Flames of War and Passion (Razgriz x Ironic)

And this in Tresdin's mind was exactly why he wanted to avoid having this brought up; though admittedly, he found himself fascinated by her story, and from the expression D'yin was showing she seemed quite enraptured as well. He was sure that for her, it must have been quite an adjustment...But this only confirmed to him the depths of her resolve, of her indomitable will. It was one of the many reasons he found her so attractive as a woman, and why he wanted her as a bride.

"Koriand'r, I must say, you are very brave to face those dangers. I hope one day to possess the same resolve you do." D'yin spoke once more, clearly in awe of the former Princess' will to survive. To deal with the rot and filth was one thing, to brave the obvious dangers of the Pits and to do so in the face of her own father - the King, no less - could only be (very weakly) described as admirable.

"If it helps, Kori...There are others that do feel the same about this Tournament; they are simply too afraid of him to admit how atrocious it is." Tresdin then offered; while true, that number came in as a select few. Many of the citizens enjoyed these tournaments immensely, as it brought release from the hardships they faced. Even so, she was right in the deplorable nature of it all; hopefully, one day this senseless celebration of slaughter would come to an end.

Regardless, topics changed and the dinner carried on like normal; at the end of it all, everyone would likely be feeling quite satisfied. Tresdin was gone for a moment, D'yin staying behind to do a bit of last minute touching up after she and the Lord cleared the table. "Kori...Since we could only steal you away for one night...If you wish, I can arrange to have the extra food delivered to your comrades; I'm sure they would appreciate the meal. I already have permission from Lord Tresdin, if that helps any." she then offered her, knowing from looking in her eyes just how she felt about her friends.

It was here that Tresdin spoke upon returning, "Indeed, but I might be so bold, could I ask that you perhaps stay the night? A room has been prepared for you, as I didn't think it would be fair to throw back into a cage without a care in the world. Of course, if you wish to stay longer - or shorter - you need only ask." Tresdin was trying to do his best to be a good host, but he was wondering if maybe he was pushing his luck like this.

Kori took the compliments to heart and thanked them all for their kind words. It was nothing, really. She was just living and trying to survive. That's what their ancestors use to do, but nonetheless she was grateful to be noticed for her hard work and accomplishments whilst being under the stresses of her own personal life.

After the chatter and dinner came to an end Kori helped to clean up despite D'yin telling her that she didn't need to do anything. Kori was always one to clean up after herself and others. It was what she felt was the right thing to do and it helped those around her. She didn't mind it, really. Her eyes came to life once she mentioned something about bringing some food to her friends.

"You would really allow that?" She turned her head to look at Tresdin, smiling at his concern and kindness. "Thank you so much, please tell me of a way I can repay you for doing this for me and my friends." She bowed in front of him in an act of appreciation, wanting him to know that she was grateful. "How are we going to get it to them?" Kori asked out of curiosity. Her head nodded as he spoke to her about where she was sleeping, letting him know that she understood. It was still unknown to her what she would do tonight but she would figure it out later.

"You needn't do a thing...Except try to survive through the tournament while I figure a way to get you and your friends out of there." Tresdin then said to her, adding "But I've no doubt in your ability; the encounter in the forest really opened my eyes to how strong you really are. As for how I'll get it to them...I hope this doesn't come across as callous, but I am still a Prince. My authority rises above the guards, even if they are those of your father's employ. I'll escort D'yin through the chambers personally; she also happens to be quite skilled in medicine, and has offered to evaluate and treat as necessary." he tried to speak matter-of-factly about it, but he hoped she wouldn't take it as a jab to her former status.

Clearing his throat, he then said, "But that's a worry for tomorrow; it's getting late, and I'm sure you're exhausted. D'yin, if you would be so kind as to show Kori to her quarters...I have some things to attend to momentarily." The young female just nodded and replied, "Of course. This way, m'lad...Kori."

Leading the former Princess to her room, D'yin - unseen due to the complexion of her skin - blushed a little as she asked, doing her utmost to keep the tone neutral "Your G....Apologies, Kori. I don't wish to come across as rude...But if I might ask, why *did* you refuse Tresdin as a husband? It seems as if he truly does care about you...Did you think him a cruel man or something?" She would have given anything to find a husband like her Lord, arranged or not; she couldn't fathom why someone with Koriand'r's beauty and strength would refuse a man such as him.

