A Clouded Mind (Blacktalon x FieryAngel)

[fieryangel]

Night was approaching, and a bright mixture of oranges and pinks painted the sky as the sun slowly sank closer toward the horizon. Thundering hooves and creaky wagon wheels echoed through the valley, along with the footsteps from a group of men, women, and children seeking out a new town to call home. A war was brewing off to the west, dooming their village to a fate of fire and smoke. With no where else to call home, they were on a journey to settle elsewhere.

One fair maiden rode upon a trusty white steed, rich red hair straighter than a board hung loosely down her shoulders and danced in the gentle breeze. Sparkling emerald hues searched the group, seeking out the captain of their voyage and finding him at the front of the line.

"Sir, we must stop to make camp. Night is upon us, and without fire and shelter we risk illness or death. Besides, our people are hungry, children exhausted from the long journey. Please, we all need to rest!" Placing her horse before him to block his path, her gaze locked upon his to stare him down. It was clear that he nearly began to say nay, however, he was tired himself and needed to rest.

"Very well, then. But at the crack of dawn, we continue." She nodded and turned her steed, galloping along the long line of people, shouting her announcement. One by one they all came to a halt, digging through supplies and pitching tents. A group of men armed with bows and arrows set out to hunt in the nearby woods, while women gathered firewood to warm their chilled bones for the night. The entire group, though homeless, seemed to be in high spirits, some even bringing out the barrels that had been saved from the fire full of ale, and began to drink, toasting their new start on life. After a while, the valley became full of the sounds of singing and laughter, the sure signs of a strong group willing to look on the bright side of life.

Meanwhile, Ariana refused to join in on the fun, taking up her weapons and seeking a spot upon a nearby ledge to guard the people overnight. She was a woman with a sense of duty and honor, her father having been a knight appointed by the king before his death. Her skill at swordsmanship earned her the title of town hero once, as she defeated an ogre that once threatened their peaceful home. Since that day, she felt it her duty to protect those she loved dear.

Slowly, the crowds began to dwindle below, those who once drank and sang now retiring to their worn tents for the night. However, the night was just beginning for Ariana. Darkness overtook the land, putting her on full alert as her gaze continued to wander over the valley below, watching for signs of danger.

 

[BlackTalon]

As the villagers had travelled far already to escape from the signs of war that was once their village, they had impeded onto another problem. Maybe not as much for them but more for the owner of the land they were travelling across. Hooves cracked onto the dry ground of the worn travelling road, men yelling out orders and commands as if they were making a bold statement of rank and fidelity towards eachother. Nevertheless, none of them knew what terrible evil they had awakened from its slumber and even less off them knew what a terrifying night it would be for all of them. Out of the shadow covered cavern in between the mountains that laid upon their path, a figure appeared from within it. A man dressed in a black tathered cloak that had only strips of cloth running down the back of the cloak as the hood was still mainly intact, hiding the figure's face for now. Underneath the cloak, small fragments of platemail attached to chainmail could be seen but those were covered in leather apparation to hide their true strength and from the cloak's rear end, one could see what seemed to be a staff's end.

The man waited until night started to settle and the villagers had quieted down a lot as they were now on the verge off going to their tents to sleep off what alcohol and bliss had injected into their minds and hearts. The man then suddenly vanished from birdsview as if he mixed with the very shadows itself and then reappeared at the opposite side of the road, looking over a ridge much similair to the one Ariana had held her point upon but on the opposite side of the road , covered by various bushes and trees. Hidden in the shadows the man lurked over the people that have done their best at drinking ale and releasing the stress they had pent up from abandoning their village and that is when the man saw something that he had never seen before. On the ridge opposite to him sat a lady, fair red hair over a beautifull face and a body many were jealous off. He smiled underneath his hood and for the first time in this story, the man pulled down his hood and revealed his chestnut brown spiky hair that fell forward, halfway over his forehead as his light red eyes gazed upon the gorgeous specimen of human architecture. He had to get closer, he had to get to her.

