happyfalcon: (Default)
Anne Boleyn ([personal profile] happyfalcon) wrote2014-09-16 08:45 pm

[For Thomas] Changing Seasons



There was no doubt, it had been hard. In the weeks that followed, Anne only got a few fleeting looks at Thomas Wyatt. Every once in a while they were able to steal fleeting kisses of the briefest touch of fingers at banquets. The letters they wrote were far more significant. Poetic verses, promises, sweet words - both were exchanged in equal passion.

But recently, Anne's happiness had taken a drastic drop. Henry had been pressuring her lately, wanting to make his relationship with Anne more public. She had refused, coyly at first, then logically. Her argument had been that, while he was married, it wouldn't do to have them both seen in public together. Henry had agreed at first without question. Recently though, he had started to grow annoyed. This would have been fine, except that Thomas Boleyn was beginning to feel the pressure as well, and was pressuring Anne to accept the king's public advances.

What else could she do? As the days grew darker, Anne turned to the only person she could trust without question: Thomas.

Anne wrote a letter, quickly and carefully when she finally had a free moment:

Dearest Poet:

Would that I could write of my fondness for you now; to tell you, as I often have these past days, that it is you that I love more than any. Alas, today I write to you with the gravest matter - The Lion seeks to show off his prize to the jackals that surround him. To show that the falcon is his, and belongs to no other.

What shall the falcon do, dear heart? You know well of the others that surround it, and the dangers the falcon faces should it refuse The Lion - though it wants nothing more than to do so.

I hope, dearest love, that you and your most brilliant mind are able to manifest some solution.

Until then, Poet, as always you have my heart, and my happiness lies with you alone.

Sincerest love,
~Brunet


Hopefully, Thomas's crafty mind would identify the new characters she developed to avoid dropping names. The Falcon, herself; The Lion, the king. What could she do? What should she do?

Slipping out of her chamber, folded letter in hand, Anne stepped down to their designated spot. No guards, no prying eyes in sight. Still, Anne kept the letter in her sleeve until she reached the left urn. Pretending to drop a bracelet, Anne dipped down to retrieve it, slipping the letter into the urn swiftly in the time it took to grab the bracelet and stand up. She continued on without a word.

Hopefully, Thomas could reply to her soon.
howlikeyouthis: (mistrust me not)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-25 12:48 am (UTC)(link)
Anne's mother had graciously accepted his small gift and assured that the spices would be put to good use by Hever's skillful cook. Out of politeness Wyatt spent a moment conversing with the lady and in doing so, got a bit of an lesson on herbs in general. Rosemary, she had said, was known for improving memory and mint was not only a good seasoning for meat but also had medicinal value in fighting colds and stomach aches.

Wyatt, in turn, could explain that the lavender he'd brought had been grown in Provence and peasants there produced wonderful lavender oil that helped heal wounds. He apologized for not having been able to buy such oil but expressed a wish that the dried herbs would still somehow work their wonders when used in cooking.

As Wyatt had thus revealed the true destiny of his travels, Thomas Boleyn was all too curious to ask him to elaborate on the matter. Wyatt didn't feel like he had the right to go into details so he gave only a roundabout answers which thankfully seemed to satisfy the lord.

Then finally he was able to join the other guests in the library and got served the long-awaited hot drink. The Boleyns knew how to entertain, that much was clear. They spared neither effort nor expense when putting together festivities and this New Year's day was no exception. After his lonely days on the road, Wyatt delighted in the company of others. Even trivial news and conversation was very welcome to him and he joined in with all the joking and merrymaking.

A fair share of his good mood was obviously due to being able to see Anne. All too often his gaze sought her out in the room; secret looks and brief smiles that spoke volumes of his feelings. She was his spark of fire, dressed in a red gown.

Wyatt approached her when the music and dancing really started to pick up and even shy William found the courage to ask Mary. He bowed down, as it was the proper thing to do, and held out his hand to her.

"I believe there was talk last night of us dancing together. I like this tune, so... may I have this dance, Annie?"
howlikeyouthis: (lux my fair falcon)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-25 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"I promise, if that name displeases you so. I was not aware," he replied solemnly. He didn't remember ever having heard of it before. In hindsight, it had come from George's mouth, so there could be some childhood issues behind it.

