"I love you...always have."

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

Aslan Burning: Maahes broke things, be it hearts, bodies, or lives he was a destroyer. Beyond his will fate seemed to only carry behind him a trail of bitter end and burning flames. There had been a fire in the valley of the future Queen, all the while a face from his past returning, and a war on the horizon. He believed it because of the one day he had let himself feel peace in the valley of pure calm and endless stars. Eirian's land was a treasure trove for natural beauty, and how easy he found himself sleeping with the sounds of the night. It reminded him of home--Avaria. However, here in the castle in the midst of the Isle the only sounds that passed the window were the vast rumors
and harsh words that were being spoken of the return of Percival the destroyer of their lands. Deep inside there was a small bitter hint of desirethat wanted to tell the truth. It wasn't Percival, but the woman he watched over as they passed. The halls were empty, but the serfs movements carried well down the marble. Though the dawn was far from breaking, the Egyptian felt he was sure he would see the sun as he had yet to find any rest. While Percival
worked on Tommy he had remained right where he rest, having yet to even change out of the bloody clothes he had carried her in. Percival had insisted that Maahes leave, but perhaps there was something the pirate had seen inside
amber orbs that reassured him that only his dead body would leave this room. The once Duke of their lands left in the early hours of the evening, after he had healed what he could, and now they played the waiting game. His back burned from the same position as muscles cramped together and pressed him to stand. Taking his rise he took a deep breath looking over the length of her body in the bed and hoped that it was only the massive, overly decorated bed that made her seem so very small.


Silverskinned: Her mind taunted her while she rested, flashing horrible and haunting images as her body attempted recovery. Perspiration rolled off her forehead and down her temples, dropping onto the pillow to pool before being absorbed. Her features shifted often, easing from a comforting look to that of desperation and pain because of how severe the content of her dream was. Though she had no way of knowing if the child that grew inside her was still alive, she felt in her heart that it would never be allowed to rech full term -- and that would occur because of her own, foolish actions. When finally she opened her eyes, it wasn't surprising that the face that loomed over her was that of Maahes. The woman smiled, weakly at best, and turned her hand over on the bed to reach for him. She knew better than to move just yet, so she awarded herself some time to adjust to this newest injury. Since she was unconscious, she had no idea that the masked captain had come in to relieve Maahes of his personal duty; in Tommy's mind, the giant had tended to her and that's why she was still alive. If she knew him like she believed she did, not one other set of hands was allowed to pass over her body. He wouldn't allow anyone to get close enough, and if they tried, they would find themselves in a world of chyt. "...You look like you've been dragged behind a herd of horses." Her voice was low and ragged, the words, whispered.



Aslan Burning: Maahes knew Percival to be the better healer, and perhaps it was a fain in his weakness that let the man, but there had not been a fight over who would tend to her. Only where it would happen. Percival wanted to take her, Maahes wanted to kill Percival so either way it would have been a win win situation. Her hand would reach out and his would move to meet hers half way. The backs of his fingers slid over the bed until his knuckles were under the palm of her hand. "For once it is not my blood." He spoke in his deep raspy tone as he moved his eyes from his own frame to that of hers. "I killed the men were after you." If she would have any doubt. "I gave their heads to
the healer of these lands. She collects body parts." Yeah real romantic huh? If she had been anyone else he would have kept that little tid-bit to himself knowing that the church frowned on such things, but it was how Aislin
grew into her knowledge of the human body. Pulling his hand back Maahes turned for the stool in which he had been perched for nearly 8 hours, and returned it to the side of the bed allowing his frame to rest. "I was not far behind pushing you over." He admitted in a quiet almost shy tone, and the sound only rumbled under the folds of his arms as they closed over his chest. Soon would follow Maahes's trade mark question, what he asked every soul who just
arrived be it of consciousness or journey the moment their eyes met, "You hungry?" would follow. (d


