Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)
<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: SapphireStar on 22-05-2015, 07:10:53</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>22-05-2015, 07:10:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Times were changing. Humans were developing new modes of transportation.&nbsp; Foul, noisy contraptions to carry passengers and trade goods over long distances.&nbsp; With the gradual expansions of towns and cities, beings who had lived within the lands forced to find dwellings elsewhere.&nbsp; Giving up what had been theirs long before the humans.&nbsp; All to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.&nbsp; However, one race was not going to give up what was theirs.&nbsp; To have their domain marred by ugly iron tracks.&nbsp; The air polluted.<br><br>And, they finally came.&nbsp; Teams of mean wielding sledgehammers driving heavy iron spikes into the ground to secure the tracks to the ground.&nbsp; Closer and closer they came to the mountains. Golden eyes watching from the higher peaks shrouded by clouds and snow.&nbsp; A dark shadow swept over the land.&nbsp; Several of the workers looked up in time to see massive talons descending, ripping up tracks like one would pick up pieces of straw. Then, scattering them about the land.&nbsp; Terrified screams filled the air as workers ran for their lives.<br><br>From high up on her mountaintop perch, a majestic white dragon watched. Her body as still as stone practically vanished within the snowy backdrop.&nbsp; The only things betraying her presence were her molten golden eyes and the sunlight reflecting off her scales revealing a pearlescent shine.&nbsp; Her eyes narrowed slightly. Yet, she didn not intervene.&nbsp; What happened to the humans mattered not to her.&nbsp; The only thing which concerned her was the preservation of their domain.&nbsp; A plume of smoke billowed up. The attacking dragon soared away from the destruction, disappearing within the clouds satisfied that the humans were stopped. However, the white dragon was not sure. This was not over.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>22-05-2015, 07:51:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				It was weeks that passed. The humans tried three times to hammer out the rail line, and three times they were turned back by attacks from the golden-eyed monsters who blew fire onto the railworkers. Dragons had long preyed on humans who trespassed into the Ironbreaker mountains - but few had been killed. What could be learned was that, generally, the Dragons were proud. Some were vain, some sought out shiny things to hoard and prop themselves up in standing.<br><br>Few humans hunted Dragons, and even fewer succeeded more than once.<br><br>The Guild of Merchants, whom funded the Ironbreaker Rail Line, needed an expert Dragon Hunter. Their agents asked around, seeking out the best for the job. A handful of names appeared. Among them, and among those invited to take part in the bounty, Riv found himself in the mountains, with the midnight moon hovering oh-so-perfectly over the valley the Guild had chosen to run the rail through. All the better to reach the Northern nations, whom didn't suffer so much from the crippling economic crisis wracking the south and west by virtue of being cut off from the rest of the world half f every year. The Ironbreaker Mountain Range was the cause of that isolation. The Dragons needed to go if the Guild was to survive.<br><br>Riv was the hunter who would ensure that survival.<br><br>His dark, green eyes surveyed the valley from the treeline. He held with him a simple chain, silver and normally glittering if he hadn't made mud with dirt and water to reduce the glitter. He breathed deep and slow, making little sound as the night wore on.<br><br>In the valley, rail line workers toiled. Each of the dozen men had been ordered to hammer well-polished spikes into the earth to push the rail line forward. Several carts of polished spikes rested nearby to them. A steamwagon with a cook-cart roasted pork and beef. A human observer would think the cook was burning the meat -- a Dragon would think it was an easy meal, with an easy score nearby.<br><br>Some dragons could be vain. Dragons could be greedy. All dragons were intelligent and proud.<br><br>They would land at the edge of what to them would be an obvious trap. Trees forced the landing into two locations from which they could breathe fire and scare the rail workers off. From there they would normally attempt to carefully push toward the spikes and steamwagon. The cart from which the cook burnt meat would be very enticing -- burnt meat, with a pile of bloodied meat exposed to the wind. Yet, when they landed, the real trap would spring. Riv would yank his chain as hard as he could, and when he did a moment later large nets would spring up from beneath the thin layer of snow over the dragon.<br><br>The railworkers labored. Whatever progress they could make would benefit the rail line, and their foreman pushed them just as hard as if they didn't expect a dragon to come roaring down from the mountains.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>22-05-2015, 09:00:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Each time the humans tried to continue work on the rail line, other dragons would resume their attacks hoping to prevent them from proceeding any further into the Ironbreaker mountains.&nbsp; The white dragon observed from her moutaintop perch as her brethern attacked the humans. Spewing fire to melt metal and flesh.&nbsp; A few took trophies of their victories, like a clawful of shiny railroad spikes.&nbsp; Still, she did not intervene.&nbsp; Unless, she was directly attacked, she preferred to wait and watch.&nbsp; One thing she learned from her observations was that the humans were persistent.&nbsp; Even sending in Dragon Slayers.&nbsp; A few dragons were foolish to engage the skilled warriors.<br><br>The sound of metal being struck over and over echoed through the air rousing the white dragon from her slumber. Yawning, revealing rows of razorsharp teeth.&nbsp; Rising to her feet, shaking her body before emerging from the cave in the mountain she called home. Pausing in the cave entrance, nostrils flare as the scent of cooking meat wafted upon the air.&nbsp; Her mouth watered at the enticing aroma beckoning to her.<br><br>Cautiously, the white dragon stretched her wings.&nbsp; Taking flight, soaring above the clouds, the white dragon circled&nbsp; over the land. Each pass, carefully studying the railworkers, then the cook and foodwagon.&nbsp; Dipping lower, golden eyes cautiously scanning the trees. Nothing seemed out of the ordindary, yet there was a feeing in the back of her mind. A subtle warning of danger.&nbsp; Hunger won out over reason, the white dragon swooped down. Her right claw snagging some of the raw meat piled near the cart.&nbsp; With food in hand, she landed a few feet from the foodcart. Dropping the bloody meat upon the snowy ground. Breathing a little fire upon the meat to cook it. Bending her head down digging into the succulent meat. A content grunt filling the air with each mouthful.<br><br>Halfway through her meal, that feeling returned. Without warning nets sprung up around her. Roaring in anger as she thrashed about. Her wings trying in vain to expand in order to force the netting open. Her head whipping from side to side. Fire spewing towards the trees and into the sky with each turn of her head. Sharp talons pulling at the netting. Everywhere she turned netting surrounded her. Testing the strength of the netting. Panicked, out of desperation she did something rarely seen. Her body began to transform, shrinking down smaller and smaller. Where once a magnificent white dragon stood now laid a naked, very human looking woman with long flowing silvery-white hair. Golden eyes scanned about wildy as she began slipping through an opening in the netting.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>22-05-2015, 19:37:25</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The moment the trap sprung, Riv dropped the chain that launched the net. He had seen this transformation once before, briefly before his prey escaped. Some other hunters thought he was crazy. To be safe, he had been planning and expecting the dragon to defiantly struggle with the nets, too dumb or too proud to reveal their hidden ability. Riv did not pretend to understand dragons fully -- no one could claim that -- but he knew enough to spring the trap, and enough to close with the struggling dragon to kill them. Dragons had a major artery that pumped blood up into their heads, in the crevice between the jaw and the neck where the scales were soft. A dagger or arrow there would end it. In flight it would be a nearly impossible shot. Besides that, the arrow might not punch deep enough. Better to bring them to ground and end it with something more reliable than a crossbow. He had planned for that.<br><br>Still, on the off chance the dragon transformed to try and escape, he had prepared to capture them. The trinket he had acquired now came out of his waist pouch. He clicked the first bracelet onto his left wrist as he sprinted down the slope, recklessly ignoring the possibility he might trip and fall. If he wasn't fast enough, he wouldn't catch the dragon.<br><br>The white dragon would see him now, bursting out of the trees a hundred yards away as she began her struggle out of the nets in a more human form. He looked like a savage - leather armor, a face unshaven for days, eyes fiercely burning with the joy of the hunt. In his hand, he carried the second of the pair of bracelets. The work of an old artificer, these bracelets were expensive to acquire.&nbsp; They were reported to have the rare ability to chain dragons. There was no link between the two bracelets that could be seen by human eyes. It was ethereal, only seen by magical creatures of appropriate talent. The white dragon could see it - a thin blue string that led from Riv's wrist to the bracelet in his hand.<br><br>He closed the distance, and tackled the white dragon. Were they as strong in human form? Could they breathe fire? Did they have some other ability he didn't know of? He couldn't possibly know. After he tackled her, he began his attempts to snap the bracelet onto her. He was strong, both from his hard work and from his desperation. He might very well die tonight, and he knew it. If she got free, or had some hidden ability, she wouldn't just let this insult go. The mouse who belled the cat could not live.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>23-05-2015, 06:54:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Pushing aside the chains, the now human white dragon felt as if the metallic chains when on forever.&nbsp; Heart pounding.&nbsp; The need to flee great. Finally, free of the sea of metal, golden eyes scanning the snowy landscape wildly.&nbsp; Legs trembling. The human body was one she was not accustomed to.&nbsp; She never needed to use it before.&nbsp; The snow beneath her barefeet was cold, sending a shiver through her body.&nbsp; Even though she was in human form, her body temperature was higher then a normal human.<br><br>Chest rising and falling with each quick breath. Nostrils flaring, Elenya whirled around at the sound of running footsteps. Eyes widening seeing the savage looking human male rushing towards her. What really caught her eye was the gleaming metal.&nbsp; Elenya could sense its mystical attributes.&nbsp; There was no way she was going to allow him to put it on.&nbsp; Turning, she started to run but her legs moved awkwardly causing her to stumble.&nbsp; Trying to regain her balance, she soon found the ground coming up to meet her.<br><br>Fighting like a wildcat, thrashing and attempting to claw at the Dragon Slayer. Any exposed skin she reach.&nbsp; Her body starting to shift.&nbsp; Hints of white pearlescent scaley patches began forming. Despite her struggles the bracelet snapped around her wrist.&nbsp; Transformation shut down, the power of the bracelet returning her to human form.<br><br>"Remove this!" Elenya demanded, the tone of her voice sounding panicked. Tugging furiously at the metal which refused to budge.&nbsp; The more she struggled the more her skin chafed and was rubbed raw.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>23-05-2015, 07:49:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Shit.</em><br><br>He couldn't help but think that as her nails raked across his arm and cheek. It stung right after, and he wondered how bad it would be and how long the scratches would remain. Still. Scratches did not count as much as the prize he had won just now. He snapped the bracelet into place after slapping her other hand aside. Just as she began to shift back into her more lethal, violent form. Not that this form wasn't violent. <br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Remove this!" Elenya demanded, the tone of her voice sounding panicked.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"No," He barked. He grabbed both of her arms in his hands and forced them down.<br><br>Riv was surprised she could speak. It made sense however, given her human form. Perhaps dragons sometimes infiltrated human communities? There would be more than a few reasons to do so. Blending in with your enemy yielded a lot of advantages. He would have to find out. The bracelet gave him some measure of power over her - enough to contain her magical abilities as a dragon. He could dictate how far away she could go from him. He could hang his bracelet on a peg if he wanted, and she wouldn't be able to touch it. Having her prisoner yielded a lot of advantages. Alive, she could satisfy his curiosity and make him rich. A dragon he could pull information from would be very useful indeed, but knowing other dragons could truly change into human form and not to mention the many humans who would covet this prize he'd need to be careful.<br><br>He looked around for the rail line workers. They were long since fled. Maybe they were hiding, just out of sight. They were beyond his reach now at any rate, and he doubted a few frightened rail workers would be taken too seriously. For now, he could move safely with her.<br><br>Riv turned his intense gaze back to the dragon. "Listen carefully," he growled. "You will be meek and compliant. If you are loud, if you are defiant, I will cuff you. Do you understand me?"