Lover

[MissCellaFane]

The hand on her arm caused Aislin's chest to seize. No! And then she was spinning, thudding against a solid chest. Momentarily dizzy, all she could do was lean against it as she felt an arm slide around her waist. Defeated. "I told you it was inevitable." Came his voice. The one who'd been standing guard. And in that moment, she hated him. Oh, how she hated him! Why couldn't he just leave her alone!? She'd done nothing wrong! And now he'd not only caught her, but he was gloating about it!

Frowning as her vision righted itself, her cold fingers gripped the front of his tunic, her instincts telling her to push away. To get out of his grip. She knew she had no chance to get away, but she wasn't going to let him have the satisfaction of coming quietly. No way! She was about to give him a forceful shove when suddenly he dropped and she was being hefted over his shoulder. Wha...!? She sucked in a breath of air, her eyes widening as she felt herself lurching precariously forward over his shoulder. The fingers of her one hand gripped the back of his tunic in a tight fist, tugging down on it in an effort to keep herself somewhat upright. With her other arm, she elbowed him in the back of the head. "Let me go!" She cried feebly, jabbing him again and attempting to kick her feet, her heart pounding wildly. "Put me down!"

He'd said he wasn't going to harm her, but who knew for sure? There were two of them and only one of her and she was weak from the cold and wet. And her blows didn't seem to be having much effect. So she began to wriggle, pushing against his back with her hands in an attempt to pull herself over his shoulder. Even if she fell on the ground onto her head, at least she'd be taking him down with her. She let out a frustrated groan from between clenched teeth as she attempted to squirm out of his grasp, tugging at his tunic and kicking her legs. She knew it was hopeless. Even doing this was winding her pretty badly, her body so tired. There was no way she could run. But she wasn't just going to give up, especially since he was being so arrogant about the whole thing. "Let go, you jerk! Let go!" Inevitable, my foot! I'll get out of this! You'll see! Even if it wasn't that night. She'd find a way in the morning.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu knew she was going to try to fight, but, as he figured, her kicks and punches were pretty much useless. Only one of her blows from her knee had struck him hard enough in the side that he grunted, pausing momentarily to look down at her back with raised eyebrows before continuing on his way. Come now, it's really useless. All she was going to accomplish in her squirming was making herself all the more tired. That didn't mean he didn't respect for trying at least.

Thalion scrambled to his feet, eyes bleary but widening all the same as he stared at Atreyu hauling the woman into their small camp. "By God, you caught her!" He exclaimed, a slow grin creeping up to his face.

Atreyu grinned. Of course! Did you expect anything else? But he didn't say anything as he bent down and set her gently on the driest part of the ground near the fire he could find. He held onto her arm until Thalion came kneeling beside her on the other side then he straightened, striding over to the horses where he went rummaging through the saddlebags. First he pulled out some food, water, a blanket, and then...ropes. They wouldn't be tying her up yet, but soon they would be.

~*~​

Thalion couldn't believe their luck! He half expected to be lying there in the wet grass all that night and possibly in the morning waiting for the woman to finally be captured. So to see his brother coming into camp with her draped over his shoulder, it was immense relief!

Until he caught sight of how disoriented and helpless she looked, sitting there on the ground, not even able to keep herself steady very much. Thalion frowned, kneeling next to her with his hand on her shoulder as Atreyu made his way over to the horses. Foolish woman! Didn't she know what she might have done to herself sitting up there all defiant like that on the boulder? Of course, she had been desperate, and honestly, with the thought of being banished to Necromion hanging over her head, he couldn't blame her.

Still. If she lapsed into hypothermia, which she no doubt already had, her overall health could be in serious trouble. While most of his concern was on the fact they wouldn't be getting paid for all their troubles if she died, the other part was out of true worry for her personal wellbeing. Watching her now, just like before on the boulder, he couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her.

Lifting his right hand to his mouth, Thalion bit the end of his middle finger and pulled off the glove, grabbing it from where it dangled from his teeth, and dropped it to his lap. Then he looked back at her, gently running his hands down her arm and to her cold hands and fingers, massaging to attempt to get the blood flowing back into her limbs. "Let's get you warm, eh?" He half suggested, half asked.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin felt herself being lowered to the ground and gave up her struggles for the moment, her hood falling back onto her shoulders as she hit the ground, her hair hanging in limp strands about her face. Finding any sort of movement made her dizzy, Aislin could do nothing but sit there, pulling her legs up underneath her and wrapping her arms about her middle.The other brother was awake now, his hand on her shoulder as the first brother released her, walking over towards the horses. She could feel some of the heat from the fire, but in all honesty, it hardly did anything to penetrate the cold as her clothes were sopping wet and the wind was still blowing nicely. But at least she had begun to shiver again. That was a good sign, right?

