Dark Eyes Looking In

[Taylor]

Twilight had come and gone and the shadows of midnight crept upon the city of Gondor. From the inside looking out, all seemed calm. Silky dew was beginning to form on the fresh green grass, the moon’s silver rays shimmered on the city, and the leaves from the nearby forest tussled in the faint wind. But, things aren't always as they appear.

At the edge of the forest, Taylor knelt…her eyes fixated on the enemy city in front of her. Her hair was slowly uncurling, her skin tan from the sun, and her head was pulsing with an oncoming headache. In an instant though, none of that mattered. She had finally reached her destination.

Her slender body was covered with a black and red satin gown. At the arch of the back, the letter "T" was stitched in silver with the utmost care. All down the sides, matching silver designs made the gown slightly glitter in the moonlight. She drew the hood up in caution, but underneath…eyes of a crystal blue could be seen. Her dark, rich hair just barely escaped the hood, and rested peacefully upon her shoulders. A sly, cunning smirk fell across her lips as she began to move closer, her body moving with grace and agility.

[Eldarion]

As late it had become, Eldarion couldnt sleep. Instead of going to bed, he decided to take a walk through the city of Minas Tirith. Everything was quiet and little was seen on the road as many were not awake, it was nice but also somehow disturbing. On top of the walls guards could be seen, watching out all over in case enemies would appear. Normaly the gates was closed at night, but as nothing had happened in years the people had become careless of what could happen. With the gates open, Eldarion went to look. It was needed that the gates should be closed no matter what, therefor he had to speak with the one in charge.

As he stood there, he quickly got an eye on a person nearby who silently came out of the shadows. It surprised Eldarion, but scared he was not. Many thoughts had gone through his mind lately, as his wife to be had left him some days ago. No one knew where she had gone, but convinced Eldarion was that she had escaped and gone back to her old husband. With a whispering voice, he called out to the woman that was to enter the city."Hello there, whom might you be?" He spoke as he waited for the those responsable guards to show up, hopefully they were not sleeping.

[Taylor]

In the midst of her arrival to the city, she was shocked to hear a voice. The city had been so quiet, she hadn't expected anyone to be awake but the guards. And in that moment, she halted and her hand disappeared under her cloak. It was there that she felt the rugged, strong silver hilt of her sword. Her heart pounded as she turned to face the voice that had addressed her, but every facial expression remained calm and tranquil. To an outsider, her hand disappearing would simply look like she was trying to pull the cloak tighter around her body, to shield the cool wind that held steady.

From under the cloak, her eyes met the man's and she faltered for a moment, but regained composition quickly. "My name is Taylor...might I ask yours?" Her voice was firm, but soft. There was no threatening tone, or tone of her origin. But as she eyed the man further, she could slowly tell that he wasn't just a commoner. The way he stood held great strength and poise. She had to be alert to what she said, and how she reacted around him. He wasn't as dense and stupid as she might have thought. Removing her hand from under her cloak, she withdrew the hood. Her dark hair blew gently in the wind and her eyes, though gorgeous, showed no emotion. Letting her eyes travel to his, she awaited his response.

[Eldarion]

As the person who approached answered, Eldarion kept his eyes upon her. She seemed nice, but still there was something about her. When she asked for his name, he knew she did not know him or his family. With a smile he replied, slowly approached as he could see she was cold."Its nice to meet you Taylor, I understand..your not from these areas, are you? If so, then you would know my name. I am Eldarion, prince of Gondor, son of Aragorn and Arwen."Eldarion told, however did not want to scare her in anyway as mostly his high title could make other nervous.

After a short moment of speaking, the guards responsible for the doors being open came. Quickly Eldarion told the situation and ordered to close every gate in the city at night, even danger did not linger in the air anymore. With that said, Taylor was allowed to step into the city before the gate was closed.

