Post by Anulia of Amora on May 31, 2008 10:45:43 GMT -6
General Maahes-With each night that passed the wait dug deeper and deeper. Tearing at his inside the worry and pent up aggression filled the Beast to no end. On the shores of the beach, the Spring sun filtered through the rolling clouds. It was warm across his back. The wide mass of shoulders burning from the touch until he would peel away layers of the linen tunic. His attire was always void of sleeves as he found no purpose, but today the heavy leather chest plate would be missed, and only a thin layer of well worn fabric remained. There were no fancy laces, no brilliant buckles, just all natural died fabric that fit almost tightly. From their weeks in the camps on the shore; The Avarian's made it as close to a home as they could. The mounds of fabric tents hung charms and other native decorations to ward off evil, and inside the pits of their camps a ring of drift wood had been laid. A pit to exercise, to spar, and to battle out the deep hidden aggression that came along with most men of the wild Isles. So round and round a bloody and broken man tried his best to remove the General from the ring. His hits going unnoticed and then returned. Other soldiers of the sorts would be placing bets and cheering as to pass the time.
Anulia of Amora-Nights alone in her room had not her any closer to answers for the questions that seemed to always pop up in her head. A great chunk of her life was missing from her mind and she was having no luck in finding it unless she was around certain people that triggered something, or a certain look and saying. Still, all she could remember was the jungle, not anything beyond that though her heart knew there was more. Hair of chocolate and onyx had been twisted about and secured on the back of her head so that the length of it would not get into the way should she truly start her training today. Dresses had been cast aside, leaving her in the dark wealth of cotton breeches that were loose to leave her form room to move without fabric clinging to her skin. The tunic of thicker cotton would be the same in loose fitting, for there was no need to have such tight clothing for a sport or training that seemed rough on the body. Underneath, beyond the material, lay the secret clothing of her people, which was deemed inappropriate to many here save the Gypsy. Chocolate eyes watched as the General and an unknown male did the dance of pain and what she knew could be death around the drift wood they had turned into a barrier to keep other men out or perhaps those fighting within. Bare feet wiggled her toes within the warm sand as she watched on. While others winced and laughed, Anulia stared and studied, watching each of the male's movements against each other, seeing what could have affect on the General and would could not since it seemed soon, she would be doing these things with him. There was no fear, only wonder if this was something she could truly do. By the nature she had shown others and knew of herself, she was gentle. It may be time to end such things.
General Maahes-The soldier would bring a fist upwards catching Maahes's jaw and would grant the fight to be over. The men cheered as the General held up his hand in defeat. Ever since the King's invasion on the Egyptian's face, Maahes did not hand being hit there well. He knew that if they did not stop here, the man would be dead within the next moment. An out spoken page clapped and held up the hand of the soldier and many groans would echo over the shore. They all had money on Maahes. With his back to the men he'd reset his jaw eyes closing in the pain. Perhaps a visit to the physician would be in order soon as the bones never seemed to heal right. It was his fault for not blocking, but the hour was growing late, and the high noon sun started to take it's toll. Eyes of the other men had been watching Anulia with deep interest as their days were growing old and their hearts lonely. No none would look at her without respect; it was not the Avarian way, but each would pass curious glances over the dark skinned beauty. None would doubt she was here with Maahes, but many would question if somehow they were related. The outspoken page would pass a smile to the woman, but before he could call out his greeting Maahes would speak. "Enough for the day, go about your duty." One by one the men would trickle out in single file to the shore and to the lands, leaving the giant be. It would be then when he would turn to face her. The crashing shores in the distance could rival his voice as it was low and raspy but when Maahes would talk his voice rattled from his chest just the same. "You have come to learn have you not?" His skin glistened under the sun, and it in many ways came to life. Fires swept over his flesh, and he would motion her to follow. He would take a thick strap of leather and wrap it around the heavy tendrils he had atop his head, lifting them from his neck and keeping them out of his face. The cool breeze started to chill the beads of moisture and he would then move to take hold the hilt of a wooden sword. Only when she would stand would he turn the hilt to her.
Anulia of Amora-Standing as still as she ever had in her life as the fight came to a stand still after a punch towards the General's jaw making him give the sign for a end. When the groans echoed around in the small crowd of men, Anulia's chocolate drifted to many men, meeting their glances and eyes, not afraid or nervous in any way and yet not giving them a bright smile for the moment. Anulia was not blind to how people looked to her, but she saw no point in making it public that she knew, for what good would that do? She was not offended, even when men looked at her in lust as others were. It was human nature to want to join with someone else and somewhere inside their minds, they were looking to others to see if they would give them the best offspring. With wider hips and well endowed breast, most believed she would produce and provide for such offspring, even if they did not think so in the front of their mind. Her head turned about on her neck to face eyes in Maahes' direction as he spoke over the crashing waves and the sound of ambient nature as it gave them their music for life. Anulia had not caught the pain in Maahes' face, much like the men she was kept in the dark from such though she would not have ran to baby him in any case. He was no child. Chocolate eyes locked on his darker ones as he spoke and she gave a curt nod of her delicate looking chin in a up and down motion before eyes drifted down to see his muscles dance underneath the darkened and glistening skin as he rose his large hands up to buckle his dreads from his skin. Anulia did not look on Maahes with lust, but in more of a manner to study him. He was larger then any male she had known in the sense of height, though his muscles were familiar for her warriors had the same. In truth, Anulia was more comfortable about a large group of men due to how she was treated and cared for in the jungle. Eyes shifted towards the item he picked up and held out towards her, before a delicate hand would reach out and grip it firmly. Out of no where..a flash of images came to her, too quick to truly notice what they were fully, but not so fast to not know they were memories. Reaction had her grip the wooden item firmly, knowing if she held it loose, he could knock it from her. "I must admit..I wonder if my body will be able to take the abuse you could give."
