(M) The Winter Thaw (Stormy & Siks)

[StormyNyte]

Rated M for possible mature content including sex, violence. language, graphic situations, and drug use.


The Winter Thaw

https://i.imgur.com/0xbXT4F.jpg


The White Peaks loomed tall in the distance as the wagon continued its rumbling progression toward the boarder lands of Avelar. It was quiet going, at least now that their charge was bound and gagged. It had been half a day and one since the journey began and her forced destination was finally coming into view. It was a quaint farm, neither too large nor too small, but to her it may as well have been some horrid hovel in the middle of nowhere.

Half risen from the wagon floor, Arayna eyed the dismal location through the split rails of the side coolly, giving a muffled complaint punctuated by a barking grunt as the toe of a boot struck her soundly in the side. “I said stay quiet!” One of the guards assigned to the escort rumbled, glowering down at her. “You’ve caused enough trouble on this trip. If the Commander is smart, he’ll keep you bound and quiet too.”

When the driver pulled up the horse, two of the guards escorting them jumped out and proceeded to drag the woman off the back letting her drop heavy to the ground while the third stepped down from the front and moved to greet the the farm’s owner, Volare. “Apologies, Commander, I know you were hoping for some peace of mind out here.” He glanced back at the others as they cut loose her ankle bindings and drug her to her knees. “She’s more trouble than she’s worth.” That said, he produced a heavy coin purse and a sealed writ naming Volare ward and master of the woman’s fate. “By order of the Snow Chief, you may exercise whatever means necessary, barring death, to gain her compliance.”

Despite the sizable fading bruise along the left side of her face where a sound backhand had sent her reeling just days before and now looking like she had been half drug through the muck, she knelt before them somehow managing to retain an air of of prideful defiance, eyeing the two men coldly. Regarding them in silence, she gave her bound wrists a slight twist but otherwise remained motionless as the guard who addressed Volare strode back to her. Taking hold of her chin roughly, he forced her face to look up at him. “You’re the Commander’s problem now, you wicked little bitch, and I assure you that he can be far less forgiving than I am.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare has been dreading this day all week. He had hoped he'd be free of the viper's nest that was Elven politics once he retired. Be away from Queen Brightcloth and her Mage Lords, maybe find a nice Wood Elf or maybe Orcish woman to keep him company in his golden years. Someone sturdy and able to live off the land.

But not a month into his retirement and word came down from his former Lord that his daughter Arayna had used up her last chance and was being exiled far from the trappings of civilization to learn humility or something according to Rivvan. But the Snow Chief didn't want her to die day one so here she was dropped for him to train and keep his eyes on. He heard them cross his property line and met them just before his horse paddocks.

He watched with crossed arms and somewhat tired eyes as the two guard pulled her out of the wagon and tossed her into the dirt before him before heading off. The woman stared at him with vehemence and he simply cut her hand binds and removed the gag. "Welcome to Frostfire Farm Arayna, middle of no where and no where to run." He pulled her to her feet.

[StormyNyte]

The woman teetered a bit before finding her footing then pulled away from him in a huff once she was steady. With a poor attempt to brush the dirt from her garments in a motion more for show than anything else, she spoke. “Do forgive me for not leaping for joy, it’s been a trying journey.” She let her gaze take in her bleak surroundings for a moment before stooping to retrieve the satchel containing her meager belongings.


Straightening, she set her sights once more on him. He seemed almost as displeased about the arrangement as she was. Placing a hand on her hip, her voice dripped with sarcasm as she continued. “I know you’re obviously as thrilled with my being here as I am, Commander, but be a dear and at least try to contain your enthusiasm.” Looking beyond him to the farmhouse, she shook her head and sighed as she began to walk. “Shall we then?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare watched the woman closely. "We all pay for our sins Arayna." He pulled out short briarwood pipe and loaded the bowl with tobacco and lit it allowing the smoke to waft slowly up around his head. "First off you need a bath. I keep a clean house and you stink like ten days of bad road."

He motioned for the woman to follow him around the backside of the house. He had a small pond of clear water which irrigates his six fields of vegetables. It was deep enough to be fully submerged in. Picking up a couple of his tools he clicked his tongue for her to strip and bathe while he grabbed a clean blanket off his clothesline and placed it on a barrel for her to dry herself with before he moved off to work the field of carrots. "Strip down and clean yourself up, it's cold, but nothing compared to the Glacial Sea."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna frowned, but followed him behind his house only to frown harder when she saw the pond. Brooding over her less than favorable accommodations, she made well sure that she was out of his immediate line of sight. Muttering to herself, she peeled off her filthy raiments. "It's a wonder you still bother to bathe at all out here, there's not even a proper bath house..." She stepped into the chill water and leered in his general direction. "Cold? You fool, it's freezing!" With a hissing breath through her teeth, she reluctantly waded in.

Finally submerged, she quickly set to scrubbing herself clean, wanting to be done as quick but thorough as possible. Once finished, she hastily removed herself from the pond snatched the blanket off the barrel, wrapping it tight around herself. Whether her haste was more for the cold or more to keep him from glimpsing more of her than he may have already, she herself wasn't entirely certain. What she did know, however, was that the insult and embarrassment were starting to show by the slight reddening of her face.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old Elf chuckled shaking his head slowly at the woman's embarrassment. He'd seen glimpses of her naked body and it wasn't anything to be embarrassed by and they'll be living together for a bit so nakedness would be a obstacle they would need to overcome sooner or later. "You're a Snow Elf suck it up young miss."

He continued to work his field until her heard her exit the pond. "I don't know if you brought any warm clothes with you Ms. Wraithhearted, but in the house just inside the back door are a warm fur skirt and top for you to change into. Might be a little big, but they'll do a lot more good than those filthy ones you came in."

[StormyNyte]

She gave an indignant scoff at having her complaint brushed off in such a manner. With pursed lips, she shook her head and stepped in through the back door. She wasn't thrilled about wearing strange and ill-fit clothes, but anything was a step up front the rough spin items she was sent away with. Those may have well been little more than sack-cloth.

She let the blanket fall to the floor around her feet and examined the garments. They were a far cry from the regal raiments she was accustomed to, but it was better than nothing. Sighing heavily, she pulled them on. Even tied as snug as she could manage, the skirt of furs still hung low on her hips. Luckily, the loose top manage to still cover most of her.

They were much better than the clothes she arrived in, but she didn't even want to think of how she must have looked. For the briefest of instances, she was thankful for the distance put between her and the high courts. Steeling herself, she stepped back outside and fished a silver brush from the satchel she left on top of another barrel.

She was surprisingly quiet while she began to brush out and then braid her still damp hair. Finishing the braid so that it fell over her slender shoulder, she finally broke the silence. "You don't have to call me that, you know... Being stripped of my rightful surname was bad enough, I don't need to be reminded of it."

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare shrugged, but nodded at her request. "As you wish Arayna." He turned and studied her closely. He had to guess her size when making the clothes. They were a little tight around her chest and rear, but flattered the woman's lithe body well so he would call it a success. "The clothing suits you lass, now come I will settle you into your room." He finished up his work in the small field and puffed softly on his pipe walking back his charge heading deeper into the house.

The house was well built as is everything made by Snow Elves, but more simplistic than the main city. A single story and mostly filled with a large single room where the kitchen, dining room, and living room were one. Off to the right was a hallway with small storage closets and weapons racks breaking up the dark wood walls at the end were two larger doors obviously bedrooms. Walking slowly on he stopped at the hall and point over his right shoulder. "This room is mine." He then opened the door in front of him and motioned for her to enter. "And this is yours." It was a simple room with a single bed big enough for two people, a vanity stand/dresser, wash area, a small table with a chair, and an empty closet.

[StormyNyte]

The inside of the house was just as she had expected it would be, save for an animal head or two not being mounted on the wall. Rolling her eyes, she mused. “Not much for decorating are you, old Mer?” Even in such a modest home, she had at least hoped to see a shelf of books or perhaps an instrument of some sort to pass the evening hours.

Stepping into her room, she forced a mirthless smiles. “I suppose it's foolish to hope for much better than this from a dusty war-dog.” Her snide tone grew as she turned once more to face him. “Now, if you don't mind, I've had just as much excitement as I care to stand for one day and I wish to rest.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

With a quirk of his eyebrow Volare's hand came up and smacked the back of the woman's head. Stepping closer he stared into her eyes gripping her chin making her look at him. "Listen here young woman. You may have been a Chief's daughter in the past, but in this house you are a commoner and by extension my charge. You will work and earn your place here, either by getting dirt on your hands in the fields, keeping the house clean, or popping out some kids. If you can't handle either of those then feel free to run, but you will be killed out in the wild. Bandits in this no man's land are quite skilled even against Mages."

He kept his eyes on her and nodded to the room. "Go rest, I'll call you when dinner is ready." With that he moved back down the hall beginning dinner prep.

[StormyNyte]

His quick response took Arayna by surprise, but a hint of dark malevolence flared behind her widened eye as he grasped her chin and spoke. When he turned and left, the closing of the door gave a weight to his words that hit her chest like the kick of a horse. Hugging herself tight, she sank to the edge of the bed and released a breath she hadn’t realised she was holding. For the first time in her life, she was truly unshielded by her namesake and its protections, left completely vulnerable to whatever may befall her at the hands of her ward.

Beneath the thick blanket of her anger and resentment, she was terrified. Stories of less fortunate women in similar situations were all too commonly passed around the high courts as a warning to keep other women of court in line. Now she was counted amongst them. The inescapable finality of her fate rushed over her in a roaring wave of realization. Dropping her face into her hands, she wept quietly until she could weep no more. With tear-stained cheeks, she lowered herself to the bed and turned her back to the door, curling in on herself before slipping into a restless sleep.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare's keen ears heard the woman's quiet sobs and simply sighed shaking his head. Even retired he was a Drill Sergeant, but it was a hard truth the woman needed to hear. He could and have been running this farm by himself, but now that he had someone around to help he was going to get it.

He sighed again and did his best to focus on preparing dinner. He'd give her time to get used to being here, but winter will be coming soon and that means it was harvest season and two people will get it done much faster than just him.

[StormyNyte]

At least an hour had passed since exhaustion had ushered her to sleep. With the scent of cooking food in the air, she finally stirred. Sitting up, she rubbed her hands down her face and sighted before standing and crossing to the wash basin. Methodically, she washed away the tell-tale traces of her shattered confidence and dried off with the piece of cloth left there for the purpose before looking back at the closed door. It had been several days since she had had a decent meal not simply given keep starvation at bay and the smells that filled the home were making her mouth water.

She tossed the cloth back onto the wash table and shook her head, still not ready to face him again until she absolutely had to. Instead, she busied herself with unpacking what few possessions she was allowed to take with her. Her one change of clothes and simple shoes, she put away into the dresser. On the table, she placed her brush and a small figurine of an owl fashioned from ebony wood. Finally, she withdrew a small piece of parchment and stared at it for a long moment. Etched onto its smooth side was a charcoal likeness of her parents. Turning her head, she placed the image face-down on the table as if even the simple act of viewing it hurt.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The sound of sizzling meat and boiling water filled his ears and the wonderful smell making his stomach rumble quietly. He was a simple cook so it was just steak, boiled vegetables and a warm cider her made earlier in the week. Placing his utensils down he moved to Arayna's door and knocked firmly. "Dinner's ready lass." Was all he said before going back to the kitchen.

The food would simmer for a bit while he set the table for two. His table was small, but it would give the woman enough space to keep him at a distance if she chose. It only took him a few seconds to get the plates, utensils, and food served up and ready for consumption.

[StormyNyte]

So lost in thought was she that the sound of his approach didn’t even register until the knock at the door, giving her a start. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she opened the door and stepped out. She watched him finish setting up the table as she stepped out of the hall. Before she could muster herself to speak, her stomach gurgled loud enough to make her drop her head in embarrassment. “...It certainly smells delicious.” For that brief instant, her tone and demeanor seemed completely devoid of her previous pretentiousness.

However, hungry as she was, she remained standing; as was expected of all females in the high courts, until her host was seated. It was more force of habit than slight.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded to her words then motioned to the seat opposite of him. "You needn't wait on me young one please you must be hungry. I forgot to grab our drinks." Moving back into the kitchen corner of the large central room the old Elf pulled a hefty looking keg from the cupboard and nestled it into the crook of his right arm the muscles bulging slighty as he brought it to the table and set it down on a side table easily within both of their reaches.

Grabbing two wooden tankards he filled them up and placed one by the woman's plate before taking a long drought of his own as he sat down to begin eating.

[StormyNyte]

She watched him retrieve the keg as she settled into her chair and, for the first time since arriving, really looked at him. He was still in surprisingly prime physical shape for being retired and living alone. He had a stern, well formed face, and there seemed to be a subtle hint softness to him when his patience wasn’t being tried. She caught herself staring when he returned and shook herself out of it.

Clearing her throat, she took up her knife and fork and tucked in. Barely suppressing the audible Mmm.. as she ate and drank, she had to put visible effort into keep her pace in check, lest she abandon all her hard taught table manners completely.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior smiled echoing her expression. "Thank you lass, it's a simple meal when compared to the roast pits and powerful meads of the Chief's longhouse. But out here this is banquet that sticks to your ribs and gets you through the cold nights." He took a pull of his drink then wiped his mouth before going back to his steak.

[StormyNyte]

She nodded but didn't pause to speak, barely even looking up from her plate. Simple, perhaps, but it certainly beats stale bread and scraps of dried meat. She gave a short huff of a laugh at the thought, finishing off her meal in record time.

Draining the rest of her tankard, she dabbed her lips clean with her napkin and sat back in her chair with a soft sigh of satisfaction. For a moment, it seemed as though she would maintain her silence.

Letting herself slowly take in her surroundings again, she finally brought herself to fully meet his gaze once more. “Well... you're certainly a better cook than you are a decorator. At least the meals won’t be bleak.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled and nodded at the compliment. "Thank you Arayna, simple is what I do best. It's how I acted like a solider same as a commander. I let the Lords and Ladies have all the luxuries and fine carved furniture, the fancier your possessions the more likely you are to be robbed. We're in prime bandit country out here because this is ungoverned land. We're between the borders of the White Peaks and Ebonrock out here." He finished his own meal and took it to the washbin to handle later.

Returning to the table he poured himself another tankard of cider before he moved to set it by his armchair by the fireplace before he crouched in front of it and began building up the fire for the night.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna chuckled darkly. “Not if the robbers are dead.” She followed suit with her dinnerware and moved to stand on the other side of the fireplace, casually sipping her fresh cider as she watched him build the fire.

When he reached to stir up the smoldering cinders with the poker, the freshly added logs began to smoke before the fire roared to sudden life. She quirked her brows once, giving him a smug smirk before settling into the chair opposite of his and crossing her legs at the knee. “You're welcome.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Pulling his hand back before the fire roared up Volare hmmed in his throat tossing another log on before returning to his chair. Magic always made him nervous. "Ay, well be careful with that lass we're in a big wooden tinder box here. As for bandits being dead before hey rob us." He snorted lightly. "We'd need to be able to see them and fight back first, and like I said the bandits know how to fight mages in this place."

[StormyNyte]

She hmphed lightly, watching the flames dance as she took another sip. “Then I suppose I should be thankful that at least one of us knows how to fight properly.” She gave him an appraising look and shook her head. “At ease, Commander. Just because I don't care for my surroundings doesn't mean I'm going to burn them down around me.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old Mer nodded. "Well I'll be sure to fix that, I'll have you swinging a sword like a pro in now time. Along with other skills you'll need to survive out here. Hunting, fishing, farming, cooking, all of it. You've had a long journey so take the night to rest and relax, but farm life starts early."

Kicking his legs out he continues to sip his drink watching the dancing flames of the fire feeling a nice warmth coming from it. There wasn't much to do out here, but sometimes just sitting down and relaxing is just as good as running between bars looking for games of chance and wenches.

[StormyNyte]

Unable to keep her nose from wrinkling in displeasure, she scoffed lightly. “A lady should not have weapons. Our hands are meant for matters of precision, not brute force.” She knew it was a losing battle, but it wasn't one she would give up on lightly.

Sighing, she turned her attention back to the fire, watching it pop and crackle as she took another long pull of her cider. After a short time, she shifted uncomfortably. “... I can track a trail well enough, at least that's one thing you won't have to be breathing down my neck over.”

“I don't suppose you have a proper lady's saddle for your horse?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare laughed spraying his cider a little. "A lady no, but a farmhand would and you'll be a farmhand Arayna. As for the saddle I do not. There are a pair of leather pants in you room for you to change into for work. And I have a few weapons around you can train on including a sword and a bow." Finishing his drink he stood and went to refill it.

Moving slowly his mind was working on what their plans would be for tomorrow. Returning to the fire place he leaned on the mantle sipping the drink slowly. "So magic and tracking what else can you do?"

[StormyNyte]

She scowled hard at him for that, pursing her lips with an indignant hmph! Lifting her tankard for another drink, she mumbled, “Perhaps I should reconsider setting this whole place ablaze…” Downing the last bit, she tapped her slender index fingers against the side, eyeing the empty vessel absently.

“I know the stars and can read them better than any map.” She fidgeted a little more in her seat before continuing. “I also have a good hand with animals. I can shoot a bow, but I'm no marksman…” She glanced back to him from the corner of her eye then.

“I'm also fairly good with putting into practice what I learn from books, but I suppose that skill matters little out here since it doesn't appear you bother to read.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded slowly making a mental note of everything she was telling him. It was more than he expected which pleased him, but less than he hoped. It was going to be a long day tomorrow. "Well this is all good to know young miss."

He finished his drink again then sat down in his chair. "I read plenty Arayna, in some of the storage rooms in the hall you'll find a number of bookcases to fill the hours and learn from."

[StormyNyte]

That bit of information did manage to surprise the young mage. Perhaps there was a bit of common ground to build on through this time of trials after all. “That is also good information to know, Commander.” With that said, she stood and moved to deposit her empty tankard in the washbin.

Her blue eyes met his when she turned back, their gaze still weighted but no longer condescending. “Now, since you'll likely be waking me before the break of dawn, I think it's time I take my leave.”

She placed a slender hand over her chest and offered a slow half-bow before stepping out of the room, another force of high court habit when excusing oneself from a male's presence. “Until the morn’, Master Volare.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded to his guest and watched her move to her room. He sat up for a few more minutes staring at the flames finalizing the last of the plans for tomorrow before he tossed one last log on the fire letting out a big yawn as he did. Luckily the house was small and the fire would burn all night and warm the place up.

Moving around he locked all the doors and windows and did one last look around before shuffling off to his bedroom. Once inside he undressed down to his small clothes and sigh reaching for a pain ointment he keeps on his nightstands. Old warriors always have old wounds and some of them never truly heal. This one was an old battle-axe wound he took in the shoulder from a fight with the Dwarves so many years ago he couldn't even guess the number. Fucking Deep-Dwellers, he usually takes them down quickly with his bow, but his trog got close and got a lucky hit in before he cleaved it's ugly bearded head.

Unscrewing the top he took a big gob of the clear glossy substance and began rubbing it generously around the jagged wound. The goop smelled strongly of mint, and he let out a low groan feeling cooling sensation quickly spread across his entire shoulder and partially down his arm. He sighed happily then replaced the lid and returned it to it's place, another big yawn followed then the old Snow Elf laid upon his bed rolling to his side to keep the ointment from messing up his bedsheets. Old pains hung on, but he'd grown used to it by now and after a quick prayer to the Creators he was asleep.

[StormyNyte]

It proved to be quite a restless night for the highborn woman. Arayna laid awake, still fully dressed, and listened as Volare did his rounds and finally retired to his own room. A long stretch of time was spent simply staring at the ceiling as her thoughts still reeled over the situation she had made for herself. If that wasn’t enough to keep her awake, the unworn state of the mattress certainly was. Grumbling, she turned and tossed in attempt to find comfort only to abandon the effort with an exasperated groan of frustration. It seemed so much easier when she rested before dinner, but that’s physical and emotional exhaustion for you.

If only she were back in the capital, the potions maester could always provide her highly effective sleeping droughts on nights like this. With a heavy sigh, she sat up on the edge of her bed and rubbed her hands over her face before standing. Were his warnings of bandits true? She began to pace slowly back and forth in front of the foot of her bed. Most likely, but what about the horses? Surely on a swift horse they wouldn’t be as much of a threat… But where would I go? And without a coin to my name... She grumbled to herself, running her slender fingers through her now unbraided hair. Leaving was a foolish idea to entertain, but entertain it she did as the night grew later.

Late night had finally rolled into very early morning by the time she finally managed to talk herself out of such folly and finally find sleep.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Having fallen into a routine of predictable sleep in his youth Volare rarely had trouble going to sleep and staying asleep. And like usual he slept without dreams and as far as he could tell without moving. He awoke before dawn and with a low groan he rolled out of bed.

Everyday he fought in his head to stay in bed. He's lived his whole life by a strict set of rules and deadlines and now in his retirement he could sleep in and enjoy life at a much slower pace. But his body never listened it moved of it's own accord rolling from the bed, dressing in his work clothes, throwing water on his face, putting his boots on, grabbing his dagger and cloak then moving for his door.

He was about to knock on Arayna's door, but he heard her pacing and had a feeling she hadn't slept all night. She'd be useless to him half-asleep and stumbling over herself, she'd wake up eventually and hopefully she'd find him out in the fields. But first he'd whip up some breakfast.

[StormyNyte]

It was nearly mid-day by the time Arayna finally stirred. With a groan, she pushed herself to a sitting position and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She sat on the edge of the bed for a moment while her sleep-blurred thoughts slowly found focus as her sensitive ears listened to the faint sound of birds singing in the distance. Snapping awake with sudden realization, she stood and crossed to the door without so much as stopping to check her appearance. Gods burning, what time is it? Throwing open the door, she had to blink a few times to let her eyes adjust to the light streaming in through the window glass.

Noticing his door ajar, she realized that he must have decided for whatever reason not to wake her. Small favores, but certainly not unappreciated. Shaking her head more at herself than anything, she stepped back into her room and readied herself as well as she could. With practiced motion, she tied her unbrushed hair back with a thin strip of cloth and pulled on her shoes before splashing some water on her face. The simple shoes weren’t the best for field work, but they would do until she could obtain a decent pair of boots.

Stepping back into the main room of the house, she stretched out the kinks obtained from her restless sleep. She peered out the windows until she spotted him already well at work in the fields. Despite her extreme displeasure at being here, she felt almost guilty about having slept so long. Turning away from the window, she noticed that there was still a bit of breakfast left. She hmmed thoughtfully with a hint of a smile. If he could play nice, she could at least try to make the best of it.

After nibbling a bit of breakfast, she actually set to tidying the kitchen area, even going so far as sweeping the floor once the dishes and utensils were cleaned. It was strange, doing such tasks herself, but she had watched the servants at work enough times for the effort to not seem too alien. Looking back out the window, she watched him work for a few more minutes before sighing lightly. It was now or wait for him to return and risk a possible flash of anger for her ineptitude and lack of punctuality.

Taking up a tankard, she filled it with fresh drinking water and stepped outside. With a deep breath, she savored the freshness of the air. It was quite nice, in truth, compared to the air of the capitol. She crossed the fields to where he was working and, with careful grace, she held the tankard out to him and spoke softly. “You looked thirsty…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

One good thing about retiring out here is he could lose himself in his work. He didn't have a lot to do and most of his grown food was for his own consumption. Many times he's spent hours solely focused on plowing the field, pulling out weeds, unburying and tossing large rocks out the way. Just the simplest of actions and he's found himself happier than he's been many times in the past.

