Lover

[MissCellaFane]

Yet again, Aislin's hope surged. He looked to be considering it. Weighing his options. Her eyes never left his. Come on! Please? But then, if it were possible, his frown deepened even more and Aislin immediately knew the answer before he even gave it. "Forget it." His voice was sharp, a bit angry. Her own brow furrowed, realizing that was his final word on the subject, that fact becoming apparent as he turned his head away from her, effectively ending the conversation. He wasn't going to consider anything else then. The sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach was quickly replaced by irritation. Fine! If he wasn't going to do anything for her, then he could live with the consequences!

Defeated, Aislin closed her eyes, suddenly feeling very tired. She was a bit warmer now and after running and spending the day cold and shivering up on the boulder, using magic...she was exhausted. She opened her eyes and was about to lay down in the grass when she caught sight of Thalion's hand, stroking the bird's feathers. Her brow furrowed again, only not in a frown...in a puzzled expression, studying the back of Thalion's curly head. Something about the scene struck her. This rough bounty hunter, who had mocked her along with his brother, was now showing tenderness to the animal. Just as he had shown some tenderness to Aislin in rubbing her hands. It wasn't expected. And Aislin wondered if maybe she'd made a mistake trying to use the bird as leverage. Good going, Aislin. Just push him further away than you already have by threatening him.

She was already exhausted. And lifting the enchantment would take more of her energy as it required a complicated countercurse. If she had the proper medallion from her drawstring purse, it wouldn't take as much energy, but of course he wouldn't let her have it. Even if she asked just for that, he wouldn't give it to her. But she could tell that whatever Thalion may be or present himself as, he did care for the hawk. And Aislin, regardless of what the brothers may think of her, was not a killer. And the bird would eventually die if left that way. So, making up her mind, Aislin let her gaze fall to the hawk as she began to whisper softly, her voice muted by the sound of the crackling fire.

She immediately felt when the countercurse had taken effect, for her vision actually blacked out for a moment, the spell taking what little energy she had left in her. Her knees that had been bent in the air toppled over and her hand shot out, her fingers clawlike on the grass as she caught herself, bent over, her head swimming. Weakly, she raised her other hand to her chest and hung her head, her arm shaking as it held her up. There, Thalion. She thought to herself bitterly. Happy now?

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Thalion had just retracted his hand from Alassiel's feathers when her eyes suddenly flickered. He froze, his pulse spiking. What was this? Thinking he had imagined it, Thalion could only stare with wide eyes, his heart beginning to pound. Then movement and he knew he hadn't imagined it. Alassiel was no longer paralyzed! The hawk stirred a bit among the blankets, trying to orient herself, before hopping onto her legs and outspreading her wings, giving them a few flaps. Thalion smiled wide. He couldn't believe it! She was all right!

But before he could do anything, she lifted up into the sky and soared out to the open space above the boulder, encircling. Looking for a meal, no doubt hungry. Thalion watched her for a moment, unable to calm the relief he felt flooding through his body. Then he realized...she was no longer paralyzed. Obviously. But that wasn't the point. The point was something had to have happened in order for that to occur. While he was willing to just believe in good luck, that it had finally found him, his logic suggested otherwise.

Thalion quickly turned his head to look over at the woman, still smiling, but found it faltering as he caught her position. Bending over, her stringing hair draping all around her face like a dark veil, one hand up to her chest as though she couldn't breath, and the other digging into the ground for support, shaking. He hesitated, his first instinct wanting to rush over and make sure she was all right. The only thing stopping him was of what she was--a killer. Before you pitied her. Yes, and maybe he shouldn't have, because now he was feeling it again.

Lifting himself up, he moved towards her and knelt next to her, grabbing her outstretched arm with one hand, and using the other to wrap around her waist to steady her. He stared down at the back of her head. "You should sleep," He said quietly. "You need rest."

He still couldn't believe it though. This woman broke the spell, seemingly harming herself in the process, and saving Alassiel. But what made her change her mind? She had him! Almost anyway. Maybe not at that moment, but a little longer when Alassiel was starving and in danger of dying, she would have. He would have let her go for his dear friend's sake, and suffered the wrath of others later. Surely she knew that! So then...why?

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin heard the bird's wings flapping as she took off, giving confirmation to the fact that Aislin had successfully cast the countercurse. And while she was relieved it had worked, as the bird didn't necessarily deserve to be paralyzed just for doing what she was trained to do, Aislin felt her irritation with the brothers grow. Couldn't they see she wasn't a killer? A sorceress, yes. But not a necromancer. A necromancer would have killed the bird. Killed them!

Then suddenly she felt, more than heard, Thalion kneel next to her, grabbing her arm to help support her. His other arm slipped over her back and around her waist. She almost protested, but found she didn't have the strength. His soft voice seemed to come from down a long tunnel. "You should sleep." Sleep? Yes. She needed sleep. So tired. Her vision blurred before her. So, so tired. "You need rest."

Aislin reached up with the hand that had been at her chest and gripped Thalion's tunic tightly as she leaned against him, letting him help support her. Whereas a few minutes ago, she had been perturbed at him, now she found she was grateful for his presence. At least in this moment. In the morning? She'd probably be perturbed at him again. But right now, feeling some of his body heat seep through into her cold skin, her head against his chest, her body in a state of exhaustion, Aislin was actually...glad...he was here. At least one of the brothers had a heart. Maybe, just maybe, she could get him to see she was innocent.

Using one last bit of strength, Aislin raised her head against his chest so that she could look up into his face. "W-would a necro...mancer do...that?" She whispered breathlessly, her eyes having trouble focusing on him. With that, her arm holding her up collapsed and she fell against him completely, her hand on his tunic dropping onto his knees, exhaustion overhwelming her. Aware of nothing else but blackness, feeling as though she were being wrapped in a warm, fuzzy blanket, Aislin closed her eyes and lost consciousness.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

As soon as the words left his mouth, the woman reached up and grabbed the front of his tunic, leaning into him. For a moment Thalion wondered if she did that in an act of pushing him away, but was unable to go through with it because of her lack of energy. Should he let her go then? But that thought quickly faded, replaced by the realization that she was simply holding onto something for support. And he just happened to be there.

