Post by Rhianna Costache on Sept 11, 2010 23:59:50 GMT -6
*WARNING* Scene contains & suggests mature content
Rhianna Costache
Silence was not always a bad thing. Most people felt uncomfortable with it but Rhianna was not one of them. She let him have his peace while she enjoyed her own. All the while, sea green eyes took in the sights around her, of faces, of the people themselves, and of the atmosphere. It had cleared out considerably since they had first entered. It was known as the Sabbath to those of the Christian faith, and perhaps that priest had worried a few people with his speech from earlier. She continued to nurse her drink, still holding it with both hands as the container seemed much to large for a single small had of hers. The lil Gypsy wondered if Conner had recently had a proper bath? A good meal, good bath made for good sleep. The bath was something she could see about herself whether it was to have Rose draw one up for him or if she were to take him off to one of the local watering sources. Question was, would he chance in growing chilled from the night air that was starting to cool as the summer season was nearing its end and autumn beginning hers. "Conner, have you had a good bath? Rose and her staff can ready something for you in a room here, assuming you will be staying the night here that is." (d)
Connor Darokin
His head tilted to the side a bit as he finished off his food rather swiftly during that time of silence between them, and she had mentioned something about a bath. Eyebrows rose slightly as the suggestion of having Rose and the others that worked there drawing him up a bath. That was just not something he was ready to have someone do for him just yet. Though in jest, he would look down at himself and then lean his head down, sniffing the air around him to try and catch some sort of scent. "Do I smell that bad?" He then gave her a very small grin and then shook his head. "It has been awhile. But no, I would not have another do such for me. I will find somewhere, and as long as the water is not frozen over with ice, it will do." Warm baths weren't things that he usually had the comfort of coming across, and would be used to something with a lower temperature. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She watched him for a long moment and saw what looked like puzzlement etched across his features. She wondered what he was doing when he lowered his head and her brows furrowed. When she realized he was... checking himself, she frowned. "No.. no Conner, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound like I was suggesting you needed one, only that if you wanted one, it could be had here." Rhi felt horrible now, even after spying the small grin. "Well, I know of a place that's not far from here. Its a small pond just over the hill and does have a few trees and things for privacy." Modesty was something that all depended on who with and for what reason with her. She wondered if he was the same way, yet, part of her believed he was a man that would prefer privacy more times than not. (d)
Connor Darokin
So when she spoke, apologizing for what she'd said, she would have earned a small chuckle from the former slave, as she'd taken his tease seriously. Though he had not had much experience at it, other than with other gladiators and other slaves, and even that had been rare. Slavery didn't tend to bring out the most humor in those forced into it. His head nodded when she suggested a small pond nearby. A curious look came over his features though at the remark of privacy, but was quickly replaced by another of those small grins he had been giving out. Finished with his food, he quickly drained his mug and set it back on the table before he pushed up to a standing position. "If you are ready then, Lady?" Another hard habit to possibly break would be his habit of not using a name, but a title given to all free women from slaves. "I will settle for our food and we can be off?" ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna watched him from her place across the table, head canting occasionally but when it seemed he was about to speak, she always seem to right herself. He had nodded to begin with before casting a curious look in her direction. She had wondered what that was for, but what really got her to wondering was about his small grin that followed. He finished up what he wanted of his drink and meal, where as Rhi had already ate her fair share and washed it all down with every bit of her drink. He stood to his feet and asked if she were ready. Ready? Ready for what? Did he want her to show him the pond now? A casual shrug was made and she nodded before standing to her own feet. When he asked about the food, she gave a shake of her head. "That's already been taken care of." she replied with a small smile. "But I do need to head over to the bar if I am to show you this pond tonight." With that, she sidestepped and pushed her chair under to turn on her heels and as usual, dance her way across the floor in Rose's direction at the bar. With a lean forward, arms came to support her body and feet slowly lifted off the floor. It was playful in nature, like some innocent lil girl curious to see what was behind the candy counter. "Rose, I need a few things from you if you don't mind? Things for a bath... and.. a change of clothes too." Rose nodded and moved off before quickly returning and handing over to the woman a small bag of sorts. "Thank you Rose, I'll make sure you get everything back." she said before looking to Conner to see if he was ready to leave. (d)
Connor Darokin
If she hadn't been ready to go yet, he most definitely wouldn't rush her on the matter, but as she seemed to be willing and ready to go as well, he would secretly feel pleased. Now that they'd been talking of a bath, even a cold one, he'd started looking forward to it. And que the frown that would flow over that forehead as she spoke of the tab already having been taken care of. How in the world had she managed to do that? He would have noticed her passing coin to the barmaid...He would still be trying to puzzle it out while the Gypsy sidestepped and then...danced her way to the bar. This was indeed a strange woman, though one that he found intriguing, and strikingly beautiful. That smile came to flow over those lips as he watched her at the bar, and he himself, worked his way towards the door, still unsure of how she'd paid...then again, she could be doing it right then, and he wouldn't know, now would he? He certainly would be ready, and as she came near, he would hold his hand out towards her once again, though he was offering to carry the bag for her. "After you, Lady." ~d~
Rhianna Costache
As soon as he was near enough to bother her and the door, she would came down on one foot and then the other and face him fully with a bright smile. It faded a little however after seeing him frown and she wondered why. Had it been because she had done just as she said she would by helping him? Helping him included paying for a meal. When he referred to her as Lady rather than Rhianna or Gypsy, she smiled a little and shook her head. "It's alright to call me by name if you like." A hand came to rest on his forearm a moment to further indicate her point in a sweet manner before it fell away. When he offered his hand though, she wasn't sure why. Was it for her hand again or did he wish to carry the bag? Well, she certainly didn't want to be rude and refuse either, and he was new here so having him carry anything other than what was his was out of the question. Therefore, she slipped her hand into his own and this she was the one to lead! The path she had them take was upon the main road through the city until they past the last building before taking a more narrow dirt road. It would lead them over that hill she spoke of and closer to the pond. "We're almost there." (d)
Connor Darokin
A small nod mixed with a slight tilt of the head would be offered as she informed him that he could use her name. He mentally kicked himself though, telling himself that he needed to try and fit in more, not stand out. Feeling the warmth of her smaller hand within his once more would bring those bright blue eyes down to look at their clasped hands and then back up to meet the Gypsy's gaze. That smile slid in place once more, even though it was not what he was expecting...so there might be a slight bit of surprise mixed in there as well. He would follow along with her easily as they made their way down the main road, and then further out along that dirt road. Eventually though, they came to that hill, bringing the pond into view off in the near distance. When she spoke again, informing them that they were near their destination, Connor turned his head to look down to her once again. "Thank you, Rhianna, for this, the meal, the conversation. Well, all of it." He gave her more of a real smile than she'd seen on his face before now. He really was grateful, especially that his first encounter there in Skye was such a pleasant one. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhi looked to him with that smile of hers and nodded. "You are welcome Conner. Everyone needs friends and friends are always willing to help." she replied.The real smile had her canting her head a bit as she regarded him. He had a very handsome smile. "You should do that more often. It's very becoming of you." she offered softly as she stared up at him with those green eyes of hers. Rhianna was hesitant to do it, but she tore her gaze away and looked to the pond. "Just a little further..." she offered as she continued. It almost seemed that in the blink of an eye, they had arrived. There were cattails that surrounded it and a few smaller trees dispersed out here and there. Water lillies floated along the surface. The sounds of frogs and crickets were the nights music and it was here she would slip her hand free from his own as to begin fishing for things out of the bag Rose had given her. "I've managed to get you some things for a proper bath. Soap, wash cloths, towels and -- " the sentence broke for a moment. "..it looks as if she even put a change of clothes in here?" She pulled out everything one at a time and laid them on nearby rock that acted like a table of stone. The clothes she pulled out were also laid across one another before she went digging in the bag again, feeling something else shifting about. More clothes. There was a puzzled look on her face and soon she was pulling out more clothes, though she doubted Conner could wear or want to wear these. Apparently they were for the Gypsy. (d)
Connor Darokin
