Free Fury {Arkaniel & Modesty}
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Modesty on 07-01-2013, 22:27:35</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>07-01-2013, 22:27:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/freefury_zps65ae0d4b.png)</div><hr><br><div align="center"><span style="font-size: 8pt;" class="bbc_size">The following roleplay between Modesty &amp; Arkaniel inspired by the Codex of Alera series written by Jim Butcher.<br>&nbsp;If you are familiar with this series, the adventures of the characters predates the first book in a time before the First Lord. <br>This is an epic fantasy story. </span></div><br><div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/mapofalera_zpsb330c088.jpg)</div><br><hr><br><div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/licinia_zpsdd410ab3.png)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">The sun shone bright, her warm rays of light falling on bare shoulders as Licina was bent over a bucket in the courtyard. On warm summer days, like the current, her father allowed her to take her business outside so long as her chores were still finished at day’s end. The current task at hand was repetitious and dull, but necessary all the same: peeling root vegetables for the night’s supper. They were nearly all done, with only a handful beside her with their skins intact, and the rest laying bare in the bucket was water at her feet.&nbsp; It had been three summers since her mother had passed, and three summers since the cooking duties had fallen upon her sun-freckled shoulders, but Licinia didn’t mind. Time passed quickly in the summer, it was the winters in the Caleron Valley that seemed to drag on. <br><br>“LICINIA, LICINIA.” The voice cut through the peace, shattering it. <br><br>Blue eyes rose from the ground, up down the path that lead away from the steadholt. A small figure was racing towards her. Her hand rose, shielding her vision from the sun to better make out the child headed in her direction. The boy, no older than nine, was out of breath by the time he reached her and doubled over gasping for breath. “Gilly, by the Furies, what are you so worked up about?”<br><br>The boy, Gilly, offered her a grin between gasps. “The century, in the hills. They’ll be here by lunch.” <br><br>Licinia’s heart skipped a beat. They had heard news that the soldiers would be seeking refuge in the steadholt, but there had been no notice as to when. Her father was on edge for the past few days, that much she knew, but who wouldn’t be? There was so much at steak. Years of preparation teetered on the edge of realization. All of the hard work could have been quickly undone if there were any loyalists to the Fury Lords amongst the men. Still, her stomach was a flutter with excitement. It was so rare that they had visitors so far East in the valley, so rare that she had a glimpse into the outside world. The excitement glittered behind her eyes. <br><br>“Gilly, take the tubers in to the kitchen work Atia, the men will be thirsty and hungry.” The boy nodded and set to task to warn the secondary cook of the coming horde. In the meantime, Licinia gathered her skirts in her hand and raced indoors to shed her dirty clothing. </div><div align="center">✧✦✧✦✧</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">“You should wait inside, child.” <br><br>Her father’s words were hushed as she slipped by his side. Both he and she knew that she was far from a child. Her figure had filled out with the curves of womanhood, and she had been three summers into the burdens of an adult. Still, she didn’t correct him. She was all he had now for kin, though the members of the steadholt that belonged to her father felt much like family too. <br><br>The steadholt, Davinholt, was not the largest nor richest, but it held it’s own. The intricacy of the cravings and architecture was testament to how fine a furycrafter her father was. Davin had a strong wood fury, a rarity through out the realm. Most with strong furies joined their hands in the wars the ripped and savaged Alera outside of the valley. Their valley seemed to be a haven, yet untouched by the battles. Still, they had their own problems with the persistently invasive Marat from the East.<br><br>“I want to see, besides, you could use my help.” She whispered back as the figures approached, and tucked a strand of dark hair between her pale ears. Licinia had removed her working skirts and replaced them with a simple sundress, it was nothing as intricate as something a Citizen or Lady would wear, but flattered her figure all the same. <br><br>What was little known to even her fellow freemen and women was that Licinia had a bit of furycrafting of her own. Licinia had procured herself a water fury, which gave her an innate ability to sense emotions and truth. Her parents had taught her to keep this ability a secret, as if her life depended on it, and it did. It was a well-known fact that any with Furycrafting were spirited away to take part in the war. Her place, Licinia knew, was at her father’s side working to bring fruition to the prophecy that her people clung to. <br><br>Movement at her side drew her attention back to the present; her father’s hand had risen in greeting. “Greetings, Welcome to Davinholt.”