Lover

[Nella Fantasia]

Samir's warning hardly registered with Eve. She was afraid of very little nowadays, however, her own fearlessness could very well condemn her in the end. She knew this, but for some reason found it even more exciting. A challenge was always good.

She took a long strand of hair that draped over her shoulders and began to run her fingers through it as she continued to stare at her vampire companion. "And what about you?" Another grin, menacing and teasing. "Would my loyal companion ever turn on me? Do I have to worry about waking up one morning to find fangs in my neck?"

 

[MissCellaFane]

Though somewhat annoyed she didn't take him seriously, he was amused at her question and went along with the scenario. "An interesting suggestion. With a vampire queen, who can stand against us?"

He paused and then said, "But no. You need not doubt my loyalty. It lies with you. Your mission comes before my needs as a vampire." However, seeing the playful look on her face, he cocked his head to the side as he couldn't help teasing her back, "Though, once you are queen, if you send me on too many errands without enough sustenance, I might be tempted. After all, the blood of a queen could be irresistable." He raised one eyebrow, giving her a roguish look, eyeing her up and down.

 

[StarSplitter87]

((You two are amazing))

Kaira had listened politely to the political chatter, but really she was uninterested in it. As she had become uninterested in the gossip of the palace and the studies of history her husband had given to her, as she had asked for something to occupy some more of her time with some meaningful study. All that truly gave her peace was her Abigale. Abigale was a silver and gold harp, approximately five feet tall and four feet long.

The Queen, of late, had begun practicing it again, taking up an old hobby before her married days. And now that there was less peace in the lands, or at least more chaos, she had found more and more of her time while her husband was away unfilled. It was at this moment she thought it would be nice to have her husband enter the garden upon the elegant notes of her playing and song.

So standing, smiling happily at her husband and explaining briefly that she wished to go to the garden to play her harp before the celebrations began, she turned and went out of the hall, those still at the breakfast tables bowing their heads respectfully as she passed, they would only stand for the King. Speaking to her hand maidens who were waiting by the door and had come to her side when she left the dining hall to the outer hall which led to the central part of the palace, she instructed them to fetch Abigale and to meet her in the main field of the garden.

The garden where Shaula now sat was thick with flora and occupied greatly by the maze and fountain. However, the eastern end of it was a great open field, spattered with five weeping willow trees and several large oaks for shade and the occasional swing. Benches and, recently, tables and chairs were now arranged about the area. Some of the tables were long and held small snacks ready for all, a few tenders to keep away the insects, despite the spells cast all across the garden for the unwanted sorts. There were also smaller tables which held chess sets of glass and stone or larger round ones with man chairs which were obviously for the gambling sort of card game.

Taking a seat upon the stone bench beneath the largest of the weeping willows, and nearer to the entrance to the garden she was sure her husband would enter, and surrounded by a curtain of vines which were parted elegantly facing the rest of the gardens, she awaited her maidens to bring her Abigale.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Though somewhat annoyed she didn't take him seriously, he was amused at her question and went along with the scenario. "An interesting suggestion. With a vampire queen, who can stand against us?"

He paused and then said, "But no. You need not doubt my loyalty. It lies with you. Your mission comes before my needs as a vampire." However, seeing the playful look on her face, he cocked his head to the side as he couldn't help teasing her back, "Though, once you are queen, if you send me on too many errands without enough sustenance, I might be tempted. After all, the blood of a queen could be irresistable." He raised one eyebrow, giving her a roguish look, eyeing her up and down.

((Awww, thank you, Star.))

Eve let her hair fall back against her chest and stomach then leaned forward with a smirk. "Why, Samir, I do believe you're teasing me."

She paused as a few children ran past them through the alley and back into the main streets, laughing and shrieking as they did. She followed them with her eyes, seeing the castle towers and walls in the distance.

With a soft breath of air escaping from her lips, Eve stood. "It's time to go. I have some things to take care of." She looked down at Samir. "Be good while I'm gone. Wait me for me here."