[Taylor]

Upon hearing his introduction, a devilish glint sparkled in her eyes. Prince of Gondor... The words lingered for a moment. She had heard of the great prince, but had never seen him. No wonder his stature was that of pure warrior. For a moment, she found herself entranced by his frame. The strong structure of his jaw bone, the muscular chest that lay hidden under clothing, the stance of a king. Realizing what she was doing, she took a step back from him...looking away for a moment. Finally, her eyes met his, a slight crimson tint creeping into her cheeks. "Oh...my sincerest apologies..." She spoke softly, bowing respectfully towards him. If she was going to pull this off, she had to act normal.

Hearing that the doors would be closed, she stepped into the city. She looked around and saw the streets vacant...something Taylor wasn't used to. The houses were dark with sleeping families. All was quiet. Shivering slightly, her gaze turned back towards Eldarion. "I seek shelter for the night..." In that moment, her voice unknowingly faltered, and the small sense of a lie was audible. Hoping he didn't hear, she tried for a quick recovery, "I am traveling from Rohan in search of a friend." It took her a moment, but her eyes finally fell upon his.

[Eldarion]

With the doors being closed, Eldarion listened curiously to what Taylor spoke in return. The way she acted after what he told was normal, he was a prince and always was it needed for others to behave good around him. He didn't like it, but such it had turned. Slowly he started to walk, hoping she would follow as the guards behind them did as Eldarion earlier had ordered. The way she looked at him made him curious, as well it made him think she seemed beautiful. Her presence seemed dark, but the way she spoke made him trust her. "There is no need to apology for not knowing, I understand."Eldarion answered smiling, wanting her to not be scared of him as nothing more then a normal person he was.

As she spoke of wanting rest for the night, he began to believe she was tired after the long journey. Although it made him curious when she told she was searching for someone, Eldarion had to ask."What is this person`s name, the one your searching for? Maybe I could help?" He suggested, hoping he could do something to help. It was not often things happened in the palace above, which could make a man easily bored. Maybe with her entering the city, he could have someone to talk with. After everything he had been through, he was always prepared on the worst. One girlfriend after the another had left him, now he was alone again as the Gondor was his to rule until his time as high king would come. "And if you need sleep for the night, I could possible arrange some place for you to stay." He finished, as he at the same time stopped walking and turned to look at her again.

[Taylor]

The air was crisp and cool, making it a perfect autumn night. Tay's hands gripped at the edges of her cloak and she pulled them tighter around her body, making the satin nearly cling to her skin. Her hair was becoming tangled and messy from the blowing wind, but she honestly didn't mind. It was nights like these where she felt her strongest. A shiver danced up her spine and she trembled gently. Looking ahead, she noticed he was beginning to walk off towards town. His words about his title made her smile softly. The men of nobility she knew would have harmed her in any way possible if she didn't know their face. For a moment, her mind flashed back to her Lord and a glint of darkness skimmed through her eyes. Her barrier had fallen for a moment. Damn...She thought, knowing she had to be more careful.

About the time he turned around to face her, she had steadied herself and paused in her walking. "Her name is Maria, she's just a friend I've been trying to get in touch with..." All of a sudden, lying to him wasn't so easy. Her muscles tensed slightly, but she took a deep breath in and returned his gaze. "A place to rest would be greatly appreciated." A sincere smile lay upon her lips as she caught up to him, beginning to walk beside him. "So what is the prince of Gondor doing out so late at night?" She asked, trying to make conversation.

[Eldarion]

Eldarion nodded to what she said, but kept walking as he listened to the question asked. With a smile back at her, he could see she was cold by the wind that swift went through the city. However it also rather seemed she was hiding something, even the wind was terrible."I just couldn't sleep, there are to many thoughts going on." He replied in answer, not wanting to reveal what bothered him. It was still difficult to let go of the past, after all that had happened. Something that made him unable to sleep and restless, which long had bothered him.

Behind them, as they had started to walk. The gates was finally closed and the guards began to watch the area, with none allowed to sleep as dark the night had become. After the words Eldarion spoke, he kept on walking as Taylor followed. To speak with a female stranger again after such a long time of grieving, made Eldarion feel better, although strange it too felt. The woman was beautiful in the eyes of the prince, even darkness seemed to cover her.

