His (Chiarra and Duelist)
<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: Chiarra on 21-05-2013, 06:34:04</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 06:34:04</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4SB_BFJ0UNw/TXZ9-3XA3YI/AAAAAAAAGOE/ySNp5c9jKIE/s1600/aztec%2Bwarrior%2Bwoman.jpg)</div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">Melody was hidden behind a large boulder at the entrance of the dragon's cave.&nbsp; He had been razing and destroying the farms and stealing the cattle and she wasn't going to just sit there and let him bully her village around.&nbsp; She was trained in the art of the sword, and thought she could put up a good fight, not to mention she had a good tolerance of pain.&nbsp; She crouched and slowly made her way to the cave, planning on sneaking attacking the beast.&nbsp; It was her best bet, if it didn't work she knew she would be dead...hopefully.<br><br>She slowly crept into the cave and silently made her way over to him.&nbsp; She struck out, aiming for his underbelly, where she had heard dragons were weakest.</div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 06:59:29</strong>
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				(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/WhiteIguana/WhiteIguanaGothicDragon/Fantasy-Dragons-BlackDragonWallpape.jpg)<br><br>The beast lay sleeping, curled atop a pile of gold. Its breathing was like that of a massive bellows, echoing in the chamber.It moved rarely in his sleep atop its horde, twitching idly ever so often. Its scales were a deep, glossy black, the edges shading into a dark blues and purples. They gleamed slightly int he light edging through its lairs entrance. <br><br>His underbelly was a dark, stormcloud grey. Her sword opened what, for a human, would have been a sizable gash...but it didn't even bleed. It moved, head darting up, a startled noise escaping the scaled thing.&nbsp; A thunder deep voice rumbled from its jaws as they opened wide in a yawn, smoke curling from its nostrils. "NNng...what was..." The head darted round, and its great eyes focused on her, piercing and intense. "Human..." It snarled. It shoved its serpentine form up, snarling slightly. "What are you doing in my home?" It growled, its voice echoing back from the stone of the cave. 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 07:24:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The gash she had made....didn't bleed?&nbsp; As she moved for another strike, it moved and she backed up, frightened now, especially with it's loud yawn and it's booming voice.&nbsp; She glared and dove for his underbelly again, striking at it.&nbsp; She had no time to waste or lose, this beast could kill her any moment, she had to kill him first.&nbsp; She stabbed at him and got the same result as last time.&nbsp; Frustrated, she moved out from under him before he could do anything and ran a safe distance away.&nbsp; "You killed innocent people," she said pointing the sword at him.&nbsp; "Starving them by burning and taking their only food when you could hunt the wild game."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 07:38:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He didn't even flinch at her attack, staring at her. "What in the nine hells are you blathering about?" It growled. A safe distance was...difficult in the cave. Large, yes, but its serpentine neck might be able to reach her. "I've been asleep, you little idiot monkey." It snaked its head down, peering at her from a dozen feet away. <br><br>"Do you know what happens to idiot little monkeys who enter a dragons home without permission...and attack him?" He hissed, stalking round, long tail twitching and slithering behind him. "Most wind up as nothing more than a snack...."&nbsp; He darted round--and now he was between her and the exit, his massive scaled form blocking the way. "You...are extremely lucky that humans taste revolting to me, little monkey." It growled. <br><br>It lashed its tale, and turned, waving a massive taloned for-paw across the opening. The lighting..changed, subtly. "But that doesn't mean you just get to leave, little ape." It turned, and regarded her. "Put the sword down. " He hissed. "And speak to me in a civilized manner.&nbsp; Else I'll forget my distaste for your kinds flesh. "
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 18:46:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She glared at him, did he just call her a monkey?&nbsp; "Asleep or not, you've been attacking the farmlands and people are starving to death," she said angrily.&nbsp; She backed herself up against the wall, trying to get as far away from him as possible.&nbsp; She swallowed at his next threat, but kept up her attitude.&nbsp; She wasn't going to be cowed by this beast.&nbsp; "Do you know what happens to dragons that invade my home?" she asked him.&nbsp; He wanted her to put the sword down, she wouldn't.&nbsp; She held onto it, pointing it at him.&nbsp; She would try and escape when he was next asleep.&nbsp; She just hoped that wasn't in front of the entrance like he was doing now.&nbsp; "Let me leave and we can forget about this whole deal," she lied.&nbsp; She would just figure out some other way to get rid of this pest.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 20:51:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why in the name of the sun would I attack your damned farmlands?" It hissed at her. "Your cattle taste bland from the grains you feed them. I prefer my game wild, with actual muscle. And the hunt makes it taste better. Besides, the nearest village raises sheep." he lay down then, regarding her. Hard to tell, but he looked annoyed. Or thoughtful. "And I hate sheep. The fur gets caught in my teeth." <br><br>He snorted. "What? You come and try to kill them with your little sword?" The vocal sneer was evidently something that transcended species. "And no. I told you. You invaded me home. You don't get to just...leave. If I did that, a hundred of your monkey cousins would come traipsing in. To steal from me, or beg me for favors, or prove their manhood by trying to kill me. " <br><br>His head darted forward, quick as a snake, and hovered in front of her. "You. Are not. Leaving." He growled, the noise thrumming low in her bones. His jaws snipped shut, closing on her sword, and he tore it from her grasp.He tossed it aside with a shake of his head, the thing, twisted from his bite, clanging off the caves wall. "And since you refused to put your sword down and act as a civilized guest, you will not be treated as one. " He turned his head, his eye a dozen feet from her, examining her. "You'll be a lovely little trophy. " He said lazily. "Until you learn some manners, at least. " 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-05-2013, 22:12:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				This didn't make any sense.&nbsp; He was a dragon and as far as she knew the only one around here and the attacks made on her village farmlands were that of a dragon.&nbsp; He had to be lying, but...she would find out if he was or not, one way or another.&nbsp; He did have to eat after all.&nbsp; "Fine then," she said.&nbsp; "But if it's not you who attacks my village then who?&nbsp; You are the only dragon around here that I know of, and those are clearly dragon attacks."&nbsp; She nodded at his question, though she knew he was mocking her.&nbsp; The truth was, this was her first dragon attack and she was stupid to think she could do this.&nbsp; She knew nothing really about how to slay them, just going off a notion and that was wrong.<br><br>Her eyes widened and she froze with fear when he growled at her.&nbsp; He was so close, she could just...no she couldn't, she was too scared to.&nbsp; Then he snapped his jaws shut around the sword and she squeaked and fell back on her bum.&nbsp; "A trophy?" she whimpered softly as she hugged her knees to her chest.&nbsp; She wouldn't be a trophy, as soon as he was asleep she'd run, she'd get away, or when he was out hunting.&nbsp; An idea came to her then.&nbsp; She saw no food around here.&nbsp; "I'm hungry," she said, confident that he would have to go hunt.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 01:03:42</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				His wings rippled oddly--he'd shrugged. "Whoever it is is being remarkably stupid. If you apes don't get to him.." He growled. "If I catch him trespassing on my land..." He shook his head, an odd little motion with his whiplike neck. "But I don't know. And if I did, I wouldn't send you after whoever it is. " A snort. "You'd just get killed. Have you never fought a dragon before? Attacking while I slept was a smart move, but...really. Should have gone for an eye, or my throat. "<br><br>He regarded her for a moment. "Yes, a trophy. And I am sorely tempted to tell you you should have thought of your belly before you came here...but sadly, I am a nicer host, even to trophy's, servants, etc, whatever I decide to use you as, than all that." He hefted himself up, and stalked along past her, towards the back of the cave. "Come." He barked at her. "And don't touch my bed." he snarled as he passed the pile of gold and other metals. His long, whip-like tail slithered past, lightly brushing against her as he continued on--touching the back wall, there was a grinding noise, and a large opening appeared.&nbsp; <br><br>He waited there thoughtfully. He knew she'd try to make a break for the seemingly open entrance. He regarded his claws for a moment, noting where one needed to be trimmed. If and when she tried to leave, a force seemed to grab her and bodily throw her back when she tried to cross the threshold of the entrance.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 02:37:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"We aren't monkeys!" she told him, annoyed by that.&nbsp; Then he remarked on what she should have done and she remarked, "I'll keep that in mind next time."&nbsp; She would, while he slept, she'd try to attack him again.&nbsp; She snarled at him when he confirmed she'd be a trophy or really anything he wanted her to be.&nbsp; She'd rather die than serve a dragon however.&nbsp; When he moved to the back of the cave, she wondered what he was doing.&nbsp; He was just leaving the entrance open.&nbsp; He barked at her to come, but...she didn't move, swallowing as she watched his tail slither along and even touch her.&nbsp; Then she was hearing a grinding noise and looked to see him opening the back wall.<br><br>She looked at him, taking a step forward before bursting into a sprint to the entrance.&nbsp; Just as she did though, she was grabbed and thrown back to where she was.&nbsp; She stayed there for a moment or two, trying to catch the breath that was knocked out of her.&nbsp; She would have to try that when he was asleep, unless...he locked her in the back room.&nbsp; She knew she would wind up in that room however, by force or will, so she reluctantly got up and made her way over.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 03:35:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He snorted. "Next time I might be as nice as I'm being now." He said with a low growl. "Don't test me. " He watched her try to run out with a snort of amusement, gaze fastened on her as she trudged back. "Better. " <br><br>He waited for her to cross into what proved to be a rather spacious hallway--for her, at least. For him, it would be rather cramped. He squeezed in, head held low, tail curling as the entrance closed behind the two of them, the stone shifting back into place with a grinding noise.&nbsp; The light was cut off, plunging them both in deep darkness. <br><br>There was a curious sound besides her--a whispery, slithering, shifting sound. His voice rang again, from roughly her heads height, and it was far less deep, less rumbling. Blue fire blossomed, as though invisible torches had been lit, every dozen feet or so along the tunnel. <br><br>The dragon, it seemed, was gone. In his place stood a tall, slender man, adjusting his clothing lightly.&nbsp; &nbsp;(http://i1.cdnds.net/12/40/618x785/ustv_once_upon_a_time_colin_o_donoghue_captain_hook_1.jpg)<br><br>"Well. Lets get you something to eat then." He remarked. It was the same voice...and when he glanced her over, the same reptilian eyes. He set off at a brisk pace, heading down the hall. "What do you eat?" He asked bluntly. "My larders are well stocked. If there is anything you particularly crave, I'm sure I can provide it."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 03:48:14</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She grumbled at him.&nbsp; She had really no choice though.&nbsp; Once they were in the hallway, he started moving the stone back in place.&nbsp; She froze, her eyes going wide, trying to see.&nbsp; She was absolutely terrified of the dark.&nbsp; &nbsp;She whimpered when she heard a curious noise beside her, not knowing what it was.&nbsp; She moved back until she was cowering at the wall.&nbsp; She heard his voice yet...it was different.&nbsp; Not as deep and not as high.&nbsp; It was...more human sounding.&nbsp; Then, light came on and she was beyond relief.&nbsp; She was able to calm down then.<br><br>What she expected to see however, wasn't there, instead, it was a man...taller than her, yet human except for his eyes.&nbsp; She gawked slightly and saw him heading down the hall.&nbsp; She got her bearings and then followed after him.&nbsp; "Meats...breads...fruits, vegetables and cheese," she answered.&nbsp; It really should have been obvious but...seeing how dragons only really ate meat, then...it probably wasn't.&nbsp; "Cooked meat," she added.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 04:33:32</strong>
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				He regarded her for a moment, giving her the look that most people gave to those who'd said something just a bit...off. "I am aware of what humans eat." He said slowly. "I am inquiring as to your tastes. Do you prefer boar? Venison? Cow? Or something smaller...fowl, rabbit, the like? " Branches began to appear, side tunnels. Each was large enough for his dragon form to move through, but not so large that they felt too cavernous to a human sized form. <br><br>He turned down one--after a short length, it led into what proved to be a...kitchen. A surprisingly well furnished kitchen. He had a metal stove with a vent above it, a large pantry, and a door that led to a cold room. A very cold room--colder than even the space underground could provide for. Magic? <br><br>"Are there any spices you dislike, or anything in particular you wish to dine on?" He glanced at her. "If not, I'll make something simple...a basic stew, perhaps, before I go hunting for a more filling meal. "
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 05:34:09</strong>
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				She sighed.&nbsp; "I'll eat anything I'm given," she said.&nbsp; Growing up on a poor farm, she wasn't given much choice in what she would eat.&nbsp; "Or I'll starve."&nbsp; She finished.&nbsp; She followed him, wondering what the other rooms down here were.&nbsp; They got to what looked like a...kitchen?&nbsp; Dragons breathed fire, so....why would he need a stove?&nbsp; "I would however like some boar," she told him.&nbsp; Why not dine on some of the more expensive things if she could.&nbsp; "So...what are you going to do just lock me up or what?"
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				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 06:20:21</strong>
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				"Well, I haven't time to roast a whole boar on such short notice...I was suppose to sleep for another week." He said dryly. "So just a haunch then. It'll take an hour or so. I trust you won't starve in that time? " Snarky bastard.&nbsp; He took a large carving knife from a knife block and stepped into the cold room--a wash of cold air flew from the door as it opened. He came back a few moments later with a medium sized haunch carved off a larger piece. He took it to the counter and began to prep it. Well. Evidently this dragon at least knew something of cookery. <br><br>After well seasoning the hunk of meat, he placed it into a pan and slid that into the belly of the stove, to cook a midst the flames. Which, evidently, needed no wood to keep burning. He gestured to the table near one wall. "Have a seat." He said politely. "UNless you'd care to help prepare the rest of the meal?" He said, eyebrow arched.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 06:37:03</strong>
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				She simply just rolled her eyes at him and watched as eh took a knife and went to the room on the other side of the room.&nbsp; She shivered once it was open and was thankful when it was cold.&nbsp; How did that room get so cold.&nbsp; "I wouldn't be able to eat a whole boar anyways, I doubt I could eat a haunch," she told him as he prepped it.&nbsp; She watched as he put it in the oven and saw that it needed no wood to cook.&nbsp; She moved to the table he offered and sat, not wanting to help and she also noticed he hadn't answered her question.&nbsp; She didn't want to push it though, she'd find out sooner or later anyways.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 08:07:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good. More for me then." He said with a careless little wave of the knife. Once the hunk of meat was in the oven, he set about arranging some greens on a pair of plates. <br><br>"And yes, I do intend on locking you up, as you put it. Though not in some drafty little room atop a tower. You'll have access to most of my lair. " he glanced back at her as he began to slice a potato into thick rounds. "You will be staying here for some time, so I do recommend getting to know the layout." He said lightly. "And if there are any guests, you can and likely will be treated as a servant. As is, you'll likely be acting as one from time to time." He tossed the potato rounds into a bowl of water. <br><br>"Once we've finished your meal and my own hunting, I'll show you where you'll be staying, and a few points of interest. Understood?"&nbsp; His voice was surprisingly polite, all things considered. "Do you have any hobbies or skills? Trades? A farmer, a weaver, a painter? Or are you one of those mercenaries who think they can make a life with a blade that won't also be ended by one? Do you read?" He paused. "Can you read?" He knew the rates of literacy in some of the human kingdoms would approach abysmal if they could improve enough. <br><br>He stepped over to the stove, and began to fry up the potato rounds with garlic and some spices. It actually smelled fairly decent. "I so, I can show you my library.