She started to walk, but stopped and turned back around. "And if you must have a meal be sure to dispose of the body properly."

 

[MissCellaFane]

((Thanks, Star ))

Samir wasn't sure he liked the idea of Eve going off on her own, but nodded his consent anyways. She could be a bit overconfident sometimes, but generally, she could take care of herself. The only thing was, Samir simply didn't trust anyone but himself or at least liked to be involved so he could step in if needed.

He watched her go reluctantly. When she had disappeared, he pulled his hood down further over his head again, his face sinking back into shadow. No need for blood just yet. Besides, other than that annoying merchant earlier, he hadn't seen anyone worthy enough to feed upon, and even the merchant wasn't much of a prize. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. For Samir liked a challenge. It was part of the vampire in him that took pleasure in the hunt and final capture of his victims. No, no one worthy of challenging him just yet. He settled back against the wall. And he waited.

**********

Roden began making his way back to the dining hall again, this time the lavender headache potion in his grasp. When he got to the hall, he realized the queen wasn't there. Intrigued, but unconcerned, he walked purposefully to the head table, bowed low to the king, and placed the tonic on the table beside the king's water goblet. He said nothing, not wanting to disturb the conversation between the king and Councilman Dale. But he knew the king had seen his tonic and so Roden was satisfied.

His conversation earlier with Shaula had pressed upon him the need for that order of phials to be delivered. His brow furrowed. The shop he had gone to was usually so good about delivering anything he needed in a timely fashion. Perhaps it was time to visit the shopkeeper again and see what the holdup was. He had time before the chess tournament began.

Roden's path to the outer gates took him past the garden where all the entertainment for the afternoon was waiting patiently. He eyed the chess tables with a bit of excitement. He was an exceptional player and looked forward to grinding his opponents into the dust. As he looked over the garden, his eyes caught sight of the queen, sitting on a stone bench beneath one of the willows all by herself. Roden glanced around for her attendants, but the only other people around were the ones setting up the luncheon tables a good distance away. She must be waiting for her harp. He thought to himself. She had recently started playing it and he found that when she did, he simply couldn't resist stopping his work and listening to her. But the opportunity now to talk with her before she began to play was too good to pass up. He deviated from his path to the gate and walked over the lawns to where the queen sat.

As he approached, he bowed stiffly, lowering his eyes to her shoes and then back up to her face. "Such a beautiful day to be outside, is it not, your majesty?" He asked smoothly. The question being somewhat rhetorical, he went on, "A beautiful day to play your harp as well, I think." He gave a small knowing smile. "But where is the king? Surely he would love to hear you play."

 

[StarSplitter87]

The Queen, in her elegant dress of blue satin which hung about the edges of the bench and fanned out before her feet, revealing her matching blue slippers gave the Queen this extra glow beneath the willow. The shards of light which managed through the thick vines danced over her face and dress, illuminating her in soft, glowing parts.

When Roden approached her, she at first thought it might have been her maids with their delivery, surprised at their speed. She was however, nearly as happily, surprised to see who it was instead and smiled, it was such an improvement to her beauty, if that had even been possible, "Ah, yes. I thought I would play for him to enter the garden with, as a small prelude to the showers of presents I have arranged for him over the course of the day."

She had indeed taken a good deal of pains to arrange for this celebration. The food upon the tables being set were of his special liking, the games of chess and poker were of his liking too, though those were more common sense than for her King. She had also made the celebrations to be accompanied by magical fireworks soon as the sun had set along with a few other surprises along the way. She felt sure he had arranged a few things, but those were either small or held in confidence to only those who prepared them. It made her smile more at the thought of her King and the things he might have planned for her.