[Taylor]

The rigid wind continued to tussle her hair, but Tay didn't seem to mind much anymore. Her attention was focused solely on the prince. As they walked side by side, she could sense distress in the answer he gave. She opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it softly. It was none of her business. If he wanted to talk about it, he would. Instead, she opted to the safe path. "I know the feeling..." Which, technically was the truth. Conflicting thoughts seemed to cloud her mind, and it somewhat concerned her. She knew she was evil, but lately...her lands had been unusually harsh towards her. Her body trembled as rage began to pulse through her veins, but she quickly brushed it off.

Returning her attention to the man beside her, she accidentally let her guard down. Her hand moved to fix her tangled hair and her robe flew back in the wind, briefly revealing the dark sword that lay at her hip. The words engraved in gold on the silver hilt were of an ancient language. Her muscles tensed as she realized her mistake. Quickly tightening the cloak around her, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. A mistake like that could cost her her life. She waited, hoping the prince wouldn't have noticed. "What kind of thoughts?" She asked, trying to keep the conversation going in hopes of diverting his attention.

[Eldarion]

As Eldarion was about to answer the question, he turned to look at Taylor again, but at that same time saw her robe opened. Beneath it he could see her sword and quickly understood she was not as peaceful that he earlier had thought she was, neither did it seem her cloth fitted to her description of being a lady of Rohan. It made Eldarion curious, but without asking about it he instead answered her question."Thoughts about my ex girlfriend."With that said he turned and moved on, but kept in mind what he the wind had showed up.

If she lied, he would find out. However time to ask was not right yet, he rather decided to lead her for a place to stay before he ever would try and figure. The way she seemed was mysterious, which kept Eldarion thrilled and curious. There was a lot he did not know about her, for what he knew she could be a spy, or another type of person, even he wished she was all good."Not long ago I was left behind, as I and my woman were to marry the pressure became to great. She went back to her old lover."Eldarion spoke and became silent, it was still hard for him but still he had to keep on.

[Taylor]

Taylor knew he had seen what lay beneath her robe. Not only her sword, but her clothing as well. A shirt made of the finest black silk clung nicely to her body, complimented by matching black pants. Though, around her neck was what gave away her position. A black choker dangled cunningly around her neck. The pendant was that of a dragon, it's eyes red with rubies. Granted, the choker had not been exposed yet, for if it had...she would be dead. Keeping the robe around her, she held her barrier firm. That would be the last time she would slip. She was a spy...and a damn good one at that. But there was something about this prince that made her job slightly more difficult.

Her muscles relaxed a bit as she heard Eldarion continue to speak. She knew he had seen...but why hadn't he questioned. Brushing the thought to the back of her mind, she continued to walk beside him. Listening to what had happened, she almost felt sorry for the man. To lose someone you love in such a way could be extremely hard to deal with. A jolt of guilt passed through her as he became silent. "I'm sorry to hear that..." She whispered just enough so he could hear her. Even though she was evil, she still was human, and she still had feelings. She hated it, because most of the time...they just seemed to get her in trouble. "But you'll find someone, you just have to be patient. When you least expect it, you'll find her." Advice giving was never Taylor's forte, but she had to at least try. Her hand ran across his back in a reassuring touch, but then she quickly removed it when she remember he was a prince. She fell silent, her eyes darting from place to place, trying to find an inn to seek shelter and rest.

[Eldarion]

Eldarion knew that what he had seen below her robe was not any like the clothing Rohan used, which had to mean she lied. However he did not wish to ask, as he rather wanted to understand her more. Friendly she seemed, but could it all be a trick, he did not know. Many times in the past had he been lied to and betrayed, something he hated the most. However he decided to give her a chance, as friendly Eldarion was to everyone until the opposite could be seen. At least she seemed to care for him, specially as words of hope was spoken and a touch of comfort touched his back.

With a look of sadness and care, Eldarion whispered back."I am thankful for your concerns."He said and became silent, further up the street he lead her until another thought came to his mind. She needed a place to stay and many places in Minas Tirith had great rooms, but as she were friendly to him he wanted to give something better. With another look at her beauty, he continued speaking."If you wish, you may stay in my palace." He smiled, hoping she would accept as more he would like to know her. Eldarion knew it was risky to take a stranger within, but something about her made him think different.