When her vision had righted itself, Aislin opened her eyes to look up into the man's in front of her. Her lips quivering and her teeth chattering, she felt him run his hand down to her arm as he frowned, tugging off his other glove with his teeth. He looked...concerned? Why? Her brow furrowed slightly. Oh, but of course. If they were bounty hunters, they'd be wanting their payment. Of course they wanted to keep her alive. She was tempted to pull away as the man grabbed her hands in his, but didn't. She was too tired. Too weak. And too blasted cold! It wasn't the right moment. Right now, she just needed to bide her time.

He began massaging her fingers. "Let's get you warm, eh?" He said, his eyes on hers. She blinked. Warm. There was a thought. After laying up on the boulder all day, Aislin wasn't sure she'd ever be warm again. Still wasn't. But there was something in his voice. It was softer than it had been before when he was calling up to her on the boulder. None of the cockiness or arrogance she had seen the two of them display earlier.

Since there was no sense fighting them right now, and she really did want to get warm, Aislin allowed him to massage her hands, dropping her gaze to his chest instead of looking in his eyes. Might as well be polite about it. They could have just tied her up and stuck her under a tree. But they were actually trying to be kind to her, even if it was for their own benefit as well. "Th-thank you." She stuttered between chatters, her eyes darting up to meet his again.

 

[LightofHeaven]

((Whoa, whoa, whoa....girls....GIRLS! You wear me out. Where did you start this up again? ))

 

[Nella Fantasia]

((On page 32 You all wanted to make it alive again, so we did!))

The woman didn't say anything at first, and Thalion was perfectly fine with that as he continued to rub her hand and fingers. Then he heard the quiet voice amid the chatter of teeth. "Th-thank you." He looked up into her eyes and gave a small smile. No, she really didn't seem so bad. Even if she did dabble in black magic and kill her former teacher. We all go a little crazy, right?

"You're welcome," He said quietly, shifting his gaze above him as Atreyu came back with a few objects in his arms.

The older man knelt on one knee on the other side of the woman, tossing a blanket to Thalion. "Here," He said. "Use that."

Thalion had dropped the woman's hand and was now looking at the blanket he had caught hesitantly. Oh, right. And what was he supposed to do? Dry off her wet clothes? No, it would be much more beneficial for her if she got out of that sopping dress and wrapped the blanket around herself, so she wasn't basting in rain water all night and, no doubt, all morning, too. However, as his gaze flickered up to the woman's face, he decided he wasn't going to ask. He had a feeling as soon as the words "take off your dress" left his mouth, she was going to end up using whatever bit of energy she had left to tear his face off. Or turn him into a woman. Or something equally as disturbing with that magic of hers.

However, they could at least take off that heavy cloak. But he didn't want to just undo it without letting her know what he was doing first. Otherwise she might become startled and slap him...if she had the energy to. He lifted his hands towards her neck, looking into her face. "That cloak stopped doing its job hours ago," He said, his fingers grasping at the ties near her collar. "You'll be better off without it on." Hopefully that would suffice.

While he undid the knot, his gaze traveled down to the ruby necklace she wore, noticing it for the first time as its shiny exterior caught the embers' light. His brow furrowed slightly. Coming into money, are ya? And now that he was close enough to study her clothing, he found her dress wasn't cheap either. Still a commoner's outfit, but not a peasant's, which meant she was most likely born into wealth. Or...married into it.

His eyes went back up to her face as he slid the cloak off her shoulders to the ground next to him. Well, whoever she was, she wouldn't be much longer.

~*~​

Atreyu had set the food, canteen of water, and bound of ropes next to the fire before attempting to build it up again. The flames had died significantly, but they would need it for the long night ahead. Especially with the woman over there as cold and wet as she was. And you can't have her dying, now can you? He tossed in a few twigs and scattered debris before poking at it a bit with a longer stick. When he was satisfied, he picked up the pouch of dried biscuits and canteen before kneeling next to the woman once more.

By this time Thalion had removed her cloak and was currently wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. Atreyu opened up the pouch and tossed it lightly into her lap. "Eat a bit so you can keep your strength and put up more of a struggle," He said casually. "I do so enjoy it!" And no doubt she would fight when given the chance. After seeing her desperation, Atreyu knew she wasn't going quietly. She was only cooperating now because she had no energy left in her.

