Akieen Cloud

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Her head was hurting slightly, and she pressed her fingers into the skin of her forehead trying to relieve some of the pain. "All of this really happened?" "I wouldn't lie to you Alex." She nodded slowly and looked back up at him, her eyes meeting his, a small warmth spread through out her body as she looked into his warm hazel eyes. She felt her body relax and gave him a small smile as he reached forward and took her hand. "Ali, I just want you happy. No matter what." She nodded slowly, taking her time to sit up, she looked into his eyes still and reached out, her small hand resting on his cheek. "Out of everything you've told me, and everything I'm remembering only one thing continues to stand out to me." "What's that?" "I love you." She saw his eyes widen slightly and she smiled more, leaning in she matched her lips to his and sighed at the feeling of it. His rough, slightly chapped lips under her's made a shiver of excitement run through her. She gasped as she suddenly found her self under the man, his large hand supporting the back of her head as he loomed over her deepening the kiss. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, finding the small tie to his hair she undid it and ran her fingers through it and hearing him sigh into the kiss, she gasped as she felt his hot breath wash over her neck, his words soft. "I've missed you Ali. I've missed you so much." She nodded slowly. "I understand. I've felt like there was this pull to you. I didn't understand it than, but I do now." She gave a small squeak as she suddenly found her self rolled over, straddling the man again, she watched as he wiggled free of his shirt, her eyes instantly on the scars on his chest, her fingers tracing them lightly. "Guess I'm not the only one with scars am I?" He shook his head, his warm hands finding their way under her shirt to trail along the scars on her back, she felt her back arch on it's own at his touch. "You have no idea Ali...no idea how much I missed you, missed this." She nodded slowly, her hands still following the marks on his chest, hearing his breathing begin to come out quicker at her touch. She could feel his skin begin to heat, see the small beads of sweat rising from the skin of his forehead. She leaned down and kissed him gently, slowly sighing as his hands continued to roam the small of her back. She sat back up slowly, lifting her shirt from her body she saw his cheeks darken some, saw his breath quicken as he looked up at her. "Ali...I- I don't want to do anything your not sure of..." She shook her head and leaned back down kissing him again sighing as his arms wrapped around her. "I'm your wife Demetri, you are my husband and I love you. If nothing else I remember that and I want that once again. I remember many of the times we made love...in those time we were happiest. I want that again. I want you again Demetri." She gasped, a small smile playing on her lips as she found her self under the large man again, a low growl heard coming from him as he bent down and placed kissing along her skin, she buried her hands in his hair arching her back, trying to get closer and more than pleased as he put his hand on the small of her back and pulled her against him. "Gods Alex, you can not imagine how much I have wanted to hear you say those words." She nodded, unable to speak, his emotions flooding her, filling her mind and her heart making it unable for her to speak. She moaned as he matched his lips to her's once again. "Demetri. I love you." He looked down at her, his breaths heavy and deep, his hazel eyes blazing with desire for her and she accepted it and matched it with her own as she stared back up at him til he swooped down once again and captured her lips with his. She felt her body begin to burn as his hands continued to roam her skin, the sensation causing her thoughts to fly from her as she accepted to man and everything he had to offer her, with no regrets. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]I feel the same way about some dishes that places make, it would so much easier to make my self for a lot less money. Stir fry, curry and miso soup are a few of mine. But gotta admit, the days when you just wanna feel spoiled and you treat your self to that kinda thing...makes the day better. lol[/color][/font]

There's actually a few new ones, one is actually a Mongolian beef. It's a little more expensive, but OMG it is amazing!

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]The internet is swirling mass of addiction that sucks you in, and never lets you go. It has it's claws in me. lol. But I've been needing an escape so it's all good. Also on the note of weather, in Ohio it is like 80 during the day...but at night, sitting on my porch, smoking a cigarette by the end I can't feel my toes...not supposed to be happening. >.<[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Standing under the tree she was leaning against the trunk of it, the bark biting into her back as she did, but she paid this no mind as she strained her ears to listen. It was hard enough to hear over the rain, but the rustling and fidgeting beside her made it all the more hard. "Will you stop fidgeting Iron Bars, I can not hear!" Her urgent whisper got the attention of the man on her right, she sighed as he went silent, if only for a moment. She grit her teeth and stuffed her hand into the bangs of her curly hair, reaching towards the noise she latched her hand onto his wrist and pulled him close, able to feel his breath washing across her face she knew she had him nose to nose with her, her whisper laced with a low growl this time. "If you wish to go back to the elders, and keep your manhood in one piece, I suggest you focus Iron Bars and allow us to do this job properly." "I love it when you get mad, your nose does this funny wiggle thing. It's really kinda cute." She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose as she did, releasing the man she leaned back against the tree, her sense now full of his steely, earthy scent; she sighed and rubbed her forehead a few times before she perked up. "Iron Bars, the bell just rang. Can you see him?" She felt the man shift, his scent moving with him as he walked in front of her, his attitude changed as the situation changed and became serious for the two of them. "I don't see anyone that could even be the carrier Eclipse....nothing sticks out to me, they all look normal." "Of course you would say that." "What is that supposed to mean?" "Iron Bars, focus." She heard him go silent, something that never really happened, he shifted and than shifted again. "I can feel it, but I can't pin point it yet, it's not strong enough." She nodded and moved away from the tree, her red coat swishing around her feet as she did, her arms crossed over her chest, and her thick curly hair bouncing as she walked towards him, once close enough she reached out and put her hand on his shoulder. "Let us get back and report to the Elders. If we can not pin point the carrier, neither can they." She felt his muscles move with his nod, he linked her arm with his as they began to walk away. "Can we stop for some food?" She closed her eyes and shook her head. "No Iron Bars, we are supposed to report back as soon as possible. If you require food, you may always get it from the kitchen there." "But they always make the same thing! C'mon! Please?!" "You are horrible, you are worse than a child." She could hear him sniffle and sighed. "Fine, but if we get caught-" "We're not gonna get caught Eclipse! C'mon!" "You do this to me because I am blind, I have to follow you otherwise I shall never find my way back." "Now, what would make you think that?" "You are right, there is no possible way you are that smart." The silence that greeted her made a small smile grace her features, once they were back at the mansion Ashen made her way back to her room, stopping close to her door as a new smell permeated the hall, liquor and strong cologne, she sighed knowing what was next. "Ashen baby! How was it?" "It was a job Cain, what might I help you with?" She crossed her arms, this was a daily thing for her now, Cain Boles was one of 10 brothers that roamed the mansion, he came to her room daily at mid afternoon. He walked towards her and she held her hand out to keep him at bay growling low as it didn't help and his arm was thrown around her shoulders. "Wanted to see how you were doing, maybe see if you would take me up on that offer? It still stands ya know?" "I think you would have better luck with the mansion live stock Cain. If I have told you once, I have told you plenty of times. I am not interested I-" "Have your sights set on someone else. Yeah yeah yeah. I get it. I'm not giving up though." She shivered and wiped her arms, as if brushing dust from them. "Truly...what a pigheaded man." Huffing she turned and walked into her room, the comforting smells of wild lilies, honey suckles and iris floating around and mixing with another familiar and comforting scent, steel and earth. She walked over to her chair and slipped her coat from her shoulders, quickly changing into her dress and putting her uniform away. Sitting down she tucked her feet under her and opened the book, allowing her fingers to trail over the brail as she awaited the knock on her door she knew would be coming. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Yay! Your first RP so far is going well, and you can bet that I will do my hardest to make sure it stays that way. ^^[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]She woke up slowly, her body still sore as she moved about on the bed, she smelt the medical ward, rolling over she sat up slowly and put her hand on her forehead as it throbbed painfully. "Where are we?" Patch's voice sounded beside her causing her to look up. "Your in the med ward, your safe." "Anomander?" "Gone, Marcus and Demetri finished him off." She nodded slowly looking to her side to see Demetri laying in the bed next to her, she felt her heart warm and sighed as she lay back down slowly. The med room was silent now, Marcus having left the med ward to take care of Neos and the others all sleeping, she jumped as she felt Patch's hand on her's. "I'm glad your alright Alex, I was worried about you." She nodded slowly, trying to pull her hand from his, finally pulling away from him she closed her eyes again as she tried to rest only to sit up quickly as the door burst open and a few of the new council members walked in quickly. "Commander Athens!" Ali blinked a few times before pointing at Demetri. "There's Commandant Athens, I'm Talon." The woman shook her head, her pale purple hair shifting with the movement. "I am talking to you Athens, what the hell happened? You and your team came back covered in wounds and come back with a missing child!" Patch slapped his hand to his face, groaning as Ali blinked a few more times before frowning. "Why don't [i]you[/i] tell [i]me[/i] what the hell is going on?! My name is Talon, not Athens! [i]His[/i] name is Athens!" She pointed back towards Demetri who was beginning to wake up, Patch trying to hold her down as she began to breath heavily, the woman frowned deeply. "Commander Athens, this is no longer humorous. I understand that Commandant Athens is your husband, but these jokes are uncalled for." Ali froze as her breath caught in her throat as Marcus walked back in to check on how everyone was doing. "H-husband? I...I thought we w-were just...." Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she passed out, Demetri coming to fully as he rolled from his bed and caught her before she rolled to the floor, Marcus by her side now. "What the hell just happened?" Patch glared at the woman he returned the glare. "She let it spill that Demetri and Ali are married!" The two men looked towards the older woman, both men shocked before frowning deeply, their voices melding together. "You did what?!" The older woman frowned further. "What? I called her by her name." Demetri shook his head. "She had her memory erased! She didn't know we were married!" The woman's eyes turned wide and she looked at the younger woman passed out on the bed. "I am sorry, but this is important, when your team is back to full potential, you are headed to London, Baast has been sighted." Demetri nodded slowly. "As soon as we're able we'll leave." Marcus sat on the bed as they looked at Ali as the woman left them alone. "Great, now what do we do? She wakes up she's going to have alot of questions." "We'll answer them the best we can. Til than, we need to get as much information on Baast as possible." Marcus nodded slowly as they both sat looking at Ali lost in their own thoughts about how she was going to take the information when she woke up. Her head hurt, she felt sick to her stomach and weak; cracking open her eyes she groaned slightly bringing her hand to her forehead, a shadow moving over her and effectively blocking out the light...til another shined down on her, a cold hand peeling back her eye lids and shining the light into her eyes making her growl. "Alex, are you awake?" "Awake enough that if you shine the damn thing into my retina again, I'm going to hurt you Patch." He chuckled and helped her sit up, the room empty except the two of them, she sighed and ran her fingers through her now pale hair and closed her eyes as everything swam back to her. "Patch...the old lady...what she said-" "About you and the Commandant?" She nodded slowly before looking up at him, her blood red eyes boring into his green ones. "Yeah, that...was it true?" He remained silent for a few moments, her eyes staring into his and making a shiver run through him before he sighed. "Yes, it was true. You and Demetri are married." "Are? You mean...as in still married? But I don't have a ring or anything like that..." Patch nodded before speaking again. "Alot of things happened, you left him for a while cause of a stupid mistake he made that hurt you pretty deep. It was during that time you disappeared and- Where are you going?!" "To hear it straight from the horses mouth...as it were." "I haven't cleared you yet Alex." "I really don't think I care, and I really don't think you want to try and stop me." She walked out than, her stomach in knots, her skin feeling over heated as she rolled the information around in her mind, it made her stomach twist...but in a pleasant way as the thought of her being married to the man brought her thoughts back to the kiss they had shared. She had felt the passion he held for her in that one kiss, felt his need for her and she had answered it with her own. The feeling of his arms around her, holding her tightly made her cheeks flush and her heart beat quicken. She than thought back to the battle they had all just gotten out of, her words to him than. [i]'I just remembered something else....I love you.'[/i] She felt a fire burn in her now, and the need to find him flared through her as she made her way down the hall. She stopped first at his living quarters, knocking and asking the teenager that answered if he was home. Getting a negative from the boy she left, not seeing his knowing and happy smile as she walked towards the man's office. Upon entering people stared at her now slack jawed and full of wonder, most of them looking as if they had seen a ghost. She didn't bother knocking as she opened his door and stepped through, shutting it behind her and locking it. She looked towards him now, the man sitting behind his desk pouring over a large pile of papers. "As you can see, I'm busy. What it is you'll have to wait til later. I'm almost done here and about to go check on my wife so if you don't mind I would like to be left alone." She cleared her throat making him look up, his eyes widening slightly. "No need to check on me. I came to find you." "Ali I-" She held up her hand as she walked towards him, her hair swaying with the motion of it and she saw his eyes travel her body before meeting her's again, she saw the movement of his throat as he swallowed the saliva in his throat as she drew closer til she stopped in front of his desk, her hands resting on it as she bent slightly and looked him in the eye. "I want to know what happened...everything. Depending on how this goes...depends on if I walk out of here, or if I act on what my body wants right now." He cocked his eye brow up curiously. "And what exactly is it telling you Ali? I don't think I've ever heard you use that phrase before." Instead of telling him, she showed him; walking around his desk she moved towards him, watching as he moved away from his desk still seated. She sat down on his legs, straddling him effectively and leaned forward pressing her lips to his softly, feeling his hands grasp her thighs tightly she could feel him shiver under her touch as her hands rested on his large chest. "Now...will you tell me?" She began to trail kisses down his jaw and neck til she reached his collar bone where she stopped and sat back up looking down at him, waiting for him to answer. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Name: Ashen Hawke Age: 28 (She has been a Crimson Guard for nearly 6 centuries) Appearance: In uniform http://www.tektek.org/avatar/43455610 When not in uniform: http://www.tektek.org/avatar/43430342 Personality: Ashen is not overly open, only one person can stake claim to seeing her in anything other than a serious mood. Sarcastic and somewhat dark she can come across as very unemotional, the only one to know other wise is the only person she truly talks to her, Iron Bars. Her blindness no longer a hindrance on her life, only her self, she is still very much bitter about her black world. She only finds comfort during her work and personal time, she has a regal and proud aura around her and at times she can turn very violent and frightening, but only rarely. Occupation: Ashen normally stays in the Crimson Guard mansion, her blindness hindering her yet again. She mostly sits in the foyer while she 'read' and listens to the mansions police radios for any trouble. Family: Crimson Guard Weapon: Ashen has no real weapon to fall back on, her blindness not truly enabling her to use much, although sh is quite adept as close combat, hand to hand and knife skill are what she specializes in, she has been practicing with a bow and arrow, not trusting her self to use a gun, the sound being to loud to hear over and she fears hitting a comrade or worse, the carrier. Power: Being blind has it's upsides, Ahsen's senses are extremely sharp and sensitive, her hearing, smell and touch are all advanced. It's even gone as far as improving her strength and speed allowing her to act quickly and move more effectively during combat. Weakness: Being blind is an effective weakness. It has made her particularly bitter and somewhat of a hermit only speaking to certain people. But it hinders her fighting as well, when you can only hear what you fighting there's no telling exactly where it's coming from. Bio: Having been born and raised in an era of the old days she was proper woman, being courted by a gentleman and looking forward to the prospect of marriage and a family. That all ended when an outing turned for the worst and she was caught in an accident that cost her her sight. Having lived for years in the dark, unable to see her family's faces, having to lose her courtier due to his shallowness of having a blind wife she felt as if her world meant nothing. It was during this time that she came in contact with the carrier of her time, being chased by the Maldito at the time she fended them off as best as could, the carrier promising her a reward. When found by the Crimson Guard she followed with no hesitation hoping for the miracle of regaining her eye sight, but after her vow, after her senses grew she was still left in the dark. She became bitter and kept to herself from than on til a single man befriended her, the only person she truly talks to who doesn't seem to see her blindness but only her instead. Although she has this one friend, she still does not look forward to spending the rest of her immortal life in the dark and that thought alone continues to make her bitter and cynical.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]I go bulk, when ever I get the chance that is. Say tax returns. I go out and buy a crap ton of bulk meats and canned veggies. Bring it home, split it up and it usually lasts me close to a year. As for quick meals, hamburger helper, ALOT of it. You'd be surprised how good that stuff as gotten since we were kids. It's amazing now. lol[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]She felt her heart jump before it began to start beating rapidly as his words hit her fully, she felt her cheeks blush before she leaned forward and kissed him, softly at first before she deepened the kiss, her stomach twisting into knots. She pulled away from him, her forehead pressed against his. "What's the matter Mira?" "I'm still nervous..." "About what?" "W-will it hurt?" He froze and she began to worry that she had said the wrong thing. "Coltaine?" "I honestly can't tell you Mira...I'm not a woman." She took a deep breath to try and calm her nerves as she nodded. "Let me rephrase this than...will you hurt me?" He looked up at her, his eyes locking onto her's as she waited for his answer. "I promise you that I'll be as gentle as I can." She nodded and gasped as he matched his lips to her's, his arms wrapping around her and pushing her back into his bed roll, she fell with him, her body trembling more now as she felt his hand on her hip, her body acting on it's own as it arched against him. She felt his chest begin to heave, his breath washing across her neck now, sending a fire through her veins as she let out a breathy moan, her own hands beginning to move, sliding across his broad shoulders she felt him shiver at her touch and felt bolder by the action. She hissed as his teeth grazed the skin of her neck, she pulled on his tunic sighing as she felt his warm skin under her hands now, feeling his body tremble as she grazed her fingers along his bronzed skin, feeling