Elen sila lumenn omentilmo

[*Kain*]

Vampires... They were to descend upon this poor defenseless little town? Filthy, murdering bastards. Kain had dealt with many vampries before, and when she first told him, he had himself set right away, he would help Mr. Boramere. He didn't like how she wasn't upfront about what was going on, but what she told him next, that he should leave, that was absolutely out of the question. No he would not be leaving without her.

Are you joking again Ori? Because it's not funny. If vampires are going to set themselves upon this town, then I will give what aid I can. Sure your magic can wreak havoc more than almost any blade. You forget that the magic within me is of a nature diametrically opposed to them, the enchantments on my sword is enough to make their kind cower. Not only that, I will NOT leave you behind, I am your champion, and I'll be damned if I let you walk into this alone, and don't tell me any nonsense about him being here to protect you. He shook his head, he wasn't going to allow her to send him away, not this time.

If you whisk me away by means of magic, know that I will break my promise and with Megiltura's help I will be back here in no time at all. I can't believe you'd think to send me away. I made a decision last night, I am going to lay down my blade, and be a father to my son, and help raise Tierney with you, somewhere peaceful, somewhere quiet. All my life I fought vampires, demons, crazed men, fanatical droben. I fought for a cause that can never be fulfilled. I will fight this battle, because I'll be fighting for something that's more important, I'll be fighting to defend these people from those vile wretches, and no matter what command of magic you have, you will not prevent me from doing so.

He made his stance clear, if she used magic to get rid of him, then he would be back astride his half-celestial steed Megiltura. He then continued, Rowan, what is the easiest spot to defend in this town? Get everyone there now, get all the able bodied men equipped with weapons, not just swords or spears, but weapons that target vampires specifically if you can manage. If you have any bows and arrows bring them too, I can bless the arrows. He immediately took role as commander, issuing out orders, he was in his natural state now. He only hoped that the villagers could defend themselves as well.

Is there a way we can get the women, and children out of here before the fighting starts? To somewhere safe? He had thought about keeping them there, men fight better when their families are on the line, but he didn't know the size of the force coming, and he wouldn't sacrifice anyone if he could help it.

[Oriana]

Do I look like I am joking Kain? If I dont look like I am joking and I dont sound like I am joking then what makes you think I am joking?

Gone was Oriana Shadowbain, the carefree woman with the mischevious spark in her eye, in her place stood an Archmage confidant in her abilities, strong, unbending. Her eyes darkened gleaming now with a new spark, the spark that kindled the fires that came with war.

I forget nothing where you are concerned Dragonhand and I know that your magic while the opposing force to darkness also demands a great deal in return.

It was a fight she wasnt going to win, he was determined to stay beside her, she couldnt be angry with him for wanting to do so, after all he was first and foremost a warrior, as such it was only natural for him to answer the call to arms, but he was doing more than answering that call. He all but took over, the change in him was one she had seen many a time before and often she would steal secret glances at him when he was otherwise occupied not noticing her stares, she was amazed at how he went from friend and champion to general in the space of hearbeat. His confidence when he was in his element was truly inspiring, the moral of the men he led into battle was very rarely low even in the most desperate of times. But as she looked at him now with the threat of vampires looming over them, the fires in her eyes blazing, she saw him not as the war hero, not as her champion but as the man she loved, the man she would share her life with until her life was no more. She saw him as something so precious and valued, something that she wanted to keep as far from harm as she could, she needed, wanted to change their roles, for years he had watched over her protected her it was now her turn to become his champion. He would think she had lost her mind if she voiced those thoughts to him.There had to be some way to reason with him, some way to get him to agree.

Kain, you wouldn't really be leaving me behind, instead you would be going on ahead to do what needs to be done, moving one step closer to the time when we can truly be together. We cannot put off Anarane any longer than we already have, the sooner it is brought to an end the sooner our future can fully begin. Rowan has already sounded the call to arms, he is not quite as green in the ways of war as you might believe dear one, and he has more than once come up against these demons. The women and children were moved during the night, to an underground shelter hidden deep within the forest. I do not need him to protect me because I already have a champion, if you need to protect me now, then go to the source of my greatest joy Kain, go to my daughter, knowing that you are with her and that I will join you, that I will someday call you husband, that is more than enough to keep me safe. I will never walk into anything alone Kain, I carry the greatest loves of my life with me always.

Her demeanure softened then, she couldnt take her eyes from him, already the muscles in his jaw were tight, his face went from being that of a gentle loving man to one ready for bloodshed and death. She hated that they had been put in the position they were in, but neither of them could walk away knowing what was to come, she knew he would not leave her, would not leave the tiny town and its people to the merciless vampires, no matter how she begged or pleaded for him to go.

