Lover

[Nella Fantasia]

Thalion had to admit, he wasn't expecting the woman to smile at him, but when she did? He was reminded of the night before when she was sleeping peacefully on the blanket. When there wasn't a frown on her face from anger or her brow was furrowed in annoyance. When her eyes were light, and he could actually catch the glimpse of that purple hue he'd seen, making her seem so...exotic. And, as he thought before, pretty. It wasn't as though he'd never desert dwellers. He had; plenty of them since him and Atreyu traveled so often from one place to another. But he'd never seen any of them, or any woman at that, have such a beautiful color in their eyes amid the brown. That plus the mark on her neck intrigued him.

Her wince and the comment about the ropes though didn't go unnoticed with him. While he felt a little bad for that fact, he forced it down. Jeez. Just because you think she's pretty doesn't suddenly mean she's innocent. Right. He had to remember that. It might be cruel to tie her up so forcefully against her will, but this job required him to be a little cold. If not? He could easily let a killer loose.

Once she was situated on the ground, he moved a little ways away towards the front of her, and sat down himself. He bent his knees into the air, resting his forearms on top, and glanced out towards the cluster of trees Atreyu had gone. The older man was plucking up sticks leisurely, taking his time as he rounded a tree trunk. As long as he's collecting firewood. That's all Thalion could really hope for from his brother.

The woman's voice brought his thoughts back to her as she took him up on his suggestions. He studied her for a moment, thinking. Although he had a few extra breeches and tunics himself, he doubted they would fit her very well. Thalion wasn't very tall and quite slim, but it would still be baggy on the woman's figure. And there's no way she's changing in front of you. Right. The only way she'd be able to change in them is if she did so with him or Atreyu present, and he doubted she'd take kindly to that idea.

So really, him helping her down was the only choice. Which was fine with him. As long as it was fine with her, and it seemed to be for she was smiling at him. Smiling! Again! Amazing! It sure is. He hesitated, turning his gaze to his hands. Somehow he didn't think he was only referring to the fact she'd smiled. Get a hold of yourself! She's a necromancer for heaven's sake! If he could smack himself upside the head, he would, and almost considered asking her to do it for him. Do you even know what kinds of bad luck she's probably swarming with?! Necromancers couldn't be very clean.

Mentally shaking himself, Thalion glanced back at her with a nod. "I can do that." Then, deciding to go for it, he teased while raising an eyebrow. "Though if you start to fall again, you're on your own." Probably a bad move, but he was interested to see how she responded. And if she reacted badly? Well...he wouldn't be worse off than where he was currently.

Knock on wood. His brow furrowed slightly. Right. Yeah. Couldn't be too careful. Quickly he moved his one hand to his side to tap his knuckles lightly on the block of wood before replacing his original position, watching her as he waited for a response.

 

[MissCellaFane]

He was studying her again. He did that a lot, it seemed. Not that Aislin minded. Not in the least. If he was studying her, that meant he was thinking things over. Maybe even reevaluating his impressions of her. If he was doing that, then maybe she had a chance of eventually convincing him of her innocence. All she had to do was play it safe for awhile, gain his trust. Instead of acting hateful towards him, she should act nice. And honestly? Right now? It wasn't that hard to do, be nice to him. She was still cold and tied up and her arms were aching and she was still headed towards her death, but he actually seemed like he could be a good person. Possibly. She'd have to see.

But then he agreed to helping her down off the horse, not offering her any clothes. Oh well. She hadn't really expected him to anyways. Though if he had, she would have taken him up on it...just in case. Then Thalion raised one eyebrow at her. "Though if you start to fall again, you're on your own."

Aislin blinked. Was he...teasing with her? He was! Not like Atreyu, trying to make her look and feel like an idiot. This was different. More playful. Her smile widened and she pulled her knees more up to her chest, wishing she could wrap her arms around them to hold them against her and trap in the heat, shivering a bit. "What a gentleman you are." She said sarcastically, though her tone was light. "A real knight in shining armor." Aislin shook her head lightly, averting her gaze to where cloak lay. Deciding that it was enough of an answer to her test for Thalion to have thought about her comfort and led her over here, she decided to ask for it. She nodded that direction. "Well, if you're neither going to untie me nor catch me if I fall, would you at least let me have my cloak?" She looked back to Thalion, her smile fading into one of entreatment instead of humor. "I'm freezing over here."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

The woman's response pleased Thalion, grateful she hadn't taken his comment seriously. Not only did it mean he wouldn't have to deal with a wrathful female the rest of the night, but she wasn't as uptight as she'd first let on. He hadn't expected anything differently, of course, but since it turned out that way, he was glad. Hauling around hateful criminals all the time tended to take it out of him. Which is why he'd love to settle down, buy a house, actually get to know people and develop relationships in a town. But he wouldn't. As long as Atreyu hunted, he would always follow.

