Castle Valentine

Posted on Friday 26 March 2021 @ 16:25 by Commander Caroline Miller

Mission: A Cry from the Darkness
Location: Bohus Fortress, Sweden
Timeline: During in shoreleave
1923 words - 3.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Caroline thought the idea of a real medieval castle would appeal to Mathias. She didn't exactly know how old this place was now but when the clouds came in it had a very eerily atmosphere to it. And today it had decided to be cloudy.

She beamed over complete with picnic basket. She had tied her hair in pigtails. Something she had not been able to do for a while waiting for it to grown out again and had chosen to wear something simple so was in complete contrast to what he had seen the other night at Sav and Rejal's engagement party. She had skinny jeans, boots, a black tank top and an oversized cardigan knowing the temperature could be against her. The breeze from the lake made her happy at the decision to bring the purple chunky knit.


https://www.goteborg.com/en/bohus-fastning/

When Mathias had gotten the coordinates of where to meet Caroline, he had looked up where the lunch would be. It was a castle, a Castle! Seeing the weather report for that area he dressed accordingly. A dark purple pull over sweater, thick and soft. A change from his normal blue, green, black or dark red colors he wore. He loved this sweater as his grandmother had knitted it for him. Underneath he wore a long sleeve black tee shirt, for contrast. Dark blue jeans and comfortable boots finished the outfit. He picked up his backpack which had a blanket inside, as well as something else. A surprise for Caroline. He held it gently cradled in his arms.

Mathias beamed down, took a moment to check on the contents of his backpack, then glanced around taking in the breathtaking scenery. The images he had seen didn't do it justice! The ancient ruins of the castle, a bit of history seemed to speak to him. He reached out to touch part of a wall and closed his eyes feeling the energies of a time long ago. Opening his eyes, Mathias looked around to find Caroline.

"Hey," her familiar voice rang out coming up behind him. "What do you think? The Bohus fortress. I thought you might like it," she told him.

"Its on the border of Sweden and Norway. That caused some territorial disputes a long time ago in its history but if you wanted too we could go up to the border and step in both countries," she grinned.

Mathias turned with a smile, " I love this!" He exclaimed, "And a chance to go to the border and be in both countries sounds like a fun plan. When I was in the academy, I took the chance to go to what is called the four corners, it is where four US States touch. Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. I wanted to have the chance to touch all four corners at once, which I did by lying down and therefore voila, I went to four states at the same time." He laughed, " It was great fun." his eyes twinkling with a boyish gleam.

Mathias then shifted his backpack slightly, to where he had one hand free, and stepped forward towards, Caroline, "My lady, I am indeed honored that you have invited me to your castle." taking her hand and bringing it up to his lips. "As is customary, I have come bearing a gift, may I present a small offering to you, from this humble wayfarer?" now using both hands, he gently opened up his backpack to reveal its contents. There was a small rose bush with three fully blooming roses inside a pot. The petals were a light blue in the center, with lavender outer petals. And a lovely light scent arising from it.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/918884268/rosa-blue-lavender-hocus-pocus-rare-rose?ref=pla_similar_listing_bot-2&frs=1

"I-I hope you will like this." Mathias actually blushing slightly when he showed the roses to Caroline.

Caroline was stunned. She couldn't remember the last time she had been given flowers. "They are stunning. Thank you." She took them from him and inhaled the sweet scent. "My favourite colour too."

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "I brought food," she said with a grin.

Mathias's cheeks turned an even deeper red when she kissed his cheek. "I am glad you like them. I decided not to give you just the roses, but the plant as well, for a longer lasting bouquet." his cheeks cooling down. "I've brought a blanket as well, in case its needed. I am looking forward to seeing what you've brought. My nose is detecting something that smells good."

"Oh well I brought you a smorgesboard of Swedish," she smiled. "I know I can just replicate this stuff but its not the same as when me and my grandmother make it by hand. This looks a good spot. We can see the towers and imagine the lady ghost in the courtyard."

She rolled out her blanket and sat down starting to unpack the basket. "Kanelbulle - cinnamon buns. There's coffee to go with those. Husmanskost - my familys meatballs recipe and white gravy. Swedish open sandwiches, herring if your brave enough and Prinsesstårta - princess cake. Cheese, lingonberry jam as you can never have too many lingonberries, never," she told him seriously. "Lingonberry wine incase we need to warm up and I'm really happy I brought it she giggled, "Salad and Jansson’s Temptation - creamy potato and anchovy casserole. We usually have this at Xmas but its one of my favourites so I thought well why not. Will go nice with the meatballs anyway. Please dig in," she said handing him a plate and opening the flasks for the warm food.