I am telling you right now Kain, listen to me well and make sure you understand me, if I cannot get you to leave, if you cannot bring yourself to face Anarane alone and to ensure our future together with our children just yet, then I will not fight you on it, but make no mistake about it Kain Dragonhand if there comes a time in this battle that I become too worried, or I see anything that causes even the slightest sliver of fear in me I will make damn sure you are are sent from this place and steed or not, I will see to it you wont be able to get back until it is over.

[*Kain*]

Wouldn't be leaving her behind? Was she mad? He was charged to protect her, and guard her. He would not forsake that duty, that promise, because it was really the only thing that held him together for a long time, duty. How could she expect him to abandon it now?

Oriana, you say that you'd be with me the next day, then what does it make a difference that I leave or not? I'd simply be riding Megiltura, and alone on the road, leaving you to fight. I don't doubt Rowan's abilities, but I do know that I can augment them, and if you think I'm going to just leave your side, you are insane. I swore an oath long ago that I would fulfill the roll you claimed me to have as a child. To be your champion, not Tierney's, she is safe with Anarane. You however are about to walk into danger, sure you've fought wars before, sure your ability is far greater than most, but before you were protected by armies of men, and other powerful lords and ladies in the lands. I'll not leave you to the defense of a handful of peasants and your bodyguard. He wasn't playfully joking when he emphasized that last word. She hurt him by telling him to leave as if he was some inept boy with a pretty sword. It didn't matter what she tried to flower it as, or how she tried to tell him he had more important duties to attend to. Anarane had been delayed long enough? She had waited for him for half a decade, what was another day? His thoughts on the subject were open, he wanted her to hear him, and through the very amulet he wore he knew she could.

To be able to call me husband in the future will not save you from the fangs of a vampire Oriana. I know you are powerful, but mistakes happen, do NOT dismiss this like it's just a nuisance, no battle should ever be thought of in that light. Never underestimate your opponents. Do you know how large a force that will invade? No, and neither do I, how can you be for certain you'll be alright by yourself? How will you be able to call me husband if you are dead? You will not send me away Oriana, and if you do, what does it mean to me then to be your champion? The one who is supposed to stand by you even in the face of death? It means nothing, it will be an empty, void promise. I cannot have that, and I'm not sure if I could forgive you, for that would be taking away over half a century of my life. It's NOT going to happen and that is final, you hear?

He was fuming, despite doing his best to keep his calm, his voice still raised a few times. Despite his angry appearance, his eyes betrayed his true feelings, he said some things he might never have said without becomming angry, and he was sorry, he did not mean to order her to do anything, but she would not order him to do anything either, they would be on equal footing. Most of all however, his eyes betrayed fear, would she truly send him away, and make all that he promised, empty and weak, for if she didn't want him by her side in the face of danger, why should he be her champion at all?

[Oriana]

I've survived this long by thinking light of war Kain, call it arrogant call it whatever you wish, it is when I stopped making light of war that I almost got myself killed. This coming battle is a nuisance.

Maybe revealing that little secret to him was not the best thing for her to do but gods be damned as much as she loved him he was not going to stand there and lecture her like she had just been caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
He was furious with her, and she couldnt blame him, nearly the whole of his life had been spent protecting her and now she was behaving like a shrew, ordering him around all but demanding that he go. She could have done as she had in the past, could have broken down in hysterics, begging and pleading with him, but that part of her that had so recently been set free would not allow it. She was strong and confident, she had just allowed the years to take their toll, made it alright to be weak. Never again. Squaring her shoulders she looked to her champion, not in defeat but with a clear understanding of his postion.


I wont ask you to leave again Kain, I wont ask you to break your promise or to forget your duty...

Her eyes stared intently into the steely blue pools that were bearing down on her and she shook her head at him as if to say enough of this. She had forgotten what it was to have someone willing to fight side by side with her, forgot what it was to have someone right there worrying over her every move, having someone not necessarily to answer to but someone to come home to, to share with, to be close with.


Truth be told Kain, I wanted to protect you this time, to be your champion just this once. You have saved me in more ways than I can name, the whole of my life you have always come to save me, to protect me. I wanted the chance to do the same for you.

[*Kain*]

I'm glad you understand Oriana, but as much as you wish to keep me from harm, know that I am a man who was born to be on the battlefield, and I take my role as your champion to be my utmost important task in this life. Never ask me to leave your side, because it is a request that will be refused time and time again. Don't forget Ori, that you have saved my life, by finally accepting my love, and embracing it. Again you saved my life even though I had sacrificed it in order to save yours, without you I wouldn't be here right now. We need one another, you know this as much as I. He paused and sighed.

I ask that you do not overly concern yourself with my safety. Keep focused on our task. As for dismissing this as a nuisance, I don't give a damn how powerful you are, doing so is a mistake. You do not know what is coming and to say it's a mere annoyance is foolhardy. He hugged her then, despite it being completely out of character for him at that moment. He hugged her as if he would never let go, but he did. They had a task to get on with, the time for hugs, kisses and such would be later. He turned his attention to Rowan.