General Maahes-"I am not so barbaric, I will not hurt you." At first. The last part missed by his lips but reminded in his mind. As he thought back of their meeting and how quickly she was to openly stare he had to catch himself from doing the same. It was but human nature to study, to stare, and to want. Though Maahes was more for the first. Against the sand he would draw a line now with the practice sword of his own. "Your life ends past this line." Dark eyes would raise to catch hers, keeping them in his own gaze. "Correct your grip." He'd point to her hands with that of the tip of his own sword. "Not too tight, but enough I could not take it." She was already doing better then most. Hell she had it in her hand didn't she. To many other's surprise Maahes was actually a great teacher, patient and easy going when it came to beginners. He had done this a hundred times before, and knew how overwhelming it all could get. Yet, he was not so willing to allow that to slow them. He would move around her in slow agonizing steps keeping one shoulder low and the sword dangling in his hand. This was his trick, would she know when he was to strike? The first defense was to know when.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia did not think him such and made a point to let that be known. "No, you may not be. But nature does not lie in the sense of my body being much smaller then your own. Accidents...do happen." She corrected with a soft, yet sure tone. Her life ended at that line? Surely he did not mean for real, but her mind said yes. He meant it in reality not in jest, much as his face did the same. Anulia swallowed hard, sending that natural water that the body provided down her slender throat roughly. Dark eyes met his without flinching and only when he told her to correct her grip, did she as he instructed, loosening just a bit, but keeping her hand ready to grip it tighter when/if he struck out. She would not deny she was nervous. Only a fool would be confident in this situation. As grateful as she was for Maahes saving their lives, she still did not know the male well enough to trust his words fully and that was pure logic. When Maahes moved, Anulia did so as well, turning around in a circle that was more like a turn to follow him with the front of her body. The sword was held halfway between feet and head. Human nature was giving her the basics. It was not so hard to know when something came at you, you tried to deflect it with another object. Such would be the sword in her hand. Skill in changing course and direction of the sword in a matter of moments, was what she would need to learn fast.
General Maahes-Against her shoulder his own hovered inches before his first strike. A quick sweep would slap the exposed skin of her arm. The sword flat against her it would not hit hard, but like a back hand it would sting. "No matter the direction raise your weapon to it's side to block." Always first would they start with the blocking, then next the strike and soon hand to hand. Realistically he knew that perhaps she would never carry a sword, but the shorter length of the practice weapon could be relayed into a dagger. There was not the range as the swords they actually used, but there was always a reason. Once again he'd circle her, and when she least expected it another strike would rise up from the Beast. This time no matter if she blocked or not he would be coming at her with heavy force and his aim for her shoulder. Perhaps it was a bit harsh, but in many ways Maahes was testing her. To see if she really needed his assistance or even deserved it. He would not spend time wasting away on someone who cried out for the healer with every blow again. The Egyptian was never given the chance to back out so perhaps in many ways neither was she.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia was not so skilled and it showed when she was hit on the bit of her arm. Perhaps not so hard to make her cry out, but enough that she knew he had gotten her. Eyes went to his in a snapped motion as his words came out and she tried to take them in stride. Once more, she was circled and she turned her body around with his steps, though in a slower pace. She was trying to be open, trying to expect the unexpected, but her mind was unsure of it and it was new to it, so when the large beast of a man lashed out, she tried to be quick, but had been too slow on the draw and a sounding smack was heard on her shoulder, letting flesh and wood meet. Anulia hissed out and gave a soft growl, not wanting to cry out for that was weak. She had much worse then this and while it hurt her tender flesh, she knew greater pain. No use in crying about something when it was only the beginning. Where he had hit became warm, letting her know it would turn red soon. Her hand adjusted it's grip around the handle and she waited once more as the his circled her. The beast keeping the beauty within it's presence made zone. When Maahes moved out again, Anulia rose the wooden piece, making them clash and the vibration go straight into her hand and up her arm. It felt..odd, but did not hurt.
General Maahes-There wouldn't be a praise to leave his lips but his eyes traveled the length of the wooden sword he would smirk. Again would he circle her, but this time he would stop to stand before her and swing again. From over one shoulder his blade would travel, if it were blocked he would serve it like a tray circling it from her blocked blade to crash into her leg. It would force her from position one to position two. Part of the four stances of blocking. Around them watchers would pause to keep the two in check. It wasn't uncommon for Maahes to be in the training ring with a woman, but this was the first of Skye; and their curiosities grew. She was a beauty no doubt, dark skin matching that of their General even the women knights could be envious. Maahes was a challenge all in his own, and many tried to sort out the pieces to put the mysterious puzzle back together; they were given the same treatment Anulia was given in this moment--a relentless fight.
Anulia of Amora-Movements were limited, so there was nothing to make her breath move in and out of her body quickly, so why was it that her heart was beating a bit faster? She assumed it was because of her nerves and the feeling of something familiar resting within her soul. The smirk upon his handsome features was not missed and Anulia took that as praise enough, as well as him plotting something more. When he moved around her, she waited for the worse of the blows. This time, her attack came from the front, letting her aware and able to move to counter it, but Maahes once more taught her a lesson. One could switch that tactics as fast as they could blink their eyes and the sting to her leg through the loose material was a reward for her carelessness. Hissing once more through clenched teeth, she shot back in a instant. Those viper like reflexes came out, a memory un lodged as her own sword's tip moved towards his ribs and arm with a good bit of force behind it. Anulia had not meant to strike out, but it was a reaction. One she did not know where it came from. Others were ignored, for people were curious and Anulia did not look like a warrior in any way. Her face changed, looking serious as eyes met his, be it her swing had hit or was blocked.
General Maahes-Now here was a mistake on both their parts. He had taken her under educated mind for granted. She had acted as if she had never done this, but now as her own sword hit his body he would pause. His face was unaltered by the hit and dark eyes inhaled her own. She was either a natural or keeping secrets, and he didn't take to secrets well. As their bodies were locked for a moment in the struggle he would press her back with heavy force. It mattered not if she fell or kept her balance he just needed his space. His pride had been struck as well his body, but in many ways he was pleased. "You have done this before?" He would question though half knowing that if she had perhaps she could not remember it. She had spoken about her past, having lost many memories perhaps this was one. He would not give her time to respond, being mindful of the line he drew he would move in again. A slash from the left following into the right. Side by side was stances 3 and 4. Up, down, side, side--quickly like a dance he would press into her. Testing her blocking skills and as well prepared for another attack.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia was sorry for the hit, but she did not utter a word to it, for this was not a place for words of apology....was it? She was confused and took it as a natural reaction. The push backwards did make her stumble a bit, but she caught herself before she went down in the sand, easing her smaller frame to stand up straight again. At his dark eyes and that question, she paused. Had she? She did not know. Before she could answer him, he came to her again, and moments before he got to her, more flashes went bouncing about in her mind. Like flashes of a life time, they made no sense and were scrambled about in her head. The first two hits got her, for she was not fast enough to block them, only when he went up and down, did she move with him, backing up as her wooden sword clashed with his giving that sound that two objects made of the same texture gave. Her breath was moving fast and her pants could be heard just slightly over the hits of wood against wood. A glance was given and she saw her body and steps coming up on the line so her smaller form shifted fast, once more faster then any normal woman could move, and as close to a viper striking out's reactions, she slipped to the side, dancing around and away from the line so Maahes had no choice but to turn with her so his back was now closer. Instead of taking the chance to get him over the line, Anulia backed up as fast as her steps would take her, catching her breath as she pushed out. "I don't know.."