 

[fieryangel]

Silence filled the air as the night drew on, only the sounds of crickets chirping and fire crackling from below would reach her ears as the strained for any signs of life or movement. A chilly breeze shifted through the valley, and Ariana gripped her darkened cloak that hung from shoulders to feet, wrapping it tightly to warm her curves. A deer suddenly scampered across the road, attracting the maiden's attention. Flat, leather boots shuffled towards the edge of the ridge, just enough to catch sight of the frightened creature below. It was a mystery as to what drove the poor thing from it's rest, but it certainly put the warrior princess on edge.

From across the way, she felt a pull, a need to look through the darkness. Low and behold, she saw a glimmer of red, barely seen and possibly her imagination. Rubbing her eyes, she'd blink and look again, though it appeared to be gone. Thinking nothing of it, her attention turned towards the sky blackened by the lack of a moon, leaving nothing but twinkling stars overhead. Finding no danger, she lowered herself upon the rock, leaning against the mountain and shifting to find comfort. It was no bed or chair, but it would do to rest tired feet while still allowing watchful eyes to guarantee peace to those who slept. A soft yawn parted rosy lips as she grew rather tired, and soon it became a struggle to keep awake.Once in a while, she'd shift, and to keep her eyes from closing, pulled a bow from her back as well as a blade, and began to carve into the handle.

 

[BlackTalon]

As the man continued to observe the gorgeous woman he had laid his eyes upon, he noticed that her attention had moved towards the deer he had accidently scared with his presence. It seemed that animals could feel his presence a lot more easily than humans could, ofcourse that is what he wanted. To be unseen and to be unheard and that is what gave him a quiet idea that flustered through his mind as he observed the human female that he so hungered for. A wide grin appeared on his face as he continued looking towards the slowly tiring knightess. He smiled gently as he saw his chance and stepped into the shadows off his ridge and without even making the slightest noise, the man appeared in a tree only metres away from the unaware Ariana. His eyes now adjusted to the difference in distance they had in between eachother.

The man kept on looking over his prey as she swayed in her stay, yawning as she pulled out her bow and started carving into the handle of her own bow to pass the time she had to spent up by herself. The idea in the backside of his mind kept creeping into the front of his mind as he now nodded gently in the shadow and for a second a voice appeared from all around Ariana "Dol Atoh , Sieln No Sach Da Wuld Egh Omen." The man had spoken in an ancient language and had laid the basic of his plan onto the female. If she had slipped into a slight slumber, she might have thought it to be halucinant voices or when she was alive, she couldn't trace the source at all. But what she hadn't known is that a seed of deception had been planted inside of her soul, one that would slowly corrupt her mind and would drive her into the arms of the man that sought her for himself.

 

[fieryangel]

At times, her head would nod, and sleep threatened to take over. "It seems quiet, perhaps a little rest wouldn't hurt." Leaning her head against the back of the rock wall, she closed her eyes and dozed, stuck in a place between slumber and awake. However, there was a foreign tongue that seemed to come from nowhere, and her eyes flew open, scanning the darkness around. Not a soul was in sight, and she rubbed her head, unsure if it was simply a dream or just imagination.

Now unable to sleep, she tried to remain focused on the darkness of the night, but her thoughts kept wandering to that strange voice. It was just a dream, wasn't it? The language wasn't recognizable, and she thought it strange to dream of something she had no knowledge about. Then again, there wasn't a soul in sight except for an owl in a nearby tree and the deer grazing out in the field. Even all of the villagers had gone to sleep for the night, leaving the fires to burn themselves out. The gentle glow of the embers faded as the minutes ticked, finally going out once nothing was left to burn. An hour or so passed before Ariana gave in, finally laying upon the rock and letting sleep overtake her. No dangers could be seen, nothing to be heard, and unable to keep her eyes open, she drifted off into a deep slumber.