I meant no offense earlier Rowan, and spoke in haste. Why didn't you wake us sooner? Nevermind that, what perperations have been made so far? His tone wasn't angry, that had left him now, it was dutiful, and reasonable. He had slipped into a role he was so familiar with he forgot that Rowan was most likely the one who knew this place best and how to protect it. He decided he would help the man, but leave the overall direction to the innkeeper. Kain was able to recognize authority, and knew that the people's morale would rest upon Rowan, not a stranger. He should have recognized it earlier, but Oriana had gotten him so worked up he hadn't stopped to think.

[Rowan Boramere]

Talk about your awkward situations, the very last dam thing I had wanted was to be caught smack in the middle of Oriana and Kains' little go round, but there I was, standing there watching the two of them butt heads, oh joy of joys, lucky me eh? I have to admit though, he got her to back down without threatening to leave. He didn't toss a fit making her feel so guilty and wrong that she gave in. They talked about it expressing their points, giving her the opportunity to back down on her own terms. Interesting. Anyway, my night had been spent going from home to home, to the local tavern pulling together the men that formed the very same armies that served the mage and her father once upon a time.I managed to piss off their wives, in the process but what the hell, when they were given the choice to either have their husbands go to war, or become food, yeah I'm sure you can guess which call was made.While I went through the down banging on doors in the dead of night it occured to me that I had failed to mention to both Oriana and Kain that the simple little town was built by that army.

My men are sleeping now, we worked through the night bringing the women and the young ones as Oriana explained to the shelter... This was the part I wasnt too sure I wanted to say next but I have seen what that mage is capable of and there was none better suited to lead the small group of mages and clerics... As much as your duty to Oriana calls, you are needed elsewhere Kain, I have many good men who are well versed in the act of war, but none here are as seasoned as you, I need you to lead the third and fourth squads, they have been instructed to gather in the center of town two hours before sunset and to carry out whatever orders that are given. I will see to the first and second, they are to meet here, archers will surround the outskirts of the town, scouts will report the moment the minute there is even the slightest hint of activity.... Oriana... the, arcanic warriors will be waiting for her at the temple, understand something, the temple is not within the town, it is about half a mile east from the border, they do not need to be right in the heart of battle in order to inflict their damage, she is to lead them in their attacks, they will be our element of surprise so to speak.

The rays of the rising sun started flitering in through the inns windows announcing that dawn was upon us. The new day had begun and soon, too soon night would fall again, then it would begin.

If you have anything you think should be changed in order to best serve us in this trying time, I would be more than willing to listen to what you have to say Kain, but first, perhaps you and your lady should try and sleep some more, if I know these demons like I believe I do, we all have a long night ahead of us, and no one can afford to be slowed by fatigue.

[*Kain*]

Kain listened and nodded to Rowan. I'm going to go take a look around, and get familiar with the terrain in a bit, there is no time for rest right now, at least not for me. You on the other hand have been out all night, go get some sleep, I've had plenty, and can operate on what I've had just fine. He looked to Oriana again. You can get some more sleep if you wish love, whether or not you do, it is up to you. As for you and I being split apart in this fight, can you promise me that you'll teleport to my side if anything goes wrong at the temple? He would know good and well if something went wrong, and if need be he'd use Megiltura to step through time to get to her, but that was as a last resort. He'd help Rowan lead the troops, but his duty to Oriana would supercede that if she was put in any danger. He also put in the form of a request and not an order, he wanted Oriana to know that he didn't think of himself as her master, or lord, but as her equal, and the man who loved her with all that he was.

He still did not like the idea of not being by her side, but she was indeed a grown woman, and could take care of herself... most of the time anyhow. Rowan made a good call though, Oriana was best suited to lead the mages, and he was best suited to lead the fighting men alongside the one in front of him. He wouldn't let his own desire to stand guard over her proctively to cloud his judgement.

[Oriana]

I'll need to rest, just a little while, not too long.

The one thing she hated was how despite the fact that she was born of the arcane, using the Art was very much like tapping into a well in order to draw its waters, eventually if too much water was taken the well would run dry. The same could be said for any weilder of the arcane. Mages tapped into their natural resources and those resources would need to be replenished over time or else the magic would not be as strong, the person channeling that power would not be as strong. Why did she hope that Kain would not remember that one little detail? It didnt matter just then, there were more important things to fret over.

The only promise I can make my love is that I will be careful not to put myself too much in harms way. As much as you cannot turn your back on those in need of your blade, I cannot turn tail when the moment turns ugly. Do what you need to right now Kain but please wake me when you are done.

[*Kain*]

If I have to break my promise to you about Megiltura's ability in order to save your life, than I shall do so. That short of a distance it wouldn't add on to my own lifespan all that much. Know that I will come for you if the need arises. Better a broken promise, than to lose you. He was serious about that much. He would not let her die on his watch, and if the vampires layed even one finger on her they would feel his wrath, and wish they had never become the devellish spawn that they were.