Silverskinned: It was hard for him, touching her, but at that moment she needed him more than ever, and had he denied her..she would have crumbled. Fingertips rested casually over the back of his hand and she slid the pad of
her thumb against his knuckle. That's about all he could handle without feeling uncomfortable -- something she never wanted him experiencing because of her. She listened quietly, as always, letting him finish his thoughts before she
interjected her own opinions or ideas. It was amazing what you could discover about someone through merely hearing, truly listening. "I'm sure she'll be forever grateful for your little..gifts." Her smile faded slightly, though
she kept her eyes on his, despite that it probably made him stand on edge a bit. "I know I am." At his next question, she laughed and laughing turned into wincing and coughing. "Hell yes I'm hungry. Famished. Practically starving.
..you bring food with you?" Peer. The slight quirk of one brow hit and she eyed him coolly. "If not, you're going to get some since you asked. And I'm going with." She's all about making a kitchen run, even if he hasta carry her ass.


Aslan Burning: Aislin had once made a note at how well he followed her orders, never once questioning her and since Maahes was so against women she found that odd. Yet, if they only knew the very reason was soon to be wrapped up in the cradle of his arms. "I'm not leaving you here, nor do I trust anyone in this castle." Well ok there were a few. Pooling the blankets around her his arms snaked under her form and she would be lifted against him with ease. There was a strange calm about him in the moments that passed, the worry gone from his face, but pounding against his chest. Did he want to ask? Did he even want to know? That baby's life inside was not his own, but in every single way as important if it were. Once she was settled against him he canted his head lightly as he spoke. "You won't tell me if I hurt you..but for once let's not play that game." Oooooh someone is demanding tonight! Even in all the covers he felt the small frame and felt his heart still. Maahes was comparing her figure to that of the full moon of Eirian's unaware that it took sooo much more time for a woman's body to grow into the baby. (d


Silverskinned: If there was any pain connected with him moving her, she
showed no visible signs; he'd put her right back down if he believed for a
minute she was hurting. Much. ..oh really. "Keep it up, giant," she mumbled,
snaking an arm around his neck to hold on. What Tommy lacked in size, she made up
for in spirit, and her sense of genuinely loving life fed her body all the
more. She provoked inner strength and challenged her mind, proving that
appearance shouldn't be a determining factor when assessing someone. The woman was
modest enough to keep herself covered the majority of the time, but beneath
all that material was a well-trained body. Perhaps she didn't flaunt her
femininity and play up her curves, but they were there, opting to flare and flower at
precisely the right moments. As he carried her, one of the queen's
chambermaids approached from another direction, staring. .."He lost a bet."
Tommy murmured, nodding firmly. Feeling Maahes' eyes burning through her, she lifted
her chin slightly, directing him toward the kitchens again. He was given her
profile, and she was smiling, quite proud of the fact that her mouth was
still in full working order. Whatever he'd done to her worked -- she felt pretty
damn good. But dropping her on the floor isn't a good idea!

Aslan Burning: The only face the maid would get was a dry what? look. The
woman hurried on, and would no doubt add that to the already swirling tornado
of gossip that surrounded this man. Maahes spent many of his nights in the
Duchess's private chambers listening to her play the harp and talk of her past,
and now also spent a few nights at the future Queen's estates, as well the
late nights with Aislin in her office going over body parts. No doubt that
conversation could be taken the wrong way if over heard no when someone does
this to your body, this organ will do this. Once the kitchen was reached
there was only a single soul cleaning around the large pans over the fire pit
and soon their loyalty would be challenged as a clear and booming voice spilled out
over the large stone room. "Leave!" The man cleaning would hit his head on
the pot but quickly give a nod and pass from the pair in swift motions.
Smooth huh? He really knew how to show a lady a good time. "Severo will not be far
behind those men." He spoke again once he sat her atop one of the butcher's
block and went about gathering a bit of bread for her to start on. On the
floor there was a door that swung open with ease and a small ladder that lead
down into the cold pits where the cheese and meats were stored. Maahes only
knew this because of Galen, so the child was not all lost huh? Returning with
a bit of cheese and left over meats from the meals of the day he
placed them on a plate and pushed them before her. "I think it's time you
went in hiding." (d

