Author: JustSkipIt
Rating: R to NC-17
Feedback: Please leave feedback on the Waiting for Dani thread on the Kitten Board.
Disclaimer: Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own Willow and Tara and the Buffyverse. I'm not saying this universe is totally original but I didn't steal it from any author or creator that I know of. No copyright infringement is meant by this fic and I will not make any money from it.
Distribution: Kitten Board, Through the Looking Glass, Mystic Muse. Everyone else, send me a note.

I rushed toward the door, not caring for my appearance or lack of footwear. I yanked it open and rushed down the stairs, passing through the kitchen which I knew from Dani's research was the quickest route through the house, and out into the courtyard. Faith and Dawn were fast behind me and we reached the riders even as Stefan was helping Dani from his horse and into Xander's arms.

As he dismounted Stefan extended his mark toward me and greeted me with a bow. I can't say that it was the warmest greeting I've ever received but it was respectful enough given my recent behavior. I returned his only summarily and reached for Dani who slumped weakly against Xander's chest. “Dani? Dani?” I brushed my fingertips against her cheek, knowing that tears flowed down my own.

Dani, for her part struggled to lift her head weakly and look at me through unfocused eyes. She seemed to want to smile and lifted the corners of her mouth only the slightest bit before slumping back towards Xander who lifted her completely from her feet. “Lady Tara, she must rest. May we bring her inside?”

His concern for her was both touching and embarrassing as I should have been ushering them inside from the moment we realized their approach. “Yes, come. In m-my rooms.” I hesitated a moment before directing them toward my rooms for this had been the very scene of the crime, as it were, but they were the most plush and comfortable. When she was recovered, she could leave them at her earliest but for now, I just wanted to make her comfortable.

We made quite a parade, tracking mud and muck onto the kitchen floors as we passed through and to the back stairs, myself in the lead and Xander immediately behind me. I charged through the door to my rooms which had been left open in our rush to the courtyard and pulled back the covers, fluffing the pillow and smoothing the sheets as best I could. Dawn immediately rushed around the other side and did the same on that side of the bed.

“H-here, please Xander. Please...” He set Dani down as gently as he could and I felt a burning moment of jealousy as he placed a kiss on her forehead. He leaned forward and whispered in her ear and I thought I heard him say something “you ... wished...” I averted my eyes for she was whispering something to him and I did not want to intrude on their private moment. Then he stepped back and bowed to her for the full three seconds.

I could barely hear her voice but she whispered my name and I rushed the step forward to kneel on the ground by her. I had to lean in and put my ear right by her mouth to hear her even a little. “...my mark. Please...” She weakly lifted and then dropped her left hand, wrapped in gauze on the bed and I looked at it dumbly.

Then I heard Stefan behind me. “Lady Tara.” I turned to look at him. “She was quite insistent that you be the first to see her mark. She said you would understand her new name.” He held out a small vial. “T'dre sends these herbs.”

I took the herbs from him as if in a daze and looked at Dani. She seemed on the verge of losing consciousness. I uncapped the lid. “Do you want these?” She shook her head and I leaned forward and put the vial in the palm of her other hand. “If you change your mind, you have them.”

She nodded and closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to gather her strength and courage. “My mark...” She crossed her hand over to rest it in front of me. “Please...”

I was aware of the others gathering closer as I began to carefully unwrap the bandages. The pain must have been quite bad for as I unwrapped them she took a small sip of the herbs, wincing at the bitterness. Finally I reached the last layer of bandage and peeled it back. It seemed the entirety of our group was holding our breath and then we released a collective gasp as her mark was revealed.

Weak as she was, Dani's smile was clearly directed at the beauty of T'dre's artistry. For there in the midst of her reddened palm was the simplicity of the free-servant's bond. A single “W.” I blinked my eyes as I took in the markings around the letter, realizing the extent to which Tadre had taken on this assignment and made it her own. I was transfixed by the sight of Dani's hand. Or no longer Dani and I didn't know her name. I did not know the name of my love and this struck me as strange beyond measure. I looked at her through blurred tears and saw her watching me intently as she could. Her eyelids drooped and her last word before succumbing to her exhaustion filled me with hope as none other could have.

Willow.

I turned to Stefan but he was already handing me the jar of ointment for her palm and this I brushed on lightly to ease her pain and keep away infection before tucking her hand under the covers, in fact pulling the covers up around her to make her as comfortable as possible.

I could not say how many minutes I sat there just staring at her, every so often reaching out to brush my fingertips through her hair and then stopping myself before I heard Faith's voice behind me. “Lady Tara. We must talk.”