Koriand'r rose from her seat and politely followed the maiden towards her bedroom. "If you need any help with anything let me know." She spoke aloud to Tresdin before he grew out of sight. The air was silent before D'yin broke that invisible tension in the air. Her questions were always a bit personal but luckily for her Kori didn't mind answering them. It was nice talking to someone deeply for once.

"I didn't want to marry someone I hardly even knew." Kori started off her reply, huffing out a grand puff of air as she recollected her thoughts on how she felt back then. "I couldn't imagine marrying someone I couldn't get to know prior to the wedding. It was so fast and I wanted to marry someone who I personally loved instead of it being all about money and power." Her lips frowned but not in a pained manner. "It costed me big time and I still didn't care." Dy'in was engrossed in her story, stopping in her tracks as she swiveled around to face her. "Now that I have met Tresdin and got to know him somewhat personally I do think he is very charming and a perfect fit for me. I was foolish and worried that things wouldn't work out like my parents. They never sleep in the same bedroom but stay together for royalty."

"Then why don't you choose him now that you found out you enjoy his presence?" D'yin asked as her face was swirled with confusion. It made no sense to her why she continued to resist.

"I... I actually found an attraction towards someone else." In a hushed tone she admitted towards D'yin's awaiting ears. She gasped in response, not expecting that answer. It was apparent she wanted to know who it was even though she didn't ask. "It's Khrelan, the man who's body is covered in flames." Just admitting it to someone for the first time her cheeks blistered just as red as Khrelan himself. Her heart raced and fluttered around in her chest, her palms sweaty and her breathing hurried just by mentioning his name.

D'yin could see what she said was true, her body language spoke volumes. In a way, having learned this, the young woman was envious of the Princess. She'd found someone that made her heart flutter and her mind race, someone that she wanted nothing more than embrace and hold close, someone to call a loving husband. She'd found someone herself...But she wondered if there was ever anything she could do to get him to notice her.

Clearing her throat, D'yin replied simply "I see..." She wasn't about to pry further, but also was secretly glad that Tresdin was not here to witness her sudden confession. There was no judgment from her, no ridicule to be heard as she said, "I personally do not know this Khrelan, but if he makes you feel that way, I would recommend telling him your sentiments as soon as you can." She'd heard of his triumphs in the Arena, but she also knew there were those that still viewed him as a coward and a weakling.

But to spare Kori stress, she kept this to herself. Of course, being who she was, honesty did wonders for her clan. Very few secrets were kept, as their philosophy was that secrecy only served to divide rather than unite. Even so...It was not her place to burden the Princess with undue worry.

"We're almost here to your room...I do hope you find it to your liking." D'yin commented; soon enough, they reached an immaculately carved wooden door, the heavy slab pushed aside to reveal a lush four-poster bed draped in thick sheets that one could probably spend all day wrapped and never want to leave from their sheer comfort. The large window-door led to a patio that overlooked the sizable lake on Tresdin's walled-in estate, the dipping sun granting a very picturesque landscape for the two to gaze upon.

D'yin smiled, "Well, Koriand'r...I believe this is where I must depart. Please, do try and rest well. May the stars watch over you." And with that the young lady gave a small bow and made her exit...Leaving Kori to herself and her thoughts as the members of the estate would all turn in for the night.

D'yin was a very sweet girl, Kori thought to herself as they strolled along the hallway towards her bedroom. If she did ever get out of this mess she would want to be able to perhaps hang out with her. She was someone that Kori could fondly get along with. "I will act on my actions when I see him next." Kori spoke softly enough for only D'yin to hear. Her heart began to flutter just by the thought of going up to Khrelan and admitting her feelings. Her heart already ached for him, constant thoughts wondering how he was doing right now in this very moment.

"Goodnight D'yin. It was a pleasure talking to you and getting to know you. You're very sweet and kind." Kori spoke from her heart, causing the girl to blush in response and Kori to smile in return. "If you ever need a buddy to talk to I'm your girl." She added on before entering into her room. With a subtle nod from both Kori closed her door, sighing in relief after the door clicked to say it had been closed.

It had been a long and adventurous day, tiring the sun-kissed skinned alien. Her emerald hues glanced around the room, admiring how neatly everything was placed and how grandiloquent it looked as well. Her footsteps were light and barely audible as she walked through the room. The window-door was a breathtaking site to behold, finding a new perspective as she looked at her surroundings. The bed looked too comfortable to pass up, gently falling into the confines of the mattress as she sunk into it. She felt as if she were on a cloud like the ones that always hovered above. She could get use to this again.