 

[BlackTalon]

Ariana had felt it to be her imagination as the man had chanted something in an ancient language as he continued his observation of the beautifull woman until the fell clutches of night had taken its toll onto her. He could see that she laid herself upon a rock and slowly let her conciousness slide into a deep slumber. The man silently dropped down from hiding and walked up to her as he now bent over the deeply asleep female and slowly took in her fragnance and the sight of her body which was so lovely as it slept. He smiled gently as he could almost taste the blood that was coursing through her veigns, he desired for her. Not in the way of a simple meal but something far more serious than a simple snack, he had been alone for so long and he wanted to rise rank in his own world and for that he needed a suitable partner. And so he had yet found himself just that, a gracefull and beautifull warrioress that seemed fierce and yet elegant. He softly moved his finger to the palm of her hand and gently pricked into her skin, taking but a single drop as he let it slide over his tongue. Such exquisite taste she had. The man's eyes became dark blue and sated with hunger as he had tasted her now. Yet he had to keep himself on a hold as he had to wait for his plan to unfold and a soft sigh released from his lips as he stood up gently "Until soon my lady, then I will have you." he said and vanished into the darkness of the night.

As Ariana fell into her deep slumber, she could sometimes hear the ancient sentence run through her dreams and each and every time she heard it, she could see a figure of someone in the distance. A well formed and muscular knight, gowned in red plate armor, carrying what seemed to be a mace and shield with on the shield a crest of sword piercing a skull with a ring through it's nose. However, it was still a dream. Everytime she gazed upon the knight, warmth and desire filled her mind as moments after the knight would dissipate into thin air.

 

[fieryangel]

Exhausted from the journey, she slept soundly, unaware of the simple prick upon her palm, or the presence of another hoovering above her. She was lost in dreamland, a faint smile upon her lips as images swirled in her dreams.

Fog broke way and light shed upon a figure standing before her. He was tall, elegant, appearing brave and true. Any woman's fancy would be tickled by such a sight. What stood out the most was his piercing blue eyes, so soft and yet so determined. The image upon the shield was peculiar, one she wasn't at all familiar with and desired to know more about. Just who was this man, and why was she so mesmerized by him? Taking a step forward, he vanished, a fog rushing in to keep his identity hidden. No matter how fast she ran, Ariana couldn't find him again.

Springing to life, she awoke in a daze and highly confused. It felt so real, and yet it wasn't as she was clearly still upon the ledge looking down upon her people. The sun was peaking over the horizon, a sign it was time to begin their day. An elegant hand came up to rub the sleep from her face before rising to her feet with an audible groan. The rocks had done no justice to her tired body, but she wasn't at all one to complain. Gathering her things, she'd descend from her perch to check upon those below still hidden in their tents.

Camp seemed fine, untouched through the night. The only signs of life were tracks from deer and bunnies in the early morning dew that beaded upon the grass and sparkled like diamonds. Smoke still rolled from the fire pits, a good sign that another would be easy to start for breakfast. Listening, not a single soul was stirring, and hating to be the bearer of bad news, she knew it would be her duty to awaken them from slumber. First, she'd awake the captain, standing just beyond the borders of his quarters her voice reached his ears, bringing him from sleep. He greeted her with an unpleasant grumble, as was expected from him. It would be a while until he emerged from his tent, giving her time to get breakfast going for hungry villagers who needed strength for the trials ahead.

 

[BlackTalon]

As morning shone through the bright green trees in the surrounding path, birds made their morning songs and forest animals alike came from their holes and slumber only to travel the lands once more in search of food and the next shelter for the upcoming night. IF one of the villagers had gone out to hunt, they would have found a multiple amount of dead carcasses that were originally deers. Yet what that one did not know is that a human carcass had been broken apart and hidden amongst the dead animals. A man named Luir Hold had been murdered last night and yet ever so strangely, the same man emerged from his tent as the others slowly did and yawned quite pleasantly as they had woken up at a reasonable hour of the day to continue their travel towards safety.

Luir walked over to the campfire where Ariana had made breakfast and softly spoke to her "Is this for everyone else ?" he asked her politely as he sat down next to her, took out a wooden plate and served himself to some food, not even waiting for her answer. "I have yet to formerly know you milady, what is your name ?" the man asked her as he ate his breakfast with pleasant sounds. The man was quite muscular and had chestnut hair aswell as light blue eyes with a handsome complexion on his face as morning stubbles enforced that handsome look of his. He certainly was a looker, one of few handsome men that had been born inside of the village. His face adorned a slight scar on his right cheek that came from a hunting accident. He wore a fully black attire, decent pants with a black shirt that hung loosely over his body.