So when his guest arrived with a cup of water it took him right up until she spoke to realize her presence. Standing up he wiped sweat from his brow and took the offered drink with a nod of thanks. "Thank you lassie, hope you are well-rested now because now it's time to tend to the horses." He finished the drink and placed the tankard on a nearby water barrel to be collected later before he nodded towards far field where two large gray horses were pawing through the hard ground for some tidbits to nibble.

"Those are my former war horses turned work horses Grim and Matron. As big as they are gentle, but still no sudden movements." Putting the hoe down he moved over to a pile of hay back by the house and hefted one of the huge bales onto his shoulder before he crouched and picked up a large pail of water. "Grab a hay bale and a bucket of water and follow me." Hae said simply before adjusting the bale into a more comfortable position on his shoulder and beginning to walk down the dirt path leading to his horses.

[StormyNyte]

Looking out at the pair of horses, she gave a hint of a smile and nodded. “Very well.” Her threat of a smile gave way to a furrowed brow as she watched him heft a sizable hay bale and water pail as if they weighed nothing. Looking from him to the stack of bales and back, she shook her head and reached out to take up one of her own. It seemed simple enough. However, as soon as the bale was pulled off balance, it dropped with a sudden unexpected weight that staggered her enough to nearly cause her to lose her footing.

With an aggravated groan, she kicked at it in frustration before taking it by the ropes again. The water would just have to wait. With puffed cheeks, she heaved the bale off the ground and began her begrudged shuffling path to the far field with a slight grimace as the rope began to bite at her unworked hands. Thrice, she had to stop, but she eventually made it to their destination. Letting the bale drop, she paused long enough to catch her breath, gingerly rubbing her palms before heading back for the pail with a heavy sign. Nothing could ever be as easy as it looked, could it?

After a short span, she returned with her pail and had actually managed not to lose most of it on the way back. Setting the pail down, she rolled her already complaining shoulders before slowly stepping closer to one of the horses. With a light clicking of her tongue, she raised her hand palm up, hoping to coax him closer. After a few seconds, the large horse turned and trod toward her until the spongy softness of his nose pressed into her hand. Arayna actually gave a soft laugh then, reaching up to stroke his face with her free hand. “Well, hello to you too, handsome. I hope you’re hungry, bringing your food and water out here isn’t as easy your master makes it look.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare hid a low chuckle and a smile as he watched Arayna struggle with the hay bale and bucket of water from the corner of his eye. Seems her father pampered her more than he thought, this was going to be a hard for weeks for the soft woman. Pulling the hay bales apart the big Mer lifted that tattered grass into a decent sized metal cage and instinctively the big horses snorted and moved to the food beginning to yank whole chunks of hay free chomping down merrily.

Grabbing his own bucket he poured it into a large wooden tub besides the feeding rack. Once his hands were free he reached into his back pocket and tossed a pair of old leather gloves at the woman before picking up a stiff brush beginning to clean Matron's coat. "Put those gloves on lass it's save your hands until they harden. Now grab the other brush and brush Grim down, go slow and steady, they have short glossy coats so you needn't brush him hard."

With a soft nod he turned back to brush the mare off. "Once this is done we need to head into Samach for some supplies."

[StormyNyte]

She was grateful for the gloves, but refused to let it show as she pulled them on. Hardened hands, indeed. If he had his way, there would be little left of her that was soft and pleasant to the touch at all. Shaking her head, she followed his lead with the remaining water bucket before retrieving the other brush. Stepping to stand beside Grim, she gave his large shoulder a gentle pat before setting the brush to his flank.

The sure motion of her hand might have risked exposing the fact that she had actually brushed a horse down before. In truth, she indeed had on more than a few occasions, not that anyone had been present to witness such an unbefitting act to her station. At the mention of a supply run, however, she fumbled, nearly dropping her brush in the process. “S-samach?” Gods… he truly meant to parade her in front of people looking like this? She stammered slightly before regaining her composure.

“Surely it’s nothing you can’t handle on your own, Volare.” This was said as she unconsciously slowed the tempo of her brushing. “There’s plenty to still be done here. I’m not fool enough to abscond if you need to leave the farm for a day.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare laughed deeply moving to Matron's flank. "There is much to be done, but much of it requires some guidance like fixing my irrigation system, patching a hole in the roof above the sink, and shoeing the horses. All of which I need tools and items for." He finished brushing the mare and moved to the small stable/smithy behind the horses inspecting some of the tack checking a few items more items to his list.

"I have the shoes, but not the nails nor the trimmers. So I'll need to pick up them for later, but I need other things in town so I can pay a few extra coins to have the town's smith put them on while we're there." He moved back to Arayna. "It'll take a few minutes to get the saddles ready so finish up with these two and grab one of the daggers hanging on the wall of my forge for your own protection. It'll serve you well as your magic, but not send a panic through the town." He nodded to the woman and vanished deeper into the stable for the saddles.

[StormyNyte]

She fumed silently over the current situation, reluctantly setting herself to finishing up the horses. There were people who knew her in Samach, despite its distance from the capital. People she had once coersed and threatened with her status. The justice of the situation was rather poetic, in truth, but it sat on her stomach like a stone.

With the bitter taste of humility fresh once again, she finished with the horses and stalked to the forge. With little regard to the make of blades, she snatched up the first one she came across, muttering hotly. "I could stand for a bit of panic from others right about now, old Mer..."

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare returned carrying two saddles stacked on top of each other. Each saddle was simple but sturdily made. He placed Matron's on her back then moved to Grim and began strapping it on. "You can ride Matron, she's a good solid animal. Grim is a bit more touchy about who rides him. I take it you know how to put a saddle on a horse?" He asked hiding a smirk half already knowing the answer.

[StormyNyte]

If looks truly had the power to kill in that moment, no man would envy him. She clutched her gloved fists so hard that they shook with the effort she put into restraining herself. "Do NOT patronize me, Volare, I know how saddles work!" Despite the indignation of her tone, she sounded woefully uncertain even to herself.

The tips of her ears were steadily brightening with embarrassment as she turned away from him to started fumbling at the straps. It was true, she knew how how to strap on a saddle... in theory... but there was only so much learning from a book could offer.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old warrior chuckled finishing up his saddle quickly and even slipped back inside his house to pull on his long traveling coat and broad sword. The weapon was about as old as Volare yet still gleamed with finely polished steel still razor sharp. It was as much part of him as his arms or legs, plus a warrior never abandons his primary weapon while he still draws breath.

He climbed up into Grim's saddle and steadied the eager beast while he wait for the woman to get everything settled and ready.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna continued to work at the saddle straps, trying to remember exactly how it was explained they go. When he headed back to the house, she was quick to seize the opportunity to compair her work to his in hopes of better sorting it out.

By the time he mounted up, she was nearly finished and surprisingly had everything looking as it should. Tucking in the last of the strap ends, she stepped back to give her work one last look before giving him a sideways glance. "See? I told you I knew how to do it."

What the books failed to mention, however, was the fact that most horses had a tendency to hold their breath when they feel the girth strap tighten, keeping the saddle deceptively loose.

When she moved to mount, the whole thing slipped sideways. She landed flat on her back in the dirt beneath the placid mare and groaned. Never before had she hoped so fervently to catch a hoof to the temple, at least that way she would be spared the embarrassment of admitting defeat. But to Matron's credit, she remained as calm and still as a midwinter morning.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Once again with a masterful control of will Volre hid his smile and the laughter that threatened to burst from his mouth. Climbing down from Grim's back he pattered Matron's neck and moved around correcting the saddle and tightening the straps. "We'll get her trained yet old girl."

Once everything was set he leaned down and offered the She-Elf his hand. "Come lassie, no reason to be embarrassed we all fall down sometimes. Besides this is your first day on a farm I wouldn't expect you to be a master at everything."

[StormyNyte]

Self-consciously, she took his hand and stood. Still too red-faced to look him in the eye, she tried to recover what was left of her pride. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she brushed herself free of dirt and mumbled. “.....It seemed easier in the books…..”

Biting her lip, she turned and took hold of the saddle once more, giving it a testing tug. After a brief hesitation, she carefully mounted again, this time settling uneasily astride the mare as she cast a wary glance down. “Volare… Matron doesn't spook easy, does she? We may all fall sometimes, but I'm not keen on doing it again any time soon.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The male nodded lightly patting the horse's neck again before jumping back up into Grim's saddle. "Aye she's a very steady beast, just relax and stay relaxed. That's the best advice I can give you without some formal training. Now stay centered and follow me."

He clicked his tongue and began riding out of the pasture and onto the well-beaten dirt road to the North of the farm. War horses weren't meant for speed, but still he prodded his mount to a good trot and glanced back to see how the woman was getting along.

[StormyNyte]

Taking a breath to steady herself, she clicked her tongue to get them moving and gave the mare a nudge of her heels to pick up the pace. Her hold on the reins was rather sloppy as she focused keeping herself balanced with the large horse's bouncing gate.

Matron snorted and nickered, almost in what seemed like protest of Arayna's lack of experience. The old mare was steady though, only drifting slightly to one side of the road or the other as they followed behind despite the uncertain wavering of her rider's hands.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded to the woman as she rode besides him. He watched her from the corner of his eye. "Hold on with your thighs it'll help." A quick nod of acknowledgement was all she offered as she tightened the grip of her legs. It seemed positively unseemly to her, but at this point she’d go as far as riding the mare spread eagle if it meant keeping from toppling off. Matron whinnied and veered to the left again as Arayna hopelessly pulled at the reins to guide her straight.

With a low chuckle he reached over and held Matron's rein steady until the horse calmed down and fell into perfect sync with Grim. "Better just pay attention to where your heels are going you jabbed her on the right there." With a short, nervous laugh she pushed her feet further down in the stirrups and away from the horse's flank. “Sorry… it's a lot to pay attention to all at once.”

The man nodded returning his hands to his own reins. "At first ay, but once you get used to it it'll be second nature." A cold gust of wind rolled across the road and Volare hmmed to himself looking up at the darkening skies. "Looks like rain, hopefully it'll hold off until we reach Sàmhach." Arayna chanced a glance up and gave a soft groan. “That’s just greeaat… If we do somehow manage to get there before it hits, I’m going to need a suitable cloak and pair of boots. These shoes aren’t likely to last me long around you.”

Volare laughed quickening Grim's trot to a gallop. "Well hope you have some gold to pay with lassie. I only brought enough to get what I need for the farm." She frowned hard and shouted after him as he took lead once more. “You know good and well they don’t give out gold to people being sent into exile, old Mer!” Shaking her head, she gave Matron’s flanks a quick tap of the heels to pick up her pace.

Volare laughed against the wind. "Well normal people ay, but I have a feeling your father the Chief gave you something to live on. If not well we may have to figure something out for that." She eyed him as Matron closed the distance. "Don't think I didn't notice the fat purse you were given for your trouble when they dumped me with you."

He winked at her as the small mountain town came into view. "I left that at the house. Don't worry I may be able to call in a few favors to get you a cloak and boots." That was the best she could really hope for under the circumstances. Her brows knit as the first few rain drops fell. "Come on.." She murmured, "hold off just a bit longer...."

The old Mer led them through the gates of Sàmhach just as a huge crack of thunder rumbled the ground beneath them and the rain came down in buckets. A quick soaking was all the pair got before they reached the Puppet's Cradle Inn. A simple two story building where the smells of fresh cooked food and strong alcohol filled the air. Jumping from Grim's back Volare hmmed looking up at the thick black clouds and shook his head. "Well looks like we made it just in time. But it seems we'll be stuck in one place for a little bit. Luckily the Cradle here has lots of food and drink."

Arayna carefully dismounted and watched the the downpour from the stabling area before casting him a sidelong look. “Think those favors of yours could win us a few mugs of warmed mead?”

Volare rubbed his chin slowly in thought. "A couple maybe, but let's get in out of the rain first." He walked through the stables and into the side door of the inn. She followed behind him, but hesitated at the door for a moment. So far no one had recognized her on the ride in due ti the storm, but if the inn were busy her chances of going unnoticed would be considerably lower. There was little sense in delaying the inevitable though, so she squared her shoulders and slowly stepped inside.

As the Snow Elf woman entered she was greeted by the rumble of many voices talking among themselves. Rainy days are great for business and today the Cradle seemed quite full, but aside from passing glances no one seemed to care the two Elves had entered. Volare waved for the woman to keep close as he walked to the only two spots still at the bar giving a friendly glance to he large man by the door with a great many scars and blood red eyes.

Cleaning some glasses an average sized woman with purple hair and almost glowing blue eyes smirked. "Volare! As I live and breath, didn't think I'd see your blue ass here so soon." She eyes the beautiful woman besides him smirking a mage can usually sense another mage and this Snow Elf was a powerful one. "Whose your friend?"

As soon as Arayna glimpsed the crowd, she ducked her face and was stepped quickly to join him at the bar. As soon as she felt the tingling radiance of another mage, her own energy coiled like a viper, attempting to appear more benign than what she truly was. It was a handy trick she had become quite good at over the years. Offering her best charming smile, she chimed in to answer the fellow mage's inquiry before Volare could introduce her. “I'm Ari. Just Ari, it's a pleasure to meet you.”

Arayna's energetic reaction sent a shiver down the woman's spine. "Hmm welcome Ari, I'm Xandra. What can I get you two?"

Volare raised his hand suimply. "My usual." Arayna flowed up with a nonchalant shrug, seeing as the two had history. "I'll have whatever he's having." Her face remained pleasantly passive, but her senses were still on high alert.

The woman smiled suppressing a chuckle. "You sure? Well ok it'll be a couple of minutes for the food." She handed the Elves two chilled bottles of mead. "Hope you like mead Miss Ari." With that she vanished into the kitchen.

Taking up the mead, she quirked a brow at Volare before pressing the bottle to her lips. The cool liquid wasn't quite as strong as others that she had tasted before, but it still offered a pleasant bite beneath its honeyed sweetness. Returning the bottle to the bar top, she licked the residual liquid from her lips and leaned toward him to whisper her inquiry. "Why is a mage running a tavern and what did we just order?"

Volare chuckled enjoying this game some. "We just ordered charred steak and onions with peppercorn seasoning. And a mage is running a tavern because she had the money from her days as a Royal Magistrate for the Human King and always wanted a tavern. As long as they don't set anyone on fire mages can run pretty much anything."

Arayna huffed a quiet laugh at that before taking another pull from her bottle. "It's a shame to waste such talent." She gave a casual glance to the crowded room, still anxious but doing a surprising job of suppressing it.

The Snow Elf shrugged pointing his bottle around at some of the servers. Each almost too perfect looking. "Not quite, ya see Xandra is a Puppet Master. A rare class of Mage that can call and control elemental spirits and put them into life size constructs. She is constantly honing her craft with her servers. So not wholly wasted."

Her brows raised in surprise at that, taking a closer look at the servers indicated. " Now that is interesting, and certainly better explains the name of the place." She then cast him a quizzical look. "How did you come to know such an oddity within the mages circles?"

Finishing his first drink Volare raised his bottle to a serving girl a lithe looking young woman with short blond hair. "I am over four centuries old Ari." He chuckled using the woman's fake name. "I've been a wanderer warrior for many of those years. You learn a great many things if you simply listen. What do you know of the class?"

"Over four hundred?" She smirked then. "And here you are looking not a day over three hundred and fifty." Chuckling, she finished off her own drink before answering. "I've been studying the arcane arts ever since I was old enough to read. Granted, I've not been at it for four hundred years, but I've accumulated quite a broad knowledge thanks to the tutelage of the high court mages. I'm also quite capable when dealing in the less savory aspects of the art."

The warrior nodded with a chuckle. "Well clean living does that to you." He held up his mead for emphasis. "And so I've heard, able to talk with the undead and such ay?"

"Ari" laughed then and thanked the serving girl when she swept past to take up the empty bottles and replace them with new. "It would seem that my full reputation precedes me. Yes, Volare. Talk with, raise to my bidding, even..." she trailed off then, closing her eyes for a long moment before smiling a rather unsettling smile. "The big fellow four tables back... " Her eyes opened then, pupils almost lost in that moment to the depths of her azure irises as they shimmered unnaturally. "That fellow will be meeting his gods before the morrow, his heart is already failing."

Volare looked over at the man then back to the woman. "So Doomsayer too, my, my." He said matter-of-factually going back to sipping his drink. "A little trick I usually keep to myself." She took a long pull from her fresh bottle as her eyes faded back to normal. "People tend to blame me when alerted to the finality of their own poor life choices."

The old Mer chuckled giving a non-nonchalant shrug. "Ay, facing death is often something most folk are unwilling to deal with." Death was a factor of life for a warrior especially a warrior as old as Volare. "I can see why you'd be more inclined to keep it to yourself."

Arayna nodded, still unable to shake the feeling of unease as she took another drink. Then, from somewhere close behind, a slurred but recognizable voice caught her ear. "I though' that was you, you uppity, swindling knife-ear!" Turning, she nearly choked on her drink when recognize the man as he jabbed a meaty finger at her. "Think ye'r pretty funny, eh? Ye won't be laughin' n'more once I'm through with ye!"

The woman stammered in surprise for a moment, holding up her hands to appear nonthreatening as she pressed her back against the bar. "I... I think you're mistaken si-" She was cut off when he grabbed her by the front of her shirt and coiled his other hand into a fist. "Don't try that shite with me, ye filthy cast-out, I'd reco'nize that high-cheeked face anywhere and now the ol' chief ain't 'ere the save ye!"

A large steel like hand clamped around the back of the man's shirt and applied just enough pressure to make him cry out and release before he sunk slightly to the ground and shoved back before Volare stepped between them finishing his drink and sighing. "He isn't, but I am." He placed the empty bottle down and squared off with the drunkard. The man recovered and got back to his feet studying Volare closely.

The Elvin warrior was well known to everyone in town. But wounded pride and alcohol were always a dangerous combination. Thinking himself tough the man swung a wild overhead haymaker that would've destroyed anyone's jaw and possibly knocked them out. If they were there to take the hit, but the man's punch swung wildly through the air hitting only the air. Volare had expertly side-stepped then brought his knee up to smash into the drunk's face before the the space between his thumb and forefinger collided with the man's throat making him choke and fall backwards into the heavy waiting arms of Hasher who easily lifted the man up and carried him outside to recover. "Fools never learn." Volare grumbled lowly as he turned back.

Arayna flushed, visibly shaken by the event and now they seemed to have attracted the attention of much of the tavern. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she spoke in a lowered voice. "You have my sincere thanks, Volare, but it may be best if we were away from here... he's not the only one with a hatchet to bury."

"Nonsense Albrecht, is known for picking fights with any Elf that comes in here. Last week he was accusing a Wood Elf boy no older than ten of sleeping with his wife AND daughter." It was Xandra's voice as she returned carrying the ordered food. She placed the food before them and looked up as the thunder and lightning doubled their efforts.

She left out a low hmm wiping her hands on a towel at her belt. "Looks like you two might be stuck here tonight. Only have one room unfortunately...with a single bed." She smiled lightly eyeing the two up.

Arayna hadn't heard Xandra's approach over the den of the tavern until she spoke, drawing their attention back around, muttering sarcastically. "He sounds like a real charmer..." She finished off the rest of her drink in an effort to better calm her nerves before before Xandra spoke of her remaining accommodations

Did the woman really just say what she though she said? Arayna gave her a scrutinizing look, for surely she must have misheard. "Pardon, but I could have sworn I heard you say 'a single bed' just now."

Xandra smirked. "I did." Was all she said before leaving the key besides Volare's hand before she winked and walked away to tend to some other customers. Volare chuckled low in his throat before turning his attention to his plate. "Don't worry, it'll be fine." He said before picking up his utensils and begins cutting into his steak.

Arayna closed her eyes for a moment, fighting to keep the blush from her cheeks. Pushing the empty bottle away, she spoke loud enough for any passing server to hear. "I think I'll have another." Casting him a sideways glance, she mentally chided him for his nonchalance about the whole ordeal before finally taking up her utensils and picking at her meal. In truth, her stomach was much too knotted at present for her to eat much of anything.

The pair ate it relative silence, but Volare could sense the woman's apprehension about suddenly sharing a bed with him. It wouldn't bother him he slept like a rock, but he could understand her point of view. Still there weren't any other rooms available, he could probably sleep on the floor or something if needed though he'd most likely require help to get up off the floor come morning. Too many campaigns sleeping on rocky ground and in unnatural positions.

Still maybe they'd luck out and the room would have a small couch or comfy armchair for him. Once they were done he grabbed their stuff from the horses and carried it to the room numbed etched onto the key. "Room twelve, here we come." He said taking the lead up the steps, soon they arrived and with a little shove Volare opened the door and surveyed the small room which unfortunately had neither couch nor armchair, but had a double-sized bed tucked away under the window. "Looks like it's the floor for me." He said more to himself as he dropped their kits into one of he corners of the room.

Arayna remained in silent thought for a long moment as they stepped into the room and watched as he settled everything in. Shaking her head more to herself than anything, she finally spoke. "Volare, I may have done many things in my life to earn the yoke of the name 'Wrathhearted' but I cannot in good conscience set someone who defended me as you did to the floor like some beaten dog..." Bending down to remove her shoes, she mumbled a mead-boulstered jest. "Besides, I'd never be able to get your old arse back up if I did."

He chuckled relieved at the news, but as much as he wanted to give a shout of thanks he simply nodded sitting down pulling his outer coat and such on followed by his boots. It's probably be best if they stayed as dressed as possible unless she was that grateful to him for saving her. It had been awhile for him, but he'd let her press the issue as he returned her jest. "Indeed you wouldn't lass, you'd need to get Grim and a pulley up here somehow in the morning for that." He sat on the edge of the bed and stretched up tall feeling all his joints and bones pop. "Do you prefer sleeping on the outside or inside?" He asked motioned to the sides of the bed.

She actually gave a genuine laugh at that, a brief melodious trill of amusement as she imagined how that scene would go. Reaching up to fumble at the tie, she loosed her unkempt hair and shook it out to fall around her face and shoulders. "If it's all the same, I'd prefer not to find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place." She smiled then, still a bit uncertain, but growing more comfortable in the knowledge that he had little intention of trying anything.

The male Mer chuckled and nodded. "Outside it is then lass, good night to ya." He blew out the lamp by the head of the bed and slipped past the woman and made himself comfortable on his back. Arayna watched him with equal measures relief and respect as she tucked her into the heavy cloak she planned to be sleeping in and curled up slightly with her face looking out into the room. Only a few seconds passed before she heard the gentle snores of the warrior and couldn't help but chuckled quietly. She'd heard rumors about warriors falling asleep like they were struck dead, but had never seen it.

She didn't sleep well the night before so she soon followed the old warrior and unbeknownst to her her old sleeping habits as a child were still strong and soon she was curled into the warmth of Volare's side her hands gently grasping the front of his rough tunic for comfort like she would an old stuffed toy. And with that began the first decent night's sleep the banished daughter has had in months.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna had gone from cuddled up to a full-out sprawl over the old warrior as they continued to slumber. One leg was haphazardly draped over the tops of his thighs while her corresponding arm was stretched across his chest and languidly hooked around his neck near the wrist. Her head rested against his broad shoulder as she continued to slumber, snoring ever so slightly. It was no small feet that he had managed to sleep through such an unconscious assault, but even more impressive that he managed to do so with the added webbing of stray hair that spilled across his face.

As the ruddy morning light washed over her face, she made a soft noise of protest and turned her face further into his shoulder. An odd feeling began to rise as she tried to drift back into deeper sleep. Something was… off. The unease continued to nag at her subconscious until her eyelids reluctantly opened. It took a few moments for her eyes and drowsy mind to focus in the dim light. When she lifted her head she became acutely aware of exactly what was amis and froze in mid-motion, barely even breathing as though she half expected him to spring awake and trap her there.