<br><br>Licinia stirred, restless in the tide of hunger that washed over her. She quietly hoped that Atia had had the good sense to prepare food and drink in time. </div><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arkaniel</strong> on <strong>09-01-2013, 15:54:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><br><br>Calderon valley was located on the outskirts of the Canae, the large continent that the Alerans called their home. It was a frontier region, barely settled by the bravest of freemen, on the outskirts of the realm of Riva. Riva, one of the twelve greater nations that stretched out over Canae, while dozens of smaller city states, towns and kingdoms filled in the voids between the warring realms of Alera. Not to mention the threats of the wild Furies, the Marat, the Icemen and the Jungle Tengu, nor the worship peers of the sun, strange, lion like creatures with a ferocity as great as those of the distant Canim, whom lived across the ocean.<br><br>Canea was a dangerous place and humans were fighting daily for their place it in. Nt only against others, but also amongst theirselves because of their unbridled lust for power.<br><br>The Calderon Valley was a pretty independent region, even within the weakening realm of Riva. A few dozen steadholts supported a couple of villages and a small town. No more than thirty thousand lived in the wide valley, cradled against the dangerous Garados and Thano. For its protection against man, beast, barbarian and Fury alike, the Calderons had put together two cohorts of soldiers to serve as their defence. One cohort was sent to support the High Lord of Riva in his wars against the other High Lords, while the other cohort took its garrison in the valley, safeguarding the people they were recruited from.<br><br>Amongst there numbers was Gaius, a young, tall and skilled legionnaire, part of the third century of the second cohort of Calderon. He was a fit young man and an able bodied warrior. Much like the rest of his century, they had been baptised in blood against both the Marat and the legions of The Lord Aquitaine and Parcia. Not to mention the even more dangerous Lord Kalare, whom had managed to become a powerful Furycrafter and sent out his agents all over Canea to kill or capture any others that managed to tame a Fury for themselves. He used legions, slaves and collared or loyal Furycrafters to slowly conquer the nations of Alera, killing all who opposed him. Gaius had seen much bloodshed already, as well as the burned out husks of villages or steadholts. It had been horrifying. <br><br>It was a thinned out Century that was marching to Davinholt, the Easternmost steadholt in Calderon. Every two out of ten legionnaires had died in combat or to illness. And they had been lucky to escape so relatively unscathed. Entire cohorts were exterminated on a weekly basis, after all. They all bore the scars and bandages over healing wounds. They all had the dull look in their eyes, contrasting with the polished gleam of their loricas. Some&nbsp; of their good fortune came down to Gaius himself. The young freeman born just ten miles further in Gaiusholt, had managed to learn Furycrafting. He could subtly interact with fire and steel, turning him into a ferocious warrior. More than that, however, he had managed to tame a powerful wind fury by the name of Zephyr. He kept it a secret, of course, though most of his fellow fighters knew about it. None of the loyal band of soldiers and brothers would betray him, however...<br><br>After all, he had proven himself well in combat and he was the second in command over the Century, even at only twenty two years of age.<br><br>Once they entered the courtyard of the steadholt, which was actually a fortified farm community under the leadership of holder Davin, the soldiers halted. As the First Spear, the century commander, returned the greeting and ordered his men to disassemble for the night, Gaius recognised Davin in a flash of memory. Eight years ago, Davin and Gaius Senior had made an agreement, so that Gaius junior would take Davin's daughter's hand in marriage...<br><br>Immediately, his gaze shifted to the daughter in question. Vaguely, he remembered her. Well... She ad definitely grown up over the years! For a few moments, he could only look at her, completely mesmerised, before he shook himself from his revery and approached the holder and his pretty daughter. His armour clanked, despite the red woollen tunic and cloak cushioning the steel. He slung his rectangular shield on his back, holding only his spear, before he offered his hand to the holder in greeting.<br><br>"Good evening, Holder Davin. It has been too long since last we met. Gaius Juniores at your service."<br><br>The men clasped each other's forearms, even as Davin's face seemed to express his surprise. Gaius turned to the young woman by his side and gently took her hand, lifting it as he bowed slightly and kissed the back of her hand softly. It wouldn't do to make a bad impression on the woman he was arranged to marry, after all!