His eyes darted to her waist where he caught sight of a pouch holding God only knew what and her spell book. He raised his eyebrows. Nope. That definitely wouldn't do. Quickly he reached into his boot, brandishing a small dagger, and with a flick of his wrist, had cut off not only the book but the pouch as well. He snatched them up, replacing the blade, and stood while tossing the pouch lightly in his one hand. "Except you'll have to make do without these," He said, looking curiously at the book in his other hand before turning and striding back over to the horses where he stuffed the belongings into a saddlebag. Sir Bijan would enjoy those.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin didn't protest as the curly-headed brother in front of her began reaching for her cloak. She probably couldn't undo it with her frozen and shaking fingers anyways, and he looked just hesitant enough to where Aislin didn't think he was out to hurt her. She did, however, turn her face to the left as the cloak slid off her shoulders, pulling her stringy wet hair over that shoulder with shaking hands to cover her birthmark. It was the only thing about herself that she was ever self-conscious about. Even in the company of two roguish bounty hunters. And for tonight she would forego her head covering. It was wet and would only keep her hair wet longer.

As the brother in front of her slipped the blanket around her shoulders, Aislin gripped the edges and pulled it tight around her. Something dry! It felt so good! She looked up just in time to see the other brother kneeling next to her, tossing her something. She let go of the blanket with one hand and caught it before it slipped off her lap and then looked up at him questioningly. "Eat a bit so you can keep your strength and put up more of a struggle." So it was food. Her stomach rumbled a bit and all of a sudden she realized she was extremely hungry. "I do so enjoy it!"

Aislin narrowed her eyes. He wanted more of a struggle, did he? Well, as soon as she was warm and fed and rested, she definitely would. No doubt. If these two thought that just because they were being somewhat nice to her meant that she'd let them take her back to the Namor Guard, they had another thing coming. As soon as she thought this, however, the brother who had just spoken reached for his boot and pulled out a knife. Aislin's eyes widened as he reached for her, her heart leaping, her mind immediately jumping to the conclusion that he was going to hurt her. Oh, God! She gave a gasp and lifted her hands to stop him, the blanket falling off her shoulders. But he was too quick. Before she knew it, he was withdrawing...with her drawstring bag and burned book, studying the bag. She let out a breath, her heart pounding. "Except you'll have to make do without these." He said, turning his attention to the book.

And Aislin's senses came back to her. He couldn't take that! She needed those! To help her escape! Which is probably exactly why he was taking them. But still. He couldn't just take her things! She didn't care who he was or who sent him! Pushing herself up onto her knees, Aislin reached out for the book and the bag as the man stood. No! She collapsed onto her hands and knees, staring up at his back as he shoved her things into his saddlebag. "Give those b-back!" She cried, her voice hoarse and scratchy from the cold, her eyes flashing, indignant. Her numb fingers clawed at the ground as she attempted to stand. "Th-they're mine!"

 

[CJF]

((ROTFLOL! Light, you crack me up!))

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu dropped the flap of the saddlebag as the woman's voice reached his ears, not pleading, but demanding he give her back her things. Silly woman. Did she honestly think he was going to just hand her the very accessories she needed to harm them with? His lips twitched in a small grin until he turned then he dropped it, eyeing her with feigned bewilderment.

"Oh, of course!" Atreyu exclaimed sarcastically as he advanced forward, crouching in front of her, and grabbing onto her one arm. "And I shall-" His eyes darted passed her towards the blanket and food she dropped on the ground, nodding towards it. "-as soon as you be a good little girl and get dry, eat some food, and rest for tomorrow's trip." He wasn't serious, of course. At least about giving back her things. He was, however, very serious about caring for her wellbeing.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin's jaw clenched. Why did he insist on treating her like a child? She knew perfectly well he wasn't going to give those things back to her, calling her a little girl, telling her to be good and then in the same sentence saying he was still taking her back to the Namor Guard. She stared at him for a moment as he gripped her arm to keep her from standing, looking him directly in the eyes defiantly, making sure her intentions were clear to him. I'm not going back with you, bounty hunter. She shivered, the wind blowing suddenly, and then sat back into the grass while tucking her legs underneath her again. She picked up the blanket and slid it around her shoulders, tugging it close, her eyes never leaving his.

Finally, she averted her gaze, reaching for the pouch of food he'd given her and opening it to reveal dried biscuits. She frowned, but figured it was better than nothing. Reaching inside, she pulled one out and began to eat, her stomach feeling as though she hadn't been fed in days. The biscuits were quite tasteless and very dry, but she managed to choke a little bit down before her mouth got too dry. Well, she wasn't going to ask for water. Especially not from the one who'd taken her things. Arrogant jerk. Glancing up, she looked between the brothers. "I b-believe it's customary to offer the p-prisoner both bread and water." She said, sarcastically, her body giving another violent shiver, and she tucked the blanket tighter.