His head shifted so that he could look over to her, noting the look on her face while she looked up at him. That smile remained in place as she told him that he should do it more often. "Thanks...I might try it a bit more often." He glanced out, looking over at the pond as well when she said it was just a tad bit further. Of course, it wouldn't take them long at all, before they were walking up to the body of water. He glanced around the area, taking in the landscape around it while she ended up removing things from that bag. He turned to look back towards her when she spoke up, mentioning the list of things that she'd procured from the Inn before the two of them had left. One brow rose slightly at the information that she'd even packed a change of clothes. He watched as Rhianna lay them all out on the rocks, before she was pulling out more clothes...and definitely not clothes that he would be seen in. First off, they were too small, and secondly, they were for a woman. That caused that eyebrow to raise up a bit more before he just shrugged his shoulders and then reached up to undo his cloak. He let it fall out onto the ground near the rocks, revealing a slightly travel worn tunic, cinched at the waist by a belt with two daggers sheathed at one side and the small of his back. Hands tugged at that tunic, pulling the material out of those breeches and then pulling it up and over his head to toss it to the side of that cloak as well. This might have answered her question about his modesty. He might be uneasy about some things, but nudity had never been one. Especially when you got paraded around in whatever form of dress that particular Master desired. As his upper half became visible, two things would possibly be noticed. His body was almost perfectly muscled and hard beneath those clothes as she would have felt when she had run into him before and held his forearm. The second thing that would be easily noticeable about him, would end up being the multitude of scars, crisscrossing his back, as well as varying sizes and shapes of scars along his chest and abdomen. You didn't survive the Arena for nearly two decades without walking out unscathed or without some very close calls. He'd almost died at least three times. The medic had said it had to have been his own will that kept his alive...of the will of the gods...Either way, he'd pulled through. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She laid everything out, almost in a some sort of neat lil order so he could take what he needed when he needed it. As she went through the clothing, the sound of him moving about had her glancing to him, which, caused a second and lastly... to stare. His reply to her comment about the smile seem to slowly make its way up her throat and pass her lips. "Your...welcome." He didn't seem to have any issues about modesty... and why should he? He had the body a man made of steel, or perhaps like those finely chiseled statues she'd heard about and seen. It was... definitely beautiful to gaze upon, to admire like a piece of art, to be appreciated. Even with all the scars that littered his entire frame. Her eyes would slowly take him in from head to toe and back. "I..." Mouth was suddenly dry. "I will wait over here, in case you need me or.. anything." She finally tore her gaze away and realizing her eyes had lingered a lot longer than she should have, felt a little burn in her cheeks. Right... yep, going over to her hole of shame right now. (lol) (d)
Connor Darokin
He glanced over in her direction when she told him that she was welcome. That glance allowed him to take note of the fact that she was looking at him. Thinking nothing of it, as being put on display had happened often enough to take any embarrassment or modesty and crush it. Brows both rose when she mentioned that she was going to go somewhere else and wait for him. Throughout that whole time, he would undo that belt of his and lay it with the daggers down near his cloak. Then, those pants were pulled down and he stepped free of the material, leaving his lower half just as bared now as his upper. Just as before, muscles and scars would be prominent. There didn't seem to be a lick of modesty on his part, turning to face her when she was intending on moving away. "Were you not going to bathe as well? That's why you have clothes, is it not?" He hadn't known that the second set of clothes had been put in by Rose without Rhianna's knowledge. With a slight shrug of his shoulders, Connor turned towards that pond and walked forward, stepping into it and wading further out until the water would come up to his waist. Even with the season turning, the water was a nice lukewarm, with a spot of cooler areas further down, and a bit warmer on the surface, but all in all, pleasant. He dove down, sliding under the water for a few moments. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
When he looked to her, that was when she looked away, not wanting to have been caught but she perhaps had been to slow. She could hear him removing the rest of his clothing and while tempted to look, she wouldn't do that. Okay, well maybe just a peek! When she cut her eyes softly to the corners and tried to be discrete about it and pretending to be interested in something entirely different, she caught a glimpse of his backside. She grinned to herself and went to look at the clothes again that Rose had given her. Holding the thin chemise up and inspecting it, she heard him ask her about taking a bath as well. "I.. well, I had not intended on it." She replied. She looked to the rock again and noticed he had not taken anything in with him. Was he going to come back out for them? Or would she be forced to take them to him? She pondered a moment before looking up and watched him disappear under the water. She swayed in place, waiting for him to emerge any moment now. (d)
Connor Darokin
As she told him that she hadn't intended on getting a bath as well, he would shrug once more before he'd gone on in. Of course, after he'd remained under for a bit, he finally came up, breaking the surface near the same place he'd gone under at. Hands rose up and wiped at the water as it dripped down his face, brushing it from his eyes, before wiping up and over that incredibly close cropped, dark hair of his. Blinking those bright blues of his, he would turn and look over towards her. "Well, if you change your mind, the water is nice." He would enjoy the water just for a moment more before starting to head back towards those rocks and the soap, as well as the washing cloth that was there. Once more he would end up being completely on view and exposed, without any thought of it himself. Reaching for the bar and the cloth, he couldn't help but glance in her direction once again, admiring the beauty that the Gypsy woman possessed. He had to admit, so far, Skye was probably the top on his list of places to be. Turning once again, he walked back out and into that refreshing water. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna would let out a breath she hadn't know she was holding when he had broke the surface of the water. Green eyes focused on him to make sure he was in fact alright and then she seem to watch just to watch as he wiped away excess water from here and there. He looked to her and assured her the water was fine if she decided to join him and she bit at her lower lip in contemplation. The invite was very very tempting. He began to make his way back toward her and the supplies all while she watched him until just before he was fully exposed. Clothing slipped through her fingers and the chemise she held fell to the ground. The lil gypsy woman would bend to gather it up and look up to him, after having allowed her eyes to travel up his form of course. "I think it might do some good if I did bath right now." she replied as she stood up once more. Suddenly it was warm... real warm and cool water was the answer! As soon as he turned about, she began to remove articles of clothing from her own frame. First that tied about her head, then her waist. The bodice was removed next and then her skirts. And so now she stood in nothing but a short sleeved off the shoulder chemise that the hem rested at just above the knee when standing. After taking up her own cloth, she moved forward and down into the water. She wasn't always one concerned about modesty, but well, she'd just met the man today. (d)
Connor Darokin
A glance back and over his shoulder was given when he heard her speaking up once more, admitting that she might actually want a bath as well. He gave her a smile over his shoulder before he dove under that water once again and swam out just a bit before resurfacing once again. He turned, unable to resist the urge to at least take a glance over now and then as she undid her own clothing. He tried to hide it by working that soap and that cloth together. He wouldn't make a comment or question her choice to bath with clothing on...some people weren't quite as comfortable with nudity around strangers. Besides, it wouldn't be his place to question it either, now would it? No, but he would indeed continue to glance over as she made her way into the water, while he brought that soapy cloth up and over his chest and shoulder, working the soap and the cloth along those muscles. It seemed somewhat difficult to pull that gaze of his away from her for long though. She was rather striking, and easy on the eyes. Knowing that he could look at her as well, without getting into trouble, made it easier for him to steal those glances in her direction while he worked at cleaning himself off. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Further and further she moved out and deeper into the water until she was about chest deep. Here she lowered herself down and back so she could wet her hair. By now, the cloth of her chemise was sticking to her and she normally didn't bath in clothes, but given the circumstances, she had been willing to try it. Growing a bit tired of fighting with it, she lowered herself once more and peeled the chemise from her body under water until it was up and over her head. She balled it up and squeezed the excess out before giving it a heave forward to the rock. It landed just short of it but would be alright for now. At least it was on the ground close by and not floating off somewhere. She was about to start lathering up when she realized Conner still had the soap.. and so she slowly turned about to face him as her back had been toward him up until now. Rhi made her way over closer to him, the water line resting at the swell of her breasts. "May I have the soap please?" she asked as a hand came up to wipe away a few droplets of water that still clung to those long lashes. Others dripped from her nose and her chin. (d)
Connor Darokin
While she turned to keep her back to him, he would end up allowing his eyes to travel along the line of her shoulders, arms, and what of her back he could see. He was somewhat surprised when she came back from under the water, and threw the clothing she'd still had on towards the rocks and the shore. He turned his attention back to himself though as he worked that lathered cloth over the rest of his body that he could manage to reach and that was out of the water's grasp. Blinking slightly, he turned to look at her when she asked him for the soap. That sight caused him to pause and freeze in place for a moment as he looked down to her, staring. Of course, as soon as he figured out that he was doing that, he felt the heat rushing up over his face, coloring his skin. Blinking, he quickly turned his head to the side and away, while holding out the soap blindly for her to take. Nudity didn't bother him...but something about the Gypsy caused him to feel incredibly embarrassed for staring at her like he had. He'd been trained not to look at any women like that, other than other slaves, or the whores that were given to the gladiators when they made their Masters a large bag of coin. He felt so confused at times, like a storm was brewing in his head, unsure of how to act or what to do...hell, what was proper was simply not something he knew anymore either. "Um...I'm sorry...I didn't...I didn't see, or...I mean, I didn't mean to..." He just brought his cloth up and scrubbed over his face, before he ducked down and under the water once more, letting the suds be washed away, though he was still going to have to get his back. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She stood there awaiting the soap as he turned and looked down at her. Her head canted slightly and her brows slowly began to arch. She glanced over each of her bare shoulder before looking back to him wondering if something was wrong. She then realized what the issue was when he suddenly turned away and blindly offered the soap. She wouldn't point anything out in a negative way and make him feel any worse than he already did. "I didn't mean to scare you by coming from behind." she said as she gently took the soap from his hand just before he mumbled something and then ducked down under the water after scrubbing at his face. She blinked, a little confused, a little concerned, and would wait for him to rise again before proceeding to wash herself up. (d)
Connor Darokin