At her question, he glanced over at the horse where her cloak continued to drape across from that morning. "Sure," He said, pushing himself up and walking over to the horse. Picking up the cloak, he fingered it. It was dry. Probably having been lying out in the sun all day. Which was good.

Turning around, he trekked back to the woman, but as he got to her, he hesitated, holding the cloak in one hand and casting glances between it and her. She can't put it on obviously. Idiot. Put it on for her. Of course. Moving in front of her, he stretched out the cloak in both hands and dropped to a crouch, letting the fabric float in the air for a moment before settling on either side of her shoulders. Then he brought the ends together at her throat, tying it into a knot. As he did so, he couldn't keep his eyes from darting from the ruby necklace dangling to the mark on her neck. Interesting woman, that.

And actually, now that he thought about it, he hadn't referred her to her birth name. If indeed it was her birth name or something she just picked up. His brow furrowed in deep thought. What was it? Starts with an "a". Well, that shouldn't be too hard to figure out. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. Come on. You read over the report. It was a different name. Astrin? No. Atrina? Wow. I think you were closer the first time, buddy. Then blast it, what was it? Aislin. He grinned to himself. Yes. Aislin.

He had finished tying the knot, but noticed her hair was underneath the cloak. He blinked. Should he get it out for her? It was probably annoying. Then go for it. Slowly he smoothed his hands up her neck and around underneath her hair, pulling out from the cloak so it hung it loose strands about her back and shoulders. However, in the process he couldn't keep himself from enjoying the feel of her silky hair in his fingers. At least in his left hand. His right had his glove on, so he couldn't feel much there. But what he did feel? Was...nice.

Dropping his hands down to his knees, Thalion finally looked up into her face, searching her eyes. "Better?" He asked quietly with a small grin.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin was glad he agreed, though she really hadn't expected him to refuse. And as the cloak fell about her shoulders and he brought it around front to completely cover her up, she immediately felt warmer. She watched his face as he tied it, noticing his eyes seemed to dart to her neck. Was he looking at her birthmark? Her smile faded at the thought and she looked down at his chest. It wasn't necessarily an ugly mark. It wasn't raised like a scar and it wasn't blotchy or scaly or rough. It was simply an even discoloration of her skin, as smooth as the rest of her. Though it was rather large. And it was this fact that probably drew the most attention. Normally those with birthmarks only had small ones, or at least not ones that covered the entire left side of the neck and down onto the shoulder, encompassing part of the shoulderblade and then collarbone as well. People had regarded it as unsightly. Something to be covered, even in her own tribe. Consequently, Aislin was quite self-conscious about it. And didn't like when people stared at it.

When he finished tying her cloak, he hesitated and she looked back up into his face. What was it? His hands suddenly moved towards her neck and she stiffened, not sure at first what exactly he was doing. Was he about to hurt her? Though he had been kind to her, she really didn't know him at all. For all she knew, his kindness could have been an act. But then his hands slid to the back of her neck before pulling out away from it, taking her hair with them. And she realized...he was trying to make her more comfortable again. By freeing her hair from underneath her cloak. She immediately relaxed and closed her eyes for a moment, the sensation actually quite pleasing as it had been annoying to have her hair trapped that way.

When it was free, Aislin opened her eyes to find that Thalion was staring intently into hers, his hands on his knees. Thinking again, probably. What's going through your head, Thalion? She thought to herself as she stared back, unable to tear her gaze away for some reason. "Better?" His voice was quiet and he wore a small grin.

She gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head. "Yes." Her voice was just as quiet, almost a whisper. "Thank you." Aislin allowed herself a tiny smile. "For being kind to me." She finally broke eye contact and looked down at his chest. "Not many bounty hunters would be." She swallowed and gave a small shrug, looking back up into his eyes. "So thank you." And she meant it. At least with Thalion here, she wouldn't be treated like vermin. He actually respected her enough to want to make sure she was comfortable. Even going so far as to think about the little things. Like her hair. She was slowly being convinced that more time spent alone with Thalion was her best chance at possibly getting out of this alive. Her first impression of him after she'd been capture was correct. He did have a heart. She just needed to appeal to it.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

The woman-

No, Aislin seemed real enough in her gratitude that Thalion had to wonder just how many bounty hunters she'd encountered. Couldn't have been much since she murdered her teacher only a week before they sent the Riel brothers after her. But, then again, bounty hunters weren't exactly known for their chivalry and gentleness. Ferocity? Sure. Even to each other.

But the point was, she looked sincere. Which made him question just how innocent (or guilty) she really was. Again. You need to stop that. It was difficult. He followed Atreyu so willingly because he thought he was doing the world a favor by locking away savage beasts. But Aislin didn't seem like one at all. So, why did she kill that man?

