To Train A Dragon Rider (Distain2003 & darkangel76)

As Thanos turned around to face Liana, he gave her a smile. “Nothing is wrong my darling I just have some things on my mind that’s all. Nothing out of the usual,” he said.

Liana nodded slightly. Thanos’ statement wasn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, she was hardly surprised by what he’d told her. From the moment she’d met him, she knew he was the sort to mull over many things, giving them as much thought as he could. He was a soldier, there was a great war going on. And he was given the task of training her, the princess and heir to the throne of Azur.

Training. Liana wondered what would happen now as far as her training was concerned. Thanos seemed to be avoiding lessons all day long. In the past, he’d never have done such a thing. He would’ve pushed her until she collapsed either from fear, anger or pain. And he would’ve enjoyed seeing it happen. But now? Things were indeed different, though she had to admit that she liked that very much. She knew she wasn’t designed to be a dragon rider and she knew deep in her heart that she didn’t want to become one either. She had merely wanted to prove a point to her father and now she was in quite the predicament.

Liana looked into Thanos’ eyes and smiled, losing herself within them. All thoughts of training and the war with Pheir left her mind almost instantly. All she could focus on was Thanos and the time she was and hopefully would be spending with him. Suddenly she wondered what her father would think if he knew what had happened between the two of them, what he would think of her being with someone originally from Pheir, not just one of Azur’s many noted dragon riders.

Just then, Thanos brought a slightly sugar coated blueberry up to Liana’s lips, interrupting her thoughts and breaking the spell his eyes had over her. Smiling, she let him place the sweet berry into her mouth. It was delicious and as her lips gently brushed his fingers holding the fruit, she felt her body instantly get warm. After she swallowed the berry down, she gave him a kiss on his cheek and went to set the table.

“What will we be doing today?” Liana then asked, wondering if Thanos would actually divulge some of the things, even if they were nothing unusual, to her.

Thanos shivered a bit when her lips touched his fingers and he decided that he did not want to eat normally. He liked feeling her lips against his skin and he wanted to relax with the young woman. "You get the day off today for the most part. I figured would could go out and run around the lake but that would just be because you need to get faster. " He chuckled and smiled watching her move about the house in the dress before hooking her with his arm pulling her to his chest and smiling.

Stealing yet another kiss he bit her lower lip gently sucking it into his mouth so his teeth could grip it lightly. Pulling his head away slowly he tugged her lip ever so gently before releasing it and taking the bowl of sugared berries into his hand. Pulling her gently along with him he walked her into the living area and moving to set on the couch. Laying one leg along the back of the couch and the other spread wide hanging off the couch. As he sat he pulled her down with him resting her against his chest his arms wrapped around her the berries in her lap.

Smiling he took another blueberry and pressed it to her lips holding it there with one finger smiling brightly. He was enjoying the time he was able to spend together with her relaxing and feeling so happy. Closing his eyes wanting to focus on his sense of touch wanting to feel her lips against his skin more. He let a soft sigh escape his lips as she took the berry from him again her soft lips lighting his skin on fire.

Liana leaned against Thanos’ chest. It felt so right and so very comfortable, as if they’d been together a lifetime and not just for one night. The thought of spending her life with him made her heart beat faster. She hoped he wanted the same thing and that it wasn’t just her who thought such things.

Closing her eyes, Liana let Thanos feed her the sweet berries. She let her lips brush against his fingers each time he brought one to her mouth, savoring the moment and how they felt against her lips. The feel of them made her body tingle, her stomach flutter. It created such wonderful sensations, causing them to radiate throughout her entire body, making her feel good from head to toe.

Liana sighed and nuzzled against Thanos’ chest. She shifted her body so that she was practically laying on top of him. She could feel his hard planes beneath her soft and it made her smile. Lazily, she rubbed a hand along his side and kissed his abdomen. She could remain like this with him forever if he’d let her. Everything just felt perfect.

When Thanos’ had finished feeding Liana the berries, she turned to face him. Her cheeks rosy, her lips turned up in a smile, she leaned toward him and gave him a sweet kiss on his lips. She then brought a hand up to his face and caressed he cheek. He was so very beautiful, at least in her eyes.

“You’re too good to be true,” Liana whispered. Her emotions were so very strong, her senses heightened more than ever. She desperately wanted him to know how she felt, how genuine it all was for her. Just then, her eyes welled with tears, but she managed to hold them back for the most part. “Sorry,” she muttered as she wiped at a stray tear and then gasped. She remembered when he’d told her to never say ‘sorry’ and she wondered what he would say to her saying so now. Pushing it from her mind, she hugged him tightly, enjoying the feel of being held by him instead.