Silverskinned: She didn't like any of it, him meeting with the Duchess or
Aisling to have..discussions. Maahes didn't discuss, he prevented or reacted,
and that's how Tommy liked him. None of this hoity-toity bullchyt with
conversations about mentally challenging subjects. Bah. ..However, if it was what
the giant wanted, then she would keep her opinions to herself. For now.
Perched atop the butcher's block and feeling quite comfortable there, oddly,
she planted both palms on the counter beside where she sat and watched him
work. Feet swung back and forth over and again, and she appeared to be almost
bored of the talk regarding Severo. Why? Because she had made a decision, and
as soon as she was well enough, she would put her plan into action. "That's
fine." With those two words, Maahes would know something wasn't right, so she
quickly corrected herself. "..that you think that way. But I will not going
into hiding." Snatching up a wedge of the cheese, she stuffed it
into her mouth, and, cheeks bulging, started to slowly chew. She needed a
distraction, and it wasn't hard to find. Sitting up more straight, she lifted
the sleeping gown over her stomach and leaned back some. Her stomach was just
beginning to change from completely flat to more rounded. "Touch it."


Aslan Burning: With the morning on the trail of night, the man had started
the large pots to boil, the water steaming over the fire and as Tommy spoke
Maahes's mind went down to his stained shirt. Passing his eye between the two
he put together a train of thought and peeled the fabric from his body. Once
the struggle to free his heavy bolts of hair was complete he would drop the
tunic in the cook's water. Gonna add some flavor to that stew today now
wasn't it? Bare flesh prickled with the cooler air, but when he turned to see Tommy
it stilled completely. "Does it hurt?" He spoke as he moved forward, his
thumb running over the pads of his fingers as if to prepare himself for the
feel of her flesh. Speaking about her body like it was just another object on a
shelf. He let his hand fall on the swell of her body very eager, and perhaps
that surprised him more. "Apollo's Eirian speaks to her child." He tensed as
if waiting for something..anything to happen. "Have you talked to him?" From
her abdomen his eyes traveled until they met the dark set of her own. Tommy
was an extraordinary woman, who in all honesty was just one of the guys. (d


Silverskinned: Yep, just one of the guys. She had witnessed Maahes stripping
down on numerous occasions, and that he did so now wasn't affecting her --
her fumbled words needed correcting, and that took precedence over everything
else at the moment. "Doesn't hurt. Just feel fat.." At his last question,
she blinked, not understanding at all what he meant. "Talked to who..?"
Stareblink. Reaching over him, she snagged another chunk of cheese and shoved
it into her mouth, chewing slowly so she could savor the taste.

Aslan Burning: "She talks to the baby inside her." An idle hand moved over
the "fat" portion of her flesh and he would soon flip his hand so that the
smooth backside of his fingers rubbed gently and not the harsh calloused
underside. The free hand came to rest on the counter's edge almost to reassure
him there was something solid as he felt his knees grow weak Falling silent
his thoughts quickly took over as every fear and hope soon became one
constant stone in the back of his head. Think, you over grown fool, keep talking, don't
get quiet now. Maahes destroyed things, they broke under him, he didn't
create but right now he felt all he wanted to do was make her a home. Hide
her away from the world,that way she could have some peace. As his amber orbs studied
her face, he'd notice every new line and dark circle. Each scar was imprinted
to memory, and perhaps it was seeing the one that had jarred this entire
idea, but damn it she deserved it. "Run away with me." He spoke without
thinking now pressing both hands onto the counter's edge as to support his
weight. (d