General Maahes-"It doesn't matter." His eyes would narrow and lower on her as the sword was tossed aside. His stands would be planted firmly in the ground and he'd close his fists. "We will prefect it." Again he would go at her, grabbing the wrist that had the sword and with a twist relieving her of it. Her arm would be brought around her back and her body would be held tightly against his but facing the crowd. Perhaps he had gone too far, but when a man in the night attacks, chances were she would not have time to remove any sort of blade. "Do not be afraid to hurt me. Fight back." Before she would learn form he continued to test her bringing his knee up to press into the back of her own. The motion would buckle her legs and with a push her body would tumble forward and he stood ready for any retaliation. The men around them now sit around the circle watching as they passed around their afternoon meal. The hot sun was starting to boil around them and Maahes would have to narrow his eyes to even see her. Though her frame was small, the contrast between dark and light would work well with his vision and he would hope she would use the same.
Anulia of Amora-It did matter to her. She had no idea where this was coming from and why now? Why not when she was attacked by the Vikings, or those men in town? Why did they not come when she needed them the most and yet, here they were with someone who was not trying to kill her. Fates..they were not funny in the least. He came at her and she was tempted to turn and run from him, but his larger hand snatched out quickly, grabbing her wrist that held the wooden sword, giving a twist that made her fight her body's pain to keep a hold of it. No good. It was lost despite her best efforts and before she could lash out with her other hand, her world turned and she was now facing men who looked on. While it may not have been on purpose, she was not one to be on display. She had that before and somewhere inside, she was ready to fight back. Maahes' rumbling tone and his words were heard, but she was stuck in a lock that she was unsure how to get out of. His larger and thicker knee pressed into the back of her own, making her slender leg crumble out from under her, sending her body to the ground on her hands and knees, pressing them into the sands and making the extra flesh that women held on their body shift and move beyond the loose materials. Quickly, she pressed her hands hard into the sand, pushing herself up to her bare feet to turn around and face him once more. Anulia resisted the urge to rub her wrist for it burned slightly and the scars flared up, exposing themselves with light colors to any who cared to look closer. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she truly thought Maahes had lost his mind for a moment. Perhaps he was angry with her. Hands came up slightly, looking as if she were not sure what do with them as she waited. "Must....it always...be so rough...what..is the point..?"
General Maahes-Many men would suck in their breath as she questioned their General. Those who have often got their teeth removed, but they had hope for this one that she would battle back. "So you learn to pick yourself up." Simple and to the point, Avarian fighters were lethal and flat out cruel when it came to fates. Perhaps she had meant to feel this way for a reason, but frankly he didn't give a damn. "Now man up or get out." He'd narrow his eyes to her preparing again for another attack. Though he would not dive head first on this one, he would wait; patiently like a hunter in the trees. His body would fill up the ring and the men would snicker and provoke the pair further. Yeah he was crazy, from day one all he knew was battle so what would make him stop now. Perhaps in his own way this was her warning. The only way to truly ever learn anything was to dive head first. So here was the pool, on the sandy beach and Maahes was already swimming
Anulia of Amora-It was her nature to question, only because she was in a land she had not been born to and if she did not question, she would never learn. His rough voice gave his own answer, one that could be different depending on who you asked. When he told her to 'Man up or get out' her full brow moved closer together, still having space between them but showing the confusion on her face as well as any. "I can not more become a man then you can grow wings upon your back." She countered, not fully understanding his meaning of words. Still, she knew his stance meant he was waiting. Was it her turn to try. What should she do? She was lost..but still she moved forward, slowly. Her steps were as delicate even as any muscles within her body tightened. When she felt she was close enough, she circled him, or tried to as he had her, mimicking his movements, looking a bit odd until she simply jumped at his side, giving a odd and very female cry as she tried to latch her arms around his neck and let her weight hang from him to try and bring him down. The men around them snickered and some full out laughed as the little woman looked like she was clinging to a tree. A tree that could not be moved.
General Maahes-Even he could not help but smile as he simply wrapped an arm around her and supported her weight. Leave to a woman to break his mood, as light laughter slipped past his lips as she hung there. The lesson for the day was over with that as he would never be able to get his mind back into the game. He had to admire her, she had spirit and that shown through with her dangling body. "What are you trying to do?" He would turn his head to catch her eye, his own lightened to match his mood. She reminded him of Galen then as he often just clung to his biceps to catch a ride. The men would shake their heads and eat their lunches, most ready to escape the sun's direct hit. Maahes had been barefoot the entire time, feet covered in the bits of sand; a warm welcome and a gentle reminder of home. Though he would never want to return it was the comforts of familiarity that kept him with his heritage. The cool sea breeze swept around them and he would sit her back down. "You aim too high. A man my size you must do just as I had done to you. Go low, bring us down from the ground up." He'd straighten his body then rolling his shoulders to relieve tension.
Anulia of Amora-Was he laughing at her? The other men were too! Why were they laughing? Maahes' rumbling voice could not only be heard, but she could feel it through his body where her flesh touched his. Her breast pressed into his arm and the back of his shoulder as she clung there, thinking her weight would bring him down. How wrong she was. She felt his arm wrap around the slender portion of her mid body to hold her up so she was not dangling and she sighed. "I have no idea how to attack you." she admitted as she tried not to think on how close he held her. Before she could ask him to set her down, he was already moving to do such and the moment his arm left her, she unwrapped her arms around his thicker neck and backed up. Chocolate eyes saw the light in his and her head tilted slightly to the left, casting the top of it downwards so her hair that was in a twist and left dangling, moved to slant as well. When he rolled his shoulders and straightened his body, she did not hesitate and moved to her knees in front of her, a memory served into her mind as her pointer finger and middle became firm and with a hard lash and those viper like movements, she her wrist flickered her fingers outwards to strike upon his upper thigh, towards the middle with all her might. The bite and pressure would lock his muscles in a matter of seconds before pain crawled up and down his thigh, reaching as far as his lower calf. A moment later, his muscles would shake and began a spazzing reaction around the area she had poked before she stood quickly with a beaming smile."Like that?" as if unknowing what she did.