<br><br>Once his lips left the soft, surprisingly sweet skin of her hand, he looked up at her with his piercing green blue eyes and smiled softly, "Well met, my lady."<br><br>He let go of her hand and offered his spear to one of the soldiers that came to collect it, after which Gaius reached up and unbuckled his helmet, revealing his chiseled face properly, as well as his short, brownish blonde hair.<br><br><div align="center">(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/6043930362_af5b236a30_o.jpg)<br></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>09-01-2013, 22:10:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/licinia_zpsdd410ab3.png)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Hunger. Exhaustion. Weariness. These were the things that washed over her first, and she had expected them even if not in such magnitude. It was recognition and appreciation that she hadn’t prepared itself for, nor the sudden rigidness in her father beside her. She felt Davin straighten, more than she saw it, and could scarcely keep the confusion off her own face as she eyed the commander as he approached. The greeting was as expected; forearms clasped in a familiar show of good faith. It wasn’t until the introductions that realization set in.<br><br>Gaius. The name hit her heartstrings, speeding up the tempo of the beat so suddenly it was difficult not to gasp. Memories of her childhood came flooding back and it was only with a quick shake of her head that she kept nostalgia at bay. Gaius had never been an awkward child, but blood and battle had hardened him into a formidable man. The child she once knew was barely discernable beneath the Legionarre red, ridged muscle and dirt. At just two years older than herself he already commanded a century? Licinia found herself impressed, though still distant. There had been no word from her betrothed in well over a year, and her family had assumed him dead like so many of the soldiers before him. Suddenly the marriage seemed very real and very near.<br><br>Licinia forced a smile on her lips as she gathered her skirts into a polite curtsy. She was thankful for her father and his quick words. “A sight for sore eyes. Furies, boy! We’d thought the worst for you. We’d had word only a century was seeking refuge, not that you were amongst it… never lest leading it! “<br><br>Davin clasped Gaius in an embrace, heartily pounding him on the back in a show of happiness. It was the first time she had seen her father smile in sometime; these were hard times, especially for steadholders who had many families to look after instead of just near-kin. Davin held the man back at arms length too look at him again, mumbling praise beneath his breath.<br><br>Licinia had barely recovered from the shock, but managed to swallow and address the blast from the past. She could feel the mens hunger gnawing, further ignited by the wafting smell of stew from the kitchens. “Please, Praefectus, bring your men to the courtyard. You must be hungry. There is food and drink enough for all.” <br><br>Long, wooden tables had been drawn out into the open space between the buildings known as the courtyard. They were sturdy, crafted well from her father’s own Fury. Even encumbered by the many soldiers they held true. It wasn’t long before the steadholt was filled with conversation and song with the mingling of their own people and the men of the legion. Many of the soldiers were recruited rom surrounding areas, a few even she recognized. Licinia, however, did not socialize. She sought out any task away from the men and Gaius, helping in the kitchens and readying drink while she worked through her emotions. It was often, when so many people were around, that she had difficulty picking out her own from others. Such were the ways of Watercrafting. <br><br>With nothing else to busy herself she resigned to handing out bowls of soup made from hunted game and vegetables of the area, along with fresh baked breads. A bowl was set in front of Gaius with a soft smile as she sat across from him and watched him eat. Blue eyes searched his strong features, admiring how both soldiering and time had defined them well. His face had been unhindered by scaring, leaving him more than attractive. Vision trailed down to his body finding the rest of him to be just as pleasing. He was a strong man and he would make a fine husband.<br><br>Still, she found herself pulling back from the idea. The prophecy and everything they had been working for the past long years was yet to come to seed and being a wife would mean abandoning it all. A quick glance to her father and the man was still smiling; she knew he’d see his daughter married and happy. He had never liked the idea of her holding a sword. Licinia, though, had grander things in mind for herself: she had to find the pair and help them realize their destiny. <br><br>“It isn’t much, Praefectus, but it will fill you.” She offered in conversation, filling a glass with fresh water.