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				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 08:44:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She just simply sighed and rested her cheek on her hand while she waited, her stomach rumbling.&nbsp; She sighed as he said she would be locked up, though she was glad it wouldn't be to just one room.&nbsp; No doubt however the main area of the den was one place she wouldn't be allowed to go, considering it had the exit.&nbsp; She frowned when he told her she would act as a servant when there were guests.&nbsp; "Guests...what guests would you have?" she asked him, partially in annoyance and partially in curiosity.&nbsp; Probably more dragons.<br><br>She simply nodded when he asked if he understood and then shrugged at his next few questions.&nbsp; "I was a mercenary," she said.&nbsp; "Sending the money back home so they could have a little extra, keeping a bit for myself to live on.&nbsp; One day, I came home for a visit and heard about how a dragon was plaguing my village.&nbsp; So...I decided to take care of it."&nbsp; She looked down a bit when he asked if she could read.&nbsp; She longed to learn how.&nbsp; "I know how to read a little," she said with a bit of an embarrassed blush on her cheeks she tried to hide.&nbsp; She knew it was common for people to not know how to read, but still, she hated looking at words and not knowing what they said.&nbsp; She wasn't about to ask him for help though.&nbsp; The smell from the food wafted towards her, causing her mouth to water and her stomach to growl.&nbsp; She hadn't had food that smelt this good before.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 09:10:00</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I occasionally have visitors. Friends, relations, sometimes a more...political visitor." He said with a slight shrug. "Don't worry much about protocol--simply remain polite. A dragons servant will not be expected to act as one of their own, in all things." He added after a moments thought. <br><br>He glanced back, eyebrow quirked as he learned of her profession. "Admirable enough, I suppose. Better than the average sell-sword I've had chance to deal with." He paused thoughtfully for a moment. "If it brings you any comfort, you should know I take the matter of an incursion into my territory seriously." He said calmly. "I will not allow any dragon to so freely prey upon my lands without my leave." <br><br>He was checking the roast when she spoke of her literacy. "Better than most then, not as good as I'd like." He said vaguely. "You're free to avail yourself of the library anytime you wish. Simply make sure you return any book or scroll you remove to its proper place. "This is...close enough. I hope you enjoy it medium rare." <br><br>He slid the roast from the oven, leaving the flames within burning. The hunk of boar smelled devine, the scents wafting from it to the table. He quickly carved a thick slab off, and a second, much thicker, and set them on the plates, already set with their green beds.&nbsp; The spices and fried potato rounds were added, and he brought both plates over, a knife and fork already upon each. He set it before her, and took the seat opposite. He picked a seemingly empty blue bottle from the table, and poured a hefty measure of what smelt like wine into a goblet for himself. "Water? Wine? Small beer?" He inquired. "Or do you prefer tea or some such?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>22-05-2013, 18:31:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				As she had suspected, more dragons.&nbsp; She glared a bit, she wasn't going to serve a dragon.&nbsp; If she did, she certainly wasn't going to be polite about it.&nbsp; What he said next however, didn't really comfort her, since she had failed in her mission.&nbsp; She was silent though, not really having anything to say to him at the moment.&nbsp; She would go to his library, try and teach herself to read.&nbsp; It couldn't be that hard could it?&nbsp; She did know how to speak the words after all.<br><br>She watched as he took the boar out, since it was finished and she asked, "I thought dragons could breath fire.&nbsp; So why do you have a stove?"&nbsp; She was genuinely curious.&nbsp; She watched as he brought the plates over and never had she seen something that looked so beautiful on a plate before, that was hers anyways.&nbsp; She started eating, not really paying much attention to the silverware.&nbsp; She was used to eating with her hands.&nbsp; "Water," she said simply after swallowing.&nbsp; She then continued eating.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 07:10:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He quirked an eyebrow. "Do you, personally, hunt down every deer, cow, chicken, or what have you, that you eat?" He said mildly as he ate, pouring her a glass of water from the same empty bottle. "Breathing fire is an intense process, and not something done lightly. Besides." He glanced up at her. "Sometimes I prefer my meat cooked on a setting other than "blackened and charred"" He added dryly. He glanced down, scowling. "Use the knife and fork." He said with a glare. "I had assumed you were basically civilized. " He muttered. <br><br>He dug into his own boar steak, polishing it off in record time. "I do hope you're enjoying your meal." He said calmly as he used a potato wedge to sop up some leftover juice. He simply watched her heat thoughtfully as he finished off his greens and potatoes, waiting for her to finish. Once she had, he took both the dishes back to the counter, simply laying them out. "Now. I'll show you where your quarters and the library are, and then I'm going hunting." He said, giving her an annoying look. "Being woken up makes me rather peckish." He said in an aggrieved tone.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-05-2013, 07:38:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked down at her food as he answered her.&nbsp; No, she didn't.&nbsp; She took a drink with water and went back to eating her food.&nbsp; She paused in her chewing and held onto the boar meat as she looked at him.&nbsp; She swallowed and set the meat down, grabbing the fork and knife, sighing softly.&nbsp; cutting into her steak and eating it off her fork.&nbsp; "Spending most of my nights eating dinner on the road," she said after swallowing.&nbsp; "You don't see a need in using a fork and knife."<br><br>She simply nodded when he asked if she was enjoying her meal, though she could have already had it ate if it wasn't for the fact she had to use the silverware.&nbsp; When she was finally done, he took up the plates and spoke.&nbsp; She stood up, ready to follow him, though she did just roll her eyes a bit at him complaining about being woken up.&nbsp; She thought her problem was more serious.&nbsp; "You know...you keeping me here will prevent me from supporting my family," she told him.&nbsp; "Unless you're willing to part with some of your gold."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 06:51:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, well, this is hardly the the open road, now is it?" He said dryly. He regarded her for a moment with a raised eyebrow. "It would be well within my right to say that you should have thought of that before you went on your little dragonslaying mission. " He sighed. "But far be it for me to inflict punishment on others for your own less than wise decisions. I'll see that they are...compensated...for your absence. " <br><br>He paused, a sudden grin lighting over his face. "Perhaps I'll inform them that you're sending them your wages as my new servant." He quirked an eyebrow. "Or concubine. " He snorted, a bit of smoke escaping a nostril. "Oh, I can hardly imagine their reaction to such a thought being pleasant. " He shook his head. "Regardless, they'll be taken care of. " He gave her an appraising look for a moment. Perhaps she'd impressed him. "Now then, follow me." <br><br>He took her back into the stone tunnels, walking along the magically lit walkways. After a few long minutes walk,, he paused at a door made of a polished black oak and opened it. Inside was a frankly massive room, lit with a mixture of more of the oddly colored burning torched and, lovely enough, sunlight streaming in from skylights in the ceiling. <br><br>"My library." He said in satisfaction, a note of smugness to his tone. There was shelves upon shelves upon shelves, ladders reaching up to the highest tiers. Books, scrolls, a veritable treasure trove. "Read whatever you wish. Simply put it back where you got it. And, this is very important." He raised a finger, and sketching a rune in the air. It hung, burning a sullen red for a moment. "Some shelves will be marked with that symbol. Take nothing from them without my permission. " He looked at her, and said, quite flatly. "If the book or scroll you pilfer from there does not kill you, I will.' <br><br>He turned. "Now, your quarters are this way." And strode smartly through the stacks, leading her through the room towards the opposite wall. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 07:05:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She just slightly rolled her eyes and continued eating.&nbsp; And rolled her eyes again when he told her she should have thought of her family first before coming into his den.&nbsp; She had, that’s why she was here, but she had planned on succeeding, not becoming his prisoner.&nbsp; Then he said he would send money to her family though she did balk a bit at the mention of him telling her family those were her wages of her being his servant.&nbsp; When he said concubine, her eyes went wide, a deep blush on her face, and it took a lot of control to not yell at him.&nbsp; “I will not be your concubine,” she told him, anger in her tone but it wasn’t above the volume she had been speaking at.<br><br>She was still blushing madly when he told her to follow and she did.&nbsp; When they made it to the library, her eyes widened even further and her mouth hung open at all the books.&nbsp; She had never seen so many books in all her life, there was no way, even if she was an excellent reader, she’d be able to read every single one of these books in her lifetime, even if she read them as fast as she could and back to back.&nbsp; She tore her eyes from the site of the grand room and looked at the symbol he made with his hands.&nbsp; She gulped when he mentioned that those books could kill her.&nbsp; She simply nodded at that before following him to her quarters.&nbsp; She almost hoped it was as grand as this room was, but she wasn’t getting her hopes up.&nbsp; She thought she’d even be lucky to have a proper bed.&nbsp; She did look up at the towering bookshelves as they made their way across the room to the otherside.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 07:32:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He glanced at her, and smirked. "There are those who'd considering becoming a dragons lover to be a high honor, something to be earned or wished for." He said mildly, quirking an eyebrow at her. "I gather you're not among them?" He smiled at her sardonically. Ah....he was teasing her. <br><br>The library smelled of leather and old paper, with a hint of dust thrown in. A door in the opposite wall led to a short hallway, a door on either side, and one at the opposite end. Opening it lead to an...impressive room. <br><br>Stone, much as everything else, it was brightly lit from the large windows--each bearing what appeared to be some sort of glass--along one wall. The windows had a view of a lovely looking valley, ringed with steep cliffs and mountains, and a door that seemed to lead outside? <br><br>It was furnished perhaps a bit sparsely, but what was there was of high quality. A luxurious looking bed with a small table beside it, holding an oil lamp, a massive armoir, and a large chest of drawers with a mirror above it--with a second full length mirror plastered against another wall. No wall coverings, but a lovely looking fur at the side of the bed. <br><br>"The other two doors in that hall lead to a small linen closet, and out into the valley. Feel free to make use of either. " He said with a negligent wave of his hand. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must be hunting. You're free to come and watch if you wish, of course. " He said, as he opened the second door in the room--it did, indeed, lead outside. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 08:13:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had absolutely nothing to say to that except glare at him.&nbsp; That was the only thing she could do except yell at him and she was sure he wouldn't appreciate that.<br><br>She was led through the library, taking in it's scent and enjoying it.&nbsp; She only wished she could read the pages better than she could.&nbsp; Then they got to her room after traveling though another hallway and she braced herself, though...what she saw was the complete total opposite of what she expected.&nbsp; It was the grandest bedroom she had ever seen in her life!&nbsp; She could barely take it all in.&nbsp; Her families whole house could fit in this room.&nbsp; The most impressive thing was the glass windows that had an absolute beautiful view.&nbsp; Also, besides the windows, was a glass door that seemed to lead outside?&nbsp; Did it, could she try and escape this way?&nbsp; He opened that door for her, telling her she was free to watch him hunt.&nbsp; She stepped out, not for that reason, but to try and find a way to escape.&nbsp; Sure, the room was grand and the library....but....she couldn't stay here.&nbsp; She was a prisoner in a luxurious cell.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 09:15:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He stepped outside, walking a few dozen feet away. He disappeared behind a large rock formation--the same strange shuffling, stretching noise as before, and his black dragon head rose up as he stalked back from around the rocks. He shook himself like a dog, settling his wings and muscles, before he bunched his legs, and leap't into the sky. <br><br>The valley was large enough to host a variety of game, evidently--he stooped into a dive almost immediately, snatching a youngish looking deer out in the distance. He snapped its neck quickly, and settled down to feed--a far more primal feeding than what she might expect from the male that had insisted on her using silverware. <br><br>There was a pathway just outside the doorway. It branch--leading either down into the valley, or tracing around it's edges in either direct. The left seemed a slightly better shot--it tilted upward, and she might be able to spy a way up and over, back towards home-ish. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 18:59:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched as he stepped outside, changing to dragon form and then diving to go and catch a deer.&nbsp; She grimaced a bit at how he killed it and then at how he ate it.&nbsp; "IF ONLY YOU HAD A KNIFE AND FORK TO USE!" she shouted down at him as loud as she could.&nbsp; Then she climbed up the pathway that was leading upwards and looked out, trying to see if there was a path.&nbsp; If she could manage to find one, she would then bide her time until he wasn't in the valley and make her way down the pathway that led into it and try to make her way back home.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-05-2013, 23:16:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His head whipped round at her yell. Could almost see him rolling his eyes....<br><br>He returned to eating as she ventured round. The path led up and round--it seemed like it ran right along and above her bedroom. It went rather steep for a short distance, and after that....she might see it. Her avenue...<br><br>The path branched again. One continued on as normal, along the rock face, climbing further up. The other, however, seemed to be barely a path. Barely even a trail, it slunk along towards what looked like the right direction...it did seem to lead back around towards where she'd originally come from. The only down side? If her vision wasn't playing tricks, it turned into a tiny ledge along a sheer cliff face. Not impossible, but incredibly dangerous to attempt. <br><br>She'd seemingly found her escape...if she could brave it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 00:23:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She just smirked when he looked at her, though she really didn't notice the eye roll.&nbsp; Then she was on her way up the path and saw that it curved.&nbsp; She followed it and then it branched out again and she studied them.&nbsp; She noticed how one just continued, but the other was very narrow and led to what seemed like an escape, but it was very dangerous looking.&nbsp; She bit her lip, she had two choices, find another path that could be an escape, or try this one.&nbsp; Taking a deep breath, she started to ease her way on the narrow path.&nbsp; Thankfully, she had good balance.&nbsp; She wasn't so sure about that ledge though....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 05:47:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He went back to his eating after that, tearing the meat from the carcass. Evidently he was...much less refined in this form. He did seem rather preoccupied, at least...she had some time to explore. <br><br>Nearer the cliff, the winds picked up--harsh updrafts that seemed to be almost trying to make her lose her balance. The ledge was...big enough to walk on. Mostly. But after a bit of a walk it narrowed even further--if she kept going, she'd be edging along with her back to the stone, as the winds blasted against her. A massive bird, looking like a crow or raven the size of an eagle, flew up barely five feet from her--using the winds moving up the cliff face to gain height. It raced past, wings flared, and, of course, a small rock under her foot chose just then to shift juuust so...just enough to put her balance in serious jeopardy. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 06:17:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She crept along, trying to maintain her balance despite the wind.&nbsp; She was just thinking of turning around and finding another way when a massive bird that she didn't recognize decided to fly up just barely ahead of her.&nbsp; Just as it did, a rock shifted and she lost her balance, enough so that she was dangling from the edge of the pathway she was just on, screaming, hoping that he would hear her and what....save her?&nbsp; No doubt she wouldn't hear the end of this and he would know that she had been trying to escape.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 07:06:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was left there for...ok, worryingly long. It was getting harder and harder to hold herself by that ledge...and there were no places she could stick her foot to wedge herself back up. <br><br>There was a massive flapping noise, and a dark shadow passed over her. If she looked up, she'd see him settling onto the ledge above her.He cocked his head like a bird, regarding her thoughtfully. "Trying to escape already?" It was tough to say whether he sounded amused or not. Maybe a touch of admiration? Nah, imagination. <br><br>"Really, I rarely even use this ledge, and I can fly. What were you thinking?" He said, shaking his head. He hadn't pulled her up yet....He seemed to be..yep. He waited until she was just starting to slip completely before his head snapped forward like a striking snake, teeth snapping into the clock at her back--his breath was very hot against her back as he lifted her up, and...didn't set her down. Instead, walking down the mountain side, back towards the door she'd left her room from. Aaand...of course, her clothing didn't hold up. There was a loud tearing sound--she she fell about ten feet, from his head, to the dirt, sans her shirt. <br><br>He at least had the grace to look a bit surprised.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 07:20:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was holding on as long as she could and it didn't seem like he was going to help her.&nbsp; He finally came though, sitting on the mountain and looking down at her.&nbsp; She had terrified tears in her eyes and she looked up at him.&nbsp; She couldn't tell anything by his tone, but she didn't really care about that.&nbsp; "Please, help!" she screamed.&nbsp; "I wasn't thinking, just please..." he wasn't helping though...her fingers were slipping.&nbsp; She screamed just as she started to fall and then he was grasping her by her shirt.<br><br>He was carrying her in his mouth and she expected him to put her down as soon they were on safe ground but he didn't.&nbsp; He just led her back to the door of her room and....<em>RRRRIIIIIPPPPPPP</em>.&nbsp; She was sent falling ten feet to the ground and she screamed the whole way down.