“I can't leave her.” My voice broke as I spoke. I had sent her away once and she had returned to me. I would wait to find out the meaning of her chosen name or to be admonished for my terrible behavior. Either way, I would beg her forgiveness the moment she was well enough to hear my plea.

I glanced at Stefan and Faith amassed behind me. “Please, Tara. Dawn can sit with her if you can just step into your office with us.” She waved her hand at the doorway to the anteroom which I used as a small office.

I looked at Dawn. “You will come get me if she even moves?”

“Yes, Lady Tara.”

I turned and led the others from the room. Before going I started to lean down to kiss my love's forehead but I arrested my movement as I realized how inappropriate it would be. We reached the office and pulled the door partially closed. I was able to see into the bedroom by standing facing the doorway and my audience stood to the side to allow my vision. Faith glanced into the room again. “Is the bond broken?”

I nodded my head. I had known that the bond was broken as I reached the Estate the day before but this confrontation had proven it beyond a doubt. I could feel no trace of the magic which had bound us for three years. “It is broken.”

Faith blew out a breath. “Good. I was concerned for Tadre's work after seeing what she has done.” She shook her head. “How she could make such a mistake... Is she well?” She turned to Stefan. “Did she seem well?”

Stefan also shook his head. “She seemed entirely well and is quite comfortable at the inn. I had no idea that she was lacking...”

I continued to watch the two of them. Perhaps it was my exhaustion or the herbs my sister had given me the night before but I failed to understand immediately the reason for their consternation.

“My Lady,” Faith finally said quite directly. “Tadre has given Dan... Willow the marks of a magic user.”

“A first generation magic user,” Stefan clarified.

I nodded my head as I finally understood their concern. Well, it would be public now. “T'dre did not make a mistake.” I watched through the doorway. Willow slept peacefully and Dawn was quite vigilant.

“But her marks...”

“Faith, Stefan,” I glanced back and forth between them. “Willow is a magic user. I do not know how this is possible but you can trust me that it is.”

Faith seemed almost angry with this revelation but she did not allow it to show greatly. “How long have you known this?”

“I am sorry, sister, to have never told you this. I have known since we were children.”

Faith was silent for a long time as Stefan watched her. Finally she spoke. “You must have been very afraid, My Lady.”

I considered my words carefully. “I became less afraid as time went on and we both grew into our power. But still, we did not want it known. T'dre only knows because Dani invoked a spell during her marking.”

Faith nodded her head. “This means... there is more to D'Shel's story than we have been led to believe.”

I smiled at her understatement. “Very much more it would seem.” I glanced back into the room. “I must sit with her.” I bowed quickly and they did the same.

Dawn waited until I had tapped her shoulder and then stood to allow me to sit in the chair by the bed. “May I get you anything, Lady Tara? Something to eat or drink?”

I acquiesced, feeling hunger pangs and asked her to bring me a sandwich and drink and she did so quickly. I thanked her profusely and dismissed her with the promise that I would call for her if I needed her.

She seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking. “Would you ... would you pass on my congratulations to Willow?”

It was an interesting request but I realized that Willow was certainly due congratulations. “I will surely do so, Dawn. Thank you.”

She bowed and left and I turned my full attention to watching Willow sleep. I dared not touch her, even to brush a wisp of hair from her forehead but I was captivated by her beauty. Could it be possible that this would be the last time I would see her? If she woke and cursed my very name and being, I would plead nothing but beg her forgiveness on my knees.

The sun moved across the sky and the shadows played on the floor of the room and still I sat by the bed. My days, currently, seem to be filled with nothing but sitting and waiting. Dawn came to check on me frequently and bring me drinks or spell me for a necessary break but mostly I sat. Willow stirred once or twice, once looking at me with glazed eyes and asking for more herbs which I handed her eagerly.

And I thought of Faith's words and of the way I had left Dani in the village.

Dani was quiet as we rode. At her waist was the fine dagger I had brought from the wedding and she looked beautiful for how could she ever not?

“Might I ask what errand we take, My Lady?”

I thought about this for a few moments. “I believe it would be better that we wait until we arrive. I promise I will explain when we reach the tavern.”

My love nodded and did not inquire further and we reached the tavern in silence. The innkeeper directed us to the rooms I had reserved for Tadre and she answered when we knocked at her door. She was quite eager to greet us both formally and informally. I could see that her marking instruments and supplies were prepared and she asked to speak to me privately.

“Lady Tara. Are you sure about this?”