 

[Kitangel]

Nagina could feel dirt. On the brink of unconsciousness, it was hard to tell whether she was lying on dirt, or that she was just dirty. Probably, both.
But, the thought that occupied her mind, which had occupied her mind since she last fed - and who knows how long ago that was? - was the Thirst. It drowned out every other thought, filled the fibres of her body, screaming that if she didn't drink soon, she will go mad. But... She could barely move.... Where was she?

A squirrel ran past her. She smelled the blood immediately, and seized it. It was only a small sustenance, but after finishing her meal, she had the energy to sit up.
My first meal in weeks.... months?... It tastes so good.... Gina thought. Then she looked around.

She was in unfamiliar territory. It was so green.... Everything smelled different.... Where WAS she?!. Then the memories flooded back to her, as a pair of border patrol guards rounded the corner.

One looked to be a veteran, the other looked as if he'd just started. Either way, they both looked startled at her appearance, and she had enough time to yell out "Don't, please! I have news!" before they descended on her with swords. The guards hesitated, and Gina went on to say "I have some information for Their Majesties... theres a.... rebellion..... and I....know........"
Her energy didn't stretch as far as making a legible sentence, it appeared. She was unconscious on the ground before she finished.
The two guards looked at her, then looked at each other, then back at her immobile form. The veteran sighed. "It happens, every now and again. Mutiny's, betrayal's, and all of a sudden the guard finds some poor wretch on the border, waiting for us to take it out. But, I must say, none of them have ever had reports of rebellion. Perhaps it may be wise to keep her for a while longer, and let her tell her story.". He turned to continue his watch. Briefly, he looked over his shoulder at the young man. "Tie her up, take her back to the keep. Put her in a cell, and.... ready a few pigs." He said. Upon receiving a confused look from the boy, he went on. "She could barely muster the energy to talk. Pigs blood might give her enough energy to tell her story."

And with that, he went on.

~

Gina woke up in a barred cart. She was on her way to the Palace.

The first few days of confinement had been chaos. She was not used to human company, and had found she did not know how to associate properly with them. After a few mishaps and confusions, she was able to tell her story. It took another few weeks for the guards to deem her sane and safe enough (she had shown no pretense to wanting to attack humans; she herself knew it was because of her sense of justice) to go to the Palace. Under lock and key, of course. She had been cleaned up, and given a rough brown dress to wear.

But she was still exhausted. So, she slept.

((Please let me know when you're ready for her to be intro'd))
​

 

[MissCellaFane]

The Queen, in her elegant dress of blue satin which hung about the edges of the bench and fanned out before her feet, revealing her matching blue slippers gave the Queen this extra glow beneath the willow. The shards of light which managed through the thick vines danced over her face and dress, illuminating her in soft, glowing parts.

When Roden approached her, she at first thought it might have been her maids with their delivery, surprised at their speed. She was however, nearly as happily, surprised to see who it was instead and smiled, it was such an improvement to her beauty, if that had even been possible, "Ah, yes. I thought I would play for him to enter the garden with, as a small prelude to the showers of presents I have arranged for him over the course of the day."

She had indeed taken a good deal of pains to arrange for this celebration. The food upon the tables being set were of his special liking, the games of chess and poker were of his liking too, though those were more common sense than for her King. She had also made the celebrations to be accompanied by magical fireworks soon as the sun had set along with a few other surprises along the way. She felt sure he had arranged a few things, but those were either small or held in confidence to only those who prepared them. It made her smile more at the thought of her King and the things he might have planned for her.

Roden nodded, placing his hands behind his back and strolling to the edge of the bench to her side. He didn't sit, just stood with his knees against the stone, letting his eyes wander to the tree behind the queen. So he'd been right, she was going to play her harp. But she was going to play it for the king, and she probably wouldn't want him around. His heart sank a bit at the thought. Still, the king wasn't here yet. And neither was her harp. "His Majesty is quite fortunate indeed to have such a doting wife."