&nbsp; She fell into the dirt and she just laid there, tears in her eyes from embarrassment at everything, including the fact that she no longer had her shirt on and she was thankful she landed on her stomach so he couldn't see her breasts, even though they were still bound.&nbsp; "Leave me alone," she muttered.&nbsp; "I just want to go to bed."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 07:49:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ah...crud. He hadn't meant to humiliate her...just...scare her a bit. Maybe he'd gone to far with that...and definitely with the carrying and the ripping and the...oh boy. <br><br>She heard the noise, and his human hand touched her shoulder. "Ah...I didn't intend for that to happen. I thought the cloth would hold...." He said, a bit of uncertainty to his voice. "Are you ok?" He settled on after a moment. "Unhurt?" the hand was removed, and there was a rustling noise behind her--and a leather shirt was lain against her back. "Here. Wear this until I'm able to repair your clothing. " He said a bit gruffly. "I'm sorry about that." <br><br>He walked past, heading inside, leaving her alone as she'd wished--if she looked, she'd get a glimpse of his human form without a top.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 07:59:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She heard him change back and then felt his hand on her.&nbsp; She didn't really say anything, but she did nod when he asked if she was unhurt.&nbsp; She felt a leather shirt lain against her back.&nbsp; He told her he would repair her shirt and he apologized and she watched as he left, realizing he had given her his shirt.&nbsp; She pulled it on quickly and then moved to the bed and covered up.&nbsp; She could smell his scent on the shirt and lifted the collar to her nose, taking a bit of it in.&nbsp; She blushed when she realized she liked it and then let go of it, trying to ignore that little fact.&nbsp; She instead closed her eyes and tried to go to sleep and forget about this place until morning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 08:27:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His skin looked...normal. Strangely enough, he bore a few odd looking scars on his back, including one that looked rather serious, curving round his side just barely above the first rib. An little smattering of scales was barely visible at the base of his spine, just above his pants hemline.&nbsp; He was...well formed. <br><br>The shirt smelled...curious. Besides its own leather scent, where was a curious mixture...an old, old leather, almost like the books of the library, and a curious little scent of water--of rain on stone, of mist. <br><br>The bed was soft, comfortable--likely the most comfortable thing she'd ever slept on. What was this thing, down? <br><br>Suffice to say,it was damn comfy. <br><br>Come morning, when she awakened, there was a stool beside the bed--And her own shirt lay, mended neatly. Many of the rips looked like they were hardly even there! Like magic. He was nowhere to be seen, however, though there was a note atop it. <br><br>"My apologies again. Your garment, repaired. If you wish breakfast, there will be a plate of it in the kitchen for you. " 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 08:35:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melody was easily able to fall asleep.&nbsp; The bed was so comfortable, better than anything she had ever slept on and that included rocks.&nbsp; She slept soundly and deeply.&nbsp; When she finally awoke in the morning, she saw a stool by her bed with her shirt on it.&nbsp; She picked it up and looked at it, you couldn't even tell the rips were there.&nbsp; She could still smell his shirt and...she blushed when she thought about it, but she didn't want to take it off.&nbsp; So, instead, she just put her shirt on over top of it.&nbsp; She couldn't believe she thought that though.&nbsp; She read the note then and managed to find her way back to the kitchen and went in search of the breakfast.&nbsp; When she found it, she started eating it.&nbsp; If he was there too, she would be silent for a bit before asking, "What's your name?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 08:52:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was in the kitchen, actually in the middle of cooking. "Ah...I wasn't expecting you to be awake this early." He remarked. "Breakfast will take a few more minutes." He said, frying bacon and eggs in a pan. He wore a similar shirt to the day before--dark leather, though this was slightly tinted an extremely dark purple.<br><br>He brought over her plate and his own, both heaped high with bacon and sausage, a few fried eggs, and some golden pieces of toast.&nbsp; His own held a far bit more food. He was just about to dig in when she asked. <br><br>He regarded her for a moment with what seemed almost like relief. "Talvarel." He said. "And yours?" He asked, taking a bit of the well cooked bacon. Oddly, he wore a glove on his left hand. Not his right. Why?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 09:03:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sat down when he told her breakfast would be a few minutes and asked when he brought the food over.&nbsp; She ate with her hands mostly, except the eggs that she actually used the fork with.&nbsp; When he answered her, she said, "Melody."&nbsp; She watched him for a bit, studying him and noticed he only had one glove off.&nbsp; That was...rather strange.&nbsp; "Why do you only have one glove on Talvarel?" she asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 09:09:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A pleasure, Melody." He said with a smile. The smile disappeared at her question. He paused...was there anyway he could get out of here without answering? <br>...<br>Nope. <br><br>He sighed, and removed the glove...his hand was...wow. Ok. It looked like someone had stuck his fingertips with a need a few...hundred...times. "I have not attempted sewing for several decades." He muttered, looking away. "I had to resort to a spell to repair your clothing. I am sorry. I had hoped you would not notice." He seemed...embarrassed?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 09:23:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She returned his smile briefly before returning to her food.&nbsp; When he answered her question, she looked and her eyes widened a bit before they softened and she had a genuine smile on her face.&nbsp; She felt touched, that he would actually try so hard to mend her shirt by hand instead of just resorting to magic when he couldn't do it the first few times.&nbsp; "Thank you," she said softly.&nbsp; Then she blushed when she remembered she was still wearing his shirt.&nbsp; "I...I suppose you are wanting your shirt back?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 11:01:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He waved a hand. "I am the one who damaged it, it's only fitting it fix it with my own hands. Or at least attempt to." He scowled."Ill need to practice. I dislike sewing." He grumbled. He shook his head. "In any case, thank you for accepting my apology. Keep the shirt." He waved a hand. "I have plenty. And you'll likely need more clothing beyond those two shirts while you're here." He paused. "I think that wardrobe was enchanted to supply clothing...but the spell might have failed. I haven't tested it in some time." He mused. <br><br>He finished his breakfast relatively quickly, and watched her finish, as before. "What to do with you today..." He mused. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 17:20:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened as he spoke and chuckled a bit when he said he disliked it.&nbsp; She nodded when he thanked her for taking his apology and thank him when he said she could keep it.&nbsp; When he mentioned the wardrobe, she said, "I...never opened it yet so I don't know if it works either."&nbsp; She continued eating and only paused when she heard him speak once more.&nbsp; "You don't have to do anything with me today," she said, almost afraid of what he would have in mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 22:31:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He quirked an eyebrow at her. "Yesterday I merely had to turn my back for a few minutes, and you were dangling from a cliff side in an escape attempt." He said mildly. "Should I take such a chance again? By claiming you, I've become responsible for your safety. Should you be grievously injured or killed, it would reflect poorly on me. " He paused. "And I'd rather it didn't happen in any case. You are...interesting. " <br><br>He stood, taking their plates with him, setting them atop the counter. "Would you care to explore the valley or the library?" He inquired, glancing over his shoulder at her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>26-05-2013, 23:51:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She opened her mouth to say something, but then shut it promptly and looked down.&nbsp; There was no point in arguing, she had tried to escape.&nbsp; And by the mere fact he asked if she wanted to explore the valley or the library, she figured there wasn't really an escape route from the valley....or was there?&nbsp; Well, she would try again, but not with him there and she wasn't going to try anything dangerous.&nbsp; "I guess the library, she said.&nbsp; She was then silent for a moment, getting up to head to the library, when she thought of something.&nbsp; "What kind of bird was that?" she asked, him, remembering the large giant bird yesterday.&nbsp; "It was like a raven or a crow, only it was the size of an eagle."&nbsp; She waited for his answer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>27-05-2013, 00:46:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled slightly. "You're people, imaginatively enough, term them "Great-crows". They basically are just giant ravens however. Rather intelligent for birds. They can be trained, somewhat. The ones who live nearby occasionally serve me for a bit of magic or food for them. Treat any you meat on a more on one one basis with a healthy dose of respect and caution. " He paused. "And stay far from their nests. They really dislike anything getting close to them."<br><br>"If you like, I believe I have a few books regarding them, and other such...semi normal creatures. Or history, ballads, whatever you may wish to read." He offered, standing near the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>27-05-2013, 02:59:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened as he explained and shook her head no.&nbsp; She didn't want him asking if she found what she was reading fascinating since she really couldn't read.&nbsp; She just didn't want to seem stupid.&nbsp; She was overwhelmed, once more looking at all the books he had.&nbsp; "Are the books with that symbol, magic books?" she asked.&nbsp; "Can you do magic from them?"&nbsp; She of course wasn't looking at one, she was looking at a normal bookshelf, picking up books at random and acting like she was actually choosing one that seemed interesting.&nbsp; "Could you teach me magic?" she asked him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>27-05-2013, 06:32:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He plucked a particular book from a shelf, flipping through its pages idly as she spoke before re-shelved it. "Yes, they are magical. " He paused. "And...some of them, yes." He said carefully. "Others are dangerous for other reasons. Cursed, or aware in some way. Some would try to teach you themselves--others for force knowledge upon you. And some would simply burn the eyes from your head, without the proper protection " He said with a slight shrug. <br><br>He quirked an eyebrow at the final query. "...I likely could. Is that something you wish?" He asked curiously. "It's rare to meed a sword slinger who wants to know of the arcane arts. Most of you trust too much in steel and blade to test your mettle with fire and lightning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>27-05-2013, 14:52:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shuddered a bit as he described some of the books, thinking they were horrible.&nbsp; She still wanted to learn though, then he inquired why.&nbsp; "Yes," she said and with a smirk continued.&nbsp; "And yes, it is true that most swordsmen and women put their trust in their blade and they'd be stupid not to.&nbsp; It is after all their main protection, but....I see nothing wrong in a little extra defense."&nbsp; She looked at him then.&nbsp; She pulled a book off of the shelf and sat on the floor with it.&nbsp; She looked at the first page and started staring at it since that was all she could do.&nbsp; She felt incredibly stupid.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 05:58:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled, low in his throat. "Aye, but to ignore magic completely is as unwise as ignoring an archer with a bead on you. A prepared mage is a nightmare to face for most swordsmen. " He shook his head with a slight laugh. <br><br>He gave her a slight look though. "I can, and will teach you, if you wish it." He said as she sat on the floor with the book, regarding her thoughtfully. "But if I do, you will learn magic my way. You likely won't enjoy much of it. It will be even more boring than the rote maneuvers you likely learned the blade with. And there will be lots of reading involved." He didn't have the heart to tell her the book was upside down. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 08:06:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Agreed," she said.&nbsp; "Which is why I seek to learn it, since it would most definitely be helpful.&nbsp; He spoke and sat down beside her and she just looked up at him from her upside down book she was pretending she could read.&nbsp; She debated against it now when he said was boring, and bit her lip when he mentioned how much reading was to be involved.&nbsp; Really, a lot? she thought.&nbsp; She looked back at her unknowingly upside down book and said, I can manage it."&nbsp; She turned a page and continued to pretend to read.&nbsp; Though, really, it just looked like a bunch of squiggles to her and who could make any sense out of it?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 08:53:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded. "Fair enough." He said calmly. "When do you wan't to begin? Today, tomorrow?" He inquired. He looked at her for a few long moments, wonder if he should out her, or simply let her admit it later. If she ever would...<br><br>After a few moments, he sighed slightly, and plucked the book from her hands, turning it over, and handing it back. "I can give lessons regarding reading as well. " He said gently. "You can learn the two arts side by side. "&nbsp; There was no pity in his tone--he didn't want to humiliate her.&nbsp; He sat there, watching to see how she'd react to being outed in such a way. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>28-05-2013, 16:33:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Whenever you find convenient," she said, still nervous of being found out she couldn't read.&nbsp; Why, she didn't know.&nbsp; It was common for people like her to not know how to read.&nbsp; After a few more moments of pretending she could, he took the book from her and flipped it upright before handing it to her.&nbsp; Then he spoke again, mentioning he could teach her to read and do magic side by side.&nbsp; She sighed and closed the book.&nbsp; "Fine then, you caught me, I can't read," she sounded angry, not with him but with herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>29-05-2013, 01:48:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Today then. " He stood, stretching slightly. "I think you're first lesson should be in magic." He mused. He paused thoughtfully. "I will be teaching you the way dragons use magic. Not the way most humans normally learn, but...perhaps it will suit you better." He regarded her for a moment, a smile sliding across his lips. It was a curious smile--not malicious, but with just the slightest hint that he didn't think she'd enjoy it. "It ought to be interesting to see if you can understand it..." He mused thoughtfully. He gestured for her to follow him. "Come. Might as well have your first lesson. " <br><br>He led her back through the back of the library, out into the valley he'd hunted in earlier, speeding up, disappearing around the same out cropping of boulders as before. When she caught up, he was shaking his wings, back in his dragon form. He crouched down, and gestured towards his back with his head. "Get on." He said, voice returned to the deep echoing growl of before. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>29-05-2013, 03:41:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At least he wasn't rubbing it in that she had lied to him.&nbsp; She sighed softly at his smile, remembering what he had said that she might not enjoy it.&nbsp; She wondered why.&nbsp; Well, there was only one way to find out.&nbsp; Then he mentioned she may not understand it and asked a bit nervously, "And what if I don't?"&nbsp; Did that mean she couldn't learn it?&nbsp; She got up to follow him through the library, her room, and out to the valley once more.&nbsp; She followed him to the outcropping and soon he was in his dragon from once more.&nbsp; She hesitated, but soon she made her way to climb onto his back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>29-05-2013, 06:14:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Then we see what kind of magic you can learn. Though I won't be as a good a teacher with any other style. " He said with a slight shrug. <br><br>Once she'd climbed aboard his back--there was a fairly comfortable little place at the base of his neck. The spinal crest behind her was blunt enough not to hurt, and the one in front blunt enough to hold onto without digging into her skin. His wings flared, and he leapt up, and he was flying--and she along with. He climbed rapidly, and soon they were gliding through the air. <br><br>It was a...unique experience, at the least. <br><br>They landed surprisingly quickly--after perhaps twenty minutes of flight--but it was an area Melody had never seen before. He slammed into the field he'd spiraled down into hard enough to flip her off, and send her skidding a few feet--a human hand helped her up. "Sorry about that. Not used to flying with a passenger. " He said, before standing to survey the area. <br><br>They were in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by trees. "This way." He said without preamble, giving her little time to readjust to the ground. He led her through the forest, towards a cliff face. A small stream&nbsp; ran near the opening of the mouth of the cave. "Here is where your first lesson will take place." He said, gesturing to the little area. Cave mouth, stream, trees. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>29-05-2013, 18:20:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She held on tight to the blunt spinal crest as he took flight.&nbsp; She took in a deep breath, her eyes going wide, not liking this flight one bit.&nbsp; She grasped so tightly onto the spinal crest, that her knuckles had turned white.&nbsp; After what seemed like an eternity to her, he started to land and she screamed a bit on the way down.&nbsp; He slammed into the ground and she flipped off of him, skidding to a stop a few feet away.&nbsp; She groaned a bit and laid there, even as he held his hand up.&nbsp; She didn't want to get up.&nbsp; She did anyways, taking his offered help and stood up on shaky legs.<br><br>She stumbled a bit as she followed him, but soon she was walking back to normal.&nbsp; She looked around at the place he took her and saw the cave, trees, and stream.&nbsp; "What am I going to be learning?" she asked him curiously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>30-05-2013, 08:09:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How to tap into the power of magic. " he said simply. "Everyone goes about it slightly differently. There are no two mages--dragon, human, or any other type--who do magic in exactly the same way, no matter what you might see. " <br><br>He made a curious gesture, and fire blossomed in the air--he held it cupped in his hands. "Calling fire is, traditionally, the first step for most who begin to learn magic. I've read that many human mages set their students to lighting a candle to teach them how to tap into their power in their own ways." He smiled. "My method of teaching is a bit more...involved. " <br><br>He let the cupped handful of fire go, and began to shape it into a simple looking rune--three lines radiating from a single point upwards. "This is the symbol for fire. " He said calmly. "Memorize it. " <br><br>It hung, flickering in the air, for several minutes, before he waved a hand, letting it dissipate. "Now, step into the cave. " He, curiously, gathered a large bundle of wood--much of it soaking wet--and threw it into the cave as he spoke. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>30-05-2013, 18:38:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened as he spoke and became awestruck when he made fire appear in the air and cupped it in his hands.&nbsp; Then he was speaking again and at first thought he was going to make her light a candle but then he said his method was much more involved.&nbsp; Then he took the fire and shaped it into a symbol and told her what it was.&nbsp; She stared at it, tracing the shape with her finger in the air and committing it to memory.&nbsp; Then it was gone and he was telling her to get into the cave just as he threw some wood into it.&nbsp; She headed for it, stepping into the damp wet cave and knelt down to gather the soaking wet wood.&nbsp; How was she supposed to make a fire out of this?&nbsp; She arranged it to make a campfire when she could get it lit and traced the symbol above it, nothing happened.&nbsp; She tried again and still nothing.&nbsp; She looked at him and begged him softly, "Help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 00:47:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was kneeling outside and to one side of the cave, seemingly scratching something on the rock outside it.&nbsp; He stood, and knelt at the opposite side, repeating the procedure. "Magic is in all of us. " He said calmly. "Each and every single thing in the world has some aspect of magic within it. A rock, a tree. There is...something within it. It is greatest within those that are aware." <br><br>He regarded her calmly. "It is in you. Making the sign is useless without tapping into the power within yourself. It's like...trying to speak without air. " <br><br>He smiled. "Look into yourself." He said. "Its the same area you tap into when your fighting for your life, and you need that little extra burst of energy or speed to keep yourself alive. " <br><br>He reached out touched the side of the cave wall where he'd been scratched earlier. What...in the world was he doing? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 01:06:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was outside of the cave, scratching something onto a rock from what she could hear.&nbsp; He was speaking now though and she listened.&nbsp; Tap into the power within herself.&nbsp; That sounded hard until he mentioned that it was the same with the power she tapped into when sword fighting.&nbsp; Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and concentrated.&nbsp; When her eyes opened again, she tried to pretend she was sword fighting and she felt something as she made the symbol, but nothing happened.&nbsp; Not even a spark of a flame.&nbsp; She glared in frustration.&nbsp; How was she supposed to get these wet logs to catch fire in this damp cave and what on earth was he doing.&nbsp; She looked at him as best she could and asked, "How am I supposed to make a fire in here, it's too wet and the wood's too wet, and what are you doing?"&nbsp; She was frustrated.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 02:06:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked at her. He looked...almost amused. "In order--use magic. Tap into your power, and find your path to it." He chuckled slightly. "And of course its wet. I couldn't make it too easy for you, now could I? Besides, this way you can't use a flint and tinder. As for what I'm doing..." <br><br>He regarded her thoughtfully, and smiled. He muttered something, too low for her to hear. "I'm giving you..." He smiled. Ice was growing from the edges of the cave wall--fast. And not thin frost--thick, jagged crystalline growths. "Incentive. It will melt when you can summon fire." He said, before his face disappeared behind the ice wall. <br><br>And it was, indeed, a wall. A thick wall of interlocking jagged spikes of ice....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 02:32:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She didn't like that amused look on his face.&nbsp; She sighed at his answer though as to why it was wet and then her eyes widened when she saw the ice growing and forming a wall at the cave mouth.&nbsp; Not only there, but the ice spread into the cave as well and it got very, very cold.&nbsp; She shivered and went to the ice wall, trying to break it but it wasn't working.&nbsp; She couldn't even see him through the wall, but she glared anyways and went back to the logs.&nbsp; She would need to make a fire fast or she would freeze to death.<br><br>She tried to focus again and pretended she was fighting once more, she felt that same thing she did earlier, but still nothing happened just like last time.&nbsp; She tried harder, focusing and pretending she was in the fight of her life.&nbsp; A spark was all she was able to manage and it didn't catch.&nbsp; She tried it again, only this time taking what he had said into account.&nbsp; She tapped into the power and tried to find her path to it.&nbsp; Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she focused, picturing that fight in her mind and drawing up the strength to continue in that fight.&nbsp; She did just that, only instead of strength, she summoned the fire and then the logs did catch as she drew the symbol above them.&nbsp; It wasn't a large flame, but it was a flame none the less.&nbsp; She tried making it bigger, but she was already tired as it was because that had taken a lot out of her and she huddled close to the flame as it slowly melted the ice.&nbsp; Unfortunately, it died on her and she whimpered.<br><br>She didn't know if she had it in her to create another one.&nbsp; She did the exact same thing she had done before and it was slightly easier this time but it still took a lot out of her.&nbsp; This was worse than training with her sword.&nbsp; She wasn't this exhausted after just one session.&nbsp; The logs were lit once more though and she focused on keeping it lit until all the ice was melted, or at least enough for her to get out and then she let the fire die.&nbsp; She wished he had just stuck with the candle.&nbsp; She wearily made her way to her feet before walking out of the cave.&nbsp; "Is this how you learned magic?" she inquired, the tone in her voice suggesting she did not appreciate that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 02:47:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Strangely enough, the ice didn't seem to melt so much as shrink away from the fire. No water dripped from it--thankfully, else it'd make this even harder. When the fire died, the ice crystals stopped shrinking away. When she got it going again...they shrunk faster. <br><br>It actually didn't take that long for the ice to melt and shrink away enough for her to walk out. By then the fire had built itself up enough, drying out the wood enough to catch without her interference. <br><br>He was waiting outside for her, kneeling beside a tree, singing something--his voice holding some of the deeper aspects of his dragon form. He glanced over as she stepped out, and blinked, looking a bit startled. He hadn't expected her that quickly. <br><br>"Faster than I thought." He said with a smile. At her question, "In a way. Same cave. Only I didn't have any wood. " He paused. "And my teacher set a spell to slowly flooding the cave. " He looked up thoughtfully. "And she used more ice. "&nbsp; He held out a hand to her. "You did well. Much faster than I anticipated. " If she took the hand, he bent over it, brushing his lips against her knuckles. <br><br>"So--want to head back now, or would you like a second lesson?" He smiled. "No tricks, and no cave traps this time. I promise. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 03:17:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stepped out of the cave to see him kneeling beside a tree and she heard him singing.&nbsp; The song wasn't anything she had ever heard and she had to admit it was beautiful even with the deep rumbling of his dragon form.&nbsp; He looked started when he saw her and she wondered why, did he not expect her to get out? No, it wasn't that, if he didn't then he still wouldn't be here.<br><br>She understood what the look was for when he spoke up.&nbsp; When he answered her question, she realized that she had gotten off easy, but she was still slightly mad at him.&nbsp; "I was desperate," she said.&nbsp; "It was freezing and wet which only made it worse."&nbsp; Of course, he would know that.&nbsp; He held his hand out to her and she looked at it warily before taking it, her eyes going wide and her cheeks blushing as he brushed his lips against her knuckles.&nbsp; She looked away quickly, not wanting him to notice.<br><br>"I'm tired," she said at the offer of more lessons.&nbsp; "That took a lot out of me, but...I suppose if you are still wanting to teach me something it could be reading," she said, her voice getting lower and lower as she spoke.&nbsp; She still hated admitting to the fact she couldn't read.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 03:52:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes? Your point being?" he said thoughtfully. "You are a mercenary. I imagine you learned to fight in wind, and weather, in a variety of situations. Magic is much the same. There is every possibility that your life will depend on casting a spell while you are cold, wet, miserable, with a dagger in your guts and your face burned half off."&nbsp; He looked at her. " If some of your lessons did not take place under such conditions, I would be remiss as a teacher." <br><br>He nodded. "As you wish. We'll return and I'll begin your lessons there." He walked past her, towards the field he'd landed in before--when she turned to follow, he was already in his draconic form again, the black scales gleaming in the sun. Back in the field, he knelt for her to get into place again. <br><br>Once she'd mounted up, he took off again, circling into the air and setting off back towards his lair. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>31-05-2013, 04:03:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She gulped at the things he told her and while they were true, she asked, "You aren't going to put a dagger in my gut or burn my face half off are you?"&nbsp; Though she had put a sword in his gut, she really didn't want pay back for that.&nbsp; She did feel bad for that though, he wasn't as bad as she thought he was originally.&nbsp; "And...I'm sorry for sticking one in you," she said.<br><br>When he said they would return, she nodded and followed him, seeing him already in his draconic form.&nbsp; When they got to the field, she hesitated but got on, realizing it was their only way back unless she planned on hiking her way back and she was too tired for that.&nbsp; "Is it possible for better safety?" she asked, nervous about riding on him again.&nbsp; He took off though and she held on as tight as she could as he made his way back to the lair.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>01-06-2013, 02:19:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No. I doubt Ill ever go that far. Some of your lessons will be under remarkably unpleasant conditions." He smiled. "Casting with your weaker hand, casting with some minor injury--which I will heal, of course--and some more conditions like the ice cave. No worries anytime soon though. For now, I can teach you some basics without throwing you in the deep end. " <br><br>He raised an eyebrow at the apology. "You were doing what you thought was right." He said with a shrug. "As far as you knew, I was harming your people. " He quirked an eyebrow. "Honestly more noble than what I've come to expect from the average sword slinger. But...you're hardly average, are you?" <br><br>"No worries. There's no way I'd let you fall." He chuckled, the sound vibrating oddly through his scales. "Even if you fell off, I could snatch you in my claws or jaw, safely enough to land at any rate. And I'll make sure to land a bit softer this time, I promise."&nbsp; <br><br>The flight back was...actually pretty pleasant. The air wasn't as frigid, since it'd had time to warm up, and he glided most of the way, riding thermals. She could actually glimpse her village in the distance before he banked down, and started spiraling into the valley. True to his word, he landed much softer--backwinging until his back legs touched. She didn't get thrown off this time! He knelt to allow her to climb off. <br><br>"So, your first reading lesson...." he mused, still in draconic form. "Do you have any reading ability to start with? No shame if not, of course. And would you prefer the standard human letters first, or something more..." He grinned. It was...interesting expression in his dragon form. "Esoteric?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>01-06-2013, 04:04:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was relieved when he said he wouldn't go that far, though she was nervous when he said she would still have to try and cast with a minor injury and him saying he would heal it did help some, but...she didn't want to feel the pain.&nbsp; No wonder he said she would find this unpleasant.&nbsp; Then he was dismissing her apology and she nodded softly.<br><br>When she was to climb on top of him, she did feel better when he said he wouldn't let her fall and would catch her if she did.&nbsp; She felt it strange that his scales vibrated as he spoke though.&nbsp; It felt...strange.&nbsp; her stomach lurched as he launged into the air, but...the flight itself wasn't so bad.&nbsp; She even got to see her village again and seeing it made her homesick.&nbsp; Sure, she got homesick when out adventuring but then she had the hope of seeing it and her family once more, now...she could only catch glimpses like this.<br><br>When they landed, it was much softer and she didn't fall off this time.&nbsp; Now she just had the worry of sliding down from him, which wasn't so hard.&nbsp; He spoke to her and she looked at him with a bit of a sad look, still thinking about her family and said, "No, I haven't any ability."&nbsp; When he continued, she gave him a funny look, "Eso what?&nbsp; I've never heard of such a thing before."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 05:11:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He paused, seeing her look. "Esoteric. Rare...strange...somewhat odd." He clarified. "Such as learning to read the draconic script." he gave a shrug--an extremely strange movement in his draconic form. <br><br>He looked at her for a moment, an odd, unreadable expression on his face. Was she homesick? Already? Perhaps she thought he intended on keeping her forever, or something...<br><br>"We'll start with human script then. At least you don't have anything to unlearn." He mused, shifting back into his human form as she entered the stone tunnels, following after. <br><br>Back to the library he took her, and plucked a curious looking, slim tome off a shelf, handing it to her. He took several more, carrying them himself, and led her to a corner of the library--set up into a reading nook. Comfortable chairs, some low tables, and prolific light. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 05:31:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Both, Esoteric and Draconic script sounded hard, even harder than the normal human script.&nbsp; She saw the look he gave her though, and wondered what it was for, unable to read it.&nbsp; She nodded, a bit relieved he was going to start her with human script.&nbsp; "What do you mean unlearn?" she asked.&nbsp; She watched as he retrieved a few curious looking tomes off the shelf and took the one he gave her.&nbsp; She followed him to the reading nook and she had to ask him.&nbsp; "Will I ever at least get to visit my family?"&nbsp; She did miss them terribly.&nbsp; She took a seat in one of the chairs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 09:45:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Some people fall into bad habits." He said. "When I was first learning sorcery, I fell into a few myself. I had to untrain myself out of then, unlearn them--cast them from my mind." He clarified. <br><br>He set the books he'd taken out on a low table as he sat down on a chair next to hers, glancing up, startled, at her question. "Of course. I don't intend on keeping you forever, after all." He paused, regarding her thoughtfully. He was wondering why he'd decided to take her in the first place. Something about her intrigued him...and something about her spunk, coming to slay a dragon to protect her family, had impressed him. He was...interested. <br><br>"I need to arrange to have your pay sent there in any case." He mused. "Care to accompany me, say, the day after tomorrow?" He remarked thoughtfully. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>02-06-2013, 17:25:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wondered what kind of bad habits could be learned when trying to read or write.&nbsp; She guessed she would find out sooner or later.&nbsp; He then set the books on the low table and sat next to her, looking shocked at her words.&nbsp; "You don't...plan on keeping me forever?" she asked, thinking that was exactly what he was planning, especially when he said that she couldn't be allowed to leave.&nbsp; What made her light up the most though, was when he asked if she wanted to come with him to bring her pay to her family.&nbsp; "I would very much, thank you," she said with a smile.&nbsp; Then it softened a bit and she asked, "How...long did you plan on keeping me if not forever?"&nbsp; Now, that she wanted to learn magic and to read, it may be even longer before she got to return home.&nbsp; But...she was wanting to learn still, even if it didn't sound pleasant.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 00:06:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Of course not." He quirked an eyebrow. "You annoyed me and mildly wounded me. If you had pissed me off enough to claim you as a part of my hoard, you'd be chained up there. " He said mildly. He paused. "I really don't know. " He said thoughtfully to her asking how long. "Until you cease interesting me, and when I've decided you've been here long enough to pay for breaking into my sleeping room and attacking me." He said with a slight shrug. <br><br>He smiled slightly. "And however long it takes to teach you proper magic, of course. Now...open your book, please. If the spell hasn't failed, it should be blank. " He said, gesturing to the slim volume in her hands. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 00:23:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She gulped a bit, glad she hadn't made him that mad.&nbsp; She much preferred her room to being chained up.&nbsp; Though...now that she thought about it, what had caused him to have such a room like that.&nbsp; She would ask later though and continued listening to him.&nbsp; Well, it wasn't forever and she was glad that he would just let her go when she ceased interesting him.&nbsp; She figured he would just eat her then and that was a relief.&nbsp; She turned to her book though when he told her to open it and she did so and just like he said, it was blank.&nbsp; She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to instruct her in something.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 03:53:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He handed her a freshly dipped quill, and held up one of the books he'd brought with him. It had a large,simple "A" on a page. Her first lesson began. <br><br>He was actually a fairly decent teacher regarding this--patient, and explaining everything. He made her copy each letter down--several times.&nbsp; From there, he had her sounding them out, each letters peculiar sound. <br><br>The first word her had her spell out was her own name on the inside cover of the slim volume he'd handed her before. <br><br>"That's yours now, by the way." He said, gesturing to the book. "Its enchanted to work as a journal. You can practice writing in it--whatever you like. It shouldn't run out of pages, and its remarkably hard for anyone other than you to read it." He said with a slight smile. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 04:15:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took the quill from him and copied the letters down as many times as he had her too.&nbsp; Then, he had her sounding them out and she felt a bit silly as she did so, the letters sounding funny.&nbsp; Then, he showed her how to spell her name and she thought she rather quite liked the way Melody looked on paper.&nbsp; Her handwriting was sloppy, but...she was trying and she found if she wrote slower then the letters looked neater.&nbsp; Her handwriting was also big, but that was something else she had to work out.<br><br>She looked at him as he spoke and she smiled.&nbsp; "Thank you," she said.&nbsp; She would just have to get better before she could start to actually write things in it, for now she could just practice her letters and name.&nbsp; "Um...is there any place for me to bathe?" she asked.