 

[CJF]

Kaira yawned as she awoke, but didn't open her eyes. The warmth of the sheets were still inviting and, rather than allow herself to wake completely, she rolled from one side onto the other and settled back in for a few extra moments of sleep. However, thoughts of the party the day before began to fill her mind, which led to thoughts of the night before. She smiled and opened her eyes, beholding the sleeping figure of her husband. Most mornings he awoke before she did, and she would wake to an empty space next to her. Not today. Her heart swelled at the very sight of him, and her stomach fluttered at the rememberance of the love and passion that had filled the night before. And in that moment, she had no doubts in her mind of his love for her. Yes, he was busy. And yes, she wished they could share intimate moments more often. But he was the King; and the knowledge that he still loved her and desired her was comfort enough.

Even though she knew there was a busy day ahead for both of them, she found herself content to lay and watch him sleep. With him gone most mornings, it was a pleasure to lay and admire his handsom face, as she could sometimes go a whole day without seeing it once. She brought her hand from under the covers, and gently stroked his hair and his face, her heart light with contentment and joy.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Aislin's jaw clenched. Why did he insist on treating her like a child? She knew perfectly well he wasn't going to give those things back to her, calling her a little girl, telling her to be good and then in the same sentence saying he was still taking her back to the Namor Guard. She stared at him for a moment as he gripped her arm to keep her from standing, looking him directly in the eyes defiantly, making sure her intentions were clear to him. I'm not going back with you, bounty hunter. She shivered, the wind blowing suddenly, and then sat back into the grass while tucking her legs underneath her again. She picked up the blanket and slid it around her shoulders, tugging it close, her eyes never leaving his.

Finally, she averted her gaze, reaching for the pouch of food he'd given her and opening it to reveal dried biscuits. She frowned, but figured it was better than nothing. Reaching inside, she pulled one out and began to eat, her stomach feeling as though she hadn't been fed in days. The biscuits were quite tasteless and very dry, but she managed to choke a little bit down before her mouth got too dry. Well, she wasn't going to ask for water. Especially not from the one who'd taken her things. Arrogant jerk. Glancing up, she looked between the brothers. "I b-believe it's customary to offer the p-prisoner both bread and water." She said, sarcastically, her body giving another violent shiver, and she tucked the blanket tighter.

Atreyu narrowed his eyes as the woman stared back defiantly, a small smirk on his lips, wondering what she was going to do. Or trying to accomplish. If she wanted to intimidate him, it wasn't working. There was no questioning her strength and ability to fight, as she had proved differently, but the challenges are what made pursuing fugitives all the more pleasurable for him. The more she struggled, the more bold she became, the more thrill he felt. So, he matched her look with one of his own, daring her to bring it on. And she no doubt will.

Finally she sat back down and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, never tearing her gaze away from his. He had to fight back the urge to laugh. This woman was just much too entertaining! But when she averted her attention to the food and began eating, he couldn't help feel a little disappointed that she hadn't continued on with any banter of her own. But that was all right. They were a good few days from the capitol. Plenty of time for arguing.

Thalion had gone to sitting calmly with his knees bent in the air, resting his forearms on top, looking to the fire. He needed to be sleeping. They couldn't all be awake at once! Especially the two bounty hunters, as one needed to stay awake at all times to watch after their necromancer. But Atreyu didn't say anything as he stood and bent at the waist slightly, rustling his hair violently to rid it of the water. And you think that will work? He grinned to himself. No. He was right. All he did was make it messier.

As he straightened, running a hand down his face to wipe off the escaped droplets of water from his hair, the woman's voice caught his attention once more. "I b-believe it's customary to offer the p-prisoner both bread and water." He raised an eyebrow, looking over at her curiously. Had he heard a hint of sarcasm in that chattering, soft voice? My, my! Getting touchy, aren't we? And this time he hadn't done anything!

Turning to face her, he shrugged helplessly. "Ah, but I'm a jerk, remember?" He more stated than asked, recalling when she had blurted out said insult as he carried her over his shoulder to camp. Folding his arms across his chest, he went on before she could respond. "And I'm assuming a vicious cad who enjoys relishing in the misery of young women." Which wasn't true, of course. He didn't exactly relish in misery as much as he just accepted it. He raised his eyebrows, continuing. "But since I aim to disprove-" Pausing, he bent to pick up the canteen of water he had laid down on the ground, and crouched next to her, serious now. "-here's your water." He held it out to her, searching her face.