He continued to stare down at her, frozen, his one hand still clutching her arm, only a bit more tightly, and his other at her side, pressing her into him. Unsure of what to do. She needs to lie down, idiot! Right. Of course. He looked over her frame towards the ground, making sure there were no sharp rocks or annoying sticks in the way. There weren't.

He was just about to help her down to the ground when she stirred. Quickly he inclined his head, finding himself staring straight into two brown eyes. And then, just barely seen in the flickering flames, he caught the glimpse of a soft purple hue encircling the pupils. The intensity was profound despite the fact her eyes were shifting in and out of focus, trying in vain to remain on him. That, mixed with her whispered words, caused a shiver to run down his spine. A necromancer?

But before he could respond, if she was even expecting him to, her head lolled to the side and she collapsed against him, causing him to sit back on his legs at the dead weight. Whoa now! Instinctively, the hand on her arm wrapped around her shoulders as the one on her side slid to the front of her waist, pulling her against his chest. And there he held her, once again at a loss of what to do, hoping she was all right. Of course she's all right. Just exhausted. Because she saved Alassiel.

Despite his better judgment, his heart swelled with compassion for her. Then it quickly to alarm. She's trying to trick you. Wanting you to trust her so she can take advantage of it. Thalion had seen her desperation at running away, trying to hide, threatening their lives, then sitting up there on that cold boulder with the rain pouring down, all because she didn't want to be caught. Why wouldn't she try this tactic, too? He knew the lengths people would go to keep their freedom--he'd seen it for many years.

Exactly. So snap out of it. What was wrong with him? He swallowed, his eyes fixated on the ground. Karma deceiving you. She could be a nasty devil, that. He allowed his gaze to flicker down to the top of the woman's head. While he was enjoying the heat from her body pressed up against him, Thalion knew he couldn't stay in this position all night. The fire was starting to dim, and who knew what Atreyu would say if he woke up to seeing his brother holding their fugitive like this.

Scooting a bit, he released his hand from around her waist and leaned forward, reaching for the blanket she had dropped. He kept her limp form tightly against him as he spread out the blanket with his free hand, then rested that same hand against her back to turn her, and lowered her gently to the ground. Cradling her head, he waited until she was steady on the blanket before sliding his hand out from underneath her. He couldn't help but stare. Her face was one of serene peace, a striking difference from the sour frown she had worn that entire evening. And with her hair spread behind her like a fan, exposing her bronze skin and slender neck, she looked...pretty.

Oh, boy. Shaking his head, Thalion brought the edge of the blanket to wrap around her body, so she could stay warm from the cool air. When he was satisfied, he sat back down, glancing once more at her before picking up a few stranded sticks and tossing them into the flames. In the distance he could hear Alassiel's screech as she dove for her late night snack, the rain calming to a steady fall. And for once, good luck seemed to be near.

~*~​

Morning couldn't have come any faster for Atreyu. He wasn't one to be patient, and sitting doing nothing but poking at dwindling flames while people slept around him only seemed to increase that restlessness he felt. Finally the sun had risen, the rain had stopped, and the fresh smell of dew was heavy in the air. He kicked scattered debris of dirt and rocks into the fire, letting it die down into a steady stream of smoke. Then he grabbed the canteen of water and pouch of food the woman had used, placing it back into the horse's saddlebag.

When everything seemed ready to go, he glanced at the two figured sleeping on the ground--Thalion on his side, knees bent, his face hidden in among his arm. And the woman, Aislin, lying on her back and wrapped in a blanket. Striding over to his brother first, he nudged him lightly in the stomach with the tip of his boot. Come on, sleepyhead. Wake up. When it issued nothing but a drawn out groan from the younger man's lips, he nudged him again.

"Rise and shine!" Atreyu announced happily, which issued another groan from Thalion, only this one clearly annoyed. The older man only grinned, resting his hands on his hips and inhaled a deep breath of air, staring up into the sky partially blocked by trees. "Perfect weather for travel, if I do say so myself." He looked down to see Thalion's brow furrowed, blinking rapidly in an attempt to gain his surroundings. Atreyu reached out with his boot, tapping the rabbit's foot dangling from his brother's waist. "Must have been the luck of the rabbits!"

Thalion stared up at him for a moment, looking puzzled, before falling onto his back with a grunt as he raised a hand to his eyes, rubbing them. "If the luck of the rabbits were on my side, I wouldn't be waking up on a cold, wet ground with a bloody stick situated on my leg in the early morning hours!" His voice was scratchy but still perturbed.

Atreyu could do nothing but chuckle deeply. While he didn't mind one bit waking up in the morning as soon as the sun had risen, starting his day, Thalion would rather sleep until noon. At least on most days. Today looked like it would be one of those days.

 

[CJF]

Kaira smiled widely as Jadir pressed a kiss to her forehead, his trimmed facial hair tickling her skin. "I'll bet the party wasn't the only thing that tired you out." he said, his lips still against her forehead. The Queen chuckled at this and looked up into her King's deep blue-eyes, drinking in the love reflected in them. As he stroked her cheek with his thumb, she lifted her hand and gently covered his with her own. Despite the gentleness of his touch, she could feel the strength in his muscles. She was about to comment, when he suddnely smiled.

"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 the tip of her nose and climbed from under the sheets, wrapping his robe about him. Kaira furrowed her eyebrows slightly, wondering what he'd forgotten. As he rumaged through the chest, she grabbed her silvery-blue robe, draped it over her shoulders and chest, and clasped the hook on the side.

When Jadir faced her, he held a small cherrywood box, tied with a blue ribbon. Kaira smiled. Another gift. Despite the number of gifts she'd recieved the day before, he still had one more to give. He turned and walked back to the bed, sitting on the edge and placing the box next to her. "For our sixteenth annivresary." he said, his voice melting her heart.

She smiled sweetly before taking the box in her hands and untying the ribbon. She slowly opened the lid, her eyes widening as much as her smile, and gasped. She looked up into his face a moment, before gently removing the glorious necklace from its box. "Jadir, it's posetively beautiful!" she exclaimed as she examined the pendant. The stone in the center caught the sunlight as it fell through the curtains, lighting up the entire rosebud with golden flickers. Kaira looked back up at her husband, still smiling radiantly. "Thank you, my love. It's wonderful!" she said, leaning forward and pressing her lips against his.