&nbsp; She was feeling sweaty and grimy and she blushed as she asked, but she was longing to be clean again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 05:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He actually seemed rather pleased with her progress, giving her the quill and a bottle of ink to take with her to her room. At her question, he paused. "..Huh. I haven't bathed in my human form for...some time." He mused thoughtfully. <br><br>He stood. "I think so, yes. I have a modest bathing room near my chambers. I'm afraid it's the only one at the moment. " He stretched slightly and beckoned to her. "Want to put your journal up first?" <br><br>After she took care of that, (If she did), he led her back through the library. Opposite the reading nook was another short hallway, with two large doors facing one another at the end. "The one on the left leads to my main chambers." He said, gesturing. It was a beautifully carved piece of heavy oak, something not out of place in a palace. Its opposite number was a bit plainer, but still well decorated, and with a curious handle--there was a small dial just above it which showed the color green. He pushed it open, and immediately yanked it closed. "Wrong setting..." He muttered--she would have glimpsed something...glittering.&nbsp; Light, shining off something...gems? Metal? His horde? <br><br>He twisted the dial until it showed a dark blue in color, and pushed it open again--this time, it led into a magnificent looking bathing room. It was tiled in dark green, with a black marble tub that was being constantly filled by three statues of rather...ahem. Nubile, nymphlike figures (Naiads, perhaps?) Pouring water from upheld urns. They seemed to be made of silver, and looked well polished. The tub itself was luxuriously big. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 06:04:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was relieved when he said he did and hoped that if he hadn't bathed in his human form that he bathed in his dragon form at least, but...his shirt did smell very nice and she couldn't wait to steal a few sniffs of it later tonight since she was still wearing it under her mended shirt.&nbsp; She nodded though and moved to put her journal in her room, taking the time now to sniff his shirt.&nbsp; It still smelled of him and she hoped it would continue too, she liked it.&nbsp; She then returned and followed him through the library to another two sets of doors, the more fancy one, she figured went to his rooms and was confirmed when he said so.<br><br>She watched as he moved to open the other door and saw something glittering before he immediately shut it.&nbsp; "What was in that room?" she asked him as he switched it to another setting.&nbsp; Maybe she could sneak a peak later if he didn't tell her.&nbsp; She remembered that the dial was on green.&nbsp; Then it was on a dark blue and she gasped at the bathroom, never having seen a bathroom so magnificent in her life.&nbsp; "This is amazing," she said.&nbsp; She then turned to him and cleared her throat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 07:02:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I would normally just sit under a waterfall, let it wash over my scales. Astoundingly relaxing." He said conversationally as they put the journal in her room. He waited outside it, giving her the chance to sniff his shirt. The scent hadn't faded at all. <br><br>At the bathroom, her question, he shot her a look. His eyed narrowed, and for a moment their reptilian appearance was even less...human. Something flickered in them...greed? Anger? Possession? Desire? Something. Something...not human. Not the kind of emotion anyone of her own species would have. "Never you mind." He said quietly, just a touch of sibilance to the tone. <br><br>He walked quickly into the bathroom, looking round. "Is it?" He said vaguely. "I suppose so...well. Dwarves and gnomes do very good work. Especially when their competing with one another." He said cheerfully. He glanced over as she cleared her throat. "Yes?" He said, puzzled. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-06-2013, 15:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was happy the scent hadn't faded.&nbsp; She hoped it never would.&nbsp; Then she felt silly.&nbsp; Was she growing feelings for him?&nbsp; She inwardly groaned.&nbsp; She had a crush on her once used to be enemy.&nbsp; Since when did she become so girly.&nbsp; She didn't have time for feelings like this when she was a mercenary.<br><br>She backed up away from him when his eyes narrowed and an emotion she didn't recognize appeared on his face, making him look even less human.&nbsp; "I'm not going to steal," she said in a worried tone.&nbsp; "Just wanting to look is all."&nbsp; She didn't know if she wanted to sneak a look now or not.<br><br>She nodded, saying once more, to her, it was.&nbsp; She could appreciate the knowledge he bestowed upon her though, but then when he just looked confused at her clearing her throat, she said, "You don't have to hover around me all the time and...I would kind of like some privacy."&nbsp; Her words slowed down as she spoke, and she had grasped her hands in front of her and kind of looked around a bit awkwardly, hoping he would understand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>04-06-2013, 02:01:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That strange, inhuman look faded after a moment, as she spoke. "I didn't think you would. Dragons have some..." he paused. "Strange instincts at times. Especially regarding their..." He shook his head, cutting himself off. <br><br>"Maybe another time. Not today." He said, voice returning a bit of its cheerfulness. <br><br>"...Oh! of course." He nodded. "I'll leave you be to your bathing. There are scented oils and soaps in the bottles along the back wall of the tub, should you wish to use them. " And towels hung off a silvered rack to one side. <br><br>He nodded to her with a slight smile as he turned to strode out, shutting the door firmly behind himself. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>04-06-2013, 02:12:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Was it his hoard?&nbsp; The one he was sleeping on when she attacked him?&nbsp; She didn't see why not if this door was magical.&nbsp; He said he would allow her to see it, just not today, so she wouldn't sneak in and take a peak like she planned.<br><br>She nodded and thanked him and when he was gone, she started to strip.&nbsp; She had pert breasts, that were neither too large, nor too small and were tipped with rosy pink nipples.&nbsp; She eased herself down into the water, sighing at it.&nbsp; It felt just right.&nbsp; She soaked for a moment before grabbing the soaps and oils, cleaning herself and pretending she was a princess or queen.&nbsp; This felt very nice.&nbsp; She bathed for about an hour before getting out and rubbing herself dry with the towel and getting dressed once more, smelling his shirt before putting it on and then hers on top of that as well as her pants.&nbsp; She left the room then, finished, her red hair a darker color now that it was wet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>04-06-2013, 05:54:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Doubtful that it was what he'd been sleeping on...that, after all, had a massive opening to the outside world. Or, it had until he'd sealed it. But a hoard...maybe?&nbsp; And he had said he might let her see it...it'd been more of a "lets change the subject now." Kind of sentence. <br><br>The water was luxuriously warm, approaching hot. The soaps and oils smelled fantastic, and left her skin shining, free of any grime or sweat. <br><br>Once she'd left, she'd hear his voice, raised, coming from the door opposite this one--his chambers. "Yes...yes I understa--No. You cannot visit tomorrow, I--no I don't have other guests, I'm simply--would let me...I...would you st--" There was a strangled inarticulate little noise of anger. The door was open enough that she could see him speaking to a large, ornate looking mirror, with a ethereal, fae looking creature in it--some species of elf, or wildfae?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>04-06-2013, 15:20:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Talvarel?" she asked as she opened the door, not seeing him.&nbsp; She heard him though and he was shouting at something or someone.&nbsp; She stepped out and looked, into the cracked door of his room.&nbsp; Her eyes widened at seeing the mirror and the creature inside of it, but what were they talking about?&nbsp; It seemed that the fae creature wanted to visit but he wasn't going to allow it and she caught that he said he didn't have any other guests.&nbsp; She had no idea if he meant no one else was coming tomorrow, her simply denying she was there.&nbsp; For some reason, she hoped it wasn't the latter.&nbsp; She remembered what he told her, how she had to behave when he had guests over, and she sighed at that, a bit grateful he wasn't letting that fae come over.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 01:13:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Really, Talvy, it's almost like you don't like me anymore." Said the fae male in the mirror. He made an strange little gesture, and the door she was peeking through swung open further. "Lying to me like that. Darling, please come in. " He said. His voice held hints of laughter within its curious accent, almost musical. <br><br>Talvarel glanced over, and visibly twitched. He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. "Please come in Melody. " he said with a low growl. "This is Merllaer. " He said with a gesture to the mirror. "Merllaer, this is Melody."<br><br>"So, if you have no guests, who and what is this lovely little minx?" The fae stroked his chin, seeming delighted. He had long hair, white as the moon, that fell down past his waist. A set of curling, goatling horns pushed up through the hair at either side of his head, curling back. "A new lover? It's been century's since your last, Talvy. I hadn't heard you'd taken a new concubine..." He smirked, glancing back and forth from one to the other. <br><br>"She is not a concubine." He said, a touch of heat to his tone. "She is.." he paused, drawing out silence while the fae smiled at the pair of them. "My bodyguard. " He said lamely. <br><br>The fae just smiled that much wider. "I see...well, far be it for me to be so crass as to not properly greet your new...bodyguard..." He chuckled. "I'll be along tomorrow at noon. See you tomorrow..." He bowed with a flourish and snapped his fingers--the mirror went blank, reflecting the room they were in. <br><br>The room, incidentally, was just as luxurious as the bathroom. Dominating it was a massive four poster bed, easily twice the size of her own, with a multitude of pillows and a set of thick coverings. The walls were adorned with numerous tapestries, beautifully woven of a variety of cloth, including one that might have been a woven portrait of Talvarel himself, in his dragon form. A set of shelved flanked the magic mirror, and a second set flanked the opposite wall, around what seemed a window--curiously, it showed the valley outside despite how deep this room must be in the stone. <br><br>Talvarel made a frustrated noise, a low growl rumbling through his chest. "Elves...." he growled. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 01:30:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talvy?&nbsp; She would keep that in mind for future teasing.&nbsp; Then…the door was swung open and she blushed with embarrassment.&nbsp; She timidly stepped forward and over to Talvarel.&nbsp; She couldn’t help but look in his room, it was so amazing.&nbsp; Better than hers, but…she wasn’t really being envious.&nbsp; She loved her room and would in fact miss it when she was gone.&nbsp; She looked at the fae though, not trying to be rude.&nbsp; He looked curious and then when he mentioned her being Talvarel’s lover, she turned a bright shade of red and opened her mouth to say she wasn’t, but Talv beat her to it.<br><br>She relaxed a bit when he called her his body guard, but Merllaer didn’t seem to buy it.&nbsp; She glared at that.&nbsp; Then he was using her as an excuse to come over tomorrow and then he was gone after a bow.&nbsp; She blinked, having to take a moment to process all that.&nbsp; Then she looked at Talvarel.&nbsp; “Why did you deny me being here?” she asked, a slightly hurt tone in her voice.&nbsp; She didn’t know why it bothered her so much, but it did.&nbsp; “Were you wanting to keep me a secret?” she asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 02:18:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He turned to her as she spoke, an apologetic look crossing his face. "Secret? No. Not really. Merllear is..." he paused, running a hand through his hair. "A lecherous bastard." He finished with an exasperated sigh. "I was hope he wouldn't realize an woman was here. Especially an attractive one. He has a habit of seducing any woman who catches his fancy. " <br><br>"Ah...nine hells, this will be annoying." He muttered. "I'm sorry about this. He's a friend, but...he's also a Wild-Elf." He shook his head. "And now he thinks you're my lover and I'm denying it and...nine hells. " He sighed. "This will be awkward. " He shook his head again. <br><br>"Well...now I have to replace your weapon." He said, sounding a bit annoyed. "If you don't have a weapon, he'll think his suspicions are confirmed. And he'll start trying to trip me up about it. " He sighed. "Come along. I guess you get to see whats behind that door today anyway." He said with an irritated look. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 02:29:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She felt better at his explanation and nodded.&nbsp; She grew a bit nervous then at his arrival tomorrow.&nbsp; "Am I to still act like a servant like you told me yesterday?" she asked him.&nbsp; She didn't think that would work out with her also acting as his body guard though, but she would still have to stand at attention.&nbsp; She couldn't help but be amused though at the thought of someone like him actually relying on someone like her for protection when she herself was bested by him himself.&nbsp; Merllear didn't have to know that though.<br><br>She lit up a bit when he said she would get to see that room today and smiled.&nbsp; Though, she saw his irritated look and said, "If it will make you feel any better, I won't touch anything unless you tell me too."&nbsp; And she would stick by her word, not touching anything.&nbsp; She couldn't wait to see what was in it though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 04:10:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He sighed slightly. "No. He wouldn't believe that for a second. Simply acting as a bodyguard will suffice while he's here. " He shook his head. "I feel like i should apologize in advance for the way he's going to act...." He muttered. <br><br>"While I would...appreciate it, it's not necessary. " He said as he strode out through the door, back to the bathroom door. He clicked the dial back to its green setting, and pushed the door inward. <br><br>It opened into a cavern that could only be described as massive. Easily four or five times the size of the first cave she'd seen him in, if not more. It was lit by floating balls of the same blue fire seen elsewhere, but it was sparser here, lending the cave a shadowy feel to it. <br><br>And it was absolutely crammed full of treasure. Mountains of gold coins, spoilling across the floor to mingle with mounds of precious stones. Mixed in with the gold and gems were bracelets, rings, other trinkets. Gilded, exquisitely carved statues stood here and there, standing like sentinels or guardians. In carved alcoves along the walls, and standing atop pillars and plinths, stood smaller statues, and others exquisitely crafted pieces--the most beautiful, ornate, necklaces, rings, earrings, a variety of pieces. <br><br>The walls were hung with tapestries and paintings that could have hung in any kings hall, where they weren't obscured by piled treasure. <br><br>There was a thin pathway through the piled treasure, and he led her along it. "Simply don't...take...anything." He said, obvious restraint in his voice. <br><br>As he led her through the piled treasures, the heaps rising and falling as they passed like rolling hills, it quickly became apparent that this cave was much, much larger than it appeared at first. Soon, armored figured began to appear--mannequins wearing well crafted armor, bearing every variety of weapon imaginable. Here, what looked like a suit crafted from silver scaled, with a massive warhammer held in its hands. There, leather armor, shaped, molded, and styled so that every inch was covered in runes and embossed pictures, a work of art itself. She passed by what looked like a dress made of silk, belted with a wide leather belt--when he brushed past it, it slithered and sounded like metal sliding against itself. A slim rapier was worn at its hilt. <br><br>"You wield a broadsword, yes?" He said vaguely, beginning to study each of the mannequins as they passed. "If you see something you'd like&nbsp; try, tell me. " <br><br>They were passed through a number of the mannequins now--several bore swords of similar design to her original sword, in a variety of styles. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>05-06-2013, 05:10:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nodded.&nbsp; She could do that.&nbsp; Better than acting like a servant she thought.&nbsp; Then she looked at him a bit worried when he said he should apologize.&nbsp; Great, now she had to deal with another pervert.&nbsp; When she was a mercenary, she had to deal with those all the time, it was tough being a woman and living by the sword.&nbsp; You had to constantly prove yourself and some men just wanted to get in her pants.&nbsp; What worried her though, was the fact she wouldn’t be able to fight this elf off.&nbsp; She sighed softly.<br><br>She followed him back to the bathroom door and watched as he turned the dial back to green and opened it.&nbsp; She gasped at what was inside.&nbsp; Never had she seen so much gold before in her life.&nbsp; She didn’t touch anything like she promised, but man did she want to try on some of that Jewelry.&nbsp; Everything was so exquisite though and she understood why he was so obsessive over it.&nbsp; If this was hers she would be too.&nbsp; She then smirked and decided to tease him a bit, but that would wait until they were out of this cavern.&nbsp; She didn’t think he would appreciate her joking around about wearing one of those rings right now.<br><br>Instead, she just continued to follow him and looked at him when he spoke once more.&nbsp; “I’m not going to take anything,” she said.&nbsp; “Though I must say, I wish some of things in here were mine, like the jewelry,” she said with an envious voice.&nbsp; “Again though, not going to take anything,” she added quickly before he got the wrong idea.&nbsp; It was pretty obvious he didn’t like her being in here and so she wasn’t going to give him any reason to think she would steal from him.&nbsp; What kind of “guest” would she be then?<br><br>Then they got to the armor and she gasped at it.&nbsp; They were so beautifully made and she couldn’t help but reach out to touch the armor dress that looked just like silk.&nbsp; “Yes,” she answered him.&nbsp; “I do.”&nbsp; She followed him then to the rest of the armor and she looked at a wicked looking broadsword that was a bit narrower, but still wide enough to be considered a broadsword and looked a hundred times stronger than her previous blade and a hundred times sharper.&nbsp; The metal itself was a dark grey, almost black, and had a hilt that was wrapped in red leather.&nbsp; It even had runes etched into the medal and she absolutely fell in love with it.&nbsp; “This one,” she said.&nbsp; It was practically calling out to her and she wouldn’t look at any other one.&nbsp; She started to reach for it, to wield it.&nbsp; She itched for it to be in her hands.&nbsp; She hoped he would let her have it, though she was afraid he was going to take it back once Merlleal was gone.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>06-06-2013, 05:18:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled at her gasp, a sleek little smile--oddly enough, almost exactly the same kind of smile some men get when a pretty girl pays attention to them. Huh...something about dragon psychology there, likely. The smile faded slightly when she talked about trying stuff on and the like. Not enough to be worrisome though.<br><br>He glanced at the sword she spoke of, and his mouth split into a wry grin. "You have a good eye. " He said calmly. He reached over and plucked the sword from the fake hand that wielded it. He traced a rune with a fingernail, regarding it fondly. "A very old friend made this. Fine dwarven work, imbued with runic magic--both dwarven and draconic. " He looked over it thoughtfully for another moment before turning to her with a serious expression and offering her the hilt in a nearly formal manner. "An item of this caliber is not lent--it is given. And it has spent far too long unused. Its maker would be glad that it has finally found a hand worthy to wield it. " He said calmly. <br><br>It felt...right, in her hand. Like it belonged there. Its sheath, a beautiful thing of worked black leather, with red accents, hung from a matching belt on the mannequin. <br><br>"Do you prefer to use just the sword, or pair it with shield or dagger?" He asked, turning to look round a bit more, wondering what kind of armor she preferred...