Go rest now my love, I will wake you when the time comes. He gave her a quick kiss, then let her go off to bed. He turned to Rowan before she had the chance to object about the horse's ability. You go find yourself a bed too Rowan, you've been up all night, and it's difficult to lead men and keep their morale up when you are dead tired. With that Kain made his way out the door, again not giving time for Oriana to tell him no, and summoned Megiltura. The horse came up and nuzzled the bladesinger's face, Sana termara lle tulien ar'lye naa sen e dagor mellon* The horse understood what was going to happen that day. Kain then mounted and took off towards the hills to find a vantage point from which he could survey what would be the field of battle.




Sana termara lle tulien ar'lye naa sen e dagor mellon- Vampires are coming, and we will face them in battle my friend.

[Oriana]

The mage watched her champion leave the inn, a soft smile turned the corners of her lips upward. He had been so serious and rightly so, as he said he was born for the battlefield, brandishing a sword was as natural to him as breathing. But for all his bluster, as angry as he had been at her, he still looked at her with loving eyes, still pulled her to him and still put her above all others. She thought it would take time to get used the changes, to adjust to living a different way than she had before, but Kain had made the transition easy for her with his patience, understanding and above all his deep, unbending love. Those were the thoughts that came to mind while she marched herself up the stairs to the room she shared with her champion. Inside she stripped off her robes and climbed into the bed surprised to find it still retained the warmth from their bodies as they slept. Scooting across the bed she curled up on the side where Kain had slept, his scent still lingering, bringing to mind how he had held her the night before after they had teased each other almost unmercifully. Smiling she turned on her stomach, slipped her arms beneath the pillow and lay her head down thinking of how they had laughed and how she had been so set on driving him right out of his mind, she still found it amazing that he possessed such control. As she lay there her revenge was the furthest thing from her mind, the decision to sleep bare was because she had missed the feel of sheet beneath her soft on her skin and the feel of the cover above her wrapping her up in an oh so comfortable cocoon. What was on her mind just then was the night that would soon be upon them, when she thought of the vampires she couldnt help but think of her mother and father. She heard the tale of the vampire lord and his queen who had wrought havoc and unleashed hell on the world? It still pained her to think of the story, especially when she knew how her father had been turned, half man half monster, he had fought with all his will to stop the transformation and in a moment of weakness, when the hunger became too much he had attacked her mother, she had become the prey that would satisfy his hunger and make him one of the undead. It was their love that had reached her father, had gotten through to him just before he had taken her lifes blood, and in return Mara in her own attempt to save the man she loved had given herself to the overlord with the condition that Griffon be released from the vampires hold. Her parents love was legendary to the people of the town where Oriana had grown up, it was a love she had one day hoped to have, and now it seemed she finally had that love to call her own.

[*Kain*]

As he sat upon his mount, and overlooked the quaint little town, it reminded him of a long time ago, in a faraway place that was called Astrail, what Kain and all of his friends, and Oriana would call their hometown. A town that they had all saved, but Mara and Griffon stayed and turned it into a prosperous city, from the small town that it was. Even the terrain here seemed simliar, there were differences of course, Kain wouldn't let himself think such foolishness as this town being the long lost Astrail.

He looked to the woods, and the town, deciding on what course of action he would take. He almost wished Rowan was up here to explain to him from which way the vampires would be attacking. Instead he decided, he looked for the most obvious routes to attack the town. There was the woods to the south, hills to the east, plains to the west, and a lake to the north. Kain could rule out an attack from the plains almost for sure, because the vampires would want to be hiding as they approached, that means that they would eiher be attacking from the hills or the woods. The lake was almost out of the question, for some reason Vampires didn't care too much for large bodies of water. The hills might be viable, but the woods was most likely the place of attack, they stretched on for miles.

With that Kain started forming a batlle plan, he would talk it over with whatever commanders stepped forward from the peasant rabble he would be commanding. He was almost anticipating the battle now. He rode back into town after several hours of surveying the land from his perch. Then he rode Megiltura through the streets, after another hour had passed he returned to the inn. Rowan was nowhere in sight, and he decided he would check up on Oriana. Dropping off of Megiltura's back, he walked into the inn and headed for the stairs. The man was still not to be seen here, either he had taken Kain's advice, or he had ran off to make some more preperations.

Once at the door he opened it with only a little care, so he would not wake her, if the mage was even still in the room...

