Comfort of a Touch

[Rhiannon MacBride]

Continued from Company of a Strager
Winter, 1330

"There is nothing to keep me from, Ren. Missives that can wait until the morrow are the only thing that wait my return. "

Rhiannon: Sheltered by body and cloak, pressed against side, Rhiannon could not help noting certain things. Occasionally blue eyes played over his features or nose took note of 'manly scent' as feet led the way. Mind did not need any searching. Body went as if on auto-pilot. She came and went from the townhouse many times in a day. Strong wind was only slightly able to play with red curls or edge of tan skirts with Ren pressed close. Not a complaint to be found from Rhiannon. Certain things could be noted about her- the way random thoughts seemed to show upon her face quick as lightning, natural and energetic bounce to each step, and the way body would occasionally press closer. The last not part of ploy or act. Natural flirting, lust and attraction for a man that it did not hurt to look upon, guided actions. Most would consider this sinful behavior, but Rhiannon only found it to be a normal occurrence. Though her own Mother would have been ashamed to know of Rhiannon, but the woman had lain with a cruel and heartless pirate- slayer of many innocents- so Rhiannon had never cared what the woman thought. "Well, if I may have the courtesy," Here head turned to let neck tilt back and allow face lift slightly. Lips curved in a persuasive smile as blue eyes met his own gaze,"perhaps on the morrow I could have first pick at your furs. I would, of course, pay top price. I use them to make gifts for the poorer families in the outer villages."

Theodren: Ren certainly had a form and a scent about him that made him stand out among most. He was as big of not bigger than the Lord General and as for scent, he bathed as often as he could and still managed to use things that were of a clean manly smell. He remembered the first time he came to Skye and finding his sister and then bathed at the Briar Rose but had nothing to bath with and Rose... she had given him a floral scented soap and oil. Danae the next day had assumed he had found himself a woman to lay with and her scent clung to him. He did not agree nor deny it, ut let his sister assume what she wished, otherwise, she would have never let him live it down. As they made their way toward her town house, he glanced down to the little red head and noted the sway of her skirt and the red curls as the wind tried its damnedest to have at her. He was also well aware of her closeness and while he wondered on it, he wouldn't complain. He also noted the other things about her. Like how she carried herself, how the expressions had played across her features and how she would occasionally press against him a little more. As far as Ren was concerned, she was a woman of age who was likely well aware of her assets and should he or any other man play into them, it was an age old thing. It was no secret that men found women attractive and women knew this, and at times, used this for whatever reasons. Sometimes only the woman benefited from it and at others both woman and man did. In the end, it was natural and there was nothing wrong with natural acts. When she spoke of wanting to be the first to choose from his furs, he glanced back down to her after having looking to the path they took and nodded. ``Of course... I don't think there is anything wrong with giving a Lady first pick, especially when it is for such a honorable reason.``

Rhiannon: Frequently did Rhiannon bathe with scented soaps. It was way learned over years to rid body of other odors. Sometimes business as Apprentice to her Patron was done in less than reputable places. It meant that Rhiannon inevitably carried home those scents. They seemed to permeate her skin and never did it fail to make her feel dirty at times. Tonight's scent of choice was lilac, but slightest hint of others could be caught as Rhiannon had relaxed shortly before leaving infirmary by spending a bit of time in the Herb House. "Aye, only the most honorable reasons I assure you. Rarely do I indulge in buying for myself." Honesty could be glimpsed upon fair face as it turned away to check the path. Counting houses mentally- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... "Fifth house on the left. That one is mine." Slightest frown appeared in place of smile at sight of quiet. Besides the brief light shining from kitchen the place seemed virtually without life. The shiver that passed from Rhiannon then was neither from cold nor need. "Would you be interested in a drink?" That part inside that loathed silence, quiet, loneliness...instinctively knotted. Soon they would be at destination where farewells would be stated, Ren would turn to head back to Briar, and she would head inside- to silence and darkness. Yet mind was brought to the fact that the man was eager for his bath. "Though I know Rose will be expecting you back for your bath. I have kept you from it long enough I suppose." Frown smoothed out to allow smile to grace lips again as head once again tilted back to allow easier meeting of his gaze. He was a tall man, though she wasn't by any means dainty of height, yet still did she have to look up.