She pulled away slightly, her eyes alight with pleasure. "Will you help me put it on?" she asked, raising her eyebrows expectantly.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Morning couldn't have come any faster for Atreyu. He wasn't one to be patient, and sitting doing nothing but poking at dwindling flames while people slept around him only seemed to increase that restlessness he felt. Finally the sun had risen, the rain had stopped, and the fresh smell of dew was heavy in the air. He kicked scattered debris of dirt and rocks into the fire, letting it die down into a steady stream of smoke. Then he grabbed the canteen of water and pouch of food the woman had used, placing it back into the horse's saddlebag.

When everything seemed ready to go, he glanced at the two figured sleeping on the ground--Thalion on his side, knees bent, his face hidden in among his arm. And the woman, Aislin, lying on her back and wrapped in a blanket. Striding over to his brother first, he nudged him lightly in the stomach with the tip of his boot. Come on, sleepyhead. Wake up. When it issued nothing but a drawn out groan from the younger man's lips, he nudged him again.

"Rise and shine!" Atreyu announced happily, which issued another groan from Thalion, only this one clearly annoyed. The older man only grinned, resting his hands on his hips and inhaled a deep breath of air, staring up into the sky partially blocked by trees. "Perfect weather for travel, if I do say so myself." He looked down to see Thalion's brow furrowed, blinking rapidly in an attempt to gain his surroundings. Atreyu reached out with his boot, tapping the rabbit's foot dangling from his brother's waist. "Must have been the luck of the rabbits!"

Thalion stared up at him for a moment, looking puzzled, before falling onto his back with a grunt as he raised a hand to his eyes, rubbing them. "If the luck of the rabbits were on my side, I wouldn't be waking up on a cold, wet ground with a bloody stick situated on my leg in the early morning hours!" His voice was scratchy but still perturbed.

Atreyu could do nothing but chuckle deeply. While he didn't mind one bit waking up in the morning as soon as the sun had risen, starting his day, Thalion would rather sleep until noon. At least on most days. Today looked like it would be one of those days.

Aislin regained consciousness only once during the night. But she had fallen back asleep with hardly a thought, only aware of the fact that the brothers were changing guards, their muffled voices as proof that they were both up at the same time for a moment. From there, she had slept the entire night away, not even shifting positions she was so exhausted. A fact that became apparent when she woke up to the sun streaming onto her face...and a lump in the grass on her left side causing her back to ache. But other than that? She was quite comfortable. Her body had finally warmed, except for her bare toes peeking out beneath the blanket. A ray of sunlight was streaming down on said blanket right over her middle, heating it and creating a nice warm pocket of air beneath it where Aislin lay.

She was about to open her eyes when she heard the voices. The brothers were up. One of them wasn't very happy. Thalion? Her heart skipped, remembering the scene from the night before. What would he think of her this morning? Would it have helped him trust her a little more? Had he told Atreyu about it? Surely his brother must have seen the hawk up and about, right?

Deciding she was better off pretending to still be asleep, Aislin kept her eyes closed and her body still. If she just listened for awhile, she might be able to learn more about them, which might come in handy later...what they were thinking, how they planned on handling her, things of that nature. So, keeping her breathing steady, Aislin held completely still, hoping Thalion, at least, would think she was still unconscious.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu watched as Thalion finally sat up, removing that bothersome stick from underneath his leg he'd been talking about, and chucked it behind him. Then he bent his knees into the air and went to brushing off the random debris stuck onto the bottom of his pant leg, all the while looking tired and annoyed.

"I know you're new to living in a civilized world where humans can now read and write-" Thalion began in a low voice, running his hands up to his curls and giving them a violent shake, particles of dirt flying all around. "-but generally speaking, when they have gold, they often times sleep in these-" He raised his arms above his head, making a wide arch. "-over sized cloud type things-" Dropping his one hand, he raised a finger at Atreyu with the other, quirking an eyebrow. "-which hold no traces of twigs, rocks, and bugs in their crevasses, mind you." He shook his head, glancing down at his shoulder to flick off a leaf from his vest. "We should really try one out sometime."

But all Atreyu responded with was a wide grin. Oh, they've had this conversation plenty of times! While a bed was tempting sometimes, there was really no reason for one besides the occasional rare moment. Otherwise, what would be the point of traveling? If you're going to stay in a room, sleep in a bed, be among people, then just settle down in a town! And settling down just didn't appeal to him.

Turning, Atreyu trekked over to where he'd set down the bundle of ropes from the night before. "I'll keep that mind," He said quietly, bending to pluck up the ropes. He had gotten them out to tie her up so she wouldn't try escaping if she woke up during the night. But apparently, he hadn't needed to. Thalion had told him when they switched shifts that she had literally passed out after undoing Alassiel's spell. Now, as he looked over at her still form, he had to wonder if she wouldn't still be exhausted. But as long as she could sit up on a horse, they shouldn't have any problems.

Flinging the rope over his shoulder, Atreyu strode back towards the woman and crouched next to her. It was then he noticed the odd mark on one side of her neck. Thinking at first it was a burn scar, on closer inspection, he found it was a lot darker than a scar and definitely smoother. A birthmark possibly. Though why he was suddenly fascinated with it, he had no idea. It almost made him chuckle. Maybe you should take up on Thalion's suggestion. The outside was going to his head.

Without touching her, Atreyu began speaking loudly, "It would be greatly appreciated if you wouldn't mind joining us in the real world this fine early morning." In the corner of his eye he saw Thalion stir, putting on his glove, and gave off a high pitched whistle for Alassiel. Well, if the woman didn't wake up, they could always haul her to the horses themselves.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Jadir grinned at his wife's reaction. Exactly what he'd been hoping for. Especially the soft kiss she gave him. And then she pulled away, asking him to put it on for her. He had noticed that about her...that she liked to wear the jewelry she got the second she got it. Whether it was just her or whether that was true for all women, he had no idea. He'd never given another woman a gift like this before. It was always for his wife. But at the moment? He didn't care.