 

[MissCellaFane]

King Jadir awoke to find himself laying on his stomach, gentle fingers brushing his hair back from his face. He inhaled a deep breath and opened his eyes, searching for the face he knew would be next to him. Kaira. She was laying next to him on her side, her bare arms, shoulders, and collarbone peeking out above the sheets, her smooth skin flawless in the morning sun. He was aware of sunlight streaming in through cracks in the curtains. He'd slept in. He usually awoke just as it was getting light out. But now the sun was definitely higher in the sky. Not that he minded. It wasn't often that he was awakened by his wife's soft fingers playing in his hair.

He grinned and shifted onto his side, grabbing her wrist and then pressing her palm to his lips. "Good morning, my love." He murmured, his voice deep. He entwined his fingers with hers and lifted his head off the pillow, raising his other arm and bending it at the elbow so he could support his head with his hand as he looked down on his wife. So beautiful. It made his heart swell. Especially thinking about last night. The party had been wonderful, of course. It always was. And he'd managed to avoid most of the noblemen and councilors trying to talk politics with him. That day had been about his and Kaira's anniversary, not about affairs of state. Even if Jadir hadn't loved his wife the day he married her, he did now. Desperately. And he'd expressed that love to her last night, alone in their bedroom, tangled in the sheets, laughing and kissing and touching as their bodies and hearts united as one.

He rubbed his thumb against her wrist and squeezed her hand, bringing her fingertips to his lips. He raised one eyebrow playfully. "How did you sleep?" He asked, knowing full well she'd slept soundly. For she'd fallen asleep snuggled up to him and he'd watched her for quite some time before falling asleep himself. He didn't get a chance to be intimate with her or to fall asleep with her head on his chest very often as he usually went to bed after she'd fallen asleep and awoke before she did. So he relished those times when he was able to enjoy her presence.

********​

For a moment, Aislin wasn't sure the rogue was going to give it to her as all he did was raise an eyebrow and comment on how she'd called him a jerk. Teasing her again. Couldn't that man be serious for one minute? Oh well. At least he didn't appear angry that she'd called him a jerk. It had slipped out earlier, but she had meant it. He was. And so was his brother for that matter. Oh yes, they were feeding her and helping her get warm, but only so they could get their promised payment for her capture.

"But since I aim to disprove-" The man bent down an picked up a canteen, crouching next to her and holding it out to her, his eyes studying her now. "-here's your water." Well! It appeared he could be serious. For two seconds, at least.

Aislin hesitated, searching his eyes before slowly reaching out and taking the canteen with one hand. "Thanks." She murmured, taking a small drink, a few drops dribbling out onto her chin. She had no mirror, but from the way her lips felt cold and numb, she was willing to bet they were blue as well. She wiped her chin on her sleeve and then looked over at the other brother who had rubbed her hands before, finding him staring into the flames, his knees bent. Her eyes went to the one who'd handed her the canteen. She couldn't remember their names, honestly. "So," She began, casting another glance at the brother near the fire. "Without all the fancy titles you've given yourselves, may I have your names again?" She questioned, raising one eyebrow and looking back at the man next to her, her teeth no longer chattering so hard that she stuttered. "So I can be sure to tell everyone who exactly it was who turned in an innocent woman to the Namor Guard?"

 

[CJF]

Kaira smiled as her husband stirred from his slumber and opened his eyes. She hadn't meant to wake him, but was glad they'd have a few moments to talk before they went about their daily duties. He rolled from his stomach onto his side and gently pressed a kiss onto the top of her hand. "Good morning, my love." he said, his deep voice causing butterflies to fill her stomach. How she loved the sound of his voice! She smiled as she felt herself blush. Even after being married for so many years, she still blushed at times. She loved the way her heart would do flip flops, and how her stomach fluttered whenever he was near.

"How did you sleep?" he asked, after propping himself up onto one hand. She smiled and sighed, not able to remember the last time they'd shared a morning together. "I slept very well." she said, her voice soft. Then, seeing the playful grin on his face she added, "But then, parties always exhaust me. I never can seem to keep my eyes open once they've ended." She brought her other hand from under the covers and placed the back of it against her forehead for dramatic effect. She brought her hand back down, and glanced up at her husband, her eyes alight with flirtation.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

For a moment, Aislin wasn't sure the rogue was going to give it to her as all he did was raise an eyebrow and comment on how she'd called him a jerk. Teasing her again. Couldn't that man be serious for one minute? Oh well. At least he didn't appear angry that she'd called him a jerk. It had slipped out earlier, but she had meant it. He was. And so was his brother for that matter. Oh yes, they were feeding her and helping her get warm, but only so they could get their promised payment for her capture.

