Celestial Gambit

Days blurred together in the cave, with only the faint moonlight marking the hours. The angel came and went like a shadow, leaving behind only food. 

Each visit, Meredith found herself watching him more intently, searching for any hint of his purpose. Yet he offered nothing.

One night, the quiet rustle of feathers announced the angel's arrival, the shadow slipping into the cave with silent grace. He placed the food on the ground and she watched him, her frustration simmering. 

His face remained impassive as always, the dim light casting a shadow over his sharp features, revealing nothing of his thoughts or intentions.

With a frustrated sigh, Meredith spoke up. "You visit, what—just to bring me food?" Her voice held a note of mockery, a challenge she knew he'd hear even if he gave no reaction.

The angel's eyes flickered, and then she looked down at the simple robes draping his frame. 

They were plain, stark compared to the intricate garments of the angels she had seen before—figures adorned in celestial armor or shimmering silk, magnificent and proud. He was different. His clothing is devoid of decoration or rank.

Meredith took a step forward. "You're a servant to someone, aren't you?" She watched for any reaction, some chink in his armor.

A moment passed. He tilted his head slightly, meeting her gaze. 

"Eat," he said, gesturing toward the simple fare he had placed on the ground.

She glared at the food, the silent command grating against her pride. "I'm not your pet."

The faintest hint of something—an almost-smile—played at the corner of his mouth, there and gone in an instant. 

"Then you may starve." He turned as if to leave.

Meredith couldn't hold it in any longer. "What do you gain from this?"

He stopped, though he didn't turn back. For a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. Then, in a tone barely above a whisper, he replied, "It is what I need to do."

And with that, he left her alone once more, his flight fading into silence as Meredith stood in the dim light.

Meredith knew she couldn't afford to give up hope. Despite the countless failed attempts, she had to keep trying to escape. 

With each passing day, her resolve grew stronger, and she became determined to find a way out of her confinement.

She had already tried several tactics, but none had been successful. 

She attempted to climb the rough, uneven surfaces, but her fingers always slipped. Her cries for help echoed in the darkness, unanswered. 

She explored every nook and cranny of the cave, looking for hidden passages or alternative exits. However, the cave could be a dead end, with no other way out. 

It was hard, after all, to escape from an underground cave where one may need wings.

So, when the angel visited tonight, Meredith decided to take a different approach. 

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she began to undo her clothes, each layer falling to the cold stone beneath her feet. 

She stood tall, naked, determined. 

When the angel entered the cave, his usual calm expression flickered, and his gaze met hers, lingering as she stood before him, bare and unflinching. She could see the glimmer of surprise in his eyes. 

"Here I am," she said, her voice a mix of teasing and determination. "For your pleasure. Unless, of course, you'd rather take me somewhere with a bit more light. It's so dark down here—you wouldn't want to miss a single detail, would you? Bring me up above, where you can see me properly."

The angel's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, a flicker of humor crossing his face. He seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

For the first time, Meredith felt a sense of control—however fleeting—in this twisted game, and it was enough to give her hope.

"Have you no shame?" the angel chuckled, a glint of amusement in his otherwise stoic gaze.

"Did you or your Lord not do his homework?" she replied smoothly, tilting her head with a defiant smile. "I am the shameless princess, after all—the rumors you've heard are true."

For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though she had the upper hand, her boldness meeting his authority with fearless charm.

After a pause, the angel's voice softened, almost reluctant. "I know it must weigh heavily on you, not understanding what's going on, and to be separated from those you care about." 

It was a rare break in his stoic demeanor, a hint of conflict that Meredith had only glimpsed in fleeting moments before. Meredith's intuition surged, whispering of an unexpected opportunity. She held his gaze, daring him to respond. 

"If you understand, then do something about it," she added, her voice steady but insistent. "Let me go."

The cave fell silent as the two adversaries locked eyes, each gauging the other's resolve. Meredith stood tall, her posture radiating defiance.

The angel's golden eyes shifted to her Thysia mark. It no longer flared with its previous brilliance—its faint glow now subdued, as though the fire within it had dimmed. A flicker of understanding crossed his face, his sharp features softening ever so slightly.

For some inexplicable reason to Meredith, the angel abided by her request. His wings fluttered softly as he gracefully descended into the depths of the cave. 