He nodded at her mention of a nickname. "That I do. It was... now if I could only recall... the Wittiest?" Wyatt flashed a smile an instant before he had to let go of Anne's hand and make a turn to the right and step around her.

Her challenge earned a pair of raised eyebrows from Wyatt but having to concentrate on the dancesteps prevented him from giving an immediate response. He couldn't really believe she'd refuse him at the end but in no way could he simply sit back and wait until the apple fell down onto his lap, either.

"There is more to man's life than winning a bet," he offered, when again facing her, "but whenever that is the goal, I've found that by taking things slowly, a better outcome can be reached."

They had to again step in opposite directions before returning to one another. "Think of waterdrops falling on marble. One drop does nothing, but in time a multitude of them will erode the stone. A lady's heart may be soft but it is often much harder to penetrate than a marble."

He squeezed her hand and whispered. "I will take my own time seducing you, mistress Boleyn."
howlikeyouthis: (poet)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-26 04:23 pm (UTC)(link)
"How can I make a masterpiece out of something that already surpasses perfection?" he asked, genuine wonder in his hushed voice. Music was fading but thankfully his words were subdued by all the cheering and clapping of hands so that only Anne could hear him.

The dancers assembled into a new formation for another piece. This dance required them to switch partners and therefore it was harder to maintain any kind of real conversation but Wyatt was just as happy to simply smile at her, to hold her hand when possible or speak words less important than he would have otherwise done.

He did, however, manage to whisper something to Mary as they were going in circles hand in hand, and then a little bit later Mary was repeating his words to George, who glanced at Wyatt's direction and nodded. When this dance was completed, George raised his voice before the musicians had a chance to start another song.

"Friends, and family! May I have your attention, please?" he started with his hands up in the air. "As we all know, our little party got a welcome addition last night with the arrival of one... frosty poet." The crowd turned to look at Wyatt and murmured their approval. "I hear they have a new poem for us to enjoy today. I suggest we take a small break from dancing and let Master Wyatt recite his newest piece of work."

George gestured Wyatt to step forward which he then did, smiling at the crowd. "Thank you, George. This poem came about as I travelled south and visited the port of Seaford. I began thinking of sailors in the Mediterranean and of their encounters with Venus, rising from the sea. English winters are cold and I doubt the goddess graces us with her presence in these waters but I would like to believe we have beauty here that equals her nonetheless."

His cheeks might have blushed saying that; after all it was rather sentimental. Wyatt then paused to let the audience to get ready.

"Though this port : and I thy servaunt true,
And thou thy self doist cast thy bemes from hye
From thy chieff howse, promising to renew
Both Joye and eke delite, behold yet how that I,
Bannisshed from my blisse, carefully do crye,
"Helpe now, Citherea, my lady dere,
"My ferefull trust," en vogant la galere.

Alas the dowbt that dredfull absence geveth
Withoute thyn ayde ; assuraunce is there none :
..."


He continued through all the four verses of the poem, sometimes taking a longer pause between words when he couldn't quite decide how he wanted the lines to flow, and sometimes giving special emphasis on certain words and phrases. All for Anne.

...Forget me not, en vogant la galere."

That was the end of the poem. Wyatt had been looking past the guests as he spoke, but now his gaze fell up the people that so quietly had been listening. He smile again, anxiously waiting to know how well the poem was received.


((OOC: Full poem with modern spelling & notes/explanation here:
http://www.shakespeares-sonnets.com/Archive/Wyatt16.htm#anchor001 ))
howlikeyouthis: (my life alas i miss)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-26 11:53 pm (UTC)(link)
A big smile spread across his face, so grateful was he to receive such cheer, although it made him slightly embarrassed as well. His eyes went to Mary as she was so near and clapping her hands so vigorously, but it was Anne's more subtle applause that made him drop his gaze to his feet. He clasped his hands together and made a bow before thanking everyone and stepping aside.

"Music!" George ordered while bringing Wyatt a cup of wine. "Here, you deserve a drink, my friend. That was excellent. It begs one crucial question, however." He took a sip from his own cup and grinned. "Who is this woman that inspires such poetry in you? Do not tell it is someone you briefly met in Seaford."

Wyatt shook his head, hoping that Anne wouldn't hear George's half-witted insinuation but in vain. The two Boleyn sisters were still standing nearby. Though it turned out to be for the best as Mary stepped up right then.