He looked down at her over his shoulder. She was so beautiful, sitting there with rays of sunlight reflecting off her silky hair, a smile on her lips, her eyes dancing with delight. It was enough to take a man's breath away and before he could stop himself, Roden spoke again. "And such a beautiful one as well." Not believing he'd been so bold, he quickly looked back at the trunk of the willow tree, waiting for her response and praying she wouldn't be angry.

 

[StarSplitter87]

The Queen's face flushed a moment. It had been quite some time someone had called her beautiful, especially a man. Her King had been so busy, no time for giving her pet names or showing his husbandly love for her. Certainly the peasants when they came for their monthly bowl of free soup rained compliments down upon her, but it was rare one such as that had been heartfelt and she felt the heart in Rodan's words, though perhaps not it's meaning. Smiling graciously, she flopped her hand dismissively, "You are too kind, sir, too kind. I am just as ordinarily beautiful as any flower, for all women are beautiful flowers, no?"

 

[MissCellaFane]

At her words, relief filled his chest and he slowly let out the breath he'd been holding. He allowed himself to look down at her again and saw with amusement that she was blushing at his compliment. Surely she heard these words before! And surely she heard them daily from her king! But perhaps not. Would she be blushing that way if she did?

He smiled down at her. "And modest too. Forgive my boldness, Your Majesty." He spotted a patch of clover near the bench and sank down to pick up one of the small white flowers that had begun to wilt, staying in a somewhat kneeling position on the soft grass. "As for your question.....yes, one could compare a woman's beauty to that of a flower, but flowers wilt, Your Highness." He said, holding out the small flower as an example, now having to look up to meet her gaze. "A truly exquisite woman, no matter her age, does not." Especially those as lovely as you. He thought to himself, startled at how close he had come to saying it. If he didn't leave now, he'd end up pouring his heart out to her without being able to stop himself. Roden cleared his throat slightly and looked down at her shoes, saying, "But I should take my leave. I'm sure the king will be here shortly. I cannot imagine him straying from your side for very long, especially on a special day such as this. In fact, it surprises me he isn't here already."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

((WAHAHA! And the scandals begin!))

Eve decided it would be better if she went around the main section of the city. It wouldn't do for her to run into trouble with the Namor law, at least not yet. Perhaps in the next week or so. She was already beginning to miss her run ins and confrontations. But there would be a lot of that later.

Instead she took to the back roads; dark alleys, behind buildings. Although she had grown up here for a good first part of her life it had also been almost twenty years since she's stepped foot on this soil. Some of the turns she thought she knew turned out to be wrong, and she was tempted more than once to just blast her way through the blockades.

She raced around a corner only to find a dead end. Stopping suddenly, she growled under her breath, balling her hands into fists at her sides. With a sharp kick to the wall next to her, she cursed under her breath; cursing all of Namor, the king, all its civilians...and especially the wall.

"...bless the gods, he has a healer nearby. He can't be too careful, bein' his anniversary and all. All sorts of them sickies coming from all over the world. Who knows what they truly be doin' there," A man said as he walked passed Eve. Walking along him was another man.

"Aye. That Roden Thanos can do the trick, he can. He's got-" The other man paused, and both of them stopped as they saw Eve standing there watching them.

What had they said? Roden?

A picture of a small boy, black hair bouncing in his eyes as he ran, came into Eve's mind. Behind him was a girl with light blonde tresses running after him. She stopped suddenly, crossing her arms over her not yet developed chest and stomped her foot on the grass.

"Roden Thanos! You get back here right now! I'm gonna tell your Papa on you if you don't!"

Eve almost smiled thinking of the memory. A bossy, short tempered little girl and a quiet, kind little boy. Two ill-forgotten children, cursed by their own families, finding comfort and freedom together in their travels through the meadows and trees under the moon of the summer sky.

But what else had they said? The King's healer, eh? So he had betrayed her. Not only had he gone under employment with the King, but he became the healer; the one to heal his pain, heartaches, and wounds. To be there when he was dying and to make him anew in the end. It was more than just a slap in the face to Eve; it was a death wish.