Thanos was absolutely elated by the way the young woman was laying against him. His skin screamed to him with the joy of being touched softly by her lips his whole body was humming for the young woman. When she turned against him he smiled and loved how she was so close and affectionate to him after all he did to her. He looked at her confused as she spoke about him being to good to be true it completely confused him. No one had ever said he was a good thing to happen to them before and he did not know how to react to that.

"I don't know what your saying your sorry for... you never have to say your sorry for anything with me you have nothing to apologize for. " He spoke softly slipping his arms around her lower back his body wanting to touch her more but knowing he should not. He longed to make love to her again, a thought that instantly caused him to become aroused, but he knew he should give her young body time to recover.

He snuggled against her kissing her so soft and so tenderly fighting his bodies desires to kiss her passionately. "I am going to go bathe make yourself at home. " He smiled his hands moving to the back and arm of the couch pushing himself up and onto the arm. Not thinking that getting up that way would cause his swollen groin to grind along her body, a feeling that would cause him to groan and shiver. Slowly moving to stand he turned and walked towards the tub outside grabbing the last of the buckets of water to heat the now cool liquid.

As Thanos stood up, Liana felt his body rub against hers. The contact made her entire body tingle, feel so very warm. She knew she was blushing despite the fact that they’d already been very intimate with each other and had seen each other fully unclothed. It just didn’t matter. No matter how close they were, she knew that he’d always be able to make her blush and her tummy do flips.

Liana smiled as Thanos headed out to the tub for his bath, giggling softly as she noticed how aroused he was. The fact that she could stir up such reactions in him made her feel so very desirable. It was nice. And he stirred up the same sort of desire in her in return whether he knew it or not. As she watched him walk away, she could feel her sore body already responding, already craving.

Shaking her head to clear her mind, at least for the time being, Liana couldn’t help but stretch and smile. She felt so relaxed and at ease. Everything just seemed to fall into place so very perfectly and she liked that immensely. Never had she ever felt like things were so right, so as they should be.

Suddenly, Liana frowned and heaved a sigh as the thought of having to face reality hit her. Eventually, she’d have to tell her father about what had happened between her and Thanos since she knew he’d find out sooner or later anyway. But what then? She hoped he’d be accepting, but it was hard to tell and that frightened her immensely. She knew she couldn’t give him up. It would kill her, destroy her. She also wondered what Thanos’ thoughts were, if he was even thinking about the long-term effects of everything. She knew she’d fight for what she wanted with all her heart and soul. And that was a life with Thanos, if he’d have her.

Slightly shaken by the thoughts she’d allowed to enter her mind, Liana stood up and went out side. She headed out to where Thanos was bathing and soon was by his side. She gave him a smile as she stared into his eyes, though it was clear she was worried about their future, that she wanted things to be all right, that she hoped he’d have her.

Liana gently touched Thanos’ arm and kissed his cheek. “What’s going to happen to us now?” she asked, her voice nothing but a soft whisper.

Thanos was not half way threw the kitchen when he began shedding clothing his pants falling around his ankles and stepping from them. His shorts following not long after just before the back door smiling as he left a trail of clothing reminding him of the night before. Pouring the hot water in he placed the bucket along with the others and removed his shirt. Tossing it back between the remainder of his cloths he slipped into the water with a groan. It had been so long since his last full bath that his body ached the moment it touched the water.

Sinking deep into the water the only thing above the surface was his face allowing the warm water to soak into his skin. His hands moved slowly below the water not wanting to cause the surface to churn. His hands slowly worked to clean his form as he kept his eyes closed tightly just enjoying the way his body felt so submerged. Smiling when he heard her get close to the tub he emerged up to his mid chest and looked at her.

His heart sank when she asked about their future something he had never planned for, never thought about, never expected to see. Smiling he reached forward and hooked his arm around her and rolled her into the water soaking her dress as he sucked her into the water sideways bent awkwardly in the tub. He laughed as the water washed over the the side of the tub as their combined mass filled it past its lip. "I have never been one to plan ahead, I am going to continue to train you until either you are ready or this war comes to an end. As for what happens after that it is not up to me to decide what happens then if we are lucky we will be able to stay around each other. " He said not wanting to depress her but knowing if the military had their say he would never see her again.