General Maahes-Pain shot up and down his leg, forcing Maahes crumbled to his knees, his leg giving out on him as he went to the sand with a soft cry. What in the world did she just do?! He'd take a deep breath the pain sweeping his leg. The men around them would grow silent and many would gasp. Was Maahes on his knees? By a woman? Ok a woman other then Tommy? His body would move forward to catch himself on one arm and he would nod. "yes..yes just like that." Lord it still hurt, but was subsiding. His skin was red, flushed from the sudden hit and he needed to cool off. Perhaps it was the animal inside him that wanted to lash out, but he knew it was only his pride. "Where..did you..learn that?" His voice was dry as he would regain himself to stand, muscles hardened under the touch and he limped lightly out of the ring. "Get back to your duty!!" He'd bark and the men would scatter, as he had just realized they were even there, let alone watching him fall. He would toss a glance over his shoulder and in many ways asked her to come along. He then turned towards the ocean bare feet becoming lost in the dry sand.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia's beaming smile died when Maahes went down so fast. Oh no! What did she do?! She went closer towards him, though slowly, reaching her hands out as if she were approaching a wounded beast. With care and ease. When he said that was how to do it, she stopped coming towards him and placed her hands together in front of her as she laced her smaller fingers together. Chocolate eyes never left his as she watched his face become flushed with red and his leg spazzing in reaction to her touch. When he found his words and asked her where she knew it from, she was silent for a moment. Her thoughts were everywhere, but not in a place she could give him a good enough answer. "I...don't remember. Only that...I know it. I...also know how to stop it." She cleared her throat lightly as he got up and moved back a few inches, unsure if he would lash out at her. When he limped out of the circle and his booming voice reached out to the men to make them scatter, she was tempted to followed but paused until he glanced over his shoulder at her and moved towards the ocean. Leaving the wooden swords behind and her sandals as well, she followed after the larger man slowly, waiting until they got near the sea. The smell of it, the mist lightly hitting her face, the feeling of the sand becoming wet and slushy under her toes; it was all a peace she did not know to find here and now. "I am sorry...would you like me to fix it?" She could not explain it..she just knew. For a moment she closed her eyes and remembered being on the ship, another time it came out. The one who had gave her the brand of the bird upon her inner forearm had cornered her. Warriors, or what was left of them from her tribe, were jumping on Viking men, three at a time, trying to bring the large demons down. Anulia was without protection and being cornered against the wooden wall of the boat's housing that lead down to their prison underneath. His eyes, dark and empty beyond that helmet made of bone and metal. Large hands came up to grab for her and wrapped about her slender neck, choking the life from her, making her conscious slip away slowly. She was dying as finger tips clung to his heavy leather covered arm. None of him seemed to be exposed save for a small part on his neck, where the neck met the shoulder. Armor was close to that area, but it was her only chance. With every bit of strength she had, she straightened her pointer and middle finger out and snapped them into that area. A gurgling sound was heard and the strength in his thick fingers was lost before his large body crumbled to the ground and began to shake. Anulia did not look back, she ran from him, not seeing if he could get up or not as she headed for the edge of the boat. "Jump!" her warriors shouted. Heavy chains weighed her down, as well as the woman she was connected to, but still she found her grip and went to do as she was told just as pain laced on her thigh and the force of the demon beast hit her low.[/i] Anulia opened her eyes and looked to Maahes, not sure if he had spoken to her or not as she got lost in her memory. "It saved my life before...and what ever it is..I did not learn it from anyone in my tribe. They fought as you do. With hands..and weapons made from the jungles."[/color]
General Maahes-He took her form in lightly as she was swept away in the ocean of her own mind. The woman was remarkable only in pure fact she reminded him of a less barbaric home. Of the women there that made their lives out of serving others. Perhaps their paths had crossed once before. Distant lands and distant travels that were better suited for a rainy day, the story would fit well. "No." He would raise a hand to stop her from touching him again. "Do not touch me right now." Or really ever, though his voice was not harsh in any way shape or form; Maahes was a hard man. They had been in the heat of battle and the touch was different then, but he did not do well with such light brushes or full on exposure. He would have snapped her head off had he not been in the right mind. Both of them were covered in sand, Maahes's sweaty body had picked it up like fly paper so when the water swept at his ankles he would soon correct that matter. The Beast could not stand to be dirty, his body treated like a temple perfected and well kept, and he was in no way a gentleman so when his shirt was peeled away he would not give a second thought. Though Anulia struck him without a care. He just needed to be clean. A few of the other men were doing the same down the beach, their eyes half wishing the woman would follow the General's lead, but not many dared to follow him in. The water was cold still, but it would wash away the sand and dirt from the day's work until a right bath could be drawn. Maahes was an odd one, to say the least, different then all the rest and in many ways it's what got him in trouble the most."I will have my men see you back to your town." He spoke as the waves then crashed against his back as he faced her the water coming to his torso.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia did not take his word as a harsh one, nor did she let it hurt her feelings for she had been the one to bring him down in the end and it was his right to not want her near him again at the moment. Pride, was not something she understood fully. How it could make a man want to kill was a mystery yet. Keeping her hands in front of her and not daring to touch him anymore, she did follow his lead in the sense of walking out next to him so that the water began to seep within her baggy breeches. Nudity was nothing to Anulia and it was more natural then covering up the body completely. While men and women in her village did not wear much clothing, most of the time that which made man and woman different was covered unless a woman was feeding her child or they were in the process of mating. Her eyes were kept on the waters. Waves moving back and forth against her and Maahes like a caress to hot flesh. The coolness of it was welcomed. Moving deeper still, she looked to him as he faced her, speaking out in that rumbling voice of his. Had he been in a forest and shouted, would the trees fall at his command? His muscles danced as he spoke, more so near his neck and shoulders making her attention go there for a brief moment before returning to his eyes. "Ok..one moment please." she spoke before her slender arms rose up above her head and she jumped upwards before bending her body to dive under the on coming wave. Vanished, gone. Like some creature in a story who lured sailors to their death. Under the water she swam, where the waves could not touch her and the bottom of the floor could be felt. Holding her breath until her lungs began to burn, her legs were held together and moved much like a fish could move their back fins to propel her through the water. She had no sense of direction, so it was short lived as she went upwards the surface. Her hair had fallen from that twist and the tight spirals now showed as she pressed her hands to her face and wiped away the extra water before turning to see where she was. The water came to her shoulders, keeping the heavy fabrics from view. Slowly she moved back towards him and the shore, feeling much better as the cool water washed away the sweat and sand from her body, though her fabric felt overly heavy as well as the animal skin that was the attire of her people underneath. Wiping more droplets from her face, she spoke softly as she walked her way out of the water, pausing when it was to her hips to grab her shirt and lift it up and to the side. Small hands twisted it to get extra water from it, exposing a bit of her back to Maahes, showing the deep scars found there in bubbled flesh. Whipping marks. "I am ready when your men are." she spoke quietly and went on before pausing. "Thank you Maahes. For your time. You did not need to give it, but you did. If you could spare more to teach me, I would be grateful. Sorry once more about..the touch."