...But what about Khrelan and Dvaro? Her heart sank, just knowing that they were locked up in a cell while she was here enjoying herself. She wondered if they ever got the food she requested, hoping that they did and that they were enjoying it.

D'yin would be the only one that did not sleep right away; delving into the stowaway compartment in her quarters, she quickly dressed in a midnight-blue outfit that hugged every inch of her figure. Her mouth covered in a mask of the same color, this outfit would help her blend in with the shadows and allow her to steal her way past the guards. It was something she had done before...Leading her to recall her times of her past before she was to be sold.

But to think she was using these acquired talents to help not just her Lord, but a former Princess? It was heart-lifting and amusing at the same time. And moments later, her dark-clad figure would be seen ghosting out of the estate, a fairly sizable knapsack tied across her back.

Unaware of the little 'extra' the good Prince had added to the food; Tresdin's plan being completely unknown to her.

Her lithe body moved with a seamless grace, stepping this way and that before she reached the area where the prisoners were held. Two guards stood at the entrance...Well, more off to the side of the door, jabbering away. She knew this prison far too well; no one was concerned about escape, as each cell would be specifically designed to hold each combatant. And once the guards were looking away enough, she stole past them with ease.

Her first stop would be Khrelan himself; though he wasn't at where she thought he would be. Sitting in that cryo-container, especially for one of fire like him, must have been hell; but then D'yin remembered Tresdin mentioning he'd been moved and that he was with the other alien. The white one with the enlarged cranium...But where would she be?

"This way..."

That alone made her back freeze in surprise; what was this? Her eyes darted beneath the hood, looking every way possible to discern the source.

"Don't be alarmed; I'm reaching out telepathically. Just follow my voice...And try not to show *too* much fear."

D'yin took a steadying breath and moved again, following and following until she arrived at the entrance of the gate...Where an energy barrier blocked her progress. How was she to get in there?

"Let me get that for you..."

As if being pushed by some unseen hand, the keys to the codepad began entering themselves in sequence; within moments the barrier fell, allowing D'yin entrance into the crushing darkness. All around her she felt a very real danger...Like the walls were alive.

“If you knew the code why didn’t you break out before?” D’yin asked telepathically, wandering around the darkness before her eyes slowly adjusted. Somewhat she was grateful for Dvaro’s powers, not having to whisper with a chance of drawing attention.

“It’s too much of a risk right now. I will get my chance when the time is right.” She mused as she watched the girl step deeper inside her enclosure. D’yin tried to ignore the sadistic tone in her voice, swallowing the harsh lump clogged in her throat.

“Kori asked me to bring some food to you guys. Tresdin said that it would be a good idea, so here I am.” She began to explain, her hues finally catching glimpse of the small alien that kept to herself in the corner. “I admire Kori and you all for your strength and determination.

---

Letting out a long puff of air, Kori sat upright before tucking her knees against her chest. The dim light of the moon shined into her window, casting a subtle glow as shadows blended with it. She wondered about Tresdin, admiring his kindness as he displayed it earlier today. He really was a nice guy, maybe she should’ve given him a chance in the beginning.

Gently she dangled her legs over the edge of the bed, planting them firmly on the ground and stood before tiptoeing out of her bedroom. Though she was uncertain on how to maneuver around his home she attempted to retrace her steps, plus it wasn’t hard to find his bedroom.

Standing in front of his door her hand shook with anticipation. Should she knock and see him or was this a foolish idea from the start? She sucked in a gulp of air before growing the courage to knock, slamming her knuckles against the intricate structure of the door. Before he got a chance to open it she decided to crack it open herself, but didn’t step in just yet.

“Mind if I come in?”

Dvaro smirked, probing the young female's mind with her being none the wiser; it seemed she was telling the truth, as she could foresee nothing in her memories that would indicate that she was lying. And those same memories showed that Tresdin, as his name turned out to be, did in fact ask D'yin to give the food to those two. "Your kind words are appreciated, but really it was because of Khrelan and Koriand'r that I've made it this far. I must admit, I didn't think Tresdin would actually care about our safety." was her response

"Lord Tresdin is a kind man, more so than you might think." D'yin stated, a hint of defensiveness in her mental voice. The white-fleshed alien let an unseen grin cross her features; so that was her thoughts on him. Oh, how it must kill her that she was overlooked for another...but Dvaro knew better than to pry. "Well, when you do return, please inform him of our thanks for the meal." then replied Dvaro, hearing some of the creatures starting to stir around them but Dvaro quickly silencing them.