Liana couldn’t help but laugh a little as Thanos dragged her into the tub with him, clothes and all. She liked seeing his playful side, his sensitive side. It was such a refreshing change. She wondered how many people got to see this side of him. Regardless, she counted herself as lucky to be one of those who was allowed such a glimpse. And it made the worries she’d been feeling about her future slowly melt away.

“I have never been one to plan ahead, I am going to continue to train you until either you are ready or this war comes to an end. As for what happens after that it is not up to me to decide what happens then if we are lucky we will be able to stay around each other,” Thanos then said, answering her question.

Liana felt the blood rush from her face as Thanos’ words sunk in. They contradicted his earlier actions, the way he was being with her right at that moment. She was confused and felt her heart twisting in half. Gasping for breath, she looked into his eyes, all the worries she’d had rushing to the forefront of her mind, becoming a reality.

Eyes starting to water, Liana felt so stupid. She needed air, she couldn’t breathe. Thanos didn’t want her. He had no thoughts about their future at all. His nonchalance about how their being together wasn’t up to him. She couldn’t believe it. How could he say that? It had everything to do with him… and with her. And here she was willing to fight for what she wanted, consequences be damned while he was all right if they could be near each other. More than anything, at that moment, she wanted to die. It would ease the pain she felt seeping into her body, her soul. His rejection was suffocating her, causing her to be on the verge of passing out.

“I… I…” Liana stammered. “I can’t breathe,” she gasped, clutching at the side of the tub and hoisting herself out. Unable to look at Thanos, she ran inside, tears streaming down her blanched cheeks.

Running through the cabin, Liana stumbled up the creaky stairs, slipping as the water dripped from her body and wet clothes. She scraped her arm on the wood, causing it to bleed, but still she climbed until she reached the top. Standing at the top of the staircase for a moment, she stared at the door to Thanos’ room. He wanted her to stay with him, lay in his bed. Her hand went to her chest where he’d carved the ‘T’. It was all too much. She just didn’t understand. Emotions running rampant and an ache unlike any other building deep in her chest, she collapsed to the floor and let the blackness swallow her whole.

Thanos tried his hardest to keep her in the tub with him but she had escaped so fast and he was stunned. What had he said? He could not place it his mind was wondering trying to figure out what he had said that upset her so. She was the first woman he had ever even thought about having a future with and it was showing in the way he handled her. He stared until she finally slipped from his view wondering what was going wrong, wondering how he could have gone so wrong.

Standing from the tub and kicking it over to drain the water from inside he made his way quickly after her. He walked quickly but carefully over the wet floor his nude form allowing the water to flow off him quickly as he made his way to her. He froze half way up the stairs as the young woman came into view laying on the floor bleeding motionless. His heart sank as his mind shifted the room to a battlefield and the wet clothing to armor. He stared at her for several long moments until he realized she was still breathing and his mind shook itself free from its delusion.

Moving quickly to her side his hand gently touching her neck testing her pulse feeling it for several seconds he made sure she was okay. Slowly lifting her up he took her into their room and laid her on the bed. his hands moved quickly removing her wet clothing not wanting her to catch her death. Once she was undressed he slipped some of fresh clothing on her getting her dressed in training cloths and covering her in the blankets except for her bleeding arm. Moving to his dresser he gathered his first aid kit and set to work patching the young woman up. His hands worked quickly treating both the wounds on the young woman and the one on himself.

Finally finished tending to her he placed her clothing next to the fire to dry laid out delicately so it would not wrinkle. Allowing himself to finally take care of himself he slipped on some clothing and moved to set in the chair. Turning it so it was facing the bed his fingers nervously playing with the hem of his shirt knowing he needed to get talk to her but not what about.

Liana’s head felt strange, so very heavy. She knew if she’d tried to hold it up, she would only fail and fall over once again. Turning it slightly, a pain shot through it causing her to groan. Slowly, she blinked her eyes open. At first, everything was blurry, out of focus. As things started coming together, she realized where she was. She was in Thanos’ room, lying in his bed.

Liana turned her aching head, her eyes locking onto Thanos’. Again, she felt the blood rush from her face. Again, she couldn’t breathe. Everything that the two of them had shared ran through her mind. The intimacy, the care… the love. Tears streaming down her cheeks, she blinked several times before she found her voice.

“You don’t want me,” Liana whispered as she brought her hands to her face.

Liana felt so ashamed for letting her heart run wild and free, for letting it assume things she shouldn’t have let it assume. Saying her thoughts out loud only made her feel worse, made her feel so very raw as if her soul had been exposed only to be ripped in half and discarded. It served her right, she thought to herself. She was a silly girl and Thanos was a warrior, a dragon rider. He was the most wonderful man she’d ever known.