Theodren: Ah.. that was something he had missed. The scent of herbs... he thought back on the days he'd return from hunting to find Ada in the garden and then how their nights were normally spent whether it was intimately or just laying in bed and snuggled up. Inwardly, he sighed and his attention would come back to focus on Rhiannon at his side. It wasn't just the scent of herbs that had him thinking on what that peculiar smell was, but the scent of the Lilac that drifted from the red head at his side. It was a nice smell, a nice one indeed. When she began to talk once more, he would look between her and the path on a couple occasions before nodding silently in agreement. Though.. it was when she informed him of which home was her own and then her asking him if he wished to come in for a drink. ``A drink?`` he asked as he looked from her and then over his shoulder a moment in the direction of the Briar for which they had just come from. When his gaze feel back to her, he thought a moment with a quirked brow and then replied. ``As tempting as it sounds, I wouldn't want to keep you from anything you may have need to see to once within your home.`` he paused long enough to hear her out as she said something else, which had him thinking again, but smiling and then chuckling. ``Do not frown Rhiannon. While both Rose and a bath may await me, it is something that can wait but a while longer if you truly wish for my company still even now.`` He got the distinctive feeling that she was one that didn't like to be left alone for too long a time. Part of him could understand that. While he had gone out to the forests and mountains to have some time alone, sometimes he had found himself questioning why he had done it. It did get awfully lonely out there and that was the part of him that understood her best perhaps.

Rhiannon: "There is nothing to keep me from, Ren. Missives that can wait until the morrow are the only thing that wait my return. Not even the few servants that live in await my return. It..." Well, there wasn't need to say more. Shoulders lifted before dropping in statement of their own. If Rhiannon did not return to her townhouse? Well none would care save the servants and only they in concern for their money. She wasn't yet a well-known name amongst the more cleanly types of Turas Lan nor Skye. Instead besides those at the infirmary, who may likely think her disappearance one of fear at the field, only the people in the darker world would even take note. It was odd to be truly alone. Not even hint of family. Saoirse was somewhere in the world, but though twin sister by blood- it was not so by choice. They were as different in looks as in personality, and had never gotten along. Brow lifted then, waiting with bated breath as offer was taken into consideration, and when breath released in ease it was to her own surprise. "I won't keep you much longer Ren. Thank you." Body pressed closer to his own in quick touch, in semblance of hug considering they walked side-by-side, as they drew toward door. Free hand reached into neckline of to grip chain hidden completely by fabric where a single key was hold and withdrew it. Rhiannon did not turn nor hide in demure fashion as it was done either. "Could you unhook it from back? The chain?" Hidden beneath hair it was trickier to get off with gloves on, but Ren was there and so it wouldn't hurt to ask for assistance.

Theodren: He remembered her sharing with him that she disliked being alone, but to actually see it rather than just hear it put a whole new meaning behind it. When she replied, he nodded and said nothing else. He wasn't one that pressed for more than what others were willing to share unless it was absolutely necessary.He didn't think pressing for more here was needed as it was likely only to make her feel worse than she already did. She promised not keep keep him and he gave a shake of his head with a light chuckle before he would reply with. ``You're welcome.`` in that deep baritone voice of his. Her body pressed closer to his as she gave him what was considered a hug once reaching her door. As she seem to fish around for her key, he looked off for a moment and noted the lack of demure when his gaze fell to her again. Brows arched but he said nothing until she asked for his assistance. While his hands were large and fingers long, it proved to be just as tricky to undo the chain as it would have been for her with her gloves on. ``Of course.`` he said as he made quick work of unhooking the chain once the red curls had been gently brushed aside. Once it was unhooked, he would let the two end come together, pinched between fingers as it was carefully pulled out from around her neck and held before her as he stood behind her. ``There you go.``