At this Khrelan's body stirred a little, looking up to see another person in the cell with himself and Dvaro; was this another gladiator? Someone else forced to fight for this mad tyrant's amusement? 'Khrelan, meet D'yin. She's brought us some higher class meals, courtesy of Lord Tresdin' she reached out to the immolated alien being, Khrelan's body faded from the exertion of the previous event but still glowing a gentle orange. "D'yin...Thank you, the kindness is appreciat..." Khrelan started to say, only for Dvaro to intervene mentally 'Ah, ah, ah...Inside voices. Don't need guards meddling with us...Don't worry, I'll act as a medium for you two'

Khrelan paused for a moment, then said 'As I was to say, your kindess is appreciated...But, is Koriand'r well? Is she safe with him?'

---

Tresdin was now back in his room, perusing over a letter he'd received earlier as he sat on the edge of his own bed; his hands shook a little as he read it, but not out of fear. Out of excitement. If this were to work, Koriand'r and he would be happily wed. He would get the woman he'd been seeking for all this time, and finally be able to break the hold his family had over him.

However, he soon jumped out of his chair as the powerful knocking rang out, a hand coming up to rest near his racing heart. Shoving the letter haphazardly back into the nightstand, he quickly went to see who it was...Only to find the very woman he'd just been thinking about peeking through the crack in the door.

"Kori! Please, do come in, yes" he managed to say, trying to calm the nerves as he added, "Apologies if I seem a bit disheveled, but I didn't expect you to come and visit me." His hands twisted a bit amongst themselves as he then asked, "Not that I mind, of course! I...hope everything is well? Do you need anything changed in your quarters? Or perhaps a warm drink to help you sleep?"

“Princess… Ehrm, I mean, Koriand’r is well. She is in her guest bedroom right now as we speak.” D’yin responded, all telepathically. It was hard for her to remember to say it with her mind and not with her lips. “She has this sorrowful look on her face. I know she misses you guys. She spoke of you often, Khrelan.” She almost wished that she wouldn’t have said anything, but the distressed tone in his voice needed to be cheered up.

“I think she wants to come back down here, honestly.” D’yin admitted. Dvaro was slightly shocked by learning about this.
“You mean to tell me that she would rather be down here in the dirt than in there with royalty. Wow, you must be right to say she misses us.” She couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. It sounded like Kori alright.

“Yeah, strange girl she is. You guys left an impact on her that I don’t think anyone can replace or take away. We talked for a minute and I learned a lot from her in just those few moments.” D’yin said, her eyes looking at Khrelan. She already admitted too much, she wouldn’t want to tell him everything Kori had said tonight.

---

“Thank you so much for the offer, but I just really needed company is all.” She replied to his suggestions for sleep remedies, finding herself a seat on his bed after stepping inside of his quarters. “I couldn’t help but think about everything you’ve done for me tonight. You’ve provided me shelter, food, and you even allowed my friends to have some too. That was very kind and sweet of you…” Her eyes fluttered as she looked down at her lap, her hands laying overtop of them before twiddling her digits together out of nervousness.

“I’m sorry for how I’ve acted earlier. You have to understand it from my view too.” She fixated her eyes onto his, trying to read into him. Did he really understand where she was coming from? Before he had a chance to reply she would continue. “I never really met you and as far as I knew I was being wedded to someone just for power purposes… I wanted to know my mate before I would wed them. I just don’t see how It would work out. My parent’s, for instance, do not care for each other, but they still married because it was their duty.”

Her throat became dry, the muscles in her throat moving around to swallow down on the dryness. “I was scared, and I am ashamed to not only embarrass myself, but embarrass you too. I was selfish and I shouldn’t have thought about what would happen to you. You were only doing what you were told, and I threw it all away. I hope you can forgive me, Tresdin. I don’t deserve to be standing here in front of you…”

Khrelan was shocked as well at the revelation; she had a chance to escape this torment, to finall live free for a night or perhaps even longer...And she wanted to come back? Even more so was the fact she mentioned him; why would he be relevant? Granted, he did hold a fondness for her; she had a certain air of resolve that made him want to stay close...And not just for survival's sake with her being a native.