Maybe she would look up Roden while she was visiting.

"Are you lost, milady?" One of the men asked.

Eve snapped out of her thoughts and stared at the men. Without responding she moved passed them and continued on her way to the castle.

 

[CJF]

Trista grabbed the goblet and took another frantic sip of wine. Now she knew something was wrong. Her stomach was in knots, her head was spinning and her muscles felt like giving way. She thought that perhaps a walk around outside would be best, so she stood, taking the goblet of wine with her, and exited the Dinning Hall.

She walked out into the gardens, her heartbeat quickening. She leaned up against the wall and placed a hand to her forehead. She was suddenly very warm. But...how can I be sick? she asked herself. She'd never been sick in her life. She took another large sip of wine, even though she knew it did no good. Finally she set the goblet down and decided she'd had enough of this social gathering. She needed a rest.

She walked around, not really paying attention to where she was headed. The fresh air had helped a little, but not enough to make her comfortable. She suddenly felt very sick to her stomach. Why did I drink all that wine? she thought to herself. Not wanting to embarass herself infront of the village folk, she ran to a nearby alley way, put one hand against the stone wall of the building, leaned over and allowed herself to be sick.

After a few rounds, and alot of pain, she finally stood up straight. Her head was throbbing, she felt dizzy and still a bit sick to her stomach. Tears came to her eyes, though she held them back. She was more scared, than anything. What was going on? She slowly walked out from the alley, and looked around. It was only then that she realized how far she'd strayed from the castle. Although the thought of going back upset her, staying where she was upset her more.

She was about to go back the way she came, when she noticed a man not too far from her was staring at her. He was older, probably around 45 years of age, a bit on the skinny side and wore clothes that were barely staying together. He looked at though he hadn't eaten for some time.

She didn't care much for the look in his eyes, so she slowly turned and went the opposite direction. Why did I have to leave my sword at home? she thought to herself. She looked over her shoulder and saw he was following her...closely. Perfect. Just what I need. she thought sarcastically. Surely he wouldn't attack her in daylight, and in front of everyone? Wrong. He suddenly grabbed her by the hair, yanked her head back so hard she thought for sure her neck would snap, and demanded she turn over whatever money she had. Despite his appearance he was exceptionally strong, and she was too disoriented to fight back. When she didn't answer him or make a move to grab any money, he yanked on her hair again. She cried out in pain, and tried to get away, but the man was apparently desperate.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir couldn't stand all this waiting. It was for this reason that he had begun to pace the small alley between the houses, his cloak swirling around and behind him, making him look like a large, black ghost.

He watched the streets around him, people milling about, oblivious to his presence. He saw a sickly-looking elf run by his alley, looking as if she might vomit. A tall, thin, prudish woman walked by after that, going the opposite direction, criticizing the servent following her whose arms were full of boxes and bags containing things the lady had just finished purchasing. So preoccupied with that scene, he almost missed the pale, scabby-looking beggar following the elf, an evil look in his hollowed eyes. But still, Samir didn't pay him much attention. He'd seen a dozen beggars in the market streets today. This one wasn't much different.

It was the scream that caught his attention. From the direction both the elf and the beggar had been heading. Probably one street over. His interest piqued, Samir glanced behind him towards where he had last seen Eve. Still no sign of her. A silent debate raged inside his head for a moment. On the one hand, Eve had told him to stay and behave himself. On the other, the mystery of the hollow-eyed beggar intrigued him immensely. Curiosity finally outweighed caution and he stepped around the corner into the sunlight for a fraction of a moment before whirling around and darting down the alley from whence came the scream. Hidden again in shadow, he now caught a glimpse of what had caused the scream. The beggar had ahold of the elf's hair and was clearly intent on robbing her.....or worse.

Samir watched for a moment. Come on, woman. Fight. He would probably end up killing the man if he got involved and honestly didn't feel like hiding a body just yet.