He came up from under the water and once more glanced in her direction to see that she was decent and to hopefully not end up staring at her again so blatantly. He would speak up as he wiped his face free of water once more. "You didn't scare me, Rhianna...I...I was, staring...You're a beautiful woman...and I felt it a bit...improper." He didn't want to go and say that he'd been a slave...and hoped that the brand on his arm would mix in with the rest of his scars and be mistaken for that, rather than the brand of a slave. He would face her now, though carefully keep his eyes either to the side, or simply on her face, trying not to look down at the point where the water started upon her body...even under that surface, distorting and blocking her body fully from view, it did also allow for some imagination of what her form truly looked like beneath the surface of that cool water. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
When he came back up, he would respond to her previous statement to which would have her smile softly at first but then more broadly. "I.. well, thank you." He had given her a compliment and it was only fair for her to be polite in return. "Conner, you didn't do anything but look at me. You did nothing to hurt me physically or otherwise, so there's no need to apologize really." she paused a moment. "But if my being this close to you makes you uncomfortable then I'll move over a few feet and wash up." she nodded and offered him a sympathetic smile before turning slowly so that her back was to him again and moved off a few feet. The cloth was lathered up and while she held the soap in one hand, the other would work the cloth up and down along her arms as she lifted them from the water. Then over each shoulder before coming down and across her chest. She was a little closer to the shore now having moved off, which lowered that water level. A few more steps were taken and still the level would go even lower until it was now at about the small of her back. She washed her stomach and then lowered herself before lifting a leg up as best as she could to wash from the knee down and proceeded to repeat the act with the other leg. The moon was out tonight of course and the reflection of light bounced off the top of the water to provide enough light above and below to make out a few details. Not to mention, with her skin being of a mocha color and having the dark undertones, the water that beaded on her skin reflected light just as the water in the pond itself. Conner, along with any other eyes that might be prying was getting quite a show... no? (d)
Connor Darokin
He offered a nod when she thanked him, and then looked over as she told him that he didn't do anything that he needed to apologize for. He rose his eyebrows when she said that she would move away from him, and then she did just that. He would be about to tell her to stop and remain, but then he saw as the water level lowered around her, causing more of that slender frame of her's to be revealed. His words were just lost then and as she shifted towards the shore, he'd unconsciously made a movement to follow somewhat. He watched her as she washed that first leg, almost seeming to stumble a bit. He moved forward then as the leg lowered, and she was raising the other. "Let me help you." He said before he reached out and his hands took hold at her waist to help steady her. He had resisted as long as he could, but now, with that lighting, the way her body seemed to glisten with that water dripping down her form, he just needed to touch her, to find out if that skin was as smooth and soft as he thought it was. "I can help you with your back if you'd like?" He was just offering to be a helpful hand, right? Right. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Little did she know she was being watched so intensely. It was as if she had cast a spell on him, like her people were rumored to do. As the second leg was lifted, she had lost a little of her footing but was about to gain it, or so she thought. While she didn't fall back, she did have to settle both feet again before trying once more. It was here when he had come up behind her and offered to help. Rhianna looked to Conner over her shoulder and nodded with a small smile. "Thank you." As soon as his hands had circled about her waist, she tried again and this time, with success being the end result. Her back was still to him and all else remained hidden from sight. Long and normally curly wild hair was now stringy and wet. Dry, it was he color of caramel and when wet, it was a darker shade of her skin. He offered to wash her back and she nodded without having to look to him. She handed him both the soap and the cloth over each shoulder, behind her. "Thank you... I was just about to ask if you would do me that favor. I can do yours in return if you need me to." (d)
Connor Darokin
He felt the warmth of her skin as he held her waist, keeping her up and steady as she washed the rest of her leg. He couldn't deny the fact that the Gypsy woman was lovely, and her personality was appealing also...there was just something about her that had Connor incredibly enchanted. Maybe it was the fact that she was so nice to him when he hadn't seen such a thing in so long. But then again, that part of him that was male knew that he was attracted to her in a physical sense, even if he would try and control himself from such advances. They had just met earlier in the day...but he felt comfortable around her. Taking the soap and the cloth, he would begin to run it over the smooth flesh of that mocha colored back. Of course, first thing's first, he would end up having to push her hair to the side and over her shoulder. Then he could let his hands slowly and gently caress along the lines of her back as he helped her. "I would appreciate that, thank you." Of course, in response to her offer to do his back as well. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna felt the warm curling sensation of his fingers about her waist through out the process and even as they lingered there in place until she had offered him the soap and cloth. It had been a nice sensation to feel. His grip had been firm and yet... gentle at the same time. The way a man touched a woman said a lot about the man itself, regardless the reason for the touch. Be it in a friendly gesture or something more. His personality was different than most she had come across. He was kind and sweet and she bet there was a great deal of smarts within that head of his. Yet... she also sensed there was a darker side to him. Like something waiting.. lurking in the shadows of his mind and and soul waiting for just the right moment to surface. Along with all of this, he was a very attractive man and she was sure he would soon grab the attention of many ladies. He had hers. Her hair was gently pushed aside and she felt him apply the soap and cloth over her back. It was flawless. No markings or scars of any kind. Already her skin felt like silk or velvet but the soap and water combination was likely to give it an all together new feel to it and just as nice. She would wait until he was done before she would lower to rinse,waiting for him to turn around so she could do the same for him. You wash my back and I wash yours... right? (d)
Connor Darokin
Being a bit taller than her, he would look down, admiring the slender line of her shoulders and slenderness of her frame, the soft, smoothness of her flesh as he had the chance to feel that soft skin. Of course, it wouldn't last though. She would lower herself down, washing off the soap. He shifted half a step back to give her room. When she showed that she was ready, he would hold the soap and cloth out to her while standing at her back. When she had them in hand, he allowed himself to turn around, presenting his scarred, muscled back to a much closer inspection than she had been offered before. There was that urge, to glance over his shoulder and take in the sight of her body. He resisted the urge now though, instead, just letting his head drop down somewhat while he waited for her attentions with that soap and cloth. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She thought she felt the weight of his gaze on her but by the time she had lowered to rinse and then hand off the soap and cloth, the thought was dismissed. He turned and so she stood once more so she could better access his back. The water now rested at their waists. Higher up on her form of course as she was not as tall or large as him. The soap and cloth were rubbed vigorously together to create that lathered state of suds before the end result on that cloth was about to be applied to his back. It was here she was see just how scarred his back was and she frowned. The soap was placed in the same hand as the cloth before it reached up to gingerly touch a scar or two. "Conner?" she whispered. "How did you come to get so many scars on your back?" Rhianna had a pretty good idea how some of them had got there as they were the tell tell signs of the cat o' tails. Brows furrowed before arching slightly. Eyes lifted from the expansion of his back to his head as it lowered then while she awaited a reply. One she feared she wouldn't like. Her hand in the meantime lingered before eyes returned as so she could trace each one. As if each had a story to share. (d)
Connor Darokin
He let his eyelids slowly lower as he felt the touch of her hand, unknowingly that she was tracing along his scars, but enjoying the touch nonetheless. When his name came from her lips in the form of a question, his head would raise and turn to the side slightly, though he wouldn't actually look back to be able to see her. When she asked him about the scars on his back, he glanced back down to the water in front of him, remaining silent for a moment. But finally he would speak up, deciding that if his revealing things about himself went bad, he would just have to fight his way out...he'd done it before, and he could do it again. He was free now, even if it was a stolen freedom, and he intended on staying that way, and learning just how to actually be free. "Most of them came as punishment if I didn't do as I was told, or displeased....If I displeased my Master. I was a slave, used for entertainment in the Arena. Sometimes, until you prove your worth as a I would recieve scars like that simply because I was near at hand and was used to take out their frustrations on." His voice would get a bit lower, and at first, it would be held with a slight tone of sorrow, before turning into a heat, an anger at how he'd been treated. Hell, that anger had been what had kept him from completely breaking for all those years. Had been what kept that part of him that was just, him alive...now he just had to find that part of him again. "Once I proved my worth, I brought them profit, and I became free from random beatings...only those given for any perceived infraction of rules, or when I received a wound from the Arena." He had been careful not to say how he had gained his freedom however...it would make him an admitted murderer. Kill a thousand men in the Arena and you were a Legend among Champions...kill ten guards and a cruel, abusive murderer, and you became the most wanted fugitive of the kindom. And who knew how far bounties or influence reached. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She could sense the change of his demeanor as it went from calm and sorrow filled to a raging fury of anger, and yet he seemed to remain in control. As she listened to his story, her hand slid down along his back and around to his side. Her chin dipped and her gaze lowered. All for a few measly moments of entertainment, this man lost pieces of himself. Pieces of who he once was and may never be again. How sad and cruel was the world when a man had to fight for his life for sport? To be treated nothing more than a dog on a tight leash. To be mistreated for whatever reason its master saw fit. She closed her eyes and sighed, her forehead came to rest against his back. "I am so very sorry to hear you have had to suffer as much as you have for as long as you have. No man should have to endure all that you have and those like you." she paused a moment. "You're secret is safe with me. For I will not share this with any one as I know what sort of trouble it could cause for you." Even with not knowing how he had gained his freedom, she knew that a man like him had much to lose if word got out about his past. There were people that preyed on men and women like him and she was not going to be the one responsible for any of that trouble. Slowly, her eyes opened and her gaze lifted only so that she could now focus what she was suppose to have been doing to begin with. The cloth was lathered once more and applied to his back. She did it tenderly, almost as if the scars were still the open wounds they once were and not wishing to cause him any discomfort. Full lips had become thin as she pondered on what he had shared. Her heart went out to him and those that had and still suffer from such treatment. (d)