Taking the necklace from her hands, Jadir nodded and then gently placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her away from him on the bed. "I'm glad you like it." He said, unclasping the necklace and then lifting it up and over her head, draping in about her neck. He hooked the clasp over her hair and then gently brushed her hair to one side out from underneath it so that it hung against her bare skin. Though he wanted to turn her around to see the jewel around her neck, he couldn't resist pressing his lips to the back of her head, burying his nose in her slightly mussed hair from sleep. He closed his eyes, smoothing his hands down her arms as he lowered his head, kissing the back of her neck where the necklace lay.

God, this woman was intoxicating! How he'd ever gotten so lucky as to have this magnificent creature betrothed to him, he had no idea. But he wasn't about to think on that much. At least, not now. He slid his arms underneath hers and wrapped them about her waist, pressing his palms to her abdomen and pulling her back against him, his lips moving to the side of her neck. "I love you, Kaira." He whispered softly, his pulse beginning to quicken at the admission as he tenderly pressed his lips to her soft neck just underneath her ear, his nose nuzzling her jaw. He made a point of never calling her "queen" when they were alone. For in times like these...she wasn't his queen. And he wasn't her king. They were simply husband and wife. Lovers, soulmates. And that was the way he preferred it.
​

********​

Aislin really couldn't hear a lot of what they were saying. But she couldn't hear anything about her. Something about over-sized clouds and bugs. And then Atreyu's voice saying he'd keep that in mind. She fought the urge to furrow her brow in confusion. These two were certainly strange people. That was for sure.

And then she heard it. The footsteps falling next to her. Someone blocked her sunlight as he crouched next to her and her heart began to pound. What was he doing? And who was it? He just stayed there, crouched next to her for a moment before finally speaking. Loudly. "It would be greatly appreciated if you wouldn't mind joining us in the real world this fine early morning."

Atreyu. Definitely. In all his cockiness. Irritation began to rise in her chest. Remembering how he'd thrown her over his shoulder the night before, Aislin had no doubt he would do so again, without hesitation, if she didn't get up herself. So, she allowed her eyes to open, fluttering them a bit as they adjusted to the bright light of the morning, before resting her gaze onto his. She stared at him for a moment and then quirked one eyebrow, but made no other move. "If that's your idea of how best to awaken a woman from sleep, then you seriously need to reevaluate it. It's quite rude." She said, her throat a bit scratchy and dry.​

 

[CJF]

Kaira turned as her husband took the necklace from her hands, and placed his hands on her shoulders as she turned her back towards him. A moment later he brought the necklace over her head, and began to clasp it, the pendant lying just below her collarbone. She brought her hand up and examined the pendant once more, still in awe of its beauty. She felt Jadir pull her hair out from under the chain, allowing the pendant to hang a little further.

She smiled and closed her eyes as he kissed the back of her head. As his hands moved down her arms, and his lips touched her neck, her stomach fluttered and her heart skipped a beat. She was amazed at how the gentlest touch from him could do such wonders to her heart. As he wrapped his arms around her she allowed herself to be pulled in close, and layed her arms over his, clutching the sides of his arms. "I love you, Kaira." he said, his voice gentle.

She smiled and sighed, a slight laugh escaping her lips. She tried to snuggle closer, but was already pressed tightly against his warm body. She lifted her head to look into his eyes. "I love you too, Jadir." she said softly. And she meant it with everything within her. As he kissed her neck, she brought her hand up and placed it on the side of his face, and moved it around to the back of his head, and then back to his face again. Her heart beat, while remaining steady, beat a little harder as though the words 'I love you' gave it new life. "And I always will." she added, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't see herself ever giving her heart to any other man, no matter the reason. No, Jadir was everything she'd ever wanted in a husband, and she would be forever devoted to him.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Aislin really couldn't hear a lot of what they were saying. But she couldn't hear anything about her. Something about over-sized clouds and bugs. And then Atreyu's voice saying he'd keep that in mind. She fought the urge to furrow her brow in confusion. These two were certainly strange people. That was for sure.

And then she heard it. The footsteps falling next to her. Someone blocked her sunlight as he crouched next to her and her heart began to pound. What was he doing? And who was it? He just stayed there, crouched next to her for a moment before finally speaking. Loudly. "It would be greatly appreciated if you wouldn't mind joining us in the real world this fine early morning."

Atreyu. Definitely. In all his cockiness. Irritation began to rise in her chest. Remembering how he'd thrown her over his shoulder the night before, Aislin had no doubt he would do so again, without hesitation, if she didn't get up herself. So, she allowed her eyes to open, fluttering them a bit as they adjusted to the bright light of the morning, before resting her gaze onto his. She stared at him for a moment and then quirked one eyebrow, but made no other move. "If that's your idea of how best to awaken a woman from sleep, then you seriously need to reevaluate it. It's quite rude." She said, her throat a bit scratchy and dry.

While Atreyu wasn't surprised by the woman's reaction, he was a bit puzzled to find she expected him to be polite after her blatant insolence the day before. A bit hypocritical, eh? Not that he was offended. It was just interesting. Especially since he thought he was being polite. Apparently not to her, and he had to wonder if she would ever approve of anything he said. Probably not. He was the enemy, after all. And most people never approved of him.

But, with her scolding aside, Atreyu was glad to find she seemed awake this morning, which meant she had most of her strength back. Which also meant they wouldn't have to tie her to the horse so she wouldn't slide off, and plummet to the ground. If she was angry with them already, he could only imagine the words that would be coming from her mouth if that happened.

Atreyu stared down at her blankly, his forearms resting on his thighs and his hands dangling between his legs. Finally he nodded slowly as though agreeing with her. "Well, all right then," He said calmly. "Then how should I wake you up from now on, Milady, that would be less rude?" Cocking his head to the side, he looked up to the sky with his brow furrowed in thought. "Shall I shake you awake?" He teased, quickly glancing down at her before going back to his position. "Place a slimy amphibian on top of your face? Jerk you up on your feet and hope to God you can orient yourself before falling?" Raising his eyebrows, he looked back at her and lifted a finger. "Ah! I know! How about I plant a kiss right on those lips? Would that be better?"

Honestly. What did she expect him to do? How could he have been any more polite than he had with the current circumstances?