"You're welcome," Thalion replied with a slight nod of his head. But he didn't move. He stared at her for a moment, thinking. Don't do it. Just let it go. He wasn't one for curiosity, but right now? It was getting harder to contain. Finally, it won over his own cautiousness, and he moved to sit next to her. "Can I ask you something?" But he figured she might say yes, so he went on. "Why-"

But he stopped short, interrupted by Atreyu making his way into their camp with an armful of sticks. The older man knelt on one knee, dropping his load several feet from where the two sat, and looked over at them. "I have retrieved the wood for your fire, O Demanding One," He said dramatically, standing, and giving a bow.

Biting back a grin, Thalion stood from his feet and surveyed the pile of sticks with a hand over his chin seriously. His brow furrowed, he walked in a slow circle around it. Finally he stopped and a shrug. "I suppose it will have to do."

Atreyu grinned, but didn't respond as he picked up one of the pouches of food, and sat next to Aislin. "What about you? Shall I get you some food?" He asked, opening the pouch.

Thalion shook his head and stooped, beginning to gather the sticks together in a neat pile for the fire. Although the question continued to nag at the back of his mind, he decided to disregard it. It was probably best anyway. The last thing you need is to become entranced by a woman. Indeed.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin was sorely disappointed when Atreyu decided to interrupt. Thalion had been looking thoughful again, as though trying to figure her out. And he was about to ask her something! She had the distinct feeling it was going to have something to do with her alleged necromancy. Her guilt or innocence in that. Maybe even to do with Martin's death. And in that moment, she would have told him. Everything. Whether he believed her or not would be up to him. But he had looked sincere. If that's indeed what he was going to ask her, then there wouldn't have been a better time to tell him, when he actually looked interested in her story.

But no. Atreyu had to interrupt. That man was going to be the death of her. Literally. There was no way she was going to convince him of her innocence. But Thalion? Aislin frowned and looked down at the pile of sticks Atreyu had brought over, her heart still pounding from the moment with Thalion. So close. She had to get another chance to talk to him. She just had to! Maybe when it was his turn to take watch that night, she could talk to him.

It did interest her, however, to watch the two brothers interact with one another. So it wasn't just Aislin that Atreyu teased that way. He did it to his brother too, calling him names. Only, with Thalion, it was clear that he was only jesting, either to make him laugh or to prompt him to come back with a witty retort and start up some banter. With Aislin it was different. It was as if he was actually pushing her, trying to make her angry. And equally as intriguing? Was Thalion's response. Being very dramatic as he surveyed the wood pile and then responding, coming back with a retort. So...was that the way to deal with Atreyu? Tease him back? She'd been debating him a bit earlier and had at least gotten somewhere with him. If she teased him, would that get her further? She might as well try.

So when he sat down next to her, offering her some food, Aislin eyed him curiously. He was grinning, a pouch in his hand that looked similar to the one she had eaten out of last night. "What about you? Shall I get you some food?" Atreyu asked as he began to open the pouch.

In truth, Aislin was starving. Her stomach ached horribly for food. She wasn't sure whether or not the brothers had had breakfast that morning, but they sure hadn't offered her any. So even if it was one of those incredibly dry biscuits, she would be grateful. She cast a glance over to Thalion, who was now working on getting a fire set up, and then looked back at Atreyu next to her. She nodded a couple times, deciding to be honest. "Yes, please." There was no reason to whip him into a bantering verbal frenzy just yet, not when he looked like he might actually be serious with her for a moment. And not when she was about to be untied. At least, she assumed she would be. For a moment, anyways. Until they could tie her hands in front of her again. Still. It would be a change of position and for that she would be grateful. Even her arms in her shoulder sockets were beginning to ache.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu assumed that would be the woman's response. At least part of it. It intrigued him how she said "please" though. He stared at her curiously, reaching into the pouch. She was such an odd woman. One moment she seemed so friendly, and the next she was ready to snap your neck in two. Rarely they came across fugitives who acted kind, and that alone confused Atreyu. But to have someone who could switch over from one to the next so quickly? She's a woman. Women are strange. End of story

"All right then," Atreyu said, both as a response to her and his own thoughts. Pulling out a piece of their traveler's bread, he held it up between his middle and forefinger. "Open up."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin was a bit confused when Atreyu began rummaging around in the bag, pulling out a piece of the dry bread. Her brow furrowed. Was he going to eat first? Offer her food and then deny it and eat in front of her? Just to torture her more? What a selfish brat! She felt her anger with him rising. It was bad enough if he was going to eat in front of her. But to taunt her with it first? Ask her if she was hungry and if he should get her food and then make her watch while he ate it!? It was cruel!

But instead of lifting the bread to his mouth, Atreyu turned to Aislin, the piece of bread between his fingers. "Open up." He said casually.