Connor Darokin
Goose bumps would end up sliding over his forearms when he felt her hand sliding along his back and over those scars. They didn't bother him, just tended to make his skin feel somewhat tight at some points, but it was something he was used to. When he felt her forehead coming to rest against his back though, he turned his head to try and look back over his shoulder, even though there was no chance of him seeing anything, with her so close to him. "It is in my past...my past doesn't define me, and I simply look to the future now, and thank you. I felt that I could trust you enough, even in such a short time, with that knowledge. He felt his heartbeat increasing in pace as her hand shifted, moving over his back and doing as she had been intending all along. When she had finished however, he would end up lowering down into that water, sliding underneath it's reflective, dark surface. When he came back up however, he would be facing her now. He let that water drip down over his features as he came to his full height once again, those bright eyes seeming to almost glow with the reflection of the moonlight within them as he, perhaps, somewhat boldly, stole that look upon her bared upper body. Reaching out, he gently took one of her hands, bringing it up and to his lips so that he could place a soft kiss upon it's top, as long as she allowed it. "Thank you, Rhianna." ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna listened as he gave his response to her comment. She nodded and while she partially agreed with him, she had something to say in reply to that. "It doesn't define you entirely no... but it does help define you along with knowledge that you as a man have come to know. But it is good that you do not let it keep you from moving forward." The soapy cloth was pushed over portions of his back here and there in circular motions or in an up and down direction before she finished. After which he lowered to rinse it all away. Seeing that neither of them further needed the cloth or the soap, she balled the soap up in the cloth and chunked it toward the rest of their belongings. When he came back up, he was now facing her as she had took a step or two back to give him room. As he stood to his full height, and as she realized he was looking down on her, part of her wanted to wrap her arms about herself and cover up, but the look in his eyes had her frozen. She seem to thaw as he took her hand and brought it up to his lips to place a soft kiss there atop it. That act alone would have her forgetting she was nude from the waist up. "You're welcome Conner." she replied as those sea green eyes stared up at him. Lord he was a big man. (d)
Connor Darokin
He could not help but admire the sight of her beautiful body that would be displayed for him in the lighting of that bright moon. She truly looked to be perfect. And as she did not seem to shy away, cover herself up or such, he would end up meeting her gaze, a smile sliding along those lips of his as he came to step in a bit closer to her. He kept that hand of her's in his own, while the other came forward, and lightly brushed those damp strands of that dark hair over her shoulder, letting them fall down along her back once again. His warm palm then came to slide along the side of her neck, before rising up to caress along her jaw line. Those bright blue eyes of his seemed to gain a slight intensity to them, a look that many a male might get when seeing such a gorgeous woman. If she hadn't tried to run, break his wrist or any such thing, he would lean in closer to her, bringing his face down to her's if she hadn't already pulled away, and possibly stealing a kiss from her. Or, looking like a fool, but he'd get over it if so. ~d~
Rhianna Cosatche
It was funny how the mood seem to bring out certain qualities both in body and in nature in men and women. She worked in ways that none understood and likely never would but always felt the need to succumb to the power of the night. The moon, she was the instigator and the stars, the witness of what would follow. He met her gaze and smiled a little before stepping forward. There was one thing people would slowly come to realize about this small woman. Rhianna very seldom ran without a logical reason. He continued to hold her hand, maybe because he feared she would do that and it was his way to coax her to stay. The other had come to brush back those damp locks of hair behind her shoulder before it slid along the swan like neck and up to the jaw line of a delicate face. She could see the look in his eyes, and she shivered. Was it from the way he looked at her and caused excitement or was it from the chill in the night air? It was hard to say, but as his head lowered and his mouth neared her own, she would pull back just a smidgen before allowing his lips to press against her own. Seeing as he held the one hand, the arm attached to the other slowly lifted and wrapped about his neck. (d)
Connor Darokin
Perhaps the holding of that hand would be to keep her from running, even though he wouldn't hold her there if she tried to pull away. He had wondered if he had misjudged the distance, then saw her head slip back slightly. At first he would think that she was pulling away, and he would pause, but then, as those lips of her's came to press against his own. His eyes ended up slowly sliding shut as her arm came up to wrap around his neck. Connor would let that hand that he was holding release so that it could end up moving around her waist to gently pull her frame in a bit closer to his own. That hand which had been at her neck, slid back, his fingers slipping through those dark, damp strands. His lips parted just slightly, allowing that kiss to deepen slightly more than it already was. Once he would feel the curves of her form pressing against the front of his own, that arm at her waist would tighten slightly, holding them firmly together for the moment. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
No, he hadn't misjudged anything. She had only pulled back to tease, though not to the point where it would have him give up on his quest to quench his thirst in drinking from an oasis thought to be out of reach. Her own eyes had closed once one arm was securely anchored about his neck and as soon as he released her hand, the other arm came to do the same. At that same time, he had allowed his free hand to move to that slender waist and pull her in closer to him. The air had grown chilled, but she found comfort in the warmth his body offered. However, the shivers still came, so it wasn't just from the nippy air. His fingers slid through dark damp curls and the kiss seem to deepen to which she not only allowed but encouraged. The tightening sensation of his arm had her flush up against him and she wondered if he could feel the thudding of her heart as it threaten to pound it's way free from her chest. Did it drum loudly in his ears as it did her own? (d)
Connor Darokin
He could feel the shiver that ran through her body, though they were already standing flush together, unable to get any closer to try and help warm her. Though he was also feeling rather selfish, since he didn't want to pull away from those lips of her's even for them to get somewhere warmer. His hand within her hair though, would slide free, so that his arm could slide around her back, cocooning her body in the warmth of his chest and his arms. With the encouragement from her as that kiss deepened, he would let himself get lost into that kiss and into those lips of her's, the taste and the smell of her skin. His pulse was racing in his chest, feeling as though his heart would beat it's way clean through his ribcage and out of his chest. So he would probably be wondering the same thing about her, whether she could feel or even hear his own heart as it hammered away. Though, another reaction to the warmth and closeness of her body, the intensity of that kiss, would end up possibly being felt as flesh hardened, pressing forward between their forms. He could do nothing about that really, and so he just tried to ignore his body's reaction to her, and just focused on those, lips and that soft tongue as his own seemed to slip forth, seeking out her own. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Had she known he debated on pulling away and thought better of it, she'd have surely thanked him for not doing so. He seemed to try and shield her even more from the chill in the air as his other arm came to wrap around her and slide to her back. Her arms would slide free from around is neck and under his own arms along his sides. Her hands allowing fingers to splay against the scarred flesh of his back. The kiss deepened and as his tongue slip past kiss swollen lips, he was not only allowed entry but greeted by her own warm pink muscle. He felt good, smelled good and tasted good. Almost like some sort of exotic forbidden fruit that burst open with the sweet flavor of desire. Her tongue would slid over, it would swirl around, and tease his own even as she felt the hardness of flesh pressing forward against the lower portion of her flat stomach. It was noted, and unlike him, not ignored, but not given any more attention than what need be for the moment. (d)
Connor Darokin
He was completely lost into that kiss that would be shared between the two of them, feeling that soft muscle of her's, teasing and dancing along with his own in such an erotic display of passion. They remained there, locked together in that embrace of arms and lips for a good bit, before those lips would be forced to part, for the simple fact that oxygen would need to be sucked into their lungs. He gasped, sucking in lung fulls of air while letting those bright blue eyes of his look down to her once again. He did not want to part their lips, and his gaze came to linger upon that kiss swollen flesh once more while he licked over his own, moistening the skin. His arms remained holding her smaller frame in against the muscled body he possessed. While catching his breath, he leaned down to her, bringing those lips of his along the side of her neck, where he would lay gentle nips to the smooth, mocha toned flesh. He really didn't know what was coming over him. Though he certainly wasn't going to complain about whatever it was. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
He wasn't the only one that was consumed by what they were indulging in. His arms felt good around her, his body felt wonderful against her, but like him, she began to struggle for breath as her lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen. Rhianna drew in several deep breathes to quickly sedate that ache in her chest and while Conner licked his lips to moisten them, Rhianna's did the same only for a different reason. Her tongue had slipped out to glide across her lips as to savor the taste of him that still lingered there. His arms remained around her as her own did him while he attempted to taste her skin. The nips to the smooth dark flesh had her tilting her head back and allowing it to then roll to one side as to grant him further access to what he not only wanted, but what she wanted him to have. All the while, sea green eyes were hidden behind lowering lids lined with long alluring lashes. Lips attempted to part to utter his name, but it came out only as a soft and barely audible sound of pleasure. (d)