<br><br>He could tell she was cold. It would wait. She couldn't know, but he had a set of robes he would give her if she complied. A fire would wait until he reached the shack he had bought outside of town. His horse could take them there within an hour -- barring any delay.<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 06:41:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				A growl escaped her soft pink lips as her arms were forced downward.&nbsp; Golden eyes flashing dangerously. Nostrils flaring as she inhaled his musky scent with how close their bodies were. Each time she attempted to struggling, a shiver rippled through her body feeling the strange texture of his clothing rubbing against her pale, delicate skin. She felt very exposed and vulnerable in this form. No scales to help protect her body from harm. And, now with the bracelet, she couldn't even transform. This was not a feeling she enjoyed. <br><br>How dare this human do this to her with such vile magic? How did he even manage to find an enchanted bracelet? Most were believed to have been lost or destroyed.&nbsp; Lips pursing together as her ample breasts heaved with each breath. Anger making her blood boil.&nbsp; How dare he tell her how to act? She bowed to no one.<br><br>Reacting out of anger and fear, Elenya slapper her captor's face. "I bow to no one, human," Elenya growled, cheeks flushed.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 06:57:22</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The cuff came as quickly as promised. He wouldn't be surprised if she saw stars. He didn't like striking women or children - but he'd do it, if they tested him. Riv was a man of his word.<br><br>"You'll do whatever I tell you to do if you value your life," he said.<br><br>Without waiting for another slap in reply, he grabbed her bracelet-wrist in one hand and proceeded to essentially drag her along with him as he made way to his horse hidden amongst the trees at as fast a pace as he could muster without running.<br><br>The slap stung then, after those handful of moments had passed. He ground his teeth in frustration. He hadn't been slapped in a very, very long time. He hated it. It grated on his nerves like sandpaper on cloth it tore him up to the point where he got angry just thinking about it. But a moment later he cooled. He had captured a dragon. Riv knew his fortune would come imminently. He just needed to be patient. She would be defiant, and he would crush that, and then force her to give up her secrets about dragons. He only needed to maintain a level head.<br><br>He smiled, despite himself. To Riv, the promise that he would be able to crush the defiance of a dragon, the very monster he had tried to hunt all his adult life, pleased him to no end. Still, through the smile he asked "Do you have a name?" Even with the smile he tensed his hand for a cuff if she refused to answer. Defiance had to be answered at every appearance.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 07:15:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				For a brief moment, bright spots exploded within her eyes. Something metallic pooled in her mouth. Still a little disoriented, Elenya felt her body being pulled along with his. Shaking her head, she attempted to resist. Occasionally digging her heels into the ground. Human feet were so useless. There were no claws to allow her to truly dig into the ground to get any kind of leverage. Instead, she slipped and slid along the snowy ground. Ahead, she could see a horse tied up munching on some grass it found beneath the snow.<br><br>She vowed to herself to find a way to remove the bracelet from her wrist. Twisting her body, looking at the mountains her home growing distant. From down here, they seemed so much bigger. Glaring at her captor. "Please, spare me your pleasantries. Even if I cooperated, my life means little once you humans get what you desire," Eleyna spoke with a cool edge to the tone of her voice. From what she had seen over the years, humans didn't appear to value much. Only taking more and more, never treasuring things. Casting aside something when they grew bored, or the use had worn out. "Names hold power, why should I tell you mine?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 07:26:08</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He wheeled on her and cuffed her again. She would learn eventually. Until then, "Then your name is Stupid, and I will make it a point to fool you at every turn." Riv resumed his march to his horse.<br><br>He didn't address what she said. Her life did mean little, even now. If he so chose he could pull out his knife and end her where she stood. Her only value to Riv was that she had information he needed. He was not vindictive, and when it came to beasts those that could be tamed could be kept. Could a dragon be tamed? Could a dragon be convinced that if it cooperated it would live? Would it even begin to cooperate? He didn't know. He would have to find out by trying to break her. He ignored whatever she said next. What would be the point of paying attention? He would only have to cuff her again. Doing it too often made even dogs learn to not care when it happened.<br><br>He reached his horse, and wheeled on her yet again. This time, there was no cuff. He seized her around the waist, hoisted her up, and placed her onto the rear end of the saddle. He then helped himself up to take the reigns, very quickly so as to avoid her attempting to ride off on her own.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 07:34:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her face throbbed painfully, already starting to swell. She hated being human. So weak. So helpless. The blow left her disoriented. Feeling his hands upon her body made her recoil in disgust. How dare he touch her? She growled again, eyes flashing dangersouly. Sitting upon the horse felt odd. Odd to be riding another creature. She preferred the freedom flying among the clouds gave her.<br><br>"You humans are all alike," she spat venomously. "Take whatever is not yours. War with each other over petty things like land, money. Never satisified with what you have. And, you call us monsters for defending our home." Elenya prepared for another blow, defiant, a fiery spirit refusing to give in to her situation.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 07:45:51</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He ignored her, as he had intended. He knew she was practically asking for another cuff, as confirmation for what she said. If left unanswered, her words were wind. Meaningless, he let her words slide by, no matter their amount of truth. He snapped the reigns and the horse began to go at a gallop. If she fell she would be dragged by her bracelet, a painful proposition she would likely be instantly aware of. He expected her to grab hold of him, which was fine with him -- something had just hit him about his prisoner.<br><br>She was naked. Breasts, legs, ass, neck, all exposed to the elements. She would grow cold, and when she did her nipples would --<br><br>Riv shook his head. He hadn't been near a naked woman in a while. Riv knew lusting after some dragon would be strange for him. She was nothing special. She had nothing he couldn't find somewhere else, except for the yellow eyes. He wondered if she was aware of her nakedness beyond the cold. He doubted it - the way she acted, she wasn't used to being in a human body. Why even have the ability? He would have asked, except for her earlier defiance. Instead, he waited a few minutes, enduring the cold air whipping past him. The skin on him that wasn't covered chilled to an uncomfortable degree; the cold air bit at his skin like a fish at bait.<br><br>It was only at the halfway mark between his property and the site where he had sprung his trap that he asked his alternative question. "What made you fall into my trap?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 07:58:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The unexpected forward motion nearly unseated Elenya from the back of the horse. As much as she was loathed to do so, her arms wrapped tightly around her captor. Biting her lower, unaccustomed to riding a horse, she bounced about on the animal's back. Turning her head, once again looking back at her home as it grew smaller in the distance. A spike of fear shot through her body at the prospect of never being able to return. Her mind raced with thoughts of what was going to happen to her. A life of enslavement? To bounce around from one owner to the next once they got bored with their new toy? A tear sliding down her cheek.<br><br>Her body radiated some heat helping to ward off the chill. The cold wind lashing at her human body. Despite the higher body temperature, the delicate skin made it painfully aware of the stinging cold. His voice brought her out of her thoughts.<br><br>"Merely curious, nothing more," Elenya replied coolly. If she said it was also partly because she was hungry, she was unsure what he would do. Food was starting to grow scarce with the construction of the railline delving deeper into the land. "Do you enjoy your work?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 08:17:23</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He nodded. Curiosity was as likely as the next thing, he supposed. He behavior with the food might have just been opportunistic, then. <br><br>Riv didn't know exactly how to answer her question when she asked it. It took a moment to reply honestly. "One of your kind once grew tired of an old village that had rested in its valley for a century. It came down, breathing fire and raking the streets with its claws. I was a boy at the time. Yes, I enjoy my work. Your ind and other kinds of monsters as well." <em>I suppose to you I'm the monster,</em> he thought but didn't ask aloud.<br><br>The trip continued in mostly silence on his part, until they reached his shack. Riv dismounted, and practically shoved her off the horse before dismounting himself. Then, he pushed her toward his recently-acquired property. It was a shack, not glamorous or expensive. It was sturdy though, and its sole redeeming feature was its fireplace inside. He shoved her again toward the shack, not letting up as he dogged her through the door and into the the confined space.<br><br>Once in he grabbed her shoulder ans spun her about. "Alright Stupid," he said, addressing her. "If you answer me truthfully, you'll get a robe to cover you, and I'll set a fire to warm the shack. If I think you're lying, you go out the door. Understand?"<br><br>He waited for her reply, one way or the other, and then asked his question anyway.<br><br>"How many dragons are there in the Ironbreaker Mountains where I trapped you?" He had an estimate of his own, given the amount of sightings. Maybe a dozen dragons in the whole Ironbreakers, he thought. He couldn't be sure. If she refused to answer, or gave some strange number that was too high or too low from his estimate, he'd refuse the fire and the robes and make her sleep on the floor. If she gave him the truth, he'd give her the reward. Simple ways to crush defiance.<br><br>Before she could answer, he reached down next to the door for the rope he had prepared ahead of time. using a knife from his belt, he severed the right amount to bind her hands, and proceeded to do so with a loose-fitting bond, but a tight knot.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 08:29:54</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Lips pursing. "I am sorry about your village, but in all that time, the dragon would have attacked before. Even when the village was being first constructed, yet he did not," Elenya countered. Most dragons only wished to be left alone. But, if slighted, they would not let it go unpunished. One thought that came to mind was something happened for the dragon to attack. Perhaps a drunk villager on a dare did something? A thief taking something of value and refused to return what did not belong to them. "HUmans do things, as I said, you like to take what is not yours. Perhaps a drunk villager stole something from the dragon and refused to return it. You even attack each other over the minor of things. Wealth, power, land."<br><br>Seeing the shack, Elenya was about to say something when she suddenly toppled head over heels onto the ground. Landing hard on her right shoulder. Wincing from the pain, she found her feet. Walking forward was hard. With each shove, she stumbled trying to keep her balance.<br><br>Eyes narrowing, not trusting what he said. "Anything I say could be a lie," she replied, staring defiantly at Riv. Bristling at the question, golden eyes narrowing. "I would never betray my brethern. I will not be the cause of their death. Do what you will to me."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 09:25:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv didn't move, he just stared into her eyes once she had "answered" his question. He looked at her yellow eyes. The flecks of black that helped bring out the bright gold color. His eyes did not stray, but he could see her breasts. How ample her breasts were, and also how high she stood compared to him. He was a tall human. Many were taller -- he was not domineering over every other man he came across. But he was certainly at a level where he towered over even most of the tallest women.<br><br>He tried to stare her down. How best to answer her defiance? Humiliate her? Question her brethren? Physically cuff her again?<br><br>Answering her like an equal was out. He needed to impress upon her her position, no matter what. So then, what to do?<br><br>He stared down at her, unblinking for a minute longer before he decided. "You think you can defy me."<br><br>Riv's hand went out, and wrapped around her neck. "I don't need your help killing dragons. One. Two. A dozen. A hundred. How many dragons would have fallen for the trap I sprung? It was easy enough capturing you. Given a few years, I could wipe the Ironbreakers clean with or without your help. I am Riv. Dragonslayer. My wits have been matched to three other dragons, far bigger and older than you. Xaxos. Yena. Olirem. Each have died at my hands. I was hired to protect the rail line. No matter what you do or what you say, I will succeed. Your defiance will not change that. Your cooperation could change the amount of blood spilled."