[Taylor]

The wind was slowly beginning to cease as they made their way further into town. Looking around, she saw taverns and pubs and could hear the drunken laughs of men. She wished to join them, but she wasn't about to risk revealing herself. Diverting her attention to the sky above, she saw the millions of stars shimmering in innocence. The moon was at it's peak in the sky, it's magnificence shining over the city. A look of awe laid in Tay's eyes, and emotions began to peer through. The hurt she was feeling finally showed. Gritting her teeth, she tried her hardest to block it again. For a moment, she avoided Eldarion's eyes...but as he spoke, her eyes instinctively went to his.

She nodded a "you're welcome" to his first comment, but then she heard him speak of staying in the palace and she paused for a moment. An almost thieving glint flashed through her eyes, making them appear a shade darker. A night in the palace would be a perfect start. A soft smile fell on her lips, but then it faded. "I can't ask that of you...a cheap inn would suffice..." She said, hoping he would persuade her to stay in the palace. It was nice for a guy to beg once in a while, even if it was just about where to stay the night. Her eyes lifted to his and she smiled shyly. Once more, she noted his toned muscles...his perfect stance...his sleek hair...his gorgeous eyes...STOP! She warned herself, taking a step back after realizing what she had been doing. Crimson slowly crept into her cheeks. Could she have been any more obvious? Biting softly at her lower lip, she turned and began walking again. "My apologies..."

[Eldarion]

By what Eldarion suggested, he could see how she reacted. The woman wanted him to beg, as many others females would like their men to do. He also saw a strange behavior in her face, something that looked like as if she was blushing by his presence. Was there more in her look then just care? Eldarion wasn't sure, but somehow felt a strong connection between them. Could it be love that grew, if so then there was no doubt why both acted strange around each other. Still they kept walking and Eldarion listened to what she said, with a few looks at each other he again spoke."No, please..come to my palace. It`ll do you well, better then any Tavern at least. And no need to apology."He said with a smile and looked around, seeing drunk people all around the Inn`s and Taverns they passed.

Being around the new woman Eldarion had met, made him happy. She seemed dark and mysterious, but at the same seemed amazing in every possible way. Truly he was glad, although thoughts of the past went through his mind. Many times had those he loved tricked him, was this another person who would do the same. At least he hoped that would not happen again, it was to heart breaking for a man like him. A prince was and therefor had to act like one, even it sometimes could be difficult. Eldarion was a man of honor and kindness, which gave others hope for a better future. One day he would become high king of all that belonged to the Reunited Kingdom, and his parents wished to give him experience in ruling. Therefor they had given him Gondor to learn, as the rest belonged to Elessar.

[Taylor]

As they continued to walk, the reek of alcohol became more prominent. They were nearing probably the most chaotic pub in town. Many drunken men stood outside, stumbling over their own feet as they attempted to walk. But one man in particular wasn't just looking to get drunk. His eyes began to linger on the two walking past them...especially on the woman. Lust overtook his body and he began to move towards her. Trying his hardest to act somewhat sober, he took her by the arm and halted her in her footsteps. "And what is a pretty like you doing out here at this time of night?" He asked, practically ignoring the prince that stood near her.

Tay felt the mans firm grasp on her arm and she reacted immediately. Within a second, her hand was on the hilt of her sword, drawing it in defense. Alcohol could easily be smelt on his breath and she gave him a cold look...one that only a true enemy could give. The man clenched at her upper arm a bit, hesitating in his decision...but finally let go. He muttered a few indecent remarks under his breath before walking away.

By now, Taylor's veins were pulsing with evil. If the prince had not been standing beside her, she would have killed the vile man in an instant. Tensing her grip on her sword, she slowly sheathed it regained composure. She was not used to having to control her anger, but it was skill she was quickly beginning to master. Turning back to Eldarion, she gave a weak smile. It was rare that woman fought, but being a woman among many dark, sex-driven men, she had to. "Perhaps a night in the palace would be best..." She paused for a moment, trying to relax her muscles.