Winds Unchained [Krule & Caeli]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Caeli on 08-12-2008, 11:51:50</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>08-12-2008, 11:51:50</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/f/fc/Annwyn.png)</div><strong>Prologue</strong><br><br><em>Magic abounds in the kingdom of Naehvar.<br><br>Not only do sorcerers enjoy a degree of respect not often shown to them outKingdom, but even the common citizenry accept and acknowledge the existence of magic all around them. Small magics like charms and potions are commonplace; small cantrips for luck or good weather are oft-used, and the temples of the gods are never without incense, offerings, and believers praying at the altars of the many gods believed to touch their daily lives.<br><br>And among the magic, exist fairies, ghosts, gremlins, unicorns... and spirits, like sylphs - elementals of the air, who wander their airy kingdom and travel on the winds of the kingdom Naehvar.<br><br>These air elementals have few worries and few responsibilities, but in recent times, it has become clear that there is someone disturbing the peace of many magical creatures, including their own. Creatures have gone missing, especially those who have the appearance of humans - earth, fire, water, and air elementals have suffered the worst. There are rumors among the magical community of a slaving ring, of humans who are kidnapping and hiding magical creatures to sell for lucrative profit, into slavery and brothels where such fantasies can be indulged - for a high price.<br><br>While other creatures scramble to hide away to protect themselves, it is the sylphs who do not wish to passively await capture. They send one of their Guardians to a nearby city, to seek out a human who might help them find, expose, and shut down the slaving ring, so they can return to their peaceful days once more.</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>08-12-2008, 12:08:08</strong>
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				<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/4858/krulefj3.jpg)</td><td>&nbsp; Kylan stood on the outskirts of the city, and paused a moment, listening to the sounds from the city.&nbsp; He didn’t like cities much, they were dirty, and people were too crowded together, and their lives seemed rather limited to him.&nbsp; He also loved the sounds of the wilderness, and for him, the cries of the birds and beasts were something more, for he had learned their languages, and the could feel the pulse of life, from plants and the like.&nbsp; He didn’t have magic beyond that, and actually, though others might disagree, to him, magic wasn’t something he had at all.&nbsp; <br><br>In a city, the pulse of life was often different, tainted in some ways, though there was a pulse of life there too, it just wasn’t something he enjoyed.&nbsp; Of course, he was here because he had to be, periodic visits were necessary, he would bring in herbs, or hides, and sell them, and buy things of his own, steel arrowheads, knives, have his sword sharpened, or an enchantment added, those sorts of things.&nbsp; <br><br>It also gave him a chance to take a look at the various jobs available at the local hunter’s guild, who catered to the rangers, it was on the edge of the city, and had ties to the mercenaries guild, in fact, was considered a part of the mercenaries guild, if under different sets of guidelines.&nbsp; Where as the mercenaries guild would take almost any job, the hunters guild only took ones that didn’t do any harm to nature, and they had some further ties to the druids, who never came into the city at all.<br><br>At the moment, Kylan had his bow unstrung, and attached to his back, with his quiver of arrows, and his sword was properly tied, as required by the city guard, for anyone armed who entered the city.&nbsp; He was looking over the various jobs posted on the board, wondering if one of them would interest him, after all, a sense of wanderlust and a desire for adventure was part of the reason he’d become a ranger.&nbsp; He had learned better about adventure, but there were things that were still worth risking, dangers worth taking a chance for, things to learn.<br>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>11-12-2008, 12:37:37</strong>
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				Below her, the capital city of Naehvar was spread in splendor, all the buildings hued in oranges and golds as sunset colored the sky in a tapestry of blues, purples, and reds. Lazy clouds drifted far in the horizon, just over mountains that were fast casting shadows over their companion mountains behind, throwing darkness early into the valleys and cliffs far beyond. Small copses of trees and lakes glittered for a short moment before shadows gently draped over them. The city, of course, merely continued its golden glitter, as lanterns, torches, and candlelight winked into existence from tavern windows and from street corners.<br><br>From the line of the Old Forest, a small figure glided soundlessly onto a thin branch, her hand light on the trunk of the humongous tree as she stared at her destination, amber eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Were a traveler from below to look high into the trees instead of watching the road he traveled, he might start at the pretty feminine face that could be seen out of the hood of a gray cloak of fine material. A second look might make him think himself mad - for then that gray-cloaked fairy would be gone without a sound, without even a blink to herald her disappearance.<br><br><br>The next morning, Annwyn was waiting at the city gates, standing patiently in front while she listened to the guards inside the gate barracks going about their morning business. While the blonde, amber-eyed sylph waited, she plucked aimlessly at the dark gray cloak, wishing she could have worn the cloak that she usually had when she went about Guardian business on the ground. It was beautiful elven silk, and blended perfectly with the snowy mountains where her kind lived; but down here, it would make her stand out too much, so the Sylph Guardian commander had given her this lovely silver-gray cloak, also woven of fine elven silks...<br><br>Not that it was <em>ugly</em>. It just just not quite the same-<br><br>"Apologies for the wait, milady. Your name and business?" The guard who approached her as the small side door opened was alert and apparently awake; if Annwyn's sharp ears hadn't heard him only minutes before, she would never have known.<br><br>She smiled up at him, lifting her hood back and presenting to him the silver-engraved amulet that was the safe pass of all the magical races in the kingdom. "I have business here in the city, on behalf of the sylphs," she murmured, smiling when he glanced up at her words. The corner of his eyes twitched, a reflex keeping them from widening - she blushed and accepted the amulet when he returned it to her, answering further questions about where she was from, how long she planned to stay, and if she had lodgings prepared.<br><br>When they were finished, she smiled and leaned forward, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek as a thank you. Even though he had been valiantly professional up until that point, the guard fell speechless as she thanked him politely, giving him a sweet smile before gliding into the city, making for the local guild's office.<br><br>She ignored the stares of awe. Annwyn knew that sylphs were among those races that were easily mistaken for beautiful humans, especially without any bodily markings or nonhuman limbs. She brushed back silver-blonde hair as she entered the darkened Guild Hall, empty but for a few early risers and some servants who were beginning the morning routine in preparation for the day's business. It was then that she stopped, uncertain of where she would go next - Fahren had said nothing other than that she would find her aid at the Guild Hall, but little more instruction than that. Unfortunately, it was also her first time in the city... so she really had no idea where to start.<br><br><em>You could have given me a little more instruction than this, brother...</em> She thought woefully, some of that lost uncertainty showing in her amber gaze as she glanced around.<br><br>Her soft pink lips curled into a faint frown. There were several desks in the Hall, all of them empty - apparently, she had arrived even earlier than the clerks who likely manned those stations. Well, it wouldn't be too bad, waiting for them - maybe if she stayed in the Hall and watched other visitors, she might get some idea for what she should be doing here. <br><br>The blond-haired sylph, still enveloped in the gray folds of her cloak, took a seat in one of the wooden benches in the center of the large building. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so anxious this morning - arriving later would have, perhaps, been more advantageous for her, allowed her to slip into the city and watch people without being noticed by too many people. Annwyn shivered and wrapped her cloak more snugly around her lithe body as her breath frosted in the air in front of her; she curled into it, trying not to sigh as she settled in for a long wait.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 06:59:55</strong>
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				Kylan turned as the murmurs though the area began, something was stirring the morning crowd, and he looked out, from the board, and his breath caught.&nbsp; The most lovely woman he had ever seen was now walking toward the Mercenary’s guild hall, and for a moment, it was all he could do just to look at her.&nbsp; Her hair was short, but it was a lovely silver-blond, and her skin was flawless, soft oh so kissable lips.&nbsp; Her clothing was lovely also, the cloak was of elven weave, and the dress under it.. well, he wondered if it all was that white, what few glimses of it he could get, and those boots, how they stayed white, he had no idea... he'd love to see her model some of what she was wearing, without the cloak. &nbsp;For that matter, if he was honest with himself, which he tried to be as much as possible, he’d love to see her sliding that dress off her perfect skin.<br><br>The pulse of life from her, however, told him something else, this woman, though appearing human, was not human at all.&nbsp; There was something ethereal about it, as though it was a wind or a flame, not the solid feel of a human’s life essence.&nbsp; He felt the pulse of life from her, and it drew him, it also felt cleaner then many humans, though he’d felt humans who were this way.<br><br>Turning from looking at the posts, he chose to follow her, whatever brought a sylph to this city, must be something of interest.&nbsp; And he liked interesting things, so why not follow up on this, and find out what she was looking for.&nbsp; Besides, if it was interesting enough, considering that she appeared to be going to the mercenaries guild, he might be willing to take the job under consideration himself.&nbsp; <br><br>He walked along the path she had followed into the guild, and was pleased momentarily that the hunter’s guild was a subsidiary of the mercenaries guild, that meant he had every right to do what he was about to do.&nbsp; His movements were silent, but anyone who knew much about rangers, would see that deadly edge to them, and give him a certain amount of space.<br><br>Reaching out, he put a hand on her shoulder, to catch her attention, not really thinking to much about startling her or not.&nbsp; The badge of his affiliation, the hunter’s guild, was set on his studded leather armor, should she look for it, or know what to look for&nbsp; “Excuse me, lovely lady, I am the ranger Kylan, you appear to be seeking something, might I be of assistance?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 08:06:08</strong>
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				So absorbed in her thoughts she'd been, Annwyn didn't realize she had a shadow tailing her until she sat down on the bench, and from the center aisle a man clapped a hand on her shoulder. She jumped up with a startled gasp, as irrational fear and terror leapt into her throat. Before the sylph even thought about it, she was whirling away, reaching under the cloak to grab a hold of that storm-gray mithril rod lashed into a harness on her upper thigh. A huge burst of magic, more than she needed, made the retractable rod she pulled from underneath her dress thrust out in a shriek of ice, heat, and magic.<br><br>She was half the rod's length away, eyes wide with fear, her arms trembling as she stared at... a ranger, it looked like. Nobody harmless.<br><br><em>You overreacted, you silly thing.</em> Rohain's voice drifted in a whisper through her mind, and for a long moment, Annwyn could do nothing but stare, still quivering with fear, as little lightnings slithered through her mithril rod, Artemis. One end of Artemis extended behind her - the other rested on the man's chest, where ice and lightning crackled slightly as Annwyn's magic faded with her rush of fear.<br><br>A young clerk rushed over. "Ah - my lady, unsheathed weapons are not allowed in the Guild Hall," he said quickly, his eyes darting between Annwyn, the staff, and the strange man, who was looking at her mildly.<br><br>Almost immediately, Annwyn gasped, retracting the rod and swiftly bowing in apology to both the clerk and the strange man. "I'm... so sorry! It- I was surprised, and distracted, and just... overreacted," she said quickly, the words spilling from her lips in a silky rush. Even panicked and scared, she looked beautiful - though this time, less refined and more vulnerable, as if she needed protecting and guiding. "I will be more careful from now on, sir," she said with a weak smile, appeasing the clerk, who merely nodded (in his line of work, he'd seen all manner of magical creatures, both hideous as well as beautiful) before returning to his work, shuffling and rearranging papers on his desk.<br><br>Annwyn turned to the stranger, looking more than a little stricken as she continued apologizing. She paused, then interrupted herself, rushing forward to take his hand, where frost had crystallized on, around, and past the leather glove. Brushing it off, she looked up at the taller man, her wide amber eyes looking more than a little bit lost and shaken as she prayed to her gods that he was not overly angry at her. "I apologize for that, honored Ranger," she said softly, less hysterical now. Swallowing, she pulled off his glove gently and proceeded to brush off the ice flakes from his larger hands.<br><br>"Is... is there something you need of me?" She asked curiously.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 08:19:00</strong>