 

[MissCellaFane]

Jadir's heart soared as Kaira declared her love back, caressing his cheek and neck with her hand. His grip on her tightened with one arm as he brought the other hand up to rest against her jaw, tilting her head towards him as he lowered his head, brushing his lips against hers. A shock of pleasure ran up and down his spine in anticipation of the prepared kiss. How did she affect him this way? Smoothing his hand behind her head, Jadir allowed his mouth to close over hers in a passionate kiss, his mind spinning and his senses heightened. She tasted so sweet! And she was sweet. His sweet Kaira. All his.

Breaking the kiss, Jadir shifted slightly, easing his wife onto her back on the bed, intent on expressing his love for her once more. He wasn't able to be like this with her often and he was going to thoroughly enjoy every second. He was about to lower himself down on top of her when a knock sounded at the door. He froze, his stomach dropping. Go away. Just...go away. He didn't want to be interrupted. In closing the door and locking it last night, it was as if they had closed out the entire world. While in this room together, it was just the two of them. Nothing else mattered and nothing else existed. It was absolute heaven. And now? Someone was intruding on that world and he didn't like it. One bit.

He paused, waiting to see if whoever it was at the door would leave, his nose brushing against Kaira's neck, not wanting to lose the mood just in case. But there it was again. Another knock. Jadir let out a sigh and lifted himself up to look into Kaira's eyes. "I must see what they want." He said, apologizing with his eyes. His duties as king sometimes superceded his duty as a husband and lover.

Pushing himself up off the bed, Jadir strode to the door and opened it, making sure to block the view to the bed so his wife could have some privacy. A servant stood there, hands clasped behind his back. He bowed low to Jadir. "Your Majesty. I beg your pardon for intruding on your morning."

Jadir nodded solemnly. "It's quite all right." He said, keeping his voice even. In truth, it wasn't all right. Not at all. But whereas a few moments ago he was just Jadir, now, in front of this servant, he was king. And if there was a concern, he needed to know about it. "What was it?" He asked.

The servant looked up to meet his gaze briefly before lowering his gaze to Jadir's chest. "It is Lord Owen, Your Majesty." And Jadir's heart sank. Oh yes. Lord Owen. "He has arrived for your breakfast together. I was told to inform you."

"Thank you." Jadir nodded again. "Please extend my apologies to Lord Owen for my tardiness and inform him I will be with him shortly."

"Yes, Sire." The servant bowed and then left.

Turning back into the room, Jadir shut the door and strode over to the bed. He ran a hand through his golden hair as he looked down on his wife. "I'm sorry, my love. I completely forgot I promised Lord Owen that we would have breakfast together today to discuss some of the issues regarding his land claim." He shook his head, his heart aching. It was time to go back to being king. His blissful anniversary with his wife was over. But last night, as Kaira had wrapped him in her most intimate embrace, he had come to the conclusion that he really had neglected her lately. He hardly had any time for her at all, and that wasn't fair to her. And yet...she was happy just to be with him, in whatever small amount of time she could have him, willing and ready to give herself over completely if he asked it of her. She was the best thing in his life and he'd been neglecting her.

Stepping to the edge of the bed, Jadir leaned over it and placed his finger beneath Kaira's chin. "Why don't we have a special dinner tonight? Just the two of us?" His eyes darted down to the necklace laying against her chest. "You can wear your anniversary gift. And I'll have the servants go down to the wine cellar and break out one of those bottles of white wine you love so." He grinned, stroking the backs of his fingers against her cheek. "What do you say?"

********​

Aislin's brow furrowed as she watched Atreyu look down on her, nodding slowly. Was he actually considering her words? That would be a surprise. But then he opened his mouth, suggesting other ways he could wake her up. Either teasing her or mocking her. Or both. She wasn't sure what to make of him. Wasn't sure whether to take him seriously and just think he was being arrogant and mean...or whether this was just his personality, to tease and be sarcastic. His manner seemed to suggest he did this kind of thing all the time, but she figured with her being a prisoner, it was probably the former. Why tease and banter with the person you're trying to turn over to the authorities as a criminal?

Then he was raising his eyebrows, lifting his pointer finger into the air. "Ah! I know!" He declared as though he'd just had some kind of epiphany. "How about I plant a kiss right on those lips? Would that be better?"

Her eyes narrowed. Try it, buddy! You'll be experiencing hitherto unexplored realms of pain. "I wouldn't suggest that." Aislin said coldly, and suddenly she didn't feel comfortable laying down with him above her like that. But as she pushed herself into a sitting position, turning her head towards him to spout off another comment, she realized just how close he really was...his nose inches from hers. She hesitated, her heart skipping, blinking once as her brown eyes met his hazel ones. And what she saw there surprised her. They weren't the cold, determined, uncaring eyes of a rutheless bounty hunter. They were actually...soft. Even a little...playful.

Now she was thoroughly confused. Breaking eye contact, Aislin turned her head away from him and reached for her stockings next to the fire so she could pull them on and warm her feet. What did that mean? He and his brother were clearly determined to turn her in to the Namor Guard. So then...why had Thalion looked concerned last night, and why did Atreyu look like he was playing with her now? That wasn't how people treated prisoners. Right?

Get a grip, Aislin. They're not your friends. She scolded herself, pulling on her stockings. No matter how playful Atreyu's eyes and no matter how caring Thalion's, they were still her enemy. These two brothers had been odd since the moment she first entered her room to find them there, discussing the comfort of beds while at the same time about to capture her and hand her over to be tortured and banished. She didn't need to figure them out. All she needed to do was remember their ultimate goal...to get their money. And how did they get their money? By turning her in. Something she wasn't about to let them do. She hesitated for a moment, a thought occurring to her. If all this was about payment...

Aislin turned her attention back to the brothers, momentarily stopping in the middle of putting on her shoes. She had to be sure first before she went any further. "Why are you two turning me in?" She asked, her gave shifting between them. "Is it for money?"