I nodded my head. “Yes, Miss T'dre. I must free her.”

She looked across the room toward my love. “Have you told her?”

“I will do so now.” I bowed and then hugged her. “There is none other I would trust with such an important marking as this.”

She bowed in return and I crossed to Dani asking her to enter the other room of the suite with me. She watched me carefully and spoke before I could begin. “Please do not do this, My Lady.”

So she had guessed the reason for our journey. I took her hands in my own and attempted to speak quickly for tears were forming in my eyes as they had already pooled in hers. “Dani. I ... love you as I never have loved another nor will. I ... “ I took a long break as her eyes were locked on mine. “I... I... Do you know how I love you?”

Dani squinted. “Yes, My Lady.”

I could hardly speak. “I ... T'dre is here at my request to give you your freed servant's bond.”

Dani shook her head. “My Lady. Tara. I ... I can not...” She took a few shuddering breaths. When she spoke again she struggled with her words. “I do ... this is not ... you need a servant...” Her tears were falling quickly and it was obvious that she could not speak further.

I was losing my own composure. “I... you have lodging here for as long as you may need.”

“Please... My Lady. Tara. Please.”

I took her hand again and held it close as tears poured from both our eyes. I kissed her palm gently, my words no more than a whisper. “I love you.”

I left the tavern with Dani's tearful words in my ears. “Please... please... Tara? Tara?”

I reached my horse and stood for a few minutes to try and recover my composure somewhat. I knew that Dani felt confused and obligated to attempt to argue against my decision for how could she not? The bond caused her pleas. Once it was broken, she could feel the relief and freedom.

I had just reached the Estate when the bond was broken. Merie helped me to my room for which I rewarded her with my anger. I took to the chair and began to wait.

As the night and next morning stretched on, Willow stirred a few times. I gave her small bites of food, drink, or herbs as she requested and assisted her with her necessary as she required. She was not capable of carrying on much more conversation than pointing at the tankard or whispering thank you. A few times I tried to apologize, plead, confess my love but her eyes glazed over quickly and she took sleep again before answering.

At mid-morning, I took Faith and Dawn's urging to sleep for a short while. I lay down in the suite and was asleep in moments with their assurance that they would wake me if Willow woke for more than a word.

I slept deeply and woke to quiet. Dawn was with Willow and she assured me that the few times the redhead had awoken, she had only asked for something to drink. Dawn begged my forgiveness if she was inappropriate but advised that I perhaps take a short time to freshen up. I began to plead but finally took her advice and did so as quickly as I could. I returned to the room to see Willow in the same position she had been in when I left. Dawn asked if she could serve me any further and I dismissed her gratefully.

And what of Willow? She was beautiful in her sleep as I had always known. I ran my fingers across the back of her hand and was surprised as it turned to grasp mine. It could have been only her sleep or her lifelong training but again, my heart leapt with the possibility that it was more.

Nearing late afternoon, Willow woke more and more frequently and remained awake for longer periods of time, even asking me for reports on the condition of the Estate. I had to sheepishly admit that I knew virtually nothing of the condition of the Estate having spent the last few days in this room and before that in travel. She didn't admonish me regarding my lack of knowledge but moved to other topics.

Noting that she had been awake for more than ten minutes at a stretch, I asked if she would like to bathe quickly adding that Dawn was available. Surely she wouldn't feel comfortable allowing me to assist her. She was quiet for a long minute before responding please, that would be quite appreciated.

Faith's servant appeared almost before I could open the door and seemed to anticipate my request. I am quite sure she was bothered by my repeated admonitions to be careful of Willow's tender mark but she hid it well, promising that she would be gentle. As Dawn drew the bath, I returned to the bed and told Willow that I would return as soon as they were done and asked was there anything else I could bring her.

Her eyes lost their vacant look for long enough to ask me for a few cherry tarts and I restrained myself from commenting that she was my predictable girl. Instead, I bowed and promised to return with a plate of her favorite treat. My trip downstairs afforded me the opportunity to apologize to Merie for my heinous treatment of her. She seemed to take my words well and I hinted that perhaps there would be need for she and Lory to conduct some business in village overnight the next week. Given the speed with which she fetched Willow's tarts, I think we can assume that she either loved Dani quite dearly (without doubt) or appreciated my offer or, I think, both.

I returned to the room with two plates of tarts and offered one to Dawn who was quite grateful and asked if she could serve me otherwise. I replied that it would not be necessary and she assured me yet again that she would be close by.