Unable to look at Thanos, Liana twisted her body around so that he couldn’t see her cry, couldn’t see her expression. She was hurt, embarrassed, yet the fingers of her one hand went to her chest and traced the ‘T’ slowly scarring into her skin. “I don’t fault you,” she mumbled as she choked on a sob. “I don’t fault you at all. It’s just that…” her voice trailed. She desperately tried to find it once again, but could not. Instead, she just buried her face against the pillow and let her tears fall freely as she cried.

Thanos moved to stand the moment he say the young woman begin to stir wanting to be close to her to ask her what he had said that hurt her so. To figure out why she was laying in a pile at the top of the stairs and most of all to hold her close and make her feel everything was going to be okay. He had taken no more then a step when he froze in place looking down it his hand went to his stomach gently pressing the scar. He could have sworn the wound had just been made he could swear he had been stabbed the pain those words caused him.

His eyes watched her as she moved to hide from him masking her tears but not the soft noises that went along with them. What on earth had he done to make her so sad to drive her to weep, it was so strange to him. Slowly he moved towards her as it felt like he was being stabbed again and again as she continued to speak. Each batch of words felt like another firm thrust into his gut moving to set on the edge of the bed. His hand gently went to her lower back softly touching her gently resting it against her threw the blankets.

"I can not believe that you would say things like that to me. You must think me quite the monster if you think i would take so much for you and not care for you. "The longer he spoke the more offended he got and the madder he was, able to hear the dragon outside he stood. Needing a moment to himself he turned to the door his chest suddenly hurting more then ever before. He wondered if what he was about to do was really just a fool thinking he could be happy.

With out a word he moved from the room and slowly from the house going outside to speak to his dragon. After a few long minuets of ranting to the beast in his foreign tongue he just leaned against it needing the comfort the beast gave. His hand gently playing at the dragons neck almost petting the beast like one would a pet even though he did not think of him like that in any way. He stared at the window to his room trying to figure out what he had done to make the woman hate him so.

A monster? Liana couldn’t believe her ears. How could she think such a man a monster after the way they’d made love, how he’d showed her such tenderness and compassion. She hardly thought him such a thing. No. Thanos was more than that, more than she deserved in life. It was why she didn’t fault him for not wanting her as she wanted him. She was just a foolish girl, a silly princess pretending she could become a dragon rider when she knew deep down she’d never succeed as such. He was a warrior, a great man. One who could show kindness to those in need. She didn’t doubt he cared for her, at least on some level. But his words… they’d been so detached. They’d said it all, that he had no thoughts about them being together in the future at all.

Confused, Liana finally sat up, her eyes sore from crying. Thanos had left the room and she felt so very alone without him there. Feeling numb with grief, she slowly stood up and walked to the door of what he’d called ‘their’ room. When she got to the doorway, she paused for a moment, having to catch her breath. Her heart ached terribly. She’d upset him just now and that hurt her in more ways than she could even begin to explain. She didn’t understand how her reaction could make him so angry. She let him know that she accepted his choice, told him she didn’t blame him.

Sniffling, Liana made her way down the creaky staircase, her legs weak and wobbly as she walked. When she got to the door, she opened it and there across the way saw Thanos standing next to his dragon. He was so beautiful as he stood next to the beast, talking to it, petting it. It was as if he were conversing with a friend. She stood there for several moments before she dared to venture toward him, fearing that he’d leave or tell her to go back inside.

As Liana slowly made her way towards Thanos, her legs shaking with each step, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. He looked over at her, making her heart freeze almost instantly. Swallowing, she locked her eyes with his, her eyes expressive, trying to tell him how much she loved him, how much she wanted him. Just then, her hand went to her chest and she traced the ‘T’ that marked her flesh. She gave him a small smile as a single tear streamed down her cheek.

Thanos moved to stand completely on his own as she walked out gently patting the dragons neck and nodding. "Make haste ... be safe." He said moments before the dragon took to the air speeding away even as it climbed clearly it was in quite a hurry and heading strait for the souther war torn border. This was a foolish decision but it was one he had already made and he was never one to turn around once his choice was made.

His eyes scanned the young woman and he slowly shifted a bit before finally breaking the silence just wanting to stop the painful stairs. "I guess since we are both out here we might as well stretch and go for a run." He said just wanting to break the painful silence it was almost deafening. Slowly he sank to the ground and began stretching his eyes struggling to leave the young woman who had entranced him so much the day before.