 

[CJF]

Kaira had been completely engulfed in the passionate kiss that she hardly noticed as her husband eased her onto her back. She couldn't describe in words how much it meant to her that they were sharing their morning together, despite their duties. She was so used to hardly seeing Jadir, or when she did see him only having a few brief moments before he was called off to meet with more nobles and councilmen, that she almost felt guilty having him there with her. But he didn't seem concerned at all, and obviously wanted to be with her while he had the time. And that thought filled her heart with indescribable happiness.

As Jadir moved to lower himself over her, Kaira gently wrapped her arms around his neck and was about to lift her head in preperation for a kiss, when a knock sounded at the door. Kaira's heart sank. They both froze, waiting to see if whoever had knocked would leave. They didn't. A second knock sounded, causing her heart to sink even more. She felt Jadir sigh. "I must see what they want." he said before standing and walking towards the door.

Kaira stayed on her back for a moment, trying to keep her spirits high. She closed her eyes briefly, and took a deep breath. They were the King and Queen. After sixteen years of being such, she figured she'd have known that it didn't matter the time, if her husband was needed someplace, then her needs came second. She sat up and pulled her legs close, tucking her knees under her chin. She couldn't hear what was being said, but was occupied with other thoughts anyway.

A moment later Jadir shut the door and walked back over to the bed. He began to explain that he'd scheduled a meeting with Lord Owen, and was late for their breakfast. Although she could see he was acutely disappointed that their time was interrupted, she knew that, for now, he was needed as the King. She didn't want to think about how long it might be before they would have another morning like the one they'd just shared, but at least it had taken place at all.

"Why don't we have a special dinner tonight? Just the two of us?" he asked, placing a finger under her chin. Kaira felt her heart lighten at the thought. He was making special time for her! Excitement thrilled her down to her very toes. "You can wear your anniversary gift. And I'll have the servants go down to the wine cellar and break out one of those bottles of white wine you love so." Kaira sighed, relieved that she wouldn't have to wait an indefinate period of time before actually spending time with her husband again. "What do you say?"

Kaira bit her lower lip for a moment before smiling and nodding her head. "I think that sounds wonderful!" she excalimed softly, already planning what she would wear that evening. She adjusted herself so that she was sitting on her knees. She reached for his free hand and clasped it in both of hers before pressing a kiss onto his forehand. She looked up into his eyes. "Thank you, so very much." She grinned. "Now I shall have to keep myself extra busy, or else the day will drag on." she said with a chuckle.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu had expected her to snap at him, and she did not disappoint. Though she hadn't answered his question, and he had been entirely serious about it, too. How exactly was he supposed to wake her up if not by telling her to...wake up? He almost laughed but swallowed it down. Well, that's what you get for teasing when you're trying to be serious at the same time! They didn't exactly go well together. But that was all right. He'd just have Thalion try his hand at it next time.

When she sat up and looked to him, he caught her hesitating, and couldn't help but wonder what she was doing. Especially since she didn't push him or pull back herself. Instead she just stared at him. His eyes studied her, questioning. What's going through that head of yours? To his surprise, he found he desperately wanted to know.

But, yet again, she hadn't said what he wanted to hear. In fact, she didn't say anything at all. Just went to pulling on her shoes without another word, leaving him...well...clueless. Ah, women. Interesting how men craved their affection and presence, yet most of the time, they aimed to confuse instead of please. And you all still don't learn your lesson. No, they definitely didn't.

Atreyu's gaze flickered up to Thalion who was lifting his one arm in the air with Alassiel on top, petting her side gently with his free hand, and watching him. When he caught his eyes, he just shrugged. Good. Then he wasn't the only one confused. About this time is when the woman had paused in her shoe handling, looking up at them.

Her question really didn't surprise him. What did, however, was the tone in which she asked. It wasn't accusing, simply curious. If she really wanted to know... Atreyu couldn't help but grin wide, chuckling softly as he shook his head. "No, no," He responded. "The rewards which we seek are much more prominent than jewels and gold can possibly give." Though she seemed to have a bit of wealth herself. Her necklace and ring hadn't gone unnoticed by him.

Dropping his grin, he nodded towards her feet. "Now hurry up and put on your shoes so you don't scratch up those feet." His tone was light. "We don't have all day, you know."

 

[MissCellaFane]

While Jadir was thrilled with Kaira's initial answer, her gentle nod and her wide grin along with her exclamation...he couldn't help the fact that his heart sank when she thanked him. It wasn't anything against her. It was against him. In realization of just how much he'd pushed her away, shoved her to the side, made things more important than her. His own wife, the wife he loved desperately...thanking him for making time for her. It shouldn't be that way. It wasn't right. And yet it was the reality they both lived with. The reality of being king and queen.

He brushed his hand around to the back of her neck and pulled her foreward, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. "No need to thank me, darling." He pulled back with a smile. In truth, he should be thanking her. For standing by him so faithfully when all he did was put her second. Second to his crown. He had no choice, really. So it wasn't as if he could apologize for it. But still he felt bad. He ran his hand down her neck to her chest where the necklace lay, covering it with his palm. Her heart beat steadily underneath his hand. "Just remember I love you." He said, looking into her eyes.

With that, he pushed back from the bed and made his way over to the armoir once again. This time opening it and beginning to get dressed. "I'm supposed to have a late meeting with the Count of Tresidire to discuss his proposed bill restricting the import of goblin-made jewelry from Ilin." He said explained absentmindedly as he dressed himself. "He says the treatment of the goblins in the mines and sweatshops has become absolutely deplorable. And while I have no jurisdiction over how those in the land of Ilin conduct their businesses, I do have a say in whether or not we, as Namorians, should be importing their goods." Completely dressed now, Jadir reached for his locked box once again. He unlocked it and took out his signet ring, slipping it on.

He then turned back to Kaira with a guilty smile, knowing he was probably boring her half to death. He shook his head and strode towards her. "What I'm trying to say is, it will have to be a late dinner. Say around nine o'clock or so. My meeting shouldn't last longer than that." Standing in front of her, he looked down into her eyes and reached for her hand, bringing the backs of her fingers to his lips. "Until tonight, my love." He said, his eyes twinkling. Then, with a heavy heart, Jadir turned and made for the door, opening it and stepping out into the hallway. He closed the door softly behind him with a sigh. Time to go back to being king. At least for the daylight hours. If he was lucky, he'd be able to meet his wife for dinner and spend the rest of the evening with her. And it was this he looked forward to as he made his way towards the great hall for breakfast.