FADE TO BLACK
Scene started out at Briar Rose
Rhianna Costache
Silence was not always a bad thing. Most people felt uncomfortable with it but Rhianna was not one of them. She let him have his peace while she enjoyed her own. All the while, sea green eyes took in the sights around her, of faces, of the people themselves, and of the atmosphere. It had cleared out considerably since they had first entered. It was known as the Sabbath to those of the Christian faith, and perhaps that priest had worried a few people with his speech from earlier. She continued to nurse her drink, still holding it with both hands as the container seemed much to large for a single small had of hers. The lil Gypsy wondered if Conner had recently had a proper bath? A good meal, good bath made for good sleep. The bath was something she could see about herself whether it was to have Rose draw one up for him or if she were to take him off to one of the local watering sources. Question was, would he chance in growing chilled from the night air that was starting to cool as the summer season was nearing its end and autumn beginning hers. "Conner, have you had a good bath? Rose and her staff can ready something for you in a room here, assuming you will be staying the night here that is." (d)
Connor Darokin
His head tilted to the side a bit as he finished off his food rather swiftly during that time of silence between them, and she had mentioned something about a bath. Eyebrows rose slightly as the suggestion of having Rose and the others that worked there drawing him up a bath. That was just not something he was ready to have someone do for him just yet. Though in jest, he would look down at himself and then lean his head down, sniffing the air around him to try and catch some sort of scent. "Do I smell that bad?" He then gave her a very small grin and then shook his head. "It has been awhile. But no, I would not have another do such for me. I will find somewhere, and as long as the water is not frozen over with ice, it will do." Warm baths weren't things that he usually had the comfort of coming across, and would be used to something with a lower temperature. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She watched him for a long moment and saw what looked like puzzlement etched across his features. She wondered what he was doing when he lowered his head and her brows furrowed. When she realized he was... checking himself, she frowned. "No.. no Conner, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to sound like I was suggesting you needed one, only that if you wanted one, it could be had here." Rhi felt horrible now, even after spying the small grin. "Well, I know of a place that's not far from here. Its a small pond just over the hill and does have a few trees and things for privacy." Modesty was something that all depended on who with and for what reason with her. She wondered if he was the same way, yet, part of her believed he was a man that would prefer privacy more times than not. (d)
Connor Darokin
So when she spoke, apologizing for what she'd said, she would have earned a small chuckle from the former slave, as she'd taken his tease seriously. Though he had not had much experience at it, other than with other gladiators and other slaves, and even that had been rare. Slavery didn't tend to bring out the most humor in those forced into it. His head nodded when she suggested a small pond nearby. A curious look came over his features though at the remark of privacy, but was quickly replaced by another of those small grins he had been giving out. Finished with his food, he quickly drained his mug and set it back on the table before he pushed up to a standing position. "If you are ready then, Lady?" Another hard habit to possibly break would be his habit of not using a name, but a title given to all free women from slaves. "I will settle for our food and we can be off?" ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna watched him from her place across the table, head canting occasionally but when it seemed he was about to speak, she always seem to right herself. He had nodded to begin with before casting a curious look in her direction. She had wondered what that was for, but what really got her to wondering was about his small grin that followed. He finished up what he wanted of his drink and meal, where as Rhi had already ate her fair share and washed it all down with every bit of her drink. He stood to his feet and asked if she were ready. Ready? Ready for what? Did he want her to show him the pond now? A casual shrug was made and she nodded before standing to her own feet. When he asked about the food, she gave a shake of her head. "That's already been taken care of." she replied with a small smile. "But I do need to head over to the bar if I am to show you this pond tonight." With that, she sidestepped and pushed her chair under to turn on her heels and as usual, dance her way across the floor in Rose's direction at the bar. With a lean forward, arms came to support her body and feet slowly lifted off the floor. It was playful in nature, like some innocent lil girl curious to see what was behind the candy counter. "Rose, I need a few things from you if you don't mind? Things for a bath... and.. a change of clothes too." Rose nodded and moved off before quickly returning and handing over to the woman a small bag of sorts. "Thank you Rose, I'll make sure you get everything back." she said before looking to Conner to see if he was ready to leave. (d)
Connor Darokin
If she hadn't been ready to go yet, he most definitely wouldn't rush her on the matter, but as she seemed to be willing and ready to go as well, he would secretly feel pleased. Now that they'd been talking of a bath, even a cold one, he'd started looking forward to it. And que the frown that would flow over that forehead as she spoke of the tab already having been taken care of. How in the world had she managed to do that? He would have noticed her passing coin to the barmaid...He would still be trying to puzzle it out while the Gypsy sidestepped and then...danced her way to the bar. This was indeed a strange woman, though one that he found intriguing, and strikingly beautiful. That smile came to flow over those lips as he watched her at the bar, and he himself, worked his way towards the door, still unsure of how she'd paid...then again, she could be doing it right then, and he wouldn't know, now would he? He certainly would be ready, and as she came near, he would hold his hand out towards her once again, though he was offering to carry the bag for her. "After you, Lady." ~d~
Rhianna Costache
As soon as he was near enough to bother her and the door, she would came down on one foot and then the other and face him fully with a bright smile. It faded a little however after seeing him frown and she wondered why. Had it been because she had done just as she said she would by helping him? Helping him included paying for a meal. When he referred to her as Lady rather than Rhianna or Gypsy, she smiled a little and shook her head. "It's alright to call me by name if you like." A hand came to rest on his forearm a moment to further indicate her point in a sweet manner before it fell away. When he offered his hand though, she wasn't sure why. Was it for her hand again or did he wish to carry the bag? Well, she certainly didn't want to be rude and refuse either, and he was new here so having him carry anything other than what was his was out of the question. Therefore, she slipped her hand into his own and this she was the one to lead! The path she had them take was upon the main road through the city until they past the last building before taking a more narrow dirt road. It would lead them over that hill she spoke of and closer to the pond. "We're almost there." (d)
Connor Darokin
A small nod mixed with a slight tilt of the head would be offered as she informed him that he could use her name. He mentally kicked himself though, telling himself that he needed to try and fit in more, not stand out. Feeling the warmth of her smaller hand within his once more would bring those bright blue eyes down to look at their clasped hands and then back up to meet the Gypsy's gaze. That smile slid in place once more, even though it was not what he was expecting...so there might be a slight bit of surprise mixed in there as well. He would follow along with her easily as they made their way down the main road, and then further out along that dirt road. Eventually though, they came to that hill, bringing the pond into view off in the near distance. When she spoke again, informing them that they were near their destination, Connor turned his head to look down to her once again. "Thank you, Rhianna, for this, the meal, the conversation. Well, all of it." He gave her more of a real smile than she'd seen on his face before now. He really was grateful, especially that his first encounter there in Skye was such a pleasant one. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhi looked to him with that smile of hers and nodded. "You are welcome Conner. Everyone needs friends and friends are always willing to help." she replied.The real smile had her canting her head a bit as she regarded him. He had a very handsome smile. "You should do that more often. It's very becoming of you." she offered softly as she stared up at him with those green eyes of hers. Rhianna was hesitant to do it, but she tore her gaze away and looked to the pond. "Just a little further..." she offered as she continued. It almost seemed that in the blink of an eye, they had arrived. There were cattails that surrounded it and a few smaller trees dispersed out here and there. Water lillies floated along the surface. The sounds of frogs and crickets were the nights music and it was here she would slip her hand free from his own as to begin fishing for things out of the bag Rose had given her. "I've managed to get you some things for a proper bath. Soap, wash cloths, towels and -- " the sentence broke for a moment. "..it looks as if she even put a change of clothes in here?" She pulled out everything one at a time and laid them on nearby rock that acted like a table of stone. The clothes she pulled out were also laid across one another before she went digging in the bag again, feeling something else shifting about. More clothes. There was a puzzled look on her face and soon she was pulling out more clothes, though she doubted Conner could wear or want to wear these. Apparently they were for the Gypsy. (d)
Connor Darokin
