She Didn't Know His Name

An amber sunlight illuminated the early morn. 1

Birds were singing and the flowers were in bloom. 2

Taraine strolled through the garden, her heart forlorn. 3

Longing for the arms of Ramain, he was to be her groom. 4

Still wearing her night dress that was almost translucent. 5

Her eyes shedding the tears that began in her heart. 6

Desires that stirred within her were extremely puissant. 7

Determined upon his return, never again would they part. 8

She was nearing the pond where the lily pads lay. 9

Thunder roared across the heavens while rain fell lightly. 10

Like her heart, the sun was lost to dark clouds of gray. 11

The moist breeze hardened her nipples ever so slightly. 12

This erotic feeling in her body brought her much pleasure. 13

Closing her emerald eyes, to his memory she clutched. 14

Each movement he made brought her a secret treasure. 15

Belonging to her alone, her innocence he never touched. 16

A sensation came upon her, she was no longer alone. 17

Quickly she opened her eyes and a stranger stood there. 18

Lightning flashed as loud thunder bellowed its moan. 19

Her eyes blurring by the rain as it dripped from her hair. 20

Eyes the color of azure, his hair dark like the night. 21

Standing taller than any she had ever seen before. 22

He slowly walked toward her, he filled her with fright. 23

Darkness came upon her, for Ramain's sword he wore. 24

~25

Fiercely he battled thinking only of his Taraine. 26

His mighty sword in hand, now bloodied by death. 27

Wet flaxen hair was darkened by the falling rain. 28

Struggling with each opponent, he gasped for breath. 29

His mind distracted him with thoughts of her scent. 30

Yearning to touch her and hold her close to his heart. 31

Driven by her memories he let out a cry of lament. 32

Knowing this would be his end, from her he'd depart. 33

Pain ripped through him as he collapsed to the ground. 34

A stranger aggressively took down his slayer. 35

He kneeled by Ramain's side with his sword that he found. 36

Ramain offered it to him if he'd answer his last prayer. 37

With bated breath Ramain spoke of Taraine with passion. 38

Telling this stranger of the ivory beauty that held his heart. 39

Once knowing true love, the stranger showed him compassion. 40

Promising he would go to her and his words he'd impart. 41

Fighting surrounded the stranger, but stealthily he left. 42

Upon his snowy white steed he went to find Taraine. 43

He knew that the news of her loss would leave her bereft. 44

Thunder rolled in the heavens as he rode hard in the rain. 45

~46

He rushed to catch her as she was falling to the ground. 47

Her beauty was more than Ramain's dying words told. 48

Holding her in his arms, she sighed as she came around. 49

He neared embarrassed when his maleness became bold. 50

She opened her eyes to his, she knew right away. 51

This stranger that held her came to tell of Ramain's plight. 52

Her true love wasn't coming back to share another day. 53

He lost his life and she lost her heart in the same fight. 54

Tears began falling down her face, in silence she did weep. 55

Turning her head from this stranger so rugged and strong. 56

Not wanting him to see the pain that she felt so deep. 57

She stayed in his arms although she knew it was wrong. 58

The day passed quickly, yet it seemed to last forever. 59

The rain had stopped and the thunder no longer roared. 60

They spent the rest of the day quietly together. 61

Sitting up, her breast touched the handle of Ramain's sword. 62

He took it from its sheath and put it in her hand. 63

Looking into her eyes, his desires once again grew. 64

Wanting more than her body, something he didn't understand. 65

This time she could feel him, of his desire she knew. 66

The darkness made them both aware of the time. 67

No one had come to seek her throughout the day. 68

Their moments together were very sublime. 69

No need for words, their hearts led the way. 70

The stranger went to bestride his mighty steed. 71

He turned back to Taraine she had to stay behind. 72

The look on his face seemed to tell her of his need. 73

She handed him the sword as if reading his mind. 74

He mounted his white beauty with a noble grace. 75

Galloping away quickly into the moon lit night. 76

She knew as he left that she'd remember his face. 77

She lost love and found lust because of a fatal fight. 78

Feeling a strange emptiness as this stranger took leave. 79

Not knowing his name or if she'd see him again. 80

He held her in his arms when it was for Ramain she did grieve. 81

Thinking of the stranger her frown turned to a lustful grin. 82

~83

That night in her bed her heart was filled with despair. 84

Ramain had fought to his death, now he was gone. 85

She would dream of a stranger with ebony hair. 86

Desiring his sumptuous body, naked and brawn. 87