Rhiannon: To not be pressed was relieving though had Ren then honesty would have been given. Rhiannon was generally an honest person. At times she dodged questions, but never for intent of ill-will or to be mean-spirited. Some of the other work done required secrecy and could bring risk to lives. All she had do was keep mouth shut to avoid that happening. Facing door, head tilted slightly down to allow Ren better access to chain, Rhiannon's teeth sunk into bottom lip as hair was maneuvered around. "I suppose I need a better place to store it. Though many do not think to look where I do now." Slightest quirking of one side of mouth as gloved hand lifted to take key in grasp and head turned to look at him over shoulder. Cheek brushed against his arm at movement,"Thank you." Blue eyes considered him thoughtfully a moment then Rhiannon turned back to unlock door and push it open. Darkness only broken by the moons slight lighting greeted them. One could make out slight narrow corridor with doors on right side and staircase on left, and rooms further down where there was more space. Stepping inside, moving to find candles, she murmured,"Be careful. You can close the door behind you. I'm capable of working in the dark." Hands sought drawers in search of a candle to light and sufficiently guide them to kitchen. Rhiannon didn't want Ren to get injured. There'd be no squeezing through without close contact in such area. It was due to the long stand that added even more narrowness across from doors on right.

Theodren: She faced the door and was soon taking from him the chain and key. He gave a shake of head and a slight shrug of shoulders with a small smile. ``That's a good way to think though. To put things where people least expect it. Keeps it safe and keeps it close.`` he replied. She looked to him from over her shoulder and when she had accepted the key, he felt the brush of her cheek against his arm. ``You're welcome.`` he replied as he tried to not think of how that simple contact had him wondering other things. He couldn't help it really. He was a man and despite what his mind and heart thought or felt at times, the body had its own needs at times no matter how hard you tried to ignore it. She turned to unlock the door and moved in. Only when granted permission to enter, would he step inside and then do as she said by closing the door behind him. The squeezing through and close contact once in the kitchen was going to prove to be.... hard to ignore. Ren reminded himself he had just met her, and that while she was indeed a very attractive woman... he doubted seriously she was the sort to find a man like himself desirable upon a first meeting. He wasn't sure if he should enjoy the idea of a thought or scold himself for it. In any case, this was of course kept to himself and nothing was revealed by touch, or expression as he moved along with her. He was able to move along within the dark just as easily as she was, he was after all a hunter.

Rhiannon: Mind reading was an ability only talked about as myth. Those who claimed to have such ability were crazy folk generally. Though Ren's silence made Rhiannon wonder just what it'd be like if that was a genuine ability. Sometimes could she read face or body language, but that was not always the case- such as now. Blue eyes watched him again, contemplative and silent in the dark, as a hand finally curled around length of white candle. Removing it to place it on sharp point in middle of tiny plate with handle, Rhiannon finally succeeded in getting flame to take hold. Not too much light was offered so she walked in front of him, as side-by-side was impossible in corridor, though slowly and with measured step. Candle kept slightly out to right side and to back just a bit for him to share some light. Even with heavy cloak still on and layers of clothes beneath it'd be hard not to take note of swaying hips. Rhiannon had to admit that even now pulse beat rapidly at realization that with both servants, who slept like dead, in bed they were virtually alone. Ahead could be seen the widening of foyer just before the archway of dining room and to far left two closed doors. "That's the kitchen..." Words came out soft and breathy, more for words to break the silence than anything,"We've already passed the sitting room and my downstairs study. The other closed doors." Clearing throat as words grew fainter, she murmured,"You can probably slip around me now. Open the doors hmm?" Blue eyes sparkled briefly with flame though there was a darker quality to them now, the coloring having deepened more, as she awaited him to come around left side to get by. Rhiannon wasn't a woman who hid desires nor feigned at not having them. As with any man having need so did women. Yet she wasn't going to throw herself at him either. Plus she didn't think he was honestly interested in that way. Was hard to tell with one so likely skilled at hiding reactions and emotions.

