� � � � � � � After serving in the Third Pelosian Civil War, Evan DuWynn was finally named a 'Protector' of Riamahn. The pride and joy of Riamahn, the man dubbed 'Son of the Kingdom of the Isle', Evan had traveled Darisia throughout his life, bringing knowledge and culture back with him. He was very respected, but he was also getting old. At age 40, he joined the ranks of the 3rd PC War, helped to win many battles, and almost died. By the time of his retirement, at age 45, Evan DuWynn was well known all throughout Riamahn, and other parts of the Wyrld. With great honor, he was ready to die. But, something saddened him. There was something in his life, he had not yet accomplished: love.
"Anything else, M'Lord?", his servant asked.
"That will be all, Meredith", Evan replied. Fairly handsome and strong, Evan attracted most women. But the only one he dreamed of was not to be had.
Before Meredith could leave the room, Evan added, "Meredith".
With that, the beautiful, young servant stayed in the room. As she turned to look at him, Evan spoke, "It is with great sadness that I receive the news of your groom, Master Clyde. I'm sure his business in Shurrah will not keep him too much longer. And the wedding will be soon".
"It has been almost a year", Meredith replied, "But I can endure more". The last part, she said to the floor.
"Tell me, fair Meredith", Evan said, "How does it feel to love someone so much? To have someone, endeared in your heart, and have to hold, and return such love?".
"It is magical for some", she answered, "Others wish for something more".
"What do you mean, Meredith?"
Meredith was silent.
Evan continued, "To want but to not have? Why would someone torture themselves to wish for the heart of another, if it is bound by law?". Evan was in the verge of tears.
Meredith, finally fixed her gaze on his eyes, "Oh, Master, if only it meant for true love. One will forget the mistakes of the past, and seek happiness with open arms, if the other heart accepts it, and willing to break all laws!". Meredith now cried, "But why do you bring up such things, M'Lord?"
"I am lacking that which is love"
"And I am dreaming of another love but my own", Meredith was sobbing, "Are you M'Lord, capable of such torture inflicted upon another on the matter of forbidden love?!"
"Tell me what ails thee, and I shall mend it", Evan's eyes were watering.
"It is you M'Lord, who shall unveil his true direction of his heart, for it is your inquiry, and it is my heart that is now spilled across this very floor!"
"I am true, in love"
Meredith could not stop her tears as she ran to her master, kneeled in front of him, lowered her head and held his hand on her lips, "Tell me M'Lord, I beg of you". She looked up into his eyes. His look moved away and she continued, "You have purposely, and secretively, courted my person! Have I not answered? Have I not given all the signs? I will endanger my heart, my life! against the law if it means to have yours! Have you not any love for me? Just speak the words of true love and I shall be yours!"
"You speak of adultry. You could be beheaded!"
Meredith stood up, "Nay, it does not inspire fear within me! Over hell I shall walk without my head if it is to be with your heart within mine!". She kneels again, "I beg of you M'Lord, if it untrue deny� it, and I shall die a lonesome and foolish sinner. But if it true do not deny me love".
Evan now begins to cry, "Stand, woman". Meredith stands, wipes her tears, only followed by more. After a pause, Evan continues to speak, looking into her eyes, "I have watched you grow up within my courtyard. As a child, picking flowers for my dear old mother. Always have you loved me, and always have you been in my dreams. I am an old man, but my heart is still ten times young! Filled with the vigor you provide, and the inspiration you instill! My life is filled with your springtime and my heart desires you. It has been always. And today I cannot deny you love".
Meredith bursts with happy tears, and Evan stands to embrace her. They cry together, amidst the tears, smiles, a kiss, and love is born.
For safety of their lives, their relationship remained secret. Evan DuWynn died in the spring, two years later. Meredith witnessed his last breath, "Give her my love".
"Always", was Meredith's reply.
They spoke of her two year old daughter, Glenys. When Meredith died, she too had the secret: her heart and virginity belonged to Evan, and although Glenys was raised by Master Clyde, she too belonged to Evan, for she carried his blood...