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				His reaction, was not one that she might have expected, he’d frozen when she had pulled the weapon, and now, as she asked him if he was alright.. he couldn’t help it, he let his head fall back, and just laughed, for a few moments.&nbsp; He found her response was a good one, actually, but having her surprise him like that.. well, there were surprises, and then there were surprises.<br><br>He then bowed, it was a bit rough, but a definite bow.&nbsp; “Lady, it is I who must beg your forgiveness, I should have made more noise, my old friend Ythir, would have laughed at me just now, when moving silently got me into a situation, rather then out of it.&nbsp; Though, I believe, had it gone further, you might have been the one at a disadvantage, you show a certain skill with the staff however” He winked at her upon finishing.<br><br>His green eyes looked her over a moment, sliding up and down her body a moment, assessing, judging, this time, though he did admire her looks, he was looking for signs of training and skill.&nbsp; He did note that that lovely dress was indeed completely white.. and her legs were quite exposed under it.. which was lovely really.&nbsp; “I was asking, if there was something I could help you with, I am at the present, between jobs, and a bit of wandering, finding out new things, might be interesting.”<br><br>Kylan himself was about 5 feet 11 inches, his muscles were very well defined, this man got plenty of exercise, and more, he looked like he could wrestle a bear, and if not win, at least make the bear sorry.&nbsp; His face was smooth, he apparently shaved regularly, his hair was long, but braid, in the highlands style, that of the those humans who lived in the high mountains.&nbsp; “So, perhaps, if your looking for a warrior, a guide, ranger, or hunter,&nbsp; I could offer my services?”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 11:55:48</strong>
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				She blinked, her cheeks flushing an embarrassed pink when the ranger began laughing. What did he think was so funny? If she'd been any more on edge, she could have given him a solid bruise that would have ached for weeks, or gashed his face so bloody it would have taken just as long to heal. And yet somehow, he was amused - laughing because she'd attacked him. Or perhaps there was some other reason that he found it funny - Annwyn had never interacted face to face with a human male before (usually, her brother Rohain, the Sylph Guardian commander, insisted on handling those that passed through their mountains), and she was quite at a loss as to how to react.<br><br>When he bowed, though, Annwyn forgot her confusion and quickly came forward, absently tucking the retracted staff back into its harness and inadvertently showing a great deal more smooth, firm skin as she did so. "Ah - no, please, you needn't apologize. It was I who attacked first, without provocation," she said shyly, blushing again and smiling when he winked at her. Sylphs were not all that different from humans, behaviorally - even the innocent, naive Annwyn knew that the wink was a sign of admiration. She didn't think it was admiration of her skill with her staff.<br><br>"Something you can help me with?" She repeated slowly. Frowning, Annwyn hedged her words as she wondered how much she should tell him.<br><br>"If... perhaps you can tell me who I can talk to, in this Guild Hall. I was instructed that by coming here, I could find aid, but I'm not quite certain where it is I should go," she finally answered reluctantly. She couldn't tell this stranger the whole story. For all she knew, those... bandits... could have eyes and ears everywhere. "I have a contract that I wish to have made with... One who possesses the Gift, but does not specialize in its use." Annwyn searched around in the pouches hanging from a light gray belt, slung diagonally along her slim waist, revealing more of the delectable figure that the mercenary was so intently staring at (not that she noticed).<br><br>"I wonder if it is one of these desks that I should be approaching, once the human clerks have broken their fast and begin their day..." She murmured under her breath for a moment longer, then held up a scrap of silk triumphantly. "This! I was told to seek the Guild with this emblem," Annwyn said, her amber eyes triumphant as she showed the mercenary her prize. The silk itself, while of fine material, was of little note - but embroidered delicately into the material was the spitting image of the Mercenary Guild's emblem.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>16-12-2008, 06:49:17</strong>
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				“Well, if your looking to hire someone from the guild, then any of the fellows at the desks can help you, even if it’s a mercenary company, though most of those aren’t likely to be available at this time, most of the mercenary companies I know of are employed at this time.”&nbsp; He paused.<br><br>“Still, individual mercenaries will be, at least, those who belong to the guild, and hold to it’s code; of loyalty to one’s employer and contract.&nbsp; For that matter, I am an auxiliary member of the Mercenaries guild, ranked as a Master Sergeant, of the Scout division, which means I can be trust to train and command up to a platoon size, about 20 to 30 warriors.”&nbsp; It was also a only a step or two down from officer rank, which required proving that one had strategically skills as well as tactical ones, with large troops, up to company size and large, a set of skills he hadn’t developed.&nbsp; <br><br>He was basically giving her his credentials, should she be interested in hiring someone, and doing his best to make it clear he was one of the best options she had available to her. “My primary membership is with the hunter’s guild however, and there, I am ranked as a Ranger Lord, meaning I have the right to fully involve myself in all matters of the guild, and in am of the Ranger council, with the right to vote in our Grand Master, who is in essence, our guild master.&nbsp; I am a master tracker, I speak the tongues of birds and beasts, and I can feel the pulse of life, though I use nether ability when hunting.&nbsp; With weapons, I am a master of blade, spear, bow, and trained to proficiency in several others.”<br><br>He paused now, and looked at her.&nbsp; “So, there is a list of my credentials, if you will, if you need confirmation, the guild has all of this information on file, and while I am for hire immediately, I know it will take several days for anyone else to be available.. still, the matter is in your hands.”<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>25-12-2008, 04:37:21</strong>
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				Annwyn blinked as the man began listing all of his credentials and experience, her interest piquing as she forgot all about waiting around for the guild clerks to arrive for their morning's work. His rank and ability to command, she cared little for - they were ranks for human men, for human workers, and meant little to a magical creature who had seen her kind command legions of air spirits and elementals. She also didn't much care for his ability to vote in the next Master of his own Guild - far be it for any magical creature, especially sylphs who ventured only rarely into the realm of cities and towns, to care who would be in charge of their city-bound organizations for the next decade or generation.<br><br>After all, what was ten years to a magical being that could live for centuries? <br><br>But the rest of what he listed - being able track, his mastery and skill with a diverse array of weapons, and his latent magic - the sylph's bright, piercing eyes met the mercenary's when her delicate ears caught wind of those, and her gaze bored into him as she finally focused her attention on him.<br><br>"Only a fool would lie about his own credentials. Doing so could land him a job that would end in his death," she murmured softly, her chin high as he looked down at her, offering her a way to check his repertoire if she doubted his word. Annwyn was young, but not that young - arrogance was how you got yourself killed, living in the wilds.<br><br>"But you mentioned - the tongue of animals. The ability to sense... life. You have the Gift?" She asked, wondering why she couldn't sense his magic. As a magical being herself, she should have been able to... but it was either well-hidden, or his was a passive magic that no sorcerer or magical creature, unless he probed deeply enough to make himself open to detection, would be able to sense his possession of magic. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>29-12-2008, 05:25:52</strong>
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				“The Gift?&nbsp; No, I am no mage, but I do have a tie to the Great Druids, and their groves, my father was a Druid, and my mother, an Earth Priestess, and I inherited a measure of their power.&nbsp; In fact, I’ve been told that I could further develop that power, but I’ve no real desire to, I took the ranger’s path, rather then the druids.&nbsp; It’s likely that there are other aspects of my ability that I’ve yet to discover, if I really tried.”<br><br>He wondered why it mattered to her, he’d never really developed his power at all, other then exerting himself a bit to learn the tongues of bird and beast.. the ability to sense life, he had always had, even from a young age.&nbsp; Though, as he thought about it, sense she was a creature of magic, likely to her, of all the various abilities and credentials he’d given her, it was of the most interest.<br><br>“If you wish to hire me, then, we can work out the contract right here, and then file it with the clerks.&nbsp; Although, perhaps, it would be wise of me to ask what it was I was going to be expected to do, before I accept any contract.”&nbsp; After all, it was curiosity in part that had made him interested in her.. that and her ethereal beauty of course.&nbsp; <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>29-12-2008, 05:36:35</strong>
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				She nodded; it would make sense, then, his abilities, if his parents were a druid and an earth priestess - both being deeply connected with those under Goddess of Nature's providence. When he suggested that she tell him what job she was seeking him for, though, Annwyn frowned, glancing around nervously. There was nobody new who had entered the Guild Hall; still, she couldn't be too sure just how much influence this slaving ring had, in the cities, where few magical creatures remained.<br><br>"Ah... about the contract. Is there nowhere else we can speak?" She finally ventured. Her shifting eyes betrayed the nervousness that couldn't be seen in her face, with its neutral expression. "The matter I would hire you for requires some sensitivity, and I would sooner and more openly speak of it, where I would not have to worry about them- where I would not have to worry about others overhearing."<br><br>Annwyn shifted underneath her cloak, her eyes sweeping down towards her feet as she wondered what manner of thought was going through the ranger's mind. Surely, he would become suspicious at her attitude... but she did not feel safe talking here, in the openness of the Guild Hall. For all she knew, anybody there or listening from behind a doorway could be bribed by slavers, for information and favors. Gathering her courage to herself, Annwyn's amber-gold eyes glanced up again, meeting the mercenary's gaze. "A private room, perhaps, or even your lodgings, if you would not mind my intrusion. Anywhere less open would be fine."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>29-12-2008, 05:48:50</strong>
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				Well, that was a curious response, he thought to himself, and he was almost a bit suspicious, the idea of going back to his lodgings could be used for an ambush.&nbsp; Then he shook his head slightly at the idea, she was a being of magic, she had no need for such deceitful tactics; that was the province of mortals.<br><br>“My lodgings are outside the city, though I belief the guild has a number of private rooms for very private contracts, though the use of them is costly.&nbsp; For that matter, if one pays the price, there are rooms that are magically sealed against eavesdroppers as well, though we would need to speak with one of the clerks for that.”&nbsp; He replied to her question, reaching out and taking one of her hands, he lifted it to his lips, and kissed it.<br><br>“Lead the way, my Lady, if I might have the honor of being your escort, we can go to one of those private rooms, and discuss matters.”&nbsp; Such rooms as he spoke of were also on occasion used by powerful men, who didn’t want anyone to know of some of the more intimate associations that were going on, but the guild didn’t allow their rooms to be used for such things.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>29-12-2008, 09:00:58</strong>
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				"Private rooms?" Those would do. Magical protection was unnecessary - she was a child of Air, after all. The minute manipulation of air currents and wind was her purview. After a moment of thought she nodded, remembering the words Rohain had told her just before her departure - money, gold, and silver was no object, if it would mean the destruction of that gods-cursed slaving ring and its minions. "Do you think you can help me procure one of those private rooms, then?" She asked softly, slightly distracted as she felt about her waist for the pouch of gold coins that had been given to her for such purposes.<br><br>And then - she felt his larger, calloused hands enveloping on of hers. She stiffened, reacting automatically to the unexpected touch... then felt heat fill her cheeks when he brushed his lips over the back of her knuckles. Annwyn managed to stammer out an affirmative reply, retrieving her hand awkwardly when he led her to one of the desks, where a clerk did some paperwork. She extricated the number of coins the little man asked for, and then she and the mercenary followed him down a long hallway, where they were shown into a small, cozy room equipped with a writing desk, several chairs, and a large table at the center.<br><br>Annwyn seated herself in one of the chairs, waiting for the mercenary to close the door and lock it before she used a tiny thread of her Gift to wrap the room in a subtle Air shield, which would silence their words to those who might listen in from outside. When he sat in a seat opposite her, she gave no preamble to her request: "My name is Annwyn, a Sylph Guardian of the Northern Zephirah Mountains... and I would like to hire you to track down and disband a slaving ring that targets magical creatures."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-12-2008, 07:04:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				He found her slight awkwardness rather enchanting, and it did suggest to him that she was unused to being complimented so, something he had to wonder at, considering her beauty.&nbsp; He did indeed, close the door and lock it behind them, choosing then to seat on one of he chairs across from her, turning his full gaze upon her as she explained herself.&nbsp; <br><br>“Lady Annwyn, it is a pleasure to met you.. “&nbsp; He replied to her introduction, as he considered her words, such as they were.