His head shifted so that he could look over to her, noting the look on her face while she looked up at him. That smile remained in place as she told him that he should do it more often. "Thanks...I might try it a bit more often." He glanced out, looking over at the pond as well when she said it was just a tad bit further. Of course, it wouldn't take them long at all, before they were walking up to the body of water. He glanced around the area, taking in the landscape around it while she ended up removing things from that bag. He turned to look back towards her when she spoke up, mentioning the list of things that she'd procured from the Inn before the two of them had left. One brow rose slightly at the information that she'd even packed a change of clothes. He watched as Rhianna lay them all out on the rocks, before she was pulling out more clothes...and definitely not clothes that he would be seen in. First off, they were too small, and secondly, they were for a woman. That caused that eyebrow to raise up a bit more before he just shrugged his shoulders and then reached up to undo his cloak. He let it fall out onto the ground near the rocks, revealing a slightly travel worn tunic, cinched at the waist by a belt with two daggers sheathed at one side and the small of his back. Hands tugged at that tunic, pulling the material out of those breeches and then pulling it up and over his head to toss it to the side of that cloak as well. This might have answered her question about his modesty. He might be uneasy about some things, but nudity had never been one. Especially when you got paraded around in whatever form of dress that particular Master desired. As his upper half became visible, two things would possibly be noticed. His body was almost perfectly muscled and hard beneath those clothes as she would have felt when she had run into him before and held his forearm. The second thing that would be easily noticeable about him, would end up being the multitude of scars, crisscrossing his back, as well as varying sizes and shapes of scars along his chest and abdomen. You didn't survive the Arena for nearly two decades without walking out unscathed or without some very close calls. He'd almost died at least three times. The medic had said it had to have been his own will that kept his alive...of the will of the gods...Either way, he'd pulled through. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She laid everything out, almost in a some sort of neat lil order so he could take what he needed when he needed it. As she went through the clothing, the sound of him moving about had her glancing to him, which, caused a second and lastly... to stare. His reply to her comment about the smile seem to slowly make its way up her throat and pass her lips. "Your...welcome." He didn't seem to have any issues about modesty... and why should he? He had the body a man made of steel, or perhaps like those finely chiseled statues she'd heard about and seen. It was... definitely beautiful to gaze upon, to admire like a piece of art, to be appreciated. Even with all the scars that littered his entire frame. Her eyes would slowly take him in from head to toe and back. "I..." Mouth was suddenly dry. "I will wait over here, in case you need me or.. anything." She finally tore her gaze away and realizing her eyes had lingered a lot longer than she should have, felt a little burn in her cheeks. Right... yep, going over to her hole of shame right now. (lol) (d)
Connor Darokin
He glanced over in her direction when she told him that she was welcome. That glance allowed him to take note of the fact that she was looking at him. Thinking nothing of it, as being put on display had happened often enough to take any embarrassment or modesty and crush it. Brows both rose when she mentioned that she was going to go somewhere else and wait for him. Throughout that whole time, he would undo that belt of his and lay it with the daggers down near his cloak. Then, those pants were pulled down and he stepped free of the material, leaving his lower half just as bared now as his upper. Just as before, muscles and scars would be prominent. There didn't seem to be a lick of modesty on his part, turning to face her when she was intending on moving away. "Were you not going to bathe as well? That's why you have clothes, is it not?" He hadn't known that the second set of clothes had been put in by Rose without Rhianna's knowledge. With a slight shrug of his shoulders, Connor turned towards that pond and walked forward, stepping into it and wading further out until the water would come up to his waist. Even with the season turning, the water was a nice lukewarm, with a spot of cooler areas further down, and a bit warmer on the surface, but all in all, pleasant. He dove down, sliding under the water for a few moments. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
When he looked to her, that was when she looked away, not wanting to have been caught but she perhaps had been to slow. She could hear him removing the rest of his clothing and while tempted to look, she wouldn't do that. Okay, well maybe just a peek! When she cut her eyes softly to the corners and tried to be discrete about it and pretending to be interested in something entirely different, she caught a glimpse of his backside. She grinned to herself and went to look at the clothes again that Rose had given her. Holding the thin chemise up and inspecting it, she heard him ask her about taking a bath as well. "I.. well, I had not intended on it." She replied. She looked to the rock again and noticed he had not taken anything in with him. Was he going to come back out for them? Or would she be forced to take them to him? She pondered a moment before looking up and watched him disappear under the water. She swayed in place, waiting for him to emerge any moment now. (d)
Connor Darokin
As she told him that she hadn't intended on getting a bath as well, he would shrug once more before he'd gone on in. Of course, after he'd remained under for a bit, he finally came up, breaking the surface near the same place he'd gone under at. Hands rose up and wiped at the water as it dripped down his face, brushing it from his eyes, before wiping up and over that incredibly close cropped, dark hair of his. Blinking those bright blues of his, he would turn and look over towards her. "Well, if you change your mind, the water is nice." He would enjoy the water just for a moment more before starting to head back towards those rocks and the soap, as well as the washing cloth that was there. Once more he would end up being completely on view and exposed, without any thought of it himself. Reaching for the bar and the cloth, he couldn't help but glance in her direction once again, admiring the beauty that the Gypsy woman possessed. He had to admit, so far, Skye was probably the top on his list of places to be. Turning once again, he walked back out and into that refreshing water. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna would let out a breath she hadn't know she was holding when he had broke the surface of the water. Green eyes focused on him to make sure he was in fact alright and then she seem to watch just to watch as he wiped away excess water from here and there. He looked to her and assured her the water was fine if she decided to join him and she bit at her lower lip in contemplation. The invite was very very tempting. He began to make his way back toward her and the supplies all while she watched him until just before he was fully exposed. Clothing slipped through her fingers and the chemise she held fell to the ground. The lil gypsy woman would bend to gather it up and look up to him, after having allowed her eyes to travel up his form of course. "I think it might do some good if I did bath right now." she replied as she stood up once more. Suddenly it was warm... real warm and cool water was the answer! As soon as he turned about, she began to remove articles of clothing from her own frame. First that tied about her head, then her waist. The bodice was removed next and then her skirts. And so now she stood in nothing but a short sleeved off the shoulder chemise that the hem rested at just above the knee when standing. After taking up her own cloth, she moved forward and down into the water. She wasn't always one concerned about modesty, but well, she'd just met the man today. (d)
Connor Darokin
A glance back and over his shoulder was given when he heard her speaking up once more, admitting that she might actually want a bath as well. He gave her a smile over his shoulder before he dove under that water once again and swam out just a bit before resurfacing once again. He turned, unable to resist the urge to at least take a glance over now and then as she undid her own clothing. He tried to hide it by working that soap and that cloth together. He wouldn't make a comment or question her choice to bath with clothing on...some people weren't quite as comfortable with nudity around strangers. Besides, it wouldn't be his place to question it either, now would it? No, but he would indeed continue to glance over as she made her way into the water, while he brought that soapy cloth up and over his chest and shoulder, working the soap and the cloth along those muscles. It seemed somewhat difficult to pull that gaze of his away from her for long though. She was rather striking, and easy on the eyes. Knowing that he could look at her as well, without getting into trouble, made it easier for him to steal those glances in her direction while he worked at cleaning himself off. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Further and further she moved out and deeper into the water until she was about chest deep. Here she lowered herself down and back so she could wet her hair. By now, the cloth of her chemise was sticking to her and she normally didn't bath in clothes, but given the circumstances, she had been willing to try it. Growing a bit tired of fighting with it, she lowered herself once more and peeled the chemise from her body under water until it was up and over her head. She balled it up and squeezed the excess out before giving it a heave forward to the rock. It landed just short of it but would be alright for now. At least it was on the ground close by and not floating off somewhere. She was about to start lathering up when she realized Conner still had the soap.. and so she slowly turned about to face him as her back had been toward him up until now. Rhi made her way over closer to him, the water line resting at the swell of her breasts. "May I have the soap please?" she asked as a hand came up to wipe away a few droplets of water that still clung to those long lashes. Others dripped from her nose and her chin. (d)
Connor Darokin
While she turned to keep her back to him, he would end up allowing his eyes to travel along the line of her shoulders, arms, and what of her back he could see. He was somewhat surprised when she came back from under the water, and threw the clothing she'd still had on towards the rocks and the shore. He turned his attention back to himself though as he worked that lathered cloth over the rest of his body that he could manage to reach and that was out of the water's grasp. Blinking slightly, he turned to look at her when she asked him for the soap. That sight caused him to pause and freeze in place for a moment as he looked down to her, staring. Of course, as soon as he figured out that he was doing that, he felt the heat rushing up over his face, coloring his skin. Blinking, he quickly turned his head to the side and away, while holding out the soap blindly for her to take. Nudity didn't bother him...but something about the Gypsy caused him to feel incredibly embarrassed for staring at her like he had. He'd been trained not to look at any women like that, other than other slaves, or the whores that were given to the gladiators when they made their Masters a large bag of coin. He felt so confused at times, like a storm was brewing in his head, unsure of how to act or what to do...hell, what was proper was simply not something he knew anymore either. "Um...I'm sorry...I didn't...I didn't see, or...I mean, I didn't mean to..." He just brought his cloth up and scrubbed over his face, before he ducked down and under the water once more, letting the suds be washed away, though he was still going to have to get his back. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She stood there awaiting the soap as he turned and looked down at her. Her head canted slightly and her brows slowly began to arch. She glanced over each of her bare shoulder before looking back to him wondering if something was wrong. She then realized what the issue was when he suddenly turned away and blindly offered the soap. She wouldn't point anything out in a negative way and make him feel any worse than he already did. "I didn't mean to scare you by coming from behind." she said as she gently took the soap from his hand just before he mumbled something and then ducked down under the water after scrubbing at his face. She blinked, a little confused, a little concerned, and would wait for him to rise again before proceeding to wash herself up. (d)
Connor Darokin