Silverskinned: She leaned her head to the side, pressing her cheek to her
shoulder as she eyed him. Carefully, cautiously, she set her hand atop his
over her stomach, intrigued as to why he'd offer such a thing. Then it hit
her, the hard truth of it all. "Look at me." It took him forever to lift his eyes
from her stomach to her face, and when he finally did, he'd receive a
smoldering look. "I don't want to be the reason your entire life changes.
You'll end up resenting me more than you alrea--" ..Frown. "I can't run away with you,
because it'd make you miserable. Damn it, Maahes." She shoved at his chest,
then immediately reconsidered and grabbed onto his arm, pulling him to stand
between her legs. "Where would we go? You honestly think they wouldn't
come find us?" They being any enemy he could imagine in that head of his.
Trouble came, it reared its ugly head and seemed to target these two -- that
was life. "I'd give it a week before you went crazy and ended up killing me
yourself. ..tell me again, what you said before." He knew exactly what she
meant, and she wanted to see if he could even get the words out when he was
standing this close to her, with nowhere to run.

Aslan Burning: Was she expecting him to run? Fumbling words? To either side
of her body he now pressed his hands, letting his entire frame lean into
them. Every muscle from his forearm up curved and tightened as he prepared
the fight. A well outlined jaw line tightened as his lips flattened on his
face. His chin even tightened under the thick black hairs of his beard. Dark
brows came together as he narrowed his eyes and clenched his jaw. "I. Want.
You. To. Run. Away. With. Me." Don't ask him to spell it, Kuriel pointed that
flaw out pretty quickly. Now who was pinning who? "You think this is going to
be so easy on your own? Or is that you are used to being left?" Ok maybe that
was a little low, and his fingers curled under his palms as if to prepare for
any retaliation, but he still pinned her in place. "I'm not either of those
cowards, Tommasina. It's Maahes; I've not changed my entire life, what makes
you think I'm going to start now?" (d



Silverskinned: She didn't pull back or away, rather, she kept her face as
close to his as he allowed. Her eyes roamed over the chiseled plains of his
face, watching as numerous muscles tightened in frustration. Pressing her
chin out a little at insult, she pursed her lips and arched a brow, seemingly
unamused with his mouthy behavior! Without interrupting, without cursing
beneath her breath, she calmly waited for his speech to end before asking the
question again. "Not that. What you said before. A few days ago. Tell me again,
Maahes." And for the record, she never agreed with Kuriel -- Maahes was, in
her eyes, extremely intelligent, even though he didn't always verbalize his
thoughts. She still knew how his mind worked, and he didn't have to say anything,
sometimes, and she knew what he was thinking. Planning. His life kill record
was testament enough, and anyone who was foolish enough to challenge him
would aptly discover their fatal mistake. "Or perhaps you can't, anymore. Hm?" She
was provoking him, maybe even angering him, but it was high time they were
truthful about things.



Aslan Burning: Parting his lips to fire back a response he suddenly stilled every part of what control he had. The harsh undertones suddenly leaving his face as the realization crushed the walls he suddenly put around them. Brick
by brick, stone for stone it came tumbling down until elements changed and suddenly drops of rain feel around him as the realization washed away all guilt. He would start to pull way, but the backs of his legs would brush her feet. Though it was not enough to keep him here, it would be a reminder that she was there, and she was trapping him to nothing just expecting the truth His face had fallen away, a neck bent as his head fell forward, but with one motion he would raise his eyes to return back to her. Inhaling heavily his chest would raise and when he spoke the air moved forward causing it to sink away. "I love you.." Though perhaps it had not been the same kind of feeling Percival or Kuriel felt, it was there all the same. "..always have." (d

[Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem]

Silverskinned: While his imposing lean may have been intimidating to most females in his presence, Tommy refused to budge even an inch, keeping them nearly nose-to-nose. The giant was seeing her up close and personal, able to mark every flaw, every scar that graced her face, neck and chest. She dipped her head back, just barely, exposing the arch of her throat while eyeing him with a curious, yet intrigue-filled stare. She could almost smell the desert on him, almost feel the heat that continually scorched his soul. His admittance wasn't surprising, and she didn't take it out of context. Much. The corner of her mouth tugged upward as an attempt to smile was made. "I love you too, Maahes. Always will.." Bah. What good was this, anyway? "You're very close. I'm surprised you haven't gone up in flames yet." Sarcasm was a fantastic ice breaker, and the two played off of one another even in the most awkward of times. Maybe she should have been uncomfortable, but she wasn't, even while perched on a butcher's block in the middle of the castle's kitchen.