&nbsp; He’d heard rumors about a slaving ring involving magical beings, but until this moment, he hadn’t thought they were true.&nbsp; &nbsp; Now, however, based on her words, he had to believe otherwise, if the matter had brought the sylph guardians down from their hidden halls, then it was a truly serious one. <br><br>“A rather serious problem then, I had heard rumors of this, but thought they were nothing, your words suggest to me that is not true.&nbsp; A problem it is then, I’m willing to be hired, but, I must ask, what price are you offering for my services?”&nbsp; After all, he couldn’t work for nothing, and while being employed by her, he would not be able to do the usual things he did with regards to work.&nbsp; <br><br>“To begin negotiation, I say, basic necessities, food, drink, repair and resupply of any weapons or items used in your cause, or anything necessary for your cause, and 2 gold a week, I think, with bonuses with regards to danger or combat in your service.&nbsp; &nbsp;In return, I will hunt down these slavers of yours, and protect you from them in the bargain, should it be nessary... and I will remain in your service tell the ending of the matter”&nbsp; He was open to further negotiation, but how she reacted to his offer would tell him a lot.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>31-12-2008, 11:49:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What price do we offer for your services?" She repeated after him, wondering in surprise why he was asking. Annwyn was surprised, as well, though for different reasons than he; she'd thought it was well known that any paid job working for a magical creature like the sylphs or undines (most were rather trivial, some silly), was well-paid in its equivalent of gold, though the job itself might seem rather troublesome or lacking in dignity. There were few bounty hunters, for instance, who would think the searching of a Lazuli Star (a blue flower so rare, it only bloomed in the two weeks around Midsummer) for the Cholae wood sprites a respectable job.<br><br>The smile that curved Annwyn's lips was bittersweet. "Warrior, gold is no object if you've the ability to root out and destroy this slaving ring," she murmured softly, the emotion in her amber eyes hidden by her thick eyelashes. "As this is no search for a lost squirrel or a rare flower, and will involve some measure of danger... we are prepared to pay what you ask for. With your qualifications... I do not doubt that you will be able to carry out this job."<br><br>She pulled out four small pouches from around her waist, and set them stacked against each other at the center of the table. "In the first pouch, fifty gold coins - our seer foresaw an uncertain future, and I do not see this task so easy that you could succeed in less than a few months before destroying every root and branch of this abominable slaving ring." Her long, elegant fingers touched the second pouch. "My Commander wanted to give you another pouch of gold, but I thought that silver might perhaps be less noted, if you were to spend much for lodging, food, or repairs on your weapons. The third pouch, copper coins in various denominations, if you've need of bribing peasants or the common citizenry."<br><br>Annwyn picked up the last pouch and offered it to him, indicating that he should open it. Inside, he would find a small handful of mithril nuggets, fine and glowing from Annwyn's close proximity to the precious ore.<br><br>"If you succeed, my people can barter for an item of your choice, made of mithril." As the ore could only be mined by magical creatures, far the north of Naehvar, that incentive alone might have been enticing enough to elicit his agreement. Combined with the amount of gold and silver the sylphs were willing to part with, it made a most tempting offer. "Or, we can enchant one of your weapons, and bless it with our magic." She smiled, then, sheepishly and ruefully. "It is foolish of me to show my hand so quickly, of course... but of late, these slavers have become bolder, more arrogant in their crime. If we seek to stop them before their ambitions become too great for us to handle, we must act quickly - and if you are the only mercenary of such high qualifications available at this time, then we will give you any amount of human gold and silver that will see you through to your success."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>06-01-2009, 06:53:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				If this had been a game of poker… she had just matched his bid, and then raised it by several orders of magnitude, and followed though with a royal flush.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kylan’s mouth had already dropped open, and as the rest of her offer, he looked at her with shock and surprise clear on his face.&nbsp; It took him a moment or two to speak, and he had to take a deep breath, and close his eyes a moment, in order to gain the full discipline needed to even speak.&nbsp; It was more then enough to see him though the next 20 years, at least.<br><br>“Lady…”&nbsp; His voice was somewhat strained, and he swallowed again before he continued.&nbsp; “You really… know…. how to… up the stakes..&nbsp; Offer… accepted.”&nbsp; He managed to slowly speak the words as he took the various pouches she’d laid out.&nbsp; “Though, you’ve enough here to buy small army, not just a single ranger, however capable.”&nbsp; He stood up, and walked around to kneel at her feet a moment, and took her hand in his, he kissed it, before he continued.<br><br>“You have my oath, Lady, that I’ll see this matter though to the end.”&nbsp; His tone was still shaken, but it was also sure, for he meant it, he’d given his oath, and to him, that was a powerful bond, his word was worth dying for, if it came to that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>06-01-2009, 09:57:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sensed his trepidation, his surprise, but was too anxious to truly appreciate how much her offer was worth to him, the value of that much gold and silver to a human.<br><br>When he finally accepted, she almost breathed a sigh of relief, and visibly relaxed in his presence, some of the lines in her forehead easing. Until he'd accepted, she didn't realize how tense she was, how much she had counted on his agreeing. This was her first real assignment outside of their home - and if not all the sylphs, then many of the magical creatures frightened by the arrogance and arrogance of the slaving ring. Perhaps they were content, now, for simply kidnapping magical creatures and selling them...<br><br>But how long before a mage learned of the slaving ring, and sought to use them for his own power? Before they enslaved many, and created a brothel of magical creatures, to be used and abused for mere money?<br><br>Annwyn couldn't let it happen.<br><br>"An army would not help our purposes," she murmured softly. "What we need is skill, not numbers." She blushed, but lowered her head, acknowledging his vow and his oath.<br><br>So fluidly and quickly that he did not have time to register her movement, she too was on her knees before him, staring up at him with large, beseeching amber eyes. "I will do what I can to support you. But... thank you." She leaned forward, pulling his head down gently and pressing her lips against his forehead. Blessed by a sylph's kiss - they were not proven to do anything, but always there had been whispers of luck from such a blessing, or a miracle where death would have met a warrior.<br><br>"I will be at your side every moment that you wish it. However.. if there is a safer place, I would like to continue such a discussion there, instead of in this place. Have you lodgings in the city, that we could remove ourselves to?" She inquired softly, rising off her knees and urging him to his feet as well.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>09-01-2009, 00:00:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was surprised when she knelt across from him, and gave him her own promise and oath, and the kiss was even more surprising.&nbsp; He’d thought for a moment she’d been about to kiss him on the lips, and was slightly regretful she hadn’t, and that he hadn’t been quick enough to take advantage of it.&nbsp; But it had made him think, and he decide the next time she gave him that kind of opportunity, he was going to take it.<br><br>“A place in the city, actually I’m afraid not, I usually just stay at an inn while I’m here, the Dancing Pony always has a place for me, we can go there if you like.&nbsp; On the other hand, I could pick up what I was going to get for the next few weeks, and take you out into the forest, to my cabin there.&nbsp; We should get a bit more then what I was planning though, some traveling gear might be a good idea.”&nbsp; He responded.&nbsp; He had been about to buy a number of arrowheads, some boots, a few articles of clothing, and go the smith to see what weapons were available.&nbsp; A visit to the local alchemist was also in order, to pick up a few potions and cures, healing salves, insect repellent and the like. <br><br>“In fact, you were in some ways, rather lucky to get me, as if you’d been a few days early or a few days later, I wouldn’t have been available at all, and it would have taken some time for you to find someone to meet your needs.”&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>10-01-2009, 13:54:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah... I think, if you are amenable, I would be more at ease out of the city. I've nothing against... people and civilization, of course," Annwyn added quickly, "But some of my powers make walking about the city more uncomfortable than I would wish to be here." She smiled a bit wanly, bowing her head slightly before she straightened the folds of her cloak and gathered the cloth to herself. It fluttered about her form gently, clinging to her graceful limbs and hinting at the slim body underneath.<br><br>"Though... if you've a need to purchase supplies, do you think I need anything from the city as well?" Annwyn asked, glancing up at the warrior. "It might be rather necessary for me to have some simple dresses and gowns made for my person," she said, opening the ends of the cloak to show the mercenary her state of dress.<br><br>It would be sorely wrong to say that she was improperly dressed; after all, Annwyn was a sylph, and most magical creatures and non-humans had their own customs in regards to clothing and modesty. However, if Annwyn were to wander into the streets with her current outfit, with its very low neckline and rather scarce covering of her smooth skin... she might cause a riot and get herself into a very uncomfortable situation. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 08:02:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes drank in her lovely form, and the dress that clung to her body, showing off her sweet curves, and he silently agreed with her, for the common man seeing her in that outfit, it would, in some ways be like seeing a lovely woman walking the streets in a nightgown.&nbsp; It was in fact, several minutes before he replied to her, as he was so taken by her beauty.&nbsp; “I hate to agree with you, sense you look absolutely lovely in that, but, you have a point, by human standards, that’s barely even a nightgown, and a scandalous one at that.”<br><br>He couldn’t help but imagine sliding his hands under that dress, and over her skin, following with soft kisses as he worked his way up.&nbsp; He then shook his head a bit, to clear it, this was no time for that; at least, not right this minute.&nbsp; Perhaps later, if she gave him the opportunity, in fact, he was..&nbsp; again, he pulled his thoughts back to the moment.<br><br>He reached out and closed the cloak around her again.&nbsp; “In fact, among my people, in some ways, that’s worse then going around naked..&nbsp; we’ll visit the tailors and have something made for you, a few gowns that are less.. shocking, though sense you’re a sylph, I imagine you’d still prefer them to be loose and not to confine your movements.”<br><br>He took her hand in his, and lead her out of the room, toward the market, where he would buy about a dozen knives, and two dozen arrow heads.&nbsp; Though he paused first, to hide the payment she’d given him on his person, and to make certain it was safe from thieves.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 09:12:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Even Annwyn, who was even less conscious than others of her kind about showing skin among other species, found her cheeks flushing at the mercenary's keen regard of her body. She clutched the ends of the cloak when he tucked them back around her body, slightly embarrassed at what must have been a rather shameless display of skin and body to a mortal. "M-my apologies, warrior," she murmured, more than a little mortified as she tried not to let herself become too caught up in her social faux pas. If his comment was to be taken truly, then she had probably best keep the cloak tucked around her body until she could get outfitted for some more conservative gowns and dresses to wear while in the company of other humans.<br><br>She followed him, feeling more than a little out of place and nervous at the riotous bustle ofo the marketplace. Still, the mercenary seemed to know where he was going, so Annwyn let herself get tugged along in his wake, blushing slightly at his rather familiar touching of her hand. Among sylphs... well, touch was a very intimate, personal thing. Obviously that was not as true among humans... but Annwyn still couldn't help but feel a tingle of pleasure as he led her along. His hand was rough and callused, larger and stronger than her own delicate hands; for some reason, Annwyn felt relieved at the security and safety that his confidence and warm hands seemed to represent.<br><br>After he had bought some knives, arrowheads, and other various items, they stopped at yet another small stall outside, among a line of a dozen others. She waited idly at his side, but let her gaze wander freely; Annwyn hardly even noticed the many male stares that her delicate features and pretty face attracted. A flash of white caught her eye.<br><br>When she wandered over to take a closer look, Annwyn's eyes brightened at the lovely patterns of the cloth displayed behind the store's window. She blinked at the bright colors - most sylphs took to grays, silvers, and whites more often than not, and rarely did any individual sylph indulge themselves in colored fabrics that would lose their dye within a few years living in their mountains. <br><br>Annwyn slipped inside the small store - it was empty, though humming from behind a cloth curtain indicated that the owner was nearby, and would come at the first call.