"But since I aim to disprove-" The man bent down an picked up a canteen, crouching next to her and holding it out to her, his eyes studying her now. "-here's your water." Well! It appeared he could be serious. For two seconds, at least.

Aislin hesitated, searching his eyes before slowly reaching out and taking the canteen with one hand. "Thanks." She murmured, taking a small drink, a few drops dribbling out onto her chin. She had no mirror, but from the way her lips felt cold and numb, she was willing to bet they were blue as well. She wiped her chin on her sleeve and then looked over at the other brother who had rubbed her hands before, finding him staring into the flames, his knees bent. Her eyes went to the one who'd handed her the canteen. She couldn't remember their names, honestly. "So," She began, casting another glance at the brother near the fire. "Without all the fancy titles you've given yourselves, may I have your names again?" She questioned, raising one eyebrow and looking back at the man next to her, her teeth no longer chattering so hard that she stuttered. "So I can be sure to tell everyone who exactly it was who turned in an innocent woman to the Namor Guard?"

Well! While the woman could no doubt be demanding, spewing off insults and ridiculous assumptions, it also appeared she held manners under that hard shell. Which puzzled and amused Atreyu at the same time. Here she had threatened to kill them only earlier that evening, and now suddenly she was thanking him for doing nothing but handing her a canteen of water? An odd girl indeed. But intriguing all the same.

Atreyu shifted to sit down, crossing his legs, attempting to get dry himself. It wouldn't do if they all ended up sick and weak. Leaning to the side to take up the stick he had been using, Atreyu steadily began to poke at the wood in the fire. He had just successfully scooted a stray branch deeper into the pit when the woman spoke, asking their names. At first curious, he then held back the urge to chuckle at her last statement. And the threatening minx is back!

Though what she had meant by "fancy titles", he had no idea. Until he remembered his failed attempt at their first introduction, and he had to grin at that. Honestly, he couldn't even remember what he said! But whatever it was, it had obviously struck an annoying cord with her.

Choosing to ignore her proclaimed innocence, he glanced at her. "I am Atreyu Riel." Pausing, his eyes flickered over to his brother who was watching the two quietly. He gave a nod in his direction, causing a wet strand of hair to fall into his eye. "That's my brother, Thalion Riel."

"And you won't need to bother telling them," Thalion said as he bent his head slightly to reach behind him, scratching at his curls without lifting his elbow from his knee. "They'll know."

Atreyu grinned wide. "Those sneaky buggers always know." He gave a small shrug, going back to prodding the flames with the stick. "And the Namor Guard are the ones who came to us to find you."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Jadir couldn't help but grin at his wife's playfulness. It was so refreshing! After dealing with nothing but stuffy, serious politicians and advisors and noblemen every day, it was so nice to have a few moments with Kaira like this, where he could be himself. The way he was before he was thrust into the role of king. Not that he didn't love his country and its people. He did. And he was proud to serve as their ruler. But it did try his soul.

Chuckling softly, Jadir ran his hand up his wife's arm to her shoulder and then to her neck, smoothing his fingers up into her hair behind her ear and leaning in to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "I'll bet the party wasn't the only thing that tired you out." He whispered against her hairline, inhaling the scent of her silky hair. Lord, she smelled wonderful! She always did. Vanilla and…something else. Something he couldn't quite place, but it was hers. Always hers.

He pulled back just enough to where he could look into her bright green eyes and moved his hand so that it rested on her jaw, caressing her cheek with his thumb. The memory of the night before, however, reminded him that he had not yet given her the special gift he'd had planned to give her. He'd showered her in anniversary gifts yesterday, of course. But they were all for show. These past years he had taken to getting her something special for each anniversary to mark it by. And in the passion of their night together, it had slipped his mind. She probably thought he just hadn't gotten her anything, that he'd forgotten to.

Smiling, Jadir raised an eyebrow. "I must confess...in my desire for you last night, I forgot one very important thing that should have been done before taking you to bed." He kissed her nose and then pulled back, getting up out of bed and reaching for his robe, pulling it on and tying the sash at his waist. He strode over to the large armoir and reached up on top, picking up a locked box and retrieving the key from within the pockets of the clothes he had worn the night before. He opened the box and pulled out a small, polished cherrywood box, a blue ribbon around it. Jadir grinned, thinking to himself of what was inside. An intricately designed silver pendant in the shape of a rosebud with a rather large aquamarine stone set in the center, hanging from a silver chain. He closed the locked box and then made his way back to the bed, sitting on the edge and placing the small wooden box onto the bed next to Kaira. "For our sixteenth anniversary." He grinned.