<br></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arkaniel</strong> on <strong>14-01-2013, 17:12:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The welcome was warmer than the legionnaires had experienced in a longtime. Even though the dwindling, battered century of now only eighty instead of a hundred soldiers had always defended the people of Riva, no one seemed to like associating with the soldiers. To the rest of Riva, they were just faceless defenders that only had a place in the ever lasting wars of Canea. Here,however, it felt like they were coming home. For two of the soldiers, in fact, this was coming home.<br><br>They were greeted and guided to long tables that were set up. Massive tables at that, crafted artfully out of the most beautiful and sturdiest wood Gaius had ever seen. Wood that didnt even groan under the weight of so many men and so much food. <br><br>Soup was brought out, as was a rich stew that made many a stomach grumble with its spicy, delicious scent alone.<br><br>To Gaius it smelled and tasted all the better, because he knew from just looking at Licinia that she had had a hand in making it.<br><br>The beautiful girl had all the makings of being a good wife. Still, he wondered what she was like. It was the downside of such arranged marriages. People from different steadholts rarely interacted, except at markets or fairs. As a result, while Gaius family and Davin's family considered each other friends, they were little more than friendly acquaintances. And while Gaius and Licinia had met, even played together in the past, they were practically strangers to each other.<br><br>Was she still the pretty, shy girl that liked chasing butterflies and went into giggling fits whenever she saw a buzzing bee? Was she still the pretty girl that made garlands and crowns out of flowers? Still like the young teenager that wanted to explore the dangerous woods? These were burning questions. Gaius didn't care much about the garlands and crowns, though, but he did care about her nice smile from so many years ago. And her sense for adventure. He couldn't imagine himself marrying a woman that wanted to be some kind of housewife, not after his years in the legions.<br><br>No, while he longed for peace... There was something restless inside of him. A kind of hunger that had only started to be quenched when he bonded with Zephyr, his powerful and fierce wind fury. A hunger that only abated when he defended lives of his fellow Alerans, whether they were Rivans about to be overrun by invading Kalarans, or Phrygians being raided by bandits, or assaulted by wild Furies. He only felt alive when he was out there, doing something to help others.<br><br>Yes. Even if that meant he had to risk his life and shed the blood of others.<br><br>When Licinia apologised to him for the supposedly lacking food and filled his goblet with water, Gaius reached out and touched her hand before she could pull it back from his goblet. The sensation of his fingers brushing her skin was electrifying and head to suppress his surprised gasp. His eyes widened slightly, before he controlled himself again and spoke up.<br><br>"My lady, this food is more than sufficient. It is delicious. Your hospitality it much welcomed after our campaign on the frontlines. Anything you have to offer is accepted with the gratitude you deserve. I know times are hard for all of us and it ant he easy to supply so many men with food when your hold is already fuller than usual."<br><br>At these words, his eyes ran over the many people in the steadholt. It was truly filled to the brim, easily holding thrice the population for a normal steadholt. He idly wondered why, though he could somehow sense the mysterious secrecy hanging around the small communion.<br><br>He dug into his stew again, eating it ravenously, yet with manners due to his station and to his situation. After all, it wouldn't do to look like a slob in front of your betrothed.<br><br>Suddenly, as he swallowed the stew and caught her furtive looks, betraying a sort of... Nervousness... He wondered what she thought now about their fate of being wed. From her looks, he could say he wouldn't mind waking up next to her in the mornings. But... He didn't know anything about her, nothing but long gone memories of easier, better and more innocent times.<br><br>Yet, as the two betrothed looked at each other while pretending not to look at each other, Davin observed them closely. He was well aware of his daughter's true feelings, especially about the prophecy. He admired her for her willingness to fight for it. On the other hand, he truly wanted to see her happy and safe, two things that a man like Gaius could provide. He could tell, thanks to his own Furies, that Gaius was a good man, despite being a warrior. Perhaps that is exactly what made him such a good man. Not to mention how a skilled neutrino would be a good asset for their small, secret community...<br><br>"Licinia, why don't you show Centurion Gaius just where his men can set up camp?" The older man suddenly proposed, driven by the impulse to give the soon to be couple a few moments alone.