General Maahes-His steps gave a bit as a wave hit his back, but his eyes would not part from her own. "Your touch leaves nothing behind that is not..unwanted." His under educated mind worked around Arabic, though he was speaking English. His words often sounded jumbled and put together like the backwards end of a train wreck. "We will continue this, though I will have to work up a new strategy." A half smile curled one side of his lips and the laugh lines around his eyes deepened. With a nod of his head two men came to her side and offered her a warm smile. The page from the before would offer her his arm and Maahes would turn back into the tide.
Anulia of Amora-Nights alone in her room had not her any closer to answers for the questions that seemed to always pop up in her head. A great chunk of her life was missing from her mind and she was having no luck in finding it unless she was around certain people that triggered something, or a certain look and saying. Still, all she could remember was the jungle, not anything beyond that though her heart knew there was more. Hair of chocolate and onyx had been twisted about and secured on the back of her head so that the length of it would not get into the way should she truly start her training today. Dresses had been cast aside, leaving her in the dark wealth of cotton breeches that were loose to leave her form room to move without fabric clinging to her skin. The tunic of thicker cotton would be the same in loose fitting, for there was no need to have such tight clothing for a sport or training that seemed rough on the body. Underneath, beyond the material, lay the secret clothing of her people, which was deemed inappropriate to many here save the Gypsy. Chocolate eyes watched as the General and an unknown male did the dance of pain and what she knew could be death around the drift wood they had turned into a barrier to keep other men out or perhaps those fighting within. Bare feet wiggled her toes within the warm sand as she watched on. While others winced and laughed, Anulia stared and studied, watching each of the male's movements against each other, seeing what could have affect on the General and would could not since it seemed soon, she would be doing these things with him. There was no fear, only wonder if this was something she could truly do. By the nature she had shown others and knew of herself, she was gentle. It may be time to end such things.
General Maahes-The soldier would bring a fist upwards catching Maahes's jaw and would grant the fight to be over. The men cheered as the General held up his hand in defeat. Ever since the King's invasion on the Egyptian's face, Maahes did not hand being hit there well. He knew that if they did not stop here, the man would be dead within the next moment. An out spoken page clapped and held up the hand of the soldier and many groans would echo over the shore. They all had money on Maahes. With his back to the men he'd reset his jaw eyes closing in the pain. Perhaps a visit to the physician would be in order soon as the bones never seemed to heal right. It was his fault for not blocking, but the hour was growing late, and the high noon sun started to take it's toll. Eyes of the other men had been watching Anulia with deep interest as their days were growing old and their hearts lonely. No none would look at her without respect; it was not the Avarian way, but each would pass curious glances over the dark skinned beauty. None would doubt she was here with Maahes, but many would question if somehow they were related. The outspoken page would pass a smile to the woman, but before he could call out his greeting Maahes would speak. "Enough for the day, go about your duty." One by one the men would trickle out in single file to the shore and to the lands, leaving the giant be. It would be then when he would turn to face her. The crashing shores in the distance could rival his voice as it was low and raspy but when Maahes would talk his voice rattled from his chest just the same. "You have come to learn have you not?" His skin glistened under the sun, and it in many ways came to life. Fires swept over his flesh, and he would motion her to follow. He would take a thick strap of leather and wrap it around the heavy tendrils he had atop his head, lifting them from his neck and keeping them out of his face. The cool breeze started to chill the beads of moisture and he would then move to take hold the hilt of a wooden sword. Only when she would stand would he turn the hilt to her.
Anulia of Amora-Standing as still as she ever had in her life as the fight came to a stand still after a punch towards the General's jaw making him give the sign for a end. When the groans echoed around in the small crowd of men, Anulia's chocolate drifted to many men, meeting their glances and eyes, not afraid or nervous in any way and yet not giving them a bright smile for the moment. Anulia was not blind to how people looked to her, but she saw no point in making it public that she knew, for what good would that do? She was not offended, even when men looked at her in lust as others were. It was human nature to want to join with someone else and somewhere inside their minds, they were looking to others to see if they would give them the best offspring. With wider hips and well endowed breast, most believed she would produce and provide for such offspring, even if they did not think so in the front of their mind. Her head turned about on her neck to face eyes in Maahes' direction as he spoke over the crashing waves and the sound of ambient nature as it gave them their music for life. Anulia had not caught the pain in Maahes' face, much like the men she was kept in the dark from such though she would not have ran to baby him in any case. He was no child. Chocolate eyes locked on his darker ones as he spoke and she gave a curt nod of her delicate looking chin in a up and down motion before eyes drifted down to see his muscles dance underneath the darkened and glistening skin as he rose his large hands up to buckle his dreads from his skin. Anulia did not look on Maahes with lust, but in more of a manner to study him. He was larger then any male she had known in the sense of height, though his muscles were familiar for her warriors had the same. In truth, Anulia was more comfortable about a large group of men due to how she was treated and cared for in the jungle. Eyes shifted towards the item he picked up and held out towards her, before a delicate hand would reach out and grip it firmly. Out of no where..a flash of images came to her, too quick to truly notice what they were fully, but not so fast to not know they were memories. Reaction had her grip the wooden item firmly, knowing if she held it loose, he could knock it from her. "I must admit..I wonder if my body will be able to take the abuse you could give."
General Maahes-"I am not so barbaric, I will not hurt you." At first. The last part missed by his lips but reminded in his mind. As he thought back of their meeting and how quickly she was to openly stare he had to catch himself from doing the same. It was but human nature to study, to stare, and to want. Though Maahes was more for the first. Against the sand he would draw a line now with the practice sword of his own. "Your life ends past this line." Dark eyes would raise to catch hers, keeping them in his own gaze. "Correct your grip." He'd point to her hands with that of the tip of his own sword. "Not too tight, but enough I could not take it." She was already doing better then most. Hell she had it in her hand didn't she. To many other's surprise Maahes was actually a great teacher, patient and easy going when it came to beginners. He had done this a hundred times before, and knew how overwhelming it all could get. Yet, he was not so willing to allow that to slow them. He would move around her in slow agonizing steps keeping one shoulder low and the sword dangling in his hand. This was his trick, would she know when he was to strike? The first defense was to know when.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia did not think him such and made a point to let that be known. "No, you may not be. But nature does not lie in the sense of my body being much smaller then your own. Accidents...do happen." She corrected with a soft, yet sure tone. Her life ended at that line? Surely he did not mean for real, but her mind said yes. He meant it in reality not in jest, much as his face did the same. Anulia swallowed hard, sending that natural water that the body provided down her slender throat roughly. Dark eyes met his without flinching and only when he told her to correct her grip, did she as he instructed, loosening just a bit, but keeping her hand ready to grip it tighter when/if he struck out. She would not deny she was nervous. Only a fool would be confident in this situation. As grateful as she was for Maahes saving their lives, she still did not know the male well enough to trust his words fully and that was pure logic. When Maahes moved, Anulia did so as well, turning around in a circle that was more like a turn to follow him with the front of her body. The sword was held halfway between feet and head. Human nature was giving her the basics. It was not so hard to know when something came at you, you tried to deflect it with another object. Such would be the sword in her hand. Skill in changing course and direction of the sword in a matter of moments, was what she would need to learn fast.