With excruciating care, she ever so slowly shifted off and away from him. She watched the motions of his chest with apprehension as she gingerly removed herself from the cloak and bed, making absolutely certain that he wasn’t waking himself. Her mind raced for a moment as she eyed him, knowing her current opportunity wouldn’t last long. Biting her lip, she carefully lifted his purse before silently crossing the room and pulling on her shoes. The door was a bit of a challenge to keep quiet, but with great care she managed to open it with naught but a faint creak.

Hastened steps drew her down the stairs, out through the side door, and into the stabling area where the horses were waiting. If she hurried, she would be away from here before he realized she was missing. She had a little money now and, with luck, she might manage selling one of the horses in the next town. She quickly retrieved the tack, fumbling to faste the halters and bits in the dim morning light. Once they were on, she moved to retrieve Matron’s saddle and mentally pleaded with the Gods that she could remember the proper way to tighten it as she slung it over the horse’s broad back and set herself to strapping it down.

After a bit of a struggle, she grinned to herself like a cat that had just eaten someone’s prized canary when she tested the saddle with a tug and it didn't slip. She knew there was little chance of regaining the affluent life she was accustomed to, but surely anything she could cobble together with this early morning flight would better than life as a common farmhand.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The Horse soon became restless and Matron herself began snorting and stamping her heavy hooves. Grim joined her the large animals grew more and more agitated until a calm voice sounded from the doorway. "War horses are amazingly loyal creatures." Then in a flash the world went dark for Arayna.

It wasn't known how long it was, but by the time the woman came to she was back in Volare's house laying nude in her own bed once more. Her left eye was a little swollen and her whole body ached, particularly around her chest, shoulders, and lower body.

The door opened and Volare entered carrying newly washed clothes. He noticed her waking and tossed the clothes on the bed before closing and locking the door. Leaning against the door he crossed his arms and watched her every movement. "Not the smartest move lass."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna's body screamed in complaint as she slowly came to, the room swimming a bit as she carefully sat up. The muffled sound of the clothes hitting the bedding barely registered, but the sound of the door lock sliding home hit her ears as sharp as a sword singing off of stone.

Looking up at his unyielding visage, she gasped, drastically aware of her nude state. A fine tremble took hold of her body as she fervently pushed herself further away from him, hugging her knees tightly to herself when her back pressed into the corner.

She seemed like a scared rabbit trapped and waiting for a hungry hunter to strike, terrified of what he might be intending to do to her for her ill-fated attempt at freedom.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior's eyes hardened moving quickly he grabbed the woman's arm and yanked her off the bed and from the covered bring her pale body fully into the light trickling through the windows as he force her into the center of the room. He watched her tremble then threw the clothes at her. "Get dressed and I'll tell you a story you might wish to hear." Standing guard by the door he tapped his foot waiting.

While the woman's body was pleasing to look at he'd seen and done enough to it that he felt this lesson was needed more.

[StormyNyte]

The instant he grabbed her arm, she began to struggle away from him, even going as far as beating at his vice-like hand with her dainty fist until he deposited her, fully exposed, in the center of the room.

With eyes shimmering with unshed tears, she eyed him as if he were a viper while she clothed herself. Once dressed, she willed herself to stand tall in his presence, almost as if the clothing provided some false sense of protection from him.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Once she was dressed he clicked his tongue and approached her his eyes still hard and his voice holding a slight edge. "I was expecting you to try and run, but didn't expect you to try so soon. Now do you know what happens to Traitors? Particularity female traitors?" He rushed the woman and lifted her up slamming her back into the wall pinning her to it pressing their hips together. "They're used as bed warmers to those that catch them, or if she really screwed up passed around the barracks for the night. Now I told you when yesterday you will earn your keep one of three ways either by getting dirt on your hands in the fields, keeping the house clean, or popping out some kids."

He roughly dropped her back onto the floor, but kept his body pressed against her's. "And now you have reached the end of my patience lassie. You will either play nice and begin earning your keep through hard labor." He grabbed her again and pushed her onto the bed. "Or child labor." He let her be and moved back to the door unlocking it. He pulled it roughly open then looked at her once more his eyes slightly softer...some could called them sadder. "If you try to run again lass, I will be deciding which of those two you'll be doing and I am sure you won't like my choice." With that he exited the woman's room closing the door behind him.

[StormyNyte]

The aches of her body flared to new life as he slammed and slung her about. The ease of which he was able to do so was quite startling and Arayna could tell that the effort he was using didn't even compare to what his strength was truly capable of. There would have been no stopping him if he had chosen not to stop and it was a safe assumption that any attempt to defend with magic would undoubtedly end horribly for her.

She stayed huddled on the bed where she landed for quite some time, fighting down the shaken sobs that threatened to surface. With deep, steadying breaths and sheer force of stubborn will, she swallowed them down into silence and eventually stood. Reaching up, she lightly touched the left side of her face and despondently wondered if there would ever be a time again when it wasn't sore to the touch.

She dropped her head then, her face curtained by her silvery hair as she pressed her lips together in a thin line and made a slow exit from her room. Keeping her eyes downcast, she avoided looking at him as she set herself to the task of sweeping once more. The floor didn't need much due to her efforts before they initially left, but going through the motion helped her hold her resolve.

It wasn't long before she had the small bit of dirt swept out. Once done, she moved to retrieve a bucket from the kitchen before heading through the back entrance to the pond and filled it, grabbing an old stiff brush from the back room on her way back in. She had never been humbled enough to scrub a floor clean, but she set herself to it in ernest despite the silent tears that now freely slid down her pale cheeks.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare made his way to the fields. They didn't need much care, but he needed the space to calm his shaking hands. He never like being a cold drill instructor, not even in his youth, what he told Arayna was partially true. While that was the rule of war about female traitors, it hasn't been practiced in many years. And if it had happened under his command the perpetrator would've been whipped and likely imprisoned and possibly executed for his crime.

But now that he had dropped the threat he would need to fulfill it or lose any peace he might hope to have in the future. All he could do is hope he had struck enough fear in her heart to keep her in line. He checked over the fields fixed a couple of irrigation lanes then moved to check on and care for the horses. After he had knocked Arayna out and tossed her over the Matron's back before finishing up the shopping he needed to do and returned to the farm.

Soon he ran out of ways to keep himself busy and had to return to the house where he found his charge scrubbing the floor trying to keep her tears in check. She really was still a child, had she never been yelled at her disciplined by her father? He shook his head sadly and set about preparing for dinner. "What do you wish to eat Arayna?" He asked softly.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna had been doing her best to ignore the fact that her ward had come back inside, hastily wiping her tears away.

She paused in her scrubbing when he finally spoke, licking her lips nervously before offering a meek response. “... anything would be fine” With that, she dipped the brush again and resumed her scrubbing.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare hmmed softly and nodded letting out a sigh.
"Very well, a nice stew should do a both some good." He said feeling almost as meek as the woman before him. But with a roll of his shoulders he turned back to the kitchen. Happy to lose himself in the work of food prep the man quickly whipped up a thick fragrant smelling stew with some tender rabbit meat, carrots, and potatoes. Field chow as he called it.

Maybe with a guest he'd try to learn some more complex meals. But his own palate had never taken a liking to frivolous foods or delicate treats the rich Lords and Ladies down South enjoy. Snow Elf food even the food enjoyed by the Chiefs and Elders was made to stick to the ribs and provide warmth through the long dark nights.

With each Elf absorbed in their own duties time flew by and soon the food was ready and Volare brought two large wooden bowls filled to the brim with the succulent broth. Placing each one down he retrieved a couple of bread rolls then moved to grab the cider, but thought he should try to make peace with the woman. So reaching further into his liquor cabinet he pulled out two medium-sized brown bottles filled with an even darker liquid. Returning to the table he nodded to Arayna. "Dinner's ready, also as a peace offering, here." He placed one by her bowl and another by his. "This my special Blackberry Mead. I brew it in the spring and by harvest time it's aged nearly to perfection. A touch stronger than the stuff we got in Sàmhach. But it helps a body sleep." He offered her a weak smile before sitting down to eat.

[StormyNyte]

Despite her current mood, the food did smell wonderful. Once it was ready, she deposited the scrub brush in the bucket and stood, drying her hands on the hem of her tunic.

Slipping past him, she took her seat and gave her bottle an appraising look before taking a drink and offering a vague attempt at a smile as she tried to cut the tension with small talk. “It's quite good. You truly brew it yourself?” As she waited for his response, she started on her stew.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The Mer nodded ripping chunks of his bread roll off to dip into the stew. "Yes, in the fields to the East there's a large patch of them growing wild. I spend a weekend picking my fill then bring them back here to mash up and ferment in the tank by the southern field." He gave an easier smile as he lifted his bottle to his lips and took a sip the sweet nectar trickling down his throat to warm his stomach. "I tried growing some myself, but they never took to my soil. So I just do my best to keep them going in the wild field."

One thing about this stuff it went to his head quicker than most, but it was more like drinking a cold relaxing tea. Placing the bottle back down he went back to dipping bread into his stew. "These I have to buy though. I don't have the means to bake bread."

[StormyNyte]

She took another drink from her bottle, letting the sweetness of it linger on her tongue a moment longer before taking up a roll and tearing bits off herself, offering a light nodding. “Probably for the that you don't, the last time I tried my hand at bread, the head cook was able to sell the loaf off as a club…”

She glanced up at him then, trying to gauge his reaction as she sopped a chunk of roll in the broth and popped it in her mouth before taking another long pull from the bottle.

[SikstaSlathalin]

He chuckled lightly nodding to her. "My last attempt didn't even make it that far, it was a puddle of goo leaking out of a makeshift oven I made from some old bricks." With that the small talk fizzled out and the Elves enjoyed the rest of dinner in companionable silence.

The stew went down smooth and combined wonderfully with the mead shaking some of the pain and fear from earlier in the day returning them to a simple contentedness. Volare had finished his mead and took care of the dishes before nodding to Arayna. "Have a good night lassie, try and get some sleep we lost a day to the rain and still have the harvest to bring in before winter." He gave her a genuine smile and excused himself he went around locking up all the doors and windows before he shuffled into his room.

He had been unable to apply his ointment the night before and was amazed he'd slept at all honestly. But now he was back home and after taking a quick bath he dressed in a fresh pair of small clothes and began his nightly ritual of wrestling with the ointment and the battle axe wound.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna watched him lock up and head to his room as she basked in the glow of their strong drink and reflected on the day's events. Things had gone relatively smooth until she made the mistake of trying to abscond with his money and horses.

Her reckless impulsiveness had provoked him to action and that knowledge wasn't setting easy on her mind. Sigh a soft sigh, she stood and slowly crossed the floor to stand in front of his door, hoping he hadn't already fallen asleep as she rapped lightly and called out in a softened voice. "Volare?"

Missing a day of treatment was never good for a warrior this old and a wound this stubborn. He was almost ready to just give up and simply bull through the pain when a knock come upon his chamber door. With a low groan he stood up and slipped on a clean pair of pants before answering the door.

He was still feeling the effects of the mead and gave a soft smile wincing with pain as he reached the wrong arm across to open the door. With a low sigh he pulled the arm back to his body the wound was purple against his pale blue skin. "Come to give your compliments to the Chef?" He joked rubbing his shoulder slowly.

"I'm sorry if I woke you, I just wanted to..." Her words trailed off when the door opened wide enough for her to catch sight of his shoulder and how he was favoring it. For a moment, she was struck silent, fumbling for something to say. Finally, she gave up and settled for the best thing that managed to come to mind at that moment. "Are you okay?"

The man chuckled pushing the door open the rest of the way. "No you didn't wake me lass, I was just getting ready for bed myself." He then shrugged at her words seeing her reaction to his shoulder. "In one sense of the word. Just an old wound playing up." He left the door open so she could follow if she wished and returned to his bed to try and apply the ointment again. "A Dwarven battle-axe doesn't usually leave lasting wounds like this. But I think the wielder had it enchanted or he damaged some nerves because I've had this one for years upon years." He grunted in annoyance as the arm refused to move again the muscles seemingly cemented in place.

She stepped inside and watched him struggle with the ointment for a moment before shaking her head with a soft chuckle, crossing the floor to stand beside him. "Here," she reached out to take the jar with gentle insistence, "let me help you, old Mer."

Volare chuckled lightly and nodded handing the jar to her before moving his body slightly so the wounded shoulder was closer to her. "Thank you lass."

The potency of their drink bolstered her enough to actually move to take a knee behind him on the bed. It offered her a better angle and let her examine the wound more closely. Hmming softly, she dipped her fingertips in the salve before tracing it over the the scar's outline at first, getting a better feel for the exact muscles affected.

She thought back to her tutors' teachings, not only about health and body but also lesser duties of a lady to her husband as her fingers idly swirled over the the wound moving slowly toward the center. She and Volare were not paired, but if she could improve the comfort of his life, even a small bit, his tolerance of her might improve.

Reaching the center, she dipped a bit more of the goop out and pressed at the center again but with more pressure as she circled outward with her fingers this time. She then began to focus on the coiled ridges of his knotted muscles and pressed surprisingly harder with each pass, building to the point of almost making him think she might've meant to hurt him.

Concentrating, her nimble fingers continued their assault until at last, she felt the largest of the muscle knots uncoil. The aching he felt was soon replaced with a spreading tingle of warmth as the loosening muscles allowed the surrounding blood to flow easier.

The old man gritted his teeth surprised at the woman's skill. But he could feel the muscles loosening bit by bit. He normally just applied the ointment until the pain numbed, he never thought about trying to do more than that. And as she uncoiled the eternally tight muscle, a loud moan escaped between his teeth and he felt his entire body go limp for a few seconds causing him to partially fall back into Arayna. "Did you tell me you knew how to do that when I asked yesterday?" He chuckled panting slightly.

She smiled coyly down at him, letting her skilled fingers lightly move to the front side of his shoulders and the muscles of his upper chest, winking. "As I've said, Volare, a lady's hands are meant for matters of delicate precision."

He chuckled moving back to his seated position rolling the once sore joint expectantly his mind and body just waiting for the shock of familiar pain, but it never came he smiled shaking his head slowly. "Well I sit corrected, good thing I gave you those gloves. Would hate for you to lose such a handy gift, I have have a great many old wounds I wonder what you can do with. Where did you learn that skill?"

Her smile faltered then as she looked away, a placid blankness replacing the brief ease her expression held mere moments before. Even the tone in her voice dropped ever so slightly as she spoke. "The high lords of the court strengthen alliance through marriage, the Governesses see to it that ladies of the court know how to keep their intended content. It is the way of things."

Volare nodded slowly. As a Captain of the Guard he was indeed familiar with how things were in the Courts, but knew nothing of the true depths. He was at a loss and simply patted her hand. "I'm sorry." She looked down at his large hand for a moment before placing her free hand onto of it and offering a gentle squeeze. "As am I... for today. It was a fool's mistake."

He sighed low turning around some and hugged the woman gently. "It was expected, someday I'll teach how to properly escape imprisonment." He offered the weak joke, but soon settled in to just hold the woman.

Arayna leaned into the hug, content to stay there as long as he would allow, her head resting on his good shoulder. She gave a soft chuckle at his jest. "Well, at least I got the saddle on right this time."

He laughed and nodded. "Ay, I was almost as proud of you as I was mad at you. You're a smart lass, just need to teach you some new tricks." A warm smile languidly curve her lips then as she closed her eyes. There was much about his world that she still needed to learn, but for the first time since arriving she found herself actually desiring to learn. For all his unwavering stoic firmness, he somehow still gave her a sense of safety and peace. It wasn't long before her breath came deep and even as her body slowly began to go slack against him.

With another smile the man laid her down upon his bed and covered her up before he put the top back on his ointment before hew blew the light out on his bedside then settled in besides the younger Mer pulling his own blanket up over his body and settled in besides her.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Morning came quicker than Volare expected. But the glares of the sun stabbed his eyes and with a low groan he tries to sit up but feels an unfamiliar weight on his chest. At first apprehension filled his mind and his hands came up between them to throw the weight off, but he felt soft wielding flesh in his hands. Coming into focus the warrior remembered the previous night.

Somehow in the woman's flailing sleep she's managed to open the front of her vest like jerkin. He'f forgotten to give her back her undergarments. So he had two handfuls of the woman's chest, sucking a quick breath in through his teeth he gently pushed against her pleasant chest and rolled her to her back before he got back to his feet and began dressing for the day regaining control of his thoughts.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna had moaned softly in her sleep and smiled when rolled onto her back, shifting into a more comfortable position as she continued to doze. The motion spilled the already open jerkin wider and the sudden cool of the morning air perked her body as her bare chest slowly rose and fell with each even breath, slumbering on none the wiser.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Luckily for Volare and his loins he was good at zoning and focusing on a task. This case fastening his boots, but as he finished he stood and say the woman's chest bare in the cold and reacting accordingly. He could help himself any longer her went the woman's side and squeezed her chest one last time before pulling back working the jerkin closed. Shaking his head he cleared his throat and shook to woman's slim shoulder lightly. "Come Arayna it is time to get up and get to work. I'll fetch you a washbin." Trapping the images firmly in his head he left the room to heat some water for the woman to clean herself up some.

[StormyNyte]

With a reluctant groan and a stretch, Arayna stirred and finally woke. “Good morning,” was mumbled through a yawn as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. Once out of bed, she stretched herself out with another yawn, amazed at how sound she had slept.

Running her fingers through her sleep-mussed hair, she crossed the hall into her own room to fetch her brush with intent to sort out her unruly mane. She brushed it out with care before working it into a sensible braid to keep it out of the way as they would soon be getting to work.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare returned a few minutes later carrying a steaming white bowl and a washcloth. Pushing open her door with his foot he placed the washbin on her dresser then nodded placing the work gloves besides the bin. "I'll have breakfast whipped up soon feel free to freshen up lass." He gave her a slight smile then exited closing her door softly behind him.

[StormyNyte]

She smiled and thanked him before moving to the washbin to freshen up. Once she was finished, she splashed a little more water on her face and tucked the work gloves into the waistline of her pants before looking around for her shoes. Finding them tucked away in her closet, she pulled them on and exited her room.

Moving to stand by the window nearest the kitchen, she looked out across the fields, smiling. “So, Volare, what new tricks do you have in store for me to learn today?” It did indeed seem that she had undergone a drastic change in her way of thinking, or perhaps that she suffered from the lasting effects of a head wound.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior nodded towards the fields handing her a plate of bacon and eggs. "We'll be tilling the fields to the West. I have some grounds out there that need to be worked for next season's harvest. Won't be ready for this year, but clearing them now will make next year easier."

He sat down at the table with his own plate of food.

[StormyNyte]

Taking her plate and her seat, Arayna's brows knit together in thought as she took a bite of bacon. “I don't recall seeing a horse drawn plow in the forge behind the stall, Volare, do you keep it somewhere else?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

He nodded slowly working on his plate of food. "Ay, it's already down there. I had begun working them before you arrived, but the soil was still slightly frozen. Hopefully the rainstorm and sun had thawed it a wee bit."

It wasn't long before the Male Mer had finished his breakfast and had dumped the plate and utensils into the sink tub. Grabbing a canteen of water and his broadsword he moved for the door. Pulling it open a warm wind blew through the opening and filled the small living space. He let out a low chuckle taking a bit of cloth tying it around his forehead and pushing back his long hair before he slung the sword and water over his broad shoulders and heading out.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna was quick to finish her breakfast, thankful to know that he didn't intend for them to plow it with the strength of their own shoulders, but she hadn't put it past him. Depositing her plate and utensils, she hurried to catch up, giving little heed to being unarmed. She was not use to having to worry about such things, after all… her magic had never failed her before.

Hurrying out the door behind him, she paused as the subtle wind swirled around her, taking a deep breath of it before moving forward. How had she missed the understated beauty of it before? How had she been so willfully blind to the freshness of it?

Out here, there were no courtly expectations, no stifling rules governing propriety. Just… being, making use of what you had and adapting to unexpected change. Yes, there were still rules governing this new sense of freedom, but for the first time in her two hundred seventy-five years, Arayna finally felt like she had a say in her future, even if it was a small say.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Keeping an easy gait the He-Elf led the way to the field in question. Along the way he picked up the shovels, picks, hoes and Grim. Soon the group arrived and much to Volare's relief the half tilled fields hadn't been flooded and it looks mostly thawed out.

He let out a pleased chuckle and stabbed the tools into the soft ground before he went about connecting the heavy metal plow to Grim. As he worked he nodded to Arayna point at the already plowed rows. "I'll make the new rows. You can take the tools and clean up the parts I already set. Just make sure there are no heavy rocks, weeds, and that the mounds are even and straight. It can easily be done with the tools there." He gave her a smile and once the plow was set he clicked his tongue and began clearing the rest of the chosen plot.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna took the gloves from her waistband and pulled them on as she watched Volare hitch Grim to the plow. She then looked at the tools stuck in the ground, shaking her head. She had never needed to use any tools before herself, but they looked easy enough to figure out. Taking up a hoe, she got to work on the furrowed earth.

Her motions were slow and a bit clumsy, but she was at it with little complaint. Stooping here to pull at a weed, digging a bit there to unearth a rock and toss it away, she let her thoughts wonder a bit as she tended to her chore. Every so often, her eyes would glance up to watch Volare and Grimm as they passed, looking away with a wry smile whenever she was caught staring.

The snap of a twig caught her ear as she worked to remove another rock. Turning, she eyed the treeline carefully for a moment before shrugging it off and continuing her task, it could've been anything really.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare heard the twig snap and stopped his plow studying the treeline more closely. Out here sounds like that should always be investigated at least a little bit. Jabbing the plow blade into the soft ground to anchor his horse's movements he moved cautiously forward.

After his first bandit attack here he was sure to cut down and burn the ground around his land for a around twenty feet in every direction so as to minimize the chance of someone sneaking up on him but beyond the growth was a huge old forest very dark and full of thick brush, but he'd been good about keeping up on the growth near his farm. But it was back-breaking work so he had been pushing it off this year. The ground was very fertile so a fine layer of ferns and small trees had popped up, not enough to hide a huge force but one or two men could get close.

Drawing his sword he was about to shout into the forest when a huge gray wolf pounced out of the forest and charged him. He reacted and caught the beast mid jump cleaving it's head, but his blade stuck fast in the heavy canine so when the rest of the pack came rushing from the trees he was caught in the first attack the large animal knocking him back and away from his sword. Grabbing the beast's jaws he held it's teeth from his throat even as the wolf's claws were racking at and destroying his shirt. "ARA!" Was all he could shout as the rest of the wolves charged the fence.

[StormyNyte]

Hearing his shout, Arayna jumped to standing and helplessly watched as Volare struggled with the large wolf. Her heart pounded as she caught sight of the other grey masses rushing toward the fence. If they were to reach him, it would be over for both elves. With a reverberating shout of arcane words, she threw forward her right hand and in a split second the nearest section of fence that marked the border burst into a wall of flames that forced the rest of the pack back with barking whimpers before they too could set on her ward.

Her eyes grew dark as she then stretched her left hand toward the freshly dispatched wolf and uttered her next spell. The corpse jerked and twitched to reanimated life and stood, its eyes glowing a sickly green as it turned its cleaved head and gave an otherworldly snarl, still carrying the broadsword imbedded in its skull as it charged. With unnatural speed, it collided with the attacking wolf and set its snapping jaws to ripping the living animal open.