 

[fieryangel]

Supplies were scarce, but she was able to concoct enough to give those present a decent start to the day, not wishing for them to travel through the mountains on empty tummies. There was game left from the nights previous hunt, and mixed with eggs from the chickens they had luckily saved from the fires, it seemed a decent meal. It saddened her heart, though, to know that she couldn't provide anything further. Any sorrow or pain to be felt was never shown by Ariana, always wearing a smile upon her rosy lips. The fire roared below the pans as she stirred the mixture together, the aroma of breakfast filling the valley and sure to wake grumbling tummies. The captain, however, had seemed to fall back to sleep, as he hadn't made his debut as of yet.

Humming a sweet tune, it was shortly interrupted by the sound of a male, a voice she was only vaguely familiar with. Giving him a nod to bid him morning, her gaze turned back to pull the pans from heat. "Of course, Sir. I felt it best to start our journey today with something to satisfy the stomach. It isn't much, but every bit helps." For only a moment as her emerald eyes looked to his, she was lost in those blue pools. Her dream from last night was still fresh in her mind, that strange figure unable to leave her thoughts. Perhaps it's why his deep blue hues grabbed her attention. Shaking her head, she bowed lightly at the waist. "My apologies, Sir. I am Lady Ariana, daughter of the late Sir Philip of Norheim." Being a knight who served beside the king, her father was quite famous and known throughout the lands. Sadly, he had met an untimely demise in the war just a few years back.

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir smiled gently as she explained what her idea was. "Indeed it will make a good quick start for a long tiring day." he said as he continued eating gently and noticed that she was drawn into his deep blue eyes, he smiled gently as she did drown into them and noticed her shaking her head. He nodded gently as she mentioned her all so famous father "So the daughter of a glorious knight, may his soul rest in the heavens, now travels with her caravan to guard them it seems ?" the man seemed to be wonderous about why she was here, a knight like her should have been somewhere important or at least leading the caravan to safety "Aren't you a knight yourself ? Or do I seem to have this wrong ?" he asked her with a handsome smile on his face, finishing his breakfast as he stood up gently. He walked up to her and put his warm hand onto her right shoulder and gently whispered words into her ear "Stay strong Ariana, you seem strong enough." he said before he left towards his tent and started packing it up to continue their journey.

Little did Ariana know that the soft words of the kind man were words influenced by shadows, they made her feel quite angry. Angry that her father had left her by dying in combat, angry that they were forced to leave their village but most of all it made her feel extremely angry towards the captain that isn't doing his job right. She could feel immense fury filling her body, little did she know that it would be triggered on the sight of the captain.

 

[fieryangel]

Others were beginning to rise from the smell of breakfast and a warm sunny day beaming down upon their tents. Groans echoed through the valley as those who wished for more sleep climbed from their beds. Ariana pondered his question for only a moment, smiling with confidence as she knew the answer. "Yes, I travel with those who need guidance and protection from the evil out in this world. My father died from such evil, and I want no part of the war. It's why I refused to consider myself a knight, or join the ranks. I want to do good deeds, not become a killer." As he came closer, she was cautiously watching, but his touch had other affects. Lost in a daze the moment his hand lay upon her shoulder, she could do nothing but stare as he spoke gentle words that seemed comforting.

As he departed, thoughts drifted back to her father, tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. How could he leave her to such a life? Why is it that those around her always expect her to uphold a sense of honor and duty? It kept her from living a fulfilling life where she could find a husband and have babies of her own. No, she was stuck doing the captains job, who seemed far too lazy to get out of bed. She paced back and forth, those who had gathered to eat keeping their distance from her fuming temper. Finally, the captain rose and barked an order for her to fix him a plate. The usual obedient Ariana snapped her gaze in his direction and stormed forward.