<br><br>Riv didn't know if he really believed what he said. It was true that he had killed three dragons and survived. He was sure he would be able to put a dent into the population of dragons in the Ironbreakers. If the dragons didn't change their behaviors, he'd certainly end up clearing the mountains as long as he was cautious. Yet they were intelligent, and any mistake he made could be his last. Dragonslaying was work under the most intense of conditions. Mistakes could not go unpunished on his part. <br><br>But he, again, didn't need to wait for her to reply. She'd hear him, and be unable to reply as he next gagged her with a cloth he pulled from his waist pouch. Once that was done, he shoved her to the ground before coming back with more rope. It had been awhile for him, and he didn't so much mind restraining a good-looking human female body in provocative positions. He was great with knots and ties. When he was done, he had manhandled her into a kneeling position next to the bed. Uncomfortably, her head was pulled back and her breasts were bared. He thought it embarrassing for her, and good eye candy for him.<br><br>"Now, blink once for yes, twice for no. Are you cold?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-05-2015, 18:51:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nostrils flaring, Elenya's eyes narrowed seeing how he was staring at her breasts. Unlike humans, she wasn't as embarassed about her naked state. That was something which perplexed her. Humans got embarassed and offended when caught without clothes on. The bare skin was a natural part of the body. Humans were most confusing beings.<br><br>The corners of her mouth curving downward. "Why is it different when try to defend our lands from intruders then what you humans do? You violently defend against intruders," she replied coolly. Breasts rising and falling&nbsp; with each breath she took.&nbsp; Elenya did not believe what he said about how her cooperation could change the amount of bloodshed, not with what she had seen so far. Her mouth where he hit her several times was swollen and taking on a nasty purplish hue. "I do not believe you. Anything I say, you will use it to wipe us all out. Why couldn't you humans try to negotiate with us to find a solution. The railline is destroying our food, our land." <br><br>Elenya took a step back seeing the rope. "Most of us just want to be left alone." She could see no amount of pleading or trying to persuade this human otherwise was not going to work. And, she was not going to betray her kind just so he could collect money upon their blood. The gag in her mouth felt rough and tasted foul. Eyes blazing, but she refused to blink. Closing her eyes, she did not open them to respond to his questions. Elenya felt humiliated kneeling beside the bed with her head forced back. A tear leaked out of the corner of her eye, slowly rolling down her soft, delicate skin. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>26-05-2015, 07:34:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The dragon ignoring him made Riv scowl. Usually a human would at least answer as to if they were cold -- or, perhaps, if they were of the harder, more cynical sort they wouldn't. Riv would probably do something similar to the dragon, given the same circumstances. He sighed, shook his head, and began to loosen how he had tied her. He put her into a more relaxed position but with her hands, arms, and legs still tightly bound together. In all truthfulness, it was as relaxed a position as could possibly be achieved while still being bound. He even ungagged her.<br><br>Riv pulled a chair around and straddled its back to face her. He didn't speak, just sat there looking at her while sinking ever deeper into thought. He didn't break the silence for a long time.<br><br>She had mentioned the rail line reducing food for the dragons. How it encroached on their land. Legitimate complaints another human society could potentially have with the rail line, and become violent over. She thought humans were greedy and warlike. She talked about how they took what wasn't theirs. Amongst animals, fights for territory, food, or mates were common. From rats to dragons -- at least to his knowledge. She mentioned negotiating, but if there was a method of negotiation with dragons from humans, he wasn't aware of it. Dragons ate humans. Riv alone was prey to a dragon. Riv and twenty of his friends were dangerous to a dragon.<br><br>Riv shook his head again in frustration. A requirement of peace was the ability to communicate somehow, and until now he hadn't been aware that it was even possible with dragons on any meaningful level. Now that both sides of this conflict in the Ironbreakers had decided upon war, peace would be impossible until both sides either got tired, one side was wiped out, or one side gained an enormous advantage over the other and forced peace-under-terms. <br><br>If the dragons had their way, there would be no rail line, and the people north of the Ironbreakers would continue to lose hundreds each year to the harsh winters.<br><br>Riv prided himself as a thinker. Outwitting beasts and other hunters got food onto his table, but exploring politics between two different species was beyond him. He gave up trying to come up with a solution on his own when hunger caught his attention.<br><br>Without a word, he stood up and went outside to his travel bag. He took the opportunity to finally relieve his horse of its saddle and bags. When he came back in, the first blue-and-pink tendrils of dawn were tinting the sky, framed in the doorway behind him. He set the bag down at the dragon's feet, and pulled out several strips of jerky. He tore a strip in half, and offered one of the pieces to the dragon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>26-05-2015, 08:25:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling the bonds loosen enough for her arms and legs to relax.&nbsp; Her muscles burned from the way her arms and legs were restrained. Elenya was learning how fragile this form she choose was. The gag slid from her mouth. Licking her lips still tasting the cloth. Golden eyes slowly opening.&nbsp; Her mouth throbbed painfully. The lower part of her lip swollen while delicate skin marred by a nasty purplish color. Her expression was one of curiousity. Wondering why he loosened some of her restraints? For the longest time, Elenya sat there staring at the Dragon Slayer.<br><br>Golden eyes shifted away from Riv to look about the interior of the shack.&nbsp; She wasn't sure what to make of it. It felt claustrophic. Not as spacious as the mountainous cave, with its many caverns and high ceilings allowing her to move about freely.&nbsp; Did all humans live like this?&nbsp; Her thoughts were interrupted hearing movement. The slight scrape of wood upon the ground. Elenya watched him leave. For a brief moment, Elenya breathed a sigh of relief. Moving her arms, testing the strength of the rope around her wrists. Catching a whiff of his scent drawing closer, she ceased what she was doing. Though her skin was a little red from where the coarse rope rubbed.<br><br>"What is this?" Elenya asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice eyeing the jerky cautiously.&nbsp; Nose wrinkling slightly at the shriveld, dry meat.&nbsp; Why would someone do this to their food?&nbsp; Taking the jerky, Elenya took a tentative bite. "Why do you do this to your food? It loses its flavor and protein."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>27-05-2015, 03:45:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv didn't know what protein was, but he did understand the complaint about the loss of flavor. "Jerky. Dried and salted meat. We do it to store it for longer and to also make for an easy meal when traveling," he explained.<br><br>He withdrew the jerky while she chewed, and helped himself to the other half. Riv couldn't help but look her over again. Then, frustrated with himself and how exposed she still was he grunted and kneeled down in front of the dragon, where the bag still lay. He pulled out the spare robe, and wrapped her up in it. He pulled the robes over her shoulders, and crossed one edge over the opposite shoulder to close her front off from view. Decency may not have mattered to her, but it was certainly distracting to him.<br><br>"You're an interesting one," he said suddenly as he pulled the chair closer over to her and straddled it again. "I don't want to kill you. Both because you cannot defend yourself any longer, and because I want information from you. I can't just keep feeding you without any gains being made on my own behalf. I doubt beating you is going to get me information quickly enough for my needs. Do dragons strike bargains?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>27-05-2015, 05:48:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Each bite she took, Elenya's face scrunched up slightly due to the strange taste. She wasn't used to salt in her meats like this. It was hard to taste the meat, all she tasted was the salt and smoked flavors. "It is a bit salty for my taste," she replied. Pausing mid-chew, Elenya looked up at him with a surprised expression as he draped the robe around her body. The robe helped keep in some of the warmth radiating off her body.<br><br>Swallowing the food, a soft sigh escaped her lips. "We can strike bargains. But, I will not do so if the end result is the death of my kind. What you have to understand, dragons are raised in an lair together after we hatch. Everyone is a brother and sister. We may not be a traditional family in human terms, but each death affects us." Pausing for a moment, it was hard for her to make a deal, especially if any information resulted in death. The guilt of knowing would eat at her. "With humans expanding territory and your noisy steam contraptions, places for us to go are becoming limited." Golden eyes staring into his. "I will make a deal, if you promise there will not be alot of bloodshed. That a way can be found to atleast preserve what is left of our land."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>28-05-2015, 06:16:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I will do my best to avoid bloodshed," he said evenly. It was as much as he could give, knowing that he had been hired to try and clear up the dragon threat looming over the rail line. He hoped it would be enough. But then, he hadn't explained his full intentions, had he?<br><br>"I was hired to clear the dragon threat looming over the rail line. If we can cooperate together, and somehow extend this to your fellow dragons in the Ironbreakers, we can get food over the mountains to the Northerners come the winter storms." <br><br>Riv then took the initiative. He reached over and cut the ropes binding her hands. "Kindly do not claw my face. I've never known a dragon to be dishonest... But you're the first I've spoken with."<br><br>He then offered her more jerky, before retiring back to straddling the chair to consume his own. He suddenly felt tired. He had been up for nearly two days, now. He must have looked haggard; dark patches beneath his eyes, unshaven face, leather and cloth mixing together over his body keeping him warm but looking savage. He didn't so much care that the dragon could see him, but he had to reach a more cleanly appearance to be able to converse with his employer. Wellton did not converse with savage-looking men. Before worrying about that, he needed to answer two questions: How would he ensure this dragon didn't merely run off, and how could he explain that he had captured a dragon?<br><br>Then he realized he had bound her feet as well, and chuckled. "Sorry." He dropped his knife at her feet where she could reach.<br><br>It was time to see how trustworthy she was, when she had a knife in her hands and only a single human to attempt to get past. If she tried to kill him, she would fail -- not because Riv could necessarily defend himself (he thought he'd be able to overpower her again, if it came down to it,) but because the bracelet stopped her from using edged weapons on him. He didn't know how exactly, but that was one of the advertisements of it. It wouldn't stop her from poisoning him, or strangling him, but edged weapons were not a problem. Edged things being stopped from being used against him, but no other violent tool or method being stopped was a strange choice. One he didn't fully understand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>28-05-2015, 06:33:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya's soft pink lips pursed together. She listened to what he said, considering his words carefully. If they could work together, she would be grateful. She wanted to see her fellow dragons thrive and try to avoid bloodshed. She knew some dragons might not be as receptive to this idea as others. There were some who felt humans were inferior beings who bred too quickly. Cities and villages popping up in a blink of an eye. If they went to war, it could be disasterous on both sides. There was the risk of the dragon eggs being found, and destroyed to prevent future dragons from growing up ensuring their race lived on. <br><br>Again, she blinked in surprise as he cut away the bindings holding her hands together. Flexing her wrists, Elenya let out a shakey breath. "There is the possibility the rail line might not be complete in time. The mountains can be treacherous even without the dragons," she replied, studying the human before her. She noted his rough clothing. If the progress was delayed, some of the dragons might get even more agitated. "Would it not be best to tunnel straight through the mountains? It would be simpler then winding through the mountain passes." <br><br>Her golden eyes falling upon the knife at her feet. Hesitating, eyeing the weapon cautiously. Leaning forward slowly, she picked up the knife and cut her feet free.&nbsp; Looking at Riv, without saying a word she laid the knife down by his right foot. Grapsing the edges of the robe covering her body, Elenya pulled it tighter around her body. Biting her lower lip, "Elenya," she said out of the blue. "That is my name."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>29-05-2015, 07:34:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Again, she blinked in surprise as he cut away the bindings holding her hands together. Flexing her wrists, Elenya let out a shakey breath. "There is the possibility the rail line might not be complete in time. The mountains can be treacherous even without the dragons," she replied, studying the human before her. She noted his rough clothing. If the progress was delayed, some of the dragons might get even more agitated. "Would it not be best to tunnel straight through the mountains? It would be simpler then winding through the mountain passes." </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Riv nodded. "I'm sure someone has thought of it. I'm no engineer, however. My sole job is to clear up the threat of the dragons to the rail line. To my knowledge, there is another company trying to build the Ironbreaker Line from the other side. We're to meet in the middle come November."