Dawn brought a new day as Taraine woke up famished. 88

Remembering the day before, knowing it wasn't  a dream. 89

The man that she loved, in his death he vanished. 90

A stranger without words made her desires scream. 91

She chose to wear an old dress that was melanized. 92

To begin mourning the man that lost his life in battle. 93

Thinking of the stranger kept her mesmerized. 94

Afraid that if she spoke her words would be prattle. 95

Her hunger for food was loudly apparent. 96

She ate of some fruit and drank from its nectar. 97

Worrying if her thoughts were sinfully transparent. 98

She hoped her mourning would be able to protect her. 99

That had to be why no one had questioned her yet. 100

Wondering where she spent her day without food or drink. 101

Her night dress was hanging in her room still wet. 102

Thinking of him now made her heart sink. 103

Out in the garden she walked with a saunter. 104

No one bothered her, nor knew what was in her mind. 105

She kept to her self, afraid someone might taunt her. 106

Hoping one day soon this stranger she'd find. 107

~108

Not very far away Abram used Ramain's sword. 109

Always tring to avoid fighting, but at times he had no choice. 110

His thoughts were of a woman he privately adored. 111

Longing to hold her again, to hear her unheard voice. 112

Taking care of a thief that jumped him didn't slow his pace. 113

He still held her in his heart and could smell her scent. 114

His mind would never forget her beautiful face. 115

She would be with him where ever he went. 116

Taraine had captured his heart in only one day. 117

He didn't understand his powerful love for her. 118

Knowing only that she was in his heart to stay. 119

His love was pure, that he knew for sure. 120

He wasn't just a common man, he was a crowned prince. 121

Someone had killed his brother and he was out for revenge. 122

Tracking down this murderer, he hadn't been home since. 123

Thinking of his brother was painful and made him cringe. 124

His only fear was not being able to hold Taraine in his arms. 125

He'd return to her when he avenged his brothers death. 126

Then he would protect her from all life's harms. 127

When he thought of her magnificent beauty, he lost his breath. 128

She was what pushed him on without needing much rest. 129

His thirst was for her and he ate only for strength. 130

She filled him with a passion that he felt once before, at best. 131

He knew he would return to her, he would go to any length. 132

~133

Hiding in a dark cold cave, Lumar knew his fate. 134

Abram would find him, it was only a matter of time. 135

Killing his brother Drance was done so out of hate. 136

For he had stole the heart of his lady, Maehyme. 137

Now he could not have her because of his treacherous act. 138

In a drunken stupor he planned Drance's demise. 139

He snuck up behind him, for courage he lacked. 140

By his own sword, Drance laid there dead with open eyes. 141

Maehyme had come to meet him, she'd seen what Lumar did. 142

Screaming out in anguish when she saw Drance's eyes so cold. 143

Lumar ran like a coward, forever he must stay hid. 144

He knew what his future held, he didn't have to be told. 145

Hunger pangs were his and his thirst was even worse. 146

He thought of what he had to do if he wanted to survive. 147

He knew now what he'd done, he had given himself a curse. 148

His life was soon to be over, he wouldn't be allowed to stay alive. 149

Abram was a great hunter, he would find him without fail. 150

He would avenge his brothers death making him suffer long. 151

This knowledge made Lumar afraid and to his knees he fell. 152

Pulling out his sword, making right his own wrong. 153

~154

Abram found Lumar's cold body in the cave. 155

He was almost angry that he didn't see him die. 156

Satisfied at the thought of him without a grave. 157

He pulled him out in the open where the vultures would fly. 158

A short ride on his steed Belmont, took him to a stream. 159

He would camp there for a while to catch up on his rest. 160

Having a serene place to make sure his battered body was clean. 161

When he went back to see her, he wanted only to be his best. 162

Each moment left him thinking of her ivory skin. 163

She had so much beauty, this he knew was true. 164

However, he felt that she had so much more within. 165

Something strong had drawn him to her, that he knew. 166

Thinking of her awoke his desires in a loving dream. 167

He could no longer lay there in such an uncomfortable state. 168

So he wouldn't defile her, he took a swim in the cold stream. 169

For he would spill his seed in her when he made her his life mate. 170

Feeling a warm stir when Ramain spoke of her almost breathless. 171

Then seeing her loveliness in the garden that day. 172

Her rain soaked night dress didn't hide her nakedness. 173

Even now he wanted her and only time stood in their way. 174