"Why is it that I was up at the crack of dawn fixing these people breakfast? Why was it that I kept guard all night while you slept in your comfortable bed? You are no captain and don't deserve such a title. How dare you call yourself such when you care little about the fates of these wonderful people! I swear on my fathers grave if you don't stand up and earn that title of yours, I will have you stripped of not only that title, but of everything else you hold so precious and dear!" Hands thrown in the air, she stormed away, heading off to ready her horse for the long trip.

 

[BlackTalon]

As Luir saw Ariana walk off into the captain's direction, a soft grin appeared on his face as he attached his horse to his caravan wagon and sighed gently, whiping some faked sweat of his forehead. He looked towards Ariana as she passed and smiled handsomely at her and at that given moment, she could feel all of her fury dissipate as if it was never there and instead, she could feel her body being overwhelmed by a sense of calmness and pleasement as if she had just thrown off an incredible burden from her shoulders onto the floor and had told the captain what she really felt like. Luir then spoke to her gently "If you don't mind, I could always invite you to strap your horse to the back of my cart and have you sat besides me ? I think that might take your mind off the dissapointing captain and make the trip just a little bit more comfortable. Unless ofcourse you want to be sat on your mount during the journey" he asked her with that handsome smile on his face and strangely Ariana could feel her being drawn into the proposition.

That is if it was a proposition. In her mind Ariana flipped a switch and was forced to automaticly say yes and be pleased with the answer, she could feel her body screaming out to say yes as if it was to achieve an euphoric moment in her life. Luir smiled to her as she accepted his offer and he patted the place right next to him "Have a fine seat, my cart is nice and comfortable and if you ever feel so necessairy to, there's a comfortable bed in the cart along with some honey tea and a few salted jerkeys for the road." He seemed nice, almost too nice but it would not slip into Ariana's mind, all that ran through her mind was pleasedhood and happiness as if she had achieved an important task in her life. Somewhere inside herself, she was drawn to the man she had just met.

 

[fieryangel]

A sense of calm eased over her, feeling suddenly far better than she had a few moments ago. It was odd, as she never spoke out of turn or lashed out at another, but getting things off her chest was quite a relief! Others in their group simply stopped and stared, some even applauded her efforts at trying to give the captain a change of heart. All of them were drowned out the moment Luir spoke to her. Normally, she'd refuse such a proposition, finding that duty was far more important that kicking back to relax. However, this particular time, she felt the urgent need to say yes. "Well, that would be delightful. Thank you."

Moving about, her horse was quickly attached to the cart, and she steadily climbed to perch beside him with a smile upon her face. The captain now was staring at her quizzically, curious as to why she wasn't running along side in case if danger struck. She paid him no mind, focusing on her current companion almost in a dazed like state. "A bed you say?" it actually dawned on her to utilize it later, knowing that she was far behind on gaining a good nights rest. Again, she thought maybe later, having the strong desire to remain by his side for the next part of their journey. "I'm unsure why we haven't spoken before, Sir. I've seen you often around the village."

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir smiled gently as she sat next to him and enjoyed the rest she had deserved. He nodded gently as she mentioned the bed "Indeed a bed, nicely stuffed with geese feathers." he focused his glare back onto the road and sighed gently "Well I have always been busy working in the field and working at home, it's hard to keep a household working by yourself." he said as he softly wipped with the reigns as the caravan started moving slowly ahead. He smiled gently at her and then turned his gaze back forward and yet it seemed as if his gaze kept onto her, for Ariana it felt as if a warm feeling had succumbed her and made her feel somewhat tired and yet happy she had taken the seat next to him. It was going to be a long ride towards the next town and yet both of them didn't seem to mind as they had fun company and had found a peacefull place to sit, somewhere in the middle of the caravan where danger wasn't too imminent and guards were plenty.

 

[fieryangel]

Sitting upon the cart, she yawned softly, sleep threatening to settle over her after such a long night. However, she wouldn't rest. Not yet. As they began to move her gaze was cast all around them, searching for signs of trouble out of habit, but she continued to stop and stare at the man beside her. "I can understand. After my father died, I had to learn quickly how to run the household all alone. My mother passed giving birth to my sister, so it was just her and I. It was quite a challenge to balance everything, including my training." Knowing he was lonely tugged at her heartstrings, though not a clue why. However, it wasn't a subject to dwell on and quickly fell silent. A heavy sigh of her own filled the silence as her thoughts drifted back to her dream, the mysterious man standing in the mist, and those beautiful blue eyes that spoke to her. She was perplexed, unsure why it mattered so, and reached up to rub her forehead.