As he stretched he was reminded of the first time he taught her and the strange gentle ways he moved her body. He relished those motions and he prayed to one day again help her stretch if only to feel her in those ways again. Once he was done stretching he moved to stand letting out a soft sigh. For the first time since she had met him he was outside his home completely unarmed it was clear she was affecting him. He still was not certain if he liked the way she was changing him but he would not force the issue try to fight it.

Liana just stared at the dragon as it took off to the skies, looking like the majestic beast it was. She noticed it was heading south and she wondered why. Why would Thanos send the dragon to the battlefront with him riding upon it? It was very odd. When she brought her eyes away from the dragon, she settled them upon Thanos. His expression seemed peculiar, she couldn’t read it and she hardly understood it. She felt compelled to ask him, but after the way things had just gone between them moments ago, she didn’t want to bother him. If he wanted her to know, he’d tell her himself.

It was funny, Liana thought to herself, only an hour ago she’d have sworn Thanos would have told her anything. Now she wasn’t so sure and it hurt her terribly. Her heart, which had been beating so rapidly felt cold, like a dead lump taking up space within her chest. As she looked at Thanos, she could feel her heart wanting to come alive. But how could it really? He didn’t want her and the distance she felt him placing between them only made it seem more apparent. She had all she could do to not throw herself at him and beg for him to understand, for him to love her back as she loved him.

"I guess since we are both out here we might as well stretch and go for a run,” Thanos then said, breaking the silence.

Liana’s mind snapped awake. Thanos’ words were not something she expected to hear. He’d told her that she had the day off today. He’d let her sleep in, have a full bath. They’d even snuggled together on the couch and ate breakfast. This sudden change was so overwhelming; she was beside herself. She wanted to just crumble into pieces and be left to scatter across the lands as the four winds blew her about until nothing was left.

Her heart heavy, Liana began her stretches. She recalled all too well the first time she did them, Thanos’ hands touching her body, placing them in compromising positions. Positions she longed to be in with him again, though unclothed, with love in their eyes. She looked over at him as she stretched, her body screaming for his, her heart breaking in two.

Longing for even the smallest of touches, Liana asked softly, “Will you help me stretch my legs?”

Thanos watched her every movement as she stretched he could see the pain in her eyes and he did not understand it. He had told her they should go for a run today it was not like he was going to beat her for upsetting him. His eyes had just left her before falling on the black dot that was rapidly getting smaller as the beast made its way south when she spoke. He nodded and moved quickly to her his touch more gentle then the first time they had stretched together. His motions where deeper he sank into her stretch more then he had before relishing the sexual nature of their positions.

His groin was pressed firmly into hers as he rolled against her pressing her leg slowly down taking a deep breath. He pressed her leg down nearly touching her chest his groin pressed hard against hers as he stared into her eyes. Letting out a soft sigh as he moved to the other leg stretching her deeply again making the touch last knowing it may be the last for some time. He found it fitting that he had ruined this as he had everything else in his life it made perfect sense that the young woman would be taken from him as well.

When he could no longer pretend to be just helping her stretch he stood and helped her to her feet before jogging off with her. He never made a move to out pace her being very careful to keep next to her jogging along shoulder to shoulder with her as they made their way across the lake. He bit his lip as they ran letting a soft sigh it hurt him to be so distant from the young woman. In only a short time he changed so much because of the young woman and it hurt him dearly to have her upset with him.

The feel of Thanos’ hands on her body as he helped her stretch was beyond exquisite to Liana. More than anything, she wished he’d just scoop her up in his arms and kiss her. Bring her inside the cabin so that they could share themselves again. But she knew it wouldn’t happen. The coldness she felt rolling off of him in great waves made that very plain. Regardless, she allowed herself to relish and enjoy his touches as he helped her now, taking in the sensation of how it felt when his hands made contact with her body. She wanted to go limp, to stare into his dark eyes and seek out another glimpse of the beautiful soul she knew resided within them. But the ache she felt in her heart wanted to protect her from further pain. So, she closed her eyes as he worked her muscles, readying her for their jog.

Liana tried her best to jog as quickly as she could. Considering the fact that Thanos no longer wanted her, she wanted to at least make him proud. It was better than nothing since she couldn’t have his love. She was surprised that he didn’t quicken his pace and outrun her. She knew he could and she found it odd that he held back. He had his reasons, she was sure. And she had to admit that she was grateful, the gesture whether conscious or not, was a sweet one. Perhaps he felt badly that he couldn’t return her feelings? She didn’t know.