[Oriana]

Sleep did more than rejuvinate the mage, when she was woken up unexpectedly unless there was real danger near, she was often addle brained and could never really think clearly. She was not a morning person in anyway, in fact if she could sleep all day and then wake at twilight to carry out the normal duties of the day that would have suited her just fine. It was this absent mindedness that drove the mage to turn in her sleep at the sound of the door opening, her mind registered that it was Kain entering the room, his scent had immeadiately tickled her nose but did nothing to clear the fog of sleep. Sticking her head out from the cover she had thrown over her head to block the sun she resembled a turtle peeking out from its shell. It wasnt time already was it? It couldnt be, she hadnt been sleeping very long at all, surely there was still time for her champion to take a small rest before they both needed to prepare for the coming invasion. Returning to the comfort of the cocoon she had made for herself she spoke to him in muffled tones from beneath the cover. She had completely forgotten she was bare underneath it all.

Come lay down with me, its not going to kill you to forget duty, to forget what is coming for an hour or two. Besides we wont have much time together today, if anything should happen not that it will mind you... we deserve some quiet time before all hell breaks loose. You dont have to sleep, you can tell me what you saw in town and what your plan of attack is, I'll be happy just to lay here and listen.

[*Kain*]

She awoke as he entered the room, there was still a good seven hours before dusk would arrive, they still had plenty of time to rest. He listened to her tell him to come lay down, and how they deserved some time to themselves before the battle would ensue. That was the very reason he had come in to check on her, these last few hours of peace before hell would break loose. He did have to hold back a laugh at her head popping out from beneath the covers.

He took his cape off and slid his feet out of his boots, and took his sword off, setting the cape in the chair, the boots underneath, and the sword leaning against it. Then he walked over to the bed.

I didn't come here to talk to you about my plan of attack Ori, I came here to spend time with you before we became seperated on the battlefield. It still isn't sitting right that we are to be seperated, but I understand we both have our roles to play out in the upcoming fight. That is the farthest thing from my mind right now, for it is only thinking of you. He smiled and slid underneath the covers, not paying any attention, he slid his arms around her. He hadn't noticed she was bare right away, as his clothes were still on, that is until his hand rested on her stomach, the rough hands jolted back at the touch of the smooth untarnished skin. He lifted the covers and what he saw surprised the hell out of him, he wasn't able to speak a word, he just lay there staring at the beautiful body next to him.

[Oriana]

She just started slipping back to sleep, content with knowing as the bed sank beneath the weight of the half elf that he was happy to comply with her, a little smile played on her lips when he laid down beside her and she scooted closer to him ready to nestle deep in his arms when she felt his arm wrap around her, felt his hand on her bare skin and her eyes snapped open wide. The sharp intake of her breath was the only sound in the room, it was all she could do in reaction to that simple touch. A touch that made her skin burn like she had just been thrown into the flames of a fire, if she had to give voice to what was raging through her entire being touching her very soul she would have been speechless, she was speechless, there simply were no words to describe the sudden need and want. No, she couldnt act on the longing that was nearly overwhelming her, she owed it to Kain, to Anarane, to refrain from touching him, loving him both body and soul until an end was brought to that union. She would not put Kain in that position, the guilt would eat away at him, he might love her but he was still another womans husband for the time being. She tried to move but her body stayed even when she felt him lift the cover knowing what he would see, her mind was telling her to get up before anything happened before it was time but the rest of her was in complete rebellion and before she could stop stop herself she was kissing him with all the hunger and need of one who had been starving and finally found the fuel needed to feed the soul.

[*Kain*]

He heard her sharp breath along with his own, she had forgotten it seemed that she was bare. It surprised both of them equally, and they sat there unmoving for what seemed an eternity. Then before he had the chance to react as he thought appropriate, before he had a chance to say anything, he was pulled from he shock by her sudden kiss, she threw herself upon him. He had been trying to resist for so long it seemed, a week was a long time to wait for two people who were so totally in love. Not the kind of love two young lovers might feel for one another, new and fresh, but a rediscovered love, a hidden love that had been there for more than fifty years, not to mention that neither of them could be considered young lovers.

He couldn't resist such a fervent kiss, the surprise soon wore away, and he did what any man would do. He embraced her and returned the kiss with an equal fire. One hand caressed her form, tracing over her curves, the other ran through her hair, and caressed her face. Nothing mattered to him at that moment except for her, him, and their love for one another, their natural desires were playing out. He no longer had the will to resist, after the previous day his defenses had broken down.

[Oriana]

Dammit all to hell!


She did not whisper the words, didn't even speak them. She bellowed each word just as loud as any man would have been able to as she tore away from the arms of her love, tore herself from his touch, his kiss, common sense had found its way back into her head and she was furious. All but jumping to her feet and jerking the cover from the bed when she did, she stomped around the room trying to find her robes while wrapping the cover around her bare body. Every curse, every unladylike word she knew, and she knew alot of them thanks to her brother and her uncles, came spewing out of her mouth. Had anyone else been able to see her just then they would have thought her possessed. In a sense she was, she wanted the man laying in the bed probably wondering when she went insane more than she had wanted anyone, by the gods she wanted him but her damn mind had finally gained control of the rest of her and her own sense of right and wrong kicked in forcing her to become the ranting loon she now was. Aggravated beyond all reason she wanted nothing more than to give in to the desire that flooded her senses but now was not the time, not with Anarane still out there believing that her husband would one day return to her and they would live happily ever after. It wasnt fair and she all but shouted as much when she finally faced Kain.