********​

Well, at least Aislin had remembered one of their names. Atreyu. And the other? Thalion. She glanced at each as their names were announced, taking a few more hungry bites of the dry biscuit as she studied them. They certainly were what she had imagined them, roguish fellows. But if they hadn't been hunting her and about to turn her in to the authorities to be branded and banished, she might have found them a bit intriguing.

She frowned, however, when the brothers announced that the Namor Guard would know who brought her in. Of course they would! She wasn't stupid. She knew it was the Namor Guard that had contracted them. She'd known that the moment they said they were taking her there. She'd only been trying to make a point...that she was innocent. And when she escaped and proved that, she'd be sure to tell everyone it was these two siblings who had wrongfully captured her.

Aislin gave a little "hmph" and picked up the canteen, drinking a little more. Her fingers were beginning to feel as though they were having pins and needles stuck into them, the blood beginning to circulate somewhat. But her toes still didn't have much feeling. She placed the canteen down into the grass along with the pouch of biscuits and then slowly began working at the laces on her shoes. "Well, then...." She said, tugging off the first shoe and setting it down next to her. "...I shall need the name of the man who contracted you as well." She pulled off her stocking and set it down on a rock near the fire so it could dry out. "That way, when I have escaped you and caught Martin's killer..." Aislin pulled off her other shoe, not looking at the brothers. "...and have proven my innocence, I can make sure those who were involved in attempting to torture and banish an innocent woman are disciplined accordingly."

Her other stocking removed, she set it on the rock next to her other one and then swung her feet towards the fire, planting them up against the rock her stockings were on, her toes peeping out over the edge towards the flames. Her knees were bent and she made sure her skirt covered her legs modestly, leaving only her feet and ankles exposed. Pulling the blanket tightly around her shoulders, Aislin leaned forward over her knees, her gaze flickering between the two brothers as she waited for their reaction.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Thalion had to admit, the woman was definitely persistent in her innocence despite both brothers ignoring her statement. But then, a lot of them were. Even going as far as she was to make threats against them. Though most threats were physical, and those Thalion didn't mind because he was used to them.

What he didn't appreciate, however, was this woman thinking she can suddenly overrule the Namor Guard and making it out like they were the villains. Him and Atreyu. He frowned deeply. They were not the bad guys here! The ones doing wrong! If anything, they were ridding Union from those like her and making the world a safer place to live for the innocent. For her to sit there and point a finger at them in such a way when they were just doing their job...it upset him. She had went from being amusing to just being an arrogant brat.

Thalion watched her for a few moments before looking up at Atreyu. As usual, he only seemed mildly interested, not the least bit perturbed by her accusations. Or intimidated by her threat. He gave a blank stare, blinking, then nodded his head once. "Well, all right," He said matter-of-factly. "I'll be sure to give you his, and the other's, names to you when we reach the capitol." Without waiting for her to respond, his hazel eyes found Thalion's brown ones. "Want to keep watch or shall I?"

Confused at first by the sudden change in topics, Thalion didn't know what he was talking about. What? Then he realized. The present situation. One of them needed to get sleep so the other could get rest before the morning hit and they started out on their trek back to the capitol. He hesitated at this, looking from Atreyu to the woman and back again. While he didn't relish in staying up when she was still awake, he had already had a good hour or so of sleep while his brother had none. God Almighty, she's just one woman! Right. But an infuriating one right now.

Finally he let out a deep breath of air, lowering his legs so he could cross them as he kept his gaze on the flames. "I'll take first watch," He muttered reluctantly.

Atreyu's deep chuckle brought his attention back to him. The older man scooted back and stretched out his legs, tossing the stick he had been using as a poker for the fire at Thalion. Thalion reached up and caught it above his head while his brother laid back on the ground, placing his hands behind his head. "Wake me up in a couple hours."

Thalion nodded, though he knew Atreyu couldn't see it anyway. But oh well. Sweet dreams, brother. He wouldn't be getting any anytime soon. His gaze flickered over to the woman for a split second before turning to his other side where Alassiel was still wrapped up in the blanket, unmoving. His stomach dropped. After listening to her heartbeat, he's been able to come to the conclusion that she wasn't dying, as it was steady, and there were no wounds or blood anywhere on her. His first thought had been she was unconscious, but her eyes were opened. She just wasn't moving. Now he began to think she was paralyzed. Or something like it.