As they jogged, Liana noticed that Thanos kept on glancing up to the skies, in the direction the dragon had flown. She wondered what was going on with that. It must’ve had something to do with the war, she figured. After all, he was a soldier, a warrior. He was a part of the war and had responsibilities. More than likely he was just making sure things that needed attending to, got the attention they required.

Liana had wanted to speak so many times as they jogged around the lake. But words escaped her. Nothing she could say would help her situation. And she didn’t want to burden Thanos any more than she’d already had with her emotional distress. He had enough to worry about.

Once back at the cabin, Liana gave Thanos a longing look. She wanted him to hold her so desperately. Taking a deep breath she finally spoke. “What now?” There was more meaning behind those words than at first glance. Of course, she knew he’d figure she was wondering about what they’d be doing next. And that was partly true. But she also wanted to know where they stood now. Did he still want her to lay in his bed with him? She was so confused, more than hurt. And no matter what happened or how he felt towards her, she knew her heart belonged to him. Forever.

Thanos bent over as the run finished catching his breath even the jog at such a distance caused his lungs to burn. Turning to her as she spoke he could hear the loaded statement and he resented her for saying it. Loading a statement where there was no way he could answer it with out offending her. He hated when people made statements like that it was one thing he hated more then most others.

"You have the day off you actually did not have to come on the run. " He said softly hoping she would realize he was using the run as a way to spend time with her but figuring she would not. Slowly he moved to the house and around behind it he needed to burn of some stress and could only think of one way to do so, well one way that would be accepted right now. He looked at the young woman and longed to just take her up to his room and work off all his tension in the throws of passion.

Instead he went around back gathering the tub he took it to the mountains edge filling it with large rocks and using the blankets to keep them inside. He then began lifting the heavy tub in a modified work out he had been doing for years doing many of the work outs he would do back home with proper equipment. Removing his shirt to keep cool his muscles flexed with each and every lift of the incredibly heavy tub. Even if he was only picking up one end of it it still weighed a ton.

Liana just stood there, silent, unmoving. The look she saw cross Thanos’ face was one of disgust. He was angry with her and terribly so. She supposed she deserved it for wanting too much from him, not to mention being a failure as an apprentice. Watching him walk away, she hung her head and went back to the cabin. When she got inside, she cleaned up the dishes from breakfast and then headed up the creaky stairs.

Once at the top of the stairs, Liana paused, trying to decide where she belonged. Finally, setting her jaw she walked into the room Thanos had said was theirs. If it was indeed theirs, then she’d treat it as such until he told her otherwise. She walked into the room and rummaged through her basket until she found one of her nightdresses. She changed into the garment and then went to check on the fire.

The fire was burning rather warmly and Liana saw that her dress had been placed next to it so that it could dry from when it had gotten wet earlier. She touched the material gently with delicate fingers, her eyes closing as she remembered how beautiful Thanos' nude body had looked. Eyes tearing, she walked over to the bed. Right now all she could think about was sleep. It was the only way she could escape the pain she was feeling, at least for a little while anyway.

Liana pulled back the blankets and snuggled deeply within them, her head resting against the soft pillows. She could smell Thanos on the blankets, so she drew them closer to her body, wrapping them around her tightly, imagining that it was his arms holding her close and giving her the comfort she needed.

Thanos worked out until the night was on the edge of the sky every muscle in his body screaming. Sweet was pouring off his body again it felt fantastic to be so exhausted from such a fine work out. Putting the tub and blankets away he smiled and cleaned up again. He did not want to smell to strongly after such a work out he certainly would he was still hoping she would be in his bed tonight.

Slowly Thanos cleaned around the house making the place look more presentable knowing he would have company soon. Gathering a change of linens he went up to his room smiling seeing the young woman asleep in his bed it pleased him that she wanted to still lay with him. Removing his clothing he knelt to pray spending a good deal of time kneeling nude before the wall of rings before rising and going to the bed. The linens mounded at the foot of the bed he smiled and lifted the covers.

Smiling as he saw the rather cute night dress he crawled into bed deciding that if they would share a bed they could lay close. Slowly he moved her so that she was resting her back against his chest his arms wrapped around her as they spooned. "Sweet dreams darling." He said softly not wanting to wake her but feeling the need to bid her a delightful night before he himself fell into the deep sleep that would come after such a work out.

Liana shifted her body a bit, her eyes slowly opening. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been sleeping, but she could see plainly that the sun had long ago set. Streaks of moonlight shone through the window, dancing upon the floor as the fire crackled in the fireplace.