<br><br>"Would that fit you, do you think?" He said, gesturing to a set of supple looking leather armor. Made of black leather, shading into a dark blue along the edges, and set with thick silver rings to bolster it further. It looked like it would fit...but there was quite a bit more around if it wasn't to her taste. A short distance away, for instance, sat a set of chainmail so fine it was just a few steps in quality below the dress, with thin leather underneath, hung over another mannequin. Or simple leather with runes burned into it...really simple, actually. It almost didn't fit in with the rest. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>06-06-2013, 16:29:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She noticed his reactions when she spoke of trying things on and she shut up.&nbsp; It was clear he didn't like it.&nbsp; Then, when he spoke of the sword she had chosen, she lit up when he said she could have it.&nbsp; "Really?" she asked taking it from him.&nbsp; It felt amazing in her hands.&nbsp; It felt better than the last one she had.&nbsp; She gave it a test swing and fell in love with the way it moved and it was just so beautiful.&nbsp; Then she looked at him and said, "A shield would be nice."&nbsp; She smiled at him softly and then looked at the armor he pointed to.&nbsp; "Oh that's beautiful," she said.&nbsp; And it matched her blade too, the blue and the red complimenting each other.<br><br>She looked at the other armor though and pointed to the plain leather one with the runes.&nbsp; "What's that piece?" she asked.&nbsp; "It doesn't look like it could do much protecting...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>07-06-2013, 09:52:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, really." He said calmly. He offered her a smile. It seems giving things away wasn't as touchy for a dragon than being stolen from. "With luck you'll get to meet its creator. " He paused. "I think she'll like you." He said wryly.<br><br>He began to look for shields as she looked over the armor, glancing over and smiling as she complimented the armor he'd indicated. Though when she spoke of the strangely burned and rune covered armor, he chuckled slightly. "That is..." He smiled. "Its a curious little thing. One of the first pieces I helped a friend craft. The runes are for protection from magic--spells, mostly, though also against dragons fire. I'd demonstrate, but I don't wish to harm my horde...but..." He gestured sharping with one hand, and an icicle burst from thin air with a flurry of frost. It was the length of his arm, and thicker than her own leg at its thickest. <br><br>And it shattered into a few thousand slivers when it struck the simple looking leather piece. "Extremely useful against spells...not so much against most other things." He said. "I could claw through it, physically, without even taking my full form. I'd recommend against picking it." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>07-06-2013, 18:01:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She watched, amazed at the icicle he had formed and even more amazed that it shattered it.&nbsp; Then, he said he could claw through it without even changing.&nbsp; "Alright then," she said.&nbsp; "I won't pick that one.&nbsp; I'm thinking of the first one you pointed out anyways, with the blue," she said looking at it again.&nbsp; It fascinated her and she didn't know if she was allowed to take it off herself and try it on, but...she decided to go ahead and try that and would immediately put it back if he jumped onto her.&nbsp; She slowly reached for it, going to take it off the mannequin and put it on herself.&nbsp; Then she would take the sheath and put it on her and then sheath her new favorite sword.&nbsp; "There," she said.&nbsp; "how do I look?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>08-06-2013, 07:29:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You'll look excellent in it. Professional. " He very nearly said lovely, but stopped himself in time. He watched neutrally as she slid of off the mannequin, and onto herself, sliding the sheathe and its belt on. He smiled slowly, nodding. "Very good...Very good indeed. " He said with a slight chuckle. <br><br>"The shields are this way...do you prefer a light buckler, or something heavier? I don't think a tower shield would be much good...kite shield or a round buckler would likely be best..." He mused thoughtfully as he led her to a section of wall dominated by hung shields. This, with red and blue circles surrounding a white star, made of some curious alloy. There, a relatively simple looking one bearing the image of a tree--it looked to be made of wood, and the tree looked almost alive, it was carved and painted so exquisitely. Another simple looking circle, looking to be some metal she hadn't seen before. It bore a simple etched in image of a serpent, circling to bite its own tail. <br><br>And many, many others. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>08-06-2013, 16:58:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled at his compliments and she loved the way the armor fit her.&nbsp; She moved around in it a bit to get a feel for it and then was following him to the shields.&nbsp; "I think something light would benefit me more," she told him.&nbsp; When she saw the white star with the blue and red circles, she said, "That one."&nbsp; It matched and really tied to armor and sword together.&nbsp; She still admired all the other pieces though, especially the one with the tree.&nbsp; She touched it and said, "The artwork on this one is amazing."&nbsp; Then, she went to another shield that didn't look like it was made out of any metal she knew.&nbsp; She touched it too before seeing another with a serpent, eating it's own tail.&nbsp; She winced a bit at that one.&nbsp; She looked at the others too before making her final decision which was still the blue and red circles one.&nbsp; She took it down off the wall and held it in a defensive position.&nbsp; It felt nice to be fully armored again.&nbsp; "I think this should fool that elf," she chuckled softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>09-06-2013, 22:22:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded thoughtfully as she spoke, before chuckling at her choice. "A good choice. It's made of a rather unique alloy--I'm not even aware of everything in it, and I routinely eat metal." He said said with a laugh. He seemed remarkably calm about arming her, considering she'd...tried to kill him. <br><br>He took the shield down, hefting it thoughtfully. "It belonged to a might warrior, who used no sword--just a shield to defend those who needed it. Good choice." He said with a smile, offering it to her. <br><br>It was...amazingly light for its size, fairly well matching the sword in weight. Whatever it was made of, it was an amazing substance. The stripes painted on it showed that it had, indeed, been used before--there were nicks, dings, very minor bits of damage. Nothing compromising, most just showing that this shield did its job well. <br><br>"There...I think that does well." he said. He seemed to have calmed about her being in the cavern of treasures. "You look excellent in armor. " he said. "It matches your build well. "&nbsp; He blinked, realizing what he'd said. "So...did you wish to look around further?" He said calmly, retaining his cool. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>10-06-2013, 05:22:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked at it thoughtfully as he spoke.&nbsp; She wondered what it was made out of and...really, that's all the warrior used was this shield?&nbsp; She took it from him and it was so light.&nbsp; "How could something this light protect from so much damage?" she asked, examining the nicks and dents in it.&nbsp; It was a beautiful shield though and she could wield both it and the weapon easily.&nbsp; She looked at him as he asked her if she wanted to look around more and said, "Not if it makes you uncomfortable," she said.&nbsp; Though he did seem to be more comfortable with her being in here.&nbsp; She was a bit tired though, so if he was okay with her to explore a bit more, it wouldn't be long since today's activities had warn her out, she even stifled a yawn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>15-06-2013, 04:16:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh yes. Some of the legends about him are a bit...odd. His mortal enemy had no face, evidently." He shrugged. "There are many tales. Perhaps I can tell you a few sometime. But he never picked up a sword, or axe, or any other weapon."&nbsp; He grinned as she examined it. "The metals its made of. A mixture of mithril, adamantine, and a variety of other metals. Its craftsman created a unique alloy, and never passed its secrets on before he died." He sighed. "A shame. It is one of the strongest alloys I've seen for its weight in centuries." <br><br>He glanced at her with a slightly...strange expression for a moment. "No,no...I think it will be fine." He smiled. "I will tell you if you cross a line. But if you wish to look around further..." He spread his arms. "I can escort you. " <br><br>The cavern was enormous...if she wanted to explore, it wasn't likely she'd get a whole lot of it looked at this night. But it might well be worth it...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>15-06-2013, 04:36:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				No face?&nbsp; She grimaced at that.&nbsp; She didn't think she'd be able to face an opponent that had no face.&nbsp; That just....wasn't normal.&nbsp; "I would like to hear some of the legends some time," she said smiling.&nbsp; She examined the shield again and couldn't believe what it was made of.&nbsp; It had to be one of the strongest metals she had ever heard of and it was so light to.&nbsp; "Alright then," she said, stifling another yawn.&nbsp; "I could look a bit more.&nbsp; I have to say, your hoard is quite impressive.&nbsp; I've never seen so much wealth before in my life.&nbsp; No wonder you have it hidden behind a rock wall," she said remembering the wall he had to push open to access this part of the cave.<br><br>She looked around a bit, admiring the jewelry and gold, but she never touched or took anything.&nbsp; She would look at points of interest he would point out and admire them and then about thirty minutes later, she could barely keep her eyes open any more.&nbsp; "I'm ready for bed," she told him, yawning and this time not holding it back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>15-06-2013, 20:33:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ill have to tell you sometime then." He said with an easy smile. At her complimenting her hoard, he got a positively preening look on his face. Ok, way to stroke a dragons ego = compliment the hoard. Hah. He seemed almost eager to show it off after that, pointing out bits and pieces and his wealthy. He mostly ignored the gems and gold scatted in piles, preferring to show her artistry--here, a set of enameled jewelry, beautifully crafting and looking extremely fragile. There, a glass sculpture of a sea serpent rising from a pool--the glass colored so that, as light shined through it, it almost seemed to move . There, a sculpture of a bird that did move, a marvel of clockwork and gears.&nbsp; <br><br>He noticed her yawn as he was speaking of a particularly interesting looking bit of jewelry--it was large, a strange framework of steel, inset with spirals of silver, white gold, and platinum. It was lovely, showing so many variations of just the color "silver". Evidently, it was meant for a full sized dragon to wear. "Ah, yes. I think I should head towards sleep myself...I think I'll sleep in here tonight. It's been too long..." He murmured. He stroked a tall column of polished marble, inset with a dozen sculpted forms, before shaking his head.&nbsp; <br><br>He led her back to her room, and with a few quickly drawn runes the stone of one wall flowed outward, into a set of hooks to hold her new shield and sword. "The armor can go in the armoir. " he said offhandedly. "Sleep well, Melody. " He smiled, and took her hand, bending over it to brush his lips against her knuckles, before he strode away. <br><br>Curiously, the bed had been remade with fresh sheets and the like. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>15-06-2013, 21:42:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled at him, wanting to hear the stories now, but she knew she had to wait.&nbsp; She followed him around as he showed her some amazing pieces in his hoard.&nbsp; She gasped at a set of enameled jewelry that looked so fragile and was the only reason she stopped herself from reaching out to touch it.&nbsp; It was so beautiful that she was tempted to, but refrained from it.&nbsp; Then, a glass sculpture of a sea serpent that actually looked like it moved with the way the light shined through the colors.&nbsp; She awed at the bird sculpture that actually did move.&nbsp; "This is so amazing," she said.&nbsp; She wanted to look at more, but with the last thing he showed her, she could barely keep her eyes open and she was yawning almost constantly.&nbsp; "Why do you not sleep on that comfortable looking bed in your room?" she asked.&nbsp; "And instead sleep on lumpy gold and jewels?"&nbsp; She was very curious.&nbsp; <br><br>Nonetheless, she followed him back to her room where he magically put hooks on her walls.&nbsp; She mounted her sword and shield before taking her armor off and putting it in the armoir.&nbsp; She smiled at him and said, "You sleep well too."&nbsp; She fought not to blush when he kissed her hand, but failed.&nbsp; When he was gone, she stripped her shirt off, leaving his on and got into bed wondering how it was made since she was with him all day, smelling his shirt.&nbsp; She was blushing still.&nbsp; Never in a million years did she think she would fall for a dragon.&nbsp; She hated those creatures, so...why was she falling for him?&nbsp; Frustrated with herself, she rolled over and buried her nose in his shirt while she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>16-06-2013, 02:47:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Its...." He paused. "Its hard to explain. Sleeping on the bed feels comfortable, yes, but I need to sleep amongst my hoard every once in awhile. It's...soothing." He said, voice just slightly odd. He reached into a mound of coins, letting them spill of his hand. "It...feels right." He said quietly. He shook his head. "A dragon thing, I suppose. Some instinct or other. " He chuckled. "And it's actually quite comfortable in my full form." He said with a smile. <br><br>He, meanwhile, went back to his hoard, shutting the door behind him, resuming his full form, and burrowing deep into a series of mounds of gold and gems, careful not to upset any of the pillar,s plinths, or more valuable works. He slept....<br><br><div align="center">____________________</div><br>The next morning the sun shining through her tall crystal windows woke her...along with a resounding knock at her door. Ah...time for their unwanted visitor, perhaps? 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>16-06-2013, 02:57:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She just looked at him curiously.&nbsp; His explanation made no sense to her, but she just shrugged and watched him leave.&nbsp; "Goodnight!" she called out, hoping he heard her.<br><br>She slept soundly that night, and deeply because she was so exhausted from her training.&nbsp; When she woke up the next morning, she rubbed her eyes and sat up, stretching just as a knock sounded on her door.&nbsp; "One moment," she called out and then hurried up out of bed, putting on the armor, sheathing her sword, and grabbing her shield.&nbsp; Then, she went to open the door, to see who was knocking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>16-06-2013, 04:56:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It...was not Talvarel. It was the goat horned male from the mirror the day before. He regarded her with a slight air of surprise. "My, my--all this, just for a visit from me? Talvy must be serious about trying to convince me he needs a bodyguard..." He smiled at her, sweeping into a low bow. "Merllaer, Princeling of the Wild Woods, Thrice removed Heir to the Oaken Throne, Lord of the Ashen Manor, and Holder of the Blooming Crown." He swept back up, taking her hand and pressing it to his lips. His eyes flicked up to hers as he gently kissed each knuckle, a soft smile spreading. "At your service, M'lady." He added in a murmur. <br><br>The look he gave her as he stood up from kissing her hand and bowing to her was the kind told of in tales. A smoldering look of passion and desire, of lust and the carnality of beasts in the field. With a glance over her, and a look into her eyes, he told her he found her beautiful, and wanted to take her to bed--or to field, or table, or against a tree. Take her anywhere. <br><br>Bloody hell. And this was Talvarel's friend? This smarmy bastard? Oh today was going to be a long day. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>16-06-2013, 06:12:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was a bit surprised when she saw who it was at the door.&nbsp; "I am his body guard," she said as he swept into a low bow.&nbsp; She was rendered a bit speechless at his introduction and when he swept back up and grabbed her hand, kissing each of her knuckles in turn.&nbsp; She found herself backing up a little as he gave her that look that had her blushing from head to toe, though she did try to hide it.&nbsp; That was made nearly impossible with his words though.&nbsp; "I'm sorry to disappoint," she said.&nbsp; "But I am on duty and therefore must make my way to Talvarel.&nbsp; He could be in danger," she said.&nbsp; Though even she found that hard to believe.&nbsp; She tried to move past him, staring wide eyed with shock as she moved past him.&nbsp; She had dealt with lusty men before, but...not like that.&nbsp; He was just....just...she couldn't think of the word, but...she hoped he wouldn't be spending the night.&nbsp; She'd have to ask Talvarel for a lock on her door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>17-06-2013, 01:47:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled at her proclamation of her job title--it was clear he didn't believe her. "But of course you are." He murmured, his smile only widening when he noticed her blush. "<br><br>He stepped aside to let her past, eyes roaming over her. "It seems he has overslept. I had to...let myself in." He said with a slight laugh, following along just behind, and to one side, of her. "I do doubt he is in any danger however..." He said, voice a touch dry."It takes a great deal to pierce such a dragons scaled hide. Truly, I am surprised he felt the need to hire a...bodyguard, to deal with an incursion into his territory." He said lightly. Wait, he knew about the other dragon?<br><br>Talvarel wasn't in the dining are, the kitchen, nor his own quarters...it seemed like he was in the hoards room. <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>17-06-2013, 02:11:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was a bit relieved when he let her pass and she didn't look back at him once, not wanting him to see her face which was a bright red.&nbsp; Talveral had overslept?&nbsp; That didn't sound like him.&nbsp; he was usually up before her.&nbsp; Maybe he was just avoiding him and leaving her to deal with him alone.&nbsp; That kind of made her angry.&nbsp; What he said though did make her a bit wary.&nbsp; Incursion?&nbsp; Did he know about the other dragon, the one she had mistaken Talveral for?&nbsp; "You know about the dragon?" she asked him as she just finished checking the dining room and kitchen.&nbsp; She went to his own quarters next and saw he wasn't there either and hesitated at the door that led to his hoard.&nbsp; Would he be angry with her for disturbing him there?&nbsp; She made sure it was on the green setting before she opened the door and peered in, seeing if he was in there, but not actually going in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>17-06-2013, 05:56:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was a bit of a chatterbox, chittering away at her like a squirrel as they walked. How long he'd known Talvarel (several centuries it seemed), how Talvarel had done some service or other for his kingdom and thus earned a friendship, how many ladies he had wooed, how often he visited, on, and on, and on. He. Could. Not. Shut. Up. Obnoxious prat. <br><br>"Dragon? Ah, yes. Well, I didn't. I knew something was encroaching on his territory, but not what. " Until now, it seemed. He watched curiously as she moved about, looking to and fro, before stopping before the door. "His bathroom? I do hope he isn't there." He said, though there was just enough of something in his voice to tell her he knew its other function.