Flicking an annoying, stray curl from his brow, Thalion looked back over at the woman. "What did you do to her?" He asked curiously, jerking his head in the direction of Alassiel. "And it would be nice if you could undo it now."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Well that was the end of that conversation. Aislin began rubbing her hands over her arms as she watched Atreyu stretch out with his hands behind his head. Apparently she wasn't getting anywhere with threats. It perturbed her. Usually people had some measure of trepidation when it came to magic wielders. But these brothers had pretty much laughed at her when she threatened them with it. And now, threatening them with punishment from the government had made Atreyu scoff at her and Thalion become surly. Not good. Either of them. Atreyu was simply being arrogant again. But she had thought for a moment, as Thalion was rubbing her hands and looking into her eyes that she had seen a bit of concern, not just out of selfishness for his payment, but for her wellbeing in general. And now, as she looked at him, that was pretty much gone.

Lowering her gaze to the flames, Aislin folded her arms over the tops of her knees, clutching the blanket on either side of her. She was still cold and wet, but she was no longer freezing. Goosebumps instead of violent shivers, although the occasional tremor still ran through her. The fire and the blanket had helped warm her some. But she had the feeling that the cold would stay with her for a long time.

Thalion's voice interrupted her thoughts. "What did you do to her?" Aislin's brow furrowed as she turned her head to look at him. Who? But then she caught his jerk of the head and followed it down to a blanket on the ground, a few tail feathers peeking out. The hawk. She had forgotten all about the bird. "And it would be nice if you could undo it now."

She met his gaze again, wondering just how much he cared for the bird and if she could use that to her advantage. If she released the hawk from the enchantment she'd placed on her earlier...would he do something for her in return? "She's only paralyzed." Aislin answered, resting her chin on her knees. Ouch! She jerked back up and brought a hand to her chin. Oh yes. She had scraped up her chin pretty good when she slid off the boulder. She looked down at her forearms. Yep. They were scraped as well. Not bad, but definitely not comfortable either. Meeting Thalion's eyes again, Aislin tugged the blanket over her arms once more. Well, if she was going to ask, she might as well ask for something big and then work her way down. "If I lift it...will you let me go?"

 

[Nella Fantasia]

It was as Thalion guessed--Alassiel was paralyzed. While this relieved him a bit to know she wasn't in any immediate danger or pain, it concerned him for her wellbeing. If she remained this way, unable to eat or care for herself, she would eventually die. He swallowed hard at that thought. No, he definitely couldn't let that happen.

So, when this woman attempted to bargain with him for her freedom, he considered it for a split second. Hesitating, he searched her face, trying to think of the pros and cons. If he let this woman go, Alassiel would be safe, and that was definitely on the top of his book. But Atreyu would probably also kill him. That would be one of the rare moments when anger would strike into his brother, and Thalion himself had only seen a few of those times. It wasn't pretty. And he could always take her up on that offer later if Alassiel's life really did become endangered.

Slowly he shook his head. "I don't think so," He said firmly.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin was surprised at his hesitation. Was he actually considering letting her go for a hawk? She kept her expression neutral as she waited, even though inside her mind was spinning and her heart was beginning to pound. What if he said yes? She had expected him to outright refuse her and then she'd be able to suggest something a little more feasible. But if he was actually considering this, then she might be able to get more from him than she first thought.

Finally, he gave a slow shake of his head, his brown eyes meeting hers. "I don't think so." He said.

Aislin took a deep breath, disappointment flooding her. Well, she hadn't really expected him to agree in the first place. So while her hopes had gone up for a moment, she really wasn't any worse off. She licked her lips, looking over at the hawk. "Then...what about my book? Or my drawstring purse? Can I have one of those back if I lift the enchantment?" She asked, letting her gaze meet his again.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

A warning went off in Thalion's head. Probably because he was considering, yet again, taking her up on her deal. This one she wouldn't actually be free, so that was a little better in his eyes. But her bargaining tool being her book and drawstring purse only meant those things were of great importance to her. Used for her most powerful spells, no doubt. He looked over to the horses where the saddlebags were. It's just a little book. Right?

But then that warning again, loud and clear. Almost screaming at him. Come on, you fool! Open your eyes! She's playing you! Yes, she was. And it only angered him to think of what she was playing with. Alassiel. While he could understand her need to get away, saving her own life, the hawk hadn't deserved this like she deserved her capture. It all came down to karma, and right now, karma wasn't being very fair.

He looked back at the woman, eyebrows drawn together in a deep frown. "Forget it," He said sharply and in closure. He didn't want to listen to her anymore.

Bending his knees once more, Thalion crossed his arms over them and rested the side of his head on top, facing towards Alassiel so the back of his head was in the woman's general direction. He reached out a hand and tenderly touched her feathers, feeling his throat tighten. Don't worry, Alassiel. I'll get you out of this. If he had to find another magic wielder to break the spell, if they could, he would.