a few scars here and there but as her hands wound around to his back, his kiss falling from her neck as he pulled the shirt off she felt the scars then, the puckered flesh of the healed wounds and she ran her fingers along them gently. He sighed against her skin as she ran her fingers along each of the scars, his lips finding their way back to her's and she moaned into the kiss and gasped as she felt his tongue explore past her lips as well, his deep moan mixing with her's as she allowed it, her skin heating unbearably as his hands slipped under her shirt to feel the smoothness of her skin. She gasped into his mouth and bent her knee, her leg wrapping around his as she pulled him down ontop of her. His breath hitching at the feel of pressing down into her. She huffed air into her lungs as much as possible as he lifted her top from her skin, his other hand already working on the ties to her skirt. She wrapped her arms around him and held on tightly, as her body trembled under his touch. "C-Coltaine..." He let out a soft growl then as his hands began to work fast leaving her gasping and trying to keep up with him. Within moments the buckles were gone from her shirt and her belt from her skirt. She felt his rough hands on her skin more now, moving across her skin in an almost desperate fashion as he slowly began to devoid her of her clothes as she too did her best through her trembling hands. She felt him shiver, felt his breath hitch as her fingers grazed the skin of his stomach as she moved to his belt line, his hoarse voice making her shiver. "Mira...keep that up and this'll be over soon." She tilted her head to the side as he began to ravage her neck again, this time her back arching into him as he released the final button on her shirt allowing it to fall away from her creamy skin. She felt her cheeks heat and blush as he marveled at her, his head dipping lower to kiss her collar bone before he cupped her cheek. "Mira...are you certain you want to do this? There's no going back from it...are you sure you want your firs to be some salty old man?" She smiled at him and leaned up on her elbows kissing him deeply causing a groan to leave him as she held it as long as possible. "I'm positive Coltaine." He nodded before removing his last article of clothing and she felt her cheeks flush as she looked up at him. He certainly did not look like his age, his skin was smooth and soft to her touch, and his muscles stood out across his skin just like any man her age. She shuddered as he settled him self between her legs, his hand on her cheek as he looked down at her. "Mira, are you sure?" She nodded, her fingers twisting into his hair softly as he ducked to kiss her as he swiftly pressed inside of her, she gasped arching her back. The pain quick but the overall feeling making her breathing catch in her throat. He remained still as he allowed her time to adjust to the feeling of having a lover, after a few moments she looked up at him, her gaze meeting his and she smiled at him softly bringing him down into a gentle kiss gasping as he slowly began to move, his brow already slicked with sweat as he tried to keep his pace slow and steady to keep from hurting her but he was thrown for a loop as she wrapped her legs around his waist pulling him as close as she could as she wrapped her arms around her shoulders, shuddering as he wrapped one arm around her as well. She could hear his breathing in her ear, she could feel him shivering and trembling, she released him to look up at him again, his eyes locked on her's and she felt her heart skip a beat as she saw the restrained passion hidden in his eyes. She cupped his cheek gently, kissing him. "Learn to let go Coltaine...you won't hurt me. Just let go." She pressed her forehead against his gasping for breath, moaning his name as she felt him still holding back, she searched for his hand, finding it she placed it over her heart and looked up into his green eyes. "Your not going to hurt me Coltaine...let go." She locked eyes with him, both of them breathing heavily as he continued to thrust against her closing his eyes. She pulled him down pressing their foreheads together again. "Please Coltaine....please lover." She heard his breath catch at her words before his eyes locked with her's again. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira ducked as the massive tail sailed over her head, screaming as the roof of the cavern shook and threatened to collapse on top of her, she covered her head with her arms and winced as a jagged shard fell and sliced her arm open. "Dammit...I really don't want to die here..." She looked around and caught sight of a small space where she could slide into and hide, looking up she ducked again as the dragon gave a might roar and lashed out again, jumping over the rock she was hiding behind she dashed towards it and dove for the small cave only to scream as the dragon's tail swiped out and caught her in the side sending her sailing through the air. Hitting the far wall she let out a painful scream and landed heavily on the floor of the cave, grunting as she tried to rise. "Coltaine...where are you?" She rolled out of the way as the tail slammed down, the large spikes making a large hole where she had been just moments ago, it was than that she heard it, hoof beats and her heart lept. She looked towards the sound and nearly sobbed as Max barreled towards her, the horse letting out a scream of delight at seeing her. What she saw next did make tears fall from her eyes, Coltaine charged behind him, his spear held at the ready as Desturs carried him swiftly towards her. She ran forward meeting them half way ducking as the dragon lashed out again. Running to the man and throwing her arms around his neck as he slid from his saddle. "Your alright! Thank the fates!" Coltaine wrapped one arm around her and shook his head. "Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" She smiled and buried her face in his shoulder as they took cover from the lashing dragon, her heart skipping as he pulled her closer to him as his back in a rock face. "The others should be here soon enough and we can get rid of this thing." She nodded and felt relief wash over her as he pressed her sword into her hand, she felt whole again and looked up at him. "Thank you. Thank you for coming for me." He nodded as he looked around the rock at the dragon, his eyes going wide. "That thing is huge, how are we supposed to fight it in such a cramped space?" She bit her lip and looked around til she saw a small glint of light coming from the top of the chamber, she pushed her blade back into his hand and smiled at him, her teeth slightly red due to her busted lip. She licked the blood away and spit onto the floor of the cavern before smiling at him again, this time her teeth clean. "Do you trust me?" "What do you have in mind woman?" She frowned and put her hands on her hips. "Do you trust me?" He nodded slowly, his eyes going wide as she tried to rush out to where the dragon was. "What are you trying to do? Get your self killed after I just found you?!" "You said you trust me. So trust me." She pulled her wrist from his hand and smiled at him. "I'll be right back." Before she could take another step he grabbed her wrist again, spun her around and matched his lips to her's fiercely, she melted instantly a soft moan escaping her, pulling away she pushed her self into a sprint and raced across the cave as quickly as possible til she reached the dragon's tail, clamoring in swiftly she grabbed onto one of the tail spikes wincing as it cut into her hand. She held on tightly and once the movement had stopped she raced down the spin of the dragon, leaping off the beasts head and grabbing onto the opening she had seen just a few moments ago, digging her teeth into her bottom lips she took a deep breath and let out a shrill whistle getting the monsters attention. "Up here ugly!" The dragon lifted his large purple head and looked at her with yellow eyes, it's mouth opening wide and letting out a mighty roar as it raised it self up on it's hind legs and tried to snap it's jaws closed around her as she pulled her self up and began to scramble through the opening. Coltaine grabbing the horses and leading them out the way they came, meeting Ahara and Senga on the way out the three made their way up the mountain, towards the sound of the mighty roars and breaking rock as the dragon burst through the ceiling of the cave following Mira. They found her rolling the on the ground dodging out of the way of flying rubble. Coltaine throwing her her sword which she caught easily, the four of them moving as one now as they slit into a formation and surrounded the beast, each of them finding a weak spot in it's scales and attacking. Ahara and Senga concentrating on the head and chest, Coltaine attacking the beasts under side with Mira dodged the tail hacking away at the tail spikes knowing that there were major blood vessels under the armored spikes. They fought madly as the thing lashed out at them, it's claws carving into their flesh as it screamed and roared in pain. Mira dropped to one knee as she watched Senga leap high into the air and drive her sword between the creatures eyes and into it's brain, her body weight shifted as she fell onto her butt, her breathing heavy as she closed her eyes and fell onto her back. "Fate save us if they're all that hard." She opened her eyes and smiled as Max nosed her slightly. "I'm alright boy, just tired." She looked around then noticing the sky turning pink and orange with the coming sun set, she groaned as she sat up looking around the others. "I say here is as good a place as any to make camp..." Coltaine frowned as he cleaned his weapon. "We barely made any ground today." "No, but we killed a dragon!" Mira's happy reply was answered with groans from the others as they trudged back down the mountain side towards the forest where they made camp, Mira's eyes darted towards Coltaine where he was setting his tent up a good 20 feet from the camp site. She shook her head as she wrapped her wounds gently, looking into the fires glowing embers. She jumped slightly as Coltaine sat next to her Senga and Ahara having already retired to their tents for the night. "Well, we're making progress, that's two down." "And how many to go?" She shrugged. "Who knows, but at least we know we can handle it right?" He took a deep breath before he sighed, Mira's hand twitching. "Are you seriously sighing again?! I swear your going to die a statistic if you keep this up! All you ever do is sigh and rub your forehead like you have a permanent headache, why can't you just relax for once Coltaine?" She waited for a moment for him to answer and when she didn't get one she blinked and looked over and up at him seeing him frowning down at her. Her pulse quickened and she finished tying off the bandage and placing the roll back in her pack, never dropping his gaze. "Coltaine?" She leaned and waved a hand in front of his eyes yelping as he grabbed her wrist and continued to stare harshly down at her as if debating on what better way to murder her. "C-Coltaine? What's wrong?" She tugged on her wrist slightly giving up as soon as she realized his grip was absolute.