Theodren: It wasn't so much as mind reading as it was reading facial expressions and body language. With Ren being who and what he was, he could have sworn this woman was purposely trying to seduce him. Then the thought came that what if that wasn't the case at all... what if it was his own mind playing tricks on him since he had been gone for so long? Either way, he didn't see himself staying here to long or otherwise he was likely to be slapped for making an advancement based on.... assumption. That wasn't something he was willing to do with her... at least not tonight. The only way he would suggest such a thing or act out on it was if there was a clear and define signal from her end of things. He was careful to move along with her letting his eyes look to the places she indicated once light was had and they passed by doors here and there. Silent nods were given whether she was able to see them or not as his attention was divided. She had mentioned that Ren could slip around her and open the doors... which had him arching those brows and then with a clearing of his own throat, did just as she suggested. Carefully he would move toward her and then put himself between her and whatever else stood in the way as to slip by her and move toward the doors. It was easier said then done, because just as they were perfectly aligned, he paused, glanced down and held her gaze a moment before he would ready to start moving again. How far would he get? That was something that would soon be found out.

Rhiannon: Purposely, no. Though the thought of Ren...well it'd crossed her mind to say the least. Rhiannon was against making a move for sake of seeming too forward. Here was a man who had just discussed personal views on relationships with her and walked her home. Surely he was not going to have a romp with a woman barely known. Didn't keep her from wondering what Ren would do if he knew. She wasn't a woman afraid of rejection for it'd been dealt with many times before. Yet the prospect of possibly offending the man who would keep loneliness at bay for a little bit wasn't pleasant. If he left then she'd be alone that much sooner. Indeed bare glimpse was caught of nod just before sensing Ren's movement to her side. In seeking her own adjustment to press further away to give him more room, Rhiannon turned sideways and that gave clear view of his...look. For one moment blue eyes were caught by his gaze, unable to move away, and heart stilled before jerking into faster beat. Even sideways though the corridor didn't yet give enough space, her skirts mingled with his legs as he brushed by, and in reaction her body shivered. Biting her bottom lip a moment, she sought his gaze again and swallowed. Well, clear signs the shiver though Rhiannon knew that she could just give in now. Admit that he could touch her here, kitchen, upstairs in rooms...just so long as that annoyingly little ache was sated. One word passed lips as they parted,"Stay." Explanation did not follow, but would it be needed?

Theodren: As he had took that moment to pause there was a sudden question of whether he had just made a terrible mistake. While she had moved to press further way from him, it seem to have the very exact opposite result as she turned sideways. Those dark hazels were soon locking on the sparkling blues of the red head and he had to tell himself to keep moving as he body reacted to the feel of her skirts mingling with his legs. He then looked to her lips as she bit at the bottom one and gods above and below... it was odd to think how such a simple act could bring a man to his knees... possibly. Just as he was about to continue to brush pass, he had tore his gaze away from her just long enough to quickly glance back when he heard that single word. He was still once more, those dark hazel eyes staring down at her and his head tilted a moment. Stay? As in stay put here and now or stay in some other sense. He would assume the first and rather than leave her there alone now, his body became a pillar of stone it seemed, with a chest that showed air was taken in and breathed out to give life to this pillar. He would stay just like this... let her be the one to make the next move and decide on what was to happen next. Then... then he was likely to follow her lead or even take over the leading.