For a moment, Meredith could hardly breathe, watching the heavenly figure step into her prison. With a gentle sweep of his muscular arms, he enveloped Meredith in his embrace, his touch as delicate as a feather's caress. As he lifted her off the ground, a sense of weightlessness enveloped her. 

Meredith, her heart pounding with both fear and anticipation, could feel the warmth of the angel's body radiating through her own naked body.

The angel descended carefully, cradling Meredith until her feet met the solid ground outside the cave. Her feet touched the earth, and she found herself standing before him, their gazes locked in an intense and unspoken conversation. The angel's wings, which had been fluttering gently, now came to a halt.

Meredith's luscious body glitter under the moonlight, enticing sight to behold. Her skin possesses a flawless complexion, resembling the purest ivory, and her auburn hair cascades down her shoulders like a waterfall. 

It has indeed been said that Meredith's beauty rivals, if not surpasses, that of the beings dwelling in the heavens.

Despite what could have transpired, the angel gave Meredith only a final glance before vanishing into the night sky, leaving her standing alone, shivering.

For a moment she stood there, not knowing what to do. Meredith wrapped her arms around herself, her breath visible in the cold air. Just as she began to aimlessly walk, a familiar flutter of wings caught her attention.

The angel returned, he bore something in his hands: a set of comfortable hunting clothes and a sword.

"Here," he said, his voice low, passing the clothing and weapon to her.

Meredith accepted the clothes, her fingers brushing against the smooth fabric. She quickly slipped them on, feeling relief from the cold. But her curiosity about this angel grew. 

Gathering her courage, she glanced up at him. "I suppose I should thank you… but then again, you did kidnap me. Do you even know my name?" 

With a sly grin, she continued, "I am Princess Meredith of Pyria. Though I suspect you didn't go through the trouble of kidnapping me without knowing that."

He remained silent, a faint spark of amusement flickering in his eyes. She leaned in slightly, undeterred.

"And since I've given you the honor of my name, might I have yours? Or are angels above such pleasantries?"

For a moment, he seemed to consider her question, as though weighing the importance of revealing his identity. Then, in a voice as steady and calm as his presence, he finally replied, "I go by Gabriel."

"Gabriel." She repeated his name, letting the sound linger. 

Gabriel's gaze softened slightly, yet he remained silent. Meredith sensed that he was not one for conversation, but she pushed onward, eager to learn more. "Why take me from my home, Gabriel?"

He looked at her thoughtfully, as if weighing his words. "I only do the needful," he replied simply, his voice a steady calm.

Meredith leaned in, closed the last bit of space between them, her chest nearly brushing his, her hand drifting to rest lightly on his shoulder as she looked up, her lips inches from his.

She whispered, her voice a low, teasing murmur. "Maybe you just really wanted a young, beautiful and alluring princess for your pleasure all along?"

Meredith let her gaze linger, her fingers now playfully drifting to trace the edge of Gabriel's wings, but Gabriel seemed unaffected. His expression remained steady, his gaze cool and composed.

A playful smile danced on her lips as she looked up at him. 

"If you're planning on doing anything… unholy," she teased, her voice soft and inviting, "I might not put up a fight."

Now that Meredith's thoughts were running that way, she felt an involuntary warmth rush through her as she gazed at Gabriel, her breath hitching slightly, tracing every striking line and graceful contour that seemed crafted with impossible perfection. 

His broad shoulders and lean, muscular frame hinted at a strength both restrained and effortless, and the way he moved—graceful, precise, like a creature made of pure purpose—sent a thrill through her. 

His piercing golden eyes held an intensity that seemed to penetrate her soul, and the succulent, alluring curve of his lips.

She couldn't help but imagine how luscious their kiss could be, picturing what it would feel like to have that powerful form pressed against her, wondering about the pleasure he might bring to her body with those strong, skilled hands. The thought left her heart pounding, a heat pooling within her.

Sensing her stare, Gabriel said quietly, "I took you to keep you safe. To keep others safe." His words were deliberate, each one chosen carefully.

Meredith's eyes narrowed. "Safe from what?"

Gabriel hesitated. "Some dangers are invisible," he said softly. "They exist quietly until they awaken." He paused, searching her expression. 

A chill ran down her spine at his words. "Are you saying I'm dangerous?"