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira watched as Coltaine and the others were ushered away from the large tent that the village had given her, the old woman with missing teeth coming over and giving her a large smile. "They be scarafices too, only be gifts for the queen." Mira's heart jumped and she faced the little old woman, her smile nervous as she tried to sound as sweet and reagal as possible, knowing that Coltaine would be much more demanding and harsh sounding than her. "No, please. I would like for them to stay alive. Let that be my gift?" The old woman tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Only one may live. The others be gifts." "Than let them be gifts to the god as well. They are very powerful!" The only woman though more before smiling her toothless smile and nodding. "Queen get her wish, which one you want now?" Mira felt her guilt rise up than, she knew who she wanted with her and she opened her mouth to say his name but closed it, she had been able to get them all back together when taken to the dragon and she knew she would see them all again, but she still felt guilty for having to choose. "The old man." She wanted to kick her self for saying that, Coltaine might have been older than her but she knew he was just as capable if not more so than most men her age. The little old woman nodded and left with a shuffle. Mira sank down onto one of the large plush pillows and waited, she heard the scuffs out side the tent, Coltaine's grunt and she jumped and gasped as he was thrown into the tent on his front, his hands still bound behind his back. "Fate alive, Coltaine, are you alright?!" She rushed to his side and knelt down untying his hands and helping him to his knees, as soon as he was she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. "I knew you would find me! I knew you would come!" She felt her heart begin to race as he wrapped his arms around her as well, even if it was only for her comfort only she sighed in the embrace and closed her eyes, she could feel the warmth of his hands on her skin though the thin material of her clothes and blushed as she realized she was in his arms, less than half dressed practically. She chuckled and pulled back from him some and looked up at him, the tension from earlier still there as she caught the glint in his eyes that she had seen a few times, it made her shiver and made her body heat to almost an unbearable level. "Their style of dress for a queen isn't very practical is it?" He looked down and she could see his eyes widen as he took her in, fell his heat begin to beat a little faster and she smiled inwardly happy to know that she was not the only one. She jumped and looked towards the entry of her tent as a few younger men of the tribe walked in, all armed and strutting with a purpose. "Time for queen to meet the god of the mountain. Time for god to receive gift." Mira felt her pulse quicken and her breathing began to become erratic, she looked up at Coltaine and sighed, seeing his green eyes boring into hers relaxed her enough to get her thoughts together, she wrapped her arms tighter around him as she tucked her head down against his chest. "Make sure you save me alright? Don't let me die...not until I can-" She gasped as he was pulled away from her and his hands tied behind his back, she was pushed back towards the lush pillows and away from him, the further he got the more she felt the panic rise in her chest. She pushed back against the frail, yet strong hands of the old woman, feeling the tears begin to gather in her eyes she stood her ground. "Stop! Your Queen wishes to speak to this man for just a moment longer." The old woman looked towards the young men dragging a struggling Coltaine from the tent. "Queen wants last words to man, Allow it." They stopped pulling on him and walked out of the tent followed by the old woman, she turned to Mira than. "Time short, so words short. Have one moment." Mira watched them go before she ran to Coltaine and knelt down to him again as he rested on one knee, he looked up at her, his breathing heavy and his eyes glowing with his anger and frustration. "What were you going to say women?" She shook her head. "If I only have a few moments left, I'd rather not spend them trying to explain something like that to you. I'd rather just spend them with you." She helped him to his feet and hugged him again, tighter than she had before as she buried her face in his chest inhaling his scent for what she hoped would not be the last time, she wasn't sure how long she held onto him but as she heard the shuffling out side the tent she looked up at him as his body tensed again. "Coltaine." He looked down at her, his brows meeting together in a frown, his brows arching and his eyes going wide as she closed the distance between them, leaning forward and tilting her head up she pressed her lips to his softly, almost nervously before pressing them against his slightly harder as the people of the village came in and pulled him away. She gasped at the feeling of loss as he was pulled back from her. "Coltaine, you better make damn sure you get me out of this mess!" She watched as they drug him away with difficulty, her lips still burning with the feeling of his, she grunted as she felt cuffs snapping around her ankles and wrists, small decorative chains hanging from them. She was led from the tent towards the woods, she could hear the others behind her as they walked a few miles towards the mountain. Nearly an hour length walk later Mira stood before the opening of a large cave, the blackness of hit more than intimidating. She looked back at the others, her eyes finally meeting Coltaine's and she gave him a sweet smile before she was ushered into the cave, the darkness swallowing her almost instantly as she vanished from sight and into the shadows. She walked, two young men with her deeper into the cave, the darkness feeling as if it were about to swallow her whole til they came to an opening, the two men stopped and guieded her in, their spear heads pressed into her back as she walked forward, the mouth of the opening slamming shut behind her. Taking a deep breath she walked in further, yelping as she saw the large form of the dragon she ducked behind a rock to hide her self and tried to get her breathing under control. She could only pray that Coltaine and the others were having better luck getting away and bringing her her sword so she could actually fight the beast before her now. Til than, she was content to sit and wait, hidden behind the rock, her body shivering from the chill and dampness of the cave.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Ali groaned as she got to her feet, looking around at the other her and Marcus were the only ones in any condition to fight, she growled and pushed her weakened body to it's feet. She stood firm once she got her feet under her and took a deep breath locking eyes with Marcus she smiled sadly. "When I tell you, get Neos out of there." His eyes widened slightly and before he could say anything she charged, her feet hitting the ground over and over she dashed forward, she leaped at the last minute and brought her fist down into the back of the man's head, he turned slowly on her with a scowl. "I thought I told you he is mine." "I won't let you have him! I won't let you hurt him again!" She lashed out with her left foot and smiled as he caught it, wrenching her leg backwards she brought him off balance and smashed her fist into his face screaming as his dark energy spread across her arm turning her skin black, reaching forward with her other hand she latched it around his throat and growled as the dark energy began to consume her. "Ali!" She looked back at Marcus and shook her head stiffly. "Stay back!" She reared her head back and slammed it forward headbutting the man, her forehead splitting from the impact, blood seeping from under her bangs to run in a small trail down between her eyes, she smiled wickedly as the man blinked, shocked. She could still see the hounds, waiting for their chance to attack but she wanted to get as many hits in on him as she could, she brought her knee up into his stomach and screamed out in pain as it twisted in an unnatural angle, the resounding snap echoing all around them as the wind continued to pick up. It was than she saw her chance, she took a deep breath and clamped her teeth down into the flesh of the man's arm causing him to yell out. "Stupid woman!" He slammed his fist down into the top of her head over and over, Ali's vision become less clear as black began to creep around the edge of her sight, she refused to release him as she bit down harder on him, she reached down with her stiff arm and grabbed one of her knives and shoved it upward into the man's ribs, finding the space between two and finding her mark in one of his lungs. He gasped and coughed as he let go of Neos. The boy scrambling to his feet and running to Demetri who held him close as they all watched the woman grapple with the dark being now, her teeth still embedded in his arm as she pushed the knife in her hands as far as she could into his lung. She grunted as he surrounded her entire body with the dark energy, her eyes watering from the pain as she still refused to let go of him, she brought her good leg around and twisted it around the back of his knee and pulled knocking him off balance, the two of them toppling into the grass as they began to roll over each other, him finally dislodging her teeth from his arm and slamming his elbow down into her chest, she screamed out as another loud crack was heard around them, her sternum cracking painfully as she went limp in the grass trying to catch her breath, finding it hard as every breath she took shot pain through her chest and limbs. Anomander looked down at her spitting a glob of black blood down at her, the mess hitting her cheek and smearing with her own red blood as it covered her face from her split forehead. "Foolish woman. You honestly thought you could defeat me?" He held a hand to the knife wound she had given him, unable to pull the blade out, her having pushed it all the way into his flesh til there was nothing left for her to hold onto. He growled down at her and brought his foot up before slamming it down into her chest, finishing the deed of breaking her sternum, she screamed as pain consumed her now, her eyes watering profusely as she curled in on her self and began to rock on her back, her hands held to her chest as she gasped for breath. "You might not be one of the 12, but I am going to kill you. You have proven to be more trouble than your worth. This time though your death will be very real, there will be a body for them to bury and a true grave for them to visit." He laughed, cruel and wicked as he transformed his hand into a massive claw, ready to strike her down when he felt the wind knocked out of him, her steel