General Maahes-Against her shoulder his own hovered inches before his first strike. A quick sweep would slap the exposed skin of her arm. The sword flat against her it would not hit hard, but like a back hand it would sting. "No matter the direction raise your weapon to it's side to block." Always first would they start with the blocking, then next the strike and soon hand to hand. Realistically he knew that perhaps she would never carry a sword, but the shorter length of the practice weapon could be relayed into a dagger. There was not the range as the swords they actually used, but there was always a reason. Once again he'd circle her, and when she least expected it another strike would rise up from the Beast. This time no matter if she blocked or not he would be coming at her with heavy force and his aim for her shoulder. Perhaps it was a bit harsh, but in many ways Maahes was testing her. To see if she really needed his assistance or even deserved it. He would not spend time wasting away on someone who cried out for the healer with every blow again. The Egyptian was never given the chance to back out so perhaps in many ways neither was she.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia was not so skilled and it showed when she was hit on the bit of her arm. Perhaps not so hard to make her cry out, but enough that she knew he had gotten her. Eyes went to his in a snapped motion as his words came out and she tried to take them in stride. Once more, she was circled and she turned her body around with his steps, though in a slower pace. She was trying to be open, trying to expect the unexpected, but her mind was unsure of it and it was new to it, so when the large beast of a man lashed out, she tried to be quick, but had been too slow on the draw and a sounding smack was heard on her shoulder, letting flesh and wood meet. Anulia hissed out and gave a soft growl, not wanting to cry out for that was weak. She had much worse then this and while it hurt her tender flesh, she knew greater pain. No use in crying about something when it was only the beginning. Where he had hit became warm, letting her know it would turn red soon. Her hand adjusted it's grip around the handle and she waited once more as the his circled her. The beast keeping the beauty within it's presence made zone. When Maahes moved out again, Anulia rose the wooden piece, making them clash and the vibration go straight into her hand and up her arm. It felt..odd, but did not hurt.
General Maahes-There wouldn't be a praise to leave his lips but his eyes traveled the length of the wooden sword he would smirk. Again would he circle her, but this time he would stop to stand before her and swing again. From over one shoulder his blade would travel, if it were blocked he would serve it like a tray circling it from her blocked blade to crash into her leg. It would force her from position one to position two. Part of the four stances of blocking. Around them watchers would pause to keep the two in check. It wasn't uncommon for Maahes to be in the training ring with a woman, but this was the first of Skye; and their curiosities grew. She was a beauty no doubt, dark skin matching that of their General even the women knights could be envious. Maahes was a challenge all in his own, and many tried to sort out the pieces to put the mysterious puzzle back together; they were given the same treatment Anulia was given in this moment--a relentless fight.
Anulia of Amora-Movements were limited, so there was nothing to make her breath move in and out of her body quickly, so why was it that her heart was beating a bit faster? She assumed it was because of her nerves and the feeling of something familiar resting within her soul. The smirk upon his handsome features was not missed and Anulia took that as praise enough, as well as him plotting something more. When he moved around her, she waited for the worse of the blows. This time, her attack came from the front, letting her aware and able to move to counter it, but Maahes once more taught her a lesson. One could switch that tactics as fast as they could blink their eyes and the sting to her leg through the loose material was a reward for her carelessness. Hissing once more through clenched teeth, she shot back in a instant. Those viper like reflexes came out, a memory un lodged as her own sword's tip moved towards his ribs and arm with a good bit of force behind it. Anulia had not meant to strike out, but it was a reaction. One she did not know where it came from. Others were ignored, for people were curious and Anulia did not look like a warrior in any way. Her face changed, looking serious as eyes met his, be it her swing had hit or was blocked.
General Maahes-Now here was a mistake on both their parts. He had taken her under educated mind for granted. She had acted as if she had never done this, but now as her own sword hit his body he would pause. His face was unaltered by the hit and dark eyes inhaled her own. She was either a natural or keeping secrets, and he didn't take to secrets well. As their bodies were locked for a moment in the struggle he would press her back with heavy force. It mattered not if she fell or kept her balance he just needed his space. His pride had been struck as well his body, but in many ways he was pleased. "You have done this before?" He would question though half knowing that if she had perhaps she could not remember it. She had spoken about her past, having lost many memories perhaps this was one. He would not give her time to respond, being mindful of the line he drew he would move in again. A slash from the left following into the right. Side by side was stances 3 and 4. Up, down, side, side--quickly like a dance he would press into her. Testing her blocking skills and as well prepared for another attack.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia was sorry for the hit, but she did not utter a word to it, for this was not a place for words of apology....was it? She was confused and took it as a natural reaction. The push backwards did make her stumble a bit, but she caught herself before she went down in the sand, easing her smaller frame to stand up straight again. At his dark eyes and that question, she paused. Had she? She did not know. Before she could answer him, he came to her again, and moments before he got to her, more flashes went bouncing about in her mind. Like flashes of a life time, they made no sense and were scrambled about in her head. The first two hits got her, for she was not fast enough to block them, only when he went up and down, did she move with him, backing up as her wooden sword clashed with his giving that sound that two objects made of the same texture gave. Her breath was moving fast and her pants could be heard just slightly over the hits of wood against wood. A glance was given and she saw her body and steps coming up on the line so her smaller form shifted fast, once more faster then any normal woman could move, and as close to a viper striking out's reactions, she slipped to the side, dancing around and away from the line so Maahes had no choice but to turn with her so his back was now closer. Instead of taking the chance to get him over the line, Anulia backed up as fast as her steps would take her, catching her breath as she pushed out. "I don't know.."
General Maahes-"It doesn't matter." His eyes would narrow and lower on her as the sword was tossed aside. His stands would be planted firmly in the ground and he'd close his fists. "We will prefect it." Again he would go at her, grabbing the wrist that had the sword and with a twist relieving her of it. Her arm would be brought around her back and her body would be held tightly against his but facing the crowd. Perhaps he had gone too far, but when a man in the night attacks, chances were she would not have time to remove any sort of blade. "Do not be afraid to hurt me. Fight back." Before she would learn form he continued to test her bringing his knee up to press into the back of her own. The motion would buckle her legs and with a push her body would tumble forward and he stood ready for any retaliation. The men around them now sit around the circle watching as they passed around their afternoon meal. The hot sun was starting to boil around them and Maahes would have to narrow his eyes to even see her. Though her frame was small, the contrast between dark and light would work well with his vision and he would hope she would use the same.