Though she was easily counted among the strongest of the Snow Mages, casting and holding both spells was taxing on her without the aid of a pooling stone. Snow Elves were one of the few Elven races that weren’t acutely in tune with the flow of magic and, because of this, found it more difficult than their other Elf-kin to hold and channel magic on their own overlong. There were good reasons most higher Snow Mages were always seen wearing at least one article of gemmed jewelry. Pooling stones allowed the mages to build up an excess of magica inside in order to draw from them when necessary.

Grimm whinnied sharply as the rest of the wolves finally skirted the flames and decided to go after an easier to reach target. Her concentration broke as she turned her sights to the frightened animal fervently pulling at the plow. As soon as her focus was gone, the zombie wolf collapsed in a heap of green smoldering ash, finally freeing Volare’s sword. Drawing on the remnants of her energy, she drew back to herself a balled portion of the fence’s fire and hurdled it toward two of the wolves closest to the horse, dispatching them in a roaring rush but inadvertently melting the plow’s connecting chains and spooking Grimm into flight.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare had rarely seen magic in action. He never liked it much and was glad Snow Elf mages were uncommon, but as he was staring down the rancid maw of a wolf and felt the surge of magic wash over his mind and the wolf trying to kill him was killed by the first wolf he killed.

Quickly rolling to his feet he grabbed his sword and charged back into the fray. There was only three wolves left. He let out a loud shrill whistle and with a loud whinny Grim came down from his frightful run and turned on two of the wolves chasing him. Fearlessly the great beast stampeded over the first wolf running quickly past the second one leading back to Volare who stabbed the wolf through it's mouth and down it's throat killing it. Upon seeing it's comrades killed so easily, the last wolf let out a final vicious snarl then ran back into the forest.

Volare let out a low sigh and pulled his sword out wiping the blood off with an old cloth from his back pocket. He then let out a low sigh and caught Grim calming the great beast looking over the destroyed plow and fence. "Guess this field will have to wait for another year. Thank you for that Arayna."

[StormyNyte]

The elven woman stood at the ready to cast one final spell if it had been needed, but once the last ran back to the forest she broke her stance and moved to close the distance. Hearing his annoyed comment though, she stopped short.

“They could have killed you, you know. You and the horse both! ” She quipped, crossing her arms and giving him a soured look. “But since I can tell that you're thrilled that I didn't let them rip you both to shreds, you're welcome!”

She shook her head then, throwing up her hands in exasperation before moving to retrieve her tools. “At least fences and plows can be fixed, old Mer. Mortal wounds aren't easily mended, not even by me...”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare quirked his eyebrow. "I didn't mean to offend lass. Was simply stating a fact. Were you hurt?" He asked leading Grim back to the stables. Life and death has been made so commonplace to the old warrior he'd been toeing the line for years so surviving a wolf attack was just another day.

Grim was uninjured and Matron was only slighted agitated at all the noises. Aside from some blood on his hooves the old stallion was perfectly fine. He picked up a small cart and some gloves then began moving back to the dead wolves.

[StormyNyte]

The exertion of casting had drained much of her energy, but she shook her head at his inquiry. “No, Volare, I'm fine.” She did her best to mask the tiredness in her voice as she followed behind, carrying the tools back to the forge.

Depositing them, she followed him back to the dead animals, contemplating whether or not it were wise to request keeping portions of the carcasses for use in her darker arts later. He didn't seem like one to appreciate or approve such things.

“I do hope most of the blood on your shirt is the wolves’ and not yours.” She stood beside the nearest carcass, looking over the scene once more. “What do you intend to do with them?” She wasn't use to such close calls, and the thought of ‘what if’ unnerved her.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded brushing some of it off his shirt. "Ay, luckily I was mostly uninjured in that little bout of madness. As for these bodies the best way to handle them is to gather them up and burn the bodies. Wolves are not good for much in terms of meat and we damaged the pelts and bodies too much for them to be worth much." He grunted slightly picking up the first carcass and tossing it onto the wagon.

[StormyNyte]

She nodded at his words, helping him heft the rest onto the wagon. It was a pity to waste good blood and bone, but she hadn't the proper means to collect it at the moment nor the energy it would likely take to convince him that it was necessary to harvest.

By the time all were collected, both were covered in an unseemly amount of char and gore. Arayna's face rumpled as she tried to brush off the worst of it. “I am sorry for the damage, but I do hope these things aren't a common occurrence out here…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare groaned lightly stretching his back as he tossed the last dead body into the cart before he moved to the front of the cart and grabbed the handles lifting the weighty carriage up. "It's ok, and thank the Wild Brothers no. These beasts must've been starving to come down this far, usually they stay on the slopes up there." He nodded his head up to the nearest peak before them.

"Hopefully these are just freaks of nature, the last time I actually got attacked by wolves was when an Ogre moved into the mountains and was driving the beasts down by eating all their game." He shrugged his shoulders settling his sword between his shoulder blades before stomping his feet into the ground and began pulling the cart down the road to a burn pit he saved for things like this.

[StormyNyte]

Ogres… nasty beasts to tangle with at the best of times. She shook her head at the thought, keeping pace beside him as he took on the wagon load. “Well, let's just hope it was the smell of your cooking coaxing them down this far.” Once they arrived at the burn pit, she helped unload the carcasses before standing aside.

She was quiet for a moment, working out the best way to broach the subject. “You know, Volare, there are certain spells to ward off such surprises encounters. They just require... unorthodox materials…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Hefting the last carcus up the big Mer dropped it on the pile and fished around for enough dry grass and leaves to act as tinder. Tossing them liberally around the pile Volare shook his head at her suggestion.
"No, we don't need any of that. Fences usually work just fine, just keep the horses locked up. I don't have anything that'll interest wolves or bears on my farm aside from them."

Once he was happy with the pile he set about using a flint and the steel of his knife to begin the fire. An expert hand quickly glassed across the flint sending a shower of sparks into the tinder and soon the fire had taken hold and the warrior stepped back kicking away more dry leaves and grass before leaning against the cart watching the black smoke begin to rise.

[StormyNyte]

She huffed a laugh at that, settling in to lean against the wagon and watch as he worked at setting the pile aflame. “They didn't seem to help much today.” Having already pulled her gloves off, she idly picked at her nails as he returned to the cart himself. “For being such an accomplished warrior, you do seem rather squeamish about magic.” She looked him over then. “Why is that?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled. "If you hadn't broken them they might've." He rubbed his chin slowly contemplating her next question. It wasn't one he heard much as a Snow Elf, magic was deeply uncommon among their people and with only the examples of how the High Elves wield magic to go by and that's usually done with such cruelty that it paints the whole art in a negative light.

"As for my views of of magic. It comes from seeing what magic can do, besides I've lasted this long without needing it." He crossed his arms over his chest waving some of the acrid black smoke from his nose.

[StormyNyte]

She regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, but turned her head when a shift of the breeze sent the smoke drifting their way. Magic could indeed be devastating, especially in combat. Without malicious intent of the wielder though it was simply another tool, no different from a woodcutter's ax or a huntsman's arrow.

A thought occurred to her then and a resolute smile played across her lips. If she had to be here and learn by his hand, she would not allow herself to be the only one pushed out of her comfort zone. While she shared the enjoyment of what her power's destructive side could do, there was also great beauty and benefit in the craft.

When the smoke cleared, she corrected him. “No, you've seen what the casters wanted the magic to do. If a proper healer mage had tended to your shoulder while the wound was fresh, I'd wager there wouldn't even be a scar now let alone the lingering aches.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare shrugged scratching his neck. "Ay, though a magic axe was the one whom made the wound." The wind shifted blowing the nasty black smoke right into their faces. Holding his breath he grabbed Arayna's and led her downwind where a large rock was. Releasing her hand he sat himself down watching the smoke engulf the cart.

"But tell me how is that any different? Magic doesn't act on it's own it's all up to the will of the mage using it. A sword used by a bandit is the same as one used by a guard, doesn't mean waving a sword around in a farmer's face will be more appreciated."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna remained standing and watched the billowing fire for a moment as she pondered how to best put her next answer into words. Casting her gaze downward, she retraced their path for a few steps before stopping to pluck something from the ground.

“Unless what you see as a sword is not a sword at all.” Turning back, she closed the distance and moved to take a seat beside him. Once situated, she held a hand out between them and unfurled her fingers to reveal a small budded plant lying crumpled in her palm.

“Imagine, if you will, that this bud is a farmer's field. Perhaps that field was trampled and ruined. There would be no harvest and his family would starve.” Gently taking hold of the trodden little plant between her index finger and her thumb, she closed her eyes and concentrated, focusing what little energy she had been able to regain into this one example and hoped it would be enough.

Before his eyes, the tiny plant's stalk began to straighten and, as it did, even the bud itself began to slowly open and tiny hair-like roots began to sprout from its plucked base until it was not only healthy and whole once more, but had surpassed what it once was.

With a deep exhale, Arayna broke her focus and opened her now heavy-lidded eyes. She was relieved to see that she was still able to muster the energy necessary pull off such a restoration spell in her already depleted state. Smiling, she offered the tiny flower to him. “When it matters most, it can be one's saving grace.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare watched with steady eyes as Arayna brought the small plant back to life. He was good at hiding his feelings and thoughts. Though as he felt the woman lean against him his poker face became moot because the She-Elf had reached the end of her energy. Moving his shoulder he cradled the woman in his arms shaking his head slowly. "But there is always a price to pay lassie." He said softly before he lifted Arayna up in his arms and carried her like a bride. He contemplated placing her in the wagon and taking her up that way, but the vehicle was coated in blood, fur, and charred flesh.

The woman had blood and bits of flesh on her already, but he was sure she wouldn't appreciate getting more on her. So adjusting her more into the crook of his elbows and carried her back up to the house. Luckily she wasn't very heavy for one of the Pale Folk, they reached the house in short order. They both would need a cleaning after all this. Once more he contemplated just going with the quickest and most sensible route. Dump her into the pond and follow suit cleaning themselves and their clothes in the process. But a growing respect for the younger Mer and an understanding that he couldn't always teach her like he would one of his soldiers. Carrying her into the house he took her to her room and placed her on her bed while he found a big enough bin to be used as a bathtub for her.

[StormyNyte]

She was genuinely surprised when he lifted her, but made no move against it. Instead, she embraced the gesture, closing her eyes and resting her head on his strong shoulder as he made for the house. She had also half expected him to deposit her by the pond and have her clean herself before stepping inside like he had on the day she arrived, but again his choice of action surprised her.

She offered a languid, yet grateful smile when he brought her into her room and sat her on the bed. His demeanor had gentled substantially from the sternness he wielded only a day before. It was not at all what she had initially arrived expecting and that only aided in her growing respect and appreciation of him.

He hadn't spoken since they arrived back in the house, but she had a pretty good idea what he was up to. She should have already been setting to removing the filthy clothes, but in all fairness she was simply too tired to worry over it until absolutely necessary.

[SikstaSlathalin]

A few minutes later Volare returned carrying a surprisingly large bin in his powerful arms. Dangling from his waist was a slender somewhat glowing bottle. He smiled at the stirring form of the woman placing the heavy tub down with a decent thud. "Welcome back lassie, do you have enough energy to get a bath in?" He asked pulling the bottle off his belt showing it to the Mage. "I may not be a mage myself, but I have been around long enough to have collected a few things."

"I was doing some bounty hunting in the Dominion down South and the man paid me with this Everfire Elixir. From what he told me it's quite handy in Alchemy, now as you can imagine it's of no use to me unless it gets really cold out and I need to make some tea. So here it can probably give you a nice hot bath for once." He popped the cork and poured the steaming liquid into the tub. The magical scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air of the room and soon the tub was full the water steaming pleasantly.

He recorked the bottle and stepped back watching the woman.

[StormyNyte]

She gave a soft laugh that seemed to add a bit of sparkle to her eyes as she slowly stood. “You certainly are full of surprises, Volare. Yes, I think I can manage it well enough, thank you.” She teetered ever so slightly as began to unbutton her jerkin, only noticing then that he hadn't left the room. Granted, he had already seen her nude, but she still hesitated for a moment.

She looked away then, but resumed the process of undressing. She told herself that he hadn't left her alone out of concern that she wasn't as capable as she claimed to be at that moment, but she wasn't entirely sure.

“If you're going to insist on staying, at least make sure I don't lose balance while taking off these pants… you may as well strip down too, it would be a shame to let the luxury of a hot bath be wasted on just one of us.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old warrior chuckled steadying the woman. "Well you were falling asleep down by the fire lass, didn't want you to drown in the water. " He held her up with one hand and began helping her undo her pants and begin pulling them down. "It's been many a year since I had a hot bath, the pond out back is quite invigorating as you know."

He remembered the woman's nude body and while he wouldn't admit it. She was quite beautiful to look at.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a quiet laugh, holding a hand on his shoulder for added balance as her shapely legs slipped free. “Invigorating is one word for it, I suppose, though I wouldn’t be thrilled about having to solely rely on it through the heart of winter.” Carefully, she stepped into the tub and gave a deeply satisfied sigh as she sunk down into the steamy water.

Closing her eyes, she leaned back and let herself relax into the warmth. It seemed like it had been ages since she had been able to enjoy the luxury of a hot bath, she had almost forgotten how well they helped to melt away her worries. Breathing another gentle sigh of content, she murmured softly. “This is perfect…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior chuckled stripping out of his own clothes then slipped in behind the woman cupping water and pouring it over his head. He actually couldn't remember the last time he had a hot bath. The pond was usually good enough for him to clean up with. "Oh it's not that bad, besides you keep forgetting you're a Snow Elf lass. We're born and bred to survive swimming in the Glacial Sea looking for fish and whales to hunt and eat."

He lifted a small wash cloth up and began rubbing the woman's back slowly.

[StormyNyte]

She chuckled, leaning forward a bit as he did. “Just because we are born to survive it doesn't make it any more enjoyable to endure, old Mer.” She flashed him a wry grin over her shoulder then, letting her eyes look him up and down slowly before looking away again.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare shrugged and chuckled rubbing his hands along the woman's sides gently touching the side of her breasts before he slipped lower to her hips and rump. "Well I don't know, it's pretty enjoyable to me. Really wakes you up in the morning."

As she felt his hands wandering off a bit, she tensed slightly but kept herself from pulling away. To do so would have been an insult and she didn't wish to risk irking him while they were both nude and in such close proximity. "I suppose I'll be having to get use to it then before long."

The old Mer felt her tense-up and had to hide a slight smile. What did she think would happen once they agree to share a bath? But he'd do his best to let her clean her lower half and her actual chest so as best to avoid trouble. He almost chuckled at what she do when it came time for him to wash himself. "Ay you will, cause this was the only Everfire Elixir I had unless you make more." He rubbed some soap on the cloth and went back over the parts of her body he wiped down with the first pass.

Her tension eased just a bit when his hands went no further and she hmmed lightly. "That may be possible, though i would have to learn the recipe and how to properly mix it."

He nodded lightly lifting her left arm to begin scrubbing it clean covering her shoulder from all sides then down the smooth flesh to her fingertips. "Haha ay, I suppose you would. Maybe there is some left in the bottle you can pull from."

Her eyes drifted closed again for a moment, letting herself relish in the simple joy of a gentle touch. She had experienced nothing but brutal handling since her deed of poisoning her former husband had been discovered. "Alchemy can be tricky, but with time and patience I'm sure I can puzzle it out."

"Ay, well have at it when we aren't working." He said finishing up washing her arms. He cupped more soapy water in his hands and poured it over the woman's head to begin gently scrubbing her scalp. "I never learned the art myself, hope you don't blow us up." He chuckled.

She mmmed lightly, letting her eyes fall closed again as she leaned her head deeper back into his touch as his fingertips worked her scalp, chuckling softly. "I make no promises."

The man laughed running the soap through her long hair pulling out the kinks and straightening the long white strands. "Guess I'll have to lock you outside when you begin brewing then." He gently had her bend down some so her head was underwater so he scrub a little more and rinse her hair out before pulling her back with his hands under her arms.

She smiled then, taking up the cloth from where it had been draped over the side of the tub. Soaping the cloth, she shifted a bit before slowly washing her chest and the rest of herself. Once clean and rinsed, she carefully turned to face him kneeling in the tub. Looking into his eyes, she tentatively placed the cloth against his broad chest almost as if she expected to need permission to return his gesture.

The warrior watched working on his own hair while Arayna finished cleaning herself. Like many Snow Elf warriors his hair was kept long and thick. He dunked his head and wiped water from his face as she turned, he gave her a nod and leaned back a little all the scars and old wounds adoring his chest like medals.

Letting her gaze fall to his chest, she slowly rubbed the soapy cloth over every groove and contour of his scarred, muscular flesh. He had much more of a warrior's body than the man she had been married off to, and despite her best efforts she found her own mind wandering. It may have seemed like she intended to commit every inch of the him to memory. When her gaze lifted back to his face she smiled sheepishly and averted her eyes, reluctantly moving on the clean his broad shoulders and thickly muscled arms.

Closing his eyes he did his best to keep his mind focused on keeping his breathing calm, being so close to a nude woman was having a noticeable influence on him. But always a master of will he closed his eyes enjoying the feel of her hands on him.

She was a bit overly thorough as she rinsed away the suds before leaning forward enough to gather his thick mane up and pulled over one shoulder to hold it out of the way. Coaxing him to lean forward a bit, her eyes lingered on his face and strong jawline, thankful for her own sake that his eyes were closed as she reached gently over his shoulder to wash his back.

He chuckled to himself as the woman went the hard route of washing his back. He opened his eyes just as her chest brushed into his face. He cleared his throat and brought his hands up gripping the She-Elf's chest gently squeezing the mounds before pulling her back down smiling. "Probably be easier if I just turn around lass." He smiled a little red on his face as he hands moved back under the water before he stood up before realizing how much the woman had actually affected him. He quickly spun around and sat back down his back facing her showing less scars than the front. A true warrior never allows himself to be wounded in the back, he always faces his enemy.

She hadn't quite so much meant to be as up in his face as she ended up, she had simply gotten caught up in the moment. Her breath caught with a soft gasp as his large hands gently squeezed at her chest before drawing her down. She gave a quick, shallow nod of agreement, but the flushing of her cheeks only brightened as he stood up and his current state passed mere inches from her face as he spun quickly to retain some semblance or modesty and propriety.

She closed her eyes and bit her lip, shaking her head in attempt to clear her less than pure thoughts. With a steadying breath, the opened her eyes and licked her lips nervously, slowly resuming the task of washing his back.

The whole thing was becoming quite awkward, but Volare didn't want it to end. So with a low content smile he pulled his hair out of the way and leaned forward some so she could wash his entire back. "You are quite good at this lass." He said his voice a little husky.

Arayna gave a quiet, breathy laugh as she carefully tried to solely focus on the task at hand and not the strong ridges of muscles in his shoulders. "Thank you." Before long, she had him clean from shoulders to the small of his back and reluctantly offered the cloth back to him to finish up before moving to the opposite side of the tub, turning her head to look anywhere else but at him in that moment.

He gave a weak smiled at the offered wash cloth and set about finishing up cleaning himself. He let out a sigh and climbed out of the tub grabbing some linens from the closet in the woman's room and wrapped one around his waist while handing the other to Arayna. "That was nice." He chuckled catching a few more glimpses of her naked form before it was hidden by the cloth.

Wrapping the linen cloth snug around herself, she gave a small smile of her own, her cheeks still baring a faint blush. "Best bath I've had in a while, actually... thank you for that."

Volare nodded. "Same here lassie, I'll collect the tub tomorrow. We...*cough* we should get to sleep." He bowed to the woman and gathered up their dirty clothes tossing them into a basket of other dirty clothes before moving to his room to dry and dress.

She nodded a bit too quickly in agreement, replying in haste. "For the best, tomorrow starts early. Sleep well." Closing her door behind him, she turned and leaned heavy on it for a moment. What on earth am I doing? He may as well be my jailer! With a light grunt of frustration, she moving to dry and change into her spare set of clothes before reluctantly settling into bed while the image of him continue to dance through her mind.

Volare let out a deep shaky breath drying himself and dressing before he took a long pull of water from his jug before falling onto his bed hoping the Snow Elf woman doesn't haunt his dreams all night.

[StormyNyte]

The night proved to be a troubling one once again for the elven woman. The unworn mattress only aided her errant thoughts in keeping her from anything but a restless sleep. Because of this, she was up and about much earlier than she would have preferred.

Desperately needing something to fill the void of time as the sun began to rise, she took it upon herself to begin washing the soiled clothes in the pond. She had left both her room door and the back door open as she worked and by the time Volare would have woken, she had the chore nearly half done and the clothes that were clean already hanging to dry on the line.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Like his charge Volare didn't sleep too well. Though he slept well enough to not make the following day drag on into oblivion. He arose at his usual time, allowing his drowsy body move of it's own accord while he forced his mind to focus on the tasks of the day. He had to fix the fence, bury or destroy any remains of the wolf bodies still in the burn pile, and begin work on the harvest.

He felt a chill rush through the whole house and despite himself let out a shiver pulling his heavier leather coat on he finished dressing and exited his room feeling the cold even more. Following the wind he found the back door and Arayna's door was open and the dirty clothes were gone. Putting two and two together he poked his head outside seeing the woman cleaning their clothes. He gave a soft smile and ducked back into the house to get the fire place going before beginning breakfast.

[StormyNyte]

Her keen ears caught the sound of his footsteps as he neared the back door, but she continued about her business without looking up. She continued to scrub clean and wringe out the clothes until every last item was hung on the line.

With a heavy sigh, she stretched the muscles of her back and rolled her shoulders. It was going to be a long day. She looked out at the painted sky over the horizon and watched as a flock of birds took to flight across its canvas.

Rubbing the back of her neck, she stepped back inside, pulling the door closed behind her. “Good morning” was all she mumbled as she moved to stand by the fire, letting it take away the morning chill she carried.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare heard her approach and chuckled lightly noting the tension in her stance and steps. "Rough night for you too huh lassie?" He said from the kitchen where he was working on brewing some warm tea to warm and wake them both up. He set the kettle to boil and brought another heavy leather coat from the closet and draped it over the woman's narrow shoulders.

"Here Arayna, the cold really snuck up on us today. Hopefully it won't mean early snowfall. When you're feeling up to it we have a few things on the agenda today."

[StormyNyte]

She nodded lightly and thanked him for the coat. “I probably should have shut the door while I worked, but I didn't want you to think I had tried to run off again.”

She held her hands out to the fire before pulling one back to hide a yawn behind. “I imagine the ruined fence is one of them. Though, if you're worried of an early snowfall it may be best to see to the harvest first.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded somewhat impressed. "Ay, very good. We could also split the duties." The kettle in the kitchen began to scream and he quickly moved to quiet it's shrill annoyance. He liked only a certain kind of tea himself and hoped the woman wouldn't mind. It was a nice blend of peppermint and honey and it did wonders for sickness and warming up the bones.

Pouring two mugs he brought them both to the fire and handed one to Arayna. "Here lass, this'll warm us up."

[StormyNyte]

She took hers gratefully and lifted it to her lips, blowing across the liquid's surface before chancing a quick sip. “Putting a woodcutter's ax in my hand is a bold move, old Mer.” She chuckled at the jest, having a good assumption that he wouldn't actually be putting her to the lone task of mending the fence.

“I'm not keen on the idea of putting distance between us after the business with the wolves, but I can't argue that splitting the duties wouldn't save time…” she stared into the fire, taking another sip. “In the spirit of full disclosure, though… I haven't the foggiest on how to tell if certain crops are truly ready to be picked.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare gave a small laughed and nodded. "Ay, you're probably right there. Well do you think you can feed and take care of the horses while I tend the fields? Maybe then we can fix the fence together." He took a sip from his tea letting the drink flow down his throat and warm his insides while the fire warmed his outsides.