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>15-01-2013, 20:06:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/licinia_zpsdd410ab3.png)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a slow, constant change. The emotions of the room quickly turned from gnawing hunger to comfort and happiness and settled Licinia’s nerves a little. Contentment warmed her, ever so slightly, but the soft tension between the pair remained in the background. Still, questions flooded her mind with thoughts of the future, but they would remain voiceless for the moment. <br><br>Her eyes, blue like the water she was so akin to, snapped up at the brief moment of contact. His fingers, noticeably rough even through the slight contact, ignited something between them. A ripple of shock and surprise passed through her, though she had difficulty distinguishing whether she felt it, or felt it through him. Visions searched his face, looking for understanding but finding as much dismay as herself. <em>Strange</em>… she thought, curiosity replacing her hesitance. <br><br>The retort interrupted her musings, automatically drawing her attention to the truly overflowing steadholt. Already their numbers had left no room unshared, the strain felt by everyone though gladly accepted for the cause. Somehow, over the past few years they had become the epicenter for the prophecy. Travellers wandered vast distances to reach Davinholt, carried by whispers and wind to find Believers that the future was not lost. It had begun with a simple, quiet conversation between her father and a trade merchant, and it had spread like wildfire in hushed undertones. The wanders appeared in ones and twos at first, and then families, offering up their varied skills and ample beliefs with faith placed in her father to guide them through the dark times. She heard them speak at night, fueled by ale, calling her and her father the light within the shadowed world. While Licinia readily exercised humility she was ready to play martyr for the cause.<br><br>Of course, none of this she would share with her betrothed.&nbsp; He was a man of standing within the century, with connections that could reach back to any of the Lords, despite the valley legions being little more than militia in their current state. Trust was something hard won in difficult times, even between childhood friends. Licinia found her mind slipping again from present, wondering how the man before her would react to know that his future wife was raising an army to back fabled heros in their struggle against the tyrannous First Lord? Somehow she figured it was a little too deep of conversation during their re-meeting.<br><br>It was her father’s voice that interrupted her ponderings this time, her eyes drifting between him and her Gaius. It was only then that she had noticed his bowl empty and his eyes on hers, a mirrored look of contemplation on his features as he watched her. She nodded, once; “Yes Steadholter.” <br><br>The title was used, choosing respect over personal ties, though both were frequently interchanged; the man commanded respect and love from nearly all who was near him. It was as much his personality as it was his Furies. <br><br>In a swift, lithe motion she freed herself from her tight seat on the over cumbered bench and motioned for a young girl to clear away Gaius’ empty dishes. Her head tilted to the side, offering direction for the man and implying he follow her. In the loud courtyard conversation would be difficult lest they remain close, and so she waited for him to fall in stride beside her. She was quiet as she wove her way between the tables, waiting until the noise had died down a little before she offered, again, small talk to break the silence. <br><br>“How fairs Gaiusholt? We haven’t had much word outside our borders; the furies have been particularly restless as of late.”<br><br>As she walked, her vision was kept straight ahead. Licinia was acutely aware of both how he towered over her and just how close he was. Both seemed to be stirring a heat within her that she had rarely felt, though she tried to suppress it in vain. What was it about the Centurion that made her flutter so? Usually she was as steady as a rock. The feeling was unsettling, and she wondered briefly if it was emotion she was picking up elsewhere, though he seemed calm and collected at her side.<br><br>She stopped in a clearing, the border of which was created by trees, whose branches and roots had been woven in a way which created a wall; it was testament to her father’s skill, again. “This grove should have ample room for your men. The furies don’t usually come this far in, but I’ll have some salt sent over just incase.” <br><br>It was then she looked up to him, vision tracing the attractive curves on his face once more, very suddenly aware that they were alone.</div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arkaniel</strong> on <strong>16-01-2013, 09:01:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Gaius felt satiated and oddly at how after finishing his bowl of stew. It left him patting his stomach, glad for the first ht food in weeks, warming him in the chilly night. Now, he could feel the roaring fire warming the room all the better. In his state of temporary contentment, he could even sense the small, ferocious, yet almost tamed fire furies in the blaze, crackling and whispering, though too small to manifest themselves or pose any danger. He ad to fight the temptation to get up, stroll over and try to take one of those wild furies as his own.