Anulia of Amora-It did matter to her. She had no idea where this was coming from and why now? Why not when she was attacked by the Vikings, or those men in town? Why did they not come when she needed them the most and yet, here they were with someone who was not trying to kill her. Fates..they were not funny in the least. He came at her and she was tempted to turn and run from him, but his larger hand snatched out quickly, grabbing her wrist that held the wooden sword, giving a twist that made her fight her body's pain to keep a hold of it. No good. It was lost despite her best efforts and before she could lash out with her other hand, her world turned and she was now facing men who looked on. While it may not have been on purpose, she was not one to be on display. She had that before and somewhere inside, she was ready to fight back. Maahes' rumbling tone and his words were heard, but she was stuck in a lock that she was unsure how to get out of. His larger and thicker knee pressed into the back of her own, making her slender leg crumble out from under her, sending her body to the ground on her hands and knees, pressing them into the sands and making the extra flesh that women held on their body shift and move beyond the loose materials. Quickly, she pressed her hands hard into the sand, pushing herself up to her bare feet to turn around and face him once more. Anulia resisted the urge to rub her wrist for it burned slightly and the scars flared up, exposing themselves with light colors to any who cared to look closer. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she truly thought Maahes had lost his mind for a moment. Perhaps he was angry with her. Hands came up slightly, looking as if she were not sure what do with them as she waited. "Must....it always...be so rough...what..is the point..?"
General Maahes-Many men would suck in their breath as she questioned their General. Those who have often got their teeth removed, but they had hope for this one that she would battle back. "So you learn to pick yourself up." Simple and to the point, Avarian fighters were lethal and flat out cruel when it came to fates. Perhaps she had meant to feel this way for a reason, but frankly he didn't give a damn. "Now man up or get out." He'd narrow his eyes to her preparing again for another attack. Though he would not dive head first on this one, he would wait; patiently like a hunter in the trees. His body would fill up the ring and the men would snicker and provoke the pair further. Yeah he was crazy, from day one all he knew was battle so what would make him stop now. Perhaps in his own way this was her warning. The only way to truly ever learn anything was to dive head first. So here was the pool, on the sandy beach and Maahes was already swimming
Anulia of Amora-It was her nature to question, only because she was in a land she had not been born to and if she did not question, she would never learn. His rough voice gave his own answer, one that could be different depending on who you asked. When he told her to 'Man up or get out' her full brow moved closer together, still having space between them but showing the confusion on her face as well as any. "I can not more become a man then you can grow wings upon your back." She countered, not fully understanding his meaning of words. Still, she knew his stance meant he was waiting. Was it her turn to try. What should she do? She was lost..but still she moved forward, slowly. Her steps were as delicate even as any muscles within her body tightened. When she felt she was close enough, she circled him, or tried to as he had her, mimicking his movements, looking a bit odd until she simply jumped at his side, giving a odd and very female cry as she tried to latch her arms around his neck and let her weight hang from him to try and bring him down. The men around them snickered and some full out laughed as the little woman looked like she was clinging to a tree. A tree that could not be moved.
General Maahes-Even he could not help but smile as he simply wrapped an arm around her and supported her weight. Leave to a woman to break his mood, as light laughter slipped past his lips as she hung there. The lesson for the day was over with that as he would never be able to get his mind back into the game. He had to admire her, she had spirit and that shown through with her dangling body. "What are you trying to do?" He would turn his head to catch her eye, his own lightened to match his mood. She reminded him of Galen then as he often just clung to his biceps to catch a ride. The men would shake their heads and eat their lunches, most ready to escape the sun's direct hit. Maahes had been barefoot the entire time, feet covered in the bits of sand; a warm welcome and a gentle reminder of home. Though he would never want to return it was the comforts of familiarity that kept him with his heritage. The cool sea breeze swept around them and he would sit her back down. "You aim too high. A man my size you must do just as I had done to you. Go low, bring us down from the ground up." He'd straighten his body then rolling his shoulders to relieve tension.
Anulia of Amora-Was he laughing at her? The other men were too! Why were they laughing? Maahes' rumbling voice could not only be heard, but she could feel it through his body where her flesh touched his. Her breast pressed into his arm and the back of his shoulder as she clung there, thinking her weight would bring him down. How wrong she was. She felt his arm wrap around the slender portion of her mid body to hold her up so she was not dangling and she sighed. "I have no idea how to attack you." she admitted as she tried not to think on how close he held her. Before she could ask him to set her down, he was already moving to do such and the moment his arm left her, she unwrapped her arms around his thicker neck and backed up. Chocolate eyes saw the light in his and her head tilted slightly to the left, casting the top of it downwards so her hair that was in a twist and left dangling, moved to slant as well. When he rolled his shoulders and straightened his body, she did not hesitate and moved to her knees in front of her, a memory served into her mind as her pointer finger and middle became firm and with a hard lash and those viper like movements, she her wrist flickered her fingers outwards to strike upon his upper thigh, towards the middle with all her might. The bite and pressure would lock his muscles in a matter of seconds before pain crawled up and down his thigh, reaching as far as his lower calf. A moment later, his muscles would shake and began a spazzing reaction around the area she had poked before she stood quickly with a beaming smile."Like that?" as if unknowing what she did.