********​

Aislin was now completely bewildered. They didn't do it for the gold? But that was absurd! Why else would they turn her in? They had nothing against her personally for they didn't know her! And while she was sure they had no great love for necromancy, they didn't treat her as if she were evil, so it couldn't be the noble act of ridding the world of those who practiced it. So what then? Why did they want to turn her in? What could they possibly gain from her capture? Unless they just wanted to make a name for themselves. They had given themselves those fancy titles after all. Maybe that was it. They wanted to be the famous bounty hunters that had brought hundreds of rutheless criminals to justice. Fame and glory. Prized second-only to gold and silver. Apparently it was the other way around for these two brothers.

It disappointed her, actually. Not just because she wouldn't be able to buy her own freedom by offering them her money, but because they were only seeing her as another prize. Another criminal caught. It didn't matter to them if she were guilty or innocent, just as long as she was captured and their names known for it. And now that she thought about it, staring into Atreyu's eyes, it not only disappointed her, it scared her. It meant there would be no bargaining with them. She'd have to figure out how to escape on her own. And if yesterday were any indication of how that would go...then she was pretty much dead.

Atreyu's lighthearded comments did nothing to help that feeling. "Now hurry up and put on your shoes so you don't scratch up those feet. We don't have all day, you know."

How could he be so cruel? So callous? Her brow furrowed. Didn't he know he was hurrying her towards her death? Did he even care at all? No, he doesn't, Aislin. To him...you're just another name he can add to the list of dangerous necromancers he's taken down. She averted her gaze, looking down at her feet blankly, feeling suddenly very alone. Vulnerable. Defeated. "Well, you might not have all day." She said, her voice soft. "But I do. I don't particularly want to go to the capitol." Aislin pulled on her shoes and began lacing them up. "And neither would you, if you knew you were going to be branded with a hot iron and thrown into Necromion with all manner of vile creatures just waiting to tear your throat out." She swallowed hard and then gave a derisive laugh, brushing her hands through her hair, trying to work out some of the tangles. "And all that without a fair trial to boot." All they would do was throw her in prison. Oh yes, she'd go before a judge. But only for sentencing. There would be no trial. No chance to prove her innocence. She'd be punished without anyone ever asking the question "did she do it?"

Aislin reached for the head covering and laid it lightly around her neck like a loose scarf, pulling it up over her head, her black hair sticking out from beneath it over her left shoulder. Finally, she looked over at Thalion, hoping maybe he'd give her a straight answer. "May I ask why you're turning me in then? If it's not for the money?"

 

[Nella Fantasia]

As the woman began lacing up her shoes, talking about going back to the capitol only to be branded and banished to Necromion, Thalion felt that familiar sense of pity overcome him once again. She just looked so helpless and small, her haunting words from the night before coming back to him. "Would a necromancer do that?" If she was trying to trick him, she would. And really, he felt no pity for the criminals they brought to the capitol. If they wanted to keep their freedom, then they shouldn't have done whatever it was they did!

But what if she didn't do it?

He frowned, not liking this forbidden voice. Of course she did it!

How do you know?

He just did! Why should he be the one proving otherwise? It should be her doing that! He was just doing what he was told, and staying out of trouble along the way as best as he could. It wasn't his job to decide who was innocent and who was guilty, who was deceitful and who was telling the truth. And how do you think karma would take it if you turn in an innocent person? His frown deepened. No...he definitely wasn't liking this voice at all.

But before he could go any further, she had turned to him and was asking him why they were turning her in. Thalion caught Atreyu's shoulders slump slightly as the man stood, but made no other movement. It made him grin. The woman was stalling, taking her time, and it was beginning to make the older man restless. Patience was definitely something Atreyu tended to lack at certain times. When he was anxious to get on the road, it could be one of his more impatient moments.

However, Thalion didn't mind, and his gaze went back to the woman as he responded. "Because-" He gave a small shrug with his one shoulder, looking to Alassiel as he raised her up so she could hop on his vest. "-you're wanted by the Namor Guard."

"And we're bounty hunters," Atreyu spoke up, fingering the rope flung over his shoulder. "So we find whoever they tell us to."

Nodding, Thalion glanced at the woman. "We have nothing against you personally if that's what you wanted to know." Obviously, but he didn't think that's exactly what she was asking. "We're just doing our job."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin studied Thalion for a moment, a bit puzzled. They were doing it because it was their job. That was interesting, considering people usually got jobs so that they could make money...and the brothers had just told her they weren't doing it for the money. So that meant they had to be doing it because they loved the job. They enjoyed the sense of authority it gave them to lead a criminal to their punishment. It was a power trip.

Pushing herself up off the ground and breaking eye contact with Thalion, Aislin bent and grabbed her cloak, still feeling a bit weary. But she figured that would probably go on for another day or so, until she had a good night's sleep. But...that most likely wouldn't happen unless she could get away from these two. "So, you just do whatever the Namor Guard tells you to do?" She asked, though her voice wasn't harsh. Just questioning, stretching out her cloak and trying to find the hood. "Just because they say I'm guilty, automatically makes me so?"

She threw the cloak around her shoulders and then paused, frowning. The heavy fabric still hadn't dried out. Too cold. She'd freeze to death on horseback with the wind whipping at it and causing the wet fabric to grow cold as ice. Not good. Especially after last night. She took her cloak off again and held it against her stomach, draped over her arms instead as she looked up at Thalion. And then to Atreyu. Meeting their gaze in turn, her own gaze curious, purposely keeping it from being accusatory. "Or does it not matter to you if I'm innocent or guilty?"

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Thalion frowned slightly at her question. While it was beginning to nag at his heart, he doubted Atreyu was feeling any guilt at the prospect of turning in an innocent woman. But not because he was callous. Cold, maybe. But then they needed to be at times. Otherwise, people like her, who played the martyr, would get to them and they wouldn't be able to do their job. Like the mindset you're starting to portray?

Suddenly he couldn't wait to get rid of this woman. He wasn't comfortable with the thought of Karma glaring down at him, thinking up ways to get him back. And now that he had it in his mind that this woman might be innocent, Karma would no doubt strike with a vengeance. It didn't seem fair, really. Hadn't he suffered enough in his life? When all he was trying to do was rid evil of the world?