<br><br>Despite her admiration of the bright, warm colors she'd seen in the window, it was a fall of lovely white silk on the counter that made Annwyn sigh softly. The sound brought the storekeeper out from behind his curtain; he was an old man who, having lived long enough to discern the difference between humans and those who were not, immediately recognized that Annwyn was not a human female. A second glance caught the brooch that was half-hidden by the ends of the cloak - it was not an emblem he had seen for many years, but he recognized it well enough as one belonging to the sylphs.<br><br>"Might I think that something in my humble shop has caught your eye, Lady Sylph?" The man finally asked warmly after several long moments of silence, startling Annwyn into a flustered blush when she realized that he had been watching her admire and touch the creamy silk for several minutes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 09:33:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was pleased that she remained beside him for some time, as he began to purchase the things he needed.&nbsp; &nbsp; He did notice the stares she was drawing, and in a few cases, he caught their eyes in a silent glare and challenge.&nbsp; He didn’t mind them admiring, but those gazes that appeared possessive, or seemed dark to him, he stepped in the way of, and glared at them, tell they left.<br><br>He did however stop when she drifted away, toward the store, as the colors caught her interest.&nbsp; He finished his own purchases, and entered the cloth store only a few minutes after her, just as the owner was asking her a question.<br><br>He smiled, and walked up behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders, though she might not know it, it was a silent claim.&nbsp; At least, an indication that she was under his protection, and he looked the old gentleman over, and his eyes widened.&nbsp; “Uncle Aldrix, you old fox, is this where you retired too?”<br><br>“Lady Annwyn, please be know to you, my Great Uncle Aldrix, twice removed, the one who taught me the arts of tracking in my youth, and who taught me the basics of cloth and leather repair.&nbsp; He is a marvelous and inventive tailor as well, I’m sure he can make you a dress far more acceptable for human towns, and a lovely one at that.”<br><br>He paused a moment, as a thought came to him.&nbsp; “Perhaps, we could return to the dressing room, and you could undress for a fitting, hmm?”&nbsp; His attention was on Annwyn at the moment, but uncle gave him a shape glance and then covered his mouth to hide the smile.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 09:54:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was even more startled when she felt a strong pair of hands come to rest on&nbsp; her shoulders, immediately recognizing them as belonging to Kyland. "Ah- Master Kylan..."<br><br>Annwyn was about to say more when she was interrupted by the mercenary's interruption. At the introduction, Annwyn gave the kindly old man a small smile, much of her awkwardness evident in her stammered greeting. Aldrix glanced back and forth between his nephew and the sylph, noting that protective grasping of the girl's shoulders and&nbsp; her immediate relief when the young man had arrived. Now this was certainly an unusual pair to be found anywhere, let alone in the city.<br><br>"It is as he says, Lady Annwyn," Aldrix said, smiling as he came around the counter and took both of Annwyn's hands gently in his own, giving her a smile that eased some of her nervousness away. "This young man praises me too much in my old age, but even I will admit that I've quite a hand with a needle and thread - if you've the need of a gown, it would be but a simple task to see you in something suitable to human cities such as those. Perhaps in this lovely white silk that I'm sure would be most fitting to a darling with such striking looks as your own?"<br><br>It was the old man's gentle teasing that made Annwyn smile, the last bit of flattery drawing a giggle from her. "Oh, but I couldn't... I'm sure you must have saved that lovely silk for some other customer," the sylph said reluctantly, her amber eyes wistful as she tried not to stare at the fabric.<br><br>At Kylan's suggestion, Aldrix gently waved at the two, leading Annwyn by the hand behind the counter and taking the silk with him. "A splendid idea. Surely a lovely young child such as you would not object to an old man's wishes," he said warmly, when Annwyn protested. The old man had had the foresight to close his door before ushering the two into the back of his shop, where scraps of cloth and thread were scattered about haphazardly.<br><br>Annwyn flushed hotly, her cheeks becoming visibly redder as her eyes flickered up to meet Kylan's questioning gaze. "I'm sure I couldn't.. undress in front of complete strangers," she said softly. "But I was told that what I have on is little better than a nightgown, and worse than going around naked."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>12-01-2009, 10:12:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“Ah, surely you wouldn’t deny an old man the creative joys of weaving a garment for a lovely sylph?&nbsp; Besides, I’m hardly a stranger, now that we’ve been introduced, let it be as though I was your own uncle, as well as my nephew’s there.”&nbsp; Even as he spoke, the old man came up to her, and with a wink at Kylan, behind her back, he gently lifted his hands up to the clasp of her cloak.&nbsp; <br><br>“If you’ll allow me, my Lady, I’ll get my needles and thread, as well as my measure taps, and we can have a lovely dress done in that white silk you loved so much earlier.”&nbsp; He paused a moment.&nbsp; “A dress that moves and breaths, as benefits a child of the air, showing off your beauty, and yet that covers you in a manner that would be more acceptable among humans, but one you would enjoy wearing among your own people.”<br><br>He swept the cloak away, laying it over one of the chairs, and leading her out into the center of his dressing room, as he picked up his measuring tapes, and pulled out a large bolt of white silk.&nbsp; Picking up needle, thread, and scissors, he then went to work, right there, starting to shape the dress that he felt would show off her natural beauty, and still would not be as.. revealing as what she was wearing now.<br><br>Of course, when he unveiled her, she had Kylan’s complete attention, as he watched her every movement, and his eyes slide over all of her curves.&nbsp; Unlike earlier, he didn’t try and push the thoughts away, instead he let them drift, for the moment, he didn’t need to be anywhere, and he could simply enjoy her beauty for the moment.&nbsp; Though, he remained alert for any sounds out of the ordinary, after all, having made an appearance on the streets, it was always possible he might actually need to protect her, for more then one reason.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-01-2009, 04:43:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She protested, but weakly, as Aldrix gently removed her cloak. He waited until she unclasped the cloak herself before removing it from around her shoulders; Annwyn blushed vividly at the old shopkeeper's flattery, and immediately demurred, insisting that she was hardly as beautiful as he claimed. "But I surely haven't the gold to pay for such lovely silk... it is fit only for elven royalty, surely." Her eyes were more reflective of her thoughts - she gazed wistfully at the bolt of silk, which had a lovely, elegant pattern hand-dyed into the material in the faintest of grays, almost silver in color.<br><br>"Nonsense, my dear... I'm quite certain you'll do this lovely fabric justice," Aldrix chuckled. He began measuring her curves, murmuring soft instructions for her to turn, extend an arm, or stop wiggling; she obeyed as well as she was able, though Annwyn couldn't help but sigh as he settled the silk over her skin.<br><br>So caught up in the sensation of the silk sliding against her skin was she, that Annwyn did not notice Kylan's gaze as it slid over her body. Her tiny dress did, indeed, expose much more skin than was decent; the neckline plunged low enough to be termed scandalous, and the hem floated a few inches above her knees. It probably also didn't help that the white fabric, while not semi-transparent, brushed against her gentle curves, just loose enough that she could feel free in the outfit, but tight enough that there was no doubt how lithe and graceful her body was.<br><br>True to his word, Aldrix was quick with his needle and thread. Because the dress itself was not as tightly fitted as most women preferred them, it was not long before Aldrix stepped back, looking critically at the white gown (http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1091/leanne2uj4.jpg) he had fashioned for Annwyn. It fit snugly around her upper body, with sleeves that flared out from her elbows, and a skirt that fluttered around her legs. The heart-shaped neckline exposed much of her shoulders, but was undeniably modest; maroon ribbons wrapped around her upper arms, to keep the wide sleeves from overwhelming her small body, and the leather belt she had originally been wearing was now settled over her hips, giving even more emphasis to her slim curves.<br><br>"Why, m'Lady Sylph... I do believe I've outdone myself with this outfit. As I believed... it is you who outshines the beauty of the fabric, and not the other way around," he said warmly. Turning to Kylan, he beckoned his nephew to admire the lovely young creature now blushing bashfully at the kind comments. "Well, Kylan? What do you think of the dress? It quite fits the lovely creature who wears it, hmm?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 08:42:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				“It’s a lovely gown, truly, it’s a masterpiece, but if I was going to be completely honest, uncle, I’d have to say the one you made it for is more beautiful.”&nbsp; His gaze had remained on her the entire time his uncle had worked, watching her, and watching her move for his uncle to make measurements.&nbsp; <br><br>The old man smiled then turned to her, and bowed.&nbsp; “It was a honor to create this garment for you, Lady, please take it a token of my regard.”&nbsp; That others would see it as she stepped out of his shop wearing it, would more then repay him, in terms of customers.&nbsp; &nbsp;He knew that he’d get a dozen more requests before the day was out, she would be a waking advertisement.<br><br>From the slight smile Kylan gave him, it was clear that he understand what his uncle was about.&nbsp; “Well, Lady, I have a few more things to get, and then we can go, it will take us most of the rest of the day to reach the cabin I have near the city.”&nbsp; He also had a few other places deeper in the forest, but that was the place closest to the city.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>15-01-2009, 09:47:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Kylan spoke, Annwyn nearly jumped, having forgotten that he had been watching her. She blushed, for some reason feeling awkward underneath the ranger's gaze, but managed to murmur a shy thank you. Still, she couldn't remain quiet and bashful when Aldrix told her that the gown was... a gift.<br><br>"Oh, but... I couldn't just accept this lovely gown without giving you payment!" Annwyn protested, trailing after the older man as he began putting away the small bit of remaining fabric and his tools. Walking in the dress, she was even more a vision that standing still; the hem brushed around her ankles, and the fabric brushed up and clung gently to her skin, showing her subtle curves to advantage.<br><br>Aldrix chuckled and patted her shoulder reassuringly. "My lady, it was enough payment having the opportunity to dress a creature as lovely as yourself," he said warmly. She flushed, wanting to argue, but not wishing to turn down his offer, simply because he seemed to have taken so much joy in creating the gown for her. "Well... if you are certain that you do not wish payment," she finally said reluctantly.<br><br>"I am quite sure," the old man returned, urging her to follow Kylan as they returned to the front of the shop. Annwyn now held her cloak in her arms, unwilling to cover up the lovely garment. At the entrance to the small shop, Annwyn swept Aldrix a graceful curtsy, bowing her head deeply. "May you and yours be blessed for your kindness," she said, her eyes shining with happiness at the lovely gown. Then she turned and trailed after Kylan, her cheeks faintly flushed as she reveled in the feeling of the soft silk as it brushed against her body. Sylphs rarely wore outfits with any large amount of fabric, so it was a rare thing, having cloth brushing against her bare legs and fluttering about her arms.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 03:12:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kylan smiled slightly as he watched her hold the cloak over one arm, and speak her blessing over his uncle, then followed him back out to the main marketplace.&nbsp; He knew that once again they were drawing stares, and whispers, and some folk he expected, were already concidering visiting the tailor shop later, when they saw the dress he'd made for her.&nbsp; Of course, she still drew stares for other reasons, and he stayed close to her, silently indicating his own claim and protection over her.<br><br>He bought a few more items, mostly items that would be useful for travel, a backpack, a pair of bedrolls, some trail rations, a few pans to fit into the backpack.&nbsp; After all, he suspected they would be doing a lot traveling, sense he was going to need to track these slavers down, and put an end to them.&nbsp; It didn't take all that long, and he was also worried, about something else.&nbsp; If these slavers had been as active as she had suggested, then they had to have some agents in the city itself, and that, to him, ment the sooner they left, the better.&nbsp; "All done now, ready to go?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>18-01-2009, 08:26:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Annwyn followed Kylan around for the rest of the morning, though as before, she was quite unaware of the stares that she was drawing, except when one of them bumped into her. She quickly apologized, sweeping him a graceful curtsy and giving him an apologetic smile, before she continued walking; she didn't see his eyes widen as she walked past, nor did she see Kylan's rather challenging stare as he silently indicated that his interest might best be directed elsewhere.<br><br>She made no complaints, however, still ridiculously pleased about the lovely gift of the gown. Even though she didn't have hair long enough to do it justice, its flowing lines complemented her lithe body, and hugged her gentle curves with every move that she made. Even if she didn't realize it, there were more than a few admiring stares and envious glances thrown her way, as she walked past.<br><br>When it seemed that Kylan was finished with his many purchases, Annwyn was already starting to feel a little drawn from the crowds of the market. As the morning had worn on, so had the streets filled with people going about their daily business; with the press of so many people around her, Annwyn had withdrawn a little, replacing her gray cloak around her shoulders and following Kylan even more closely than before, practically walking in his shadow as he went about his purchases.