Tell me why we shouldnt! We are not young ones caught up in puppy love who dont know what real love it, we should be able to share our love in all ways, so why am I over here carrying on like a mad woman when you are right there, when I know I could have you?! I'll tell you why! Because no matter how much I love you or you love me you are still another womans husband! Its not fair! Dammit Kain for all my arrogance I know there is a chance one of us could be killed tonight and it makes my heart ache, it makes my whole damn body ache knowing we are going to go out there tonight and if something should go wrong I'll never know what it was to make love to you, to belong to you in everyway!

She sat down hard on the bed, there were no tears, there was only the anger she felt towards herself for not being able to finish what she had started a few minutes before.

[*Kain*]

She broke it off, and started stomping around swearing, leaving him sitting on the bed bewildered, his senses dulled completely with her pulling away. That moment, where they both gave in to the primal urges that their bodies and hearts longed for was pure ecstacy. It was as if he had drank her, then suddenly had a hangover. He sat up, throwing his face in his hands, as if he were to hide from her. He listened as she exploded, and went on in a tirade about how they loved one another, and why they couldn't share their love with one another. What if something were to go wrong tonight, and they would never have completely explored the depths of one another's being.

He had no logical answer for her, he was betrothed to another, but what if something were to happen tonight? Would it be so wrong for them to do so? What if one of them were to die, the other was surely to live their life in constant regret and grief. No! He thought, she was right, what if something was to go wrong? Kain was already set to divorce Ana, the only thing binding them together anymore was a piece of parchment. Their connection superceded anything written, anything legal. Their bond was far beyond the physical realm.

The only thing that is holding us back is my commitment to Anarane, but I've already decided that I am ending that commitment, I've realized now that the only thing binding me to her is legal papers. Why should we hold back? Because I owe it to her? It's going to hurt her either way. He stood up and went over, placing himself in front of her, with one hand he reached down, and gently lifted her chin until her eyes met his own. He could see the anger, the frustration in those fierce violet eyes. I owe her sure, but I owe you so much more.. He trailed off, placing his hands on her shoulders, he came down upon her like a predator cornering it's prey, finishing his sentance with a kiss. He didn't care anymore, he could not go on with the fight knowing that something may go wrong, without ever knowing his true love in every way imagineable.

[Oriana]

He swooped down on her so suddenly the yelp that barely managed to eek out from her was cut short by a kiss so consuming
it left her mind numbed. Thinking clearly was no longer an option, all thoughts of right and wrong, of Anarane ceased to be, that one devouring searing kiss became her complete undoing. There was no longer anything or anyone to stand in the way of the long awaited union, neither of them could deny the other, that was the only thought she was capable of. Her body told him as much when she pressed closer to him returning his kiss with as much passion and certainty as she possessed, her hand tugged at his hair demanding more, demanding all of him.
Morning turned to afternoon, afternoon was slowly turning to evening, for Oriana time had stood still. Each kiss, every touch had left her feeling like liquid sun and only confirmed what she had known in her heart, in her soul. Now as she lay wrapped in the arms of her champion, still trembling, she knew what it was to be complete. Her head rested on his chest, her finger tracing circles around his belly button she sighed, the sound full of the warmth and contentment she was feeling. Those feelings were what blinded her to what was going on inside the warrior who had loved her so thoroughly, had given all of himself to her. Turning on her stomach she crossed her arms on his chest and rested her chin.
So this is what it is to be born again?
She looked up smiling but what she saw erased the smile and made her blood run cold, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as another feeling wound its way through her touching her very heart. No, not now not when it had been so amazingly perfect, she thought to herself. Kain though his face remained passive had a look in his eyes that said more than words ever could and she steeled herself against herself and against what she knew, what she could feel from her champion, she saw regret in those pools of blue.

[Farene]

The flight to Night Shadows was a short one. It had been dark for a couple hours and there was no movement around Anarane's home. Farene circled her lands a couple times looking for just the right place to land and do what she needed before she proceeded to Anarane's.

Finding an area just at the outskirts of a village near her home, Farene lites just outside a grove of trees that makes an enclosed shelter. Moving under the canopy of trees, Farene takes the bag and sets it on the ground. Folding her wings down over her back, she reaches in the bag first taking out the amulet and places it around her neck. The enchantment that had been place on it by her Patriarch was still in effect. Her form quickly changed to that of a human female. Farene smiled at the body she had been given by the magic of Lord Solis. Her long dark hair tumbled down the back of a quite stunning looking woman. The man did have a good sense of beauty for the human eye. Pulling out the clothes she had brought with her. She donned the black dress that fitted tightly over the curves of her human body. It let not much to the imagination, with the low cut bodice and a slit that run to her upper thigh. Running her hand over the black silken material her thoughts turned to the hunger she was feeling. She knew she should feed before moving on to Anarane's.