<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Elenya," she said out of the blue. "That is my name."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"It wasn't pleasant making your acquaintance, as I'm sure you'll agree," he said laughing. "I know the sun is just rising, but I need to sleep Elenya. I'm not sure if you're tired yourself. In one of my other travel bags I have a sleeping bag I think you'll find preferable to the bed, if you so choose."<br><br>He tilted his head slightly to the side as he considered something. He twisted the bracelet on his wrist. "I am keeping this on. I hope you understand. You may be allowed to wander around the shack and the immediate area surrounding it. Beyond that I think you will have trouble."<br><br>Riv then got up from his chair, and lay on the cot facing Elenya. He closed his eyes. "You may ask any question you like of me until I fall asleep. I will do my best to answer you according to my knowledge."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>30-05-2015, 02:18:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lips pursing, Elenya tilted her head slightly. "Perhaps, but to create the best tunnels, it would be best to consult the dwarves. They are the best engineers creating works of art with their underground cities." Pausing, Elenya looked down for a moment, thinking. She was unsure if the dwarves had been consulted. "Though, I am not sure of what relations are between humans and dwarves are like."<br><br>At the mention of the bracelet her eyes narrowed. Golden eyes watching as he moved it around his wrists. How she wanted to remove the detestable item from her own wrist! She longed to feel her power surging through her. With it on, she felt so vulnerable. So...human. <br><br>Getting up, Elenya found the bag he indicated. Pulling out the sleeping bag, looking at it curiously. "You actually sleep in something like this?" Elenya spoke playing with the fabric between her fingers. Placing it on the floor, she stretched out on it. Suddenly, sleeping upon the floor was not as appealing. While in her natural form, she had the scales covering her body to act as a barrier protecting her. Now, she could feel just how hard the floor was. It was surprisingly uncomfortable. Trying to find the best comfortable position, the robe riding up revealing her long slender legs and a hint of the shapely curves. "After we find a solution to the situation, will you remove the bracelet?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>30-05-2015, 08:24:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Aye," he said. "It's quite warm and much more comfortable if you were to crawl inside of it."<br><br>His eyes remained closed. Already, he felt his exhaustion begin taking over his body. His lower legs relaxed first, then his thighs. His arms and his head became like lead, and were unmoving. His shoulders relaxed next, softening and warming as he began to not care about the temperature of the shack -- in fact, the shack felt warm compared to the outside. Elenya's breath and body temperature and his own breath had warmed up the single-room shack over the last couple of hours, little by little.<br><br>Then she asked if he would remove the bracelet. He was fast approaching his dreams. Already he felt as if he were falling, on that verge between wake and sleep. So he answered as easily as he could, not willing to distance himself from the wall of sleep. "If we find a solution."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>31-05-2015, 08:35:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blinking, Elenya looked down at the sleeping bag again. Running her fingers over the strange fabric. Finding the edge, she pulled it back to open up the bag. Arching an eyebrow, she started to slide inside. While it felt warm, it was still a bit uncomfortable upon the floor. Rolling over onto her side. Golden eyes looking around the interior of the shack, suddenly feeling homesick for her home within the mountains. For the first time, Elenya felt scared. She was venturing into a strange and new world which she did not fully understand. <br><br>Her eyes finally settled back upon the Dragon Slayer. Lips pursing together watching him sleep. There were so many questions which she wanted to ask, but was unsure where to start. Settling into the sleeping bag, Elenya tried to rest, but her soft, human body started aching from the hard floor. The cot looked so enticing. Biting her lower lip, Elenya slid out of the sleeping bag. Carefully, she placed a hand on the cot, then cautiously laid down beside him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>01-06-2015, 05:04:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv woke up when she settled in beside him. He could feel how warm she was, even through his leather and cloth. He didn't dislike the feeling, but wasn't sure if he should encourage it.<br><br>He took a moment to decide whether he'd allow this strange creature to fall asleep next to him. It turned out that he was too tired for debate, and so he went with the easiest option. Without opening his eyes, he turned around on her where she lay behind him. Now that there were two of them, he didn't so much mind the blanket being pulled over to cover his arms. Before, it might have entangled his arms as he tried to defend himself. Now, he could cast it over both of them. He reached over her shoulder, grabbing the folded blanket on the other side of the bed, and drew it over them. "Let's not make this a habit." Those were the last words before he fell asleep soundly.<br><br>----<br><br>Morning passed quickly, and the sun sun swelled high in the sky and then began its inevitable descent. What would be judged a half-hour past the fourth hour after noon, Riv woke suddenly.<br><br>He realized that next to him lay a naked woman. For a moment, he forgot what had transpired, and confusedly attempted to remember how he had met and slept with this warm-bodied woman. His hands went to her hips. Then, confused yet again, he felt the robes, and it began to dawn on him what had happened last night. It came all in a flash. The waiting, the trap, how he had fastened the bracelet to this dragon when it was still in human form, and the conversation that had taken place in the wee hours as the sun had risen. The bargain that had been struck.<br><br>He removed his hands, and sat up. The ache of cold had no hold upon his body. Riv looked down at Elenya.<br><br>"Wake up," he bid. Riv nudged the dragon a little. "We have work to do. People to meet."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>06-06-2015, 08:41:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya found the human form to be far too soft, and vulnerable. It would take time to adjust to it. Especially when it came to sleeping. She found that she needed something softer to lay on otherwise her body would begin to ache. How did humans find comfortable places to sleep? Especially with the unusual bag the Dragon Slayer had offered her. The cot was much better despite the tight fit. She had to lay on her side beside Riv. Feeling his arm moving making her tense wondering what he was going to to, and yet at the same time a shiver rippled through her body causing her cheeks to turn a light rosy shade.<br><br>Unsure of what to say, Elenya merely nodded snuggling underneath the blanket. Drifting off to sleep, the heat radiating off her body keeping them warm.<br><br><br>-----------<br><br>Elenya slept soundly throughout the day. Her body recovering from recent events. Taking the slumber to adjust more effeciently to her new state. The feel of a hand upon her body elicited a sort of purr-growl from the dragon turned human, yet she did not wake. Turning over onto her back slightly causing the robe to slip off her shoulder, revealing the soft, delicate skin beneath. The nudging drew her out of her slumber.<br><br>Golden eyes fluttering open. "What people?" Elenya asked groggily slowly sitting up. Realizing they would be leaving, a hint of fear flickered in her eyes. Fear at meeting other humans. Fear at what might happen if they reached one of the cities.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>14-06-2015, 12:25:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A friend of mine. Someone in town. He knows a little bit about dragons, enough to have lent me this bracelet."<br><br>Riv realized when Elenya's skin began to show that she would need clothes. "We'll get you something better than that robe after we meet with my friend. You'll need to be careful not to expose yourself in town. The right people would be offended. The wrong people might start a fight, and we're in far too much of a hurry for a street fight."<br><br>He had no clothes more appropriate than the robe for her. For Riv's part, his current attire was hardly better. He was an unkempt barbarian, and considered a stranger to the town at that. He'd need to change out of his hunting clothes before they went into town. He went to his travel bags, and quickly undressed. He had a few scars on his shoulders and chest -- nothing terribly gruesome, but it was obvious he had been in a few fights with beasts of all kinds. His worst was a bite mark on his left shoulder, at the base of his neck. It wasn't a dragon bite, but could have easily fit a wild animal of some kind. He didn't stay undress for long. He slipped into pants that were much nicer than the frayed and well-used fabric of his hunting "outfit". He then put on a shirt that obviously hadn't been made for him. It was white, and the sleeves were a little bit too big on his arms. The shoulders were too tight, and he had to squeeze his head through. To cover up the ill-fitting of the shirt, he put on a big, dark red coat. He closed it at the front with a single button at collarbone level. From his bags he also picked up a pair of somethings that flashed sparkled briefly in the afternoon light before disappearing beneath his coat in an unseen pocket.<br><br>His hair and the whiskers on his face were another problem to be dealt with later. For now, he looked and smelled less like a barbarian.<br><br>Riv turned back to Elenya. "Follow me."<br><br>He led her quickly outside, and helped her onto the horse after putting the saddle back onto the creature. Then, he mounted it himself and began making his way into the town. Buildings sprang up after a moment, and they passed with a wave from the town guard through a wooden gate. In their brief journey, they passed inns and shops and a blacksmith workshop run by a dwarf and his many human apprentices. The different smells of the town washed over Riv and his dragon companion. Some were disgusting and terrible, but others were much better, including when they passed a herbalist and two competing bakeries.<br><br>It was a street beyond those, where the cobblestone went suddenly back to dirt and the street tapered off into the shoulder of a hill where they found Riv's "friend". His large home looming behind him, a young man with a large pair of spectacles resting on his nose waited. Whether he had just come out, or if he had been waiting all day, he still grinned from ear to ear at the site of Riv and Elenya.<br><br>"Riven!" The young man rushed up. "I knew it. I knew you'd succeed! Is that it there, riding with you? She's beautiful. I never imagined I'd get to meet one of them in person! Not without fire, and claws and blood and so on."<br><br>"Quinn, we'd best get inside. Is your father back yet?"<br><br>"No. No no. He's not due back from his voyage for another week or two yet. He knows nothing -- come inside, please! One of my servants will take your horse."<br><br>Quinn, true to his word, had a boy take the horse to the back of the estate. And it <em>was</em> an estate. Unnoticed initially, they had passed a set of pillars set into the hillside, from which bronze gates hung. There was a path from the dirt street that became straighter, and better-kept. To either side of the path a lawn was tended, and a few yards to either side of the path sprung shrubbery and gardens separated by types of flower. Somehow, even at this time of year, there was a set of white flowers still blooming. Others had shed their petals, and clustered dully together. The house itself wasn't quite a mansion, but was certainly very large. Large enough to cover a small stable and a set of smaller homes for servants behind it. It had a southern style to it, including a wrap-around porch and white shutters and a heavy wooden front door.<br><br>Quinn shepherded them inside rambling constantly, and bombarding Elenya and Riv alternately with questions.<br><br>What trap did you set this time? What is her name? Why isn't she wearing anything more suitable for the town? Has your employer heard of this yet? <br><br>Riv answered simply to each but for her name. He would let her introduce herself. As to if his employer had heard... He didn't know. A couple of minutes after their arrival, Elenya and Riv found themselves in a study, with tea in their hand and Quinn hunting through a pile of books and trinkets at the foot of an overladen desk.<br><br>"I know it's here somewhere..." Quinn's green eyes and big hands searched through the trinkets now. "Ah-ha!" He pulled out a thick bound journal , and fetched a pen and ink.<br><br>"Riv promised me five questions he'd use the bracelet to compel you to answer. If you're ready, I can begin. With my questions. The real ones, that is."<br><br>Riv shifted guiltily where he stood, but said nothing for a moment. Quinn stared intently at Elenya, hardly moving and focusing so much on Elenya now that he seemed almost a different person entirely, especially when placed with the sudden and uncanny silence after his torrent of curiosity and excitement.<br><br>"I promised to try to compel the dragon, Quinn. I also said that if she didn't cooperate, I'd answer those questions to the best of my ability instead. I am a dragonslayer, and there's still a lot you don't know about that business with Xaxos either, or what I found out from him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>17-06-2015, 18:15:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Looking down, Elenya tugged the robe a little tighter around her slender form. Her cheeks turning a light rosy shade.