<br><br>"Yes, I'm ready. Do you have all you purchases done?" She asked softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>28-01-2009, 06:41:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am, let's be going."&nbsp; Packing all of the stuff he had purchased away, he then began to walk toward the city gates, and he began to silently hum to himself, pleased, the press of humanity within a city didn't suit him at all.&nbsp; He kept a protective eye on her as they moved away, with an occasional glare at anyone who seemed to interested in their passing.&nbsp; He didn't say much at all, until they finally passed though the city gates, with only a word of goodbye to the city guard, he took the road for about a mile, before moving off it, north, into the forest.&nbsp; "I don't like cities much, honesty, to many people, all of them too focused on their own concerns to notice what's in front of them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>02-02-2009, 11:09:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Once they were out of the press of people in the market place, Annwyn felt herself relax by increments, less wary and withdrawn the farther away they moved from the busy portions of the district, and the closer they moved to the edge of the city. <br><br>"At first I was fine," Annwyn admitted softly as she ducked her head underneath an errant branch. Inside the forest, and the comforting closeness of the trees and nature, she could breathe much easier than she had surrounded by dead wood and stone buildings; and, without the attention of so many strangers, she seemed much less awkward, much less uncomfortable.<br><br>"I suppose as a sylph, I am simply more accustomed to this world," she said with a smile, a wave of her hand indicating that she was referring to the forest, the trees, and the calls of the birds around them. "But I am hardly an anti-social creature - I still mingle among my own kind when I am home. How can you live without companionship?" She asked curiously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>04-02-2009, 01:25:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed at her statement and then, perhaps to her suprise, let loose a howl that was very much like a wolves, a few moments later seven large wolves came out of the trees, to approach him, and Kylan went down on his knees to put his arms around his old friend, the alpha of the pack.&nbsp; "Who says I was a alone."&nbsp; He spoke to the wolf a moment, seeming to move in a certain way, and his language shifted from that of a human, to the barks and growls of a wolf.&nbsp; Indeed, for a moment, his very manner shifted to that of a wolf, and he seemed wilder somehow, then anyone human ever could be.&nbsp; <br><br>Exchanging a few more words with the pack, he stood back up and winked at her.&nbsp; "They say they are pleased to meet a child of the winds, it has been many turns of the seasons sense their elders have scented anything like you around these parts."&nbsp; He turned back to the pack a moment, and seemed to have a few more words with them, before the large wolves departed again.&nbsp; "They regard me as something of a friend of the pack, sort of as a wolf who was born in the wrong skin, and walks a lone path, but is still part of the pack in his own way."<br><br>When the wolves departed though, he held up hand, and whistled, and this time, a sparrow came to rest in it... "And they are not the only ones, I know the tongues of every bird and beast, Annwyn, and feel the pulse of life in the plants, the trees, in every green and growing thing, I am never truly alone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>09-02-2009, 11:30:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Annwyn's eyes widened in curiosity as Kylan merely laughed at her statement... and then howled, for all like he was a wolf himself! She stepped back, glancing around, then noted the presence of the wolves, who had all but materialized from the trees and forest itself, they had so swiftly appeared. "Ah... so your companions are those with four legs, and not those with two," she said softly in understanding, smiling in delight as one of the bolder of the seven slipped around her legs, whining softly as it brushed against the white silk of the dress.<br><br>No stranger to the life of the wilds herself, Annwyn knelt town and bent a gentle kiss to the wolf's muzzle, giggling when it licked her cheek before returning to his fellows. She stood as the pack left, then as a sparrow arrived - lifting her arm, she beckoned to the small bird, giggling when it took her invitation and hopped up her arm, to her shoulder, and pecked her cheek lightly. "My statement was made in error, it appears. I apologize," she said softly. "But it is such a gift that you possess, Kylan - there are few who could claim the ability to speak to children of the wilds, for all that it is treasured and a gift well-loved."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>15-02-2009, 05:28:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Perhaps, amoung your people, amoung mine, it tends to frighten them, or worry them, they wonder where my true loyalities lie.. with humanity or with the creatures of the wild."&nbsp; he paused.&nbsp; "Fortunatly, my parents didn't see it that way, but then, they had similar gifts themselves.. ties to the earth and to nature itself.. and so they raised me with love and care, and taught me to see past the fear.. but I don't enjoy it.. so I avoid humanity for the most part."&nbsp; He pause a moment before continuing.&nbsp; "There are human domains, where those who possess these sorts of gifts are not considered human at all..."&nbsp; He smiled, but this one was a bitter smile of sorts.&nbsp; "In some ways, Annwyn, I feel closer to your kind, then I do to most humans."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>15-02-2009, 11:04:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am sorry that more of your people do not understand what a beautiful gift it is that you have at your fingertips," she murmured, petting the small bird on her shoulder with a slim, gentle finger. She caressed its head, inviting a small <em>peep</em> of contentment, before the bird gave her another peck on the cheek and flew off into the leaves above them.<br><br>Annwyn walked forward, her smile bright and warm as she reached up and slid her hand against the hard line his jaw. The movement sent the folds of her cloak spilling back from one shoulder, revealing the silk-encased body underneath once again. "It is a wonderful thing, that you have found friends among my four-legged and winged cousins. I hope that despite the censure you've encountered among your people... you do not regret that which you were born with."<br><br>Removing her hand from his jaw - she'd never been so forward with a male sylph before, let alone any human! - Annwyn stepped back as heat crept into the apples of her cheeks. She looked away, once again tugging the folds of her cloak closed in embarrassment. "Do you live very deep into the forest, Master Kylan?" She attempted to ask casually, and then wondering why she stammered like a nervous woodpecker.<br><br>They continued deeper into the forest, Annwyn's contemplation and peaceful demeanor not changed by the hours of exercise. She didn't even appear faint of breath when they passed by a small brook in the forest, and she suggested that they stop for a drink of the cold liquid. As soon as she sat down, a bevy of birds made their entrances known from the branches; glancing up, a smile bloomed on her face, as a sunflower turned its face to the sun after a hard rain.<br><br>"It seems that my presence in the forest has been discovered," she remarked with a light laugh.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>16-02-2009, 14:16:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He enjoyed her willingness to touch him so easily, though he didn't say anything about it, and he liked her touching him, so he smiled slightly as she did.&nbsp; " I have no regrets regarding my gifts, if my fellow humans can't understand them, or don't view me as human because of them, so be it, I embrace being a creature of the wilderness and of the earth."&nbsp; The fact that she blushed after she touched him had him somewhat enchanted, and he couldn't help but broaden his smile slightly as she did.&nbsp; <br><br>"Yes, I do, actually I have close to a dozen hidden places I live within the forests here, we are simply going to the closest one, which is a house actually hidden up in a tree.. in fact, it is built into the tree, I made a bargain some years ago with a druid, and he made this particular hidden dwelling for me."&nbsp; He paused a moment, as they came to the brook, and turned to follow it for a ways.<br><br>In response to her words, he inclined his head to one side, and whistled to one of the birds, who responded, then he spoke up again.&nbsp; "The creatures of the air are quite happy with your presence here, they are delighted to have a child of the winds around... "&nbsp; He paused as another of the birds chirped at him, and he smiled again.&nbsp; "They want to know how long you intend to wander the forest paths."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-02-2009, 23:58:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A dwelling up in a tree?" She repeated, startled so much that she missed a step and jolted her pace. Annwyn caught herself before bouncing forward a little faster to keep up with him; however, it was clear that hearing of one of his dwellings had been very surprising. "That sounds like quite the interesting home. If I'm remembering correctly... most humans prefer their dwellings flat on the ground."<br><br>The sylph grinned as she stepped carefully over a branch carefully, a playful sparkle glimmering in her eyes. "Perhaps in your past life, you were born a bird," she remarked.<br><br>She listened as Kylan whistled, recognizing the pattern as a human speaking with birds. Because she was a sylph, she could speak and hear the language of those whose domain was the air - birds, mostly, and the various magical creatures who could also fly. That, however, was not a well-known gift of her people, and she'd been told many times to be cautious with how much she revealed about sylphs while on this mission. "Tell them that I may be here for some time, and if they need find me, I'll as likely be with you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>20-02-2009, 01:36:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He chuckled softly.&nbsp; "I'm not most humans.. and perhaps.."&nbsp; He then turned to the birds, speaking with them for a bit longer, relaying her words, unaware of the matter that she could understand the tongue of the birds so when the conversation turned in direction slightly, he continued it without realizing that she knew what he was saying.<br><br>So, when it turned to matters that the birds considered practical, but that human beings would find somewhat embarrassing, such as if he was looking for a mate, and was she his mate, his answer was not quite what it would have been had he known she understood.&nbsp; In fact, his answer was somewhat positive, as in that he rather liked the idea, sense he didn't believe he could ever find a human mate who really could understand his differences.&nbsp; However ultimate choice was up to her, and that he was actually courting her, slowly, he didn't think she was aware of it yet.&nbsp; When they asked why she was the one wearing bright feathers, however, he laughed, before turning to her to explain himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-02-2009, 02:06:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She thought he'd known that a sylph could understand the tongue of birds, but when he began engaging them in conversation, she realized that he did not. Annwyn's cheeks colored slightly as the conversation turned to mates - and more specifically, Kylan's mate, which the birds assumed to be <em>her</em>.<br><br>One of the winged ones flew to her side, perching with a little chirp on her shoulder, and nuzzled her cheek.&nbsp; Annwyn used a finger to pet the creature gently, her cheeks becoming more flushed when she realized that he was interested in her. And gods, he was even courting her? She'd had not a clue, not even the slightest...<br><br>She hadn't expected to run into <em>this</em> problem when she'd been given her assignment. Danger and injury, and uncertainty in a new environment... but she hadn't expected her rescuer to be someone she would have to be careful around as well!<br><br>When he turned to her, Annwyn jumped, squeaking softly when he asked her a question. Trying to look as if she'd been preoccupied with the bird perched on her shoulder, she smiled at Kylan, shyly. "I'm sorry - what did you say?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 10:14:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was the blush that gave her away, if she hadn't been so embarrassed, and trying to hide that she had understood everything that he just said, then perhaps he would have missed it.&nbsp; Instead, he was now aware that she had understood everything, there was little other explanation for why she was so embarrassed, and nervous.&nbsp; "Ah... you understand the tongue of birds.. I should have realized that of a sylph.."&nbsp; He ran his hand though his hair a moment, considering what to do next.<br><br>"My apologies, I didn't intend for you to realize that I was courting you yet, I wanted us to be more comfortable with one another first.. but it seems that is no longer possible."&nbsp; He moved to her side, reached out and took her hands in his, and kissed each of them softly, then sat down next to her, and if she would allow it, he'd put his arm around her shoulders.<br><br>"So be it... if you do not wish a me to court you, or my interest doesn't please you, lovely Annwyn, let me know, and I will put such thoughts out of mind... but it best be truth.. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>25-02-2009, 11:03:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled, and as a result, Annwyn blushed even more. "Ah... yes, I do. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I thought you would know," she stammered, her hand coming up to brush at her hair nervously. When that didn't calm her, she retracted both hands inside her cloak, fiddling nervously with the bell sleeves on her dress. All the while, she watched Kylan as he stood there watching her, looking a lot like things weren't going his way.<br><br>"I didn't- realize you were... courting... me at all," she murmured softly. She watched as he came closer, but just managed to squash the startled squeak when he took both of her hands in his. Even though she knew it was a human tendency for touch not to be as intimate as it was for sylphs, it was a difficult thing to keep in mind, especially when he was the first man, sylph or human, to touch her in so many different ways in such a short amount of time.