Rhiannon: Well relief could be taken that he hadn't gone running at least? Though...Rhiannon's blue eyes locked on hazel ones with curiosity. Perhaps he was in shock? Or maybe she'd effectively killed off any flow of blood to brain? Unabashedly gaze dropped to look below his waist for sign of this issue though with the blocking of her own skirts and lack of light could not tell. Trembling slightly from fledgling need, Rhiannon quickly placed candleholder upon flat part of banister. Dropping it could be dangerous. There wasn't much distance to be closed between them, but what remained was easily ate up by press of her body closer. A feat in itself with so many layers of clothing. How, at this moment, Rhiannon hated all the layers of fabric. Hands quickly removed gloves then cloak was unhooked, and left to fall where it would. Whole time though blue eyes remained in contact with his own, view lessened only a bit by slight drooping of lashes, before she raised slightly to slip arms around neck. Breasts pressed against hard chest through fabric that caused gasp from lips before she pressed them against his own. Most men did not prefer kissing and if Ren broke it then she'd respect that, but for now her kiss was firm and full of hunger. Definitely not that of an innocent.

Theodren: Relief for them both it would seem as her eyes locked on his. He could see the hint of confusion along with the more curious look. Was he in shock? Perhaps a little but that wasn't something to consider as something bad. As she looked away from him a moment and then down, he had to smirk. Just what was she looking for exactly? While he did find her attractive and he did think of staking his claim right here and now, but... as for evidence of his want wouldn't be so easily visible as the lusty feelings within stirred. She began to put aside the candle and then leaned in more to press her body up against him all the more. Even with the layers of clothing and of cloaks, the heat that began to radiate between them could easily be felt as it began to intensify. Especially after she began to remove articles of clothing while maintaining eye contact. He would do the same, however, a hand lifted to unclasp the cloak and let it fall where it wished. Just in time to feel her reclaim her position up against him while arms slipped around his neck. His own looped around her waist to draw her in more, if it were possible, while lips were met with the softness of her own. Some men didn't like kissing, but Ren... it just added to things and made it better. She was definitely by this point, no innocent woman and so his hands would slide down along her sides and to the outer thighs even through the skirts before sliding back up and around to grasp her bottom and applying a firm squeeze before the grip remained there. A deep throaty moan lingered in the back of his throat as his kiss back would be just as hungry in nature as her own.

Rhiannon: Clear signs of his own urge to get rid of pesky clothing was noted just before that initial kiss. That it wasn't resisted nor broken, but returned, only made it increase. Teeth tugged at lip to allow tongue to meet his own, brushing and mingling. Rhiannon's body trembled harder at the feel of his hand moving so firmly along form. Even with layers of clothing it felt like the heat from his hands burnt clear through to skin. Gasp would be caught by his mouth at the squeeze and way his touch remained in place after it. Rhiannon's body pressed closer, hips wiggling slightly against his own, while eyes drifted shut. There were things that could not be learned right off with a person. Gentle was nice, but neither was she fragile. Sometimes lead was taken, but also did she enjoy having control taken from grasp. It was little things like that that could not be learned immediately yet slowly, slowly. Heat radiated even through her own clothing as body burned with need.

Theodren: Yes... as she was making it clear of her want for him, he was making it just as clear to her. When her teeth tugged at lip to allow her tongue to meet his , he breathed hard. Even through the layers of fabric upon fabric, he could feel the curves and the contours of her luscious body. Slowly the evidence that she had possibly been searching for before was going to slowly make its presence known. Her gasp issued a growl as he continued to devour her. Her hips wiggled slightly against his own and that was all that was needed before the ole boy was standing at full attention. His lips tore away from her own, letting them slide down and along her jaw before descending down along her neck. He wanted to taste her. Taste every possible part of her he could have and compare it to the sweetness to that he had had prior. Lips, jaw line, neck, shoulders... despite them all being part of the same woman, they all seem to taste differently in their own little way. While he seem to hold back a little and kept from ravaging her he did continue to apply a gentleness that might seem out of place for such large, strong hands. They were still after all learning of each other... in the hallway.