[StormyNyte]

She continued to sip at her tea and smiled in spite of herself as she nodded. “The horses I can manage well enough." She took another long sip and was quiet for a moment, shifting uncomfortably. What she said next may have come as a bit of a surprise to him. “I know that I don't know much about living out here… but I am trying. I don't want to be just an added burden.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare nodded slowly feeling the chill finally leave his bones. "You will learn lass, that's the beautiful thing about this life you're always learning, always growing." He finished his tea and closed the front of his coat. "Well best get going, I didn't see any wounds on Grim, but give him a good once over when you brush him. Also with this cold, put their jackets on them when you're done. They should be hanging in their stalls." He placed the cup in the sink and looked up at the sky squinting. It was overcast and the cold didn't feel like it was going to abate. "We'll meet back here at lunch." He said simply exiting the house.

[StormyNyte]

With a light nod, she finished her tea and deposited her cup in the sink behind him before moving back to her room to retrieve her gloves. She fastened her coat closed and pulled on her gloves as she exited the house and made her way to where the hay bales were stacked. This was the first time he had given her the leeway of setting her to task without keeping her under his watchful eye and she had no intention of spoiling it with hesitation or complaint even though it took her four trips in total to get both bales and water buckets to the stable.

After a brief rest to catch her breath, she poured most of both buckets in the trough and started to tear the hay bales apart and load the metal cage as she had seen him do on her first day, smiling as she watched both horses hastily crossing the field for their breakfast. Standing aside as they took up their positions to eat, she circled around to Grim to give him a closer look-over. Finding no wounds, she took up the bucket that still held a bit of water and knelt to wash the dried blood from his hooves and fetlocks before standing and moving to retrieve a brush.

The horses happily chomped their meal as she gave them both a thorough brushing, even going as far as braiding their thick manes and tails in order to keep them tidy and tangle free. Once finished, she moved to retrieve their blankets and covered them. With hands on her hips, she gave them an appraising look and nodded to herself with a smile. With a glance to the sun's position, she realizes that she still had a few hours to go. With great reluctance, she turned her sights to the un-mucked stalls and her nose crinkled. With a heavy sigh, she moved to the forge to retrieve the pitchfork kept there and got to work.

[SikstaSlathalin]

After having gathered up the tools and replacement beams Volare piled them by the broken fence and gave it an appraising look. Surprisingly the damage wasn't quiet as bad as he first thought, the plow was a different case though. The blade had a decent chip out of it, and the handles were cracked, he could likely fix the blade, but he wasn't sure of the handles. They might need replacing.

But he needed to take care of his fields first. Grim had torn up the ground and the fight had damaged even more. Luckily he hadn't planted any seeds yet, but the soil would need to be fixed. Picking up his tools he set to work.

[StormyNyte]

It was tricky business to get both stalls clean without sinking her feet into the thick of it. With a disgruntled grunt, she pitched the last of the stall filth onto the composting pile and returned the pitchfork to the forge before spreading out the fresh bedding.

By the time that business was done, it was nearly noon. Arayna looked back toward the house before turning her sights to the unplanted field, seeing him still working at the ground. Hoping that she didn't smell too much like recycled horse, she started across to the field to see what additional help she could offer.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The cold of the morning had left and was replaced with a strange warm fog. He had shed his coat and his vest both of which were hung over the unbroken portion of fence. Now shirtless the warrior had straightened the lines and was working on seeing if he can finish the job of the plow from yesterday.

He had managed nearly all of the new field by the time Arayna showed up. He gave her a smile and wiped the sweat from his brow. "How'd it go lass?"

[StormyNyte]

She gave a light laugh as she rubbed the back of her neck, the sight of him shirtless coaxing the thoughts from yesterday evening freshly back to her mind. “Well enough,” shrugging her way out of her own jacket, she draped it over the fence beside of his, “though I feel I should make a point to stand down wind of you for the rest of the day.”

Looking over the field, she was impressed with out much he was able to finish with nothing but his own hands and garden tools. “Can I help you here in any way?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled leaning on his rack breathing deep. "Lass, I've lived in barracks full of sweaty unwashed soldiers, and been working this farm for a few years there really aren't any smells I can't handle." Jamming the tool into the ground he went over to a barrel and dunked his head into it's cool depths taking a few quick gulps.

Coming back up he ran his hand through his wet hair flicking water away. "As for helping me, feel free to pick up the hoe and fix some of the divots made in the road."

[StormyNyte]

She chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. “I suppose you're right, then.” She looked him over again, but moved to collect the hoe before her face could betray her thoughts.

Her muscles were already complaining over the effort put into the horses, but she set herself to task with little more than a stiff roll of her shoulders. Her motions with the tool were still ungainly, but effective nonetheless.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Focusing on his task, Volare finished fixing up the field and looked the sun was little past it's apex and his stomach rumbled lightly. Putting his tools up he lifted his fingers to his lips and whistled shrilly. "Come on lass lunch time!" He took another drink from the barrel and retrieved his clothes waiting for Arayna to come back.

[StormyNyte]

A sigh of relief was given as she heard his whistle and call. Stretching the achy muscles of her shoulders and lower back, she shouldered the hoe and made her way back to the field where she deposited it with the other tools and pulled off her gloves. Pausing at the water barrel, she scooped a drink for herself before splashing a bit of water on her face to rid it of sweat and dust “Thank goodness, I'm starving.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior nodded chuckling lightly. "Me too, what do you feel like eating?" He asked pulling his shirt back on, but left his coat hanging over his arms smiling softly as he feels a cool breeze whisk across his body pulling the few droplets of sweat away from him.

[StormyNyte]

She chuckled softly, brushing a stray hair from her face before smoothing her hands down the front her jerkin, accentuating the curves of her body before moving to pull her jacket off the fence. “Well, I highly doubt that you have a stash of honeyed figs and cheese hidden in your stores. I suppose an apple and some venison will have to do.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled nodding slowly. "Ay, I don't have much of a sweet tooth myself, no honeyed figs, but I do have cheese and some dried meat and bread in the pantry. Nice simple sandwiches will do us." Leading the rest of the way he smiled at how the woman's jerkin hugged her curves magnificently.

He entered the house and hung his coat up and went to the pantry to find the food needed. "I'll let you pick our drinks lassie."

[StormyNyte]

She smirked then, a hint of amusement in her eye as she watched him walk. “That'll do, old Mer, that'll do.”

She paused at the door, frowning lightly as he tromped right in on her clean floor. With a disgruntled sigh, she removed her filthy shoes and set them aside before stepping in herself and hanging her coat beside his.

Moving to the kitchen, she began to riffle through his cabinets. Her first intention was one of the remaining bottles of blackberry mead, but she paused with her hand on the bottle. As affluent as her tastes still were, she had to be logical about her choices now.

They would never finish their work while basking in the glow of such drink. Closing the cabinet, she instead collected two mugs and filled them with water before placing them on the table. “Best to not cloud our minds until we're done, no matter how much I'd like to.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The warrior exited the pantry and saw Arayna cleaning the floor where his dirty boots had messed up the floor. "Ooops sorry." He said pulling his boots off and carries them to the door before picking up the broom and cleans up the boot marks and dirt. "Hmm water is probably the better choice good on you lassie." Once he had cleaned up his mess he went back into the pantry and got the food stuffs for their lunch.

[StormyNyte]

She snorted a light laugh as she watched him retrace his steps with the broom. As he finished and pulled the necessary food from the pantry, she retrieved a long kitchen knife from its place in the block. Her nimble fingers delicately traced the edge of the blade from hilt to tip, a dark look passing behind her eyes, before she carefully turned the blade and offered it to him hilt first with a slightly unnerving smile.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare noted the oddness of the situation, but took the knife and nodded to her quickly cutting and preparing the meal. He tried not to think of the odd look as he sliced the meat, cheese, and bread.

[StormyNyte]

As he worked on finishing up putting together their lunch, Arayna stepped over to look out over the fields through the kitchen's window. The wheels were turning in her mind, but she would keep those dark thoughts suppressed for the time being. It was good of him to keep every blade in his house so efficiently sharp though.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Making quick work of the meals Volare picked up the plates and carried them to the table before sitting down in a chair beginning to eat. "Hopefully we finish up fixing the new fields and fence before it gets dark."

[StormyNyte]

Turning from the window, she found her seat and began to eat. After she had a third of it gone, she finally paused long enough to take a drink of water and respond. “We're making good time, I see no reason we shouldn't.” Shrugging then, she took another bite and swallowed. “Besides, if we do lose the light, I can always make more.” With a mischievous grin, she went back devouring her sandwich.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The Mer shaking his head brushing some crumbs from his lips before taking a long gulp of his water. "You just all kinds of eager to do some magic ain't ya lass?" He asked chuckling before he picked up his sandwich. "Does magic need to be blown off like steam from a kettle?"

[StormyNyte]

Arayna chuckled then, nearly finished as she paused for another long drink. Wiping the water from her lips with the back of her hand, she thought for a moment. “I'm not entirely sure, I've never had cause to go so long without using it. Perhaps it does.”

She flashed another grin then, seeming strangely... chipper. “Perhaps if I don't use if for long enough, lightning will start shooting from my eyeballs every time I blink or maybe fire from my fingertips every time I stretch them.”

She held up her hands and gave them an exaggerated stare for emphasis. “My fingers are already feeling itchy, Volare. It's much too risky a theory to test, if you ask me.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

He laughed shaking his head finishing his meal. "Well if you must lass, please do it outside of the house. I don't need this place burning down around me while I sleep. But maybe this will be a good time to learn some warrior's discipline lass." Finishing his water as well he put his plates in the sink and nodded to the Snow Elf woman giving her a gentle smile. "Take your time lass, I'll meet down at the field." He tied a cloth around his forehead and slipped his boots back on before exiting the house.

[StormyNyte]

She laughed then, calling after him as he stepped out of the house. “If I did that I may end up just as stoic as you are, old Mer!” Still chuckling to herself, she finished what was left of her meal and drained her tankard of water before clearing her plate. Stepping out of the house once more, she pulled on her filthy shoes - noting just how much she really needed a decent pair of boots - and headed toward the field after him.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The sun had passed behind the treeline and with a low grunt Volare hammered the last nail into place on his newly fixed fence leaning back rubbing his shoulder slowly. He overworked it today, but at least he accomplished a lot today.

Gathering up the tools he put them away and went over to the water barrel and took a long drink holding his arm a little close to his body to avoid moving it too much.

Arayna looked over the repaired fence with a strange sense of pride at the accomplishment. Granted, Volare had done most of the work, but she had done what she could to help, even managing to hammer home a few nails herself.

She watched him as he gathered the tools and gave him a sympathetic look as she noticed how he was beginning to favor his shoulder again. He had obviously pushed it too far today, a single massage could only remedy so much and only for so long. Moving to close the distance, she offered a gentle smile. "A day well spent, Volare. I think perhaps we've earned our rest, hm?"

The old Mer nodded slowly curling his wounded arm across his chest. "Ay I think so, let's hope we can avoid breaking it for a bit." He let out a low groan rubbing his shoulder some more as he began to walk back up to the house. The she elf followed close behind as the wheels of her mind began to turn again.

Seeing him suffer like this was beginning to set uneasy on her and she would be remiss to allow it to completely lock up on him again. Heat would be the best thing to keep the muscles loose, but she had her suspicions that he would refuse any sort of magic aid.

Hmming softly to herself, she quickened her pace until she was hurrying past him back to the house.

The warrior quirked his eyebrow as she hurried past him. He was a little too tired to keep up with her or question it. Was he really getting so old he was too tired to keep up with a soft woman less than half his age? He chuckled lightly to himself shaking his head as he continued to rub his shoulder. "Hope I have the energy for dinner tonight."

Disappearing around the corner of the house, she kicked off her shoes and stripped off her work-soiled clothes, deposited them in a heap beside the door before hurrying inside to get things ready. The large tub that had been emptied but left in her room was pulled into the main room and the largest pot she could find was filled with water and hung over the hearth to be boiled. She was busying herself with something at the kitchen counter, clad in nothing but a wide cloth strip wrapped around her voluptuous pale breasts and another wrapped precariously low on her shapely hips when he finally stepped through the door.

Volare entered shortly after the woman had stripped down and moved the tub to the fireplace. He had seen her naked and she was definitely one of the well shaped women he's met, but seeing her bustling around clad only in her under clothes brought a slight heat to his face he hadn't noticed the first time, most likely because alcohol was involved then and that makes everything feel warm.

Still holding his shoulder he managed to remove his boots, and began to pull off his dirty jerkin and pants, but a sudden sharp pain ripped through his whole arm causing him to grunt in pain and lean against the wall sighing. "If my men could see me now they'd laugh me out of the barracks." He chuckled shaking his head.

Hearing his grunt, she turned and gave him a soft smile before crossing the floor to him with a subtle sway in her hips and a slight jiggle to her cloth clad breasts. Her voice was soft and sweetly thick when she spoke, placing a hand lightly against his chest. “Hush with that now, let me help you.”

Not waiting for his response, she slowly undid his jerkin, having to lean in close close enough to brush the front of his body with her own due to his height when she carefully pulled it off of him. Letting it fall to the side, a slender finger gingerly traced down the front of his body until it hooked at the front of his pants. “You need to relax that shoulder, Volare, you've overworked it today.”

His face heating up all the more as Arayna pressed up against him undressing him fully. He was glad for his own small clothes keeping everything in place or this might take a very...drastic turn. He smiled stepping out of his trousers. "Thank ye lassie and you're right. *sigh* You're right." He moved slowly doing his best to keep the arm still and sat down in his arm chair resting the throbbing shoulder against the high back.

As he sat, she slowly stooped to retrieve the discarded garments, the motion stretching the cloth covering her shapely rear tight before she stood and removed them from the room. She sashayed back in and back to the kitchen counter to retrieve the hot compress she had been working on as he entered.

Making her way to where he sat, she stood close and carefully draped it over his wounded shoulder before moving to pour him a mug of cider. “There we are, I'll have you a nice hot soak ready in no time.” Setting the mug on the arm of the chair by his good arm, she winked before moving back to the hearth to check the water.

Finding it simmering, she hefted the pot with a soft grunt and poured it in the tub. Setting the pot down by the hearth, she moved to collect a bucket and headed out back to fill it. After all, she didn't want to cook him.

Once again he was growing red at the little display Arayna was putting on for him. It was like he was a young boy again sneaking peeks at the Royal Bathhouse when the Chief's wives and female servants bathed by firelight in the middle of a snowy blizzard. Doing his best to keep his composure he thanked her for the drink and closed his eyes letting the compress work. "You can soak first lass. You worked just as hard as me." He said attempting to give himself more time to control himself.

She tisked him lightly as she stepped back inside. “Nonsense, your shoulder needs the heat more than I do.” Arayna then poured the bucket into the steaming tub before testing the temperature. Still hot, but cooled enough now to stand. With a knowing grin at his reddened state, she cooed. “It's ready for you now.”

He chuckled and nodded in defeat finishing his drink in a single gulp before standing up placing both the cup and the compress down. "You are very kind lass. Might as well go get the ointment while I'm soaking. Only thing I know that eases the pain enough." His body was quickly testing the restraints of his small clothes and he wasn't sure if he wanted Arayna to get any ideas and wanted to undress as quickly as possible before she saw him.

The Snow Elf Mage smirked knowing the effect she was having on the old warrior. She already seen him naked and was very much impressed with him. And despite her own skills at hiding her reactions she was quite eager to see more. But she'd get him soon so with a gracious nod she slowly turned and sauntered across the room making sure her hips and ass sways sensually with each step before she turns the corner.

Once she was gone Volare let out a somewhat husky sigh and worked his small clothes down and tossed them into the pile of the other dirty clothes before he gingerly climbed into the tub making sure his wounded side was facing the roaring fire in the hearth.

After a moment or so, Arayna reemerged carrying a towel and a small lit oil lamp. She let her eyes take him all in before offering him a warm smile. “Need anything before I start my bath, Volare?”

He shook his head ducking a little lower into the tub to soak his shoulder. "No lass, are you gonna bathe in the pond or something? Thought you hated the cold?" He chuckled lightly keeping his eyes on her eyes

Giving a soft laugh, she shrugged lightly. “I'm going to be here for quite some time, I may as well start getting use to it. Enjoy your soak.” With that, she swayed her way to the back door.

Setting the items down on a nearby barrel just inside the door, she slowly removed the cloth wrappings and let them fall to the floor exposing her back side to him fully before collecting the items again and stepping outside.

After a time, she stepped back inside, depositing the now snuffed lamp and used towel back on the barrel. The cold water hadn't done her own sore muscles any favors, but she would manage.

Stepping back into the light of the fire, it was reveal that she was now wearing one of his thinner shirts and only the shirt. It hung long on her, covering most of what needed covered easily enough, but her chill-perked nippled pressed conspicuously at the sheer fabric as she moved closer to the fire's warmth.

Volare watched in agonized desire as Arayna fully undressed before him before slipping outside to bathe. Thoughts flooded his mind, but still he kept calm, and after a few minutes his body had returned to normal and he was massaging his own arm slowly. The pain had gone down to a dull throbbing and he had nearly fallen asleep, but the sounds of bare feet on the wood floor brought him back and his body reacted accordingly to seeing the woman return dressed in a thin shirt and showing signs of her cold bath.

With a sigh he smiled and leaned back in the tub. "Forgot I had that shirt. Looks good on you lass."

She grinned down at him then. “I do believe I'll be keeping it, it's quite comfortable. How is your shoulder feeling?”

He moved from the water and winced slightly. "Haha feel free, just wear it around more." He gave her a wink the strange contentedness he felt around her acting on his willpower making him more relaxed with this intimacy. "As for my shoulder it's a wee bit better, but I fear I will be needing the ointment for a long while still." He slowly leaned forward smiling. "Care to help me apply it again?"

She nodded then, smiling as she moved to kneel next to the tub. “Of course, but we need to get you clean first.” Leaning forward herself, she cupped her hands and quickly poured a bit of water over his head in an almost playful manner, her nose wrinkling with a muted laugh as it trickled down over his face.

He chuckled lifting his good arm up to wipe water from his eyes. "What's so funny lass?" He asked some of the water unintentionally splashing down onto Arayna's shirt. The dampened cloth clung to her body where affected and she shook her head, smiling again. “Nothing.”

She continued cupping water onto his hair then until his mane was sufficiently wet before beginning to work in the soap. “It's just nice to see you so relaxed now, is all. I don't think you've ever asked me for help before without the request being a thinly veiled command.”

The warrior winched slightly and nodded. "Ay and I'm sorry for that lass. So used to being a commander I sometimes forget I'm a simple farmer now, and I shouldn't be so rude to my first guest in a long while." The heat from her contact slowly working down his control. "Especially one who is so willing to give me a nice dancing show of curves and womanly grace."

Arayna chuckled richly at that. She had him snared, all that was left to do now was to draw him in. “Well, a lady does need to show herself off from time to time. Life would be terribly dull if we didn't.” She carefully coaxed him to lean back then to allow her to rinse out his hair.

Drawing him back up, she wetted and soaped the cloth that had been hanging on the tub's edge and slowly began to wash his rippled body. She seemed to pay very close attention to every grove of every single muscle on him until her hand began to follow them below the water's surface.

Volare allowed her to rub him down. His mind going in nearly the same direction as her's. It has been a long time since he'd bedded a woman. And her form was indeed one made for love making. He thought to say something clever, but decided to just let the woman work her skillful hands over his tense body.

The further down her hand slipped, she closer she had to lean in. Her warm breath played across the crook of his neck moments before her hand brushed the tip of him. Her pale lips drew into a grin, farmer or not… it seemed the old soldier still knew how to properly salute.

With little warning, she drew her hand back up and proceeded to move to his back before draping the cloth over his good shoulder. With a mischievous smirk, she stood. “I trust you can handle things from here, Volare. I'll be waiting with the ointment when you're finished.”

Holding back the urge to laugh he took the cloth and quickly snapped it across Arayna's ass before she got out of reach. The game fairly obvious now. "Just be careful you don't mess up the shirt. We don't have any soap for laundry right now." He watched her go the quickness of her movement causing the edge of the shirt to flare up some showing him the pale roundness of her rear. A cruel joke, but one he could take advantage of. Calming himself for a few minutes would make whatever comes next all the more enjoyable. And despite her own best efforts the closeness and intimacy was having an effect on Arayna as well. Taking the time Volare finished cleaning and wrapped a towel around his waist before he locked up the house as he always did.

A short time after he walked into his room his body still glistening from the bath. "Ready?" He asked giving the woman a smile. he had actually given a squeal of a giggle when the cloth had lashed her backside as she made her escape and now she eyed him from head to toe, grinning. His glistening muscular body looked utterly magnificent. “Are you?” With a wink, she motioned to the bed. “Lay down and I’ll get that shoulder seen to.”

Volare chuckled and moved to the bed. But instead of laying down he simply sat putting his shoulder next to her. "Sitting down might be easier to treat the shoulder than my laying down lass."

Arayna couldn't help mentally willing the towel to slip, but to her despair it stayed firmly in place. The vision of him sitting there, muscle bound and glistening was almost too much for her to withstand. She somehow managed to keep her expression neutral, but had to avert her eyes.

With a breathy chuckle, she moved to collect the ointment before taking a knee on the bed behind him.

Closing his eyes Volare groaned lightly the pain coming back causing him to cradle the arm a little again. "All the years I've had this wound it's never caused me this much trouble, and I've worked it much harder than I did today." He smirked and winked. "Maybe all the pent up magic of yours is affecting me."

She couldn't keep the red from creeping into her face as she tried to hide a grin. Licking her lips as she stared at the muscular lines of his neck and shoulders, she dipped her fingers into the jar and began to slowly work it into the wound. “Well, there are a few ways to… remedy that issue.”

He winced as she began working on the wound but kept his smile. "As long as it doesn't involve burning down my house or waking the dead I'm open to any ideas short of just chopping the arm off."

She paused for a moment, moving her hand from him to deposit the ointment back on the bedside table. Shifting a bit behind him, she finally returned her fingers to continue their practiced work on his shoulder. She was quiet at her task for a long moment before finally making her move.

Placing both hands on his shoulders and leaning into him, she placed a slow, lingering kiss against the side of his neck before turning her face up just enough to breathily whisper into his ear. “And does this count as striking a fire?” When he turned, he would find her kneeling completely nude in his bed.

The warrior's jaw quaked a little. His mind once again gone to the woman's perfect naked form and his desires for her. His pain was momentarily forgotten as he moved to face her the towel slipping from his waist body reacting quickly. "Aye." He said quietly moving to pull her close. "But I can forgive this one time." He said before kissing her deeply and laying her on her back across the bed pressing his body close.

As his lips closed on hers, she moaned softly into his mouth, one hand’s fingers tangling themselves within his thick mane of still wet hair. The instant their bodies were prone, her back arched to him instantly in an almost pleading fashion. As their motions drew them closer, he would find her already as warm and slick as a baby seal.

His hands groped her soft chest and his hips moved with practiced ease. They found their mark and instantly pleasure filled his entire body and put heated passion into his lips as they kissed and nibbled along his partner's soft feminine features letting his actions paint a picture of her pleasing curves in his mind while his eyes were closed.

As their bodies joined, she called out his name in a breathless rush of pleasure, her body beginning to move against his in a needful dance beneath him as her hands clutched at his muscular form almost fearful that he would vanish if released for so much as an instant.