<br><br>The kiss to her hands warmed her cheeks, and she watched with a little apprehension when he sat down next to her on the log. When he tried to put an arm around her, though, Annwyn couldn't help but shy away with a soft gasp of surprise; when he retracted his arm, her posture straightened, though her heart was still bouncing around in her chest at an elevated pace.<br><br>At his words, she swallowed, clearly conflicted. "It isn't that I do not wish for you to court me, or that your interest is displeasing," she quickly answered. Annwyn pulled her hands back, clasping them together against her chest, trying to sort out the heat in her cheeks, the rapid beating of her heart, and the jumbled thoughts in her head. "I've- well, it seems so fast&nbsp; to become interested, that's all," she finally said, her gold-flecked eyes peeking out from underneath her long lashes to watch him. She didn't want to mention that it had been quite some time since she'd last been courted by anybody, sylph or not. "Are all humans so earnest in their intentions?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>27-02-2009, 00:16:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was a touch rueful, as he responded to her words.&nbsp; "To be honest, no.. but sometimes it only takes a moment for us to become interested, and I was attracted to you from the first moment I saw you... actually it was a bit more then that..&nbsp; I'm not sure if your people have the concept, but love at first sight was the thought that matches most of my thoughts and feelings when I first saw you."&nbsp; He reached out and touched her right hand, lightly, lifting it if she would let him, releasing it if she proved too nervous about him touching her.<br><br>"I wanted to kiss you, then and there.. and have wanted to do so every moment I've been in your presence sense."&nbsp; He took a deep breath.&nbsp; "You may not realize it, but, if for some reason you hadn't been able to make any sort of price for my services, I still would have found some way to accompany you, because I wanted to spend more time around you."&nbsp; He looked into her eyes.&nbsp; "And yes, I still want to kiss you.. "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>27-02-2009, 01:05:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We do not. Most sylphs believe that intimacy - emotional and physical - must build over time..." The soft color on her cheeks heightened just a touch when he touched her hand; she watched as he lifted it, and she found herself caught in the intensity of his gaze, as he looked down at her.<br><br>It was hard to ignore the urge to run away; it was impossible to ignore the loud pounding of her heart, which skipped beats in her chest and seemed to be doing funny things to her stomach. She tried to look away, and could not; Annwyn feared that everything that was going through her mind was terribly visible in her large, expressive eyes. "A kiss?" She breathed, blinking solemnly; finally, she was able to breathe when she looked away, her flushed cheeks more telling of her shyness than anything else. "But... so soon, Master Kylan. It's... I couldn't possibly allow you to do something so forward, so intimate, so soon after we have met..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 00:45:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Who said anything about allowing me?"&nbsp; He moved toward her in a almost predatory manner, his hands reaching up to cup her cheeks between them, then he gently pressed his lips to hers, and kissed her.. and he was apparently quite good at kissing..&nbsp; but while he took the kiss without her allowing it, he did give her the freedom of moving back, of withdrawing, should she chose too.. and he expected that she would.&nbsp; So, at this moment, the idea was to intrigue her, and to give her a hint of things to come, if she allowed him to continue courting her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 02:11:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At the predatory glint in his eyes, Annwyn blinked, smiling nervously. "Well, bec-"<br><br>Before she could say anything else, Kylan was pressing his lips against hers, and Annwyn was frozen in his arms, her eyes wide in surprise. Then, fractionally, she relaxed by degrees; the warmth of his lips against hers was unexpectedly enticing, and she found herself wanting to taste... more. Even as her heart saw fit to all but leap out of her chest, it was beating so loudly and so quickly, Annwyn pressed closer into his arms for just the briefest of moments, her breath a caress against his mouth as she sighed, then edged close again.<br><br>And then her sense of propriety took hold again, and she drew back shyly, the warm flush still on her face, faintly aware of the birds singing in delight in the background at Kylan's bold actions. "M-M-Master Kylan. I did not- you-" Flustered beyond compare, the sylph looked down at her clasped hands as all manner of odd feelings leapt into her stomach and tingled her spine. "I- Master Kylan, you are too bold," she murmured entreatingly. Etiquette dictated that she should keep her eyes lowered, to avoid temptation; Annwyn couldn't resist glancing up at him, her curious eyes of gold and bronze meeting his, her fascination shining brightly in her gaze.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 02:21:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Fortune favors the bold, my lady Lady Annwyn.. have you never heard that statement, it's a common one amoung humans."&nbsp; He let her draw back, and when she looked up into his eyes, the curiosity and fascination in them told him that he had taken exactly the right tone with her.&nbsp; "Besides, you liked it.. I could tell." He let his eyes drift over her lovely body, then back to meet her eyes.<br><br>"Now.. unless you deside to run, at which point, I'd have to chase you.. " He winked at her at that.&nbsp; "I'm going to kiss you again.. and this time, I would like you to just enjoy it, rather then withdraw from it."&nbsp; He leaned forward, his hands once more coming up to cup her cheeks, she could pull herself away from him fairly easily, if she chose too.. but then, she wouldn't know what his next kiss would be like.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 02:32:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Why was it so difficult to breathe? Annwyn felt like her heart was about to jump out of her chest, and her throat was tight from nervousness... but still, she could not tear her eyes away from Kylan's, and she could do nothing but listen to and accept his words.<br><br>"I've... no, I've never heard that statement before. It seems quite fitting for humans," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper as nervousness choked her. When he correctly assumed that she'd liked the kiss, Annwyn shook her head, wanting to deny it, but unable to verbally correct him.<br><br>"W-w-wait- Master Kyla-" Again, his lips pressed against hers; again, Annwyn shivered as ripples swayed her body closer to his. Her arms came up to rest lightly against his chest, but this time she didn't pull away. This kiss was different from the last kiss - still gentle, but at simultaneously firmer, less willing to let her pull away. <br><br>Annwyn's traitorous body wanted to taste more of him - her lips parted a fraction, and a breathy sigh escaped from her mouth. Then she pressed even closer, eagerness and curiosity tempting her into kissing this mortal man, whom she'd met only today, so intimately.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 02:39:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she was tentative at first, but then after a moment of shivering, her manner shifted, and he thought she was more willing.. then as her lips parted, he took advantage of the moment, to deepen the kiss, to give her a deeper taste of what this could be, of how it could be to give herself over to the kiss competely.&nbsp; Though he sought to control the kiss, he also coaxed her.. giving her just a hint of something more.. keeping her on the edge of desiring the next level, and opening further to him.&nbsp; <br><br>She pressed closer to him, and his hands, which had been on her cheeks, holding her face between them, slide down to her shoulders, then behind her back.&nbsp; He would have shifted her onto his lap, but he didn't want to alarm her, and he wanted to enjoy every moment of this kiss... she would be able to move onto his lap, though, if she wished to move closer still.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 02:52:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her skin tingled underneath her dress where his hands slid, and Annwyn, overcome with sensation, let herself get drawn deeper into the kiss.<br><br>Even curiosity couldn't keep Annwyn enthralled for long. Abruptly, she pulled away, panting heavily, heat suffusing her cheeks; her eyes lifted helplessly to meet Kylan's gaze, pleadingly.<br><br>"You will be the ruin of me, Master Kylan. I am... you are too bold. There are few who have touched me so intimately as you have this day, and fewer still only within hours of our meeting." Reproachfully, she slid back a small distance away from him. "But we should be on our way- we would not want to be out in this forest before we reached your dwelling in this forest."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 09:02:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled, the flushed pleading look in her eyes told him everything he needed to know, and he bowed, before continuing to speak to her.&nbsp; "Please, call me Kylan, there is no need to address me as Master Kylan, whatever else may come, I would like us to at least be friends, and my friends call me by name, not with titles."&nbsp; He winked at her, as he said it.<br><br>"Now, as to the rest, I agree.. we must continue along our way, after all, we've more things to do then my courting you..."&nbsp; His tone was gently teasing, as he reached out and offered her his hand.&nbsp; "Surely you were willing to take my hand, after we shared so much together?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 09:27:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed even redder, but Annwyn took his hand reluctantly, her delicate fingers wrapping hesitantly around his larger, rougher palm. It was unfair - he definitely had the upper hand with respect to his affections, and it was all Annwyn could do to not be helplessly flustered. <br><br>"K-Kylan..." The sylph swallowed, nervously, as she began following him, quite aware of the feeling of his hand grasping onto her's. "You can't... you are too forward, with your kisses and your touches," she told him insistently. "Even if it is... courtship... You mustn't take my agreement for granted. I would not allow all that you would do... to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 09:39:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Annwyn.. "&nbsp; He squeezed her hand gently in his.&nbsp; "I can not promise I will not be bold, or forward, or take advantage, as not only does fortune favor the body, but all is fair in love and war.. but I can promise, I will never do anything to you, or with you, that you do not allow."&nbsp; He liked having her hand in his, and he lead them though the forest, deeper within, drawing closer to his hidden tree house.<br><br>"Also, I do fully intend to focus a good bit of attention on the task of finding and ending this slaving of magicial beings, that is evil, and evil must never prosper.&nbsp; Another old saying, for evil to prosper, good men do nothing, I'm not one to do nothing, my lovely Annwyn."<br><br>He suddenly stopped.&nbsp; "And here we are."&nbsp; With the free hand, he pointed up a large tree.. a huge tree really, and about three quarters of the way up.. was the hidden tree home.. though it was not visible from the ground.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 09:47:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed.<br><br>Kylan really was too much. Everything he was saying was making her cheeks flush hotly, and she couldn't do anything other than nod at his firm statement, that he would continue to court her, with her permission. She knew he couldn't see it, but she nodded, shyly, warmth suffusing her cheeks as she followed after him obediently.<br><br>"I hope I can be of some help to you, tracking down the slaving ring. Thus far, our people have not been successful, and our shaman wondered if that might be because they have some mage helping them."<br><br>When he stopped, she bumped into his back with a squeak. But looking up at the tree where his home was, she smiled, clearly delighted. "It's a strong home you have chosen in this tree. How do you get up there, Mast- Kylan?" Annwyn corrected herself quickly, blushing and hiding a smile when he glanced over at her. "Do you have hidden stairs, or do you climb up the trunk?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 10:00:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We climb."&nbsp; he suited actions to words, reluctantly releasing her hand, and began to climb the tree.. heading up to the rather high up entrance to the tree house.&nbsp; As he had said it was created by a druid, and it was designed to be well hidden.. once they passed into the entrance, with was over several branchs, and could not be seen from below, it entered into a large room.&nbsp; <br><br>It had been made fairly nice, and livable, someone had covered the floor with reeds, fur and feathers, and there was a certain scent, used to chase away some of the bugs that otherwise would have filled the nest.&nbsp; In fact, it was almost like a human sized birds nest, and appeared quite warm and comfortable.&nbsp; There was another passage in the back, that went to a sleeping area, which was thick with feathers, and covered with several layers of cloth.. wool mostly.&nbsp; "That's the bedroom.. sense it's the only bed.. perhaps I should share it with you?" His tone with teasing, as he was not really especting her to agree.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 10:15:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Instead of climbing, Annwyn gathered the wind underneath her body and floated up the tree behind him, admiring the view that he must have. <br><br>Once they were inside his home, Annwyn almost couldn't help but be envious of how secluded and private the house was. "You have a beautiful home," she murmured, letting herself turn slowly with wide eyes, to capture everything. Still, absorbed though she was, she could hardly miss his teasing remark about their night's sleeping arrangement.