic would be over! *lol*)

I think I'm love with your Orlando! And the boys, Ruf and Dan, and Em! Oh, I love them all!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I must admit to feeling a soft spot for Lando, myself - he is such a cheerful soul, even in pain. Bless.

And Lighe is definitely warming to Dom, yes he is! Huggles. ;D xxx