Rogue; Faramir and Eowyn

I chose this segment because Tolkien is the master. Obviously. In the Lord of the Rings, he didn't devote a lot of time to romance. We just catch brief snatches between Aragorn and Arwen, Faramir and Eowyn, (Legolas and Gimli, heh heh) and those few passages are enough to melt my cynical, sarcastic exterior and bring out the wretched romantic in me. The chapter he devotes to Faramir and Eowyn, in which they meet, comfort one another, fall in love, and get engaged, is one of the most beautiful examples of romance in all of fiction. I could go on and on, I could write an essay about this, but I will shut myself up here and just say: Fly, my people. Fly away and have yourselves a love like Faramir and Eowyn.

~Rogue

***

Faramir looked at her, and it seemed to him that her loveliness amid her grief would pierce his heart. And she looked at him and saw the grave tenderness in his eyes, and yet knew that here was one whom no Rider of the Mark would outmatch in battle.

'What do you wish?' he said again. 'If it lies in my power, I will do it.'

'I do not desire healing,' she said. 'I wish to ride to war like my brother Éomer, or better like Théoden the king, for he died and has both honour and peace.'

'It is too late, lady, to follow the Captains, even if you had the strength,' said Faramir. 'But death in battle may come to us all yet, willing or unwilling. You and I, we must endure with patience the hours of waiting.'

She did not answer, but as he looked at her it seemed to him that something in her softened. A tear sprang in her eye and fell down her cheek, like a glistening rain-drop. Her proud head drooped a little.

Faramir smiled, though his heart was filled with pity. 'If you will stay in this house in our care, lady, and take your rest, then you shall walk in this garden in the sun, as you will; and you shall look east, whither all our hopes have gone. And here you will find me, walking and waiting, and also looking east. It would ease my care, if you would speak to me, or walk at whiles with me.'

Then she raised her head and looked him in the eyes again; and a colour came in her pale face. 'How should I ease your care, my lord?' she said.

'Would you have my plain answer?' he said.

'I would.'

'Then, Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still. For you and I have both passed under the wings of the Shadow, and the same hand drew us back.'

'Alas, not me, lord!' she said. 'Shadow lies on me still. Look not to me for healing! I am a shieldmaiden and my hand is ungentle. But I thank you for this at least, that I need not keep to my chamber.' And she did him a courtesy and walked back to the house. But Faramir for a long while walked alone in the garden, and his glance now strayed rather to the house than to the eastward walls.

In the morning, as Faramir came from the Houses, he saw her, as she stood upon the walls; and she was clad all in white, and gleamed in the sun. And he called to her, and she came down, and they walked on the grass or sat under a green tree together, now in silence, now in speech. And each day after they did likewise.

And they said no more; and as they stood so, their hands met and clasped, though they did not know it.

And so they stood on the walls of the City of Gondor, and a great wind rose and blew, and their hair, raven and golden, streamed out mingling in the air. And the Shadow departed, and the Sun was unveiled, and light leaped forth; and the waters of Anduin shone like silver, and in all the houses of the City men sang for the joy that welled up in their hearts from what source they could not tell.

~Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien

Ozz; Deceptive Cadence

This is an excerpt from my new MS Deceptive Cadence. Cadence, the MC is reliving her high school years to try to do them better. But, while she no longer dates her original boyfriends, one of the bad boys from her school begins to pursue her. In this scene, she unintentionally went on a double date with a boy, and the bad boy, James, shows up to try to win her over, but he doesn't count on her overprotective father showing up.

*****

I found Geri and dragged her out as fast as I could. We hurried to pull off our skates, and on our way to return them James intercepted us. “Cadence, you’re going to talk to me.”

“Are you insane?” Geri hissed as we shoved past.

“I don’t have sex with those girls!” he yelled.

All eyes turned our direction and Geri and I lifted our skates to cover our faces.

“I’m serious Cadence! That’s Robbie’s thing.” he continued to yell after us.

I spun on him. “Would you shut up?”

“No. Not until you hear me out.”

I smirked as I dumped my skates on the counter. “Then you’ll be yelling for the rest of your life.”

Geri and I hurried out.

“When’s your Dad coming to get us?’ she whispered.

“Not for another half hour.”

“See? This is why we need phones.”

I chuckled, knowing that in about five years every kid our age would have a phone. We sat against the side of the building to wait. She shuffled and pulled my money out of the pocket of her jeans. “Here, I don’t need it. You’ve had a rough day. I guess it’s not that great having guys into you.”

I smiled and pushed her hand back. “No really, keep it. I don’t wanna feel like I owe Brian any favors.”

“I saw what he did,” she muttered. “I was trying to get over to you but Sean kept me back. You were lucky James came along when he did. I can’t believe he would do that.”