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir nodded and looked upon her as she mentioned her sister and couldn't help but wonder why he had never really seen her around the village at all. "Your sister ? I didn't know you had a sister, I've never really seen her around the village really. Is she like somewhere else now or ?" he asked her with a confused look on his face and then redirected his focus to the front of the caravan as they kept on travelling, softly pulling on the ropes of the horses and made them slow down a little bit.

The dream would still be quite vivid, almost as vivid as a memory. The mysterious man had made her feel as none have before and it would continue to 'haunt' her mind. She could feel sleep starting to assault her body and mind as they continued on travelling, her eyes would start to feel heavy and she would feel weakened by the feeling of soft sleep that flowed into her body slowly. Luir looked towards her as her eyes closed together and he softly smiled "Go lay in the back Ariana, you're tired and need some rest. Get comfortable in that bedroll and go to sleep." he said with a soft handsome smile on his face, his eyes were close to what the mysterious man had, only softer and only slightly different.

 

[fieryangel]

Ariana rarely talked about her sister, having lost touch with her a few months ago. “Well..” She began, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. The sounds of a crow flying overhead filed the momentary silence, catching her attention. “Umm, after father died she ended up betrothed to a knight from a neighboring kingdom. We’ve lost touch since she married.” With eyes turned to the sky, she found interest in the depth of the blue that was painted above, a small cloud drifted above the valley.

She was still thoughtful, those blue eyes from her dream a picture perfect image seeming to be forever ingrained in her mind. Glancing over, she nearly did a double take upon noticing Luir’s eyes, noting the striking similarity. Ariana couldn’t help but stare dumbfoundedly, even leaning in to get a better view. However, it seemed the gentle rocking of the cart as they moved along the road was taking it’s toll, and with a mighty yawn, her head tilted back and tried to give way to sleep.

His voice awoke her, snapping her out of the start of another dream starring her mystery man. “Oh, well, if you insist.” She wasn’t about to refuse a free bed. “If anything happens, please don’t hesitate to wake me. I just need to close my eyes for only a short while.” With a foggy mind, she crawled through the dimly lit cart and snuggled up into the bed, sighing with relief as sleep quickly overtook her.

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir chuckled gently and looked back at her as she almost blatantly stared into his eyes, leaning in closer to see the lightblue sea-filled eyes that seemed to shine in the light. It was a marvelous and rare thing to see eyes that had such vivid colour in them. It almost felt as the more she stared into them, the feeling of drowsiness was increasing inside of herself, sleep definetly catching her more and more the more she looked into his eyes. He smiled gently as she decided to lay down anyway and slowly joined the realm of sleep.

Once sleep had caught her completely, she could see herself in the same grassfield and yet again in the distance, the knight in shining armour without a helmet was standing there, however now he was closer, about half the distance he was before and his eyes were more vivid than before. They almost shone like two stars as he looked towards her, she could see that on the right side of his armor, an upside down cross had been drawn in a red colour, he was wielding a rather large bastard sword and seemed to be quite relaxed. His body expression shone relaxation and she could feel releaved now, her mind cleared up and she could feel somewhat excited by the feeling he filled her with, it felt good, it was a mix of power and pleasure that filled her from top to toe.

But then the mist came once more, this time it was a blood red mist that took away her vision of her knight and left her alone now in the grassfield where her vision was limited and she was merely surrounded by red mist.

 

[fieryangel]

At first, it was just his eyes that filled her dreams, mesmerized even in sleep by the vivid colors that swirled in his orbs. She was drawn to them for certain. However, when the images of her knight in armor broke through the fog, he had her undivided attention. Her dream felt far more real than it had before, only piquing her curiosity further. The grass tickled her bare feet as she stood in the field, staring awkwardly at such a mysterious man.