His pace strong and steady, the old warrior's rough hands rubbed slowly down the smooth flesh of Arayna memorizing her curves, imperfections, and more so what her body reacted best to. His lips moved down and began nibbling at her neck and shoulders while his hands gripped her rear the strong fingers digging in pulling the pliant body to his thrusts delving deeper with each pass.

His experienced motions were quickly driving her mad with the sheer pleasured ecstasy of it. The world seemed to fall away from her until they were the only two beings in existence burning bright in the darkness. Soon, her shapely legs locked tightly onto his hips as her body began to tremble and quake around him, the sudden release drawing a wordless cry from her lips.

Feeling the end coming Volare wrapped his strong arms around the woman kissing her deeply his hands holding her hot body against his as he joined her in release. His hips ramming forward hard just one more time, before he held them in place riding out the waves of pleasure coursing through their very beings. Not a drop was spilled and their moans were lost in the passion of the final kiss.

As the final throws of their union subsided, they both fell limp against one another, a panting pile of tangled limbs and spent smiles. Arayna's eyes were soft and unfocused as she gave him a slow blink. She placed a gentle kiss on his dampened forehead as he rested himself atop her.

Feeling as tired as the woman besides him Volare laid them both on their sides keeping his body as close to her's as he could. He gave her an equally soft kiss on the lips before he pulled the covers up over them and held the woman to his chest before sleep overtook them both.

[StormyNyte]

The first light of morning streamed in through Volare's bedroom window slowly coaxing her eyes to open. His line of warmth against her back was nearly enough to ease her back to sleep, but as the haze of her slumber slipped away a sudden realization washed over her. Slowly pushing herself up, she turned to look down at him as he continued to doze.

A confusing mix of emotions began to swirl inside her mind. There was respect and perhaps a hint of adoration for him, she had grown quite fond of him over the past few days. But there was also insecurity and fear with perhaps even a hint of anger muddled in. Were her feelings for him truly real, or was it simply the result of having to rely on him so heavily?

If her feelings were indeed true did he hold the same for her, or was his kindness simply to keep her compliant? They had not exercised any measure of caution in the heat of the act and he had filled her cup to the brim. Gods, what if… no, she couldn't let her thoughts linger on that possibility.

Sitting up, she stood and retrieve her shirt before quietly exiting his room. Making her way to her own room, she shut the door and began washing herself at the basin. The act would make little difference at this point if she caught, but going through the motions did offer a bit of a placebo effect.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare felt the sudden cold rush over him as Arayna quickly got up and exited. He laid still for a few seconds, wishing she would've stayed just a little bit longer. But as the memories of last night came back to him he understood her haste. In his past he'd usually been pretty keen on using protection, but it's been a long time since he'd be so lost in passion.

He half hoped his seed hadn't set, but the other half of him did hope. He was an old warrior with no heir and in the Snow Elf culture such a thing was nearly a death sentence. A man with no son was a man bound for obscurity picking up the scraps from the kills of the Two Brothers instead of joining them in the after life hunting the Stags of Light. Feeling stiff, but surprisingly not in so much pain he stood up and cleaned himself with a washcloth before he pulled on his small clothes, pants, and a clean jerkin and exited his room walking softly up to Arayna's and knocked on the door. "You ok lass?"

[StormyNyte]

She was nearly finished when she heard him knock. A shaky breath was taken to calm her sudden rush of nerves. Thankfully, her voice remained steady when she answered. “Yes… just freshening up a bit. I'll be out in a moment.” She finished quickly and set herself to getting dressed.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare frowned lightly, the way she ran from his room told him otherwise, but he'd let her be. "Ok, I'm gonna make some breakfast then we'll get to work on the farm. Take your time lass." He sighed before heading for the kitchen to see what he could whip up for them to eat.

[StormyNyte]

Wrapping herself once more in makeshift smallclothes, she draped his shirt on the bedpost and slowly slipped into her leather work trousers and a clean tunic. She stalled a bit longer as she sorted out her mess of after-sex hair. Giving it a thorough brushing, she pulled it into a tight braid that accentuated the high angles of her cheeks. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the door and stepped from her room. She would not let herself appear abashed.

They had come together with all the unbridled force of passion of a storm front crashing it's waves against the rocks. It certainly wasn't the first time the she elf had found herself in this position, but any other time she had the safety and silence of the high court medics and potions masters to help correct such… oversights.

Seeing him busy at the kitchen, she moved to lean against the wall, armed crossed as she eyed his back. “I would've thought a man of your… experience… would have better control of himself than to spill his seed so carelessly.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled at her words. She was right, he should've had more control. But she did her own share of being foolish. Especially considering how much she riled him up beforehand, while he'd never been in the middle of the wild passions of the royal court he knew the ladies of the Chief's court were taught and expected to be skilled in seduction and the bedroom arts so they can make good wives when their father's send them off.

"Normally ay, but you seemed to enjoy it. So we both may be at fault there lass. Besides I'd think a Lady of your training would be keen about who they let bed them." He was preparing some fruit and buttered bread for their meal when a sudden knock sounded against the closed door of his house. Quirking his eyebrow he put the knife and apple he was cutting down and picked up a crudgel he kept in the pantry and stood by the door. "Ay?"

There was a few seconds of silence before and old woman's voice pipped up from the otherside. "Greetings sir, my name is Grissla Livig. My wagon's wheel broke can you help me?" The warrior hmmed softly and leaned the crudgel against the wall before he opened the door studying the hunched over figure of an human woman. She looked like a peddler or Alchemist dressed in well made green clothes topped off with a heavy brown cloak. Odd, but mostly harmless. "Ay, I can help ye marm, lets see what the damage is."

Grissla cackled lightly and turned before she began to hobble back up to the road where a small wagon pulled by a large sheep was listing off to one side. He looked at Arayna. "Can you fetch my tools from the shed please lass?" He asked before following the old woman to her broken wagon.

[StormyNyte]

Try as she might, she couldn’t keep the smile from creeping across her face. It was true, she had thoroughly enjoyed herself and couldn’t help but hope for another chance to lay with him despite her best efforts to remain flustered over their collective oversite. She would still try to play it off though, if for no other reason than willful coyness as she huffed a soft laugh. “Well, it’s not like I have a broad range of options out here, old Mer… maybe you should keep your shirt on more often.” The smile had completely overtaken her face at that point, but a sudden knock at the door drew her off the wall in surprise.

She watched as Volare answered the door and was surprised to hear that someone actually been traveling out this far. The woman had the hunched, worn look of a practitioner of alchemy. Casting a curious look to the woman, she nodded lightly and made her way to the shed. After a short moment, she made her way to the wagon with a heavy armload of various tools. Having never seen a wagon wheel repaired, she had little idea of exactly what he would need so she opted for bringing all of them. As Volare sat to work, Arayna’s gaze took in the visible contents of the wagon before moving to the old crone and striking up a quiet conversation.

If she were lucky, the peddler woman would have what she needed. If she were luckier, it wouldn’t be too late to be effective. The she elf was also keen to hear any gossip or rumors of the going ons of the civilized world beyond the farm, feeling a strange pang of longing for her old life as the conversation drew on, it all seemed so distant now...

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled at the pile of tools, it was his own fault for not telling her which to grab. Luckily she grabbed the ones he needed. "Thank you lass." He said as he picked up a hammer and a small saw to begin working.

The old woman was eyeing Arayna up and let out a low cackle coming around her cart to smile up at the tall Elf woman. "Looking for something special my dear?"

[StormyNyte]

The she elf's invasive gaze fell to the hunched crone as she rounded her cart and she gave a short, apologetic laugh. “Well… yes, actually. Grissla, was it? I couldn't help noticing that you've got quite an array of mixtures and potions with you, Grissla… I'm wondering if, by chance, you may have something to offset any…” She paused for a moment, thinking how best to say it to someone she barely knew. Glancing over to Volare and back, she lowered her voice a little before continuing. “Pleasured oversights, you know… something to keep the seed from taking root…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare's ears perked up, but his better judgement kept him from listening too hard. Still it would make him think most likely. But for now he needs to focus on fixing this wheel.

Grissla cackled again tapping her nose. "I hear you Elves are quite potent right up to death." She rubbed her chin and moved around the cart looking at her bottles mumbling to herself. "But also quite hard to treat by human means." Her gnarled old hands moved quickly over her wares and selected a few bottles. "I do have some things, but they're quite powerful." Her voice darkened some. "Maybe too powerful.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a light, embarrassed laugh and nodded at the woman's comment of potency. She watched the woman rummage through her wares before bringing out a few choice bottles. The old woman's next words made Arayna's brows furrow slightly. “What do you mean by ‘too powerful’ exactly?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Once again the woman's face darkened as she handed the bottles Arayna to look over. "They may make you barren, you see I'm a simple alchemist who is too old to venture far from Samach or Silith so my ingredients are limited. Now while Humans, Dwarves, and sometimes Wind Walkers are easy to treat Elves not so much. By default you need the strongest I have that I got from Giants and Beastfolk." She pointed to a tall bottle with a blue liquid inside. "This is the best I have my girl."

She glanced at Volare who was grumbliing in Elvish wrestling with a stubborn nut holding the wheel in place. "Does the handsome old warhorse know of this?"

[StormyNyte]

Arayna looked over the given bottles carefully as the old woman's warning weighed on her mind. There was a delicate tightness in her jaw when she glanced back to Volare as he worked. A snow elf woman who was unable to produce offspring was of little value in their society. Giving a light shake of her head, she reluctantly answered. “No… he doesn't…”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Grissla frowned patting the She-Elf's arm softly. "Hmm that is unfortunate." She smiled rubbing Arayn's smooth cheek softly like a mother would her troubled daughter. "I know how Snow Elves view barren women, but I also know how they view unplanned children. Here you can take this one." She picked up a smaller bottle with red liquid in it. "Not as powerful, but far less likely to make you barren. And I would reccomend telling him, men, even old ones, like knowing about their potential progeny's. She let out a low cackle. "A strange sense of pride for them when they conquer and seed young maids like us." She took the rest of the bottles and returned them to her cart.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna was quiet for a moment as her fingers curled around the small bottle. Looking up, she thanked the old woman before tucking the bottle away in a pocket. Returning to the house with it now would merit questions later, so she would wait until there was a reasonable excuse so as to avoid any potential conflict.

Before speaking with Grissla, she was certain she wanted no part in prolonging the risk, but now… what fate was worse? The potion could still work without issue, but if it didn't she would be carrying an illegitimate child. If it worked too well, she would never carry children at all.

The decision was much too difficult to make hastily, but she couldn't ease her mind enough to think about it at that moment. So, she opted for distraction. Moving around to the side where Volare still worked, she spoke. “Anything I can do to help?”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare overheard snippets of the conversation, but forced himself to look away and not think on it. If he did he would likely break the old woman's wagon further with stumbling hands. As Arayna approached him he gave her a soft smile. "No, it's not a big wheel we'd be getting in each other's way, but I may be at it for a bit lass. Maybe take Grissla inside and offer her some refreshments. She looks like she could use a sit down and some water to me." He nodded to the young She-Elf before turning back to working the last few splinters free from the axle.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a light nod at his suggestion, she felt the need for added space at the moment anyway. Moving off to gather Grissla, she slowly escorted her back to the house. Once they were back, she motioned to one of the chairs by the hearth. “Why don't you rest a bit, Grissla, and I'll pour you a drink… we have some crisp cider or I can brew you up some warm tea if you'd fancy something more than water.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

With a low pained groan Grissla sat down at the kitchen table pulling her hood down. Once upon a time she might've been a very attractive woman. Striking and almost queenly, and while she still held some of that regal beauty, time and a long life of traveling had taken their toll.

Her cheeks were haggard, eyes dull, and her long hair which might've been a golden blond at one point had turned white and scraggly. While her limbs were thin and shaky they sported the old scars of working the land and maybe even wielding a blade or two. She was definitely human, but something in her aura hinted at more than just a simple peasant.

The old woman ran a gnarled claw like hand through her hair and smiled up at the beautiful She-Elf. "Cider will do just fine my dear. So if you don't mind an old woman curiosity, what brings you to this farm? You don't seem like the usual wife of a warrior or even a farmer."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a light nod to the old woman before moving to retrieve the cask from the cupboard, pouring a mug full and sitting it down in front of the her. Mulling over Grissla’s question, she gave a soft sigh, moving to pour a mug for herself before joining her at the table. The she-elf took a moment to look over the old woman across from her. She could tell from her years in the high courts that there was more to this haggard woman that one might discern at first glance.

She wasn’t all that eager to recount how she wound up here, especially to someone just met. It meant fully acknowledging her accountability for all of it. “Hasty decisions and poor choices, mostly… It wasn’t exactly by choice.” She lifted her mug, taking a drink before continuing. “Adjusting to this life hasn’t been easy, but I’m managing as well as I can to it. Your wagon mender, Volare, has been surprisingly patient with me... though it’s probably more of a frustration for him than he lets on. I’m better trained for magic than I am for tending a farm.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old woman chuckled lightly sipping her drink. "That's the story for many women I've come across in my travels. But a patient man is a rare treasure, hold him close dear." She gave a sad smile and pulled out a small ivory idol carved into the shape of a bear standing on it's hind legs. "I had a man like that once, like your man out there he was a warrior turned farmer. From the bottom of the Dominion, little land called Ezidor right on the shore of the Brilliant Sea." She handed the little figure to Arayna. "He was also a carver."

She then sat back sighing softly. "He passed quietly in his sleep, but still I miss him." She sipped her drink again.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna and Grissla continued their idle talk for quite some time until Volare was finally finished mending the wheel. They said their goodbyes and Arayna even parted with a hug, thankful for the woman’s help and advice. It was late afternoon by the time all was said and done and the she elf watched from the window as the woman’s wagon rolled out of sight. She looked down at the small carving the woman had given her and thought over her words and her warning. Slipping back to her room, she placed the ivory bear on her bedside table before depositing the potion on one of her dresser drawers, tucking it beneath her clothes. She couldn’t afford to make the decision to use it in haste. Exiting her room, she moved back to the kitchen, pouring another mug of cider for herself as well as one for Volare who was now resting at the kitchen table. “Well, so much for getting an early start today.” She chuckled softly as she said that and smiled down at her drink. “It was nice to get to speak with her though, she had many stories to share. I wish her well.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare gave a chuckle of his own accepting the offered mug with a nod of thanks. "Ay, but it's better than leaving her to fend for herself. Just means we'll need to make up for it tomorrow." He sipped his cider slowly rolling his bad shoulder. "Been a long while since I've had to fix a wagon, nearly forgot what I needed to do."

Standing up he moved to the window looking out at the rapidly darkening sky. "I've talked with my share of old humans. It's surprising how much experience and wisdom they can attain despite having only a quarter of our lifespan. Maybe it's because their lives are so short." He let out a low chuckle partially turning back to Arayna. "You ever wonder what it would be like to be a human?"

[StormyNyte]

"Well, I'm glad you were able to remember otherwise she may have been stuck with us for a good while." Arayna chuckled again, sipping her drink as she watched him roll his shoulder. “You should let me help you with that again, old mer. We don’t need the muscles setting like stone.” She gave a light chuckle then. “I promise I’ll keep my clothes on this time.”

She went quiet then as she pondered his next question. She couldn’t argue his theory. Taking another sip of her drink, she gave a small smile. “I could never imagine growing so wrinkly in less than one hundred years, but I do envy their courage. Perhaps it really is their short lifespans that keeps them from growing complacent with the circumstances they are handed. They don’t have time to waste on fear of changing things for themselves.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old Elf chuckled sitting down across from her. "We will have to see about that one lass. But you are right of course, don't need anything locking up in a bad way." Placing his mug down he leaned back and mulled over her words nodding gently. "That could be, but humans also have a habit of taking over wherever they find themselves." He chuckled lightly rubbing his eyes slowly.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a small smile and finished her drink, noticing him rub his eyes. "It's been a long day, old Mer, why don't you get some sleep? I'll be up for a bit and I'll see the house locked up." Standing, she moved toward the window then, giving a complacent sigh as she gazed out at the starry night sky. "It's a beautiful night, I want to enjoy it a bit before bed…"

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled at being sent to bed like a child, but fixing the wagon had taken more out of him than he expected. Maybe he was getting sick, he's been feeling off for a few days now. Standing up he put the cups into the sink. "I suppose, you're right lass, don't wander too far though it's still dangerous out there." He contemplated saying something about not running away again, but simply smiled and moved to his room pulling his shirt off as he walked in moving right to his bedside to apply the ointment so he could sleep.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna gave a light smiled and nod as she half turned toward him. "I'll stay close." She watched him move into his room before she stepped to the door and strode outside and away from the house. The crisp night air was refreshing and the stillness that surrounded her as she walked was almost serene, interrupted only by the occasional call of a night insect or hunting owl.

The she elf took a deep breath of air as she let her blue eyes turn up to the heavens. So far away from the Capitol, the stars were able to truly shine overhead, sparkling like diamonds woven onto a blueish black tapestry. There was a slight breeze that blew as she walked, sending thin ribbons of her silvery white hair to drift behind her as she studied the constellations above her.

Her thoughts drifted back to her conversation with the old crone as she took in the night alone. Could she truly learn to like living in such a manner here with him, far removed from all the finery and trappings of the high court? But if she were permitted to return, would she truly be able to find happiness when treated once more like a prize to be won and not her own person?

She couldn't deny that Volare gave her more a sense of autonomy than she had ever had before and, in a strange way, she almost adored him for it. He was stern, but also patient and, when not being pushed, even kind… in his own ways. She wasn't exactly sure what to make of the way he made her feel, only that it left her incredibly confused as to what she truly wanted anymore.

And, if his seed managed to take root, what then? Would it change how he viewed her? Would he be pleased? Angry? Would she lose value in his eyes just like she would within the whole of their society? Was the uncertainty worth risking barrenness if she did decide to take the potion? If that happened, she knew for certain that she would be cast aside…

These thoughts continued to plague her mind for the entire time she spent walking. After nearly two hours had passed, she finally resolved to head back. Her mind was still undecided, but the longer she thought of using the potion, the more the thought repelled her. When she stepped back inside, she set herself to locking up before moving to knock on his door. She wanted to let him know she was back and tell him goodnight.

[SikstaSlathalin]

He heard Arayna leave and sighed quietly as quiet filled his house once more. It's been only a short time since she arrived. But the change in atmosphere with having another person here especially with a woman who he has had sex with makes the silence feel...wrong. There was no other way for him to word this feeling. Before the She-Elf he reveled in and preferred the silence of his farm house to the rabble of town.

But now the old Mer finds himself enjoying the woman's company. Knowing she is around oddly made him feel safer. As much as he distrusted magic and those who use it. Having a fireball launcher does wonders in psychological warfare. Sitting on the edge of his bed he reaches for the ointment and begins struggling with applying it to his shoulder. Thankful the pain wasn't so great that he couldn't move around. But as he finished up and laid down he felt the tiredness from before just vanish with the pain, but a new feeling washed over him. One of nausea and a flush of intense heat, he let out a low groan and rolled to his side which only made him feel worse.

So with a slow shaky groan he got back to his feet and moved back into the house. He had a fuzzy idea of a potion he could make to alleviate the nausea. He just wasn't sure he had the ingredients, but he had to try something. This began two hours of trial and error while his stomach pain grew worse.

He had almost got it figured when he heard Arayna return and pad her way to his room no doubt expecting him to be asleep. He chuckled walking up behind her tightening some of the bandages on his fingers. "Couldn't sleep, suddenly not feeling well. So I tried to make a healing potion. Didn't work, think you can help me lass?" He smiled sheepishly.

[StormyNyte]

Volare was remarkably quiet for an old Mer and his sudden voice behind her gave her a bit of a start as she spun around. Arayna gave a slight huff of an embarrassed laugh before looking him over. A brow quirked at the sight of his bandaged fingers before giving him a wry smile.

The old warrior actually needed her and expressing as much seemed to embarrass him. She chuckled then. "Yes I can, easily. Though I could heal you much quicker with magic if you weren't so sceptical about it, old Mer." Reaching out, she tested the skin of his forehead with the back of her hand and frowned.

"You're burning up, Volare. Go sit, I'll get the potion mixed. Besides, I doubt your fingers are able to take much more damage." When he moved himself to a chair, Arayna maneuvered to get a wet cloth and muttered something under her breath, making the cloth become much colder with her secret incantation before draping it over the back of his neck. She'd worry about his fussing over her magic later, if he got much hotter as she worked on the potion his condition could take a drastic turn.

"Leave that on." Moving to where he had obviously been attempting to create the potion, she took quick stock of what he had before skillfully setting to work. She ground, poured, muddled, mixed, measured, and heated for a long moment before she was certain the potency of the dose was just right. Swirling the murky looking clay red liquid around in the bulbous vial one last time, she grabbed a small cup and poured it in.

Crossing back to her ill companion, she held out the cup to him. "Drink it all and drink it quickly. It tastes terrible but should start working within moments."

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled lightly moving in a slow teetering walk to his chair by the fireplace. "I've been sick before lassie, even a veteren warrior such as myself are immune to illness."

The cold compress did feel nice and his head has been swimming quite a lot since he started trying to make the potion. "I've never had this much misfortune before you got here Arayna." He gave a weak laugh leaning back in his chair before he took the offered potion and downed it quickly. The taste kicking him in the stomach as it hit him. He forced himself to swallow the liquid and placed to cup on the ground coughing lightly. "Damn." Was all he said.

[StormyNyte]

She gave a small scoff of a laugh when he mentioned his misfortune. "Well, you can blame me for it later, old Mer. Right now though, the only thing you should be doing is focusing on getting better." She watched him drink it with a knowing smirk. "I warned you." Reaching out, she checked his forehead again and hmmed lightly. "I guess I'll have to tend you you all night… can't have the only one in the house who knows what's what around here taken by a fever."

[SikstaSlathalin]

He chuckled wiping his mouth and stood slowly up. "Aren't you worried about catching whatever I have? Can't have both of us getting sick, especially since you're only one who knows how to make potions." Suddenly a new head rush hit him and he stumbled lightly grabbing at the back of his chair sighing. "Guess I should be getting back to bed."

[StormyNyte]

"If only someone knew how to brew an immunity fortification potion…" She responded sarcastically. When he stumbled though, she was quick to try and steady him. "Bed is exactly where you should be, now come… I'd hate to have to tend to you in the floor." She stayed by his side, not fully trusting his ability to keep his feet as she ushered him back to his room.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Leaning heavily on the woman he nodded. "We'll need to work on that one." He placed his hand on the wall and moved forward slowly down the hall. "Maybe, these is some magic afoot here. No illness I've ever had, has hit me this hard."

They reached his room and he sighed wiping sweat from his brow. "Thank you lassie." He said softly staggering to be his bed.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna frowned lightly, tsking him. "The only thing afoot here is stubborn pride and not knowing when to stop. You've been going nonstop ever since I got here. Clearly you've overworked yourself and it's left you weakened enough to be waylaid from whatever this is…" As he moved to his bed, she pulled the rag from his neck and waited for him to get himself settled before moving to refresh it. Once he was laid down, she gently wiped his face before folding the rag into a flat tube and draping it across his forehead. "You're not a war time soldier anymore, Volare. It's okay to slow down every now and again."

[SikstaSlathalin]

He gave one more short laugh settling down against his pillow. "A Farmer's life is non-stop as well lass. Just less life-threatening." Another low sigh exited his lips as he shut his eyes. "Please go lock up the house, before you get to involved in getting me well. I'll never be able to sleep knowing my home isn't safe."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before chuckling and shaking her head. She had already locked up before finding out he was sick, but she decided to humor him this once. "Just relax, I'll take care of the rest." Checking his temperature with the back of her hand one last time, she stepped out of his room and went through the motions of locking down the house once more.