As each dish was mentioned, his eyes widened, feeling his mouth watering. Mathias drew in a deep breath, taking in the scents of the food. "Oh that smells divine, Caroline. And I agree, the personal touch adds to the flavors." taking the plate she offered and then waited until she dished herself up first. Then he dished up a portion for himself, a little bit of everything.

He took the time to savor each dish, his eyes closing in delight as the flavors of each dish hit his taste buds. "Caroline, this... I am in heaven right now. " Mathias moaned with almost in ecstasy. 'He opened up his eyes, giving a boyish smile. "Okay yes, I love this food." He reached out for the wine, "Would you like me to pour you some wine?"

"Oh yes please," Caroline nodded. She was happy he was loving the food. "This is wine my family made. Gran grows the lingonberries. When I was a kid I always used to offer to help. We still do it the old fashioned way. Squash everything with our feet. Me and my cousins would be inside that vat feet going red. Eating as many as we could get away with while the rest of the family sang songs. We would always do it in summer," she said dreamily. "Every one come over, lots of food afterwards. Happy memories."

Mathias poured the wine into the two glasses, handing one to Caroline, and setting his down in front of him. He set the bottle down and took a sip from his glass. "This is delicious. And I can imagine the color of the feet. And the celebration, sounds lovely. I've stomped grapes before, my feet became purplish red. The old fashioned way is so much fun." grinning, before he took another sip of the wine.

"I find the old fashioned way is usually the most funniest," Caroline said. "I'll get you a couple of bottles if you enjoy it," she smiled at him.

"I would love that indeed, it is very good." then dished up some more of the fantastic food. After a few more bites he spoke, "A lady ghost haunts this castle? Is she missing a loved one or mourning that she had left this world all to soon?" the idea of a legend of this castle intrigued him. For Mathias loved to tell stories himself as well as listening to them.

"Both," Caroline told him. "She was executed when rebel forces stormed the castle. Her love was fighting round the other wing and was unable to get to her in time," she said. "Do you believe in an afterlife?" the blond asked cutting herself a piece of the princess cake and then another one for Mathias.

'Oh my that is astounding! I wonder if her love is wandering the castle as well, looking for her. To be with his love. Maybe someday someone may take compassion and they can be reunited once more." Mathias mused. " Reminds me of the story of the sun and moon, in love and yet not being able to meet except with an eclipse happens." Mathias took a bite of the princess cake before he answered Caroline's question. "I do believe in an afterlife. There has been evidence of an afterlife on countless occasions. I don't like thinking that this is it, right here and now, and when we die there is nothing afterwards. There is another life, another existence. I actually believe in angels, both earthly and those that are unworldly."

Mathias looked at Caroline, "Do you believe in an afterlife?" He was definitely wanting to know.

"Very much so. I've been a doctor for a good chunk of my life and I have heard stories from people who didn't die," She answered him honestly. "It is very comforting the idea that your dear departed ones continue to exist and then you join them again."

Mathias nodded, then ate some of the princess cake, "It gives me comfort as well." he looked out over the panorama once more then took a deep breath letting it out slowly, then looked at Caroline. "Caroline, I wish to make a confession to you. I've been enchanted by you from the first time we've met. I do worry at times as to how to express myself and whether I'll muddle things up. I don't know if I told you how I felt before, so much has happened but if I have, just let this be another confession of my attraction to you and just how much I do like you." Inwardly Mathias cringed, feeling that he may have just bumbled things. He wasn't certain.

Caroline smiled and pulled him in for a kiss. "Stop worrying."

Mathias smiled in return, as he drew near, and when their lips met, her lips felt soft warm and divine against his. And tasted sweet not just because of the cake they had eaten but perhaps like sweet nectar from the ancient gods themselves. He also felt a spark, which rippled through his body, making him feel even more alive than he'd ever done before. He could almost melt right then and there. His hand cupped her cheek, as Mathias pulled away to catch his breath, leaning his forehead against hers. "Wow."

She beamed at him. "You are one big soft romantic aren't you?" She kissed him again softly, "Lucky me."

Mathias chuckled softly, "I suppose I am, and I feel like I am blessed and lucky as well." wrapping his arms about Caroline and pulling her close for a warm embrace, initiating the kiss, and kissing Caroline once more. The breeze picked up ever so slightly, as a few clouds drifted across the azure blue sky.


OFF

Caroline Miller
Chief Counselor
USS Merlin

Mathias McPhee
Chief of Operations
USS Merlin