Aislin blinked, her eyebrows raising. What did he just say? He'd told her to open up. As if...he was intending to feed her! Her stomach dropped and she swallowed, lowering her gaze to the food in his hand before meeting his eyes once more. It had to be a joke. Right? It had to be! Yes, he was teasing her again. Trying to make her feel stupid. She shook her head, narrowing her eyes. "Oh, very funny. Good one." She rolled her shoulders a bit, the ropes scratching against her skin as she nodded to him. "Now if you'll just tie my hands in front, I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself, thank you very much."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

That figured. The one time Atreyu was actually being serious and the woman thought he was teasing! He had to swallow down a laugh that threatened to escape, but he couldn't resist grinning. Ah, the irony. Was there anything better besides sarcasm? His eyes flickered down to the bread he held in his fingers and back up to her face. "But you see, I can't do that," Atreyu said with a light shrug. "Pardon me if I don't exactly trust you to not attack us. You did make your threats perfectly clear." He held up the biscuit again, twirling it between his fingers. "Now..." He raised his eyebrows. "...do you want to eat or not?"

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin's jaw would have dropped if she didn't think he'd stuff the bread in her mouth. She wouldn't put it past him. He actually thought he was going to feed her! Her brow furrowed and she clenched her jaw. She had thought shivering up on that rock had been the lowest point, and then getting thrown over his shoulder like a tramp. And then this morning when he made her put her hands behind her back so he could tie her up, she was sure she couldn't get any lower. But nope. Here, right now, was the lowest she could get. Was he doing this on purpose? Thinking of ways to degrade her? Being fed like...like she was an animal?

He knew she had to eat. And she knew she did too. How else was she going to keep up her strength to escape? It was either let him feed her now, take the humiliation, and then be able to escape later...or starve herself, saving her dignity, and be brought in to the Namor Guard a weak and helpless prisoner.

She glanced quickly over at Thalion, wondering if he might help her. Probably not. At least, not with his brother right there. Her heart skipped. That was it! Maybe...maybe when she talked to him later on that night as Atreyu slept and told him her story, she could convince him to tie her hands around front, even if it was just for a few moments, so she could eat. And even if Thalion refused to do that, she'd still rather have him feed her than Atreyu. Atreyu was only doing it to make her miserable, to show her he was boss, get her under his thumb where he thought she belonged. Another power trip. Thalion would be doing it because he simply didn't trust her. Sure, that was probably part of Atreyu's reason too. But not as much as just wanting her to squirm. His grin was evidence of that.

Well she wasn't going to let him! Aislin looked back at Atreyu, tossing her head a bit so her hair gathered over her left shoulder. "I'd rather starve..." She growled out, raising one eyebrow in an angry smirk. "...than give you the satisfaction of watching me eat from your hand like a dog."

 

[Nella Fantasia]

And she was angry again. Atreyu was beginning to wonder if she had a split personality--the polite, proper, debatable woman who smirked when he teased her; and then the spiteful, enraged minx who threatened to kill them. This woman is crazy. Entertaining, amusing, interesting, but definitely nuts. Because somehow she thought it would be better to starve than to allow him to help feed her.

Glancing back down at the pouch in his hands, Atreyu dropped the bread inside and pulled the ties together. "Suit yourself," He said matter-of-factly, turning, and scooting over to Thalion. Where she got the idea he was getting satisfaction out of watching her eat from his hand, he had no idea. Honestly, he could care less. If she didn't want to eat, he wasn't going to force it down her throat. Instead he tossed the food next to the water where he'd picked it up from and began helping Thalion gather the sticks together, his back facing the woman.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Could things get any worse? Aislin watched the bread go back in the pouch and then Atreyu pulled it shut, her heart sinking. He really wasn't going to let her eat. Her eyes flickered up to his, but he wasn't looking at her. Instead, he was scooting over to where Thalion was, his back to her, helping his brother get the fire going.

She watched him for a moment, just wanting to scream. What a horrible, selfish, uncaring pig! He was just going to let her starve! And then she wanted to kick him. Just plant her boot right into his back and shove him face first into the sticks. And she almost did. But she realized just in time that doing so would only probably hurt her, not help her. She'd never felt so helpless in her life and she hated it. Her fingers clenched around her wrists and she lowered her forehead to her knees, gaining control of her raging emotions. Anger, desperation, depression, helplessness, hurt, frustration, and sorrow to name a few.

What was she going to do now? She was so hungry that she actually thought she might vomit. She swallowed hard, tears burning the backs of her eyes. Get ahold of yourself, Aislin. There's still hope. Once that jerk goes to bed and you can get Thalion alone. Yes. She just had to cling to that and pray to God that Thalion was actually open to hearing what she had to say, to listening to her.

If only there was a way to get these ropes off! She moved her arms around a bit. They were tight. Very tight. She could barely move at all. And there was no way her wrists were coming out. She was surprised that her circulation wasn't cut off. She had thought that they would have to untie her to eat. But apparently not. And she knew they weren't going to untie her to sleep. Then...there was only one other reason for them to untie her. And they'd have to. There was no other way around it. She opened her eyes, staring at her skirt. She hadn't had much water that day so she hadn't run into this before now. But now that she thought about it....