&nbsp; Being a dragon, she never concerned herself with clothing. On occasion she observed the humans tended to change styles of dress frequently. It was the most curious thing.&nbsp; There was never one style that was the same for each individual. What would she wear?&nbsp; Lifting her golden eyes to see Riv changing his clothing. Tilting her head slightly.&nbsp; Golden eyes taking in each scar marring his muscular body. Noting each one varied suggesting to her that he had been in numerous battles.&nbsp; Elenya found her cheeks starting to grow hot. Whirling around suddenly so that her back was to him.<br><br>When he spoke, Elenya looked up briefly before following him out to the waiting horse.&nbsp; It was still odd to be riding another creature.&nbsp; She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist to keep from falling off. The sights, sounds, and smells of the town overwhelmed her delicate senses.&nbsp; Nose crinkling when something strange and foul hit her.&nbsp; The pleasant aromas wafting from the bakeries made her stomach growl in hunger. Out of the corner of her eye, Elenya caught a few lecherous stares as they passed which made her feel uneasy.<br><br>Relief washed over her as they passed through the majority of the town to arrive at the lavish estate.&nbsp; Elenya's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Her body tensed suddenly as Quinn approached.&nbsp; Lips pursing as she wasn't sure what to make of the man or his excited state. Everything seemed to happen as if she was caught up in a whirlwind. One mnute, Elenya remembered being on the horse and the next moment she found herself walking up into the house. A curious expression upon her face as she took in the wealth of treasures hanging upon the walls. Her mouth opening and closing as she attempted to answer some of the questions, but was unsure what to say. Nor, did she want to reveal any information which could be used against her and her kind.<br><br>"My name is Elenya," she spoke feeling a little on edge. Eyes darting about the room. At the mention of the bracelet being able to compel her to answer questions, her golden eyes narrowed. Head whipping over to look at Riv, eyes flashing with anger and betrayal. Her body trembled ever so slightly, like a tightly wound coil about to be unleashed. "Ask your questions, but do not ask me to betray my kind." The tone of her voice was kurt with a frosty edge.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>19-06-2015, 04:37:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv met Elenya's gaze steadily. He wouldn't cause her to betray her people. He knew the sorts of questions Quinn would ask, but he had also understood that the dragon wouldn't take it very well. If Riv were in her shoes, he'd feel similarly. But he wouldn't back down from any deal he made. He'd try his best to make sure she answered Quinn's questions.<br><br>Quinn either ignored or was oblivious to Elenya's tone and sharp look. Instead, he smiled a little and jumped into his questions.<br><br>"How old are you?" Quinn's question was frank, direct, and he didn't even look up from his journal and pen.<br><br>Riv did his best to compel the dragon to answer the question. "Answer," he said, focusing on the robed woman. To her, it would feel like some cold liquid had been injected into her wrist, that soon spread to the rest of her body. In the half-second it took to spread, it turned somehow into a different feeling... Like someone or something was hovering over her, watching. Then, it was gone, and Riv whispered something under his breath. The coolness seeped away. Riv would <em>try</em>. Riv had never promised Quinn he would succeed. Perhaps the Dragon understood what had just happened, but it was equally as likely she didn't. Either way, Riv wasn't going to force her into betraying information she wasn't comfortable divulging yet. It would ruin his bargain with her. Unluckily for Quinn in a way, Riv needed Elenya's good will more than he needed the young scholar's.<br><br>After writing down whatever response Elenya gave, Quinn launched into his next question. "Do you have siblings, children, or any other kind of blood relation that lives with you?"<br><br>Again, he wrote down whatever response, unfazed. Then, he launched into his final question. "Why would any dragon shapeshift into the form you are in, outside of traps like what Riv sets?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>21-06-2015, 22:20:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya tensed feeling her blood turn to ice in her veins as the magic of the bracelet compelled her to answer. Her chest rising and falling in short, rapid gasps of air.&nbsp; Leaning back in her seat, fingers gripping the armrests as she tried to resist.&nbsp; Lips pursing together before her mouth moved to answer.<br><br>"I am almost 1,000 years old," Elenya answered without hesitating. While in human form, she appeared as if she was in her mid-twenties with silky smooth pale skin. Turning her head to look at Riv, golden eyes narrowing slightly, yet holding a hint of saddness even as the coolness began to fade.&nbsp; Able to breathe normally, Elenya's shoulders sagged in relief.<br><br>Fingers gripping the armrests once more as Quinn asked another question. "We do not view family hierarchy like humans. All dragons are hatched in an aerie. We are all sisters and borthers, so to speak. We do not live together. When old enough, dragons go out in search of their own domains, caves to live in." Her chest rose and fell with each breath.&nbsp; "I have yet to mate and have children. Especially with our numbers dwindling."<br><br>Eyes narrowing at the next question. Moving her hand, fingers pulling at the bracelet causing the edges to bite into her delicate skin. A few tiny droplets of blood fell to the floor. She tried to resist, afraid to answer, because there were a few dragons who had chosen to become human after falling in love with humans. This could start a witchhunt putting them and their families in danger. Dragons didn't age like humans. They were still remain youthful while their human mates aged. Hair turning gray, skin wrinkling. "We have our reasons. Mostly to escape danger if we can't in our natural form."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>24-06-2015, 04:41:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There you have it, Quinn. Mostly to escape from danger," Riv said, pretending not to notice the dragon was holding something back. The answer was far too vague.<br><br>"Something doesn't add up..." Quinn began.<br><br>"I fear this is all you will get for now. Perhaps, in the future, you and Elenya will sit down together again to talk. For now, I have other pressing matters to attend to, Quinn, and she's a part of those matters." Quinn nodded, and grudgingly waved for them to go away. He wasn't nearly so excited to see them go. The most emotion he showed now was to obviously sulk as he went over the notes he had made. Riv helped Elenya out of her chair and out the front door. He would leave the horse behind to retrieve it later. When they were beyond the gate and halfway from the estate to the cobblestone road of the town, Riv turned his head to Elenya. He stared at her, blinking rarely. He sat deep in his own thoughts, puzzling over what she had said to him.<br><br>Finally, he spoke. "We've had an awkward beginning, Elenya." Last night he had called her Stupid. Only a change of tactics had led him to learn her real name, or to strike a bargain with her. Some of the things he had done made him wince. He didn't regret it, but knowing what he did now, he realized he had only made things harder on himself. The thing that would make his arrangement with this dragon work would be trust. He may have broken what little trust she had with him by taking her to see Quinn so soon. It was necessary to have had her questioned today, but it would not yet be necessary to report to his employers with her in tow. He could report to them in the evening, alone, to tell them of his success. He could lie, or delay, depending on how much he decided to trust them.<br><br>Before that, he had what Quinn's father would call a trust-building exercise.<br><br>"Now that that is done," he began, before she could respond to his earlier statement. "Let me share with you some knowledge. I am taking you toward the docks right now, but we can change this. What would you like to know, do, or see?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>25-06-2015, 00:18:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya's eyes narrowed at Quinn.&nbsp; Her breathing a little heavy. Breasts heaving against the fabric of the robe covering her naked body. Lips pursed together so tightly they were starting to turn white.&nbsp; Golden eyes fell upon the notes Quinn had been taking and was very tempted to rip them to shreds.&nbsp; There was soemthing about him she didn't turst. Taking hold of Riv's hand, rising slowly to her feet. Her body felt a little wobbly from the effects of the bracelet. Passing Quinn, Elenya managed the best dragon-like growl she could muster.<br><br>Following Riv outside, walking quietly beside him.&nbsp; Occasionally, her golden eyes took in the lush green landscapes and fragrant flowers. There was an expression of wonder upon her face.&nbsp; Taking in different wonders she normally wouldn't be able to appreciate in her dragon form.&nbsp; Glancing at Riv when he sat and she remained standing. Tilting her head slightly watching his expression.<br><br>"You forgot to mention the enchantment to compell me," Elenya spoke, a hint of a cool edge to her voice. The robe slipping off her left shoulder revealing pale, delicate skin. Grasping the material, she pulled it back up.&nbsp; Tugging it tighter around her body.&nbsp; Looking away for a moment, Elenya fell silent.&nbsp; A soft breeze swept over the land causing her silvery-white hair to dance about her face.<br><br>She couldn't continue to run around in nothing but a robe. Sighing softly, "I would like to see the town, but I nnes some proper clothes," Elenya spoke, golden eyes staring at Riv.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>30-06-2015, 07:55:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah," He said, surprised. "I had forgotten. Let's go."<br><br>Riv led Elenya down a street that appeared on their left, and then made a few more turns deeper into town. They ended up in front of a shop named "Madame Xetoir's Boutique". It was the only women's clothing shop Riv was familiar with, and Madame Xetoir while as foreign as her name, was very private about her clients. Riv had used her for some clothing items for his hunt of Elenya, in fact. To his knowledge, she had not shared that with any other hunter yet, and Riv had his share of trade secrets.<br><br>He adjusted on such trade secret on his wrist. This one, Xetoir didn't know about.<br><br>"Here we go. She won't tell the entire town about a naked woman who came into her shop, and she'll be helpful so long as I pay her." Riv opened the door for Elenya.<br><br>Xetoir greeted them. She was a small old lady, half of Riv's size. Somehow, she managed to look down her nose at the big man. She had a green dress that would have been stylish to the south, and even here it made her simultaneously serious and fashionable. "You bring me another little girl to make pretty, Riv?"<br><br>Riv grinned down at Xetoir. "This one needs a little more work than normal. She needs something to wear before we leave the store. Maybe multiple somethings, as she'll be staying with me a few days."<br><br>Xetoir then finally looked to Elenya. Dressed in a robe, with yellow eyes, and standing next to a dragon hunter. The little lady didn't understand what had led to this moment, and the scandal of having a nearly-naked woman turned her frown into a scowl. "Fine. Hurry. I do not need a pale, naked little girl in my shop. Come with me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>05-07-2015, 22:24:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tugging self-consciously at the robe, golden eyes looking at Riv. Biting her lower lip walking with him back into town.&nbsp; Golden eyes curiously taking in the various store fronts. There were so many.&nbsp; Elenya wondered why humans needed so many. So many shops which sold clothes or books or general supplies. Her unusual state of dress drew a few lecherous stares once more making her feel uncomfortable.<br><br>Pausing outside the dress shop, Elenya hesitated before entering.&nbsp; Color blossomed within her cheeks as she stepped inside the shop. A curious expression upon her face as she looked around. Her body tensed as the shop owner escorted her back into the fitting room.<br><br>"Strip," Xetoir spoke in a commanding tone sizing up Elenya.&nbsp; She had a fairly good idea of the size for the exotic beauty before her.<br><br>Tilting her head, Elenya slowly disrobed.&nbsp; The robe pooling around her feet. Suddenly, Xetoir produced a flexible measuring tape.&nbsp; She pushed Elenya's arms up till they were out straight measuring the length of her arms.&nbsp; Then, Xetoir measured the length of her arms, then the length of her spine.&nbsp; Once Xetoir had the necessary measurements, she disappeared. Elenya glanced around nervously.&nbsp; Xetoir returned carrying a crimson dress drapped over an arm and a few assorted articles of clothing.<br><br>"Here. Get dressed and lets see how you look," Xetoir spoke helping Elenya into the clothing. Once the dress was on, she tightened up the corset like bodice. Elenya felt as if she couldn't breathe. It amazed her how humans could wear something so tight. "There. Go show Riv."<br><br>Emerging from the fitting room, Elenya walked towards Riv. The dress was slightly off the shoulders with a plunging neckline. Each breath she took, her breasts heaved against the restrictive top. The front portion of the skirt came just to her knees while it grew longer around the back. "How does it look?" Elenya asked curiously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>06-07-2015, 17:32:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In truth, she looked very good. She looked like the caliber of woman who would be matched to Quinn, and that was nowhere near the status of some poor peasant girl. She could have passed for the daughter of a merchant or a noble very easily. Her ankles, her neckline, and her blush all combined to remind Riv for the hundredth time he was looking at an attractive woman. Given the fight he had had with Elenya the night before, he didn't have it in him quite yet to give her a big compliment. He very visibly looked her over, walking around her once before finally speaking.