toed boot lodged between his legs and into his groin. "I don't care...if you are some...kind of monster..." She tried to catch her breath as she spoke. "Your still...a man." She coughed as she brought her foot down, blood coating her tongue and teeth as she coughed again, Anomander roared as he brought his clawed hand down into her stomach, piercing her flesh and causing her to scream, the sound cut off in the middle as her breath vanished, his dark energy sparking across her entire body turning her skin stiff and black. She looked towards Demetri and reached for him as her body turned into a black stone figure. The team watched in horror as Ali now lay motionless on the grass, a black statue, Marcus and Demetri unable to move for a few breathless seconds as they looked on her now, Neos the first to move as he dashed from his father's arms to his mother. "Mommy! Mommy wake up!" His tears fell onto her stone face as he tried to shake her, Anomander laughing above him. "This time boy your mother won't be coming back." Neos looked up as the man brought his foot up into the air, every intention of slamming it down with enough force to break the woman in half, Neos screamed and lay down on his mother's form, covering her with his own body, the hounds now jumping into action as they lunged for the man. Demetri's eyes sparking white as he stood ignoring his own wounds, Marcus' power trickling out from his body as Demetri spoke, his voice deep with pain and fury. "How many times do we have to lose her? How many times must some stupid bastard harm her or take her from us before it's enough?!" The two powers clashed, much like they had on their trek to the council room, only this time there was no intention of stopping them as they walked towards Anomander now, both men out for blood as Neos sobbed over Ali, the sound of the hounds jaws snapping and the growls they sounded off echoing through the clearing as the team tried to shield them selves from the back lashes of power the men were shooting off as they prepared to end the wicked man once and for all. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]It didn't take long for Marcus to get the location, telling Cloak where it was they all gathered around the man as he transported them to where Marcus had instructed, she could feel her rage building; the boy she had seen and held having such an innocent face and demeanor, the thought of any one hurting him making her rage build til she felt it under her skin, boiling and roiling. She felt the pressure than and tried to control it as best she could, tried to reign in her power before it expanded and hurt those around her, she could feel the dam on her powers crack and she closed her eyes trying to get it under control and unable to, til she felt a large, warm hand wrap around her's. Looking down she saw Demetri's hand holding her's tightly and she squeezed back, finding comfort in the simple act, her power and rage dwindling down to a low simmer. She took a deep breath and let it out as they arrived, the area dark and menacing looking, instantly she felt the consuming fear break through and she fell to her knees gasping for breath. "He's here. I don't know where exactly, but the boy is here. I can feel it." The others around her nodded and spread out as the clouds rolled in, the small plain they were in shrouded in shadows and clouds as they began to look around for some clue as to where the boy might be, Ali found it first, the small scrap of clothing, the same color as the boys bed clothes. She stood and looked around searching for something else, anything, her own need to find him shocking her as it began to boarder panic. Her breathing becoming erratic and her heart beating against her ribs now. She took deep breaths trying to calm her nerves but nothing seemed to work as her own fear mixed with the child's. Demetri's voice breaking through her thoughts. "Alex, are you alright?" She shook her head and put her hand over her face, her breathing still irregular as she looked around the area. "I can't pin point where he is... I'm scared Demetri...what if something has happened to him? What if he's hurt? What if-" "Ali, calm down, he's fine." She nodded slowly as she tried to regain her breathing, she looked around slowly and flinched as an image flashed in her mind, the boy huddled on the ground with the wicked man standing over him frowning and screaming at him to open a rift, she gasped and fell to her knees letting out a whimper as the man back handed the boy at his feet making him wail, she came back from the image and tasted blood in her mouth as the same wound appeared on her own cheek, all the members shocked to see her hurt, Demetri kneeling next to her. "Ali, what happened, what's wrong?" "He has him, that bastard has him and he hit him!" Demetri took a few steps back as he saw her power roll off of her in waves as her rage escalated, seeing the boy cry, seeing him in such fear had driven her over the edge the grass shifted as the wind began to howl around them, the skies turning darker as she stood slowly, the immense power flowing off of her making the grass at her feet wither and turn brown as she walked past them and towards the area she had seen the boy. Her pace was measured and they reached it within a half hour, the scene just as it had been in her mind, the boy was huddled in the grass sobbing as Anomander stood over him and like a shot she was gone, her feet moving before she had even made the choice whether to kill the man or not. She wrapped her fingers around the man's throat and lifted him from the ground her power pulsing from her hand now, the others watching as the skin of his neck turned grey and began to wrinkle. Marcus blinking. "She's aging him...I've never heard of a confessor doing that." Demetri shook his head. "No, she's not aging him, she's taking the life from him, taking his will to exist." Marcus looked over at him. "How do you know that?" "I can feel it, just like she did with the grass on the way here, her killing intent was so strong that anything she touched, be it human or environmental followed her command and perished with out a second thought." "But her powers don't work on him." "Apparently with her being as angry as she is, they do now." Ali tightened her grip in him as he tried to pry her off, growling in her face as she growled back, the battle of wills and powers clashing through the clearing, the silent thunder rolling around them as she released her powers over and over into the man, he finally reached up and wrapped his hand around her throat, his fingers extending into jagged claws, his other arm twisting her own behind her back, her body and muscles still weak from her torture as she gasped in pain and growled at him as he looked down at the boy. "Open the rift or I'll slit her throat boy, you wouldn't want that now would you." He looked up at her with his big brown eyes and Ali fought harder seeing the fear in them, the others had been running to catch up but they all stopped as Anomander growled and brought his claws across her throat, making scratches deep enough to bleed but not kill. Neos screamed as he tried to scramble to his mother, the wind picking up to howl through the clearing as Demetri's eyes turned white, Marcus' body glowing white hot as the two men powered up, Jason transforming and standing close to Pocket as she brought out her scythe, Sasa and the others charging and arming themselves as well as Anomander turned to them and licked her blood from one of his claws. "So sweet to the palate." He laughed as they charged him, Demetri going to her side instantly to see her still breathing and awake. "You'll be alright Ali. I promise. You'll be alright." She nodded slowly before she reached up and cupped his cheek. "I remembered something else." He smiled slightly, trying to remain calm and keep her calm as well. "What's that?" "I remembered I love you." He took a sharp intake of breath and felt his heart beat quicken as he spun on Cloak. "Get Patch here now!" The man nodded and was gone in a swirl of black as Demetri guarded her as they all fought to defeat the man who had been eluding them for so long now and causing so much pain to them as they fought for their dead loved ones and comrades.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira woke up slowly, she was warm, comfortable and snuggled against something that was firm but soft, and warm under her hand. She cracked open her eyes, seeing the sun shining outside she took a deep breath able to smell the salty smell of rain clinging to the earth, she yawned and sat up slowly realizing she had slept through the storm, her body well rested and relaxed, she blinked and gasped slightly as she felt an arm snake around her middle and pull her back down into the warmth of blankets, and the man under them as well. He was asleep and breathing evenly as he pulled her close. She gasped and blinked looking at him as he buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply. Mira relaxed, feeling her eyes wanting to droop shut again as his warmth made her sleepy, she shook her head slightly and rolled over putting her hand on his chest and shaking him gently. "Coltaine, it's morning, we have to break camp and get moving." She gasped, her entire body freezing as his hand slid down her side, his mouth twitching upward into a lazy smile in his sleep as his hand found the hem of her camisole and his fingers glided underneath it feeling the smooth skin of her legs. He let out a gruff grunt that could have been a moan and Mira felt her stomach twist, her cheeks burning as she held back the hum building up in her own throat at the feel of his rough fingers on her skin. "C-Coltaine..." He mumbled something and pulled her closer, his nose nuzzling her below her ear as he inhaled taking in her scent yet again she felt her breath hitch and her pulse quicken as she felt his lips graze her skin, his teeth gently nipping at her neck, she tried to protest, tried to bring him around and wake him but his name didn't sound so urgent this time around, she felt her cheeks blush as it came out sounding more like a restrained moan. "Coltaine...w-wake up..." He mumbled again she felt her body temperature rise more as his hand slid further under the hem of her shirt, she closed her eyes and tried to get her breathing under control, she had never felt a man touch her in anyway, and the fire building steadily inside her was not what she was expecting. She felt her body move on it's own as she tilted her head to the side giving him better access to to her neck unable to suppress the moan that escaped her as he nibbled on her neck again. She shook her head slightly and took a deep breath. "Coltaine." He stirred somewhat and she shook him harder. "Coltaine! Wake up!" He cracked open his eyes, she could still them fogged by sleep as he looked at her, suddenly pulling her in and matching his lips to her's, she froze and locked up before melting against him, this time her moan snapping him awake as he pulled away from her. She blinked a