Aslan Burning: So many new scars, to add to a collection that started far too soon. Perhaps there was a wish to remove each one, chase away each and everything that had ever caused her pain, but would have been a attempt made in vain. For each was a reminder of how far they had come. Perhaps his body was not in flames, but everything about him was burning in the moment. His chest was the shelter to the storm that raged inside; the roof over the volcano's eruption. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, "I'm burning, you just can't see it." He spoke into her eyes, a bit bold for him, but anymore what else was new? Pressing from her with both arms on either side he took a few steps back allowing her the view of his back, and the muscles that flexed when he brushed his hands over his arms to chase away the chills. Returning to the soup that was his tunic, he removed the blade tucked at his backside and pulled the now clean fabric out. Tossing it over a hook the water rushed down the brick and the desire to have his own bath was being taken in with a heavy breath. "Eat." He barked before turning back to her, crossing blood stained arms over his chest. "You need to return to bed." Spoke the logic knowing darn well she would not comply but Maahes never felt his words were wasted. (d


Silverskinned: Each new development with him, she took in stride, welcoming
his want to grow and change because she adored him. Admiration was in full
bloom as he unknowingly posed with every turn he made; the man really was
quite large. Amused, she tore free a piece of bread and brought it to her mouth,
chewing slowly while watching him. There were times, she had to admit, that
his uncomfortable state was almost humorous. He would blatantly ignore her,
remove himself from where ever she was to regain self-control, and he'd win every
blessed time. "Not tired." Her tone suggested a challenge of sorts, and the
words poured free without much of an attempt -- it was easy with him!


Aslan Burning: "I don't care if you are tired or not, you will sleep." He
muttered to himself as he started to clean what mess the kitchen hand had
left in such a hurry. Keep your hands busy man, just keep em moving. Don't
think about her! Clean! He rose his eyes to not only challenge her, but to let her
know this was a battle she was not going to win. Maahes was always so darn
loyal to her commands, and rarely demanded in return. However a lot of him
has changed knowing she was pregnant. There was a protective nature there unlike
before as from this day forward she would not be leaving his side. "Don't
fight me Tommy, I've not had my bath nor much sleep...and I can't hit you."
He ran the water up over his forearms to wash away the blood and dirt from the day
before. The water in the bowl stilled as the drops bounced from the surface
until ripples distorted his reflection and the light burning glowed in a
golden orb much like the moon over the sea--full and bright. He left her then in the
confines of his mind and all shine of his features flew away on the wings of
distant thoughts. "Our Queen is not well." He spoke slowly breaking his gaze
and traveling amber orbs to outline of her body until they found her own
dark eyes. (d


Silverskinned: That he drew so much (unwanted) attention to himself was
suddenly understood as she observed him, almost as if for the first time.
After swallowing the bread, a slow, deliberate smile crept over her mouth as
she realized what he was doing. The man's strategy against himself was pure
perfection, even as brazen as it was, and Tommy respected that about him.
When he looked at her again, her features were more serious, concerned. Dark
brows dipped, forming a frown, hovering over her eyes in anticipation. The subject at hand
was now lost, buried under worry and a strong need to react. "She's not our
queen," she corrected, and perhaps the sound of her voice was laced with
something stronger. Too strong. "What's wrong with her?"