Feeling at ease in his presence, she smiled sweetly, taking a few steps forward to gain a better look. However, he never grew closer. No matter how many steps she took, he remained the same distance away. It was frustrating, but while she was locked in his gaze there was no ill feeling that could possibly get to her. "Who are you?" She hoped for an answer, some sort of clue to help solve the puzzle that kept her mind clouded since he first appeared.

As the red mist slowly rolled through, hiding the man she so wished to see, panic began welling up inside of her. She frantically whipped her head from side to side, searching for a sign that he was still there. It was far too thick, no way to see, no way to tell where she was or where he was. The unknown had now become frightening. In her sleep she tossed and turned, though in her dream she was silent and still.

 

[BlackTalon]

As her dream had turned into something that troubled her mind and soul, something that has happened for the second time. The red mist had stolen her sight from her knight and yet, she could feel his presence around her. Something about him made her feel comfortable and relaxed, the feeling of him being around her made her feel as if she didn't want anything else but him. And so be it, from the red mist behind her, her knight stepped through the veils of red coloured fog and stopped behind her. "Search for me Ariana, do not let anyone else stand in your way. Once you find me, I will be yours." the knight said as he laid a hand onto her shoulder gently and she could feel her body being filled with pleasure and relaxation once more. The feeling of him touching her was pure extacy and gave her the feeling that she was loved and secured by something stronger and higher than herself.

But yet as she attempted to turn around and look closely to the knight. Her vision would blurr and she would awake from her dream, only to see that the caravan had stopped in the next village, where they had stopped for the night. Luir was just unpacking the things and letting the horses drink and eat as they had faced a long journey.

 

[fieryangel]

Sitting up as she awoke, fists came up to rub at her eyes, blinking rapidly to gain some sort of sight. She had slept long and hard, leaving a bit dazed and confused. At first, she was looking around for this mysterious man from her dreams, only to realize he wouldn't be here. It was truly disappointing. However, his message still rang loud and clear, and she mused over what it meant. How was she supposed to search for a man that only existed in her dreams? And if he were real, where would she start? It was all so puzzling, but there was a pull in her heart, like a magnet wishing to join itself with metal. She had to find him, had to try, and there was an ache in her heart knowing it would be hard.

Unsure what to do about that, she rose from the bed and stretched, smiling upon seeing Luir. "My apologies, Sir, for sleeping so long! I'm not sure what came over me, however, I am grateful for your kindness. I feel far better than I have in a while." Jumping from the wagon with a hand upon the side for balance, her feet landed lightly upon the ground. "Is there anything I can help with?" The others from the journey were also unpacking, women and children working to round up children to settle in for the night. Others were merrily drinking by open flames, toasting the captain for his efforts to aid the group. Ariana rolled her eyes, knowing full well the captain did very little, but she wasn't going to let anger consume her again.

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir smiled at her as she jumped off the carriage and thought of making herself usefull once more. He chuckled gently and shook his head as he looked towards her with a smile on his face "Not really, however, I would like to invite you for dinner later on if you havn't made plans already." He smiled handsomely and inside of her mind, a switch broke once more, she could feel as if everything was becoming clear and she had no other option left but to accept Luir's offer. If anything she couldn't wait to go on that dinner invitation right now. However those feelings were only momentarily as the moment they appeared, she had looked upon the captain and saw how he was once more only concerned about drinking and taking all the credit for himself.

It fueled the hate for him inside of her, that small lit flame that slowly but surely grew bigger and wilder as she saw how hearthless and narrowminded he was. It brought her to the brink of sheer anger and discontempt over the captain's actions. It was as if nature itself pulled her towards him, making her anger uncontrolable.

 

[fieryangel]

At first, Ariana was about to decline, however seeing that night was quickly upon them, and the fact that nothing had been prepared, she politely accepted. "That sounds wonderful. I'd be delighted to join you for dinner, Sir. You are far too kind, you know." A gentle smile pulled the corners of her lips, her heart nearly leaping with excitement once the invitation was accepted. Looking at Luir, a new light was seeming to shine upon him, her views of the man become just a bit more intimate in nature.