Aislin raised her head off her knees and looked at the brothers. "Excuse me." She said, making sure her voice carried the least amount of sarcasm she could muster. "I don't mean to interrupt but..." She hesitated, rolling her eyes. "...I have been tied up on a horse all day and really need to go relieve myself." She hated asking. Having to ask to use the bathroom. It was degrading! And she couldn't escape right now, but she might get some relief for her aching arms. For a few moments at least.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu had just finished helping Thalion with the sticks, sitting back on his heels, when the woman's voice sounded behind him. He glanced over his shoulder at her request. After her snide remark when he was attempting to get her food, and now she was asking to go "relieve herself"? Why in the world should he help her after that? Blasted women. Always asking for things after treating men horribly. That's why he never became involved with one.

Standing, Atreyu walked over to her and bent, grabbing her arm, and pulling. "Then let's go," He said simply and began walking her over to the small group of trees where the horses were. Once there he spun her around so she was facing away from him, and untied the knot in the ropes, unraveling them from her wrists and arms. But as soon as they were loose, he took the end of the rope and slid it to her waist, reaching his free hand around her other side to her abdomen, and pulled so it sat snugly across her rip cage. He retied it to her back, moving the cloak and her hair away so it wouldn't get caught. There.

Again, he swung her around to face him, holding onto the other end of the rope in his one hand. "You have sixty seconds," He stated. "If you're not covered up or done by then-" He held up the rope. "-I'm pulling on the rope." He nodded towards the tree. "Now go."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin didn't like the look in Atreyu's eyes as he came for her, pulling her to her feet, a bit roughly. Was he angry? Why? She should be the one that was angry! Not him! Or maybe he was just perturbed. He led her over to the small patch of trees and then spun her around, working on untying her ropes. She felt them fall away from her arms and felt immediate relief not having her arms pressed to her sides like that. And as her wrists and forearms were released, Aislin immediately brought her arms around front, crossing them over her chest, her hands on her shoulders. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling so free! Oh, it felt good!

She barely felt him tying the rope around her middle, but did open her eyes as he pulled it tight and spun her around to face him again. It was the first time that Aislin had seen him actually entirely serious. Even before, there had been a hint of hidden amusement. But now, he was all business, telling her she had sixty seconds to finish. She blinked. Sixty seconds? He expected her to be done that quickly!? She frowned. Just because he was a man and could be done in probably half that time didn't mean that Aislin with all her skirts and underclothes could do so as well! But he didn't look like he was going to budge on the time as he nodded to the tree behind her. "Now go."

Without a word, Aislin turned and walked behind the tree, making sure to place it directly between him and her. She checked both sides of her to make sure she couldn't be seen from either side and then began tugging quickly at her skirts, quietly cursing Atreyu. She didn't even have time to enjoy the fact that her arms were free! Right now, all she could do was crouch and relieve herself. Because she doubted he would let her have another chance.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Atreyu turned around as the woman disappeared behind the tree, folding his arms across his chest, and letting the rope dangle from his right hand. Thalion was still crouched next to their pile of sticks, but hadn't started the fire yet. Though he was furiously striking at the flint, no doubt trying to get it started. One of the horses next to him sidestepped, flicking its head, and causing its mane to shift about its neck. Other than that, and the ongoing screeches of the crickets, all was quiet. Really quiet. He frowned slightly. What was she doing back there? Honestly, how long did it take a woman to go?

Unless she figured out how to get out of the ropes. He hesitated, spinning back to face the tree. No! He would have heard something, wouldn't he? Not if she's trying to get out right now. He looked down at the rope in his hands. Well, whatever had happened, or hadn't happened, time was up. She needed to come back. Or he'd be forced to chase her again.

Without another thought, Atreyu stepped back, and gave a vicious tug on the rope.

 

[MissCellaFane]

Aislin was counting, probably more quickly than Atreyu, but she wanted to make sure she was done in enough time. She had just gotten to fifty-one and was adjusting her underthings after having relieved herself when all of a sudden she felt a violent jerk around her middle from behind, causing her to lose her balance. She gave a small cry of surprise as she was pulled back, her feet scrambling beneath her and her arms swinging out to the sides. She fell back against the tree, hitting her head.

What in the world!? Her time wasn't up yet! She had been counting fast and only at fifty-one! He was early! The little brat! Angry now, Aislin pushed herself off from the tree, taking a step away from it. Only to realize...that she'd stepped in the small puddle she'd created just moments before. Her boot was now covered in the mud from it. Aislin's brow furrowed in disgust. Blast it! No. Not blast it. Blast him! He tugged her too early and now not only did her head hurt but her boot was covered in slimy, disgusting, completely unsanitary mud! Well that was it! She'd had it! Enough of his cockiness. His rudeness. How he degraded her and mocked her. She wasn't going to take it anymore!