“Who? Brian or James?”

She paused and tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Both actually.”

“Cadence!” James burst out and fell to his knees in front of me. I pulled back in shock as he scrambled closer. “Just thank me.”

“You’re crazy!” I answered in a voice that was much too high.

“Fine then let me kiss you.”

“How is that any more likely than me thanking you?” His breath smelled rank, like he’d just smoked a box of cigarettes.

“I keep saving you and you never thank me!”

“Get away from me!”

“But you’re so beautiful.”

My heart skipped and I paused. Not hot? Not cute? I met his eye. “What?”

“You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

I held his gaze, completely stunned. Then Geri smacked him across the face. “Get lost and leave my friend alone!”

My daze was broken and I snapped back to reality. “Coming from a guy who’s probably high on something, that’s not very flattering.”

His eyebrows lowered in frustration. “I’m not high–”

“Hey!” We all jumped at my dad’s booming voice. He leaped out of the car, his eyes fixed on James. “You stay away from my daughter!”

James backed away as my dad towered over him.

“Cadence, Geri, get in the car.”

Geri and I scurried to the car as Dad backed toward it, his eyes never leaving James.

~ Deceptive Cadence, WIP by Katie Teller

Hero; Three Years

This is an original work, but is based on true events. Let's see how many of you can tell us who these two lovers are.

~Hero

*****

The train’s whistle caused him to look up from where he sat in the rattling compartment. He took a deep breath and straightened his coat. Dull and sooty clouds of acrid steam billowed from the engine, blurring his view out the window.

“Next stop, Cheltenham station,” said the conductor from the front of the train’s compartment. Harmless words, yet they sent a thrill through his pounding heart. Cheltenham station. His stop. Either she was there or she wasn’t. His pulse raged faster.

Please be here, he thought. Please come. He folded his arms and heard the crinkle of a letter in his breast pocket, penned by her elegant hand only days ago. He recalled the words:

Ronald,
I received your letter. Happy twenty-first birthday, dear friend. It 
has been a very long time. I do hope this note finds you well. I must 
confess I was surprised to hear from you. I thought you’d all but forgotten
about me. 
As for your request, I should be quite glad to meet at the Cheltenham Station Wednesday next at two o’clock. Three years is far too long a time among friends. I have much to tell you. I was recently engaged to be married to my school friend Molly’s brother, George Field. 

Ronald clenched his fists. Engaged. She was engaged. Of course, he couldn’t blame her. After three years of absence and silence, forbidden to see or even contact one another, Ronald felt that he shouldn’t be surprised Edith would move on. She was far too pretty to remain unattached.

But he hadn’t moved on. He hadn’t forgotten…

Their first conversation, even the first glance. Her eyes were so beautiful: grey and merry and hiding a soul that so poignantly mirrored his. Many hours he and Edith spent, talking of anything. They were like the two trees that grew outside the boardinghouse where they met—growing up on separate soil, but intertwined at the boughs until naught but a storm could part them.

Well, thought Ronald in ardent irritation, apparently this George Field has become the storm.

The train jerked and slowed. Ronald looked out the window again, but could see nothing of the platform. Edith, he hoped, was standing out there, waiting to receive him. He wiped his palms on his trousers. The train stopped with a high-pitched screech and one last jolt.

He jumped to his feet, hurried down the compartment isle, and down the steps to the platform.

He saw her at once. She wore a blue dress and matching coat. Beneath her hat, which she held on her head, her raven hair shone in soft curls around her face. She stood on tip-toe, searching the doors of the train carriages. For a moment, he couldn’t move.

Three years. Finally, there she was. As he watched her, trapped in his simultaneous heartbreak and elation, he decided: he was going to change her mind. She couldn’t marry George Field.

At last, she spotted him, met his eyes… and smiled.

~ Beren and Luthien, WIP by Hero London

Page; Target

So, this is a scene I wrote a while back that was going to be toward the end of TARGET. However, in getting to know them more, I found that it wasn't in character for Robyn or Lex. So, this scene has been cut, and will be rewritten. BUT I still have it, and it's cute, so here you go. Hope you like it!

-Page

*****

Robyn’s first recollection was of stiffness. Her body was sore all over, and tired, though she felt she’d slept for days. When she opened her eyes, she saw deep purple hangings above her, and bars of a four-poster bed on each side. She must be in the palace. Looking around further, her thought was confirmed.

Lex sat in a chair at the foot of her bed. He looked as though he’d placed himself as close as possible, without actually touching her. She smiled, half-wishing he would.

Jeffrey stood near a large fireplace across the elegantly decorated room. He rocked back and forth on his feet, looking more nervous than she’d ever seen him.

“Lex?”

His head shot up at her voice, and Jeffrey turned.