Aslan Burning: "She will be." He shot right back, running his hands over the
fabric of his pants to dry before finding his place at her side once more.
"She is much farther in child then you. Like the moon." He held his hands out
to try to correctly measure simply amazed at the whole process.
Sudden guilt then washed over him as he leaned against the counters edge.
"The healer said too much smoke entered her removing her mind from her body."
He understood things so differently then the rest, it's what would someday truly
separate him from the world. Without notice or permission he slipped one arm
under the bend in her knees, the other across her back as he lifted her
again. "I should have been there to stop her." What Tommy did not know was that the
village had caught on fire right after she was hit with the arrow, and while
he was tending to her Eirian was making a desperate attempt to break free the
doors of the burning structure. Using his back to press open the door he
moved them down the halls, passing the bedroom door and into the bath house.
(d


Silverskinned: His statement indicated that, because he'd tended to her,
Eirian had suffered, and the sudden tightness that hit her chest was
reflected throughout her entire body. "Yes, you should have been there," she
agreed, sounding almost numb. "And it will not happen again. Put me down." Of course,
he hadn't -- instead, he traipsed the halls while carrying her in his arms,
despite her attempt to be free of him. If her shoulder wasn't burning like
molten fire, she quite possibly would have slugged something. It would take an
ordinary man twice as long to make it to the bath house, but Maahes' long
legs and easy stride seemed to chip off at the distance. Now in the bath
house, she stared at the wall, torn between wanting to scream or assist him with
his bath as she had numerous times prior. One thing was for certain; there
would be no apology from her regarding what he'd done. She refused the guilt
and staved off loyalty to the woman who would eventually be their queen. For
now. And whether she liked it or not, it was painfully clear that she was
going to lose a part of Maahes, a part of him that would never again be hers.
Until she found comfort in that, the man was in a world of chyt..thanks to
her attitude. Feet dangled and an arm was draped over his shoulders as he
stood there, holding her.

Aslan Burning: "No." His voice boomed down the tiled floors and ceiling; the
mosaic a perfectly positioned Griffin like the lands name. The entire room
was heated half from the summer air, and the rest the close to boiling water.
In the large frame of the cut floor, the water looked black against the
backdrop of onyx and the sight was an instant calm for the Beast. This was
the one thing he had grown so used to and would be the first thing he would
have repaired in Avaria. "She talks of repairing the castle and wants our
banners to work on while she is here." Slipping from the leather sandals that
strapped over his feet he took one step down into the water. The feel of the
hot water over his feet had his eyes close and a deep breath taken. (d


Silverskinned: Her fingers wound through thick locks of dred when he stepped
into the water, and for a moment, she thought he intended on dunking her ass
for being as mouthy as she was. But he paused in step, waiting for her to
react, to signal to him what she wanted. Keeping her eyes averted, she nodded
once, suddenly finding solace in quiet and coveting the serenity he offered.
Change was always welcomed, but sometimes, with Tommy, it took some time for
her to accept it. Throwing a hissy fit now and again seemed to do the
trick. "She sews also? The woman has more talents than I can count," she
stated, bluntly, dryly. Envy was in their midst -- the queen was a true lady
and behaved like one, something the spiteful Talon couldn't bring herself to be
unless it was called for.


Aslan Burning: "She paints too." He spoke just as bluntly having not a
single clue of how the woman's mind works, or that Tommy was turning the
ideas in the wrong ways. Resting her then against the edge of the tile pool,
he dipped his hand into the water and started smooth the glassy surface over the
flesh of her feet before he would step away from the water and start
relieving himself of the bulky leather that held every weapon to his body.
With his back to her he would peel away the breeches to wrap the shroud of white linen
around his waist. "and sings." Not helping any! Though his voice carried no
warmth, but a flat simple tone in his raspy voice. (d