His answer cloaked an unsettling calm. "I'm saying there are things within us that even we may not fully understand." His eyes held a distant look, as though he himself had seen what he now alluded to. 

Meredith's gaze lingered on Gabriel, torn between trust and suspicion. 

His calm, steady demeanor hinted at protection, yet his cryptic words and unyielding expression made her wonder if he hid something darker. With each heartbeat, she felt both drawn to him and wary, unsure if he was a friend she could rely on or a foe she needed to escape.

However, Meredith decided to trust her instincts. Something about him felt steady and strangely safe. She looked up at him, her voice soft but clear. "Then I'll trust you. For now."

Meredith's attention shifted to the comforting weight of the sword in her hand. Testing its balance, she examined the craftsmanship—it was both functional and elegant, perfectly suited to her grip. 

A sudden urge to test her skill came over her, and she flashed Gabriel a mischievous grin.

In one swift motion, she launched herself up into the branches of a nearby tree, using her agility to ascend quickly, balancing high above. 

Before Gabriel could fully register her movement, she leaped down, sword raised, aiming her strike directly at him.

Gabriel's eyes widened momentarily in surprise as Meredith sprang toward him from above, her blade aimed in a daring strike. But he recovered instantly, his hand moved with a swift, almost casual grace as he reached for his sword. 

There was no grand flourish, no dramatic build up—only a quiet, deadly precision. His fingers wrapped around the hilt, and in one fluid motion, he unsheathed the blade, releasing it from its scabbard.

The sword itself seemed an extension of him. As he held it out, his stance shifted—weight balanced, shoulders poised.

With a subtle twist of his wrist, he angled the blade toward her. The weapon seemed alive in his hands, the motion controlled, deliberate, each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. 

His eyes never left hers, but there was a change in his gaze—a quiet intensity that told her he was no stranger to battle. 

"Not bad," he murmured, his voice carrying a note of approval tempered with a hint of surprise. "You're quick. Bold, too."

Meredith smirked, catching her breath as she held her ground, her stance poised for another strike.

"Consider this my thanks to you, for kidnapping me," she quipped, her voice edged with playful defiance.

Gabriel's lips quirked in the faintest hint of a smile, his posture relaxing slightly as he lowered his sword, though his gaze remained sharp, tracking her every move. 

She lunged again, but he anticipated her move, countering it with ease. Their movements quickened, a dance of calculated steps and swings, neither one truly aiming to harm the other, but rather testing, probing, learning.

He blocked her next move effortlessly, twisting his wrist to guide her blade away before stepping back.

"You've had training," he observed, his tone now edged with a touch of respect. "Your form. It's disciplined, focused. But it's not quite perfect."

Meredith laughed, barely winded despite the quick exchange. "Guess you'll just have to keep watching," she teased. "Maybe you'll pick up a few moves yourself."

As they spared, Meredith recalled the training she had endured under Byron's rigorous guidance. Byron's voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of the unique sword style he had taught her—a style that, he'd once mentioned, was derived from the teachings of an angel. 

Having had enough, Gabriel decided to bring the sparring into halt. His sword came down hard, knocking Meredith's blade out of her hands and sending it flying across.

Meredith stumbled back in surprise, quickly regaining her footing as she looked at Gabriel with a mixture of admiration and frustration.

"Teach me," she said without hesitation. "I refuse to return home until you do."

Gabriel's aloof facade wavered for a moment when she made her request, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded stiffly. "I will comply, under the condition that you promise to rest, eat well, and do as I say."

---

They spent the next few days trading blows and exchanging tips on form and technique. As they sparred, Meredith felt herself growing more comfortable with each move, adapting to the style that Gabriel had introduced to her.

She watched as he showed her how to move fluidly between offense and defense, how to anticipate an opponent's moves before they even made them. 

And though there were moments when she still stumbled or missed a block, she could see the improvement in her movements.

As they practiced one day, Meredith couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Gabriel. She feigned a move, pretending to trip, and used the opportunity to brush her body against his before swiftly dodging his counterattack. 

Gabriel's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected contact, but he quickly regained his composure and continued their spar without missing a beat.

