WedBlock (4-5-18)

[WP] You are determined to propose to your partner for 3 years. Nothing can stop you. Well, maybe one thing... [Link to post.]

Allister woke before dawn and got dressed for the day. He went over a scribbled list several times to make sure everything was perfect, then went to start breakfast as the first orange light of the day poured in through his window. 

"Today," he said to himself with a smile. He cracked open two eggs, but a knock at the door distracted him before he put them over the fire. Allister sighed, left the eggs, then answered the door. 

"Allister? The King requests your presence." An elegantly dressed man wearing a purple tunic and velvety beret addressed him the moment he opened the door. Allister shook his head.

"Not today." He moved to close the door, but the messenger placed his foot in the way. Two armed guards loudly approached with weapons drawn. They stood behind the messenger. 

"The King insists. The kingdom is in danger," The messenger said.

"So send those guys, they're ready for a fight," Allister pointed at the guards. The messenger chuckled.

"They're just here for show, we both know they can't subdue you. Look, my life is on the line here if I don't come back with you. That's it, just show up and I get to live. You can tell the King yourself, if  you're not interested." Allister sighed, he knew it wasn't a bluff. The king did have a short temper when things didn't go his way. He nodded at the messenger. 

"Let me get my gear," he said. The trip was half an hour by wagon, then the guards escorted Allister into the King's throne room. The King sat on an ornate throne of gold and silver. He ruled alone, with Queen or throne next to him. Allister approached the throne, and gave his own form of respect to the king by giving him a slight nod. 

"Kneel before the King!" One of the guards shoved Allister forward. Allister stumbled forward but remained on his feet. He turned to face the guard.

"Don't kill him, he's new!" The King shouted. He dismissed the guard with a wave of his hand. The guard quickly retreated from the throne room. Allister turned back to face the King.

"Your Highness summoned me?" Allister said. The king nodded, his golden crown wobbled forward and back on his head as he did. 

"Allister, the kingdom needs your help. Of course, you shall be greatly rewarded if you rid us of this menace." Allister considered the reward, it would definitely make life easier after she said yes. If she said yes.

"Does it have to be today?" Allister asked. 

"Of course! Ballisea's been spotted in the forest."

"Ballisea? She hasn't made a move in years," Allister asked. If someone spotted Ballisea he knew he would have to accept the King's request. He glanced out the window, the morning sun was still rising to its perch in the sky. "I can make this short. I will propose to her today," he reaffirmed himself. 

"Yes, and I expect it to stay that way. Put that sorcerous witch down for good, and you shall inherit the kingdom from me," the King said. Allister chuckled at the thought.

"I'll do it, your Highness. For the Kingdom, of course. I'll need access to your armory," Allister said. The King nodded and waved his hand dismissively. 

"Of course, take anything you need. Godspeed." Allister nodded then left the throne room. He departed toward the forest as the sun reached its apex. He took a single horse and a single backpack full of supplies. None of the guards volunteered to ride with him, but he did not find that surprising. While he rode he kept reminding himself of his goal. 

"I will propose to her today, I need to know her feelings. Nothing will stop me." He reached the outskirts of the forest a couple of hours later. He left his horse tied to a tree, grabbed his supplies and headed towards the area someone saw the witch. He remained on his guard, though the forest felt like a second home to him. He moved with purpose toward a fresh pool he knew of. If Ballisea was seen in the forest, he guessed she would be near the small lake. 

He reached the lake clearing in time to see Ballisea stepping out of the water and drying herself off. He admired her naked form, mostly hidden by long straight black hair that reached the back of her knees. He only watched for a second before hiding behind a tree trunk in order to let her continue dressing in private. He did not feel comfortable making his move against a naked woman. 

"I know you're there." Ballisea's soft voice entered his mind. Enchantment was her magic of choice; her voice seemed coated in warm, welcoming sunlight as it echoed through his brain. He reached to his pack while he steeled his will. This was not the first time Allister felt her gentle magic touch tickling his brain, but his inner strength protected him from her enchantment before and would again. 

"Today. I will not fail her." He took several deep breaths while focusing on his goal. He looked up at the sky, the sun rested on the tips of the treetops. "I can do this." 

"What's wrong? You're not afraid of me, are you?" Ballisea's voice whispered a trail of tingles down the back of Allister's neck. "I'm waiting for you, ..... Allister." The sound of her calling his name drove him to action. He stood straight up, then marched out from behind the tree toward the clearing. 

"Nothing can stop me. I'm prepared for anything." He clenched the item in his hand. He noticed Ballisea was still naked, though her long black hair covered her front to give her a sense of decency. She smiled at him as only an enchantress could.

"I will propose today. Nothing will stop me." He walked to Ballisea without saying a word. His coffee brown eyes locked on to her translucent violet eyes. 

"The King has sent me to kill you," Allister said. He projected as much confidence and authority as he could manage. Allister knew Ballisea was weak without her enchanting tricks. He stood firm, his knuckles clenched white. Ballisea chuckled then looked around the forest.

"He sent you all alone?" she asked. She took a single step forward. "Your King is an idiot." She took another step. 

"Stop!" Allister yelled. His hands began to tremble. "Today," he reminded himself.  Ballisea shook her head and closed the distance between them. 

"You're not going to kill me, Allister."  Her lips moved, but her voice sounded like it came from inside his head. "And I'll tell you why." Allister felt butterflies in his stomach. His nerves threatened to turn him into a coward, but he stood his ground. Ballisea knelt infront of him, their eyes still locked.

"No. Nothing can stop me today." he tried to strengthen his resolve. 

"Because," Ballisea whispered. "I want you as my husband. Will you marry me, Allister?" The corners of her lips pulled upward into a coy smile. 

"Nothing.... except that." Allister sighed. 

"Damnit Balli! I was gonna ask you first!" He opened his palm and showed her the golden ring he took from the King's treasury. 

"Well too bad. I asked first." Ballisea pulled him down to the ground with her and they kissed.