<br><br>Talvarel was, indeed, in--or, at least, a massive black scaled dragon was. Hopefully it was Talvarel. Smoke curled lazily from his nostrils--perhaps two dozen feet from the door--and he seemed to be asleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>17-06-2013, 18:01:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He talked....and he talked....and he talked.&nbsp; She listened, making appropriate noises, but in reality, she was wanting him to shut up.&nbsp; She thought her sisters could talk, well, he outdid them by ten miles.&nbsp; One thing that really made her cringe was how often he said he visited.&nbsp; She would have to put up with him that often?&nbsp; Worse, she knew he was trying to add her to the count of ladies he had wooed.&nbsp; How he did with all this talking she'll never know.&nbsp; Then again, some women liked this kind of thing.&nbsp; She rolled her eyes briefly at that when he wasn't looking.<br><br>When they got to the door, she looked at him with a raised eyebrow, she opened the door and saw that Talvarel was in there...asleep.&nbsp; Great, she would have to deal with him alone.&nbsp; Was he going to wake up?&nbsp; She knew she had woken him up in the middle of a nap that had gone on for days, she hoped he wasn't continuing it, especially now.&nbsp; Though, it did give her an idea.<br><br>"Talveral does not like to be disturbed when he sleeps," she said.&nbsp; "So he has put me on duty when he is asleep, so he doesn't have to deal with the pests that come in here," she said, using the word pest because that's what she felt he was being.&nbsp; She shut the door and stood guard at it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>18-06-2013, 03:27:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				An eye cracked blearily, lazily orienting to peer at the open door as she peered in and said her piece. After the door opened, there was a strange shifting, slithering sound as a ponderous bulk was hefted up,letting coins slide back into place. Ah! He was waking up. <br><br>Which meant...this day would not be cut short. Damn.<br><br>"Ah, but of course. But it sounds as thought our search has awoken him!" said the goat horned fae. "How long have you been here, though, to know his habits and wishes regarding being awoken?" He inquired, stroking his bare chin thoughtfully. He shrugged off the "pests" comment as though she hadn't said it. "Indeed, how many times have you needed to awaken him, if you are not his...." He smiled. "Paramour?" he finished elegantly. <br><br>The door opened behind her, and a gruff voice growled, "Because she's good at her job and inquired when I first hired her, Merl. Stop insinuating we're lovers. My apologies, to both of you, for oversleeping. I'll be out in a moment. " If she turned around, she'd see him clutching a loose pair of pants at his waist, shirtless. Well defined form...he shut the door to get dressed. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>18-06-2013, 03:43:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sighed a bit when he was waking up.&nbsp; Then the fae was speaking again and she looked at him.&nbsp; She struggled to find the answer to his question, not able to think of one, though he did earn a glare when he said Paramour.&nbsp; Luckily though, Talvarel was there to save the day and answered for her.&nbsp; She turned to look at him and was about to say something before she blushed and looked away.&nbsp; That did not help their case at all and she cursed herself for turning and looking at him.&nbsp; She just hoped Merllear noticed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>19-06-2013, 00:12:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The fae just smiled at her. Somehow, his smile and expression managed to convey that he didn't believe that for a second. And the smile just widened when she blushed upon seeing Talvarels form. <br><br>A few minutes later the door opened again, and Talvarel walked out, adjusting the cuffs of his shirts sleeves. "Merllear. " He said, just a bit of a sigh escaping. "So...good...to see you. My apologies for oversleeping. " He snapped his fingers, the door behind Melody slamming shut. The dial spun, landing at, strangely enough, yellow. <br><br>Merllear grabbed Talvarel, kissing him on each cheek. "It is good to see you, my friend!" He said enthusiastically. "I've been conversing with your bodyguard while you slept. She does her job well, and is an excellent listener. And such a lovely little thing...I am surprised you aren't sampling her...other services." <br><br>Talvarels expression darkened for just a moment before he sighed. "I would appreciate if you did not refer to her as such, Merllear. " He scowled. "I know your elven tarts enjoy such overt flirtation, but while she's in my employ, she's to be treated with some basic respect." <br><br>He looked back and gestured for her to follow beside him. "Are you hungry? I can set the kitchen to cooking something for you, if you like." He offered to the elf as they set off. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>19-06-2013, 00:30:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She knew he wasn't believing them and knew that now, thanks to her blushing, it would be even harder to convince him.&nbsp; She was glad he didn't say anything to her before Talvarel came out.&nbsp; She watched as he turned the dial to yellow and wondered what that mean.&nbsp; Did it mean it was locked?&nbsp; Or led to yet another room.&nbsp; She'd have to ask later.&nbsp; For now however, she was paying attention to the two of them and blushed again as he spoke, remembering exactly what it was he told her in her bedchamber.&nbsp; She really hoped he wouldn't be staying the night and to think it was only morning.&nbsp; This was going to be a very long day.<br><br>She was glad when Talvarel came to her defense.&nbsp; She didn't do or say anything though, just simply followed them to the kitchen.&nbsp; She herself was hungry and could eat something, but she may have to settle for eating later, not sure she wanted to eat around Merllear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 06:15:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				They spoke at length about a number of trivialities--births and deaths in the elven lords own kingdom, the health and well being of his elder siblings (an eldest sister, groomed to be queen, and two elder brothers, each with their own minor fiefdoms), his parents, his cousins, new artists that had arisen, the depredations of orc tree-fellers, etc, etc. Occasionally interesting, often boring, almost all the kind of talk shared between two people who've known each other for a long time. <br><br>Talvarel set the kitchen to working when they arrived with a gesture, trails of blue fire surrounding his fingertips as he performed a spell. The stove roared, and a pot began to fill itself at a curious device which dispensed water. He stood in the center of the kitchen, conducting knives chopping a variety of vegetables, whilst spices sorted themselves in a cabinet. Several added themselves to to the pot as it placed itself above the stoves flame. Ah, he was making a stew of some kind. <br><br>Merllear, meanwhile, monopolized Melody's attention, insisting she sit on the third side, whilst he and Talvarel took seats opposite one another at the table. "Only proper that a bodyguard sit between her ward and any possible threat. " He said with an elegant little chuckle.&nbsp; "So...tell me, fair Melody, where do you hail from?" He inquired, curiosity in his voice. "I know of few human sword maidens. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>20-06-2013, 07:34:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She listened to them talk, in the beginning, but soon, she was easily distracted by other things happening in the room.&nbsp; She wanted to go and examine some of the things closer, but she couldn't.&nbsp; That wouldn't be very guard like.&nbsp; She was still fascinated though.&nbsp; The food smelt wonderful and she couldn't wait to eat any, her mouth watering slightly.&nbsp; She looked back over at them, talking still yet, about boring things, but then it did turn a bit interesting occasionally, and then it would turn boring again.&nbsp; They really must have known each other a really long time and she wondered how often he really did visit.<br><br>She hesitated at first, when Merllear insisted she sit in the third seat, but she did.&nbsp; His question was innocent enough, and there was nothing wrong with the truth.&nbsp; "The nearby village," she told him.&nbsp; "I was a mercenary, traveling around and doing jobs, sending part of the money to my family to help them out.&nbsp; Then, something tragic happened to my family and I had to find work close by so I could keep an eye on them.&nbsp; That's when Talveral hired me as his body guard.&nbsp; I bring them their pay when I come to visit and make sure they are doing well."&nbsp; It was pretty much the truth, except for the body guard part.&nbsp; &nbsp; Something tragic had happened to their family though.&nbsp; Her father died in the dragon fire that was raging on their farms as he tried to put it out.&nbsp; It took almost the whole village to put it all out.<br><br>She rushed home as fast as she could and when she found out what happened, she had turned her sights at Talvarel, since he was the only dragon in the area she knew of.&nbsp; She was glad it wasn't him though, she was kind of starting to like him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:27:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He listened with rapt attention as the smell of the stew wafted though the air. He honestly seemed fascinated. Fickle thing he was...."Really? A female mercenary...not uncommon among my own people, but I'd always believed that such was looked down upon amongst most humans. That the woman was expected to stay at home, for some reason or other. " <br><br>He regarded her thoughtfully, as if he were listening to what she hadn't said as much as what she had. He nodded slowly. "I see...and what happened?" He asked, a bit of sympathy in his voice. "An injury? Perhaps I can offer my services...I'm no healer, but a simple bone setting, or healing a laceration should be little issue. " He offered. There was...some little twinkle in his eye though. Like he was offering only because he knew she wouldn't take him up on it. <br><br>"After all, you are the...bodyguard, of an old, dear friend. " Talvarel was giving him a look no, as he kept conducting his kitchen into making a stew. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-06-2013, 04:39:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is looked down upon," she said.&nbsp; "I worked very hard to overcome the doubters, ignore the ridicule, and just pushed on.&nbsp; It helps though," she paused, shrugging a bit.&nbsp; "Most that I go to fight, see me and laugh, thinking I'm just a girl that doesn't know what she is doing.&nbsp; That's when they let their guard down, thinking they can take me, and then I get to send home a nice fat wallet."&nbsp; She smirked then.&nbsp; "So, being a female mercenary has it's advantages."<br><br>Her face saddened when he asked about her father.&nbsp; "He's dead," she said simply, looking down at the table, her hands balled into fists in her lap.&nbsp; "The farm caught fire and he died putting out the blaze."&nbsp; Anger was in her eyes, though not directed at them, at the beast who had done it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 06:53:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Admirable." He observed. "You've had to work twice as hard for half the reward, yet you seem to thrive from it. And perhaps you'll find better employ now that you can cite this particular job." he said smoothly. "I know the Oak Throne would welcome any warrior mighty enough to aid a dragon, regardless of gender. " He smirked. "My mother is in need of a new sparring partner anyway. She keeps scaring them off...do you fence?" <br><br>Her admission of her fathers fate obviously startled him--and not just him. Halfway through an apology and an offering of condolences, there was a loud "thunk" sound - Talvarel had gotten distracted, and the cleaver chopping meat into stew sized bites had buried itself into the cutting board. And possibly a bit into the counter beneath. <br><br>"Your father...you never told me he..." He paused, giving her an extremely odd, searching little look. He returned to his stew prep, dumping the meat into the pot, and setting it to simmer. "It should be done in a few moments." He said quietly, coming to join them at the table. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-06-2013, 17:24:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sighed softly and nodded.&nbsp; Though, she wasn't too thrilled about the offer he gave her, about working for the oak throne.&nbsp; Were all Fae the same as him?&nbsp; "I thank you for the offer," she said.&nbsp; "But my place is here for now, and yes, I do spar and you won't see me running away from an opponent."&nbsp; She thought for a moment that she would like to spar his mother, it might give her some challenge, but changed her mind.<br><br>When she spoke of her father, she heard the thunk sound and she sighed softly. "I know," she said looking down, sadness in her eyes.&nbsp; "I should have...I should have told you, but it's just so hard to talk about.&nbsp; He was the one who encouraged me to be a mercenary.&nbsp; He himself even taught me to fight, what he knew of it anyways, and that was enough for then to get me going.&nbsp; I..." she stopped talking, tears in her eyes.&nbsp; "I'm sorry," she said.&nbsp; "It isn't my place to put this off on you."&nbsp; She wiped her eyes and tried to regain her composure.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>25-06-2013, 07:54:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Hopefully not...though if all Fae were like him, it would explain some of the stories...<br><br>Talvarel slid into his sear, and slid a hand over her shoulder a touch awkwardly. He obviously had little experience comforting someone. "Its quite alright. The loss of a loved one is a hard thing to bear..." He sad quietly. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to find the dragon that did this and--"<br><br>There was a scrape of wood on stone, as Merllear rose dramatically. "Oh dear...I do apologize to the both of you, but I've just had a whisper from my mother come ghosting to my ear...I'm needed back at court immediately. I do hate to cut my visit short, friends, but it is quite urgent. " He paused."It would be remiss of me not to at least try some of your stew...it will make a fine travelling meal." he decided, snapping his fingers and gesturing a whiplike line of the stews broth into a hollow gourd he pulled from under the table. It had not been there before he pulled it from. Elves. <br><br>"Would you two escort me to the exit?" He asked
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>25-06-2013, 08:10:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was about to start crying when Talvarel put his hand on her shoulder and spoke to her about finding the dragon, trying to comfort her, but before she had a chance to actually start, Merllear was interrupting them and requesting to be escorted out.&nbsp; She wiped her eyes and sniffed, immediately standing up, not really paying much attention to where he got the gourd from.&nbsp; His behavior to her, was quite suspicious, especially after the little bit of information they had spilled.&nbsp; Was he hiding something, or did his mother really did call him for something or other?&nbsp; Either way, she just wanted to be alone and the best way to do that was to see to their guest gone.<br><br>She walked with them, though she couldn't really open the exit, unless he meant through the valley...speaking of which...how did he get in here in the first place with she and Talvarel both asleep?&nbsp; Teleportation perhaps?&nbsp; She didn't want to think about that, she just wanted him gone and then she would retreat to her own rooms for some privacy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>30-06-2013, 02:07:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				From the way Talvarel was leading them, they were heading towards the valley. The elf was lead through the library, the short hall, and, indeed, out into the valley.&nbsp; The elf kept a patter the entire way, a pleasent little bit of chatteryness. Almost like listening to a really hyperactive squirrel. <br><br>Once outside, he embraced Talvarel, kissing his cheek, and beckoned to Melody to follow him--he wished to give her a gift. With Talvarel watching, he led her to the side of a tree--a large oak--and plucked an acorn from it, whispering softly to the seed. <br><br>"Here...if ever you visit my kingdom, present this, and you will be given free passage to our capitol city. " He said easily. He presented it to her, and bowed gallantly over her hand, eyes twinkling. Kissing it, he said, quietly, "I do have one question. I am curious...." He slid suddenly closer, whispering into her ear, as his hand stroked her hip. "If you and my dear scaled friend are not together...why, oh why, does his scent cling to you like a lovers?" He grinned, giving a laugh, and stepping into the tree before she could react. <br><br>Not around--into. He slid smoothly into it like it was water. If she touched it, it was...solid. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>30-06-2013, 03:30:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				So they were heading towards the valley, well she didn't mind, she rather liked the view.&nbsp; Once they were outside, she watched as they said goodbye to each other, before Merllear beckoned her off to the side.&nbsp; She tentatively followed, but relaxed when he just handed her an acorn, though she did wonder why he whispered to it.&nbsp; That was explained when he spoke though.&nbsp; She nodded and took it from him, "Thank you."&nbsp; She did doubt she would ever have to go to his kingdom though.&nbsp; But she was curious what it looked like.<br><br>When he bowed over her hand, she blushed when he kissed it.&nbsp; When he said he had just one question, she grew nervous.&nbsp; He slid closer to her and she could feel him stroking her hip, which made her swallow.&nbsp; A shiver was sent down her spine as he whispered into her ear, while his question left her speechless and blushing brightly.&nbsp; When he was gone, she finally got the nerve to speak and yelled at the tree he went through.&nbsp; "I'm wearing his shirt!" she yelled, then blushed even more realizing that Talvarel could hear her.&nbsp; After all, why would she still be wearing his shirt when he had fixed hers?&nbsp; She sighed and put her hand against the tree, feeling that it was solid and was curious how he had walked through it.&nbsp; Shrugging it off for now, because she had more important things to think about and mope over, she moved past Talvarel, towards her room and took off the armor, still wearing the clothes from yesterday under it, which did indeed involve his shirt.&nbsp; She curled up in bed and let the tears flow silently as she thought about her father.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>03-07-2013, 05:28:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The leaves rustled after her yell, the noise almost like laughter. It seemed he was gone, though. On the way back up, Talvarel seemed incredibly interested in a sandstone boulder. "I take it he gave you passage to and through his kingdom?" He said without looking round at her. "He seemed to like you. " He said with a slight smile. "He was only mildly obnoxious." <br><br>He turned as she passed, watching her back with brow furroughed...a bit worried. He hadn't known about her father...but he let her be for the moment. <br><br>An hour or so later, he knocked on her door, entering slowly. He perched himself on the stool near the vanity mirror, and said, quietly, "I will find the dragon that did this. They will pay for it." He stood, and touched her shoulder. "If you're hungry, theres fresh bread and warm stew in the kitchen. Sleep well."&nbsp; <br><br>With that, he turned to leave. <br><br>Oddly enough, when next she got up she'd find something she hadn't had before in her pocket--a ring of three silvery metals, twins like braided vines. Another gift from the elf? Maybe. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>03-07-2013, 06:04:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She simply sighed at the tree, really frustrated with the elf.&nbsp; She walked back to her room, passing up Talvarel, hearing what he said but not really paying attention.