General Maahes-Pain shot up and down his leg, forcing Maahes crumbled to his knees, his leg giving out on him as he went to the sand with a soft cry. What in the world did she just do?! He'd take a deep breath the pain sweeping his leg. The men around them would grow silent and many would gasp. Was Maahes on his knees? By a woman? Ok a woman other then Tommy? His body would move forward to catch himself on one arm and he would nod. "yes..yes just like that." Lord it still hurt, but was subsiding. His skin was red, flushed from the sudden hit and he needed to cool off. Perhaps it was the animal inside him that wanted to lash out, but he knew it was only his pride. "Where..did you..learn that?" His voice was dry as he would regain himself to stand, muscles hardened under the touch and he limped lightly out of the ring. "Get back to your duty!!" He'd bark and the men would scatter, as he had just realized they were even there, let alone watching him fall. He would toss a glance over his shoulder and in many ways asked her to come along. He then turned towards the ocean bare feet becoming lost in the dry sand.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia's beaming smile died when Maahes went down so fast. Oh no! What did she do?! She went closer towards him, though slowly, reaching her hands out as if she were approaching a wounded beast. With care and ease. When he said that was how to do it, she stopped coming towards him and placed her hands together in front of her as she laced her smaller fingers together. Chocolate eyes never left his as she watched his face become flushed with red and his leg spazzing in reaction to her touch. When he found his words and asked her where she knew it from, she was silent for a moment. Her thoughts were everywhere, but not in a place she could give him a good enough answer. "I...don't remember. Only that...I know it. I...also know how to stop it." She cleared her throat lightly as he got up and moved back a few inches, unsure if he would lash out at her. When he limped out of the circle and his booming voice reached out to the men to make them scatter, she was tempted to followed but paused until he glanced over his shoulder at her and moved towards the ocean. Leaving the wooden swords behind and her sandals as well, she followed after the larger man slowly, waiting until they got near the sea. The smell of it, the mist lightly hitting her face, the feeling of the sand becoming wet and slushy under her toes; it was all a peace she did not know to find here and now. "I am sorry...would you like me to fix it?" She could not explain it..she just knew. For a moment she closed her eyes and remembered being on the ship, another time it came out. The one who had gave her the brand of the bird upon her inner forearm had cornered her. Warriors, or what was left of them from her tribe, were jumping on Viking men, three at a time, trying to bring the large demons down. Anulia was without protection and being cornered against the wooden wall of the boat's housing that lead down to their prison underneath. His eyes, dark and empty beyond that helmet made of bone and metal. Large hands came up to grab for her and wrapped about her slender neck, choking the life from her, making her conscious slip away slowly. She was dying as finger tips clung to his heavy leather covered arm. None of him seemed to be exposed save for a small part on his neck, where the neck met the shoulder. Armor was close to that area, but it was her only chance. With every bit of strength she had, she straightened her pointer and middle finger out and snapped them into that area. A gurgling sound was heard and the strength in his thick fingers was lost before his large body crumbled to the ground and began to shake. Anulia did not look back, she ran from him, not seeing if he could get up or not as she headed for the edge of the boat. "Jump!" her warriors shouted. Heavy chains weighed her down, as well as the woman she was connected to, but still she found her grip and went to do as she was told just as pain laced on her thigh and the force of the demon beast hit her low.[/i] Anulia opened her eyes and looked to Maahes, not sure if he had spoken to her or not as she got lost in her memory. "It saved my life before...and what ever it is..I did not learn it from anyone in my tribe. They fought as you do. With hands..and weapons made from the jungles."[/color]
General Maahes-He took her form in lightly as she was swept away in the ocean of her own mind. The woman was remarkable only in pure fact she reminded him of a less barbaric home. Of the women there that made their lives out of serving others. Perhaps their paths had crossed once before. Distant lands and distant travels that were better suited for a rainy day, the story would fit well. "No." He would raise a hand to stop her from touching him again. "Do not touch me right now." Or really ever, though his voice was not harsh in any way shape or form; Maahes was a hard man. They had been in the heat of battle and the touch was different then, but he did not do well with such light brushes or full on exposure. He would have snapped her head off had he not been in the right mind. Both of them were covered in sand, Maahes's sweaty body had picked it up like fly paper so when the water swept at his ankles he would soon correct that matter. The Beast could not stand to be dirty, his body treated like a temple perfected and well kept, and he was in no way a gentleman so when his shirt was peeled away he would not give a second thought. Though Anulia struck him without a care. He just needed to be clean. A few of the other men were doing the same down the beach, their eyes half wishing the woman would follow the General's lead, but not many dared to follow him in. The water was cold still, but it would wash away the sand and dirt from the day's work until a right bath could be drawn. Maahes was an odd one, to say the least, different then all the rest and in many ways it's what got him in trouble the most."I will have my men see you back to your town." He spoke as the waves then crashed against his back as he faced her the water coming to his torso.
Anulia of Amora-Anulia did not take his word as a harsh one, nor did she let it hurt her feelings for she had been the one to bring him down in the end and it was his right to not want her near him again at the moment. Pride, was not something she understood fully. How it could make a man want to kill was a mystery yet. Keeping her hands in front of her and not daring to touch him anymore, she did follow his lead in the sense of walking out next to him so that the water began to seep within her baggy breeches. Nudity was nothing to Anulia and it was more natural then covering up the body completely. While men and women in her village did not wear much clothing, most of the time that which made man and woman different was covered unless a woman was feeding her child or they were in the process of mating. Her eyes were kept on the waters. Waves moving back and forth against her and Maahes like a caress to hot flesh. The coolness of it was welcomed. Moving deeper still, she looked to him as he faced her, speaking out in that rumbling voice of his. Had he been in a forest and shouted, would the trees fall at his command? His muscles danced as he spoke, more so near his neck and shoulders making her attention go there for a brief moment before returning to his eyes. "Ok..one moment please." she spoke before her slender arms rose up above her head and she jumped upwards before bending her body to dive under the on coming wave. Vanished, gone. Like some creature in a story who lured sailors to their death. Under the water she swam, where the waves could not touch her and the bottom of the floor could be felt. Holding her breath until her lungs began to burn, her legs were held together and moved much like a fish could move their back fins to propel her through the water. She had no sense of direction, so it was short lived as she went upwards the surface. Her hair had fallen from that twist and the tight spirals now showed as she pressed her hands to her face and wiped away the extra water before turning to see where she was. The water came to her shoulders, keeping the heavy fabrics from view. Slowly she moved back towards him and the shore, feeling much better as the cool water washed away the sweat and sand from her body, though her fabric felt overly heavy as well as the animal skin that was the attire of her people underneath. Wiping more droplets from her face, she spoke softly as she walked her way out of the water, pausing when it was to her hips to grab her shirt and lift it up and to the side. Small hands twisted it to get extra water from it, exposing a bit of her back to Maahes, showing the deep scars found there in bubbled flesh. Whipping marks. "I am ready when your men are." she spoke quietly and went on before pausing. "Thank you Maahes. For your time. You did not need to give it, but you did. If you could spare more to teach me, I would be grateful. Sorry once more about..the touch."
General Maahes-His steps gave a bit as a wave hit his back, but his eyes would not part from her own. "Your touch leaves nothing behind that is not..unwanted." His under educated mind worked around Arabic, though he was speaking English. His words often sounded jumbled and put together like the backwards end of a train wreck. "We will continue this, though I will have to work up a new strategy." A half smile curled one side of his lips and the laugh lines around his eyes deepened. With a nod of his head two men came to her side and offered her a warm smile. The page from the before would offer her his arm and Maahes would turn back into the tide.
~~~END THREAD~~~
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