"Don't spoil the memory of a lovely poem, George," Mary chastised her brother. "We enjoyed it thoroughly, didn't we, Nan? Shall we dance some more? This music is perfect for circle dancing."


((ooc: Gah, all those typos in my last paragraph/previous tag: fell upon, he smiled again))
howlikeyouthis: (ye know my heart my lady)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-27 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
George disappeared as well, seeking the company of the lady he'd been dancing with before, the one in a yellow dress, so Wyatt was left alone with Anne. Well, as 'alone' as one could be in this situation. He followed her lead in snatching a pastry from a passing servant. His was a savoury pie with a chicken filling. Biting into that, Wyatt glanced around the room.

He swallowed the first piece and smiled faintly. "Would you care to play a game of cards with me? It looks like there's a table free right there." He nodded towards the corner where a pack of cards had been left haphazardly on a small round table.

Wyatt walked over there, placed his pie and drink on the side and gathered the cards into his hands. "A round of Cent?" he asked, turning back to Anne. "I thought we could sit for a while before you need to retire for the night."


((ooc: I didn't read the whole thing nor do I intend to exactly play out the game but I found it here: http://www.davpar.eu/histocs/piquet.html

And thanks for the new pictures!))
howlikeyouthis: (thy fair beauty to behold)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-27 11:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"I see you're trying to get me off-balance before we've even begun. Not that I mind the images you plant in my head," he said laughing. There was a hint of nervousness in his voice. He wanted her badly and having to restrain himself like this was agony but he also feared for her reputation.

Wyatt tossed out the cards with numbers smaller than seven and after shuffling the rest carefully, dealt twelve cards for both of them.

"You know the thing George was trying to imply... there's no truth behind it. You're the only one. The only one I'm with, or think about. Just you." He touched his heart again, like he often did to express his feelings, but he also moved his leg under that small table so that the tip of his boot touched her shoe.

"Just a quick game, I propose," he said, looking at his cards more closely now. His hand wasn't too bad but there were entirely more interesting activities to look forward to.
howlikeyouthis: (poet)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-28 09:01 am (UTC)(link)
"You know I do. It's been too long since we've played that game," he replied quietly, looking softly into her eyes. She was so fine and understanding. He couldn't quite comprehend his luck.

Taking a sip from his drink, Wyatt waited Anne to draw replacements to her cards first, then did the same with his. He fell into a silence, concentrating on gaining a combination of cards that would earn him the most points.

There was still some chatter in the room and a lone lute player plucked the strings of his instrument at his pleasure. The Boleyn wine was being consumed by the remaining men and women.

Wyatt kept his voice low as he spoke again. "I suggest you leave first. I'll stay behind and follow soon after. Be as you are now... for to draw out the game, I wish to undress you."

He discarded the Queen of Hearts on the table. Maybe not a smart move regarding the card game but he didn't care.
Edited (typo) 2014-10-28 09:03 (UTC)
howlikeyouthis: (mistrust me not)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-28 06:41 pm (UTC)(link)
A Jack and the Queen? That thought almost stopped Wyatt but he pushed his doubts aside, especially as she talked about surrendering to him. In his mind, he had surrendered to her a long time ago. He was careful not to let his eyes wander but Anne's heavy breathing was evident even when not looking directly at her bosom.

"Impatience can be a virtue...," he tried some feeble explanation for the burning they both felt in their bodies. "Good night," he added, raising slightly from his chair as Anne left the room.

Wyatt exhaled. Then he finished his drink. He didn't want Anne to wait unnecessarily, but he had to give her some time to get to his room without anyone noticing. He got up slowly, shrugging his shoulders. George was occupied with his lady friend, Mary nowhere to be seen. Nobody important would miss him, so Wyatt saw it fit to leave.

He didn't bother knocking on the door to let Anne know he was coming. That would have been suspicious behaviour, it was his room after all. He simply slipped inside and sought out for her with the intention of enveloping her into a warm embrace.
howlikeyouthis: (they flee from me)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-29 12:55 am (UTC)(link)
He muttered something unintelligible into her hair before she moved her lovely mouth against his and made the world spin around. Holding Anne's face as they kissed, Wyatt walked them further into the tiny room, to stand near the foot of the bed.

He smiled into the kiss as Anne's nimble fingers worked on those clasps. Meanwhile his own hands found the ties to her skirts. He tugged them loose impatiently, only stopping enough to allow her to slide the doublet down his arms and let it fall onto the floor.