~175

Taraine once again laid still in her bed. 176

Feeling exhausted and peace she couldn't find. 177

Thoughts of her stranger vivid in her head. 178

Seeing his eyes of azure so compassionate and kind. 179

She didn't know what her future would hold. 180

The man she was to wed had courageously lost his life. 181

Never would she give him her body to mold. 182

He wouldn't be her groom and she would never be his wife. 183

This caused her much pain, anguish filled her heart. 184

Her dreams were now nightmares when she was awake. 185

Sleep brought her fantasies of the stranger, no longer apart. 186

He touched her in ways that made her body quake. 187

Before he kissed her, she awoke alone in the night. 188

Tears stained her pillow, loneliness had her chained. 189

Desires of womanhood had become her plight. 190

She wanted the stranger, her emotions were drained. 191

Thinking she was in love with Ramain before he arrived. 192

At least in her mind that is what she had felt. 193

Knowing she would have never met him if Ramain survived. 194

Thoughts of the stranger made her heart welt. 195

~196

Abram had to stop by the Castle before going to Taraine. 197

Had to tell his father about the death of his brothers killer. 198

Not that Lumar's demise would ease any of his pain. 199

The satisfaction would be that he didn't live either. 200

King Hadar greeted him with a strong hug and a kiss. 201

Abram was his oldest child and now his only son. 202

When Abram was away, King Hadar felt life was all amiss. 203

Never remarrying after his wife died, his family was now just one. 204

Queen Marianne died along with their daughter during child birth. 205

Now all three of them were buried in the cold ground. 206

He knew that their spirits had long since left this earth. 207

When he thought of their bodies there it made his heart pound. 208

He didn't know that Abram would soon leave on a new quest. 209

His father had always encouraged him to seek a new wife. 210

Abram was sure his father would understand and think it best. 211

He was young, the King didn't want him to be alone all his life. 212

Abram suffered for years from the loss of his son and young bride. 213

Never thinking he would feel that passion again, until now. 214

He was filled with hope and an excitement he could barely hide. 215

To take Taraine to be his wife was now his solemn vow. 216

~217

Once again Taraine dressed herself in black. 218

Eating fresh fruit and enjoying its sweet nectar. 219

Then for a stroll in the garden wishing he'd come back. 220

Still amazed at how this stranger had affected her. 221

She sat near the pond, tantalizing the water with her bare feet. 222

Her mind once again taking her to the safety of his arms. 223

For there she felt whole and her heart was complete. 224

Nothing could hurt her, he protected her from all harms. 225

This was what filled her heart, all she wanted to see. 226

To be with him forever, as his lover and friend. 227

Things could never go back the way they used to be. 228

She had already given him her heart until her life's end. 229

Never did she speak a single word to him. 230

Losing Ramain hushed her, then she was lost in his eyes. 231

A day was all they had, just the two of them. 232

Together in silence she laid across his thighs. 233

She was ashamed of the urges she had that day. 234

After just losing the man she had planned to marry. 235

She was aware that the stranger felt the same way. 236

His hardness she felt as she laid on his lap, a bit wary. 237

~238

Abram needed to go tell his father of his plan. 239

How he fell in love with her beyond belief. 240

She was a gift he received from a dying man. 241

He gave her comfort when she was laden with grief. 242

Feeling in his heart that she would love him too. 243

He couldn't bare it if she was lost to him. 244

He went to tell his father what he was going to do. 245

Planning to bring her back to live there with them. 246

His father was so happy to hear of his love. 247

For he knew his son and his heart was his guide. 248

His father sent him on his way, almost with a shove. 249

Love in his eyes, his approval he didn't hide. 250

Abram was pleased at the reaction from his father. 251

With a single bound he mounted Belmont and was on his way. 252

It would take three days and two nights for him to reach her. 253

He would dream of her throughout each and every day. 254

The feelings that stirred brought back memories of his late wife. 255

He loved her with his soul, it died with her and his child. 256

She was to be forever with him, all of his life. 257

As he thought of that day his mind became riled. 258

He couldn't save her although he tried to. 259

So he watched her die as his son was born. 260

Instinct told him of what he needed to do. 261

It didn't matter, his son too he would mourn. 262