Liana felt surprisingly warm, safe. Shifting her body more, she saw that Thanos was in bed with her. His arms were wrapped about her body, her head no longer against the pillows, but his chest. Turning to face him, she felt her eyes become wet, but she held back the tears she felt prickling at her eyes. She would not let them spill, not now. Letting out a soft, shaky sigh, she brought her hand up to his chest and gently touched the ‘L’ he’d carved into his flesh. She wondered why he’d did that if he didn’t want her. But no matter, it had been done.

Leaning forward, Liana pressed her lips against the self-inflicted wound on Thanos’ chest. She nuzzled her body against his, her cheek against his chest, her arms wrapped around his middle, her leg draped over his. It was nice being this close to him again, even if it was only when the sun sunk behind the horizon. She’d cherish these moments with all that she was, her body calling out for his, her heart in the palm of his hand.

Thanos was in the midst of another pleasant dream, the second in as many days when her gentle affection woke him from his content sleep. He had woken just before she kissed his chest and smiled seeing her do so his muscles reacting pleasantly to her soft touch. Slowly his hand moved to her leg where the dress stopped and softly touched her skin inching high onto her hip. He loved feeling her skin against his palm and there was little that he enjoyed more and he wanted to feel more of her.

Letting out a happy sigh he smiled and looked down his body where they where joined enjoying seeing her touching him so delicately. Slowly he arched his back a bit and kissed her gently on top of the head wanting her to know how much he cared for her. He was never one for words and now he could not even begin to figure out how to words to describe his feelings.

Smiling at her he closed his eyes moving his hand against her lower back just wanting her to know he cared and he was here for her. He wished he could be with her one more time today but he was not going press that issue right now after the day the pair had been threw, making love with her would not be something he thought was okay. No matter how much his body and his heart fought against his mind he could not let them win at least until he was sure she no longer hated him.

As Liana snuggled against Thanos’ body, she felt his hand touch her leg and then her hip. The feel of his hand against her skin making her shiver and smile. Being next to him like this felt so right to her. Just then, she felt him shift underneath her. It was as if he was trying to make her more comfortable. In response, she held onto him more tightly, rubbing her face against his chest, drinking in his scent. Suddenly, she felt him kiss the top of her head. Almost instantly her eyes began to water. The act was so simple, so tender and meant the world to her. If only he could understand this. If only there was a way to convey such a thing without upsetting him. Yes, this man stirred things up within her that she couldn’t even begin to describe.

Trying to make the most of their closeness, Liana gently began to rub Thanos’ sides, taking in the feel of him. She noted every line and cord of his muscles, the way they gave him his shape. She tried to memorize every scar her fingers were able to trace, every spot that hadn’t been touch. She still longed to hear the stories behind them all and she wondered if he’d ever tell her now.

Swallowing lightly, Liana felt Thanos’ hand go to the small of her back, nudging her closer. The way he caressed her made her feel at ease, made all the horrible tension she’d felt during the day ebb away into nothing but mist ready to dissipate as the sun burned it away. Feeling safe and comfortable, she kissed his chest again and let out a contented sigh. Her sigh was louder than she’d expected it to be, but she didn’t care. She was just happy that he cared enough to hold her, to give her comfort, even after she’d upset him so much earlier.

Thoughts of love ran through Liana’s mind as they laid there. She wanted to tell Thanos that she loved him, but didn’t want to upset him further by burdening him with her own problems. Eyes feeling heavy, she felt sleep trying to overtake her once more. At least this sleep would be restful, not like it had been before waking to find Thanos holding her in his arms.

Letting her body fall into slumber, Liana gave Thanos a squeeze. “I care for you so…” she whispered, not even realizing it, falling into a deep sleep.

Thanos grew tense as she traced over his body hoping she would either not discover or care that he was laying next to her completely nude. He let out a soft groan as she traced his form her touch setting his body on edge waking up every nerve each begging for her touch. He was so happy that she was glad to be laying with him he had a long day ahead of him and he hoped they would get some sleep.

He leaned in not long after she had let sleep over take her finally able to tell her how he felt about her as her body laid against him. "I love you, I just don't know how to tell you. " He spoke in little more then a whisper before settling back down and drifting off to sleep in her arms. The night quickly washing over the young couple and soon morning approached still some hours away but close enough that Thanos's drake had returned. A firm snort right next to the window was enough to wake the rider turning he nodded and slowly slipped from the bed, careful not to wake her he still had time before he needed her awake.