Wyatt closed his eyes, moaning in response, and tilted his head in the direction she wanted at first, but then leaned forward to press hot kisses across her bare shoulders. With a needy sigh he dropped down on his knees. Anne could take support on his shoulders as he proceeded to lift her feet up one at a time in order to remove her shoes. He then slid his hands under her skirt and caressed the backs of her legs all the way up until he could squeeze her backside.

Bringing his hands back out in the open and wrapping them around Anne's hips, Wyatt pressed the side of his face against the hard of her bodice. Then he pushed her skirt and farthingale down to her feet and rose up again.


((ooc: I got so stuck in this tag for not wanting to assume what she was wearing (didn't know what you had in mind; a dress or a skirt + bodice) but I hope the latter is ok. It just fit my purposes better.))
Edited (sorry, needed to add a bit) 2014-10-29 00:59 (UTC)
howlikeyouthis: (so hasty heat and so soon spent)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-29 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
There was no way he could have prevented his body reacting to her, no matter how fleeting a touch. In fact, when they were alone in this way, her mere presence got him hard. Wyatt pulled his shirt from under his trousers but was stopped from taking it all off by her intense gaze.

"You like that, eh?" he chuckled when Anne's hand brushed against his groin, as if it was by accident. As if. He looked down and smiled, and then they were back to kissing. Keeping their bodies at a small distance except from lips firmly connected, she was able to untie his trousers while he reached behind her back to get to the corset strings. He moved his hips under her touch.

"I like that," he gasped, answering his own question a little late as well as a little breathless. He absolutely loved her for being so forward. Everything was so much easier when he didn't have to pretend this was something other than it was. But despite of the urgency he felt in every inch of his body, he wasn't going to make love to her with his boots on and his trousers dropped to his knees like it had happened at the night of the masquarade. Lovely memory it was and all, but not how he wanted to be intimate with her.

After getting those laces undone, Wyatt pulled off her bodice, then brought her hands to the hem of his shirt and lifted up his arms. "I undress you and you undress me."
howlikeyouthis: (you alone are my desire)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-10-31 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
With his shirt gone, he was all too happy to have Anne pressed against his bare skin. His hands roamed along her arms and sides, and gently groped her rear. He couldn't get enough of touching it. Women wore low-cut dresses and displayed their breasts every day. Wyatt was more captivated with what was hidden, whether it was of physical kind or a mental one.

As Anne pushed down his trousers and knelt in front of him, a smile broke across his face. He supported himself against the frame of the bed, one hand behind the bedpost, the other ghosting over her cheek.

"God, Anne-." He was not ready for that. All the muscles in his abdomen rippled as her warm tongue wetted his cock. And having her look up at the same time... He closed his fist with a handful of her hair, still smiling.

Probably losing half of his remaining dignity Wyatt hopped to the side after Anne had removed his left boot. It certainly wasn't the easiest to try to lift up a leg while his trousers were at his knees. Sitting on the bed and leaning back on his arms worked much better. He squirmed a bit, helping to shed the rest of his clothes.

"Come here." Wyatt pulled Anne close, hungry for her kisses. Moving his hands under her butt, he lifted Anne onto his lap.
howlikeyouthis: (all sweetly did me kiss)

[personal profile] howlikeyouthis 2014-11-02 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
"Mmm... don't I ever," he referred to the question of her tongue. She was kind enough to demonstrate the talent on-site, making him hum in pleasure. Wyatt's fingertips danced up and down along her spine.

As she rubbed against his arousal, his breathing got more rapid. Yes, yes, he did love that! It ought to be evident by the way his legs twitched underneath her. Eyes fluttering, for she was so near, he tilted his head to steal a wet little kiss. "You know I love anything and everything you're willing to grant me."

Wyatt leaned backwards to lie on the bed, pulling Anne along him. "I love... this." He loved all of this; the anticipation of lovemaking as much as the act itself.

His legs hung over the edge of the bed still. In order to get them more towards the middle of the bed, Wyatt lifted up his knees and somehow managed to buck backwards with Anne on top of him. He pushed away from the bedframe with his legs. Then he flipped her over.

"I apologize for not secuding you properly," he muttered before leaning in for a kiss while his fingers sank into her hair.

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