<br><br>"S-s-share?" Annwyn managed to squeak out. "I don't think I"m quite ready for... for that," she said with a fierce blush. "If you have some extra blankets, I will gladly sleep elsewhere, Kylan. We sylphs are quite used to sleeping anywhere and everywhere, so you nedn't share your bed with a complete stranger." She was silent for a moment, then met his eyes. "You're too forward, Kylan," she murmured softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>14-03-2009, 10:20:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He laughed at her response, then he shook his head.&nbsp; "You blush beautifully.. and I didn't mean that I would be in it... though I know that was what you would think... and I am certain we'd both have enjoyed it."&nbsp; he winked at her.&nbsp; "Just that I would share it with you.&nbsp; I could not possibly allow you to sleep on the floor, that is where I will be sleeping tonight... you will take my bed."<br><br>He reached out, and before she would speak again, he put a finger to her lips.&nbsp; "I count you as a friend already, my lovely Annwyn, so we are not strangers, and I am willing to share my bed with the woman I'm courting... even if I'm not gong to be in it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>15-03-2009, 00:43:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he remarked on her blush, Annwyn only reddened further, the flushed spots on her cheeks a stark contrast from her olive skin. The sylph reached up to fold her hands over his. Even her hands seemed warmer than usual - it was dreadfully unfair that Kylan could so easily fluster her, and that he took so much satisfaction in it. <br><br>"You enjoy teasing me too much, Kylan," she finally murmured. She smiled ruefully, then turned and hesitantly approached the bed, removing her cloak only after checking to make sure that the ranger was not looking her direction. Quickly, she slipped underneath the covers, shivering as the cool cloth made contact against her heated skin. Her cloak, she left in a pile at the foot of the bed, for tomorrow.<br><br>Annwyn snuggled deeper into the blankets, her blond hair fanning against the pillow beneath her head as she shifted. She watched Kylan for a time, before speaking. "Are you sure you will be okay on the floor?" The question was quiet, and wavered with just a bit of nervousness. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 08:36:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I will be fine... "&nbsp; His tone was amused.&nbsp; "I've a few bedrolls, and the floor is more comfortable then it could be."&nbsp; He paused.&nbsp; "And yes, I do enjoy teasing you, ."&nbsp; Even as he spoke, he did pull out a bedroll, and unrolled it at the foot of the bed, then covering it with a blanket.&nbsp; He then began to cover over the entrance to this tree house, darkening even more, as outside the sounds of evening approaching could be heard.<br><br>"You know, the dress isn't really designed for sleeping, as much as I enjoy the idea of watching you undress, my lovely Annwyn, I'm not going to do anything you wouldn't want me too.. "&nbsp; He turned his back away from her.&nbsp; "You can strip, and and get under the sheets.. I will keep my back turned until your done..."&nbsp; He paused to listen to whatever reply she might chose to give.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 08:45:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She colored a bit more, but knowing that the darkness covered her changing and varied expressions was a great relief. "I-if you promise not to turn around," she said quickly. Folding the top cover back, Annwyn sat up in the bed, reaching back to easily undo the ties that kept the lovely white silk on her body. A few pulls and well-placed tugs sent the silk spilling first to her hips, and another slight pull when she stood left the fine cloth in a soft pile on the ground around her feet.<br><br>Quickly, Annwyn folded the dress over the foot of the bed, extremely conscious of being in such a short shift, which she had worn underneath. Normally, she wouldn't have cared what some mere human thought, as proven by that morning; but knowing what she did about Kylan, and his intentions to court her, left her shyer and more embarrassed than she thought she would be.<br><br>The sylph slid back into the bed, then inquired one more time as to the mercenary's comfort. "You're certain that you'll be fine?" She asked softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>16-03-2009, 08:50:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"If you keep asking, Annwyn, your going to make me think you want me to join you... which I know your too nevious to really feel comfortable about."&nbsp; He moved over to the bed, then reached out and took of her hands in his, kissing it softly, before releasing her.&nbsp; <br><br>"I am going to be fine, Annwyn, darling, though thank you for your concern and consideration, my lovely sylph.&nbsp; Now, relax, and we will sleep, or talk if you prefer."&nbsp; He sat down on the edge of the bed, no longer touching her, even though he would like too.. he was only about a 6 inches away from her feet, where he was sitting.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>24-03-2009, 06:41:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blushed, but couldn't help chuckling this time, as he kissed one of her hands. "You have the advantage of me, Kylan," she murmured, obediently snuggling back into the safety of the bed. It was curious, how just the presence of one person could affect her state of mind. The several weeks it had taken her to come here, magic cloaked and disguised as a mere traveler, she had been unable to sleep restfully - most nights, she had woken up with sweat damp on her skin, trying not to breathe hard as fear rushed out of her.<br><br>Was it Kylan's presence that made it easy to close her eyes and forget that the slaving ring had yet to be caught?<br><br>Pulling the blanket more securely about her body, Annwyn's eyes were only small slits as her eyes rested thoughtfully on Kylan, from underneath her thick lashes. "I shall see you on the morrow, Kylan," she whispered, before her eyes closed fully. It took no longer than a few breaths before her body, exhausted and tired from the stress of the past months, finally rested.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>25-03-2009, 04:24:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Tomorrow, my lovely Annwyn."&nbsp; He answered, and he didn't move, remaining there, sitting in the dark, until he heard her breathing change, and he was certain that she was asleep.&nbsp; He couldn't really see her as the room darkened, but he smiled slightly, and covered her carefully with the rest of the blankets, before pulling his bedroll and the blankets he would sleep on to the foot of the bed.<br><br>He then stood up, and began to strip out of his own clothing, as well as his weapons and armor, placing them in the place he kept them when he was here, all except for his sword.&nbsp; Tonight, he was watching over her, and so he would keep his sword at his side, not that he expected anyone to be able to find them... or be an enemy if they did.. but lack of caution was never a good idea, no matter where one was.<br><br>Laying down, he began not by sleeping, but using certain meditation techniques to insure that he would wake very easily, to any noise inside his dwelling, and should he hear the sounds of humans outside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 09:10:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When Annwyn woke, it was lazily, and peacefully. She lay in Kylan's bed, wondering why that was so - it was a strange place, and certainly not home. The wood above shouldn't be there at all; sylphs often slept under the open sky. And the blankets; certainly, not the cloak she usually wrapped around herself when it was cold enough to bother her. <br><br>Slowly, yesterday's events filtered into her memory, and Annwyn shifted, until she could see Kylan, still asleep. A faint smile curled the corners of her lips up; this was the first time she'd slept throughout the night without a bad dream, or a nightmare.<br><br>Her stomach rumbled; Annwyn blushed, even though nobody had heard it but her.<br><br>"Kylan?" She asked softly. "I'm.. a little hungry."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>27-03-2009, 09:20:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her words, such as they were, woke him up, from a rather pleasant dream, one that he couldn't recall clearly, except that she had been in it, and it had erotic overtones.&nbsp; Of course, this setting was a lovely one as well, with plenty of potentially erotic overtones, and after a moment, he managed to get up, drawing one of the blankets around him as he did so, sense he was wearing nothing under them.<br><br>"I've cheese, bread and honey kept here, wrapped up, with some wine, will that do for breakfast?"&nbsp; He asked, even as he reached out and grasped one of his tunics and put it on, then a pair of pants, so that he was reasonably covered.&nbsp; Not that he would mine to much about being unclothed around her, he simply didn't feel she was ready for that sort of thing yet.. though a part of him sort of hoped he was wrong.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>29-03-2009, 02:01:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wanted as he dressed, unaware that doing so in human terms might be considered rude, or have connotations of other than the curious. Annwyn had to blink, then coughed and nodded at his offering of food. "Bread and honey will be sufficient. Thank you."<br><br>The sylph waited for him to bring her the requested food, then began nibbling slowly, her bites so small that only the presence of crumbs on the blanket underneath her could attest to her actually eating. The honey was a wonderful delicacy - flavorful and sweet, altogether too delicious. They never got to eat such treasures at home (and come to think of it, even bread was rare); the bread was a food item that was largely man-made, and honey cultivated and watched over, but not often eaten save for feasts and festival days.<br><br>Annwyn was tentative about dipping her bread in the honey at first, beginning with only the lightest of dabs before continuing. As she continued her way through the bread, she slowly became more generous; if this was a rare treat, then she wanted to, at the very least, savor it.<br><br>When she finished with her bread, she reluctantly returned the small jar of honey to Kylan, still licking traces of the sweet liquid from her lips. "Is honey, cheese, and bread going to be enough for you?" She inquired.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 07:27:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It is quite good enough.. "&nbsp; he paused a moment, as he spread some honey on bread, for his own breakfast, cutting a few sliced of cheese, and began to eat himself.&nbsp; He sat down on the edge of the bed, he saw the reluctance she had to giving the honey back to him, and he held the jar back out to her.&nbsp; "I can always get more, I spoke to one of the bee colonies for this much, and I know where there are others.. you may eat your fill.."<br><br>He poured a small glass of wine, and drank it, clearing the sweet taste of the honey on bread before adding some slices of cheeze to another piece, and begining to eat it.&nbsp; "I'll have a bit larger of a meal come lunch time, but if you want to put together some stuff, feel free.. we'll need to head deeper into the forest, a few days, to reach my next hidden dwelling.. although, perhaps you should show me the area where creatures have been disappearing from?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 08:06:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She held his gaze for a long moment, then took the jar back, all but glowing with pleasure as she tucked it against her chest. Idly, she wondered if another human would have been so kind - honey was dear to her people, so was it dear to these humans, too? If so, then she had just won a small prize for herself, in this jar of sweet honey. Annwyn smiled, then put it down on the floor, sitting up and continuing to watch Kylan as he ate.<br><br>"It is fine. We sylphs feed on the magic of natural life as sustenance. For us, it is a treat more than a necessity, eating. I've a taste for honey, but-" And she blushed, slightly ashamed at herself. "Well, I am scolded often for it."<br><br>She shifted on the bed, growing just brave enough to crawl forward so she sat next to Kylan, and peered at the cheese. "Cheese is something we do not have, and bread is a rarity only brought to us by the occasional magical traders." She'd quite forgotten that her sylph's shift, a short, revealing thing, did little to hide the svelte curves of her body.<br><br>When he shifted the topic back to the reason she was with him at all, Annwyn frowned, sitting back on her heels, tugging the hem of her shift absently. "It is a ways north - I used my magic to come down here more swiftly. You know of the Northern Zephirah Mountains?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 08:39:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Considering for a moment, as she sat down next to him.. Kylan was quite aware of her outfit, and how exposed it made her, he liked it.&nbsp; For a moment, a impulsive thought came to mind, and he went with it, his hands reached out to her hips, and shifted her onto his lap.&nbsp; He then put his arms around her, lightly, so that she would have to move them, to shift out of his lap, though he would let her if she chose too.<br><br>"I know where the Northern Zephirah Mountains are, yes.. I know of a few caves in the area, one of them even a old hidden dwelling of mine.. and a few druids I know of have lived in that area."&nbsp; Even as he spoke, he was paying close attention to her reaction to what he just did.&nbsp; He didn't nessarily think it would make her more comfortable, though he hoped she would relax a bit, that she would let herself do so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 09:04:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When he first placed his hands at her hips, the touch was so gentle that she didn't mind, especially as he had been so accommodating previously about her people's ways - about the intimacy of touching. She had relaxed marginally, when she suddenly felt herself being pulled - and then felt warmth beneath her thighs, where she was seated, legs curled on the bed still. Annwyn didn't need to look down to know that she was sitting in his lap - he was close, <em>much</em> too close.<br><br>He was not even inches away.<br><br>And those piercing eyes of his were watching her.<br><br>The cloth of his clothes felt rough on her sensitive skin, as she shifted and squirmed, tentatively trying to shift out of his lap without touching him even more than she already was, but to no avail. She was rather... trapped.<br><br>"I... I see. It is good that you know the place. M-my people live at the summit of the highest, but we are quite scattered throughout the entire range." She shifted again, the heat coloring her cheeks intensifying. "M-master Kylan, this is highly improper. Only sylphs who are c-courting.. sit this close to each other," she whispered, folding her hands nervously in her lap.