few times before her head cleared, she squeaked and stood up quickly. "It-it's morning, we should probably break camp and continue on. I think we're coming up on another dragon..." Before he could answer she grabbed her cloak and boots and fled the tent leaving him alone in his own thoughts, racing to her own she slipped inside and took a deep breath, the pit of her stomach still in knots and her cheeks flushed as she remembers the feel of his fingers on her skin and the warmth of his lips on her neck. She shuddered and took a deep breath before letting it out. She dressed quickly, her skirt and shirt dry now, she broke down her tent and packed it all way. Saddling Max and loading her things into her saddle bags she watched Coltaine out of the corner of her eye as they began to move again. The ride was silent and she didn't say much as the trees and brush past them by slowly, her mind still heavy with the thoughts of his touch, she shivered slightly coming from her thoughts as Max suddenly stopped under her. "What's the matter Max? Come on, we have to get moving." He snorted and refused to go further, the others looking back at her as she scoffed and climbed from his saddle walking forward a few feet in the road and spreading her arms wide with a smile. "See? Nothing to worry about buddy. Now lets-" Her words died in her throat as her feet left the ground and she was lifted into the air, a snare around her ankles as she screamed. "Coltaine!" She vanished into the tree tops and her voice dying as the wind carried it away, Max trotted forward and lifted his large head into the air nickering sadly as the leaves fluttered to the ground from where she had gone. They all moved as a gleaming object fell in the middle of them, Coltaine's breath stopping short as he recognized her sword, stuck into the ground now as he looked around for her. "Mira!" With no answer he climbed back onto Destrus and began to look for her. Elsewhere Mira came around groggily, her body was stiff and she felt ropes digging into her skin, she blinked her eyes and gasped as a dirty face greeted her with a wide smile, most of the teeth missing from the once youthful face. "You be honored guest! You be queen!" "Um, I don't think I'm qualified for that." "You pretty woman, you make good queen." She was lifted and taken to a small hut where 5 or so village woman began to strip her down and dress her in sheer, see through silks and laces, the white bra and underwear easily seen through the material and she felt her cheeks turn red as she was ushered from the tent and into another one full of lush pillows and warm water springs. "Woman, eat, woman drink and than woman go to see god." Mira frowned and looked at the little woman. "God?" She pointed a withered finger towards the ceiling of the hut and Mira felt her stomach drop to her feet, there above her was a mural, a painting of a large purple dragon sitting on a nest, the skeletons of many humans littered the ground around it and there, in front of it was a woman bowing to the great best dressed in the same clothes she was. " Looks like I found the next dragon and.....Fates save me...they plan on sacrificing me...." She put her hand over her heart as it began to race, with out her sword and the know how of controlling her dragon spirit she could only fight a few before she would be taken down. The best choice she saw was to wait as long as she could for the others to follow her til she couldn't wait any longer. She began to nibble of the fruits and sip at the drinks they had laid out before her, her mind never slowing as she tried to find a way out and return to Coltaine....she shook her head. To the group.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]She was connected to this man in so many ways, it was unreal to her, unreal that even though they were so connected she still felt a strong pull towards another, she sighed and nodded slowly to him, feeling his arms tighten around her she felt her body pulling her back, she wasn't aware of anything til she felt her mind settle and relax. Ali woke slowly at first, than swifter as her body began to awaken with her, blinking she sat up on her hands and knees, slowly bringing the sheet with her to keep her self covered as she looked around the room, her eyes landing on Marcus as he came out of the shadow realm as well. She looked around more and caught sight of her arms, the scars clear and looking evil on her pale skin, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes she held them back as she pulled the sheet to her tighter. "Will I have these forever?" Marcus stood then and put his arms around her, shocking her as he hugged her tight. "I'll find a way to take them away Ali. I swear it." She felt her heart melt with his words but than turn cold with the hidden meaning behind them and shook her head as she sighed. "No. I don't want you to. I can tell that when you say things like that what you mean is you'll find a way to take it for your self. I won't let you do that." "Ali-" "No. I'll live with it before I let you take my shame for your self." She stood, still holding the sheet to her thin frame as she searched for a shirt and blinked as Patch held his red one out to her. "Here, just use this, you can give it back to me when you want." She nodded and took the shirt, slipping it on quickly, both men almost visibly flinched at seeing how loose it hung on her, she straightened her self out and stretched her arms over her head, this time both men did flinch at hearing the popping of her joints. She sighed and nodded to the two of them and began to walk out only to stop her a vision flashed in front of her eyes, her mind supplying the image as she reached for the door handle. The Commandant sitting alone at a table, tears trailing her cheeks as a large fox's head rested on his leg whimpering lightly. She stumbled back and put her hand against her forehead, Marcus' hand on her shoulder as she tilted in her spot. Her heart ached, it thumped painfully in her chest as she recalled the look of pain on Demetri's face. Seeing him shake with his grief, able to feel the dull throb of his pain as he mourned a loved one. She took a deep breath and reached out with her power, feeling for the man, feeling a need to find him. She let out a soft gasp as she found him, in his room alone. Grief and pain radiating from him making it easy to find him, she moved than; her feet taking her through the door and down the hall. She had no real idea where she going, or why but something deep down inside her told her she needed to be there. She walked through the halls, the emotions pouring off of the man telling her where she needed to go as she rushed through the halls, not even caring anymore if she bumped into people as she went, her need to get to him growing with each passing second. Rounding a corner she passed a tall, muscular figure who looked back at her. "Alex?" She turned and looked up in to the face of Jason, he was shocked to see her as he walked back to her and put his hands on her shoulders tightly, holding onto her as long as he could til she got annoyed. "I thought...I thought you were dead." "Apparently so did a lot of people. But that doesn't matter at the moment, I have to go." With that being said she spun around and began to sprint down the halls now, her lungs burning for air as she tried to find where he was, where his room was; her need to find him becoming desperate now til she passed a door that made her halt instantly. The feelings coming from behind it stronger than anywhere else in the base. She took a deep breath trying to get her breathing under control as she reached up and knocked on the door. She had to wait for a few moments before it finally slid open and he stood in front of her, she looked up into his hazel eyes, now full of pain and blood shot from his crying. She held back to urge to reach forward and take his hand as he looked down at her, a faint sense of longing coming off of the man. "Commandant, may I come in please?" He said nothing but moved aside allowing her in, as soon as she was in he shut the door and turned, only to find his arms full of the slighter woman as she hugged him tightly. He looked down at her, curious as she simply held onto him. "I'm sorry for your loss. Please...if there's anything I can do let me know. I can tell how much it hurts you...I can feel it and it hurts me too. I don't know why but it does. My heart hurts..." She sighed as he slowly wrapped his arms around her as well, his face dropping to the top of her head as he inhaled her scent, even if it was mixed with the steril smell of the med ward she still smelt like oranges and the giant felt his body relax. "Alex, what are you doing here?" She could hear the pain in his voice, the restrained tears he was holding back in front of her to keep face and trying to hold his pain back, she shook her head and tightened her hold on him. "You don't have to hold back, I can feel it. I can tell how much it hurts. I'm here now...just let it out. Please, it's tearing you apart." He didn't answer, she was right and he held onto her as tight as he dare as he broke down in sobs again, she buried her face in his chest as he wept, letting him hold onto her like a lifeline. She let him, feeling as if she needed to be here for him, that he wouldn't make it through this without her she held onto him just as tight, silently telling him she was there for him. What he did next shocked her down to her very core, in his haze of grief, the support she was giving him made him feel as if his wife was truly back, remembered all the times they had together, her words matching those his beloved would say to him before her memory wipe, his need for the woman he loved spurring him on, he acted instinctively as he pulled back, cupped her cheek, and swooped down capturing her lips with his own. She heard Demetri let out a restrained moan as he tasted her lips again after so long and she found that as the vibrations of the noise seeped into her own lips her eyes fluttered closed on their own. Her body feeling a heat spread through her quickly as he deepened the kiss with no resistance from the woman. Her small hands splaying on his chest before she gripped his shirt tight in her fists as a passion grew in her she was unaware of, her own throat releasing a moan and snapping him from what ever spell had take over him. He let go of her and took a step back, his back hitting the wall as he took deep breaths and tried to calm his body. "I'm sorry Alex. Please forgive me...I'm not myself right now." She nodded, her fingers touching her lips, the heat of his still lingering there, looking up at him she took a step forward, slowly closing the gap between the two of them and stood on her tip toes, her hand curling around the back of his neck and pulling him down into another kiss. Her body reacting instantly, turning from a small flame to a raging inferno of want and need for the man, what was more was it felt so familiar to her and she pulled him down further deepening the kiss til he grabbed her upper arms and pushed her away gently. "Ali, go. Thank you for coming to make sure I was alright but you can't be here. Not right now. Not when I'm like this and not thinking straight." She nodded and pulled away from him, her skin growing cold the instant she did, almost whimpering at the loss of his warmth she suddenly gasped as her hand pressed to her forehead, another image swimming into her mind. This man above her, his face split into a gentle grin as he looked down on her, she could feel his emotions pouring into her, his love and devotion taking her breath away as his voice echoed in her mind. "I love you Ali." She opened her eyes and looked back at him, her eyes swimming with tears as she looked up at him, his own meeting her's as she walked back to him and reached up cupping his cheek. "I just saw...a memory I think...we were lovers once, weren't we?" He blinked down at her unsure of what to say as she continued, her eyes softening with the memory. "I saw us laying in bed, you were looking over me and you told me that you loved me...I knew something felt familiar with you...that's it isn't it?" He blinked, tears falling with each blink as he gazed down at her, this time when she stood on tip toes and pressed her lips to his, her emotions surging into him, allowing for him to see what she had seen, and enabling him to feel the want and need she had rushing through her now, he didn't fight her, only wrapped his large arms around her and pulled her tight against him as he deepened the kiss further causing her to moan lightly.