He held them both in his arms and cried. 263

The pain he endured was what his father went through. 264

For a few years earlier his mother and sister died. 265

Anguish filled him with grief and his loneliness grew. 266

Then his thoughts changed to Taraine and her ivory skin. 267

The way he felt when he was holding her so close. 268

His loneliness faded as her scent replaced the pain within. 269

He was getting closer as the sun set and the moon rose. 270

~271

Taraine looked up at the moon from a window in her room. 272

She admired its beauty, but felt it was all alone. 273

The way she felt, filled with sadness and gloom. 274

After the stranger departed and left her on her own. 275

She stared at this great ball of light in the sky. 276

Wondering where he was, if he had thoughts of her. 277

Thinking that she may never see him again made her cry. 278

Her love truly belonged to him, of this her heart was sure. 279

Leaving the window she laid upon her empty bed. 280

Wishing he was there with her to hold her through the night. 281

Once again thoughts of him invaded her head. 282

Of course they were welcomed, ones she did invite. 283

Continued into her dreams, soothing her breaking heart. 284

Holding and touching her, the stranger made her feel alive. 285

Her dreams were so fulfilling right from the start. 286

Taking her to a new day, when on his white steed he would arrive. 287

Pulling her to him and kissing her breath away. 288

Her body craving to be a part of his, to be completed as one. 289

He told her he'd never leave her again that he was back to stay. 290

Only then her eyes were opened to the morning sun. 291

With a longing to hold her, he pushed himself to the max. 292

~293

Abram was on his way again before sunrise. 294

He slept intermittently, his mind never did relax. 295

Thinking of Taraine, longing to look into her eyes. 296

Belmont seemed to feel the urgency of his master. 297

He knew where he was going, he'd been there before. 298

Galloping with grace and with pride he went faster. 299

Abram smiled, for he didn't need to control the reins anymore. 300

Belmont extended freely and felt he had new powers. 301

It was almost like they shared the same desire. 302

The miles were passing by and so were the hours. 303

The white steed was strong, not being slowed by the mire. 304

Abram knew they had to rest soon to eat and drink. 305

His heart had a painless beat for the first time in years. 306

The death of one man lead him to his life's link. 307

Not even realizing, he shed compassionate tears. 308

A small lake with a beautiful waterfall was just ahead. 309

It was the perfect place to rest and partake of food. 310

So he slowed Belmont and to the lake he was lead. 311

Abram's heart was singing, he was in a surreal mood. 312

~313

Taraine hated the sun for taking away her dream. 314

She lived when she slept and existed when awake. 315

Her heart was losing hope, her energy losing steam. 316

A piece of him stayed with her, a bond that wouldn't break. 317

Deciding today that she would go for a ride. 318

Her black beauty, Corinth hadn't been out in many a day. 319

She rode off in a hurry as if she was trying to hide. 320

With her dress pulled between her legs, not riding her usual way. 321

Down to the stream, the one where Abram had once been. 322

She didn't know this, but she seemed to sense he'd been there. 323

Walking now with Corinth right beside her then. 324

A thief came up behind her and she wasn't at all aware. 325

He grabbed her from behind and she tried hard to scream. 326

His hands had cupped her mouth so it muffled the sound. 327

Corinth trotted off quickly toward the stream. 328

The thief laughed at her struggling as he threw her to the ground. 329

As he was tearing at her dress she felt a rock by her thigh. 330

She picked it up and hit him hard on the head. 331

His body laid heavy on her after he let out a painful sigh. 332

Trying with all her might, she pushed him off as he bled. 333

Tears falling down her face as she ran to mount her horse. 334

Then galloping away with fear that he followed behind. 335

She pushed Corinth to extend full force. 336

Getting home safely was the only thought on her mind. 337

When she returned home, the cook gave her comfort as she cried. 338

She was the only family she had left and she wasn't even that. 339

Her mother was a cook, but several years ago she died. 340

Her father was a nobleman and lost his life in combat. 341

He was the reason King Hathor let her live there. 342

The cook, Valance was the one who took care of her. 343

Ramain was loyal to the King, died trying to retrieve stolen ware. 344

Given permission to wed Taraine when he returned with it secure. 345

Valance was so afraid of what the future held for her loved one. 346