&nbsp; She was too upset at the moment.&nbsp; She sighed softly, the picture of her father's charred body playing in her mind over and over again and she closed her eyes tight, tears squeezing their way through and rolling down her cheeks.&nbsp; Her family wasn't even living on the farm anymore, they were staying with friends that would take them in.&nbsp; When she had first gotten the letter, she read it and thought it was some sick joke, but rushed home anyways, seeing the burned down house and farm and then she got to see her father's body.&nbsp; She didn't even recognize it as her father at first, but then, seeing the missing finger on his left hand was what clued her in.<br><br>She shook her head, trying to get the thoughts out of her head.&nbsp; She didn't need them, didn't want them.&nbsp; When Talvarel came back in, she sniffed and kept her head buried in the pillow.&nbsp; When he spoke, it just made her want to cry even harder because she had failed in avenging her father, but she also knew, that if she had been successful enough to kill Talvarel, she would have killed someone she now cared about and...even had feelings for.&nbsp; When he touched her shoulder, the tears did come once more and she let them flow.&nbsp; She sat up as he was about to leave.&nbsp; "Talvarel...wait," she said.&nbsp; "I just want to say....thank you, for everything."&nbsp; He didn't have to let her stay with him, he didn't have to send money to her family, he didn't even have to keep her alive for what she had tried to do to him before, and he most certainly didn't have to find the dragon that killed her father.&nbsp; That thank you, was not nearly enough though, she practically owed him her life.&nbsp; She should do more around here, she thought.&nbsp; But she really didn't know what she could do.<br><br>She wiped her eyes and stood up, heading to the kitchen and slipping the acorn into her pocket.&nbsp; That's when she stopped, feeling something inside of it.&nbsp; She reached her hand in and pulled it out, seeing a beautiful ring come out in her hand.&nbsp; Did Talvarel put this in her pocket?&nbsp; She didn't think so, which only left the elf to do so and...it did seem like something he would do.&nbsp; She thought about putting it up, like the acorn, but...the ring was very beautiful and she wanted to try it on.&nbsp; She was curious, if it was indeed Merllear that put the ring in her pocket, if he had done anything to it like he had the acorn.&nbsp; Shrugging, she put it on anyways, never even owning a piece of jewelry this beautiful before and wanted to see what it looked like on her finger.&nbsp; It was beautiful and it fit perfectly.&nbsp; She would then head down to the kitchen, to find herself some of that bread and stew.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>06-07-2013, 19:21:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He glanced back at her, and chuckled slightly. "No need to thank me. You are still staying here for a year and a day. " He said with a slight smile. "I may have warmed up to you, but you're still technically my prisoner. " He paused. "And student. Tomorrow's another magic lesson, after we get back from dropping off your pay." He said, grinning. It was not a "everyone will be happy" grin. It was the sadistic grin of a teacher who was thinking of something very nastily clever to do to a student. <br><br>He waved as he turned and left. "Sleep well. And read some of the book of dragon magic. " He said. "At least the first chapter. I have some errands I must run." With that, he walked away, heading seemingly towards the valley. <br><br>The stew itself was still warm, with the breast nice and crusty. It was tasty! The ring, when put on...did nothing. Or seemed to, at any rate. It was very pretty, and looked nice on her finger! 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>06-07-2013, 20:48:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I know," she said softly.&nbsp; "But still."&nbsp; She smiled when he mentioned dropping off her pay she smiled, but she wasn't too thrilled about another magic lesson.&nbsp; She did still want to learn, but she was afraid of what that grin entailed.&nbsp; Well, she would just have to suck it up and do it.&nbsp; "You sleep well too," she told him.&nbsp; "And I will."&nbsp; She watched as he walked away before heading towards the kitchen.<br><br>She admired the ring on her finger, smiling a bit.&nbsp; It had to be the prettiest thing she owned.&nbsp; She sat down at the table, eating the stew and bread and it was so delicious.&nbsp; It wasn't long before she was full and she went to her room and picked up the book he wanted her to read.&nbsp; She sat down with it on her bed and started to read the chapter he wanted her to read.&nbsp; She read through most of it, before she grew tired and fell asleep, still holding onto the book.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>20-07-2013, 04:42:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The first chapter was mostly very basic stuff, and a bit of theory regarding magic--it contained roughly a dozen basic mystic runes, all draconic in nature. It was actually somewhat interesting, if a bit academic. She might find some of it a bit difficult to read. <br><br><div align="center">________________</div><br>The next day she was awakened by a tapping at her door. It was Talv, come to wake her. <br><br>When she eventually answered, he smiled. "We need to head in and let your family know you aren't dead..." He paused." And deliver your pay. I thought we could tell them I've hired you to help me find the dragon who actually attacked." He turned, waiting for her to follow. "Its not technically a lie, after all. We do need to discuss your pay...namely..." <br><br>He glanced back over his shoulder. "How much. I'd like to pay you double your price as a mercenary." He said calmly. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>20-07-2013, 06:26:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She paid as much attention as she could to the chapter, which wasn't that difficult, but she was tired.&nbsp; She especially tried to memorize the symbols and what they were for and wondered just how he would have her practice learning them.&nbsp; She shuddered at the thought, from both excitement and dread.<br><br><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br>She woke up, feeling groggy.&nbsp; She was in such a deep sleep full of nothingness and it was great.&nbsp; She so wished she could go back, but she knew that he would stand there and knock until she opened the door.&nbsp; She got up, rubbing her eyes, stretched, and yawned, before making her way to the door.&nbsp; "Morning," she said, smiling a bit back at him, but it was clear she would rather go back to sleep.&nbsp; That is until he told her the plans for this morning.&nbsp; She lit up and then looked at him shocked when he said he would pay her double without even knowing what she charged for a job.&nbsp; "Well," she said.&nbsp; "My prices vary, it really just depends on who I go after," she said, looking at him wide eyed.&nbsp; She could lie to him, tell him a pretty good amount, but she wouldn't do that to him.&nbsp; She wasn't a thief.&nbsp; "But," she said.&nbsp; "I mostly get hired to go after bandits and those pay me about twenty gold."&nbsp; It was the honest truth, though depending on how many there were would also affect the price.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 20:32:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm. Going after a dragon should be a fair bit more than that." He said thoughtfully. "Say, fifty gold a day, and one third of the dragons hoard." He said, nodding slowly. "Do you want to wear your old armor, or the new?" He inquired, gesturing at where it hung. <br><br>After she'd chosen, he headed back toward the room that housed his hoard. He stepped in, beckoning for her to follow, and walked along the wall until he came to a small, somewhat rough looking chest. He dumped the content out unceremoniously (a set of jeweled goblets made of a variety of precious metals with a few loose gems), and pointed at a pile of gold. He gestured and snapped his fingers--quite a bit of it sloughed away from the pile, assembling itself into neat stacks before him.<br><br>He paused as he started loading the gold into the little chest. "Would gold suffice, or will they need silver and the like as well? " He inquired. There were a lot of little stacks of gold. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>21-07-2013, 20:50:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes widened when he told her what he would give her, unable to believe her ears.&nbsp; Her family was going to be rich after all of this.&nbsp; "That's...uh..." she bit her lip, she was utterly speechless.&nbsp; "Are you sure?" she asked.&nbsp; "I...I haven't done anything to earn all that gold."&nbsp; As she spoke though, she moved to go put on her new armor, liking it so much more and then strapped her sword to her side.&nbsp; She decided to leave the shield, thinking it was a bit too big for just a trip to see her family.<br><br>Then she followed him to his hoard and watched as he emptied a chest and stacked up quite a bit of gold.&nbsp; "Gold....gold is fine," she said staring wide eyed.&nbsp; No doubt her mother would have a heart attack when she saw this and no doubt ask how she had acquired all of this.&nbsp; "I'll carry it," she said when he finished filling it up and went to grab it.&nbsp; It was the least she could do for all of this.&nbsp; She planned on trying to come up with things to do to earn all of this money.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>29-07-2013, 05:14:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No. But you will." He said calmly. "If you're going to help me hunt and kill another of my kind, you will earn every cent. Besides, this is a months pay--I don't want to make a ton of trips." He paused, glancing at the pile, before snapping his fingers and gesturing quickly. Gold began to line up and hop into the chest in neat piles. He glanced back. "Besides, its only double your standard pay. Little over. " He thought she'd meant twenty gold a day...<br><br><br>He closed up the chest and put a simple looking padlock on it, handing her the key as she approached. "If you wish. " He said amiably.&nbsp; He truly saw it as almost nothing--a dragon was wealthy indeed, to spend such. <br><br>He led her out, back towards the valley. The lights blinked for a few long moments as they travelled--when they returned, she was walking beside a huge, scaled form again. Out in the open, he flared his wings, stretching them, before stooping down. "Climb on." He said, voice a low rumble. "And point me towards your village. There are several around the mountains." <br><br>Once she was safely aboard with the chest of gold, he took off with a thunderclap of wings. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>29-07-2013, 06:31:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She felt better when he said this was a months pay and she looked at him funny when he said it was just a little over.&nbsp; "This is a lot over," she said.&nbsp; She only got paid twenty gold per job and she was lucky to have maybe 3 jobs a month and she had to go looking for them.&nbsp; She took the key from him and said grabbed the chest, following him outside.<br><br>When they were out in the valley, she turned to look at him and saw him in dragon form.&nbsp; She was a bit wary riding on his back, remembering what happened the last time she did, but decided that it would be faster that way.&nbsp; She climbed on top, getting into a position she thought was nice and safe, before he took off.&nbsp; She couldn't wait to see her mother and siblings and the looks on their face when they saw the gold.&nbsp; "It's that one," she said pointing to a relatively small looking village.&nbsp; The scorched land of her previous home could clearly be seen.&nbsp; The sight saddened her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>29-07-2013, 23:07:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He blinked. "Really? " He paused. "...You get paid per job, not per day or week, don't you?" He said, sounding a bit sheepish. He hadn't thought of that. "Mmm. We can discuss it more later if you wish--for now, this will be your pay for the month."&nbsp; He said. <br><br><br><div align="center">__________________[/center<br><br><br>He stooped a shoulder down to let her climb aboard easier, taking off with a clap of thunder and wind from his wings. He spiralled up, giving her a lovely view of the mountains, with their frosty peaks, and the valley below--and then he was over the village. His head moved as she pointed it out, the quaint little place--with more than a few farmers fleeing from the sight of the dragon as he came in on an easy glide, scared out of their wits by the recent attack. <br><br>He back-winged carefully, landing a bit more gently than before, and stooped his shoulder again to let her slide off--more than a few people were staring from behind dubious shelters, terrified of the massive black beast.&nbsp; There was a loud cry then she was seen, and people began hurrying forward--albeit, with cautious looks towards the dragon--friends and family who'd thought her lost or dead. </div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>30-07-2013, 22:42:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melody nodded at his question and bit her lip a bit.&nbsp; This was probably what she would make over the course of a few months.<br><br><div align="center">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br>She climbed on, enjoying the view of the mountains and the valley, wondering why it was so much colder on the mountains than it was down here.&nbsp; When he circled over her village, she braced herself for a landing, but he landed just fine and she sighed when she actually stayed on him this time.&nbsp; When she got off, she knew the people were frightened, they had every right to be because Talvarel was a dragon.&nbsp; She slid off, letting the chest rest on the ground as she ran to her mother and held her tightly.<br><br>"We were so worried about you," she said as she held her tightly.&nbsp; "And what are you doing with a dragon?"<br><br>Melody let go and went back to the chest, grabbing it and carrying it over to her.&nbsp; "He's hired me to help him find the real dragon who did this," she said, grabbing the chest.&nbsp; "May we go inside please?" she asked.&nbsp; She didn't want everyone seeing the gold, knowing some may try to kill for it.&nbsp; Who wouldn't want this much after all.<br><br>Her mother nodded and ushered her inside, motioning for Talveral to follow as well.&nbsp; If her daughter trusted him, then she could too.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>11-11-2013, 06:15:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was odd, seeing a dragon look...awkward. He did not seem to know where to put himself, shying away from either side, lest he brush against, or frighten someone. Finally he slid behind a copse of trees and his human self walked out he other side. <br><br>Many murmured at that, unaware of his magics. He followed her and her mother at her beckoning, stepping inside their home. "You are Melody's mother?" He inquired politely as he stepped inside, hands clasped behind his back. "I apologize of her absence worried you. I promise, she has been safe in my lair. " He looked round for a moment, looking to see wherever Melody had placed the chest, and gestured to it as it opened. "I've enlisted her services to aid in finding the...." He paused. "Beast, " He continued, obviously substituting it for one less suitable, " Responsible for your towns destruction. These are her wages for the month." <br><br>The chest glittered with gold...likely more than they saw in close to a year. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>11-11-2013, 06:30:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Margaret, Melody's mother, gasped when she saw a man enter her home.&nbsp; He was obviously the dragon, but never before had she seen such magic before.&nbsp; She listened as he spoke though, taking in every word and looked at the chest that he gestured too.&nbsp; At that moment, Melody opened the lid, smiling happily.&nbsp; Her mother stood there, utterly shocked, before tears of gratitude came running down her face.&nbsp; "This is really ours?" she asked with disbelief.&nbsp; Melody nodded.&nbsp; "And you'll get more next month too."<br><br>"This is...this is too much.&nbsp; I don't even know how to begin thanking you."&nbsp; She scurried over to the chest and started grabbing handfuls of the coins, amazed by the sight of seeing so much.&nbsp; She didn't even know what to think with all that gold.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>13-11-2013, 06:21:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is yours." he confirmed. "Well, her's. " He gestured to Melody. "To do with as she see's fit--and she see's fit to pass it on to you. " He hummed. "Do you have a safe place to keep it?" He asked, wondering if there was any sort of thievery problem in the village...and thinking it likely to crop up with this amount of gold now here. <br><br>He blinked, seeming a bit confused as she went on. "Thank me?" He quirked an eyebrow. "For paying her a proper wage for her services?" He chuckled softly. "It's not thanks worthy." He dismissed it with a wave. "It may be more than she's normally paid, but she was brave enough to face a dragon in little armor by herself. That kind of courage is worth its weight in gold. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>13-11-2013, 21:55:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Melody and Margaret both thought about his question.&nbsp; No places came to mind and they both shook their heads no.&nbsp; "We do not unfortunately," Margaret spoke up.&nbsp; "But I know what I'm going to do with it."&nbsp; She planned on distributing it out to the others in the village.&nbsp; There was no way she herself could spend all this gold, so she might as well share it.&nbsp; Besides, she wasn't the only person who was in need of money before and if they were going to get this amount of gold each month, well...their community would be rich in no time.&nbsp; She knew everyone here, and she didn't think any of them would steal for more if they all got an equal share.&nbsp; "Can I get you anything?" she asked, wanting to be a decent host.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Duelist925</strong> on <strong>24-11-2013, 07:20:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He looked visibly impressed as she spoke of her plans to distribute the wealth, breaking into a smile. "My lady, I must compliment your generosity and good sense. " He sighed. "Too many would keep all for themselves. You are truly a woman of honor and virtue." And with that he swept into a deep, deep bow towards her--the kind one gives normally to a lord. <br><br>Standing, he smiled. "I am quite decent, thank you, though I wouldn't say no to a cup of tea." He hummed. "Is there much physical damage tot he village?" He asked of a sudden as he thought. "I understand the intruder burned your fields and crops, but was anyone harmed, or were any homes or structures burnt or broken?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: His (Chiarra and Duelist)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Chiarra</strong> on <strong>24-11-2013, 20:11:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, we can all use it, after the taxes having been raised and we need the money to pay for the damages that have been caused..." she trailed off then, as if she were having trouble finishing that statement.&nbsp; She instead went to the fireplace to start a fire, but Melody stopped her and thought this would be a great time to show her what else she had been up to.&nbsp; She focused and did the symbol for fire and the logs burst into flame.&nbsp; It was a lot easier now after she had done it the first time.<br><br>"Magic?!" her mother exclaimed.&nbsp; "Who's been teaching you magic?"<br><br>"Talvarel has.&nbsp; I asked him too."<br><br>Margaret sighed softly and went back to making tea.&nbsp; "To answer your question, there was a lot of damage.&nbsp; The blaze wasn't just set to our farm, it was almost the whole village.&nbsp; Houses are burnt down, farms, we're doing what we can but...it just doesn't seem to be enough and the crown isn't stepping into help.&nbsp; There are...a few injured, we had lost a few too," her eyes started to water as she thought about her husband, the pain was still fresh.&nbsp; She walked away from the pot as she waited for the water to boil.&nbsp; When it was, she poured some in a cup and put some tea leaves in.&nbsp; Adding some milk to it when it was steeped, she handed the cup to him.&nbsp; "I don't think I have to warn a dragon that it's hot," she joked a bit.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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