Spinning around, her hair flying, Aislin stepped out from around the tree and clutched her ruby necklace, her eyes flashing. "You snake!" She shrieked. "That was not sixty seconds!" Let's see how he likes getting hurt! Getting his boots ruined! And with that, Aislin rubbed the stone around her neck, her eyes darting down to his boots. She didn't even need to speak the incantation. It would take a bit of her energy because of that, but right now she didn't care. Immediately his boots erupted into flames. "On fire, are we!?" She spat out, still not satisfied. She had felt some of her energy leave her, but right now her adrenaline was pumping so hard it barely phased her. "Let me help!" With a wave of her other hand, all the loose sticks surrounding the cluster of trees lifted up into the air and flew towards him, beating him all over. I'll teach you to treat me like an animal! And while he was distracted, now was the perfect time to tug herself free. He'd tied a knot around her waist, but he hadn't done so on himself. Gripping the rope with both hands, Aislin gave a mighty tug.

 

[Nella Fantasia]

"You snake!" The woman shrieked as she came around the tree and Atreyu knew he'd done it now. Oh boy. "That was not sixty seconds!" Oh yes. Her eyes were flashing, her hand clenched in a tight fist at her collar. She was definitely angry. No, more than that. Positively irate.

But before he could respond, he saw her eyes flicker down to his feet and he followed her gaze. Only to have his boots burst into flames a second later. Startled, he gave a light jump, thinking maybe he was imagining things and it was on the grass. But no. It was on his boots! And now he could feel the heat, just as he heard the woman yell off something else. But he didn't know what she said. He was too mesmerized by the fire sparking from his boots. Aw hell! Immediately he went to stomping his feet on the ground.

However, he was only at it for a moment before something suddenly whacked him upside the head. He blinked, his gaze darting up. What the?! Sticks! Beating him like vicious monsters! While he was amazed by this fact, he was more concerned with the fire going on underneath him. God, it was beginning to burn! He was vaguely aware of the rope slipping from his fingers as he stamped his one foot on the other, hopping, trying in vain to rid of the growing embers. It wasn't working! It was just getting worse! Swearing, he fell onto his back, almost rolled, and lifted his leg up, frantically attacking at the leather ties with his fingers. But the sticks weren't helping. If anything, they were getting in the way, flying into his face and causing him to lose focus. His heart pounding, he used one hand to bat them away, knocking them into the ground, but kept the other struggling with the laces.

Finally, the knots came undone, and he dropped his one foot, beating the heel into the dirt to kick off his boot. He felt it slowly slip off, and his heart spiked. Yes! Yes! Come on! He almost had it! Just as he thought this, his boot came off, sailing into the air and landing somewhere behind him. Success! But that was only one. The other? Still very much on fire. He sat up and went to hastily pulling at the leather strings. Within seconds he had it untied and off, sliding from his foot, and he stumbled back into a standing position.

Well, he might not be in danger of his skin melting off, but his boots weren't looking so lucky. Blast it! Those were the only boots he had! And there's no way in hell he was going to be traveling around barefoot! Diving for his boot, he grabbed the top portion where the fire had yet to reach it and spun for the other, whipping the one in his hand down on top of it in a frenzy. Urgently. Desperate to save his boots from the realms of a sure death.

But he knew. It was useless. Entirely useless. With one last fierce toss, he chucked his boot down onto the other and took a step back, watching helplessly as the flames completely consumed the leather heap. Ever so slowly, he began to get his thoughts together. The little minx! She'd set him on fire! And yet, standing there in his bare feet, staring at the stream of smoke rising into the night sky, the bottom of his breeches scorched slightly, Atreyu felt laughter begin to bubble up in his chest. But he managed to force it down. Somehow.

~*~​

As Atreyu took Aislin over to the trees at her request, Thalion went to striking the flint next to the wood to make their fire. Or at least tried to. Stupid flint! Frowning, he continued striking it harder, but to his dismay, no flames were forming. Sparks, yes. But that's about it. He sighed, dropping his hands between his legs to rest them for a moment when he heard it. The scream. From Aislin.

His head snapped up, eyes wide. Uh oh. That did not sound good! And indeed he was right. As if to prove that, she gave off another shriek that made him cringe. Blast it! What did Atreyu do now?! But whatever the older man had done, Thalion wasn't expecting the strike of flames to suddenly spring up from his feet. Thalion's eyebrows rose and for a moment he was stunned, frozen in spot, watching with fascination as the light danced in the night sky. Then he realized what was going on. He blinked. Atreyu was on fire!

Sprinting into action, he leaped from his feet and raced towards Atreyu. But at the last minute he saw Aislin grab the rope in her hands and pulled on it, tugging them out of Atreyu's grip. Oh no you don't! He was not going to let her escape like that! He switched paths, reaching for the rope as he skidded to a stop, catching it, and gave a mighty pull of his own so the woman came crashing against his chest. His arms went around her at the same time that he spun, bringing them both down to the ground, pinning her underneath him with his hands on her arms and his knees and legs below on hers.