[SikstaSlathalin]

With a low chuckle he removed his outer clothes and laid back on the bed sighing low feeling the affects of the potion hitting him now. He hoped it would bring him quick relief, they had a lot of work still to do before the fall. Farming, like war awaits no one. They've lost a lot of good work days recently, and the snow has been falling earlier and earlier the last couple of years.

As luck would have it, his farm was mostly just for his personal use. So no one would be breaking down his door for food anytime soon. But if they didn't get the harvest in he and his houseguest would be out hunting through knee deep snow for food come the middle of winter. And even as Snow Elves, it would be a pain in the neck.

The old Mer found himself watching the woman's ass as she walked away the last image before they drooped to sleep was that wonderfully bouncy sight.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna moved about through the house making sure everything was taken care of just so as she had seen Volare do every other evening. Once she was done making sure the house was locked up tight , she peeked in on him to make sure he was doing alright.

Seeing that he had already fallen asleep, she quietly backed out of the room and moved to the kitchen to brew herself a cup of tea. She would stay up for a while, just to make sure he was alright. The sudden onset of his condition worried her and she found herself debating as to whether or not it was wise to leave him alone for the night.

As the water boiled and the leaves steeped, she let her thoughts wander. She wasn't entirely sure about sharing his bed again, but she didn't want to risk his condition worsening while she slept in her room and knew she wouldn't be much good to either of them if she stayed up all night.

Pouring her tea, she finally resolved to spend the night beside him. He could fuss about it later if he wished, but he certainly wasn't going to become a permanent invalid on her watch. She checked on him twice more as she drank her tea and once it was done she prepared herself for bed.

Slipping into the thin shirt she had claimed as her own, she quietly moved back into his room to settle in beside him. Checking him over one last time, she rested her hand on his chest and her head close to his on the pillow. That way, if he shifted or his breathing became labored, she would know.

She dozed off and on through the night, waking every so often to make sure he wasn't getting worse. As night rolled into morning, he still hadn't improved much. Fearing that he would get worse, she spent the entire day and night tending him. The morning of the second day, she woke before the sun rose and saw that his complexion had improved quite a bit.

Smiling a thankful smile, she slipped out of bed with the thought of having breakfast ready in case he woke with his appetite renewed. Breakfast preparation went much better in her mind though. Shortly after she started, she found herself racing out of the house with a flaming skillet as smoke filled the kitchen. Uttering a string of curses, she tossed the whole mess into the pond and hurried inside to open the windows and air out the house hopefully before he woke to notice.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The last two days have been a blur unlike anything Volare had experienced in his long life up until this point. This affirmed his suspicions of this illness not being natural in nature, Snow Elves as a whole are hardy in every sense of the word. Physically, mentally, emotionally they are among the top such races on Eisignol right up there with Ogres and Giants.

He was thankful for Aryana's constant attention, though it made him feel quite like a child. But if he had gotten this sick alone...he wasn't sure he'd have been able to get through it as easily. He didn't expect it would've killed him, he's been through too damn much in this life to let some stupid illness bring him to the Den of the Two Brothers as prey rather than as a hunter.

Ever since he dropped to sleep on the first day he has been tormented by visions he can't place. Most of it he didn't recognize. But he saw flashes of Tìr Deighe the homeland of the Snow Elves in the northern parts of Avelar mingled maddeningly with images of Stormgard specifically the stern and deeply angry faces of the Chief and his wives as well as Aristocrats he did not know. But they were fleeting and too random to place any meaning to them. But they were endless and he never saw two of the same images, this was like someone sending a message of some kind. But who?

He wrestled with these questions as well as his illness until his fever broke and a single woman's (https://i.imgur.com/ZGmvwb2.jpg) was burned into his mind. He felt a searing anger coming from the woman's magic touched eyes, but behind them his warrior's instinct felt an equally searing sadness and pain in her body language. Just before the smell of smoke awoke him, she seemed to be saying something, but he couldn't place it. But his next breath was filled with smoke and his body, feeling better jumped up...well as much of a jump as it could do in his weakened state. His senses slowly returned and he moved as quickly as he could cursing slightly. "I'm sick for a few days and she burns my house down." Opening his door he looked just in time to see the woman rush outside with a burning skillet. A sigh of relief left his lips and he chuckled lightly see her rushing about still in his old shirt, she had her underwrappings on, he saw the peek of the white cloth as her speed made the shirt flare up, but the way she bounced and as cold as it was this morning, told him she hadn't bothered with her chest wrappings.

It was a very wonderful sight, jiggles make every body feel better. Shaking his head he held onto the wall for support and called out to her as she began opening the windows. "So decided to burn my house down after all lassie?" He joked watching her move approvingly.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna had barely gotten the second window slid open before she heard him call out to her. Her flustered face took on an even darker shade of red as she spun around to see him giving her an amused look. There was no talking her way out of this one, he had caught her red handed. She gave an exasperated sound and groused to try to cover up her embarrassment anyway. "Of all the times you choose to get your arse out of bed, it had to be just now…" She moved to slide open a third window before fanning at the lingering haze with a small kitchen cloth. "If you're wanting breakfast, it'll just have to wait."

[SikstaSlathalin]

The man let out a low rolling laugh having to press his back against the wall for support as the laughter shook him. "Well, next time I'm on the verge of death I'll be sure to wait a bit longer before coming to tell you good bye Arayna." He stood back up and opened the door some more letting the cold of the morning whisk through the small house and blow the remainder of the smoke away with a single strong gust before he shut the door and limped his way to the kitchen table sitting heavily down. "I guess I'll be the primary cook around here huh lass?"

He felt the sickness moving away and with it the repressed desires he'd missed out on the last two days came back. His stomach let out a low growl and a tickle formed in his throat, letting out a cough he pointed to the far cupboard in the upper right corner of the kitchen. "In there you'll find my travel rations for when I need to go afield to hunt or forage. Should be dried meat, candied fruit, and some trail bars in there. Serve them with some warm cider and that'll be a fine breakfast. Also the cider will help you not poke holes in my old shirt." He smirked and pointed at the front of the She-Elf's shirt where the effects of the cold were showing quite obviously.

[StormyNyte]

Rolling her eyes, she gave a huff. "Don't be so dramatic, if you were that close to death I'd be the first to know." Tossing the cloth back to the counter, she folded her arms beneath her breasts, feeling a bit defeated over the cooking mishap. "Well, it's not like it's as easy as you make it look, you know…" When he told her where he kept his field rations and instructed her to serve that instead, she moved to collect them but was halted in mid reach by his ending statement. Glancing back at his smirking face before looking down, her already reddened complexion spread clear to the tips of her ears as she gave an indignant scoff, turning quickly back toward the cupboard to momentarily hide her current state from view. "Dirty old Mer, stop gawking!" Collecting the various foodstuffs, she prepared two plates and tossed two mulling stones in the fire before placing the plates on the table. Pouring the cider, she fished the stones back out with a small pair of tongs and dropped them one by one into their mugs. Carrying them over, she sat them down and took her seat across from him.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled stealing one final glance at the woman's chest before dropping his eyes giving a few low coughs before he smiled up at her. "Thank ye for the food lassie, and for taking care of me during this...strange sickness. Never in all my years have I had something like this, and I've been in the worst conditions a body can be in. Even almost cleaved in half in the sands of Ophier with vultures stalking me."

He chuckled sardonically picking up his first stick of dried meat chomping it slowly. "As for your cooking don't worry lass. I'll domesticate you yet."

[StormyNyte]

“Well, I couldn’t just leave you to suffer through it… though, I’m surprised that an illness like that came on so sudden. Maybe you picked something up when we were in town?” The possible explanation was a weak one, but Arayna couldn’t riddle out any more sound one at that moment. She began to eat, but gave a soft huff of a laugh and grinned at his words of domesticating her. “Perish the thought.” Taking a drink of her cider, she thought for a moment. “You should let me cast a cleansing spell, it’ll help clear the air of anything that might be lingering.”

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare ate his food slowly mulling over her offer. He supposed it couldn't hurt, but he was still very iffy about magic being around him or in his house. But she'd kept him healthy and got him through a bad illness so maybe he could give her some trust. He nodded slowly taking a long pull of his cider letting out a low sigh. "Very well lassie, do what you need just don't blow my house up please."

He finished his food and the drink before he stood slowly up stretching his stiff body some. "I know I should try and stay up, but not sure I'll be able to go very far. I still feel very tired and stiff."

[StormyNyte]

Arayna chuckled lightly when he finally agreed to let her use her magic for a cleansing spell. "Well, if you didn't manage to burn it down while you were attempting a potion then I should have no problem avoiding it. Besides... it's a lot easier for me than cooking."

Finishing up her meal as well, she waved his words off lightly. "No, what you should do is relax and keep from pushing yourself until you are fully recovered, you stubborn goat. We'll still manage, even if you need a day or two longer." She stood then and collected their plates and mugs before washing them up in the bin.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The old Mar groaned lowly and hobbled his way over to his armchair in front of the fire sitting heavily down. "By the Brother's I hope that doesn't turn out to be the case, the winter's have been coming sooner and sooner to these parts in the last few years. As of now we won't have enough to get us and the horses through winter. There's also firewood to chop and other chores." He felt himself desiring to stand up but a sudden head rush made him drop back into the chair with a sigh as he watched Arayna clean the dishes smirking as he took his time to watch her bounce around in his shirt. "At least I have a nice view to gawk at."

[StormyNyte]

As time passed, so to did Volare's mystery illness. As days rolled into weeks, the harvear season had quickly set upon them. Arayna wouldn't know by her own experience, but this year's harvest seemed much bleaker than past seasons. What wasn't diseased and rotting on the vine was withered to half it's typical harvest size. Arayna puzzled over the strange plant sickness while Volare seemed to mutter a string of curses a few rows over. It was a stressful time for the duo, being so close to winter's arrival. Over the past few weeks, Arayna has to rest more and more as time went by and now, as Volare was distracted, aslender hand moved to protectively hold her still small enough to conceal baby bump through the baggy tunic she wore. Try as she might to not think about it, the drastic lack of healthy food-bearing plants in the field would barely keep them fed through the winter without a brand new baby wo worry about. She found herself wondering more and more as the days passed now, whether it had truly been a good idea to not drink the potion given to her by the one peddler woman.

[SikstaSlathalin]

A deep sigh rolled out of his lips as he tossed yet another pile of dead crops into the rapidly growing pile of dead crops. "How in the Hunters' hell! Is this happening?!" He growled standing and kicking the pile of dead plants. Corn, wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots all of them were dead or on the way to being dead. None of the soil tricks he knew helped, he even used some old potions an alchemist had given him to revive the fields.

It's been like this for weeks nothing had worked. At this rate they were both gonna starve, they could hunt he supposed. But with winter coming most animals would be hibernating or would have moved further South before the first snowfall. Now if it was just him he could simply drop Matron off in Sàmhach and take Grim afield while he hunted and foraged for the winter. But with Arayna he wouldn't be able to go so far, she was coming along well learning to live rough. But weeks or maybe a couple of months living and hunting in the wilds would be too much for her. He wasn't even sure if he had enough gold to pay for the supplies they would need.

Rubbing his face wearily he moved to where the woman was taking a long drink from his canteen. "Any clue why this is happening?" He asked sighing again.

[StormyNyte]

With a heavily troubled sigh, Arayna shook her head as she tossed another withered plant onto the pile. "I've read about blights in some of your books, but even blight doesn't affect so many different crops at once… I can think of no natural reason for it."

The she elf leaned heavily on her hoe for a moment and shook her head again before a sudden idea teased at her thoughts as her gaze fell back to the field. "...unless it's not natural at all…" Glancing back to Volare, she pushed herself to standing. With slow steps, she made her way to the center of the field and knelt down on one knee before leaning to place her right hand against the dirt.

Closing her eyes, Arayna focused her energy, reaching out with it in order to try to detect the possible cause. She could nearly taste lingering traces of a curse like brackish water on the back of her tongue. A magical cause was the absolute last thing she wanted to mention at this point, given his predisposition to the craft, but she could not keep it from him. "Volare… do you still have enemies that still live? Ones capable of complex magics and curses?"

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare let out a tired almost growling sigh brushing dirt from his hand. "Most of my enemies are Elves and Dwarves so the better question is which ones are dead. As for magic that's most of the Elves, but I'm here under a Royal Protection Decree from your father so they'd know better than to try and earn the ire of a Snow Elf Chieftain."

Sitting down on the covered water barrel he placed his face in his hands. "So if this is really magic, it's someone outside the usual courts and battlefields of our people. Not sure who I pissed off to want me dead like this though. I need to go see if I have enough coin to buy supplies." Getting up off the barrel he trudged slowly back to the house a hand on his hip and the other worriedly running it's fingers through his long white hair.

[SikstaSlathalin]

( bump v.v )

[StormyNyte]

Arayna was silent as Volare answered, pondering allowed as to who might have been behind their most recent woes. When he stood and began to make his way back to the house, the she-elf stayed behind. With a troubled sigh and a hand subconsciously stroking her lower stomach, she turned her sights toward the withered fields. Whoever had caused this must have been powerful.

Making her way to the center of the field, she knelt and pressed a hand to the soil. Closing her eyes, she opened the metaphysical doors of her mind and reached out, trying to establish exactly what curse or hex was used. Countering the fallout properly depended heavily on recognizing exactly what spell was used. Arayna could feel the lingering press of it, somewhere just below the surface, and frowned. She could recognize the feel of the hex, but could not seem to place exactly where she knew it from.

If it weren’t for the small life growing within her, she would have tried to undo it with just her own power. Unfortunately the process of undoing a hex was incredibly taxing even for the highest ranking snow elf mages without a substantial sacrifice of blood. She was certain Volare would not be willing to offer up one of his horses for the ritual and to attempt it without the offering of blood would most certainly put the developing babe in extreme duress.

No, she could not use her own powers to help without convincing him to allow her to summon blood magic. A goat would be enough to put an end to the blight, a cow might even provide enough to restore at least one field to decent health. Then again, once the hex would be broken, the caster would know almost instantly that their efforts had been thwarted. Still… it didn’t seem like they had many options left available to them at this point.

With a resolute nod to herself, she stood and brushed the dirt from her hands. She would bring the possible solution to Volare. With any luck, he would be willing to listening.

(It still lives!)

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare grumbled quietly as he slowly counted the contents of the small safe he kept in his closet. He was around six gold coins short of having the supplies he and Arayna would need for the coming winter. Maybe the woman had some coins stashed in her bodice somewhere. The thought made him chuckle lightly before he banged his clenched fist on the table knocking over the carefully counted coins.

Hardly caring at this point the former warrior stood up rubbing his face tiredly before moving to the cabinet to pour himself a small glass of Snow Elf whiskey. Maybe he could call in some favors in town and get the rest of the money or find some extra work to bring it in. There was also the option of selling his old soldiering gear. Snow Elf weapons and armor are quite highly prized, the craftsmanship is ranked right next to Dwarven and Orcish arms and armor. And Volare's were of an even finer quality because they were crafted by the Chief's former Forgemaster, Idogril who died a short while after the gear was made. A Snow Elf warrior never parts with his weapons and armor and is usually buried with it, but he was a farmer now so he wouldn't need them.

But still he didn't think he'd ever part with them. Moving quietly to his room he pulled his heavy steel armor from the rack as well as his greatsword and carried them to the kitchen table and dropped it down on top of the coins looking over at it all sighing deeply.

[StormyNyte]

Knowing that his mood had darkened, Arayna took her time crossing the field to return to the house. Suggestions of magic were tricky at the best of times, but at this point there was little else the she-elf could think to do. As the door opened though, her eyes fell to the armor and sword splayed out on the kitchen table along with a small pile of coins in front of Volare.

What she had planned to say in an attempt to broach the topic and sway him toward the use of magic was gone in an instant. Even she knew how important a warrior’s weapon and armor were to them, it was like an extension of their own body. It was obvious to her now that the situation was much more desperate than what her inexperience had originally led her to believe.

His back was to her as the door was quietly closed and she stood there silent for a long moment, trying and failing to think of something -anything to say. She felt powerless in that moment and completely at a loss for what to do. Without a word, she silently returned to her room and closed the door.

Rubbing the back of her neck with both hands in exasperation over her lack of knowing what to do, she began to pace. Arayna had never had to face problems like this before, nor had she ever had to worry about trying to comfort another in such a difficult situation. What would her father do? ...Her father.

Her pacing halted in an instant as the memory clicked into the forefront of her mind, her gaze sliding back to the small ebony wood owl figurine on the table. It was a cleverly fashioned little keepsake box and had been the only thing her father had given her himself before she was sent away. She felt a sudden tightness in her chest as she remembered what he had said as he pressed it into her hands.

“You WILL learn deference, child, but… never forget where you came from.”

She had refused to even open it out of sheer spite… until now. Biting her lip, she crossed the room and plucked the carved box from the table. It took a surprising amount of effort to keep her nervous hands from shaking as they slowly cracked it open. Tears of relief were quick to fill her eyes at what she saw hidden within, a quiet laugh that was nearly a sob escaping her lips as she smiled.

Moments later, she stepped back out of her room to find Volare still staring at the gear he was mentally preparing himself to part with. With quickened steps, Arayna came up behind him and wrapped him in a tight hug from behind. She held him tight for a long moment before finally moving one of her balled hands so that it was out in front of him. As her pale fingers uncurled, their answer glittered up at him in the dim light that spilled from the window.

Resting in her palm was a beautiful flawless sapphire, big as a grape, and as blue as the Glacial Sea on a sunny day. She nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder before kissing it softly. “It seems as though my father didn’t send me away penniless after all.” The soft quaver in her voice revealing just how relieved she felt in that instant.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare had almost convinced himself that selling his sword and armor were their best chance of survival. Whatever honor and reputation he had upon retiring from the guard would be gone should he ever return to a Snow Elf settlement. Not that he was planning on ever returning to Snow Elf lands, but you never know what the Two Brothers have in mind for their younglings.

He heard Arayna enter the house and couldn't bring himself to look at her as he heard her look upon his gear tossed onto the table ready to be sold. The shame was too much to bear especially to the woman he had bedded and was beginning to feel something for. Even old fools like him can have their pride wounded still. He shook his head slowly sending up prayers for help and guidance.

He had just finished the prayer when he felt Arayna wrap him in a hug and place something cool and heavy into his tightly clenched hand. Opening it his jaw nearly dropped, a perfect sapphire bright as the northern lights and a sign that the Gods hadn't forsaken him and his charge. Tears began falling from his cheeks as he turned kissing the woman deeply on her lips lifting her up from the ground a little and holding her there for a solid minute before he put her down. "The Two Brothers smile upon us lassie, as bright and gay as the summer sun." He quickly gasped and looked out the window. The stores in Sàmhach would be closing soon and he needed to sell this godsend before the brothers decided to take it all back and have a good laugh at them. Grabbing his greatsword he threw it over his shoulder and gave the She-Elf another kiss on the lips. "I'll be back soon, I need to sell this before the shops close and some other misfortune befalls us." With that he shot through the door and ran to the stable grabbing the nearest horse and roared from the barn not even bothering with a saddle.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna returned the kiss deeply until she was returned to her feet. She watched as he grabbed his greatsword and headed out the door, calling out after him as he ran to the stable. “Ride swift, Volare” then more to herself softly, “stay safe and come back to me…” The she-elf watched from the door until he thundered out of sight. With a soft sigh, she turned back to the kitchen table and smiled. At least his honor as a warrior was still intact.

Still, she had to get to the bottom of their woes before he returned. Using the knowledge of traps and snares she had gathered from one of his books and had been permitted to practice under Volare’s supervision, she set a few snares along the edge of the treeline and returned to the house to wait. She couldn’t reverse the effects of the hex with the blood of a rabbit, but it would be enough to help her discern who was responsible for their misfortune.

Looking back to his armor, she tapped her bottom lip and smiled. She had learned many new things from the books he had at his disposal during the long evenings, one of which was how to properly care for weapons and armor. Needing something to fill her time while she waited, she decided to put it to use by polishing his armor before returning it to the rack. She kept at her task until she could see her own reflection in the metal.

Once the task was finished, she stepped out to check the snares and found that one had been successful in trapping a small rabbit. Putting it out of its suffering with a quick strike to the head, she freed it from the snare and brought it to the center of the field. With great meticulousness, she drug her hands through the dirt to form the circling symbols necessary for the scrying spell she intended to use. She then stabbed the rabbit and let the blood flow as she traced over the patterns in the dirt. Once every drop was drained, she tossed the carcass aside and knelt in the very center.

Digging her hands into the dirt directly in front of her, Arayna closed her eyes and murmured her incantation. She could feel the physical drain on her body as she wove her spell, but felt the fortification of the blood she spilled. Slowly, the veiling layers lifted between her mind's eye and the originator of the hex. The visage finally became clear and Arayna immediately recognized who their tormentor truly was.

It was not an enemy of Volare's at all… it was the one who was meant to be her own sister-wife. The spell was broken in an instant and her slender hand covered her mouth as the realization hit her full force. All of their suffering, all of their strife… it was her own fault.

How could she tell Volare that she was once again at the heart of his troubles? He would be furious. He would shut her out, leave her to whatever fate the wilds had instore for her. With eyes brimming with tears, she dashed away all traces of her blood magic scrying before moving to toss the carcass away into the trees.

She had to tell him, lest their misfortune continue… but how? The dread of it clutched at her heart like a steely fist as a hand held her small swell protectively.

[SikstaSlathalin]

The sound of Grim's heavy tired hoofbeats were heard coming down the dirt road shortly after nightfall. The moon was just peeking over the mountains above Volare's Farm, the night was cool the faint promise of an early winter creeping down the fertile valley. Animals scattered as the groan of a cart mingled with the heavy somewhat ragged breaths of the old war horse. Obviously he had been ridden hard and the road was rough, especially hauling a large supply cart.

The Snow Elf led his horse and newly acquired cart back to the barn unhooking his horse. Grim let out a thankful sigh and shook his fine coat flinging droplets of sweat around the barn and Matron. Volare let out a sigh as well before he took Grim's place and grasped the crossbars putting his mighty muscled arms to work pushing the cart before him towards his larger back door. It took him a few minutes, but soon he brought the cart as close to his house as he could.

He let out a tired sigh and grasped two of the hefty supply sacks flinging them over his shoulders pushing his shoulder into the door entering his house. "Arayna, the Brothers smiled upon you the day they sent you here. That Sapphire netted enough supplies to last us into the spring!" He dropped the heavy bags onto the floor in the kitchen before heading back to the cart to fetch the rest.

[StormyNyte]

Arayna had spent the rest of her wait fretting and pacing through the house. She had to tell him, there was no way around it. He would be livid once he knew the truth of it though, of why they were suffering and exactly what she had done to be sent off as she had been.

She was almost ready to start packing her things, certain he would cast her out when she heard the sound of a cart drawing near to the house. She had just stepped back out through the bedroom door as Volare stepped in through the back door and called out to her before dropping two of the supply sacks and moving to collect more. Hastily wiping away her tears and putting on her best smile, she hurried through the house to see what help she could offer with unloading.

"Then we should thank the Brothers for their unexpected blessings. There will be time enough for that later though, let's get this cart unloaded."

Volare noticed the puffiness in her eyes, but thought it was just the worry from almost being sentenced to a rough few months afield hunting and foraging for supplies to survive the harsh winters of the North. There was ten similarly large bags in the cart and a large cart that might require both of them to lift. "Aye, some of the fresher supplies are perishable, but most I grabbed were dried or salted just in case our misfortunes continue." Hefting two more bags he repeated his strange waddling walk.