Thanos moved quickly silently getting dressed in his armor before leaving the room and making his way down stairs rapidly. Quickly he mounted his dragon with out even putting on a saddle and speed to the small town he had visited the day before. Once he was in the town he slipped unseen into the armorer and took the armor he had paid for leaving the remaining money on the counter. Just as dawn rose he returned walking into the room with the young womans armor in his hands hoping she had not yet awoken.

Liana slept so soundly knowing Thanos was beside her, holding her. Her dreams were filled of the two of them together. In one, they were walking hand-in-hand, the love between them so strong. In another they were sitting beside each other, looking out over a body of water. He was holding her close, caressing her arms. In yet another they made love over and over until they were spent.

Liana suddenly sat up with a gasp, her cheeks red, her body on fire. The dream of her and Thanos being intimate was still so very fresh in her mind. She could still feel his hands touching her skin. Breathing heavily, she allowed her eyes to focus, blinking the sleep from them. She looked over at the doorway and there stood Thanos. He looked more than daunting in his black armor and she wondered why he was dressed in it already. Her eyes went from his face to what he was carrying. In his arms he was carrying some sort of gear. Armor.

Quirking up an eyebrow, Liana wondered what the armor was for. It was then that she remembered. The other night in town, before they’d been separated and the events that led them where they were had occurred, he had ordered her specially crafted armor. How and when he went back to get it, she had no idea. But he had and he held it now.

Swallowing, Liana tilted her head, her eyes going back to Thanos’. “My armor?” she asked softly, though she already knew the answer.

Nodding silently he walked over and laid the dark green armor down next to her, brass buckles and decorations of what looked like ivy winding around her body. Moving to the basket of clothing he gathered up her clothing that would go well under her armor and handed it to her. Slowly slipping from the room he paused at the door biting his lip before deciding to be bold and returning to her side. Carefully he stood her up and gripped the bottom of the night dress lifting it slowly up and off her form leaving her in just her panties.

His eyes sparkled as he helped her dress to make it quicker dressing her in one of her training shirts and pants. Not bothering to give her a bra as the breastplate would provide more then enough support. He then set to work showing her how to put on the hardened leather armor. He knew it would take time for it to grow comfortable for her while her body and the armor got used to one another. Slipping on the pants he showed her how tight and what order to do the buckles in before taking the heavy iron lined breast plate.

Smiling he slipped it carefully over her body he tightened the armor around her once her marvelous form was in the chest piece. Smiling he added on her arms and and handing her the boots and the gloves smiling as he took the final piece of her armor holding it out to her. A brand new sword he had ordered moments before going to save her slipping the belt around her and binding it down he backed up looking at the young woman in her armor. "You look fantastic. You need to wear this every day until you break it in. "

Liana just stared at Thanos as he set the armor down along with clothing of hers he felt she ought to wear with it and then headed out of the room, closing the door behind himself. She looked at the armor, no clue as to how to put it on, where to begin. Just then, the door opened once again.

Thanos stood in the doorway for a brief moment before walking over to Liana. Their eyes locked onto one another’s, the connection brief, but so very intense. At least for her. He pulled her nightdress off her body in one swift movement, leaving her naked there before him, with the exception of her panties. He then went to work dressing her.

Liana felt like her body was on fire as Thanos moved about her, putting on her clothes and getting her situated in the manner he felt appropriate. First he put on her clothes, one of the simple tunics and a pair of pants. Next, he went to work with the armor itself. It was complicated and she watched him work the straps and leather in awe. The armor felt stiff and cumbersome on her body. Awkward. But the way he looked at her after she was dressed… words couldn’t begin to describe it. He looked pleased. Whether it was with himself for dressing her in the armor or for how she seemed to look in it, she couldn’t tell.

“You look fantastic. You need to wear this every day until you break it in,” Thanos then said.

Liana just looked at Thanos and nodded. Her mind was blank, her skin on fire from his touches. “Will I need to wear it all day long then?” she asked. “Not just while training, but…” her voice trailed. She felt silly suddenly asking him such a thing. This was her armor, her new attire as a dragon rider for Azur. Of course he meant for her to wear it constantly. He was preparing her for her new life. The one where he wouldn’t be in it. Her heart heavy, her body aching for him to hold her, she cast her eyes downward. “Disregard my question. Of course you mean for me to wear it all day long.” She gave him a smile and a gentle touch of her hand, desperately trying to hold back the tears she felt just starting to prick at her eyes.