<br><br>Turning his gaze away, his eyes fell on his betrothed once more, whom looked rather flushed at her father's request.<br><br>"Thank you for your consideration, stead holder. I will have my men set up camp and guard patrols after the feast you welcomed us with."<br><br>He allowed Licinia to guide him away, his tread nimble, graceful, yet powerful, thanks to his long, muscular legs and his almost aristocratic stature, honed only further through his years as a soldier and junior officer. A small smile flitted over his face when the befuddled, nervous seeming Licinia tried to make small talk the moment they left the worst of the hustle and bustle of the crowd behind.<br><br>"I haven't been to Gaiusholt in four years, Licinia. The last letter I received was four months ago. To the best of my knowledge, they too, are suffering under the war and the wild furies, though luckily, the actual war hasn't come close to the valley yet. Only the raiders and the Marat, whom are both dangerous in themselves, but you have no idea of the destruction the legions of the conspiring high lords and the so called First Lord can cause. It is carnage and mayhem on a scale not even Garados causes in a bad year."<br><br>He unconsciously started walking closer to her the moment they left the walls fortifying the steadholt and entered the wild farmlands surrounding the holt. His hand lowered itself to the hilt of his sword, a reflex after years of battles and standing guard.<br><br>"I intend to send a few scouts out in their direction at first light." He confirmed.<br><br>It was then that they reached the grove, which looked like an artificially grown clearing. Gaius didn't have wood furies of his own, but he could see the signs of the crafting better than most. He didn't comment on it, However. Furycrafting was a touchy business, something the few that could do it a,ingest the general populace wanted to keep a secret. Always fearing the kidnapping or assassination squads of the First Lord and his henchmen. A good thing the High Lord of Riva, their master, didn't use such practices to defend his people. Still, the situation was growing dire. Perhaps he might have to resort to using his own people like that in the near future...<br><br>"Looks like a good spot. We can set up a small garrison camp here. Our patrols will help protect your holt as well. We have salt of our own, though I won't decline more supplies of it. Windmanes are very common here after all."<br><br>He turned to her. In a moment of... He could never tell what emotion or word would go there, but there was a part of him tat simply wanted to do what he did then... He reached up, the fingertips of his left and brushing over her right cheek as he looked piercingly in her deep blue eyes. He felt himself drowning, his own greenish grey eyes swirling with the stormy turmoil he was feeling, before he whispered, "I never forgot you, Licinia. Even though it is arranged tat we are to be wed, I didn't indulge myself with other woman. You didn't choose me. I didn't choose you, myself. But I will be faithful to you. I want to make this work, you know. It is inevitable that we get married, but I will make certain that you are happy."<br><br>His emotions became even stormier, a mixture of desire, caring, contemplation and daring, when he leaned in and pressed his lips to her in a move that surprised even himself. Gaius ad always been a man of honour, even as a boy. Always defending those that were weaker and always staying loyal to those that had earned tat loyalty or were due to receive it. Yes, even his arranged wife, even when he was hundreds of miles away from her, not even married yet, and tempted by dancers and the looser women that followed the legions...<br><br>The kiss itself was rather fantastic, even if it was a little tentative. He was new to this, but her lips tasted so sweet and spicy, they were silky soft and so warm. He could feel his entire body tingling, before it started burning with more desire... Only for him to pull back, a little bit flushed and shocked at himself, though his stormy eyes probed her for her reaction to the kiss.<br><br>What he had said was the truth. He cared for her and was committed to making it work, even though there was no love yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>24-01-2013, 22:57:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div align="center">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/asilentgoodbye/licinia_zpsdd410ab3.png)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Licinia nodded as she followed along. The soldier’s alert shift in stature did not go unnoticed. She felt distance between him close, felt him tense and saw his hand move to the hilt of his sword. She had never been so tense so close to home, despite how restless and deadly the wild furies could be, though she was certain it had more to do with training and things he had seen on the battlefield than discomfort in the wilds. The peoples of the valley were harder than those in cities; they felt cold less, feared furies less, learned to tread carefully and navigate with ease. These were the talents of her upbringing, and she was more than formidable to the life she had been handed. Still, Licinia felt all the safer with the Centurion at her side. <br><br>“We all suffer, even if yet untouched by this war of the Lords, it still reaches.” There was a bitter tinge to her voice, though it had dissipated when she continued. “Gaiusholt is strong and resourceful. They will prevail. If you would allow, I would send word with your scouts.”