 

[CJF]

After about the third or fourth yank on her hair, Trista felt as though her neck would break any moment. As it was obvious the man would not let her go until he got what he wanted, Trista did what she could to free herself. She grabbed his large hand with both of hers, dug her nails as deep as she could into his flesh and pulled hard. The man cried out in pain and, sure enough, released her hair.

Trista fell to her knees, quickly stood back up and ran for all she was worth. She heard him shout behind her and knew he was following her. She hadn't really hurt him much; it was just a few scratches, and now he was angry. Unfortunately for her, she was so shaken up that she couldn't get far enough away before he managed to get ahold of her again.

He'd taken a hold of one of her arms, so she used the other to try and grab his ear, but he dodged her hand. She noticed the ammount of blood on the hand she'd scratched, surprised that her nails could draw such an ammount. She tried to pull away from him, but he was too angry to let her go, and she could see it.

She was angry as well, but not evil. Her hands and legs shook with fear, even though she tried to conceal it. He had a hold of both of her arms, so she proceeded to kick him, all the while trying to pull her arms free, but her strength was giving way to the fear, and his strength seemed to feed off of her fear. Tears stung the back of her eyes. Fight back! Fight back! her mind screamed, but she didn't know what else to do.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Samir was impressed at first. The delicate elven maiden had fight in her after all. She had scratched the beggar good, blood seeping from his hand and wrist. Samir's upper lip twitched involuntarily at the sight of it dripping onto the ground. Not a second later, his nose caught it's warm, salty odor and he breathed in deeply, his nostrils flared as he exhaled. Just wait. He chided himself. Wait for it. She could still fight him off and then you would have gotten yourself all worked up over nothing.

And indeed she did manage to escape....for one fleeting moment. Unfortunately for her, she was better at scratching than she was fleeing. He caught her again, this time in a state of furious frenzy as he grasped her arms and shoved her against one wall. Samir sprung into action, moving swiftly and silently against the darkest wall, opposite the beggar and his victim. When he had positioned himself directly behind the beggar, he slipped a dagger from his boot, his heart beating vigorously in his anticipation. Grasping the dagger tightly in his right hand, Samir stepped from the shadows and in one swift movement, had spun the beggar around, shoved him against the wall next to the elven victim, and pinned him there with his left arm. He drew back his right arm so that the tip of the dagger's blade was now at the hollow of the beggar's throat. "Give me a reason." Samir hissed, adrenaline coursing through him as he regripped the dagger delicately, so intent on his victim that he hadn't even noticed his hood had swept back slightly from his face. "Please." He said, bearing his teeth to the beggar unintentionally.

 

[CJF]

Trista had just about given up any hope of escaping her attacker, when the man was suddenly pulled away from her and slammed into the wall next to her. She backed away a few feet, her eyes wide with terror and confusion. Her heart pounded in her chest, but not from the fact that she could have been beaten, robbed or any number of terrible things; but from the sight of her "rescuer". His hood had fallen back a bit, giving her enough of a glimpse of his face to know that he looked strangley familliar. She stood still, staring at him. He hissed something at the man, but she didn't hear it.

The man, trying to appear as though we was still in control of the situation, puffed out his chest and shoved the new comer, despite the fact that he had a knife. Trista looked from one man to the other, wondering what kind of trouble she'd gotten herself into. If you'd only stayed in the palace...

 

[MissCellaFane]

Though the beggar showed some shock at the sight of Samir's fangs, he recovered quickly, giving Samir a shove. Samir could have absorbed the blow easily, keeping the man pinned. But instead, he went with the blow, allowing himself to rock backwards somewhat, gaining momentum. In one fluid motion, he lowered his arm, flipped the dagger around so the blade now faced away from the beggar, bent his arm at the elbow and thrust upward, catching the beggar in the stomach with the pommel of the dagger. He'd placed his blow carefully, just below the diaphragm, knocking the wind out of the man so that he couldn't scream.