She knew Ramain loved her, he would protect her with his life. 347

When the news came of his death, her worries begun. 348

Not knowing if anyone with means would want her for his wife. 349

She washed Taraine's face and told her to change her dress. 350

Then after she rested to bring the torn one to her for mending. 351

In her room Taraine fell on her bed filled with distress. 352

She was all alone now, there would be no more pretending. 353

Crying herself to sleep, not dreaming of her stranger. 354

Her heart was now empty and her life would be too. 355

Afraid to go out riding Corinth, she now knew of the danger. 356

Happiness was lost to her, her nightmares were coming true. 357

~358

Abram was riding again, darkness was coming soon. 359

He knew all he wanted in life was to make her his bride. 360

Hoping that she wanted him too, if she didn't he'd swoon. 361

It was stronger than ego, it was more than mere pride. 362

He loved her with all he was, to the core of his being. 363

Knowing that with her he could be a complete man. 364

Oh, how he longed for her to send his fears fleeing. 365

When he first saw her standing there a new life in him began. 366

Sensations enveloped him that hadn't for years. 367

He felt complete while he was holding her close. 368

Wanting to ease her pain and kiss away her tears. 369

Even now he yearned for her as his maleness rose. 370

Faster he pushed Belmont, his eagerness he set free. 371

Floating in his thoughts and in his heart. 372

He knew that being with her was meant to be. 373

Soon now she would be his, her beauty a piece of art. 374

The sun had set and the moon settled in the sky. 375

He slowed Belmont to a trot and searched for his nights bed. 376

The stars shining bright, no clouds to make them shy. 377

Thoughts only of Taraine as he rested his tired head. 378

~379

She slept into the night and through until morn. 380

Not aware right away that she slept into another day. 381

She saw the dress she wore, on the floor all dirty and torn. 382

Although the sun was shining, everything looked gray. 383

She went down to Valance and handed her the torn dress. 384

Hugging and thanking her for the comfort she gave. 385

Valance smiled, not wanting her to know of her stress. 386

Taraine was in her own world, her outlook seemed grave. 387

Fear now filled her heart, so she lingered at the kitchen table. 388

She used to spend many hours there when she was young. 389

Laughing with her mother whenever she was able. 390

Listening to her stories and delighted when she sung. 391

Tears began to slide down her cheeks at her memories. 392

Wishing her mother could shield her from her mind. 393

She shouldn't have wanted the stranger or indulged in fantasies. 394

Then to have a life without him wouldn't seem so hard to find. 395

She got up, deciding to go out into the garden. 396

Still wearing her night dress, she wandered with a heart forlorn. 397

Although her heart was breaking she didn't let it harden. 398

She lost herself in the silence of the early morn. 399

~400

Abram cleansed himself in the lake and was on his way. 401

Taraine was closer to him than she had been in a long while. 402

He was going to find out it she wanted him today. 403

Thoughts of holding her caused him to wear a smile. 404

Belmont galloped on, his quest was close to its end. 405

Abram loved this animal that was so loyal to him. 406

He had been a true warrior and a dear friend. 407

Life without his mighty steed would have been very grim. 408

Slowing to a trot, for they were getting closer. 409

It wouldn't be long now, she was just over the hill. 410

The Palace she lived in, belonged to King Hathor. 411

Her mother had worked there of her own free will. 412

Ramain had told him of her sad plight. 413

When he was talking about the woman he treasured. 414

He had explained all of it the day he lost his fight. 415

Still a virgin, he never took her to be pleasured. 416

Abram didn't care about her past, he wanted her in his life. 417

He stopped Belmont, the Palace was such a beautiful sight. 418

The time was now here for him to go see his future wife. 419

Remembering the pain of her loss as he held her into the night. 420

Today he was going to her, declaring his love. 421

He wondered if she would be in the garden waiting, like before. 422

The thunder rolled across the heavens above. 423

He entered through the garden gates, her beauty shone more. 424

Rain started to fall lightly, the wet night dress revealing all. 425

She turned gracefully when he called to her. 426

Tears welt up in her eyes and then they began to fall. 427

Slowly, in unison they walked toward one another. 428

Pulling her to him, he kissed her slow and then hard. 429

She melted at his touch and Abram did the same. 430

Now she was whole, letting down her guard. 431

Together forever, yet she didn't know his name.432