Silverskinned: Palms were firmly planted against the edge of the pool as she
sat, and a slow exhalation was given the minute he smoothed the warm water
over her feet. Every ache, every pain seemed to melt away, and she felt her
body shift from rigid to relaxed in a matter of seconds. When he moved, she
kicked her feet back and forth, swirling the water around to watch it ripple
against her toes. "She paints too," came the mirrored response. Leaning, she
scooped a handful of water and brought it to her head, using her palm to ruffle
her hair more. In that moment, the heat left water -- it trickled down her
neck, cooling her against the humidity that the small room suffered. "Well
that's good news." Painting would keep the woman busy and out of Tommy's
hair. Lifting her eyes, she studied the giant's back; they suddenly narrowed
and she cokeed her head to the side. "You bear new marks."
Silverskinned: *heat left the water


Aslan Burning: There was a confidence in his stride that almost made him
over bearing. It was the self made pride he took up inside the works of his
own body as he had always kept it well. Never once had he placed something
harmful in his mouth, or drank so much that the extra weight could not be burned
off. He knew damn well what he was, and what he was capable of. Yet it was
the inner imbalance that would someday be his undoing. As he passed her to
step down inside the water his voice could not be mistaken for anything less then
sarcastic. "I fell off a horse." The marks were not too bad simply bruises to
the point of where they were black. What she could not see was the scratch
marks on the backof his neck from his own hands, and the mental break down he
had from being trapped inside the cell. The hot water instantly heated and
cleared his head as it rose over midway up his back until he bent at the knee
to let it fall over his shoulders. He would then walk almost half way out
before turning to face her, dark eyes daring her to question him. Following
through with his gaze he came to where she sat taking one foot inside his
oversized hands. His fingers started to run in heavy circles over the tender spots
and places he knew her boots rubbed too much. There was a moment of silence
as took her the beauty of her face in. The short strands of black had always
captivated him,but when they were wild atop her head it was his favorite.
"How are you?" The silence broke with a soft gentle pull on his vocal cords.
(d


Silverskinned: His retort was cokey, making him sound as self-assured as he
appeared. "You're getting clumsy in your old age." The comment was thrown out
there even though she knew him to take impeccable care of himself, as noted
by his impressive physique. The man's back was as broad as the castle doors,
and his arms bulged when he merely lifted his hand. Maahes was a force not to
be reckoned with, unless you knew for certain you could walk away unscathed.
And that was exactly why Tommy knew she could get away with challenging
him, physically, during their angry bouts against one another. She allowed
herself luxuries with him that no other risked taking, and never once did she
flaunt her position with the Egyptian male. When he made his way over to grasp
her foot, she leaned back, casually staring at his hands; they were strong
hands that now worked over sore and needy skin and muscle. Her body was
silhouetted under the material of the shirt. She didn't attempt to hide herself
from him, nor was there shame exhibited. He'd seen her a thousand times
before, so hiding such flaws was futile. "I believe I'm imposing on your
bath. You're concentrating on me instead of on getting clean. You smell like a donkey and
you carry with you more dirt than the swamp." Her brow lifted, a sure sign
that she accepted his challenge and antied up a notch or two.


Aslan Burning: Dark eyes narrowed on her the feel of the afterburn of her
statement running harsh but bouncing off the stone walls he kept around him.
Too bad she was bandaged or her ass would have been pulled in now...or wait.
The hold around her foot moved to her ankle. "I can fix that."
Sliiiiiiiiiide. Her ass would be pulled in before she would be given a chance
to protest. Hot water did an open wound good right? Right. Moving away from
her he would sink down until only from the bridge of his nose and up could be seen.
Devious devious devious smirk hidden under the water. No doubt she would rise
from the water pissed, and to him there was nothing in this world more
perfect then that. Yes, he would love to replace every scar on her form, to be the one
with the wound right now, but sometimes Tommy just asked for it. It was a
trait in her he loved, and one he could only want more of. For years he
watched in vain as she was beat endless, and ever since the Overlord he had never
forgiven himself for not stepping in. She had survived the Talon training,
but what Destin was doing was murder, and had he known in detail it would
have ended real fast. This woman would have only to ask, and he would leave both titles
and both lands to keep her happy and alive. (d