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira felt her body begin to warm up ever so slowly, her clothes and skin still chilled from the rain water that lingered on her, the heat of Coltaine's body to tempting to resist anymore and she slid closer to him, pressing her side to his sighing as his body heart seeped into her. She shivered violently, rocking his body as well, he blinked out of his stare and looked down at her. "By the fates woman, go to bed. Get warm." She shook her head as she tucked into him a little more, her head now resting on his broad shoulder. "I'll be alright, I have a personal heater right here." She hugged his arm to her chest with a slightly smile and closed her eyes as the heat began to spread through her more as she leaned into him, his cloak helping to keep the misting rain the fell off her already water logged person. She untangled her arms from his one and pulled it tighter around her as her fingers ran across the feathers gently. "I was just asking Coltaine, not trying to make fun. Are the feathers a clan symbol of some kind?" He didn't answer her right away only took a deep breath and let it out making her roll her eyes. "You seriously sigh to much." He glanced down at her, her head still resting on his shoulder, her eyes shut as she relaxed; her body no longer trembling due to the cold, a small smile on her face as her fingers continued to stroke the feathers of his cape. She wasn't aware of how long she was sat dozing next to him, but it didn't seem like long before he was shaking her gently trying to wake her up. She frowned slightly and turned her body into his in her sleep, her arms wrapping around his, her face going into his shoulder as she mumbled. "Coltaine, lemme sleep." He shook his head and shook her gently again, trying to bring her around, she finally opened her eyes and sighed as she stirred more finally waking enough for him to get loose from her grip. Mira blinked, the rain had begun falling again, the was coming down in thick sheets and soaked the ground and anything else it touched, as if wanting to flood the earth. She looked over to Coltaine and felt her cheeks heat as she realized that she was still leaning on him, even though his arm was free of her she still leaned on him for his body heat, looking up at him she had caught him looked down at her as well and she shivered as she felt his warm breath wash across her lips, she felt the urge to lean forward more and press her's to his but before she could act on it his gaze shifted, Ahara emerging from his tent to take over the watch. Mira frowned at him and stood up slowly, stretching and sighing as her joints popped and loosened. She untied the cape and gave it back to him with a smile, leaning forward and pressing a small kiss to his cheek. "Thank you again Coltaine, it was really sweet of you." She smiled and turned, dashing through the rain towards her tent, slipping inside she sat down on her knees and slipped her soaked white shirt from her body and slipped on the thin satin shirt her brother had gotten her for her birthday a few years back. One of the only fine pieces of clothing she had and she cherished it. Slipping off her skirt she hung both went articles of clothing up to allow them to dry and lay down on her bed roll her thoughts wandering for just a moment, not surprised as Coltaine popped up more than once, she sighed and closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep, her skin still warm from his body heat, the feeling of it comforting to her. She had been sleeping for nearly 45 minutes when she sat up straight from her bed roll as thunder rumbled through the sky, her heart began to beat quickly and she yelped and cringed as a bright flash of lightning flared out side of her tent. It was an irrational fear, childish almost but as the thunder rumbled again, followed by a bright flash of lightning she felt the tears welling up in her eyes and her body began to tremble. She grabbed her blanket and looked out her tent, Ahara still sitting under the over hang keeping watch. She looked towards Coltaine's tent and ducked back into her own. Grabbing her cloak and boots she wrapped her cloak around her shoulders and slipped her boots on, her legs breaking out in goosebumps. The satin shirt covering her til just above mid thigh. She pulled the hood up on her cloak and bolted from her tent towards Coltaine's, it was further away than she thought and by the time she reached it she was soaked again, she could feel the satin cling to her skin, feel the goosebumps raising on her skin and she debated even going in but as the crack of thunder and lightning sounded above her she gasped and entered quickly. She jumped as she saw the glint of his knife and spoke softly, but quickly. "Coltaine, it's me. Calm down...I just wanted to ask you something." He had moved close enough to her now that she could make out his face in the dark, he put the knife away and looked down at her. "What do you think your doing woman?" She shivered as water dripped from her hair and onto her cloak, she opened her mouth to answer but screamed as a particularly loud boom of thunder sounded over head followed by a blinding flash of lightning which crackled and sizzled where it hit the ground. Coltaine found his arms full as she had jumped and latched onto him, her face in his chest as she shuddered and shivered in his arms. "M-mira?" "It's stupid, and childish and irrational and every other insulting thing you can think of, I know. But please, don't make me go back to my tent!" He simply looked down at her as she trembled in his arms. "I'm terrified of thunder storms...I don't know why, so don't ask." He remained silent before he sighed and ran his hand over his face. "Fine. I'll make another bed roll for you out of the spare blankets I have." She nodded and pulled away from him, her heart slowing and her cheeks heating slightly. It didn't take him long to do as he said, folding the blankets so she could lay down with out harming her back, he turned around and she felt his eyes on her, having hung her cloak up to dry she stood before him in the satin camisole, the thin fabric still clinging to her and flaunting every curve she had, she turned towards him and looked at the bed roll with a small smile. "Thank you." He nodded and lay down as she did as well, his back turned to her as she looked over at him before pulling the blankets to her neck and rolled over, facing him, with his comforting presence it didn't take long before sleep over took her, she woke a few hours later, her sleep being restful and good she rolled towards him and looked down at him as he slept. Even in his sleep he looked strained and burdened, she lifted her hand and gently ran her finger tip across his skin, following the frown lines in between his eyes, tracing down his nose til she paused above his lips. She held her breath, watching to see if he would wake up before she ran her finger along to contours of them softly, they were softer than she imagined and she felt a sudden longing to press her's to his, looking at him she gently prodded him with her finger to test if he truly was still sleeping, finding that he was she took a deep breath, held her hair behind her ear and slowly leaned down towards him, her lips pressing to his softly. She felt her heart skip a beat, her chest exploding with a fire unknown to her and she had to resist the urge to press her lips against his in a more desperate need. She pulled away, breathing heavily and put her hand on her chest, above her heart, it was thundering against her ribs and she took a deep breath trying to get it and her body under control. Her skin felt like it was melting away from her flesh as she looked down at him and she squashed the urge to lean down and kiss him again. Instead she lay down next to him, sliding her body between his arm and his own body til she was tucked away beside him, his arm somewhat around her as her head rested on his shoulder. Her heart beat slowed and she felt her self relax next to him, she took a deep breath as she buried her nose in his shoulder. She exhaled with a smile and lay her head down, a small part of her wanting to just wake him up and have him claim her right than and there but she didn't. Instead she closed her eyes and slowly, ever so slowly fell into a deep sleep, the storm forgotten.