Rhiannon: Hands that were still behind neck sought now to touch, to grip, hair though not enough to hurt. Rhiannon was not aware of the tug, but instead was caught in gasp at feel of that arousal even through clothing. Clearly Ren was just as aroused as she now. One corner of her mouth quirked up at that, something he'd feel just briefly, before a husky whimper was ripped from throat at his lips made claim upon skin. Head tilted back slightly to give better access though with limited space it was tricky. Mere brush of him against sensitive skin of neck brought a groan and another tug from one hand while the right moved along shoulder...gripping and bunching fabric tightly. That they both stood in the hallway only registered so far as room- lacking room...space...Rhiannon's voice came out breathless,"Upstairs...or...sitting room...or.." Head nodded toward kitchen doors he'd originally headed toward. Sitting room was back the way they'd came. Yet the stairs they were right next to...and it'd just be a matter of him carrying her up them or her walking. Decision was left upto him.

Theodren: The feel of her touching and then gripping hair was like a waft of air to a fire, only giving it fuel to feed off of. She could have pulled as hard as she wanted and it wouldn't have hurt him like she might have thought. He felt that quirk of the corner of her mouth as his lips had slid away from her own to take to exploring other area's of interest. The husky whimper that escaped past her lips had him lowering and letting his hands slide up until one remained on her hip and the other was making claim to a breast. He was just about to let that very hand slip up and tug down the neckline for a taste, as she began to let her head tilt back and allow one of her hands to come moving along one of his broad shoulders, when she breathlessly mentioned moving elsewhere. He continued to kiss her along any exposed flesh about the neck line and up as he paused a time or two to look to her and then where she gestured with a nod of her head. While his first instinct was to take her either to the sitting room or the kitchen, his concern for her comfort would have him thinking harder on those stairs and her bed. Without any further hesitation, he bent at the knees to scoop her up and carry her up the stairs, all she had to do was direct him which way to go once at the landing.

Rhiannon: Comfort wasn't a point considered. At least not in her own mind. Rhiannon would have found that sweet of him. Need was a powerful emotion and its grasp was tight. The man hadn't done much besides caress her through clothes and with his lips, and already it felt like her whole body was being consumed in roaring flame. While words had escaped they were followed by a mental groan at realization of just where Ren's hand had been working. Realizing that she'd distracted him with speech made her regret it, but way he continued to focus on tasting exposed skin didn't let that thought last long. Every time those lips paused and gaze met her own, Rhiannon waited with bated breath. What was going through his mind? It didn't take long to find out. Gasping, soft laughter mingling with it, at the sudden scooping, she let her own lips press against his softly then trail along jawline toward ear. Lobe was nipped gently then soothed by tongue and same was done with neck. There was an insatiable need to touch. Even stopping long enough to get upstairs seemed impossible. Rhiannon motioned with hand, whispering against his ear,"To your right...third door down the hall at the end..." Spacious bedroom with unlocked door that would be easy to open. And back to work her lips went.

Theodren: While part of him wanted to let the more bestial side take over, the other part of him told him it could wait just a little bit longer and it would be well worth the wait. While all he had done so far was touch and caress with hands and lips to send her into a frenzy, knowing how worked up it had made her seem to get him a little more aroused. The groan that came had issued forth a smirk from his lips, knowing the reason behind it because well.. had he been in a similar position, he was likely to scold himself too. It was a good thing he was making up for it with the continuous caress of lips to any and all exposed skin that he could get to. The mix of gasps and laughter had him grinning ear to ear as he carried her up those stairs. He listened as she told him just where to go, and it was hard to focus with her distracting him with the lips she pressed to his own and have them trail to his ear. When she captured that ear lobe and nipped it, he gritted his teeth and hissed in pleasure as she soothed it with her tongue. When it came to happen again with his neck... he knew that once they reached her bed, there was no holding back and there was little help if any for her. Once they had reached her room, he closed the door behind him with a lift of his foot before moving them both over to the bed. He put her down first and with a knee on the edge, began to remove his shirt and then turned his attention to her own clothing while at the same time, trying to work the boots free from his feet in between takes.

FADE TO BLACK