Silverskinned: Both arms went flying up as he pulled her, by the foot, into
the water. Splash! Emerged, she blinked and snorted, using both feet to push
up and break the surface. Her shoulder burned, not only from the water, but
from being pulled so sharply -- so accordingly, she swung with her other hand.
Without missing a beat, he grabbed her wrist, and fingers splayed open,
leaving behind the fist she'd just made. Maahes would never be able to take
had become almost intimate with, and she wouldn't want him to
even if he could. He had suffered as well, and to add to his torment would be
hellish for her. Unforgivable. The peasants shirt molded against her like a
second skin, drawing far too much attention to a heaving chest. Droplets
of water eased over her nose, dropping from the tip to roll over her lips and
down her chin. Their understanding, as it were, had just been compromised,
hadn't it? "What bothers you about it? That it's true, or that you can't
handle it?" What she was talking about wasn't entirely clear, and maybe that
was her intention.


Aslan Burning: When he rose up out of the water letting the drops fall over
him his height filled the space between them. His head bent to stay locked
within her own gaze as she would look up. He held tightly to the hand that
had gone to claim a strike, this one however would not go to his flesh, but to
the beating drums inside his chest. There was a passionate anger that rose
up, though it was not rage, but a secret frustration of what she had pegged.
"The truth." He held her wrist just inches above her brow before placing her hand
to his shoulder. Under the water his free hand came to claim her hip pulling
her with ease against him; Weightless he could easily lift her with one arm,
forcing her to wrap him as he pressed her to his chest. His mouth fell with
his bent head to linger over her ear, and a whisper left that sounded more
like hot air on the rise--steam forced through a crack. "I can handle
anything you or anyone throws at me. If.." He paused to brush the cold tip of his
nose against her temple. "If I only had time." (d


Silverskinned: He positioned her as he wanted, without relent or her
approval, knowing full well that he could without her breaking his balls.
Anyone else would have her foot up their as--anyway. Fingers curled against
the meat of his shoulder, leaving a trail of crescent shaped marks in his skin. Her
hips bumped against the front of him, and she was forced to arch with the
bend of his body, the movement itself creating a dizzying heat. Her eyes
closed before her mouth was dragged against the structured line of his jaw, muffling
murmured words that were filled with eager sarcasm. Her body had instantly
reacted to him, ignoring the mental command and choosing another path
entirely. Lips nuzzled into the hollow of his throat, followed by the rush of warm,
ragged breaths. No apologies, no regrets; she explored what he allowed and
kept her touches light.


Aslan Burning: With one reaction came another, as an entire body hardened against her but melted all the same. His hands cupped her backside and lifted her with him as he pressed her back against the pool's edge. One arm then moved to snake up her spine, support her as he arched her back, and tilted her head to one side. Full lips started a trail,kisses placed and brushed with the bristles of his beard. He was mimicking what she did for it felt right, and captivated his body. The water had served his mind right with tricking him into not feeling the contact as skin upon skin. No in his mind he was only brushing along the wet substance of the water. So perhaps it would surprised them both his hand moving up under the risen tunic to place against her bare side. The sounds that left her, he could almost mistake as a plea for a pain, or even as a cry to the god. "I can stop." He whispered against the tender flesh of her neck as he pressed his hips against her own. Dark eyes had been closed and as he nuzzled into her neck he opened them to stare down at a body he had loved for so many years. The perfect olive color, the smooth feel of her skin, the bright red blood seeping free into the water. Wait. What? Maahes lifted his face to gain a better look and freed his hands from her flesh to take hold the slit in the neckline of her tunic. With an easy pull he tore the fabric back, the reason could easily be mistaken, but as he slid one hand to pull the tunic's shoulder down his eyes darkened. "I broke a stitch." Scoop. He would cradle her frame as he made his way from the water.



(to be continued)