Meredith couldn't help but smirk as she saw Gabriel's reaction. She knew that he was not used to physical contact or playful banter. In a swift and daring move, she planted a soft, quick kiss on his cheek before pulling back, a sly smile playing on her lips. Gabriel's reaction was a mix of surprise and a hint of a smile - a rare display of emotion from the stoic angel.

As the sun began to set on the horizon, Meredith and Gabriel paused their training for a much-needed break. They sat on a nearby rock, catching their breath and sipping water.

Meredith's mind was abuzz with thoughts of the past few days. She had never felt so alive while wielding a sword, and she couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt towards her stern teacher.

"You know," she said, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "I never expected an angel to require a sword."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at her comment. "Why is that?"

"Well, angels are always portrayed as these ethereal beings with unlimited magic power. It made you think that they don't need weapons or physical combat skills."

Gabriel chuckled softly. "The depictions of angels in mortal stories are often exaggerated or inaccurate. We are warriors first and foremost, and we like close combats."

Meredith nodded, making a mental note to report this information to Arthur later on. 

She then took another sip of water before asking another question that had been nagging at her since they started training together.

"What about love?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Gabriel's expression instantly turned serious as he looked at her intently. "What about it?"

"Do angels...feel it? Love, I mean." Meredith clarified, feeling foolish for asking such a personal question.

"We do not experience romantic love in the same way mortals do," Gabriel replied carefully. "But we do feel affection."

Meredith couldn't help but feel disappointed at his response. She had hoped for a more romantic answer.

Their training sessions continued for weeks, and with each passing day, Meredith noticed that Gabriel's guard around her began to drop. He would sometimes smile or joke with her during their breaks, something she never thought she would witness from him.

One day, Gabriel's gaze drifted beyond her, as though something unseen had drawn his attention. His expression hardened, and Meredith sensed the shift instantly. "You have to leave soon?" she asked.

He nodded reluctantly, the sternness returning to his expression.

Meredith hesitates, not wanting to say goodbye to Gabriel. But she knows it's been too long since she left home. 

"I should return to my kingdom as well," she says with a heavy heart. "They must have been worried about me for so long. Besides, where exactly are we?"

Gabriel felt the same reluctance as her, but he was bound by an invisible duty that he couldn't share. He responded, "We are not too far from your home. The journey home will take three days. Stick to the path I show you, and if you move quickly and cautiously, you should be safe."

The goodbye was long and hard, each moment slipping away like grains of sand through Meredith's fingers. She held onto Gabriel's hands tightly, not wanting to let go. Their eyes met and she couldn't help but admire the angel before her.

As she spoke, her voice carried a mixture of appreciation and sorrow. "I am grateful for the time you have invested in teaching me," she said softly.

Meredith felt a strong urge to kiss this magnificent being before her, to show appreciation and affection in one final act. But she resisted.

With a heavy heart, she reluctantly let go of his hands. But just as she did, he slipped a small pouch of food into her palm. 

His fingers brushed hers briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. Then he spread his majestic wings and flew above the clouds, disappearing into the vast blue sky.

Meredith stood there for a moment, gazing up at the spot where Gabriel had vanished. She could still feel his presence lingering around her. With a sigh, she turned and walked away, treasuring the memories they shared and the lessons she learned under the guidance of this angelic mentor.

---

Meredith began her journey home, making her way through the forest. Despite Gabriel's direction, she remained wary, her eyes scanning every shadow.

Just as she was beginning to think she'd trotted home without incident, a small troop appeared on the path ahead, their faces lit with recognition and hostility.

Meredith froze, her heart thumping in her chest. The patrol was small, only five men, but she knew from experience that their numbers didn't matter. These were Stormgard soldiers, trained to fight with brutal efficiency. Apparently they had infiltrated this far.

The soldiers noticed her sword. 

Heart pounding, she gripped her sword tightly, and with a sudden burst of energy, she engaged them. The training Gabriel had shown her came back in fluid movements, each strike and parry honed by years of Byron's tutelage and her own innate skill.

The clash was fierce, but Meredith's determination won out. She held her ground, dispatching the last of her assailants before retreating deeper into the forest, breathless yet victorious.

As she continued on her path, she found herself wishing that Gabriel were near—though she wouldn't admit it, his presence had provided a strange reassurance.

Furthermore, how could he have abandoned a fragile, delicate princess in the forest? Meredith seethed with anger.