<br><br>Word was all she could offer; already they were exceeding capacity. Food was rationed, rooms shared. Still, even in distance and time a sense of community needed to prevail. Furies knew what would happen when push came to shove and they were without friends or neighbours. Her mind drifted from simpler, friendly times back to what little insight the soldier offered her. The mention of carnage made her stomach twist in knots. Any anger to evoked shifted into restlessness, bringing thoughts full circle to the impending marriage and what kind of sacrifice it would mean making. <br><br>Licina offered him a small smile as he observed the clearing. She was grateful for his silence on the woven trees. Perhaps the man had some discretion; it gave her hope that there wouldn’t always be secrets between them, though it was only an incline and there was a long journey ahead of them to some semblance of trust. For all their brief meetings through out childhood, the man before her was akin to a stranger. There were so many unknown things separating them. <br><br>“I’ll have salt brought out this evening.” She said, while their supply wasn’t unlimited, they stock piled for the winters when the Windmanes seemed to multiply. If he intended to patrol, it would aid them… particularly the soldiers that didn’t originate from the area. <br><br>The sudden shift in emotion sent her reeling. Her hand strayed to her head, momentarily pressing into her temple in an attempt to seek relief. As his fingers brushed against her skin, she dropped her hand. As his eyes met hers she froze, trapped there in his gaze. Desperately she tried to rip through he emotions, to differentiate what was hers and his, but they tide was too strong. All at once she felt the loneliness, the desire, the lust, the devotion, the pain, the honor. All at once she knew what he was speaking was nothing short of the truth. <br><br>She felt herself move, unbidden by her own mind, to meet the kiss. Her short stature was raised on the tips of her toes, chin raised to press her lips into his. Even as Gaius pulled back, Licina’s eyes remained closed a fraction longer. An obvious blush had coloured her cheeks, the tempo of her heart sped and her breathing quickened. As she opened her eyes she searched his, waiting for him to speak. There were so many thoughts in her head, none of which were coherent at the moment. She wanted to tell him that she would be faithful too, to tell him she had thought of him often, but she found herself at a loss of words.<br><br>For reasons unknown, Licina instead threw herself into his arms, pressing her face against his hardened breastplate. She sought comfort there, in the mixed scent of musk and leather, in the feel of his heartbeat through the armor, and closed her eyes tight. In another world, one without duty, this would have been so simple. She would find a way to honour both husband and duty, even if they pulled her in separate directions.</div> <br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Arkaniel</strong> on <strong>26-01-2013, 12:53:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				To his immense surprise, Gaius felt his lips still tingling when he broke them is. Not only because it had been surprisingly enjoyable, instead of the friendly hollowness he had expected, but also because Licinia had not just been a recipient. She was a lot shorter than him, so he ad noticed immediately when she stretched up to meet him in the dizzying kiss that left him reeling.<br><br>Right now, he was left to stare at her, showing his surprise, before she threw herself at him, surprising him yet again with an intense kind of hug, holding him close and moulding herself to him. If only he wasn't wearing his armour, then he could have felt every inch of her rather delectable body. Perhaps Licinia didn't realise it, but she had matured into a girl that could only be described as sexy?<br><br>Faintly, he could even feel some kind of inner turmoil from her, brimming under the beautiful, unblemished surface, peaking over his own internal conflict. Like her, Gaius had his duties and his responsibilities. But,he also had an ingrained sense of honour and respect for his family and the traditions of true Alera, which meant he wold stick to the vows of the arrangement between the family of Gaiusholt and of Davinholt.