Stepping out from under the canopy of trees, Farene walked to the road that went between the village and Anarane's home. She would wait here until some unwarily traveler came by. She found a place near, so that she would hear anyone coming through. Farene didn't have much time to deal with Anarane but she would not go there as hungry as she was. Farene wanted the revenge to be long and torturous.

It didn't take long for someone to come along. Farene moved out to the road. While she had waited, she had smeared some dirt on her face, arms and the front of her dress. Farene began to walk along the roadside with a little limp her arms wrapped over her chest as if she was cold and afraid. The rider soon came into view and was coming toward her. Bringing his horse to a halt in front of her. "M'lady are you all right? What has happened to you? How can I help?" He asked the questions as he got down from his horse. Keeping her voice as a whimper she looked at him with a tear streaked face. "Some bandits stole my carriage and horse and tried to have their way with me, but i managed to escape." Farene looked up at the man with soft dark eyes as he stepped closer to her. She fained a swoon and as he caught her in his arms her eyes flashed red. Before he knew what was happening the Demoness/vampire sunk her fangs into his throat feeding until his body was lifeless. Not to draw attention to her being here yet, dragged the body back to the canopy of trees. The bloodlust sated, Farene cleaned up and took the horse and headed toward Night Shadows.

[*Kain*]

Kain knew what he was doing when he threw himself upon her, he knew that he would regret it. As a man of duty and honour, he felt he owed Anarane one last thing, to tell her the truth of things before he shared a bed with the mage. With the current turn of events however, Kain couldn't help himself, it was better to live on with some small regret, knowing that he had explored his love of Oriana to the fullest extent. If something were to go wrong that night he knew his regret from that would tear his soul asunder. He could live with this small amount of regret, this small betrayel in his mind.

The moment played over and over in his head, it was the best moment of his life, right then and there, with his true love, in their natural state. He held her tight, not wanting it to end, not wanting to let go. He knew though that dusk would be approaching soon, still he pushed that out of his mind. His body pressed up against hers, if only time would slow down and allow them some more of it.
So this is what it is to be born again? He looked at her and smiled, trying to hide his regret, but it didn't matter, her eyes could read him like an open book, even when Kain was hard as stone the mage could find the tiniest crack in that stone and expose him. What good was it to hide it from her? He knew her question without her even needing to speak.

The regret that I have over what just transpired is overshadowed by the regret I would have if I lost you today and never knew all of you my love. Please do not fret about it, I knew what I was doing, you even gave me a chance to stop, I pressed on. Let this weigh on my shoulders, I felt I owed it to Ana to tell her before this was done, but who can tell the outcome of this night? We are not to blame for exploring our love for one another, it's simply my damn sense of duty that is getting in the way. The only thing binding Anarane and myself are papers, what we have goes beyond that. Do not feel guilty, or at fault for the source of my regret Oriana, for you are not. He shut up then, he didn't want another word said, they only had so much time left together, and in order to prevent more words that might upset them both he kissed her again, pressing himself against her, and in order to shield her from that which his eyes betrayed he closed them, he wished to live in the moment, not the past, and not the future.

[Oriana]

... Do not feel guilty, or at fault for the source of my regret Oriana, for you are not...


It was out in the open now, what she had closed her eyes to and prayed would not bring dark clouds to hang over what had transpired between them came barreling down on her like a wall of bricks. She heard every word he said and tried not to think that it had all been a mistake, how could she have been so stupid? Was she not a grown woman capable of controlling herself long enough for them to reach the keep, for Kain to do what needed to be done? She was better than what she had allowed herself to become the moment he had kissed her with such undeniable longing, was she no better than a common whore that she could behave with such wanton, reckless abandon knowing full well the man she fell into bed with still had a duty to another? It didnt matter that all that kept Anarane and Kain together as man and wife was a parchment ending their union the fact remained that by law, in the eyes of the clerics and the gods he was still someone elses husband, not that she cared any longer for the gods. It didnt matter that he carried her very heart in his hands. Her own guilt now washed over her in great waves bringing with it a battle of a different sort , the struggle with her heart had now begun. Without having to think on it the link the two shared was severed, not entirely but only until she could purge her own guilt, her own heartbreak knowing she had caused Kain to act against his nature, knowing that he now carried regret over their union would not be added to what he was already feeling. He would not allow her to send him away to protect him, she could at least protect him for the time being from herself.

I understand love..

Those words were the first, last and only time she would ever lie to him. How could he not think her to blame? She had been the one who teased and taunted him for nearly a week until...
what had she done? Shaking now but for a completely different reason the mage slipped from the bed wrapping a sheet around her making sure nothing more than what was necessary was bared. She could not bear to look at him when she spoke for fear of what she would see still lingering in those eyes.