He came up from under the water and once more glanced in her direction to see that she was decent and to hopefully not end up staring at her again so blatantly. He would speak up as he wiped his face free of water once more. "You didn't scare me, Rhianna...I...I was, staring...You're a beautiful woman...and I felt it a bit...improper." He didn't want to go and say that he'd been a slave...and hoped that the brand on his arm would mix in with the rest of his scars and be mistaken for that, rather than the brand of a slave. He would face her now, though carefully keep his eyes either to the side, or simply on her face, trying not to look down at the point where the water started upon her body...even under that surface, distorting and blocking her body fully from view, it did also allow for some imagination of what her form truly looked like beneath the surface of that cool water. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
When he came back up, he would respond to her previous statement to which would have her smile softly at first but then more broadly. "I.. well, thank you." He had given her a compliment and it was only fair for her to be polite in return. "Conner, you didn't do anything but look at me. You did nothing to hurt me physically or otherwise, so there's no need to apologize really." she paused a moment. "But if my being this close to you makes you uncomfortable then I'll move over a few feet and wash up." she nodded and offered him a sympathetic smile before turning slowly so that her back was to him again and moved off a few feet. The cloth was lathered up and while she held the soap in one hand, the other would work the cloth up and down along her arms as she lifted them from the water. Then over each shoulder before coming down and across her chest. She was a little closer to the shore now having moved off, which lowered that water level. A few more steps were taken and still the level would go even lower until it was now at about the small of her back. She washed her stomach and then lowered herself before lifting a leg up as best as she could to wash from the knee down and proceeded to repeat the act with the other leg. The moon was out tonight of course and the reflection of light bounced off the top of the water to provide enough light above and below to make out a few details. Not to mention, with her skin being of a mocha color and having the dark undertones, the water that beaded on her skin reflected light just as the water in the pond itself. Conner, along with any other eyes that might be prying was getting quite a show... no? (d)
Connor Darokin
He offered a nod when she thanked him, and then looked over as she told him that he didn't do anything that he needed to apologize for. He rose his eyebrows when she said that she would move away from him, and then she did just that. He would be about to tell her to stop and remain, but then he saw as the water level lowered around her, causing more of that slender frame of her's to be revealed. His words were just lost then and as she shifted towards the shore, he'd unconsciously made a movement to follow somewhat. He watched her as she washed that first leg, almost seeming to stumble a bit. He moved forward then as the leg lowered, and she was raising the other. "Let me help you." He said before he reached out and his hands took hold at her waist to help steady her. He had resisted as long as he could, but now, with that lighting, the way her body seemed to glisten with that water dripping down her form, he just needed to touch her, to find out if that skin was as smooth and soft as he thought it was. "I can help you with your back if you'd like?" He was just offering to be a helpful hand, right? Right. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Little did she know she was being watched so intensely. It was as if she had cast a spell on him, like her people were rumored to do. As the second leg was lifted, she had lost a little of her footing but was about to gain it, or so she thought. While she didn't fall back, she did have to settle both feet again before trying once more. It was here when he had come up behind her and offered to help. Rhianna looked to Conner over her shoulder and nodded with a small smile. "Thank you." As soon as his hands had circled about her waist, she tried again and this time, with success being the end result. Her back was still to him and all else remained hidden from sight. Long and normally curly wild hair was now stringy and wet. Dry, it was he color of caramel and when wet, it was a darker shade of her skin. He offered to wash her back and she nodded without having to look to him. She handed him both the soap and the cloth over each shoulder, behind her. "Thank you... I was just about to ask if you would do me that favor. I can do yours in return if you need me to." (d)
Connor Darokin
He felt the warmth of her skin as he held her waist, keeping her up and steady as she washed the rest of her leg. He couldn't deny the fact that the Gypsy woman was lovely, and her personality was appealing also...there was just something about her that had Connor incredibly enchanted. Maybe it was the fact that she was so nice to him when he hadn't seen such a thing in so long. But then again, that part of him that was male knew that he was attracted to her in a physical sense, even if he would try and control himself from such advances. They had just met earlier in the day...but he felt comfortable around her. Taking the soap and the cloth, he would begin to run it over the smooth flesh of that mocha colored back. Of course, first thing's first, he would end up having to push her hair to the side and over her shoulder. Then he could let his hands slowly and gently caress along the lines of her back as he helped her. "I would appreciate that, thank you." Of course, in response to her offer to do his back as well. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna felt the warm curling sensation of his fingers about her waist through out the process and even as they lingered there in place until she had offered him the soap and cloth. It had been a nice sensation to feel. His grip had been firm and yet... gentle at the same time. The way a man touched a woman said a lot about the man itself, regardless the reason for the touch. Be it in a friendly gesture or something more. His personality was different than most she had come across. He was kind and sweet and she bet there was a great deal of smarts within that head of his. Yet... she also sensed there was a darker side to him. Like something waiting.. lurking in the shadows of his mind and and soul waiting for just the right moment to surface. Along with all of this, he was a very attractive man and she was sure he would soon grab the attention of many ladies. He had hers. Her hair was gently pushed aside and she felt him apply the soap and cloth over her back. It was flawless. No markings or scars of any kind. Already her skin felt like silk or velvet but the soap and water combination was likely to give it an all together new feel to it and just as nice. She would wait until he was done before she would lower to rinse,waiting for him to turn around so she could do the same for him. You wash my back and I wash yours... right? (d)
Connor Darokin
Being a bit taller than her, he would look down, admiring the slender line of her shoulders and slenderness of her frame, the soft, smoothness of her flesh as he had the chance to feel that soft skin. Of course, it wouldn't last though. She would lower herself down, washing off the soap. He shifted half a step back to give her room. When she showed that she was ready, he would hold the soap and cloth out to her while standing at her back. When she had them in hand, he allowed himself to turn around, presenting his scarred, muscled back to a much closer inspection than she had been offered before. There was that urge, to glance over his shoulder and take in the sight of her body. He resisted the urge now though, instead, just letting his head drop down somewhat while he waited for her attentions with that soap and cloth. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She thought she felt the weight of his gaze on her but by the time she had lowered to rinse and then hand off the soap and cloth, the thought was dismissed. He turned and so she stood once more so she could better access his back. The water now rested at their waists. Higher up on her form of course as she was not as tall or large as him. The soap and cloth were rubbed vigorously together to create that lathered state of suds before the end result on that cloth was about to be applied to his back. It was here she was see just how scarred his back was and she frowned. The soap was placed in the same hand as the cloth before it reached up to gingerly touch a scar or two. "Conner?" she whispered. "How did you come to get so many scars on your back?" Rhianna had a pretty good idea how some of them had got there as they were the tell tell signs of the cat o' tails. Brows furrowed before arching slightly. Eyes lifted from the expansion of his back to his head as it lowered then while she awaited a reply. One she feared she wouldn't like. Her hand in the meantime lingered before eyes returned as so she could trace each one. As if each had a story to share. (d)
Connor Darokin
He let his eyelids slowly lower as he felt the touch of her hand, unknowingly that she was tracing along his scars, but enjoying the touch nonetheless. When his name came from her lips in the form of a question, his head would raise and turn to the side slightly, though he wouldn't actually look back to be able to see her. When she asked him about the scars on his back, he glanced back down to the water in front of him, remaining silent for a moment. But finally he would speak up, deciding that if his revealing things about himself went bad, he would just have to fight his way out...he'd done it before, and he could do it again. He was free now, even if it was a stolen freedom, and he intended on staying that way, and learning just how to actually be free. "Most of them came as punishment if I didn't do as I was told, or displeased....If I displeased my Master. I was a slave, used for entertainment in the Arena. Sometimes, until you prove your worth as a I would recieve scars like that simply because I was near at hand and was used to take out their frustrations on." His voice would get a bit lower, and at first, it would be held with a slight tone of sorrow, before turning into a heat, an anger at how he'd been treated. Hell, that anger had been what had kept him from completely breaking for all those years. Had been what kept that part of him that was just, him alive...now he just had to find that part of him again. "Once I proved my worth, I brought them profit, and I became free from random beatings...only those given for any perceived infraction of rules, or when I received a wound from the Arena." He had been careful not to say how he had gained his freedom however...it would make him an admitted murderer. Kill a thousand men in the Arena and you were a Legend among Champions...kill ten guards and a cruel, abusive murderer, and you became the most wanted fugitive of the kindom. And who knew how far bounties or influence reached. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
She could sense the change of his demeanor as it went from calm and sorrow filled to a raging fury of anger, and yet he seemed to remain in control. As she listened to his story, her hand slid down along his back and around to his side. Her chin dipped and her gaze lowered. All for a few measly moments of entertainment, this man lost pieces of himself. Pieces of who he once was and may never be again. How sad and cruel was the world when a man had to fight for his life for sport? To be treated nothing more than a dog on a tight leash. To be mistreated for whatever reason its master saw fit. She closed her eyes and sighed, her forehead came to rest against his back. "I am so very sorry to hear you have had to suffer as much as you have for as long as you have. No man should have to endure all that you have and those like you." she paused a moment. "You're secret is safe with me. For I will not share this with any one as I know what sort of trouble it could cause for you." Even with not knowing how he had gained his freedom, she knew that a man like him had much to lose if word got out about his past. There were people that preyed on men and women like him and she was not going to be the one responsible for any of that trouble. Slowly, her eyes opened and her gaze lifted only so that she could now focus what she was suppose to have been doing to begin with. The cloth was lathered once more and applied to his back. She did it tenderly, almost as if the scars were still the open wounds they once were and not wishing to cause him any discomfort. Full lips had become thin as she pondered on what he had shared. Her heart went out to him and those that had and still suffer from such treatment. (d)