[/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Her breathing was heavy, she huffed air into her lungs as much as she could as she looked up at him, his eyes glowing slightly with his anger and she couldn't help but look away from him. "I'm sorry..." He didn't answer her, allowing her to continue. "I woke up, and you weren't there...so I went looking for you. I should have just stayed in camp. But I...I was worried that maybe something had happened to you." He remained silent still and she couldn't help but feel the doubt roll into her now. "I could have gotten you hurt. I'm so sorry...but...t-thank you." She looked back at him, his face passive as he looked down at her, her own thoughts buzzing through her head. Watching him fight had been almost like watching a well calculated dance, he moved with grace and experience that she could only dream of. Fighting along side him against the men had been exhilarating, she had felt her body come alive as she had matched her movements to his, dodging around his attacks and pairing her own thrusts of her sword to the timing of his spear. It had felt, if only for a moment, that they were thinking the same things, moving with the same purpose and attacking as one. But as he sent the men away, that feeling had died. His voice taking on a commanding tone as he spoke to her, she feared he thought her weak and useless now. That thought brought a sadness to her heart that she wasn't willing to explore yet, not in front of him anyway. She let her eyes roam over him, taking him in and studying him further. His face was wizened but no less handsome, his eyes gleaming with the regal look given to all men born to a life as he, his build and frame were the same, proud and strong and she felt a blush cover her cheeks as she vaguely pondered what being with a man such as him would be like. She brought her eyes back to his face quickly and took a deep breath. "I'll head back to the camp and allow you to finish what you were doing." She made the move to turn when she felt his warm hand wrap around her wrist. "I asked if you were alright woman." She felt the annoyance tingle in the back of her mind but ignored it, she couldn't yell at him for calling her such, her weak action didn't grace her with the use of her name from him at the moment. She shook the thoughts for a moment to answer him. "I'm fine. It's nothing." She tried to pull her arm free and gasped as she felt his breath on her arm, looking down she saw him leaning in close to her as he inspected the wound, she shivered as his fingers worked around the edges of the entry wound from the man's cleaver. "We should clean this. His weapon didn't look well taken care of and the last thing we need, or want, is for one of us to be sick with blood poisoning." She nodded slowly as he led her over to Desturs where he dug through his saddle bag and pulled out a canteen of water, uncorking it he slowly tipped it on it's side and began to run the water over her wound, she hissed at first, the water stinging as it made contact with the open flesh. She looked up at him and felt her cheeks heat as she noticed how close he was. The chill of the night air not even bothering her anymore as her own body began to generate a heat from within. His hands were warm on her skin and she felt another shiver build up, but she controlled it this time; last thing she wanted was for him to question it. She took a deep breath and felt her head swim, his scent hitting her now, earthy and deep like the land he was designed after. She closed her eyes and let the scent settle, knowing that she would never forget it from this moment on, it would be burned into her memory forever. Her mind began to work again, bringing up images of her and him wrapped in each others arms, warm and comfortable under a blanket after making love to one another...her waiting for him in a grand room with a smile on her face as he returned home from a battle. The last one making her heart melt, her sitting on a large four poster bed, holding a bundle in her arms that squirmed and reached for him as he sat next to her, his face broken out in a gentle smile as he looked down at her and the babe in her arms. She shook her self then, Coltaine looking up briefly before continuing to clean the wound on her arm. She knew her face was red, she knew she was blushing madly now but was unable to stop her self as she leaned towards his touch, seeking the warmth from his hands. She caught her self before she had leaned into his chest, Coltaine looking down at her with a frown. "Are you feeling ill? Your flushed and your balance is off?" "I'm fine, just still slightly shaken is all." Was that the truth? No, far from it, she [i]WANTED [/i]him to embrace her, wanted him to take her into his arms and hold her, press his lips to her passionately, whisper words of devotion to her...she stopped the thoughts there. She had never felt love, never been in love and most definitely never had such...risque thoughts about a man she barely knew, but Coltaine sparked something within her. It spread a warmth through her entire being, his large, warm hands, his scent, deep, controlled voice; everything about him seemed to draw her in and she felt a slight terror fill her momentarily, she didn't want to be a woman chasing after a man she could never have. Regal war veterans such as him self didn't take poor, under privileged farm maidens as wives...or lovers for that matter. She felt her heart sink at that thought, she knew she could never be like him, born into a well off family, being catered to and lavished with loyalty of his people, looked up to by young men aspiring to be strong and noble men such as him. She couldn't see her self fitting into his life, but at the same time, what she lacked in blood, she made up for with her spirit and nerve. She had a fire in her soul that was just as strong and regal as any noblemen in the land. Her wit and cunning just as sharp as a well trained advisers tongue, her kind heart and gentle hand just as large and warm as the mothers who looked after the children in the large homes of the nobles. She felt a glimmer of confidence flare to life in her chest. She might be of any line of royal blood, but she had the heart of one, she was just as proud, and stern as any war lord that roamed the lands. She was loyal, hard working, and loving; she could cut an enemies throat and return to her home with a smile on her face for her family. She took a deep breath, regretting it as her head swam again with his scent, but she exhaled as it shifted, him moving away from her. She looked up at him as he straightened himself and looked down at her. "I've cleaned it as best as I can, but we should get back so I can sterilize it and stitch it closed to lessen the chance of infection." She nodded numbly realizing that all her thoughts had been within the time of mere moments, she closed her eyes and closed the gap between the two of them, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her face into his chest, her lips finding the small gap between the lacing of his tunic and pressing a gentle almost ghostly soft kiss against his skin. "Thank you. For everything. I realize I put you in danger, but I just...I'm glad you came for me. Thank you again." She held onto him, her resolve becoming hard as she vowed to her self to follow the feelings that were pulling her towards him, knowing deep down that they weren't chance, knowing that something bigger had brought the two of them together. She inhaled his scent again, this time the earthy smell making her smile slightly, the warmth spreading through her more strongly now as she simply held onto him mutter her words of thanks. [/color][/font]

[font="Comic Sans MS"][color="#000080"]Mira sighed, a faintly familiar scent wafting around her as she stirred, her eyes still felt heavy as she came from her sleep haze; she was laying on her side, warm as the embers of the dying fire still let off a gentle glow, the scent coming from the cloak draped over her shoulders, she knew it instantly. The gleaming feathers reflecting the light from the dying fire, but the owner was missing. She sat up, holding the cloak to her as she looked around. "Coltaine?" Getting no answer she rose from the ground, still holding the feathered cloak as she rose to her feet, looking around she looked around the camp and felt her body cool some as she saw the man was no where to be seen, neither the man or his horse was anywhere to be seen. She folded the cloak and lay in on the ground safely as she picked up her sword and began to make her way from the camp, the rustles around setting her on edge as she moved slowly through the brush. "Coltaine? Is that you?" Not getting an answer she glanced over her shoulder towards the camp seeing that she had managed to get a good ways away the glowing embers now only a dim glitter in the distance, putting her hand on her sword she continued away from the camp jumping as she heard heavy steps behind her. Spinning around she sighed as her heart beat returned to normal. "Max...what are you doing?" He nickered lightly and pressed his nose to her hand softly making her smile and scratch at it quickly. "Did you see where Coltaine went?" He snorted and pushed against her with the front of his head, pushing her back towards camp but unable to as she sidestepped him. "Max, what if he got hurt or something? I can't just go back with out knowing." He nickered nervously before he followed her as she walked deeper into the woods and further from the camp, she felt her senses go on high alert as the rustling of the bushes and snapping out twigs grew louder the further she got, she stopped, Max snorting behind her as a loud snap came from beside her. "Coltaine?" The crickets chirped around her as waited for an answer. "Coltaine, if your trying to freak me out, it's worked. You can come out now." When she received no answer she drew her sword and took a step back only to bump into a solid object. "Max, back up will you?" The chuckle made her blood freeze, she whirled around and brought her sword up and gasped as it was blocked by a large cleaver, the grizzled face of the man infront of her splitting into a crooked grin. "Well well, what have we got here? I pretty little filly whose lost her way?" She held her ground, her sword held in front of her steadily as she looked up at the man. "Who are you?" "Just a passing beggar. Can you spare a coin? Or even a warm bed?" She shook her head. "I have nothing to spare." "What about a young body to warm me? Could you spare that little woman? My men and I have been without the warmth of a woman's touch for many nights." Mira frowned as Max snorted behind her. "I would rather sell my soul to the fates than let someone like you touch me." "Oh? You sound as if you have a lover in mind, a supple body such as yours, it shouldn't be to hard for you to hook a man. Why is it you were sleeping alone?" She growled slightly, her face scrunching into a frown at his words. "How long have you been watching?" "Long enough to know your on your own woman." She gasped and brought her sword up blocking the cleaver as he brought it down swiftly, the force of it vibrating through her sword and making her arm go numb, stumbling back a few steps she planted her feet and took a fighting stance, only to scream as arms wrapped around her from behind and twisted her wrist causing her drop her sword. Max charged into the fray, the first man bringing his cleaver to rest against her throat and making Max halt in his tracks. "One more move horse and your owner will go to meet the fates." He snorted thickly and stomped his hoof into the dirt, lowering his head he made a move to charge again, his ears laying flat against his head and his large brown eyes going wide as the man dug his cleaver into her neck, a small spot of blood pooling on the blade and running down it. "I'm serious you stupid beast. I have no qualms about spilling her blood." To prove his point the man moved the cleaver from he throat and dug the tip into her arm, the blade digging through her skin and into her flesh easily causing her to scream out again, this time Max's horrified scream echoing through the trees with it. [/color][/font]