<br><br>"Crimson goes well with your eyes. Xetoir, do you have any small thing that has a bit of blue to add?" An idea had just occurred to him.<br><br>Xetoir turned one palm up and gave a small nod as if to say 'of course', and walked back into the fitting room. When she returned, she had a small bracelet and pair of earrings that had blue stones in them. "Glass," the woman spoke simply. "Real sapphires are harder to come by."<br><br><em>Perfect,</em> Riv thought. He took the bracelet from Xetoir, and moved over to Elenya. Cautiously, he took her wrist with the magical bracelet on it, and fitted the blue-glass bracelet very closely next to the item that bound he and Elenya. At a glance, the dangling bits of blue-glass seemed a part of the bracelet on her wrist. While fitting it, he leaned in to Elenya to whisper in her ear. "Only to make you more beautiful." Riv wondered if she had had the thought he suspected she had when he put the bracelet on her: that he was binding her again. <br><br>Immediately following his wondering, Riv couldn't resist doing to Elenya what he knew a human woman would find distracting. He didn't want her thinking about the bracelet and the control he had over her. It was hardly professional, and did little for his reputation as a dragon hunter and someone to be feared and respected, but he gave a kiss to her neck as he came out of his lean and gave Elenya a rare smile. It disappeared in a flash, and he turned back to Xetoir. Maybe Elenya would find it distracting like a human woman would. Perhaps it wouldn't be distracting due to the blatant sign of physical attraction, but because Elenya would be disgusted by the advance. In either case, she wouldn't be worrying about the bracelet, and wouldn't be curious as to why he was dressing her up even more than was necessary. If there was a third case, she could worry about either, or both, and it would be out of his hands. It was certainly manipulative, but beyond the plan he had for the rest of the day, he had no idea where his attempted manipulation was heading. To get the better part of the bargain? To bed her? Some other purpose he couldn't think of immediately? For now it felt like the right thing to do, and in a small, guilty way, he couldn't resist the flirtation. The longer he was around Elenya, the more he realized truly how long it had been since he had been with a woman. Last night, he had been partly willing to tie her up for his own viewing pleasure. How long had it been? More than six months. He had been in in the wilds for close to a year, with the exception of a handful of days where he was turning in the creatures he had hunted, or receiving a contract to begin hunting said creatures. He realized his physical want of a woman had just become a problem, in the same span of seconds it had taken him to succumb to flirting with a dragon. By the time he began speaking, he had decided to resolve this want in some way before he went to sleep that night. How, he had no idea as yet.<br><br>"As always, wonderful work. Using the measurements you made, could you make or find more outfits, similar to this one, given a few days? Three more."<br><br>Xetoir nodded. "Pay me for them in advance, and if you have need of them soon it will be more. It is difficult to make or find so much so quickly." Xetoir then named her price -- a steep sum. After a moment of haggling, Riv agreed to pay for the dress and a real version of the bracelet immediately. He returned the earrings, and would return later with a slightly lesser payment for the rest of the clothing. <br><br>With that, Riv escorted Elenya out the door and into the street. "We'll need to pretend you're a normal woman," Riv explained quietly. It was vague as to if this was an explanation of his earlier behavior, or if he was making a general statement.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>07-07-2015, 07:19:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya shifted her weight from one foot to the other feeling a little uncomfortable in the dress. She had to remind herself to refrain from pulling at the restrictive top part of the dress. How could human women breathe while wearing such confining clothing? The color in her cheeks changed several different shades of red. Heart beating just a little faster. Golden eyes widening seeing the bracelet of blue glass gems. Color draining from her face fearing it was another enchanted bracelet. Suddenly, Elenya felt as if she couldn't breathe.&nbsp; Noticing the raised eyebrow on Xetoir's face she hesitantly gave her wrist to Riv as he fastened the new bracelet around her wrist. <br><br>Lips parting to say something as he leaned in.&nbsp; His words caught her by surprise. Blinking, unsure of what to make of the sudden change. The kiss upon her soft, delicate skin caused her to tremble slightly as her cheeks turned bright cherry red.&nbsp; Mind racing, words seemed to fail her at the moment.&nbsp; Elenya kept thinking he was up to something.&nbsp; Yet, part of her felt he was not acting.&nbsp; She could smell a change in his scent.&nbsp; It smelled muskier with deeper notes of earth and spice. Accute hearing picking up a quickening heartbeat. Humans were both intriguing and confusing beings. Just the night before, she had been tied up, naked and questioned.<br><br>Shaken out of her thoughts, Elenya smiled at Xetoir. "Thank you," she spoke softly following Riv out of the store. As the door closed, Elenya looked at Riv. A questioning expression upon her face.&nbsp; "How do normal women act?" Golden eyes shifting to look around at the citizens of the town as they went about their daily routines.&nbsp; She noticed a young couple snuggling on a bench near a fountain. The young woman smiling and giggling.&nbsp; Across the way an older woman was arguing with a man who was in a partial state of undress. A barely clothed woman lingered in a doorway behind him, mildly amused at the display. The older woman slapped his face before storming off.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>07-07-2015, 08:45:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv hardly noticed the displays being put on by the women in the street. He focused on a man who was doing his best to stare him down from across the street. Riv, not breaking his gaze on the man, answered Elenya's question. "You were doing very well in there. Be shy, say little unless offended, and try not to attract attention."<br><br>The man across the street broke eye contact, and Riv frowned. That man was carrying a sword. Even at this distance, Riv could tell the sword was thin. Duelists generally carried swords that were thin, and were best avoided in case they chose you to practice their swordplay, or had otherwise targeted you for some reason. If the man were closer, Riv would be able to tell if the pommel if the sword had a Duelist's insignia -- some type of bird, usually. Best to avoid that swordsman in any case.<br><br>"Ms. Drake, we will be going to the bank together. A young lady of such as yourself must be careful in towns such as these, especially while you wait for your father to return. You will be doing him a favor by opening an account for him. May I have your arm to escort you?" He turned back to Elenya, and offered his arm for her to loop hers through. If she didn't quite understand, Riv would move closer and show her. While turned to her, he used his other arm to reach into his coat and double check the twin daggers he had stored there.<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">From his bags he also picked up a pair of somethings that flashed sparkled briefly in the afternoon light before disappearing beneath his coat in an unseen pocket.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Still there.<br><br>Riv then began escorting Elenya down the streets, heading toward the building with the clocktower. Across the street from it would be the town's bank. Riv wanted to store extra money there. His account at the bank was in fact controlled by his employer, even if it was in his name. Riv wouldn't be able to open a second account, and his money would be tracked there. Elenya, however, would not appear. Giving her the last name Drake, and looking as good as she did, it would be easy to open a second account, and store the money he had brought with him there. It was insurance, in case something happened with his employer. Working with the dragons wasn't strictly a part of his agreement with them.<br><br>After crossing an intersection, Riv noticed the swordsman was following them. He obviously wasn't very good at tailing. Any experienced monster hunter knew being as close as the swordsman was was begging to be spotted. More than a few monsters spent their days looking human. Tailing a suspected were-beast came with the territory. When Riv looked ahead, he noticed another similarly-dress swordsman supposedly street-shopping for potatoes. Riv rolled his eyes at that -- either the man was another poor tail, or he just looked silly swaggering in light-blue colored clothing and a sword strapped to his hip. His clothing was, in fact, almost military, but Riv knew better. He belonged to some kind of organization, but certainly not the military or town guard.<br><br>Riv pressed on. For now, the tails weren't making a move. He wondered if Elenya had noticed them, but didn't bother to say anything. Not yet.<br><br>It was when they had reached the intersection just before the town square, with the clocktower looming high over them and when the crowd was thickest and loudest that he saw something that made his heart drop to his stomach. Immediately, adrenaline surged through his system, making Riv feel giddy, sick, shakey, and incredibly strong all at the same time. His heart struck the inside of his chest rapidly. All this outwardly didn't show -- except perhaps that his arm tensed around Elenya's, and he shook ever so slightly that it could be felt instead of seen.<br><br>The pair moved into the bank, just inside the lobby. It was mostly empty, with marble flooring and a pair of lonely but pristine-looking couches at the center. There was a bar on the opposite side of the lobby, where three old men in black, almost priest-like clothing sat and spoke with three bank members across the bar. It was quiet enough in the lobby that only the hissed 'S's of the whispers could be heard.<br><br>"Elenya," he whispered. The quieter it was, the harder his heart beat. "Go ahead and open an account. You don't know how, and that's fine. Just bat your eyelashes at the teller if he frowns, and give him your name. Tell him you'd like to open an account for your father, Phillip Drake, who will be in from his voyage in two days' time. You want to do him a favor by opening the account ahead of time. After that's done, stay in the lobby. If I'm not back in an hour, sneak out the back, and go back to my shack. Ok?"<br><br>He didn't wait for an answer. Riv stepped away from Elenya, and then out the doors.<br><br>They were indeed duelists. Both men were thin, but athletic.&nbsp; On the pommels of their swords were cranes. <em>Shit.</em> They were a few steps down from the bank doors, within arm's reach, in fact. <em>Oh shit.</em> They both locked eyes with him, eyes widening a little in surprise.&nbsp; Riv smiled, and made a gesture as if to tip a hat. "Gentlemen." Their eyebrows each drew down in together, as they realized he knew what they were up to. He stepped passed them, and went towards an alley across the street from the bank.<br><br>Stepping into the alleyway almost caused him to bump into the person who had elicited such a visceral reaction a minute ago -- a young woman, wearing on her hip the same sword the two men behind him carried. He stopped in his tracks, as if he had run into wall, rather than bump into her. There were a lot of things running through his mind. How to fight. How he would likely die if he did try to fight two trained swordsmen (and one swordwoman). How, yet again, not having been with a woman in so long made him want this one -- the want stemming more from memory of her body, rather than the sight of it as had happened with Elenya.<br><br><em>I need to be calm if I'm going to survive,</em> and instantly his mind quieted, and his laser-like focus fell onto the small woman in front of him. Out of what looked like an absence of emotion, he burst into a bright grin. "Hello, lover."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>14-07-2015, 08:09:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya brushed a locke of silvery-white hair behind her left ear.&nbsp; Nodding her head understanding what Riv was saying. She didn't want to draw attention to her herself. Her meeting with Quinn had left her feeling on edge. Golden eyes shifting from Riv to looking around the busy streets. The corners of her mouth curving downward ever so slightly at his expression. Tilting her head slightly following his gaze across the street towards a mysterious man. There was something about him which sent up red flags. She didn't know why, maybe she was just being paranoid being around so many humans.<br><br>Hesitating briefly, Elenya took Riv's arm. "Thank you," she spoke softly. Heart pounding just a little faster. As they moved down the street, Elenya resisted the urge to look around to see if the mysterious man was following.&nbsp; She felt as if something was going to happen.&nbsp; But, another part of her wondered if she was just being paranoid because she was in a more vulnerable form. Humans were such fragile beings.<br><br>Even with the streets crowded, Elenya felt their unseen eyes upon her. The way they stared felt different. Critical. Coldly analytical. The stars made by the rest of the citizens were generally ones of curiousity or lust. Her grip on Riv's arm tightened as they entered the bank. Turning towards Riv, her body brushing ever so slightly against his. Head bowed towards him as he spoke. Heart beating wildly within her chest. Her worrying started to skyrocket. Wild thoughts flashed within her mind. What if he didn't come back? How was she to remove the bracelet and return to who she was supposed to be?