Connor Darokin
Goose bumps would end up sliding over his forearms when he felt her hand sliding along his back and over those scars. They didn't bother him, just tended to make his skin feel somewhat tight at some points, but it was something he was used to. When he felt her forehead coming to rest against his back though, he turned his head to try and look back over his shoulder, even though there was no chance of him seeing anything, with her so close to him. "It is in my past...my past doesn't define me, and I simply look to the future now, and thank you. I felt that I could trust you enough, even in such a short time, with that knowledge. He felt his heartbeat increasing in pace as her hand shifted, moving over his back and doing as she had been intending all along. When she had finished however, he would end up lowering down into that water, sliding underneath it's reflective, dark surface. When he came back up however, he would be facing her now. He let that water drip down over his features as he came to his full height once again, those bright eyes seeming to almost glow with the reflection of the moonlight within them as he, perhaps, somewhat boldly, stole that look upon her bared upper body. Reaching out, he gently took one of her hands, bringing it up and to his lips so that he could place a soft kiss upon it's top, as long as she allowed it. "Thank you, Rhianna." ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Rhianna listened as he gave his response to her comment. She nodded and while she partially agreed with him, she had something to say in reply to that. "It doesn't define you entirely no... but it does help define you along with knowledge that you as a man have come to know. But it is good that you do not let it keep you from moving forward." The soapy cloth was pushed over portions of his back here and there in circular motions or in an up and down direction before she finished. After which he lowered to rinse it all away. Seeing that neither of them further needed the cloth or the soap, she balled the soap up in the cloth and chunked it toward the rest of their belongings. When he came back up, he was now facing her as she had took a step or two back to give him room. As he stood to his full height, and as she realized he was looking down on her, part of her wanted to wrap her arms about herself and cover up, but the look in his eyes had her frozen. She seem to thaw as he took her hand and brought it up to his lips to place a soft kiss there atop it. That act alone would have her forgetting she was nude from the waist up. "You're welcome Conner." she replied as those sea green eyes stared up at him. Lord he was a big man. (d)
Connor Darokin
He could not help but admire the sight of her beautiful body that would be displayed for him in the lighting of that bright moon. She truly looked to be perfect. And as she did not seem to shy away, cover herself up or such, he would end up meeting her gaze, a smile sliding along those lips of his as he came to step in a bit closer to her. He kept that hand of her's in his own, while the other came forward, and lightly brushed those damp strands of that dark hair over her shoulder, letting them fall down along her back once again. His warm palm then came to slide along the side of her neck, before rising up to caress along her jaw line. Those bright blue eyes of his seemed to gain a slight intensity to them, a look that many a male might get when seeing such a gorgeous woman. If she hadn't tried to run, break his wrist or any such thing, he would lean in closer to her, bringing his face down to her's if she hadn't already pulled away, and possibly stealing a kiss from her. Or, looking like a fool, but he'd get over it if so. ~d~
Rhianna Cosatche
It was funny how the mood seem to bring out certain qualities both in body and in nature in men and women. She worked in ways that none understood and likely never would but always felt the need to succumb to the power of the night. The moon, she was the instigator and the stars, the witness of what would follow. He met her gaze and smiled a little before stepping forward. There was one thing people would slowly come to realize about this small woman. Rhianna very seldom ran without a logical reason. He continued to hold her hand, maybe because he feared she would do that and it was his way to coax her to stay. The other had come to brush back those damp locks of hair behind her shoulder before it slid along the swan like neck and up to the jaw line of a delicate face. She could see the look in his eyes, and she shivered. Was it from the way he looked at her and caused excitement or was it from the chill in the night air? It was hard to say, but as his head lowered and his mouth neared her own, she would pull back just a smidgen before allowing his lips to press against her own. Seeing as he held the one hand, the arm attached to the other slowly lifted and wrapped about his neck. (d)
Connor Darokin
Perhaps the holding of that hand would be to keep her from running, even though he wouldn't hold her there if she tried to pull away. He had wondered if he had misjudged the distance, then saw her head slip back slightly. At first he would think that she was pulling away, and he would pause, but then, as those lips of her's came to press against his own. His eyes ended up slowly sliding shut as her arm came up to wrap around his neck. Connor would let that hand that he was holding release so that it could end up moving around her waist to gently pull her frame in a bit closer to his own. That hand which had been at her neck, slid back, his fingers slipping through those dark, damp strands. His lips parted just slightly, allowing that kiss to deepen slightly more than it already was. Once he would feel the curves of her form pressing against the front of his own, that arm at her waist would tighten slightly, holding them firmly together for the moment. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
No, he hadn't misjudged anything. She had only pulled back to tease, though not to the point where it would have him give up on his quest to quench his thirst in drinking from an oasis thought to be out of reach. Her own eyes had closed once one arm was securely anchored about his neck and as soon as he released her hand, the other arm came to do the same. At that same time, he had allowed his free hand to move to that slender waist and pull her in closer to him. The air had grown chilled, but she found comfort in the warmth his body offered. However, the shivers still came, so it wasn't just from the nippy air. His fingers slid through dark damp curls and the kiss seem to deepen to which she not only allowed but encouraged. The tightening sensation of his arm had her flush up against him and she wondered if he could feel the thudding of her heart as it threaten to pound it's way free from her chest. Did it drum loudly in his ears as it did her own? (d)
Connor Darokin
He could feel the shiver that ran through her body, though they were already standing flush together, unable to get any closer to try and help warm her. Though he was also feeling rather selfish, since he didn't want to pull away from those lips of her's even for them to get somewhere warmer. His hand within her hair though, would slide free, so that his arm could slide around her back, cocooning her body in the warmth of his chest and his arms. With the encouragement from her as that kiss deepened, he would let himself get lost into that kiss and into those lips of her's, the taste and the smell of her skin. His pulse was racing in his chest, feeling as though his heart would beat it's way clean through his ribcage and out of his chest. So he would probably be wondering the same thing about her, whether she could feel or even hear his own heart as it hammered away. Though, another reaction to the warmth and closeness of her body, the intensity of that kiss, would end up possibly being felt as flesh hardened, pressing forward between their forms. He could do nothing about that really, and so he just tried to ignore his body's reaction to her, and just focused on those, lips and that soft tongue as his own seemed to slip forth, seeking out her own. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
Had she known he debated on pulling away and thought better of it, she'd have surely thanked him for not doing so. He seemed to try and shield her even more from the chill in the air as his other arm came to wrap around her and slide to her back. Her arms would slide free from around is neck and under his own arms along his sides. Her hands allowing fingers to splay against the scarred flesh of his back. The kiss deepened and as his tongue slip past kiss swollen lips, he was not only allowed entry but greeted by her own warm pink muscle. He felt good, smelled good and tasted good. Almost like some sort of exotic forbidden fruit that burst open with the sweet flavor of desire. Her tongue would slid over, it would swirl around, and tease his own even as she felt the hardness of flesh pressing forward against the lower portion of her flat stomach. It was noted, and unlike him, not ignored, but not given any more attention than what need be for the moment. (d)
Connor Darokin
He was completely lost into that kiss that would be shared between the two of them, feeling that soft muscle of her's, teasing and dancing along with his own in such an erotic display of passion. They remained there, locked together in that embrace of arms and lips for a good bit, before those lips would be forced to part, for the simple fact that oxygen would need to be sucked into their lungs. He gasped, sucking in lung fulls of air while letting those bright blue eyes of his look down to her once again. He did not want to part their lips, and his gaze came to linger upon that kiss swollen flesh once more while he licked over his own, moistening the skin. His arms remained holding her smaller frame in against the muscled body he possessed. While catching his breath, he leaned down to her, bringing those lips of his along the side of her neck, where he would lay gentle nips to the smooth, mocha toned flesh. He really didn't know what was coming over him. Though he certainly wasn't going to complain about whatever it was. ~d~
Rhianna Costache
He wasn't the only one that was consumed by what they were indulging in. His arms felt good around her, his body felt wonderful against her, but like him, she began to struggle for breath as her lungs began to burn from the lack of oxygen. Rhianna drew in several deep breathes to quickly sedate that ache in her chest and while Conner licked his lips to moisten them, Rhianna's did the same only for a different reason. Her tongue had slipped out to glide across her lips as to savor the taste of him that still lingered there. His arms remained around her as her own did him while he attempted to taste her skin. The nips to the smooth dark flesh had her tilting her head back and allowing it to then roll to one side as to grant him further access to what he not only wanted, but what she wanted him to have. All the while, sea green eyes were hidden behind lowering lids lined with long alluring lashes. Lips attempted to part to utter his name, but it came out only as a soft and barely audible sound of pleasure. (d)
FADE TO BLACK
....two times