“You’re awake! Oh thank God.” He rose from his chair and came to kneel at her side. He took her hand in his and kissed it passionately. She was shocked, but found it pleasant. A blush crept into her cheeks.

“How are you feeling, lady?” Jeffrey asked.

She shifted under the thick blankets. “Sore, and my ribs ache.” As she twisted, a cry  escaped her lips, and she remembered the arrow that pierced her. She sighed, letting the soft bed envelop her again. “How long was I unconscious?”

“Not long, it’s noon of the day after,” Lex said. “Thank you for that, by the way.”

She looked into his unsure eyes. “You’re welcome.”

He took a breath and stood. His body was tense, as though he were steeling himself for something.

“In the morning,” he said, “I will publicly renounce my engagement to Carina.”

Robyn blinked and narrowed her eyes, surprised. “You were engaged?”

Lex’s cheeks turned red. “Well, yes. Legally I was.”

She watched him, not letting her emotion show. Lex swallowed as he knelt. He cleared his throat. “Tradition dictates that I ask your guardian for permission before I ask you for your hand in marriage.”

Robyn’s eyes widened.

Lex’s mouth curved slightly. “I… I took the liberty of asking Jeffrey, since he seemed to be the one of all your men who watched over you and knew you best.”

She looked to Jeffrey who was grinning openly, then back to Lex, and nodded.

“And I said yes.” Jeffrey nodded.

Lex’s mouth broke into a bright smile. “And so, I would love to announce tomorrow that I have found a bride. Will you grant me your hand in marriage?”

Robyn allowed her mouth to form a timid smile, then she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. She grasped his hair and pulled him close to her so he sat on the bed. His hands were warm and gentle on her waist. He nuzzled his face into her neck, allowing his lips to brush lightly on her collarbone.

“Oi, I’m still here,” came Jeffrey’s voice. Robyn opened her eyes and smiled at him past Lex’s shoulder.

Lex leaned away without letting go of her waist. “You don’t have to be, you know...”

~ Cut scene, TARGET, WIP by Darci Cole

Lady; Premarital Existence

Hello lovely readers!

A few of us got together and tossed in some lovey-dovey scenes in celebration of Valentines Day next week.   Starting today, and each weekday until the BIG DAY, we'll share one with you. Some we've written, some we've read, some are just plain cute. Presented in no particular order: our love scenes. We hope you enjoy!
- TYPELINGS

*****

This is how my main characters meet and first exchange words. It's my version of a 1940's movie-meet-cute. Now, from my brain, the MS I've been toiling over for years: Premarital Existence.

~Lady

*****

Embarrassed, she turned to see the handyman staring at her, arms folded as he leaned against the door frame, smiling. Quickly she turned back toward the door to avoid his smile. With a better look compared to the last time that she had been nearly knocked over by him walking past, this time she was knocked over for sure, by his impish smile.

“Lock yourself out?” he asked, struggling to keep a laugh from rising to the surface.

“As a matter of fact…yes.” Gwen smiled sheepishly.

Handyman was already fumbling with his fistful of keys when she answered him. As he moved toward the door, she could barely move her feet. When he was just inches away from her body she stumbled to her right, nearly toppling over. Handyman grabbed for her arm and steadied her. He glanced down at his rough hand still on her arm and then back to her eyes. She couldn’t help but notice the deep color of green in his eyes; they looked almost brown they were so saturated.

“You all right?” he asked quietly, swallowing a lump in his throat.

“Fine. Good. Yeah, good. Yep. Fine. Uh huh. Yeah.”

Gwen wished that she could turn off the faucet of babbling words spilling from her mouth. Handyman looked seriously into Gwen’s eyes, steadied her, made sure she was completely firm on her own two feet, reached for his jambalaya of keys hanging off his belt and began to put the right key into the door. Just before key met keyhole, Handyman turned back to look at Gwen’s feet then up to her eyes, as though searching for evidence that she was indeed stable.

“Are you all right?” Handyman asked again. He was teasing her and Gwen was realizing it. Rouge filled the apples of cheeks as she smiled and stared down at her shoes. She was secretly elated and hoped it didn’t read across her face that she liked Handyman flirting with her.

Peeking from the side of her eye, she noticed that Handyman had a wide smile on his face. She took consideration of the creases carefully carved out of his cheeks, the way his windswept chocolatey hair fell over his ears and forehead. She had been so engrossed with studying his face that she didn’t even realize he had opened the door. He just stood there. She wasn’t sure what to do next. Should I invite him in? she wondered, as she sidestepped past him and into her apartment.

“Thank you so much…” Gwen’s voice trailed off.

“Scott. I’m Scott Graham.” He smiled.

~Premarital Existence, WIP by Christi Gray