<br><br>"Okay," Elenya spoke softly, yet there was a nervous quiver to her voice. Her mouth opened again, yet no sound came out. Squeezing his arm, concern etched upon her face. Before she knew it he was exiting the bank. "Be careful." Her voice barely above a whisper.<br><br>Looking around the bank nervously, rubbing her right arm. The bank manager approached her. "How can I help you, miss?" he asked smiling politely.<br><br>Blushing shyly, "Yes, I would like to open an account, please."<br><br>Smiling the bank manager gestured for her to follow. "Of course, follow me, please," he spoke escorting Elenya into his office. He was immediately smitten with Elenya's exotice beauty.<br><br>Elsewhere, in the alley, the sound of Riv's voice caused the woman to turn around. She was roughly in her mid to late twenties. Blonde hair flowed down her back. Blue eyes narrowing slightly. A dangerous gleam flashing in her cold blue eyes.&nbsp; The expression on her face neutral. Sauntering towards Riv, her arm snaked around his neck pulling him close. Her lips crushing against his in a fierce kiss.<br><br>Breaking away, yet kept her body pressed firmly against his. "Hello, yourself," Acacia growled seductively. It had been a while since she had last seen him. Her gloved fingers running through his hair. "So, what brings you to town?" The tone of her voice deceptively innocent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>14-07-2015, 15:30:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Riv was only surprised that something sharp hadn't been punched into his side as she embraced him. The kiss was less surprising than the lack of violence. Acacia had always been sexually aggressive toward Riv. Half of their relationship had been based around that aggression. Their success together in the field hunting monsters had been the rest of the relationship. When one half failed due to disagreement, the other half soon followed. His focus was not broken with the kiss. If anything, it felt almost as if a second wave of adrenaline hit his system.<br><br>Acacia wasn't stupid. Her two cronies were following him and Elenya on her orders. She was playing a game, right now. To what end? Possibly to try and get information out of him. The two duelists behind him would have been able to get into position no matter what. What did she want to know? Perhaps she wasn't sure who Elenya was, or maybe she thought Elenya was somewhere else. Then again, she could just be playing with him before embarrassing him or killing him. The safest option would be to not give any real information over while he waited for his moment to make a run for it.<br><br>"Oh, the same thing that brings me to any town: hunting. What brings you here, love?"<br><br>She was still pressed against him. He could use that to his advantage. A duelist was wonderful with a blade, but not very effective if they couldn't draw their weapon. He wrapped an arm around her, placing his hand on the small of her back. His other hand went to her face, moving her hair back over her ear. He held her head softly with that hand, tilting it up slightly to look into her eyes. Subtly, his forearm hovered just above the pommel of her sword. If she made a sudden move, his hand would beat her to it -- and proceed to use a death grip on it. He'd pull it out or bust the belt before he'd let go of that thing in the first few seconds of a fight.<br><br>That left the two duelists behind him. He would have heard if they drew their blades, so he was safe for the moment. He couldn't tell how far back they were from him, but he knew they must be there. He decided that, if she did start something, he'd spin her around. From there, he'd have a few options, since they couldn't very well stab what was very possibly their employer in the back.<br><br>"Couldn't resist being away from me any longer?"<br><br>------<br><br>Quinn stepped into the bank, embodying the very meaning of "miffed". He was very obviously irritated: his eyebrows were pulled down and together, his eyes had narrowed ever so slightly, and his fists were held straight down at his sides. To the bankers and their patrons, the reason was a mystery. To Elenya, who he caught the eye of as she disappeared into the manager's office. Lucky her, to have captured the attention of two powerful men... Or so one of Quinn's stories would have said. In truth, the banker was powerful -- but he held no power over Quinn. Quinn's assets were placed elsewhere. If it came down to authority, the moment Quinn or his father barked an order, the manager -- Simon Ferbunk -- would roll over to show his belly like a dog. Quite a few of Ferbunk's holdings were minority shares in Blackshire Shipping, owned jointly by Quinn and his father. With that as leverage, Quinn could ruin the man.<br><br>With Acacia and her goons outside handling Riv, Quinn and a third goon of Acacia's could simply move in and take Elenya. Quinn didn't want Riv dead, but Quinn did want the bracelet. Riv had very obviously gone back on his deal to compel the dragon to answer his questions. Quinn knew it, because he had already questioned a male dragon a year ago. The thing had died while being questioned, suffering from wounds taken during its capture. (For its part, the dragon had done well, killing three different slayers that had attacked at it all at once.) Now, he'd need to repossess the bracelet, and take Elenya by force. It might ruin Riv's reputation to be embarrassed by a few thugs, but Quinn felt more than confident that Acacia would be able to handle Riv in a fight if it came down to it. Riv held no official training in combat against other humans, and Acacia and her goons were all masters of the sword. To put it in other terms, Acacia was an expensive hire and Riv was a cheap one. Like an expensive thoroughbred and a cheap gelding, both could race but it would be clear to all who would win out.<br><br>Quinn smiled in sudden excitement at having a young, hale dragon to question all he wanted. He needed to learn so much about these beasts. Once he could understand them, he could control them. If he could control them, there would be so many opportunities that would open up. World domination? No. Quinn didn't want to be a king or an emperor. He would be a very bad one... But he could sell to a good one. One that was good to his subjects, and, with dragons in hand, could increase their holdings.<br><br>To everyone else in the bank, the smile looked incredibly predatory. He caught more than a few peoples' attention. He crossed the bank with the goon in tow. He rapped his knuckles on the heavy wooden door that had an engraving of Ferbunk's name.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>23-07-2015, 21:31:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Acacia smiled. It wasn't a warm smile, it was one of a predatory hunter. A hunter in her element, hunting worthy prey. Her gloved hand moved to rest upon his. Oh, how she missed him. Thoughts of how good of a team they had made. If it hadn't been for just a small disagreement they would still be working together and enjoying many of the benefits which went along with a successful partnership.<br><br>"Come now, lover. You know I can not divulge client information. Think how that will look to prospective clients if they found out I discuss jobs as casually as the weather," she commented, with a hint of a dry tone. Her gloved fingers squeezing Riv's hand slightly.<br><br>The corners of Acacia's mouth curled in a sly, seductive smile. A subtle flick of her right hand caused a hidden blade to drop into her hand. The blade was pencil thin with a small, slender hilt.&nbsp; Closing in, she lightly kissed him on the lips. Moving her head, soft pink lips brushin past his ear.<br><br>"I could never resist you, Riv," Acacia spoke huskily before pressing the blade&nbsp; into his side. Just enough to get her point across. "But, business before pleasure, lover." She nodded to the men with her.&nbsp; "Now, no funny business. I would hate for things to end badly. Now move." She poked him just a little to get him to walk.<br><br>Elsewhere...<br><br>The Bank Manager held out a chair for Elenya smiling politely.&nbsp; He found her beauty breathtaking.&nbsp; So different from the many women residing within the town. Rounding his desk, Ferbunk sat down in the supple leather chair.&nbsp; Opening a drawer, he pulled out a small stack of papers. Clearing his throat, "Now, whose name will be on the account?" he asked looking across the desk at Elenya.<br><br>Smiling, "My husband, Philip Drake," Elenya smiled leaning forward slightly in her chair.&nbsp; The sbutle shift in posture gave Ferbunk a nice view of her ample cleavage. "He's been away at sea and will return in two days."<br><br>At first Ferbunk was disappointed to learn she had a husband, but he quickly overcame that when she shifted in her chair.&nbsp; His eyes seemed to become mesmerized. He licked his lips. "I see. Well, I'm sure we can work something out." Ferbunk smiled just as he was picking up a pen, a knock at the door interrupted him. "Excuse me."<br><br>Getting up, Ferbunk opened the door. The color seemed to draink from his face. "H-How can I help you? I...I'm with a prospective client," he stuttered.<br><br>Elenya's body tensed. Nostrils flaring as she recognized the scent on the other side of the door. Her heart started to beat a little faster. Eyes shifting around the room looking for a way out. Slowly, she got up and moved towards the window. Reaching up, she unlocked it. Turning her head back towards the door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>29-07-2015, 05:16:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"One step ahead, Acacia." At least, she liked to think she was always one step ahead. Riv knew better. In this case, however, she really was ahead of Riv. With a knife to his side, and no way to readily account for the duelists behind him, he had no choice but to give in to her demands. He would keep his eye out for an opportunity for escape as he was led away.<br><br>They proceeded down the street, Acacia hovering close behind Riv, using his bulk and her body to hide the knife from the people in the street. "My own employers will be looking for me to deliver my results soon. If they discover what you're doing, they may come for me." Or, more likely, they wouldn't find out, and even if they did they wouldn't care. In fact, his disappearance might be enough to get a warrant for his arrest. He would be a thief who ran off with their money, essentially. Acacia probably did not know that he hadn't contacted them, and she couldn't know how closely he was linked with them.<br><br>"Perhaps before they arrive, we can enjoy one another's company again, Acacia. I haven't seen you in a very long time."<br><br>Then he stopped, and slowly turned. If she stabbed him, she stabbed him. "You have two men with swords, and a knife you can draw faster than I can blink. Put away the knife, take my arm, let's walk and talk." He offered his arm to her.<br><br>----<br><br>"Yes, hello Ferbunk. I have more important business for the moment." Quinn pushed aside Ferbunk. "Before you jump out that window, Elenya, you should know that I have men who have seized the other bracelet. If you don't come willingly now, I will make it a very unpleasant experience for you until you do come crawling back to me."<br><br>The duelist behind him stepped past cautiously, edging toward Elenya. It was very obvious he was ready to leap after Elenya.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>31-07-2015, 06:24:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Occasionally, Acacia's eyes scanned the streets around them as they walked. She wanted to make sure no one was watching them. So far no one seemed to noticed. They were going about their daily business. The people on the streets seemed more consumed with things which only mattered to them that they did not concern themselves with a man in trouble. Or, if they did notice, they might assume he was being arrested. Acacia preferred it that way. She didn't want to have to hurt anyone unnecessarily. But, if they tried to intervene she would stop them.<br><br>Guiding Riv further down the street. "That is a risk I'm willing to take," Acacia replied. It didn't concern her. She had a job to do. The only employer she was worried about was her own. He was paying her alot of money to obtain one item and keep Riv occupied.<br><br>An eyebrow arched. "As fun as that sounds, Riv. I have a job to do," Acacia replied calmly. Turning down sex was rare. Only reason she would was if a job was paying a substantial sum of money.<br><br>Turning into an alley, a hint of a smile formed on her lips. As soon as Riv offered his arm, it was tempting to take it, have some fun for old time's sake. "Sorry Riv," she spoke, slightly apologetic as the two Duelists grabbed hold of him.&nbsp; "Maybe next time." Using a chant, she removed the bracelet from his wrist. Caressing his cheek with a gloved hand. Her lips touching his for a brief kiss before pulling away. Looking at the two Duelists. "Keep him out of trouble. But, do not hurt him." Pocketing the bracelet, she turned leaving the alley to deliver the item personally.<br><br><hr><br>In the bank, Elenya whirled around back pressed against the window. Heart racing. That uneasy feeling she had from earlier returning stronger this time. Golden eyes narrowing. At the mention of having the other bracelet, she felt anger surge through her.<br><br>"How? What did you do to, Riv?" Elenya demanded angrily. She could feel heat rising within her body. Part of her feared something happened to Riv. Eyes shifting towards the approaching Duelist. Grabbing&nbsp; a vase of flowers and smashed it against the Duelist showering the man in flower petals, water and fine china. She needed to find Riv. Throwing open the window, she would take her chances with the men outside. Climbing out the window, dropping to the ground wincing slightly as she landed wrong on her right ankle. Limping she took off down the alley.