Willow was propped up against the pillows, looking more refreshed than when I had left. “You have my tarts.” She seemed to have a gleam in her eye and I could not tell her purpose. I handed her the plate and retook my chair.

The time seemed opportune. She was awake and seemed lucid. I had not seen her take any herbs in a few hours. I wanted to take her hand but it seemed inappropriate and I wrung my hands as I began to speak. “Dan... Willow. I'm sorry that make take me a little while to... I must beg your f-f-forgiveness for...” My voice shook as I spoke.

I was surprised as she interrupted me. Obviously she was freed from the bond for no servant would interrupt me no matter how my voice shook or how much I stuttered. “Lady Tara.” She took a deep breath and then smiled disbelievingly. “I can say whatever I want. I have one question for you.”

“Yes?”

She did not ask her question right off. “I was heartbroken. Truly heartbroken when you left me in the village.”

“I am so sorry. Willow I...”

She held up her hand to stop my speech. “No. Let me continue. I could not understand why you would leave me that way and order me freed. I was sure that you loved me. That you love me?” She looked at me for long enough that I nodded head vigorously and she seemed to relax a bit. “Yet you left me with T'dre and ... I ... I could not understand how you would do this and say that you loved me.” She pushed the plate away from herself and I took it and set it on the floor at the foot of the bed. “It has now been days and I've slept fitfully and dreamt only of sorrow. Tara, did... did you... did you free me to see if I would return to you?” As she spoke she took my hand in hers and her grip tightened as she waited for my response.

“No, Willow.” I could see the sorrow returning to her eyes as I spoke. “I freed you so that you would never again have to do anything you did not wish in your own heart.” I smiled lovingly at her and hoped that this would be the answer she hoped for. “But I prayed that you would return to me.”

She tried to speak for a few seconds, her mouth seeming to fail to form the words. Finally she reached up and grasped the back of my head pulling me close to kiss me hungrily. Her kiss was somewhat more sloppy and unfocused than I was used to which I attributed to the herbs and her exhaustion.

I was crying when we broke the kiss and stroked her cheeks with my fingertips. “You actually love me?”

She smiled at me as if considering a child. “You could not tell by the way ...” I will not repeat her words but suffice it to say she referred rather explicitly to some of our private activities.

I blushed. “Well, um, I ... um... I feared it was the bond.”

Again she seemed to regard me as a child. She brushed my cheek with her hand. “My Lady, the first time I made love to you was before I was bound or have you forgotten?”

I blushed. It seemed I would do nothing more than blush. “Not your lady any longer and I have forgotten nothing of any second we've ever spent together including that glorious and unexpected night.”

She pulled me onto the bed finally but I fear that movement hurt her badly for she inhaled sharply. “I must take herbs again momentarily but ...” she blinked slowly. “I am so grateful to you for my freedom for although it leaves me without my life's purpose, it also relieves me of never knowing whether the love I felt for you was true or a product of that bond.” She lifted my mark to her lips. “You are my lady, always.” And then her eyelids fluttered and she was unconscious sitting up in bed. I lowered her against the pillow

She loved me. Loves me. Oh Goddess. I still felt that I owed her so much but prayed for as long at it took to repay her. I crawled up onto the bed and lay behind her. Even as she slept, she reached behind her back to take my arm and pull it around her waist and I began to cry tears of relief as I held her as tightly as I could.

Some time later I woke to the warmth of my love wrapped in my arms. She had turned to face me and began to kiss me deeply. "Love me, Tara."

I broke the kiss to answer her. "Yes, dear. I love you more than anything."

She giggled and proved that she was feeling more clear than earlier. "It was imperative, not interrogative, My Lady. Love Me."

And I did.

Her hands were at my hems and mine at her sash and our clothes seemed to almost evaporate so quickly had we divested each other. And then we were no longer two bodies, four hands, two lips, but one being. We were merged and together and could not be closer. Gone were the sparks of contact between my mark and her center or my tongue on her mark but we could not have been closer. When we peaked, it was together and one of the only times I could remember that.

And now we lie here, she in my arms and mine wrapped around her. With each waking it seems we have questions and answers for the other. I asked her why she waited so long to tell me she loved me and she laughed, admitting that she did not want to get in the way of my required marriage. Later she teased me that Lord Finn could at least have given her a magic user given that he had no daughters and I shot back that I felt sure the countryside was littered with his issue already, depriving her of a magic user.

I know not what lies before us. How will we be accepted and how will I bear my heir? What will my father say? And does my love's destiny lie only here or elsewhere? I know this: no matter where her destiny lies, I have waited long enough and will be with her always.