It's almost time Kain, we should start getting ready..

[*Kain*]

She tried to hide it from him, he couldn't sense her feelings, her emotions, but despite her effort, her physical movements betrayed her words, and exposed her. He didn't want this to end, sure it was almost time, but it wasn't yet and he was determined to spend that time with her, not in regret, not in sorrow, but in happiness, and in love.

Do you understand Oriana? Do you truly understand? You are not at fault, do not blame yourself. He wanted to tell her that it was Guidion's fault why all this is suddenly transpiring, this would have been taken care of long ago, but for some reason she clung to him, even as he abandoned her. Kain however could not bring himself to tell her that, and he didn't know it, but he would have been glad their connection was interrupted by the mage just then. Standing he went over to her, not bothering to cover himself, or dress. He forced the sheet she had clung about her off of her, exposing her again. This is not wrong, our union was meant to be, your mother knew of this a long time ago. There should be no shame in this Oriana, I will reconcile with Anarane, it is a burden that I carry, it should not weigh on your shoulders. What was he saying? He needed her as much as she needed him, and if the role was reversed he would want to share that burden as well. Again he would be glad that their connection was halted, or his thoughts might have been betrayed.

Don't do this my love, let us take all we can out of the last few moments of peace the sun offers us. Dp not run from me... please. He was pleading with her, he didn't want to make it sound like he was telling her what to do. He wanted her to make the decision, and he knew that no matter what, he would still stand by her. She could run now, and they could go fight, regret and guilt inhibiting their ability to excel during the combat, or they could take this rest, and go into battle without any of that, and give this town the best of their ability.

[Oriana]

A burden you carry?!

She listened to him heard every word he had to say and even as he tore the sheet from her frame leaving her bare she could only stand there staring at him as if he had lost his mind. How could he be so.. so.. so like her thinking the blame was on him alone? As soon as the thought came to mind she realized what she was doing, she was once again pointing fingers and placing blame where there should have been no blame at all. In times past no matter what happened if it was wrong, it was always her fault and she gladly accepted that to be true, realizing how it looked back then she had to wonder what had become so twisted inside her that she could have put herself through such emotional turmoil. Now she stood face to face with the man who had always loved her, was always willing to take her pain no matter how minuscule and make it his own, just like she wanted to do for him, like she had tried to do before he demanded she stop. The thought to run, really run had never entered her mind, still when he pleaded with her not to go, the servered link instinctively became whole opening her to him fully again. She would let him feel all that she had tried to hide, from that point on he would always know what she was feeling good or bad, he deserved nothing but complete honesty from her even if the truth hurt. There was nothing they could not work their way through, they would deal with Anarane and all the emotional turmoil involved together. No one was going to tell them they were wrong and she was never going to feel she had done wrong, she loved her champion and he loved her. How could something so strong and true be wrong? It wasnt. Going to him she gently enfolded him in her arms and rested her head in the crook of his shoulder.

Neither of us are to blame Kain, if anything we have been the vicitims of circumstance and duty. Where do our duties truly lie Kain?...

Lacing her fingers through his she brought their entwined hands to the small space between their hearts.

This is where duty lies Aratoamin, to each other, to our hearts, to this love that we share.

[*Kain*]

She was right, theri duty was to one another, and to their children. Still, there was a pang of guilt inside of Kain that would be there until this was resolved. She brought his hand up and pressed hers against his heart, and leaned in pressing his hand against hers. He smiled then, and they stood looking into one another's eyes. knowing that soon this would all be over, and they would be able to live out their lives together.

The sun was beginning to fall from high in the sky, and the reddish glow it cast into the room further illuminated her deep violet eyes, and outlined her deep black hair, and her slender curves, it was as if he was looking upon an angel. He was content just standing there, looking upon her, knowing her inside and out, and loving her entire being. Never before had he felt so very alive, there was a vibrance in his eyes that had not been there since the first days he had seen Oriana as a woman, yet it was even beyond that.

I almost wish time could stand still right now Melamin.* He said softly.



*Melamin- my love.

[Oriana]

Right here, right now, if you so wished it, time in this world that we have made for ourselves in this room could very well stand still Kain...

His eyes held her lovingly, even appreciatively, the way he looked at her made her want to stop the world from spinning, but the shadows casting on the walls, the hues of the sun beginning to change the colors of the lands served to remind her they had made a promise that they had to keep. Her heart though so filled with love weighed heavy in her chest knowing they would soon be apart each doing what they did best for the sake of freedom, and the saving of lives.

We have to start getting ready Kain...

There was so much she wanted to say to him but she had to start readying herself for the battle to come, he knew she loved him, there was no need for words, she would say all that needed to be said before they were seperated but until that moment came she would keep her silence.