The beggar doubled over in pain, clutching his middle, his eyes wide with shock and pain. Samir then readjusted his grip on the blade again and brought the pommel down on the base of the man's skull. It wasn't a killing blow; the skull didn't even crack. However, it was enough to render the man unconscious and he crumpled to the ground at Samir's feet.

Samir would have liked nothing better than to feast at that moment, his victory secure. However, the elven maiden was still standing there in the alley, shaking and looking up at him in shock. He narrowed his eyes as he met her gaze and realized his hood had betrayed him, showing his face. He tugged it back into position, his face now lost in shadow once more. "Go." He said to her, his voice low. "He'll not hurt you anymore."

 

[StarSplitter87]

Kaira smiled as she took the flower from him, her fingers briefly brushing against his. And when he was done, she sighed, looking down upon her blue satin shoes with deep thought. What Roden had said hit a chord within her, "He is our King, with matters of state hounding his door day and night. We praise God for the duties he does for his people. I am thankful for all that he does." It was almost as if she were reciting it, for her tone lacked conviction and meaningful understanding.

But before Roden could respond, two maids came suddenly into the willow tree, carefully carrying between them a large and rather heavy looking harp. Instantly, the sadness which had entered Kaira's face washed away to be replaced by a radiant smile as the maids placed the harp properly before her and left, "Ah, it is here Master Thanos!" Taking up her harp, she leaned it's frame delicately against her fair shoulder, smiling at him, "Come sit and listen while I play. I would very much like an audience."

 

[CJF]

Trista looked from the unconcious beggar back to the hooded figure. She'd seen his entire face, and knew she'd seen him somewhere before. Where she'd seen him was uncertain. She hadn't been around anyone for nearly 30 years or more, and yet she felt as though she'd seen him recently. She stood still, her mind wandering and studying the man before her. Realizing that he had just saved her life, Trista took a couple steps towards him and said, "Thank you...thank you for saving me." She hoped her voice wasn't as shaky as it sounded.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Roden glanced up at the two maids carrying the harp, the moment broken. Annoyed at first at their interruption, his mood changed when Kaira asked him to sit and listen to her play. Of course, he'd listened to her many times before, but she didn't know that. Indeed, he doubted if anyone did. ​

"I would be honored, Your Highness." Roden said, taking a seat beside her. He watched her get into position, leaning the harp against her shoulder, apparently trying to decide what to play. Her long fingers softly brushed the strings of the harp soundlessly, as if getting acquainted with an old friend. And then she began to play. It was the most beautiful sound in the world, Roden thought. He had always enjoyed music, especially the harp, but it was the way she played.....adding emotion to the notes. Absentmindedly he closed his eyes, letting the melody flow through him, absorbing every note.​

**********​

Samir's eyes darted to the elf's feet as she stepped closer and then stopped. He studied her face, her eyes round and curious, less afraid now but still cautious. "Thank you.....thank you for saving me." She said softly.​

He blinked beneath his hood. He hadn't been expecting that and he wasn't sure how to respond. "It was my pleasure." He said but as soon as the words left his lips he regretted them. Perfect. She's going to take that the wrong way. He had flattened the beggar as much for his own enjoyment as he had for her protection. It wasn't the violence he craved, it was the satisfaction that he had taught a lesson to yet another arrogant human thinking the world was theirs to take without repercussion. And if the arrogant human happened to be his next meal.....all the better.

He mentally shook himself, bent down and replaced the dagger into his boot. Then he stood up and dusted off his gloves, looking the elven maiden up and down. She was beautiful, even with her long blond hair in disarray and her dress dirtied from the struggle. But as he noticed her dress, it became clear she came from money. Samir had long ago realized that those with money in this world believed themselves better than those who did not. And yet he couldn't resist flirting with her a bit. "You ought not to wander around this part of the city anymore, mistress. Next time I may not be around to hear you scream."