Arayna hadn't fully realized exactly how much it would take to see them through the winter months until she saw the numerous sacks of provisions. Her brow raised in surprise, but his mention of their misfortunes continuing made her smile falter as she moved past her. Biting her lip nervously, she moved to pull one of the sacks from the cart.

It was still heavy and cumbersome for her, but the past month's hauling hay bales and water buckets had built a bit more strength for her. They continued like this until the cart was nearly unloaded, leaving only the large cart to retrieve. Nodding toward it, she asked "what's in that one?"

Volare wiped his brow and gave a tired smile thumping it heartily. "A surprise, but will need your help with it. Here grab an end use both hands." He grabbed one side waiting for the woman to grab her end.

"A surprise?" Arayna repeated, quirking a brow and giving Volare an amused but skeptical look. He had never struck her as the type to bother with surprises. It seemed old dogs can learn new tricks, the thought made her chuckle as she moved to the other side and found a good hold. On his mark, they hefted it between them and carried it inside.

As they carried the box between them the warrior nodded lightly and gave a low grunt as he guided them to the pantry door and put it down. "Aye, I know it hasn't been easy for you being out here with me. Even in the military we got rewards for good work, so I just thought it would be nice to do something like that." Picking up a knife from the counter her pried it gently underneath the lid and popped the seams before slowly lifting the lid up revealing horse supplies mostly. But sitting neatly atop a box of fine nail was a medium sized bundle wrapped in white cloth. Lifting it up he opened the thick paper and revealed a fur cloak, but not just any fur cloak it was made of pure white fur likely from either a deer or wolf. It was extremely soft and the inside was lined with a black satin like fabric. He draped it over the woman's shoulders smiling some. "I know it's not as fine as what you likely had back in Stormgard, but...I thought you'd like it." He looked down smiling sheepishly.

She watched with curious eyes as Volare pried open the lid and withdrew the medium bundle. As the thick paper was pulled back to reveal the beautiful furred cloak, white as new fallen snow and as soft as a swaddling blanket. Her breath caught at the sight of it, a trembling hand lifting to her lips as he affectionately draped it over her shoulders. Her throat felt suddenly tight as a thick sheen of tears filled her eyes almost instantly.

They had already begun a steady roll freely down her cheeks by the time she was able to squeak out her words between a series of quiet hitching sobs. "You… bought this… for me?" Arayna couldn't even meet his gaze in that moment for the shame she felt and her svelte frame soon shook as the intensity of her sobbing nearly doubled.

Volare's jaw dropped, this wasn't the reaction he was expecting. Granted it's been many years since he's given a woman a gift at all...let alone such an expensive one. Did he do something wrong? Was it too much too soon? Did it remind her of her past and how far she's fallen from grace? He had not clue and after standing there a minute or so his mouth open in shock and his hands clenching and uncleanching in indecision. Eventually he did the only thing he could of he wrapped the woman in a tight hug and apologized profusely. "I'm sorry lass, I really am. I -I can take it back tomorrow if you want!"

The instant his arms were around her, she clung to him and buried her face against his chest. She was about to bare her soul and confess her sins and here he stood thinking he had been the one in the wrong. "The cloak is beautiful, Volare" she managed between sobs, "but it's far more than I deserve." She was overtaken by another bout of sobbing before she was able to continue, "It's my fault," she finally managed to croak, "your illness, the harvest, all of it… Brothers burning, it's all my fault!" Another round of sobs shook her as her hold on him tightened as though afraid he would shove her aside. "I'm sorry, Volare! I'm so, so sorry!"

The surprises continue. Volare was quite lost, but the woman's tears and rocking sobs affected him tears beginning to well up in his own eyes. "How is any of this your fault?" He asked resting his chin on top of her head his powerul arms pulling her closer trying to rubbing her back and arms comfortingly.

Arayna took a few hitching breaths, trying to collect herself enough to tell him. He would hate her for it, she knew he would. Once he knew exactly why she was sent away, he'd cast her out just like everyone else had. Dread coiled tight in the pit of her stomach over the flawed certainty of it and she shook her head, suddenly pulling away as if preparing for the reaction she knew would come.

"While you were gone… I-I-I cast a scrying spell to see who was behind it all…" She took another handful of shaky breaths and continued, "I was sent here because… because… I poisoned the Mer I was meant to marry. Our tormentor isn't an enemy of yours at all, it's the woman who was meant to be my sister wife…" She shook her head again, hugging herself as she took a step back from him. "This is all happening because of what I've done..."

At first an ember of rage did begin to build up in his breast. The woman he had opened his home up under the pretense of "educating" her was a kin killer! And the shit that had been ruining his way of life and livelihood was little more than petty noble troubles. He had more than enough of those when he was Captain of the Guard. He lost track of how duels he had to mediate because one small time Chief stole another small time chief's sheep and the number of times he was solicited by ambitious She-Elves to try and use him to get close to the King so he can be tricked into bedding the woman and put and heir in their bellies to be used later.

Holding his hands before his face his tears quickly dried up, but despite his initial rage. the more he looked at Arayna the more he saw a scared maid so used to being used and using others that genuine consequences for her actions were getting her in well over her head. And even after the short time they had shared together his heart ached at the idea of berating her or casting her out which by the looks of her hunched form she was expecting.

It took a few more seconds, but soon he moved back to her and once more wrapped her in a strong hug. "Neither of us are Saints lass." Was all he said before lifting her head to fondly kiss her lips.

Arayna could recognize the flash of anger as it crossed his face. She knew it was coming. The moment of silence that passed between them seemed like an eternity. She was almost ready to turn and go start packing her meager belongings when Volare moved for her. The motion made her flinch hard, not knowing exactly what to expect. When his arms wrapped her in a hug instead of striking her, she let out a shaky breath before he kissed her. Her tear-reddened eyes finally managed to meet his then. "...you don't hate me now?"

He smiled gently brushing his thumb along her cheek moving some of the tears away. "No, I'm sure you had a good reason for what you did. I spent too many years in the politics of the courts to fault you over much. It could just as easily have been my fault as yours, I may not have killed my betrothed, but I killed a great many others each of who could easily have a vengeful loved one. While your father did his best to keep my location a secret, the walls in his great hall have ears and mouths." He leaned down kissing her deeply once more. "We just need a plan to fix this."

His words were like an unseen weight being lifted from her shoulders and the wash of relief she felt was almost staggering. She returned his next kiss just as deeply, unspeakably thankful for his understanding. "I was not able to discern where she is exactly, but if she figures out we're on to her… things could get worse. Whatever we do must be done swiftly and precisely. " Arayna gave a small sheepish smile then, shifting in his arms a bit. "I really do love the cloak, Volare, thank you."

[SikstaSlathalin]

The night melted away in content silence as neither Snow Elf were in the right mind to come up with a plan. But tomorrow was a new day, and would hopefully bring about new thoughts and renewed hopes. But as the pair snuggled under the covers of Volare's bed they didn't care. They were just happy to have each other and rely on one another to combat this development.

[StormyNyte]

They spent the rest of that night wrapped in each other's arms and reaffirming the bond that had built between them. No amount of losing themselves could stop the passage of time though and morning came as it always did. As they rose and began to prepare their morning meal, a chilled rain began to fall. Gazing out the window, Arayna sighed and had to physically restrain herself from placing her hand over her lower stomach. It was a strange habit to her now, one that seemed almost instinctual in its very nature. "Do you think the supplies will last us until Spring even with the harvest so poor?"

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare let out a low sigh and shrugged his heavy shoulders as he finished tying up his hunting jacket. "I don't know lass, I really don't." He looked up at the gray snow clouds looming up over the mountains. "But I will need to go make and set up some traps." Once his jacket was secure he lifted the woman's new cloak and draped it about her shoulders before he kissed her gently on the cheek.

"I may be gone the rest of the day, hopefully I'll bring home a rabbit or something." Moving past her he exited the bedroom heading for a hallway closet to grab his hunting bow and a bag full of twine and other trap making tools.

[StormyNyte]

Watching him prepare, Arayna drew her cloak tighter around her form. She hated seeing him heading out alone, especially after the incident with the wolves and knowing they were suffering from a hex. Stepping out from the bedroom herself, she spun a quick incantation of protection and sealed it to him with a kiss before he had time to protest. She could feel the slight drain on her body as the spell took hold, but it was nothing she couldn't recover from. As she drew away, her eyes easily betrayed the concern she felt. "Are you absolutely certain you don't want me going with you? I can be quiet, I really can. You'd not even know I was there."

[SikstaSlathalin]

Volare chuckled through his skin instantly crawling as he felt her spell surround him. He didn't think he'd ever get used magic being used on him, but he would tolerate it if it made her feel better. Shaking his arms out he shook his head and hugged her. "I'm sure you can be lass, but we can't run the risk of it. Our larder is running low." He gave a small smirk and gave her backside a light spank. "Besides, you know Princesses can't hunt."

Shouldering his bow and arrows he picked up his great sword and grabbed another cloak before heading for the door.

[StormyNyte]

She gave him a look that was a mix of both annoyance and amusement. How could one elf be so stubborn and so endearing at the same time? Resigning herself to staying put, she called out. “Stay safe out there, old mer…” It was difficult to shake the thick feeling of solitude once the door shut behind him, The little farmhouse seemed so quiet when it was just her… Watching him out of sight, she placed a hand on her stomach and spoke softly. “We will have to tell him sooner or later, little one… I just hope he takes it well when we do.” Pulling herself from the window, she began tidying the place up and added more wood to the fire since it looked as if it were going to start snowing later that evening.

The rest of the morning was spent on various small tasks. She tried her hand at sewing, making a valiant attempt to mend a few clothing items that had been worn through in places. She read a few passages in the books that snared her intest most, but finally grew restless. She moved back to the window and looked out over the rainy field to the stable. They hadn’t fed the horses yet and that was one task she could still see to herself. She slipped on his second pair of boots since they had not yet been able to procure her a pair yet and her once decent shoes had already begun to fall apart.

They were almost comically large on her, but would serve the purpose of keeping her feet free from mud. Pulling up the hood of her cloak, she strode out the door to see to the task herself.

[SikstaSlathalin]

Night had began to fall upon Volare's farm and still the old warrior hadn't returned. All the chores were done hours ago, and Arayna had even begun to put together a small dinner with what supplies she and Volare had left. The chilly wind had increased outside and snowflakes were plopping onto the warm windows of the kitchen.

As the light faded, so to did her fragile certainty that all was well. He had told her that he would likely be gone all day, but she hadn't thought he'd still be out quite this late. Placed the silverware and empty plates on the table, she looked once more out the window. "Volare, you know good and well you're worrying me... stubborn old mer." She would be hanging a lantern out if he were gone too much longer.

The snowstorm came on in full force a few minutes later the wind howling wildly outside. Volare had said the snows had been coming earlier and earlier the past few years, but whether this storm was natural or a result of the Hex from Yismera. Doubt continued to grow and became almost palatable throughout the house. A particularly hard wind blew, kicking up a cloud of white snow, but between the clouds a strange orange glow appeared in the distance bobbing lightly through the darkness.

As the wind howled outside, Arayna threw a few more logs on the fire and began to pace. She would pause for a few moments each time her path drew her past the window facing the direction she had left. On one such pause, her eyes caught sight of a faint glow in the distance. A heavy sigh of relief escaped her lips, certain it was him. He must have fashioned together a torch when the light was fading on him.

The glow had come closer now and behind it the She-Elf saw a dark figure bobbing slowly behind it. It was a lantern not a torch, but it was too bright to see many of the features of the person holding it. But the figure's height and bulk gave the worried woman hope. Who else would be out here and look so close to Volare's size? Grabbing another lantern she moved to the door, but she stayed her hand as another kind of doubt crept into her mind. The Old Mer had told her time and again about bandits in the area.

Her hand hovered above the door handle for a moment as her mind raced to examine the facts. Volare had not taken a lantern with him, but someone roughly his same size was headed this way with the aid of lantern light. She knew from his previous warning that bandits were a worry here, and those bandits knew how to fight against magic users. She wanted it to be Volare, more than anything, but in the back of her mind she knew it wasn't. A shiver ran down her spine as she turned the latch for the door lock and made haste to secure the windows. It could have simply been someone that was caught by the storm and seeking shelter, but what if it wasn't?

As soon as the figure and the light reached the fence around Frostfire Farm it was quickly snuffed out. And what could almost be called a sinister laugh rode on the back of the now screaming wind. A minute later the sound of heavy boots crunched the snow outside before they stopped and a light knock was heard at the door.

Arayna felt a sudden weight in the pit of her stomach as soon as the light was snuffed. This was no lost traveler, their approach was too deliberate. "Two Brothers, Volare, where are you?!" She whispered absently to herself as she moved to grab the largest knife in the kitchen. Was is just her imagination, or did the blowing wind sound like laughter? The light knock at the door practically made her jump and she stared at it for a long silent moment before working up the nerve to speak. "...Yes?"

There was silence for a few seconds before a soft crackly voice sounded very faintly on the other side of the door. "Hello deary, I'm an old woman that got lost on the road into town. This storm took me quite by surprise. And now my old wrinkled hands have scarce the feeling left to hold my lantern, can you please let me in until the storm passes?" The voice sounded deeper than an old woman's should, but it also sounded sincere.

Every hair on the back of Arayna's neck stood on end the instant she heard the voice. It didn't sound right and it certainly didn't seem to match the silhouette she saw in the distance. Blessed anger began to well up inside her to chase away the fear and doubt that had hold of her just moments before. "And just what exactly is an old woman like yourself doing wandering these parts alone?" Thankfully, her voice carried an edge well and did not waver.

A light crackle of a laugh answered her. "I told you deary, I got lost on my way to town. I'm an Alchemist and was out gathering ingredients. Please let me in." The voice bangs on the door again this time sounding louder and heavier than before.

The sudden louder bang at the door made her jump. She still didn't fully believe the stranger's story, but she was still quite uncertain about the area and the different people that traveled through it. Volare hated when she used magic, but he wasn't here to intervene in this situation. Firming her resolve, she quickly moved to gather a small bit of ash from the fire and used it to trace a line and a few intricate symbols across the floor in front of the doorway. The ward was a basic one, designed to prevent those wishing to to do harm from crossing the threshold easily. Once that little failsafe was in place, she tightened her grip on the knife but kept it out of sight as she cracked the door open an inch and peeked out. "If you were truly gathering herbs, show them to me."

There was silence on the other end of the door for a few seconds. She could tell the stranger was trying to think quickly. "I...told you deary, my hands are too numb to move. Please just let me in." The voice shifted into a deep somewhat annoyed sounding register. And a force began pressing more into the door, for more than small old woman could make.

The instant the stranger began trying to push their way in, Arayna threw herself against the door to try to shut it back. It was little use as whoever was on the other side easily had her out-muscled. With a solid thump, Arayna was flung backwards and the door flew wide. A sudden gust of snowy wind howled through the open doorway with enough force to snuff all burning light but the hearth fire itself and, for that brief instant, all but the intruder's massive silhouette was shrouded in snow and darkness. A laugh, deep and sinister rolled from a very male throat just before he took his first step inside.

The instant his foot made contact with the floor across the threshold though, there was a sudden concussive blast of air that resonated through the house like a thunderclap. It hit the figure full force in the chest, sending him reeling. Arayna scrambled back to her feet and flung herself at the door, slamming it shut and locking it seconds before an there was a solid slam at the other side followed by a string of angry curses. Fearing whoever it was might be able to break it down, she began to mutter a quiet incantation and focused her mind's eye on a mental image of the outside door.

Another solid slam, followed by another threatened to break her concentration, but after yet another that managed to make the wood of the door frame groan under the stress of it came the sound like glass on glass and a sudden shout of surprise as the ground in front of the door was immediately surrounded by a five foot wall of ice spikes all pointed outward to ward off his continued attempts to break through it.

The intruder, giving up on further deception began shouting at Arayna. "You magic loving bitch! I was just gonna rob this shit shack, but now you pissed me off!" Soon the sound of a heavy weapon of some kind began banging and chipping away at the ice spikes. The man's size and strength were definitely equal to Volare's, the spikes held strong but they wouldn't hold forever.

As the intruder began to bash away at her wall of spikes, Arayna quickly tossed a few more logs in the fire to ensure a steady source of heat to draw energy from if he managed to break in. As the new logs began to crackle and spark, she shouted back. "Leave now and live! If you cross this threshold again, your life will be forfeit!"

The sound of breaking ice was the only thing that answered her threat. The first few feet shattered under the bandit's heavy blows. He didn't seem to care for her words nor for his own safety, it sounded like he was going to break though, but over the howling wind another man's voice sounded. The bandit's hammering stopped and he shouted back before he let out a pained scream that ended in a gurgling gasp. There was painful silence for a few tense minutes before Volare's voice sounded from beyond the door. "Are ye ok lassie?!"

For a long, tense moment all that answered Volare was silence. Then, finally, the bashed remains of the icy fortifications cracked and crumbled at his feet as a small, hesitant voice answered from beyond the door. "Volare?" The instant he confirmed that it was indeed him, relief flooded her. The door was jerked open and Arayna flung her arms around him. "Where have you been? Why didn't you come back?! I thought that man had done something to you!" She may have sounded mad, but the look in her eyes and the furious intensity with which she held him said without saying that she was simply relieved he was safely back.

The old Mer wrapped his arms firmly around the woman trying to wrap his around all that had happened on his hunt and his return home. But as another shrill winter wind blew across the farm he let out a noticeable shiver. "I will tell you everything lass, but first let's go inside. I've been tramping through the snow for the past three hours and could really use a drink and a sit by the fire." He kissed her upon her forehead before moving past and into the house.

As he made his way inside, Arayna closed and bolted the door before moving to take his heavy coat, motioning him toward his seat by the fire. She hung it up to dry out before moving to the kitchen to pour him a mug of cider, muttering a small heat spell as it filled the vessel so that it was steaming by the time she passed it into his hands. "What happened out there?"

Volare wearily took the mug breathing the crisp soothing aroma for a few long seconds before finally taking a sip and nearly melting back into his armchair. "Well first things first I managed to catch a deer so we won't starve yet, but I wasn't the one that had killed it. I poached a mountain lion's kill I think, it was partially eaten and buried in the snow." He took another sip his shoulder beginning to stiffen up as he thawed out, a low pained groan escaped his lips as he shifted in the chair. "Every trap I had set was empty or destroyed, and there wasn't tracks anywhere in...I'd say a three mile radius." Cradling his arm he continued. "Once I had found the carcass, I dug up as much as I could and began hauling it back. It wasn't more than five minutes afterwards though I started hearing something stalking me. Probably that big cat looking for it's dinner. Luckily the blizzard slowed him down as much as it slowed me, but nearly right up until the main road I could feel him getting closer and closer." The big man let out a shiver his hand shaking lightly either in fear or pain Arayna couldn't tell. "I thought for sure it would get me before I got back." He took a long shaky breath and took a long pull of his drink. "Looks like you had some trouble yourself."

Arayna listened intently, her lips forming a slow thin line as the realization that he well and truly could have been ended settled in. All it would have taken was one well timed attack and she would have been left to fend for herself and their child alone. Of course, that was assuming she would have been able handle the bandit alone. The warning he gave her on her first day was still fresh in her mind and though she doubted that the individual that attacked was able to counteract her magic, the simple thought that he might have been turned her stomach sour. She tried to think of something, anything, to say to sooth the situation and cloak her true thoughts in a layer of false optimism. "Well... at least we have a deer now. Poached or not, that's something to be thankful for." She smiled then, but it didn't quite reach her eyes as she waved off his comment about her own trouble while hoping she didn't look nearly as rattled by it as she felt. "It was just some lone brigand who thought he could come in uninvited, no need to worry over it now. Now try to relax and I'll draw you a hot bath, that'll have the chill off of you in no time."

Volare nodded slowly finishing his mug now holding his arm across his chest to keep his shoulder still. "Might need that ointment too lassie." He groaned lightly getting up from his chair to kick his boots off and begin the slow slightly painful process of pulling his heavy hunting clothes off.

Arayna readied the tub and began the process of collecting snow and ice in quick trips to put on to heat and melt. Why was she collecting snow instead of going directly to the pond? She simply couldn't see the edge in such a white out and didn't want to risk blundering into it. Once she had the large pots full, she hung some over the fire while the others she placed as close as she could around it. As the ice and snow melted and began to heat up, she retrieved the ointment from his bedside table and helped him the rest of the way out of his hunting clothes. "You know," she began in a casual manner, "there are still ways to fix that shoulder."

He chuckled pulling off his undershirt and breeches. "Aye, but I don't think you're strong enough to chop it off lassie." He kicked his breeches away then began working on his small clothes. "Besides, then I wouldn't have the excuse to get you into the tub with me." He gave her a wink and stepped out of his small clothes ambling stiffly about the washroom to get towels.

Rolling her eyes, Arayna shook her head but smiled. At least their bleak situation hadn't fully dampened the dirty old Mer's spirit. As he retrieved the towels, she began pulling the large pots off the fire to empty them one by one in the tub. Once it was full, she reached in to test it. It was hot, but wouldn't be enough to scald him. "If it's too hot for you, old Mer, I can bring in another bucket of snow."

Reaching his hand in Volare nodded his thanks. "Nay it's perfect Arayna thank you." Still moving rather stiffly the old warrior slid into the steaming tub his whole body shivering with the sudden change in temperature. Every inch of his skin tingled, but as the initial shock ended he sunk deeper into the tub sighing happily.

Arayna watched him settle into the tub and smiled, still extremely relieved to have him back. Moving around behind him to somewhat hide herself from view, she began to disrobe. "Move up a bit, Volare, and I'll help you wash your hair and back before applying the ointment." Once he did, she slowly eased her way in and set to work wetting and soaping his hair. "You really had me worried, you know... I'm seriously considering placing a tracking spell on you now, just in case you get it in your head to go wandering off all day again."

Volare smiled scooting up a little, but as he felt her behind him he leaned back a little so he could feel her breasts against his back and enjoy her closeness. "I know lass, I'm sorry, sometimes the land provides other times it doesn't. As for trying to track me, not sure what good that'll do unless you can come get me." He began scooping up water and scrubbing his body slowly.


"At least I'd know where to start looking if I did have to come get you." She smiles a bit as he leaned against her, continuing to work his scalp and locks with her fingers. "You're back now, that's all that matters..." She was quiet for a moment as she finished soaping his hair and began to wash his back. He would have to be told... it would be impossible to hide for much longer, it was no small miracle she had kept it secret for as long as she had already. But... where in oblivion to even start? "Lean back so I can rinse you."

After having scrubbed his front as much as he could the old warrior did as the woman bid leaning back against her soft warm body. "I suppose, but you know how magic makes my skin crawl." He kissed her cheek lightly whisking some soap from his eyes .

Chuckling, she rinsed his hair while she teased. "Who would have imagined a warrior of your standing getting unnearved by something as simple as magic." She kissed his temple and grinned, "alright, old mer, your clean. Let's get that shoulder seen to." Standing, she quickly stepped from the tub and wrapped herself in a towel before he had a chance to even glimpse her for longer than a second.

Volare chuckled once more and stood up his eyes catching flitting glimpses of her pale flesh before it was gone. He was still stiff, but he knew form years of living in the frozen reaches of northern Avelar that some cold takes awhile to pass. Wrapping a towel around his waist he followed Arayna out. "When you've seen what magic can do in battle, it doesn't stay such a simple thing lassie." Still holding his arm close to his body he passed the woman pinching her backside with his free hand before opening the door to the room and retrieving himself some clean underclothes.