Atreyu looked disinterested, crossing his arms over his chest. "You seem to have a very naive view of things," He said. "You don't think, for all the years we have been hunting fugitives, that we haven't seen even the most desperate attempts of freedom from criminals?"

Thalion gave a nod. "Including persistence of innocence."

Dropping his arms, Atreyu shrugged the rope off his shoulder and unraveled it, most of it falling down to his feet. "So, forgive us if we don't exactly believe you," He said as he grabbed the end of the rope in his left hand and smoothed his right across several inches away, holding it up horizontally. "Now, please put your hands behind your back."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin studied the two brothers. So, they weren't even willing to consider the fact that she was innocent. Because so many other criminals had tried persuading them of their innocence. While she could see that, and definitely understand perfectly where it came from, she didn't like it. At all. It was going to make her escape considerably harder. There was no way she was going to be able to convince them of her innocence if they weren't even willing to consider the possibility of it in the first place. That meant running from them. Again. But without her book and without her seeing stones, how would she ever find Martin's killer? She'd just be a fugitive all her life, never clearing her name.

Isn't it better to be a fugitive and alive than banished to Necromion and end up dead? A voice inside her asked. And she had to agree...it would. Well, then. That was that. Regardless of how nice they treated her or how concerned they acted towards her, she couldn't count on any of it being sincere. Any of it. She'd get no help from them. Not even Thalion, whom she thought might have felt sorry for her. Apparently not. It was all on her now to get herself out of this. Her mind made up, Aislin lifted her chin and took a deep breath, attempting to strengthen her resolve.

It was at this point, however, that Atreyu began fiddling with a rope...a rope that, up until now, Aislin hadn't noticed. Her eyes widened and her stomach dropped, looking down at his hands as he held it up horizontally in her direction. "Now, please put your hands behind your back." He asked casually.

Her eyes darted up to meet his. Tie her up? But really, she should have guessed that. Why would they allow her the use of her hands? Especially after the chase she gave them yesterday? But still! If they tied her up, then her chances of escaping fell drastically. It was bad enough she didn't have the use of her burned book or her magical objects in the drawstring bag, but to lose the use of her hands as well? She could use a spell to undo it, of course, but it would sacrifice a bit of her strength. And without her book or her bag, she needed to save as much strength as she could because a lot of the magic she might need to perform would mostly come from her. And she'd be physically running again as well, most likely.

Swallowing hard, Aislin looked to Thalion and then back at Atreyu, shaking her head and backing up a step. "No." Her eyes darted down to the rope in his hands. "I'll just get out. You know I can." She looked back up at Atreyu, her heart beginning to pound. "It won't do any good."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

There she was again, being naive. Unless she thought they would be naive and not tie her up. Whatever the reason, Atreyu wasn't changing his mind. You're getting tied. Plain and simple. He watched as the woman made an attempt to step back, and he saw at the corner of his eye Thalion reach up to finger the blowgun dangling on his chest. Prepared if she decided to run. But Atreyu didn't think she would. If she was smart, like he had given her credit for, she wouldn't waste what little energy she had left fighting them at the moment. She'd wait until she gained all her strength back.

Atreyu glanced down at the rope curiously, lifting one end up into the air as though studying it. "Yes, you could..." Pausing, he looked at her over the rope with a raised eyebrow. "...if this had been an ordinary rope." He relaxed his expression while giving his head a jerk to flick a strand of hair out of his eye. "But it's not. After years of chasing after magic wielders, we've come to the conclusion that it's best to have a few anti-magic items available." Placing the rope in between his thumb and forefinger on both hands, he held it up to his face, assessing it once more. "This particular beauty won't be affected by your magic. It's made specifically to hold those like you, so your efforts will be useless."

Which was mostly true. While it did indeed deflect spells...it only did so five times. After the fifth charge was used up, it would dissolve into ash. But as long as she didn't know that, she wouldn't bother using up her strength to cast spells on it. Hopefully. Most of the magic wielders they caught rarely did. But, every once in awhile, there would come the occasional necromancer or witch doctor or sorcerer that would try their hand at it and eventually break the ropes. And Atreyu doubted she had the physical strength to rip out of them like the barbarian did. It was all just a matter of her believing his bluff.

Looking back at her, Atreyu continued. "I don't enjoy manhandling people, especially women. But if you refuse to cooperate-" He nodded once. "-I'll be forced to. So please, put your hands behind your back."

 

[MissCellaFane]

An anti-magic rope. Her spells wouldn't work on it. She wouldn't be able to free herself. Oh, God! This was worse than she'd thought! Aislin's heart beat furiously against her chest, her stomach tightening. This couldn't be happening! All her chances of escape were slowly slipping away like so many grains of sand in an hourglass. It was only a matter of time before her chances were gone and she'd be face-to-face with the Namor Guard, getting her neck branded.

And then Atreyu's threat. A confident look on his face. As if he knew he'd won. She couldn't resist him. Not in her current state. Not after the night she'd had last night. And he knew it. Her eyes went to Thalion. He was frowning, fingering something on his chest, the hawk on his shoulder. After she'd freed the hawk! This is how he repaid her? By standing there and allowing his brother to threaten her? Suddenly, she regretted lifting the enchantment. She should have let the bird die! They were going to kill her! Why shouldn't she have taken the bird? Finally, her eyes settled on the rope in Atreyu's hand. She could resist. She could try to run. But they'd just overpower her again. She was too weak. There really was no choice. She knew it and they knew it.

Blast it all! How could this be happening!? How!? She hadn't done anything wrong! Nothing! And now she was going to have to put her hands behind her back like a criminal. It felt as though, in doing so, she was admitting her own guilt. Her brow furrowed as she looked at the rope, hating it. Hating them! Frustrated tears began to well up in her eyes and she turned away from them before they could see them fall, throwing the cloak down as she did so and placing her hands behind her back. Her jaw clenched and her throat tightened as she fought back the tears with a few deep breaths. Closing her eyes, she waited for the feel of the ropes slipping around her wrists, ensuring her defeat.