He looked down at her, eyes narrowing. "What are you doing?!" He demanded. Escaping. She was escaping you fool. Of course she was! For a moment he was angry, thinking she might have seriously injured his brother.

He hesitated. Oh God! His brother! Atreyu! He looked over towards where his brother was on the ground, going at his boots. But he was out of them quickly enough. And for a moment, Thalion could do nothing but stare in wonder as Atreyu started beating his one boot against the other. What in the world? He honestly couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was alarming yet so...humorous. And Thalion honestly didn't know whether to go help his brother or laugh!

Finally it looked as though Atreyu gave up, flinging his boot down, and taking a couple steps back to stare blankly at the flaming pile. And then it came. Thalion felt it stir in his stomach up to his chest, and he cleared his throat to keep the laughter down. The image, the scenery, it had all just been too funny! Wow. But the only thing that was keeping him from letting it out was the look on Atreyu's face. He couldn't tell if he was angry, annoyed, or simply intrigued.

About to call out his name, Thalion stopped when Atreyu ran a hand through his tattered hair, messy with random debris from the dirt and grass, then looked over at them. "Well..." Atreyu began calmly, glancing back to the fire. "At least we have our fire now."

 

[MissCellaFane]

For one glorious moment, Aislin actually thought that she might be free. The rope slid out of Atreyu's hands and dropped to the grass. But as soon as she began gathering it up so she could throw it over her shoulder and run, she saw Thalion running towards her, skidding to a stop and reaching for the rope. Her eyes widened. No! How had he gotten there so fast!? She took a step back and tried to pull it out of his reach but he was too fast, grabbing the end and giving it a strong jerk. Too strong. Before she could regain her balance, she went crashing into him. His arms went around her as he toppled her to the ground. She landed hard on her back, hitting her head for the second time that night, her hair splayed out behind her and her cloak sliding back off her shoulders, held in place only by the string tying it at her neck. She grunted, momentarily disoriented.

Thalion, on the other hand, was not. She felt his hands close over her forearms, pinning her arms to the ground on either side of her head as he practically straddled her with his legs, trapping her underneath him. "What are you doing?!" He demanded of her and she opened her eyes to look up into his. She could tell he was upset with her, but honestly at that moment she couldn't care less. She had, however, lost her concentration and allowed the sticks to drop to the ground like heavy rain, landing on the grass all around Atreyu. Which was where Thalion's gaze was now directed.

Aislin turned her head that direction as well, watching him trying in vain to put out his boots. And she felt an immense satisfaction. Good. If she was going to be uncomfortable because of the things he kept pushing on her, then he was going to be uncomfortable because of something she did. Finally the man threw his boots down onto the ground and took a step back as he watched them burn. Then, he turned to Aislin and Thalion. Aislin's heart skipped a beat. You're in for it now, Aislin. Attacking him like that. So far he had kept to his word and hadn't hurt her. Would he feel that deal was off now that she'd done that? "Well..." He started, his voice surprisingly calm. "At least we have our fire now."

She blinked. That was it? He wasn't...angry? She couldn't believe it! She'd destroyed his boots, beat him with sticks, and from the looks of it burned his breeches too, and all he did was crack a joke!? Honestly, after the way he'd treated her when she asked to relieve herself, she thought he'd be irate. Craning her neck backwards and to the side against the grass so she could see, her eyes flickered over to the burning boots. Fire? They had their fire? No. That wasn't acceptable. Narrowing her eyes, Aislin breathed a short spell, feeling some of her strength leave her. A gust of wind blew and the fire immediately went out, the boots now crusted over with icicles. They were still burned beyond repair. But now the brothers didn't have their fire.

Looking back at Atreyu, Aislin took a deep breath and let it out in a huff. "No." She growled. "You don't." She then clenched her fists and arched her back with a groan of frustration, attempting to free her arms from Thalion's grip as she turned her head to look back up into his eyes above her. "Let go of me, Thalion." She ordered, realizing that she'd called him by his name for the first time. It calmed her for a moment and she swallowed, relaxing back into the grass as it was apparent he wasn't moving. Not that she had really expected him to. When she spoke next, her voice was softer. "I'm sorry, but he provoked me." Her eyes found Atreyu as she turned her head, her voice rising a bit once more. "He tugged on the rope too early. Hard! I hit my head on the tree! And I..." She hesitated, not wanting to reveal that she'd stepped in her own puddle. But then, it really was Atreyu's fault. Not hers. "...he made me step into the fresh mud!" She spoke to Atreyu now, accusing him. "You said sixty seconds!" Then back to Thalion, looking him directly in the eyes as she unclenched and clenched her fists. "That was not sixty!"