As the captain laughed off to the side, it drew her focus away from what could have been a tender moment, which only seemed to to anger her more. "If you'll excuse me for a moment." Rage touched the tips of her ears, turning them red as heavy footfalls stormed their way to stand before the captain. An accusing finger stuck in his face, drink sent flying out of his grasp. The man looked up in pure shock and fear, knowing full well what the woman was capable of. "Ariana, what on earth has gotten into you!" Rising to his feet, he stood taller than her, but not enough to intimidate the woman.

Planting her feet, she reared back with curled fist, sending it launching to meet it nose which cracked from impact. As he flew back and landed upon the ground, blood trickled down his lips. "Ariana!! That is enough! I won't tolerate such behavior!" Moving to get up, a foot was placed upon his chest, dagger pointed down towards his throat. Crimson flashed in her eyes, it seemed, as anger swallowed her completely. "You are nothing but scum! I am so sick of you taking credit for all of the hard work I've done for you. I've stayed awake night after night keeping these people safe. I've sent out hunting parties so these wonderful people would have food. I've aided injuries, carried heavy packs, loaded and unloaded carts. What have you done? You've sat on your horse and watched, or slept in your tent. You are no captain, and don't deserve to sit here and drink merrily. If anything, I should execute you for the liar you are!"

Those who gathered around the captain quickly dispersed, watching from the distance and not daring to cross angered guard. Hushed whispers and shaking heads would gather her attention, looking around to those who now peered to her with fear. It was enough to pull her to her senses, and now she began to even fear herself. Backing away, she'd turn without another word, heading off back to Luir. It was only by his side she felt she'd find comfort and peace. Truth be told, it was a dream she desired, wishing to escape into sleep just to meet her knight once again.

 

[BlackTalon]

Luir looked upon the scene that erupted infront of him, Ariana that smashed the captain of the guards to the ground and threatened his life without the slightest of sweat erupting from her body. It was then that Luir showed a small grin on his face that quickly vanished and made way for a soft worried look on his face when she returned to him. "Everything alright Ariana ? I understand you feel that way. He is indeed a foul man, everybody knows and yet barely anyone does anything about it. I'm glad we have you around to open up some people's eyes." He nodded gently and took her hand as he walked towards his carriage, grabbed a purse and walked with her into the village they had arrived half an hour ago. He smiled to her and took her to a rather small looking inn and entered with her. "Two seats and a good meal for the both of us!" Luir said as he took a seat at one of the empty tables the inn still had to offer.

Something in Ariana felt that she was right where she belonged, his touch and him grasping hold of her hand felt as if it was the knight himself holding her. A feeling of pure extacy and delight filled her body as they moved towards the inn and as soon as they entered, she could feel at ease. Away from the captain's glare and the bystanders that were only there to survive and to gossip about her.

Luir smiled gently and looked upon her as she took the seat infront of him "So what are your future plans ?"

 

[fieryangel]

Arms hugged tightly against her chest, she couldn't make eye contact with Luir. "I...I don't know what's come over me. I'm not one to lash out in such a manner to authority. Perhaps these ventures are beginning to take their toll on me." She felt a bit better knowing he was on her side, but when his hand wrapped around hers? That made the world seem right. Staring at him as they walked, her dream suddenly made sense. Those eyes, the way he's watched over her, he was her knight. At least, that's what she hoped. However, she had begun to doubt her own feelings about anything as of late.

Sitting down at a table in the inn, her shoulders began to relax and a smile was worn upon her face. Now, she couldn't take her eyes off Luir, watching in amazement as the wheels in her mind continued to turn. "I don't know. I guess I've never thought about my future. I've always believed that duty and honor should come before all else, but now I'm not so sure. I have no home to go to, as mine was destroyed. My sister is married and living happily with her husband. I'd never wish to impose. I gave up on dreams long ago."

Two mugs filled with fine ale were brought to the table, just what she needed! Taking a few sips, it slipped down her throat and into her belly with ease, making the woman sigh with satisfaction. "Now, this will do me some good. Thank you, Luir, for all of your kindness. You are a wonderful man."