"I see...." Khrelan replied, adding "Thank you, D'yin..." However, their meeting would be cut short, voices starting to come from the entrance suggested that it was time to go. 'I'm sorry...But I must leave now. Thank you both for everything...' D'yin started to say, but Khrelan then asked,

'Please, D'yin...Ask Kori to follow her heart. I know it will lead her to the right place; one such as her does not deserve this treatment'

D'yin said nothing...but soon stole away, D'varo letting the chambers fall silent once more as the young woman sleekly made her way out of the cell. D'varo quickly lowered the barrier, then let it rise back up after D'yin escaped from the confines.

---

Tresdin said nothing, even as she asked him to look at the situation from her eyes. He knew exactly where she was coming from, even if the result ended up breaking his heart. He was all too aware that her family wasn't exactly what one would call 'functional', and the pressures of her and him to wed.

But even so, it wasn't just his own parents that were the reason. She was naturally attractive, and had a big heart to care for those that could not defend themselves.

And as she tried to choke back her coming sadness, she would find him sitting closer next to her,..His arm draping over her shoulder in a comforting manner. "Kori...You needn't explain yourself nor defend your actions. You have a way of saying everything without saying anything at all...It's one of the qualities I adore about you." He then gave her a confident smile, stating "I do forgive you, I've forgiven for a long time now...None of what happened is your fault, and no matter what you may do, I'll be honest in that I could never stop loving you."

Sitting back a little, he finished with a great hint of genuine humor, "You deserve the best life possible, Koriand'r...I just wanted to let you know that. And even if you say no, that doesn't mean I won't keep trying"

D’yin would feel the heat of her breath leave her parted lips as she slid away from the cool and musky cellar. She had forgotten the invigorating surge of energy she felt when she traveled places in secrecy; as if awakening a different side of her that was buried down under.

Like a versatile feline her body contorted to accommodate for the cracks she slipped through, making her way back into her abode. She passed by the Prince’s room before sensing another form on the other side of the door. A small smirk tingled against her skin before she strolled down to her quarters.

---

Instead of pulling away from him as his hand shrouded over her shoulder she would find herself melting into him. Her chin rested against the part of his clavicle where his shoulder would start. “Your kind and reassuring comments mean a great deal to me, but I still don’t see what you see in me.”

Kori lifted her jaw upwards to catch a glimpse of his features, her eyes locking down to read the lines in his face. “I admire your commitment. I’m ashamed that I am not as sincere as you are to our planned wedding.” Her chest pressed deeper into his side, her breath warm with a hint of moisture to it as she spewed it against his flesh.

“Your heart is racing; did you happen to notice that?” She asked as her voice flicked upwards at the end of her sentence, almost sharpening it enough to pierce those who heard. If he concentrated enough he would be able to feel the jolting of her own increasing heart rate. Why was she feeling this way? Was it loneliness? Her left hand laid against his opposite side, getting dangerously close to him.

(I'm so sorry, I thought I replied to this! Wow...Just shows I know how to check xD)

Tresdin just smiled, "I see a woman who's devoted to living life by her own terms. Such a strength is rare these days, I've seen; as you said, your parents only married for the power and wealth each brought the other. You want to be wed to someone who you can truly love, who you know and want to live with for the res of your days. I can respect such resolve."

As she admitted her shame, "It's not a matter of sincerity; as I said, I know now just how rushed you were feeling. So if you'll let me, I just want to show you that I can be the man you want to live our your natural life with...That is, if you'll let me."

However, his eyes widened just a little as she wormed her way closer, letting him feel the delightful heat of her against him. His heart was indeed pounding, if only because this was going much faster than he anticipated. "I-I suppose it is...Yours isn't exactly quiet either, though." he replied, adding on the last bit as a hint of playful teasing; he wasn't entirely sure what to do here. Should he make a move? Or should he wait for her to make one? This was exactly what he was hoping it would lead towards...But now he wasn't so sure he would be able to pull it off.

(You’re okay, I’m not the best either, so no worries! XD)

Koriand’r breathed in deeply, nodding her head slowly before complying with his request. “Okay then, show me the man you are.” She replied, her hands growing shaky from the thoughts racing inside of her head. She didn’t know what he was going to do, or what he had on his mind as well. Her gut told her what it was, but it could be wrong.

The way his voice stuttered meant something to her, sparking a flame that was only but a tiny flare. Loneliness pierced her heart, aching for it to be filled from the void, trying to forget everything that happened to her. If only she tried to see the person he was, then maybe they could’ve worked out, he was sincere after all, and he cared for her…