 

[Nella Fantasia]

Honestly, Thalion had a hard time keeping a straight face. First because of Atreyu's remark; then because of Aislin frosting over his boots, putting out the flames, and announcing in defiance they didn't have their fire; and then because of her explanation with what happened. Especially when she mentioned the last bit. She stepped in what?! And absurd as it all sounded, he believed every word. What he couldn't believe, however, was how she made it seem like he was supposed to punish his brother. Like she wanted him to do something about it. After demanding he let her go. This woman was downright strange! Which just made him want to laugh harder.

He bit the insides of his cheeks to keep from doing so, glancing up at Atreyu. The older man took the woman's words in stride, raising his eyebrows, and shrugged innocently. Thalion let out a quick, throaty laugh, which he promptly tried to cover up by clearing his throat and shaking his head. What other things are you planning on getting into, brother? Though really, he imagined Atreyu actually never planned on anything like this to happen. And that fact just made it all the more funnier.

He glanced back down to Aislin underneath him, but immediately knew that was a mistake. A tickle bubbled up inside his chest, and before he could hold it in, a low chuckle came out. He tried to swallow it down, but couldn't. It was impossible. Instead he just started laughing, his shoulders shaking, though he kept his grip on her arms. Struggling to contain, he glanced at his brother, a few strands of curls hanging in his way. But he didn't care.

"You-" Thalion began, but stopped when he couldn't forced down the laughter. Bending his head for second, closing his eyes, trying to calm himself, he looked a third time to Atreyu and attempted it again. "You really did deserve that."

Atreyu looked like he was having trouble not laughing too, a smile on his face. But he remained calm, a hand on his hip, and his other up to his chin as he rubbed it thoughtfully. "I suppose so," His eyes flickered to Aislin. "Little minx."

 

[MissCellaFane]

Thalion didn't respond right away. At least, not in words. She heard him let out a short chuckle which he tried covering up. Unsuccessfully. Then he looked down into her eyes, his own brown ones twinkling with barely contained laughter. And apparently it was too much for him. He began to laugh, his shoulders shaking and his curls bouncing as he looked down on her. Honestly, Aislin wasn't sure what to think. What exactly was he laughing at? Her? Stepping in the mud? Was he laughing because of the joke that Atreyu had played on her? That was probably it. Having a good laugh with his brother over how stupid he'd made her look. But then again, he didn't look like he was quite laughing at her, per se. Maybe just at the situation.

And as he looked over at his brother, a few curls hanging down into his eyes, Aislin saw the humor in it as well. Though she wasn't about to start laughing, she had to admit, it was rather comical, what happened. "You-" Thalion started but couldn't contain himself and lowered his head, closing his eyes. His curls brushed against Aislin's chin as he did so and she felt her breath catch in her throat. So soft. But they were only there for a moment and he was lifting his head again, looking at his brother once more. "You really did deserve that."

She blinked. He actually said that? She suddenly felt an immense amount of relief. That neither of the brothers were angry with her. And...Thalion had sided with her! He hadn't exactly gone off on his brother and berated him for doing something like that to her, but he had definitely stuck up for her! Now she did feel like laughing! Slowly, a small smile spread across her face as she looked up at him. And she felt something stir in her chest, his brown eyes and his smile...handsome, actually. With a cute laugh too. She blinked, her smile fading a tiny bit. Good grief, Aislin! He's your captor! Yes, he was. But as she had admitted to herself earlier...that didn't necessarily mean he couldn't be an attractive one. She just needed to remember that her goal was to get away from him. Though, she couldn't help but think, if they had met under different circumstances, then she and Thalion may have gotten along. At least...from what she could tell, having only known him a day and not speaking to him much at all.

Thankfully, Atreyu's voice pulled her from her thoughts before they went any further. "I suppose so." She turned her head to look at him, finding him smiling as well as he looked at her, rubbing his chin. "Little minx." He added.

Aislin raised one eyebrow. "Well, maybe now you'll treat me with a little more respect?" She took a breath and relaxed underneath Thalion, unclenching her hands. The ground may not be the most comfortable spot, and she wasn't exactly used to having a man on top of her, but she really didn't think he'd hurt her. And at least she wasn't tied with ropes. That in itself felt wonderful, her arms not being pinned to her sides and her forearms and wrists not being scratched raw. In truth, she wasn't in any hurry to get up and have those ropes put back on her, so she was fine at the moment, even if that meant Thalion pinning her like this.

She looked into Atreyu's eyes, her smile fading, her voice softening. "I may be your prisoner but...I'm not an animal." She hesitated, giving her head a small shake. "No matter what the Namor Guard may wrongfully accuse me of..." Aislin turned her head to look back up at Thalion. "...I still have feelings." She gave him a small smile. That's what she needed. For them to stop thinking of her as another fugitive and actually think of her as a person. She didn't know if she'd be able to succeed in that with Atreyu, but she just might be able to with Thalion. And if she did, then she also just might have a chance at escaping what was in store for her if she were turned in to the Namor Guard.