<br><br>But, when he got married, he would be tied to these lands by his honour alone. He could not, in good conscience, go off and gallivant around Alera as a soldier, risking is life for others when he ad a wife and possibly offspring waiting for him at home, depending on him to help provide them. So, once he married, his days of fighting for All Alerans would be over.<br><br>Somehow, with Licinia in his arms, that didn't seem such a bad scenario.<br><br>Of course, there tender embrace was disturbed. A heard a warning from Zephyr flaring through his mind. Instantly, Gaius moved. He broke the hug and twirled Licinia behind him, even as he drew his blade in the same movement as he interposed himself between his betrothed and the direction of the threat. Just in time, for a herdbane, a large, predatory running bird emerged from the woods, shrieking as it raced to attack him with its lethal beak.<br><br>Without thinking about it, Gaius immersed him in his steelcrafting, becoming one with the blade tat started flickering with faint red flames, before he took a step forward and to the side, lopping off the head of the creature almost faster than the eye could see, causing it to crash to the ground in a bloody mess. Instantly, he turned back and took Licinia's hand in his, tugging her along. <br><br>"Come, we must return! There could be more Marat and Herdbane around."<br><br>With those words, they started running. Subtly, subconsciously, Gaius called on Zephyr, the benevolent wind picking up around them ,blowing in their back, giving them additional speed as the couple raced towards Davinholt...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Free Fury {Arkaniel &amp; Modesty}</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Modesty</strong> on <strong>05-03-2013, 10:57:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Time seemed to stop there in the sudden embrace. In Gaius’s arms she seemed protected from duty, or calling, time, or war, want and desire. For a fraction of a moment it felt as if it were only him and her, as man and woman, and the weight of the world had been lifted from her slender shoulders. <br><br>It was unfortunate that before any other cohesive thought could be formed she was pulled from his arms with steel and fire and Gaius blocking her path to whatever had caused the interruption. The fight had lasted less than a second, but time had slowed much like it did during their embrace. The screech seemed to meet her ears at the same moment the bird’s head dropped to the earthen floor. Blood sprayed across the clearing, a few drops even landing on her shoes. Gaius had moved as if inspired by Fury itself, and she swore she had seen a flash of light about his blade, but it had all happened to fast. <br><br>Before lips could part to question she was being tugged away. Eyes wide with shocked glanced over her shoulder at the bloody corpse, as if needing some second glance to prove what she had actually seen. A herdbane? In Davinholt? There had been reports by hunting parties further to the West, but never so deep into the valley. The wars between the wars had been unsettling the Marat as much as the Alerans, it seemed. But if the Marat were on the move, there would be even bloodier battles heading their way. <br><br><em>”Come, we must return! There could be more Marat and Herdbane around."</em> He had said, and it took a moment for that to set in. If there were anything in the woods she would know. She had set out bowls of water around the steadholt for quick access for her fury to spy. That was when Licinia felt Siri, her waterfury, pressing for her attention. The spirit had sensed the presence of the intruders, but Licinia had been so immersed in her tender moments with her betrothed that she hadn’t heeded the warning. Mentally she reprimanded herself. Still, they were running the wrong direction and Gaius had no idea. <br><br>“No!” She shouted, tugging on his ironclad grip. “I know a shortcut, follow me.” <br><br>Licinia slipped her small hands from his grasp and turned on heel to slide between a part of the trees where the weaving wasn’t so intense. The darkness of the forest crashed down upon her, but her eyes quickly adjusted. The narrow path would lead them around the opposite side of the steadholt, and away from where the Marat and a mated herdbane were prowling. From what Siri told her, there was only the one, but nothing was certain. In the distance she heard another screech. It wasn’t close, but still too close for her liking and she tensed. <br><br>Her pace increased and the woman felt as if the wind itself were granting her wings. She could feel Gaius at her side, tense as any soldier would be. Still, adrenaline had calmed him and he seemed more at steady than she. Whatever battles he had seen in his time away had surely hardened him. Then, in such times they were all toughening up. It wasn’t until the sight of the steadholt entrance came into view that she paused to catch her breath. Things could have gone a lot differently had Gaius not been with her.<br><br>“We should notify my father and send out a party. No one will sleep sound while those things are out there…”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>