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>10-08-2015, 10:59:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Several minutes after Acacia had left, there was a shout. Metal clanged, another shout, and then grunting as Riv rolled out of the alley with one of the duelists. The duelist had gotten his blade out somehow, but Riv came out on top, hand clamped onto the duelist's wrist. Riv struck the man with his other fist. The man tried to shove Riv off while ignoring the blood leaking from a cut on his cheek. Riv growled something incoherent as the distance between his and the duelist's torsos increased. The duelist slipped his wrist out of Riv's grasp, then levered with his shoulder to bring his blade around and between them. Riv grabbed the blade with his hand in desperation, pushing it away from anything vital. His other hand slipped into his coat, yanking out a dagger. In a single, fluid movement toward the duelist's armpit, where an artery hid, it was over. The blade was just long enough to cut into something even more vital to the duelist's struggle than an artery -- the top of the lung. <br><br>Riv didn't stick around to witness the duelist's slow death. He stood up, took off his coat and bundled it around the dagger and his hands as if he was carrying a package. It hid the blood from view. Now -- he needed to find Elenya. Hopefully she hadn't been captured. He took a turn down another alley, off the main street. He needed to ---<br><br>Conveniently, for the second time, he ran into the woman he was looking for. The only thing he regretted was the amount of pain it caused for his hand to have it lead first into the collision. The blood from bone-deep cut on his left palm began dripping down his forearm, and then off his elbow onto the street. It seeped quickly through the coat.<br><br>He dropped everything and grabbed her by her shoulders, looking her over. "Are you alright? Elenya?"<br><br>Then the pain began for Elenya, first as a cold touch in her heart, and then spreading across her body in a searing-cold wave. It moved like the tide, too, slamming into her one moment and then leaving her breathless the next. It was just as Quinn had warned.<br><br>------<br><br>"I love your sense of timing, Acacia." Quinn twisted the bracelet around his wrist. "Escort me to my home, please. I feel like making her walk a bit farther."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>17-08-2015, 06:41:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Elenya hid behind some crates near the opening of the alley. She peered around to make sure Quinn or any of his mercenaries were around. Her heart pounded within her chest. Sub-consciously her hand pulled at the bracelet upon her left wrist. She feared what might happen if the other bracelet fell into the wrong hands. Feared what she might be compelled to do under its influence. Biting her lower lip, Elenya needed to find Riv. Not seeing Quinn or any mercenaries, she started to emerge from behind cover when strong hands stopped her.<br><br>Whirling around ready to strike, but stopped mid-swing. Golden eyes widening seeing Riv standing there. Withouth thinking, Elenya hugged him relieved to see him. The scent of blood filled her nose. Pulling away, her eyes fell upon the wound. "I-I am fine for now," Elenya spoke unsure if she should tell him about his friend. Tearing some strips from her dress, Elenya started to wrap his wound to stop the bleeding. A strong desire to heal him flooded her body spreading a healing warmth from her hand to his.<br>"What happened? Who attacked you?"<br><br>Suddenly, Elenya gasped grasping her heart. Fingers clawing at the searing cold coursing through her veins as she stumbled into a brickwall. It was as if she was being pulled into icy waters. Drowing as the ice filled her. The feeling brought her to her knees, gasping for air. Heart beating wildly within her chest. Her golden eyes looked down at Riv's wrist to see the bracelet was gone. Eyes widening.<br><br>"I...I have to go," she spoke, voice shakey, uncertain, full of fear. Her mind raced. The pull of the other bracelet continued pulling at her. Beckoning her to come. Elenya wanted to run. Run as far as she could from the pull of the bracelet. But, she knew no matter how far she ran, it wouldn't be far enough. The bracelets needed to be destroyed. TUrning, she started to run in the direction of where she was being pulled to. Elenya felt her heart lurch as she recognized where she was. Her fear confirmed seeing the familiar manor they had visited earlier. Her pace slowed down as she approached the front door. Eyes glaring with intense fire at Quinn.<br><br><hr><br>Acacia approached Quinn, a smile upon her lips. "I am to please," she replied, a faint trace of a playful tone. Bowing slightly, she motioned to the other men to follow them back to the manor. Acacia walked just ahead of Quinn in order to head off any possible trouble which might come their way. Turning her head slightly. She was a little curious why Quinn needed the bracelet, but it wasn't her place to question. <br><br>Reaching the manor, Acacia stood near the front door. Eyes narrowing slightly as she saw someone with silvery-white hair approaching. A hint of a smile upon her lips. "I think we have company coming to call," Acacia smirked glancing at Quinn.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>27-08-2015, 06:44:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course it couldn't be that simple.<br><br>His lethal escape couldn't have been enough. The stakes had to be set higher. He had met up with Elenya to behold the wonder of his disabling wound knitting itself together in a moment, only for her to be pulled away by Quinn. No fight in his entire life had been that simple. No hunt ever went smoothly. He just needed to finish out the hunt, and he needed to do it on his terms. Acacia had let him go once, but if he chased after Elenya who no doubt was being compelled by Quinn and then tried to force a confrontation over the bracelet, she would run him through.<br><br>He needed to create some kind of advantage to be able to rescue Elenya.<br><br>Riv realized suddenly how ridiculous this all was. Within two days, he had gone from trying to capture or kill a dragon to trying to rescue it. He felt responsible for her now. The bargain he had struck, the bracelet he had placed on her that was now being used against her all made him responsible for her life. If he allowed her to die more dragons and humans would die.<br><br>If he was going to save her, though, he needed to be careful. He set off toward his Shack, beginning to form a plan.<br><br>------<br><br>"Elenya. How kind of you to join me," Quinn said.<br><br>He stopped compelling her. That feeling of ice running through her veins would disappear. "I thought it might take longer, but it looks as if you ran here. Please, sit, allow my stable boy to get you some water." The stable boy who had just arrived to speak with his master grunted, then spun on his heel and went to fetch water for his master's guest. The duelists around Acacia and Quinn relaxed, and after a moment dispersed.<br><br>Quinn sat on a bench on the porch near the front door. He patted the seat next to him for Elenya to sit. While he waited for Elenya to comply, he looked at Acacia. "You're relieved, for now. Have your men set up a guard on my home, and manage them as you see fit. I know you've all been working very hard, and you deserve a break."<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>28-08-2015, 03:26:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her chest rose and fell with each labored breath causing her ample breasts to heave against the restrictive top of her dress. Lips pursed together in a thin line. Golden eyes narrowing with loathing at Quinn.&nbsp; The icy feeling slowly subsiding leaving her feeling cold and numb as if she just emerged from a cold bath.&nbsp; For a moment, Elenya hesistated, defiantly standing there before slowly sitting down.&nbsp; She kept her distance from Quinn hugging the opposite end of the bench.<br><br>At Quinn's order, Acacia bowed. "Yes, sir," she spoke, leaving Quinn and Elenya alone together.&nbsp; With a gloved hand, Acacia motioned the men over giving them orders. Once they had their orders, the men moved off to their assigned positions.&nbsp; Acacia herself took up a position not far away. Blue eyes scanning the front slowly. If there was one thing she was sure about was her former lover would not let her get away with her little stunt. A hint of a smile forming on her lips at the thought of crossing swords with Riv again.<br><br>Golden eyes glared at Quinn.&nbsp; "your so called man could have seriously hurt Riv," she growled, it was taking all of her self-control to not reach over and try to rip the bracelet off Quinn. Since being captured, she found Riv had more honor then this man. "What could you possibly want from me? I answered your questions." Golden eyes shifting from Quinn's face down to the bracelet warily. "I am not going to answer anymore questions."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fiver214</strong> on <strong>01-09-2015, 13:23:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Quinn shrugged. "I didn't even know Riv had escaped from Acacia's men. I assume based off what you've said, that he escaped. I'll let Acacia know."<br><br>Then he edged closer to Elenya, leaning in in a manner that was meant to intimidate. Quinn had never truly been a simple eccentric -- he was his father's son, even if he didn't agree with his father's conventional methods. He looked into Elenya's eyes, unblinkingly. "As for questions... You will of course answer them. I have broken older dragons than you Elenya, using this very same pair of bracelets. My first question is why you are so concerned for Riv -- a mercenary, a monster hunter, a man who specializes in killing your kind. I know I would hate a person like that who captured me."<br><br>Riv had backed off when he realized that bullying a dragon would be a lot of work. If there had been any give in a man like Riv, there was none of that here in Quinn. He still hadn't blinked yet.<br><br>----<br><br>The first duelist hadn't been killed by Riv, though it was hard to say whether it was by chance or if Riv had simply left him as a loose end on purpose.. He woke up in the alley, head bleeding and arm broken. He blearily crawled with his good arm over to his companion who had bled out from the knife wound in his armpit. He checked his friend for life, then shakily got to his feet using the alley wall for support. His vision spun and he nearly threw up the moment he stepped away from the wall. Riv had attacked him savagely out of nowhere, breaking his arm at the elbow and then clubbing him over the head with something he had drawn out of his coat. <br><br>The duelist stumbled from the alley cupping his broken arm with the opposite hand, and made his way slowly to Quinn's home.<br><br>It took all his concentration to beeline for Acacia. "Your boyfriend killed Kientz, and left me out cold on the cobblestone. I have no idea where he is," he blurted out.<br><br>----<br><br>Riv arrived at the shack after a long run out of the town. His chest heaved with each gasping breath. He needed some gold, and his weapons. It might take days to actually rescue Elenya, but he needed to be in town and ready to bring in the outside help that would arrive soon. A duelist or two of his own would even the odds greatly. He knew just the place to get them in town: after ships made port, a half-dozen usually made their way along with the sailors to an tavern near the docks called The Kraken's Skirt. It was a ridiculous name, but it was the favorite tavern of the entire port. Mercenaries from all over congregated there, and it would be simple to pick someone out and hire them.<br><br>He moved around the simple shack, gathering all of his things. A sword that he strapped to his hip, a crossbow that he put into a sack along with a dozen bolts, his coin purse that he slipped under his coat, and various other articles from all around including a bandolier of knives he could hide under his coat and sleeves. It was all of the essentials for going out on a hunt.<br><br>From there, he trudged his way back into town, and made straight for the tavern. He rented a room, and pre-paid for the next week, and did the only thing he could while waiting for the next ship to make port: drink, eat, and think. He would be there for awhile.<br><br>----<br><br>Quinn out of the corner of his eye noticed the surviving duelist's return. "Your man Riv seems to have seriously hurt my mercenary's men."<br><br>Quinn shook his head. "You have until I finish my glass of water to answer my question." As if on cue, his stable boy returned with a chilled glass of water for both Elenya and Quinn. He handed Quinn's glass to him first, then held out the other glass for Elenya.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Fire and Iron (Fiver214 x SapphireStar)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>SapphireStar</strong> on <strong>04-09-2015, 16:39:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Golden eyes narrowed when Quinn leaned closer towards her. Elenya didn't move. She remained rock steady. A normal person would have moved back to try to make space between them, but ELenya was anything but normal. She was still a dragon even though she currently appeared as a human. To those who didn't know who she truly think she was an exotic beauty from another land. Lips curling back.&nbsp; Eyes flashing dangerously. Fingers curling into her thighs. Heart skipping a beat at the question. Chest rising and falling with each controlled breath. She couldn't reveal what she and Riv were planning. It would jeopardize countless lives.<br><br>While Elenya sat with Quinn, Acacia maintained her vigilance. Gloved hand resting lightly upon the hilt of her sword. Lips pursed together. For the first time in a long while, that she could remember, she felt a hint of jealousy towards Elenya. Not just because of her beauty, but because of how Quinn and others were acting around her. She was still a dragon. A beast in human form.<br><br>Her thoughts were interrupted by one of her men returning. Eyes narrowing slightly while turning to face him. A sigh escaped her lips. "Of course he did. He isn't one of the best for nothing," Acacia replied with a hint of dryness. "Don't worry about him for now. If I know him, he's working on a plan."<br><br>Elenya could feel anger boiling inside her waiting to erupt. Golden eyes smouldering as she glared at Quinn. "At least Riv does not pretend to be something he is not," she replied through clenched teeth. Her eyes shifted towards the nervous looking stable boy when he returned. Taking the offered glass of water she gave the boy an apologetic look. Holding the glass. "I am sure he was only defencing himself."&nbsp; Reaching her boiling point, Elenya threw the water in Quinn's face feeling a brief moment of satisfaction which she savored.
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