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 09:17:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It only took him a moment or two to realize that she was wearing nothing under the shift, and in the course of her squirming, at least, nothing under the top.. which had him wondering a bit, what he might discover, if he was to slide his hand down her thigh, and under the shift.<br><br>"But I am courting you... "&nbsp; He responded, and he leaned forward, to press his lips lightly against hers, just a soft touch for a moment, before he spoke up again.&nbsp; "I want you to relax, Annywn, darling.. let go a bit.. I'll do nothing to you.. that you don't want me too."&nbsp; He paused a moment, then leaned forward to whisper in her ear.. softly, almost sensually.&nbsp; "Or is the problem you want this.. but don't think it proper?"<br><br>He paused.. "But if you want me to release you.. say it, and mean it.. and I will let you move from my lap, darling."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 09:34:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Courting? But I have not agreed, have not signaled the same desire on my part..." And her voice, weak before, became softer and softer, until he pressed her lips against hers. Annwyn trembled, holding back the curiosity to know more, to feel more - kisses, in her lifetime had been few and far between, and only one other had affected her to this extent. None had affected her so quickly as this human had.<br><br>And then his lips were gone, and she was struggling to breathe, unable to move her startled gaze away from his piercing one. Perhaps it would have been wiser to seek another mercenary, after all. This one... he was dangerous, in a way she had not expected.<br><br>Shaking her head at his suggestion, she colored, biting her lip. "I d-don't... it's not proper," she insisted. "We really shouldn't... it's only the second day since our first meeting. You are too aggressive, Master Kylan..." But the protest was weak, and she knew it. But Annwyn couldn't bring herself to say that she didn't want it.<br><br>She wanted him to kiss her... again. She wanted to know what it would be like to be kissed harder, more roughly... and her skin was tingling, all over, accompanied by a gentle ache in her body that was unfamiliar and new.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 09:44:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled, the fact that her protest was half-hearted, and there was no request for him to release her, made it clear to him, at least, that she was protesting not because she really wanted to.. but because she thought it was what she should be doing.&nbsp; "Not signaled the same desire..&nbsp; even as you watched me dress this morning?&nbsp; I think you are mistaken, darling."&nbsp; <br><br>"As to being.. too aggresive, I think you like that.. and don't think you should.. which is why you protest so much.."&nbsp; <br><br>He then moved to kiss her again, as he had thought she seemed to have enjoyed the last kiss quite a bit.&nbsp; He kissed her slower this time, though not as soft, there was still gentleness behind it.&nbsp; This time, however, he intended to deepen the kiss, the stretch it out.. if she let him, but she would have to be the one to draw away from it.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 09:50:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She flushed, then looked away. "Sylphs do not cover themselves so much. It was not related to... desire, as you suggest."<br><br>Before Annwyn could elaborate further, he was kissing her again - and this time, she allowed herself to press into the kiss, tentatively allowing him to explore. It was a... harder kiss. Still gentle, but... the feeling and intent behind it was different.<br><br>She wanted to know what it was.<br><br>"Kylan." Was that soft, husky murmur her own? "I... please... stop." With some effort, Annwyn drew away, red staining her cheeks liberally. She pressed her fingers to her soft lips, staring accusingly at the mercenary.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:02:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah.."&nbsp; He paused a moment, as she asked him to stop, and he gazed into her eyes, watching them for a long moment, considering.&nbsp; Then, though he would have liked to kiss her again, he stopped as she had requested him to.. his hands now resting at the small of her back, holding her gently in his lap.&nbsp; "As you like, Annwyn.. "&nbsp; He had finally gotten her to say him name, without calling him Master Kylan, and without him reminding her to do so.<br><br>"But you are shy about being unclothed around me.. is that because you know I am courting you.. or are you just naturally that shy?"&nbsp; As in, was it cultural or personal... he suspected it was a mix, but more personal then cultural.&nbsp; "I want to kiss you again.. but.. sense you asked me to stop.. I will wait.."&nbsp; He hadn't moved his arms and hands though, so if she wanted to move out of his lap, she'd have to move his hands.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:18:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked away, shyly, hoping that when she peeked back in his direction, he wouldn't be watching... but when her golden-bronze eyes met his, he was still watching her, waiting for a response.<br><br>Annwyn swallowed.<br><br>"I am only like this around people who... wish to be intimate with me." Meaning him. "It is different among sylphs. We wear very little clothing. In comparison to humans, especially seeing so many yesterday, I feel... so very naked under your eyes." She blushed, and squirmed again, folding her hands nervously in her lap.<br><br>"And you are very forthright. It is not difficult, even for me, to see how vulnerable I am."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:31:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her shy response, as he held her, was enough to make him smile, and he listened, without speaking, to everything she had to say, his eyes watching her as she did.&nbsp; He found himself thinking her eyes were very beautiful, lovely even, as she met his gaze.&nbsp; His attention was on her completely now, which might be somewhat disconcernting for her, as she explained herself to him.<br><br>"I see.. "&nbsp; He inclined his head in one direction, as though he was thinking for a bit.. on his response, before he spoke again... and several minutes passed, during which he said or did nothing, simply held her, and seemed thoughtful.&nbsp; "You feel naked to my gaze.... well, I hope you can come to feel comfortable under my gaze.. in time."<br><br>"As to the other.. I like you feeling vulerable with me... because I like that you are vulerable, Annwyn.. darling.. it makes me look at you all the more precious.. like a crystal goblet that one must treat with care.. or a bird one must hold gently.. "&nbsp; He leaned forward, and kissed her lips softly, as he had earlier... a gentle touch.&nbsp; "It is a reminder that I must treat you with gentleness, compassion, and love..."&nbsp; His eyes were intense, as he said that last word, and he gazed into her eyes... waiting for her response.<br><br>Again, he said nothing for several more moments.. <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:39:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She let him direct the kiss this time, savoring the gentle warmth that spread in a warm shiver down her body. Too soon, he was pulling away again, and Annwyn reluctantly sat back, breaking eye contact.<br><br>But each word out of his mouth made her blush more, and blush hotter. <em>Precious?</em> And he had said that he enjoyed having her feel vulnerable with him... something that discomfited her, and flustered her. But she couldn't explain why it was so.<br><br>And then he spoke of compassion and love - and now, Annwyn quivered, not knowing what the erratic thumping of her heart meant, nor able to explain why her cheeks flamed. She swallowed nervously into the silence, resisting the temptation to look up and let herself get caught in his eyes.<br><br>Just how was it possible that this mere human had such an effect on her? Nobody had ever mentioned anything like this, when it had been determined that she would be the one to find help.<br><br>"W-we should continue discussing... the slaving ring. What your next step is." She lifted her hands and tugged gently at his arm. It was covered by cloth, but she could feel the hard muscles underneath her fingers. "Kylan, please let me... sit elsewhere. I... I cannot think, with you touching me so intimately," she whispered softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:51:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He was reluctant, but she was right, they did need to speak of the slaving ring, and how to bring it to an end, though he would prefer to keep her in his lap.&nbsp; "Well.. I like you better in my lap.. but very well.. we do need to discuss the slaving ring."&nbsp; He paused for a moment, and he didn't move his hands.. his gaze caught hers, then reluctantly, he moved his arms to allow her to get out of his lap.<br><br>However, when she would have moved from his lap, he suddenly reached out and grasped her hands in his, holding them for a moment, before he released her hands again.&nbsp; Then, making a sudden decsion, he put his hands on her hips, lifted her up, and then set her down again on the bed..<br><br>He then began to wrap up some of the bread and cheese, though he left a slice of bread and the honey beside her.. the honey was hers now, to do with as she pleased.<br><br>"Just so you know, darling.. when we stop tonight, your going to spend part of that time in my lap."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 10:56:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was startled to stillness when he reached for her hands, then settled his own firmly at her hips, drawing her off his lap and placing her gently onto the bed. Annwyn blinked, but he didn't meet her gaze - he began wrapping up the bread and the cheese, presumably his dinner for later that day.<br><br>The honey, he left; Annwyn grew anxious when his hands neared the jar, but relaxed when he shifted on the bed, leaving it where it was.<br><br>Almost ready to talk, she was again startled to stillness and silence with Kylan's next words. The effect was swift, and predictable - heat rushed to her cheeks, her heart began thumping erratically in her chest, and she found a sudden need to stare down at her lap, pulling the hem of the shift so that it covered more of her smooth legs.<br><br>"W-would you turn, while I change?" She requested. Pleadingly. Annwyn didn't know how she would dress, with her fingers all a-tremble and her body reacting in such strange ways, if he kept staring at her like he wanted to eat her up with his bread and cheese.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-03-2009, 11:12:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You watched me change, shouldn't I have the enjoyment of watching you change now.. Annwyn?"&nbsp; He wondered what she would say to that, as he finished wrapping up the cheeze and bread, putting it away in his pack, for something to eat later, though he had a number of different rations packed away, for that also.&nbsp; He just prefered to have some of this cheese, it was one of his favorites.<br><br>His eyes were on her, he wondered a moment what she would say to that, and what she would do.. there were some things that came to mind, some he prefered to others.&nbsp; But, if she pleaded with him again, he thought that he would do as she asked, though he wanted to see what she would do or say.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>31-03-2009, 10:59:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She stared at him, mouth dropping open at the very suggestion. She hadn't- it wasn't as if she'd watched him change because she was interested! Well, she had been, but not in <em>him</em> dressing - merely the idea of putting on so many clothes...<br><br>Her answer came in a rapid shaking of the head, and a nervous squirm so that could pull the blanket from last night over her shoulders as she stared at him. "That might be so, but you've already taken so many liberties this morning," Annwyn answered, trying not to pout. Never mind that the kisses had been... intriguing, and being in his lap so very comfortable - but she felt, at the very least, that the combined value of both items at least gave her some privacy while she slid on the lovely silk dress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>02-04-2009, 02:20:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Fair enough, your right.. I'll give you some privacy... I should check the surroundings anyway, I'll be on the ground when your ready to go, just climb on down."&nbsp; He winked at her.. "This time at least."&nbsp; He then exited the entrance to the hidden tree house, and began to inspect the region carefully.&nbsp; No sign of any pursuers, at least, not yet, but he couldn't help but wonder, with her apperance in the city, even for the short amount of time she was there, that she might have gotten some attention from this slaving circle.&nbsp; If she had, they would want to try and take her, at least, that was his thought... one that he wasn't going to share with her, at least, not yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>11-04-2009, 09:29:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"This time, at least..." Annwyn whispered the words, her cheeks still red with embarrassment, as he left his treetop dwelling. <br><br>Despite his words, the sylph dressed quickly, the heat in her face not subsiding even though she knew he had left to inspect the vicinity. Other sylphs were not so aggressive with their attention; they wooed, truly, enticing with offers to fly together, to sing together, to spar or practice magic. Someone more aggressive might spin a small spell to intrigue and get his chosen one's attention...<br><br>But none had ever touched, and teased, as this mortal man had. Just having his eyes on her made her shiver, at the intent in them.<br><br>When the dress was settled on her body and the laces tied securely at her back and arms, Annwyn picked up the jar of honey and pondered if she should risk a bite. Well, she only wanted a small bite... surely a little taste wouldn't hurt?<br><br>She dipped a finger into the thick honey, swirling her finger in it to catch the long string of sweet nectar. Annwyn's eyes unfocused slightly as sweetness inundated her mouth and pleasure spread through her body; she'd forgotten how absolutely lovely the taste of honey was. She sucked gently on her finger, content to let the thick honey melt in her mouth as she perched on Kylan's bed, white cloth draped over, but not hiding, the curves she had been so shy about letting him touch earlier.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>17-04-2009, 16:01:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He gave her some time, exploring the surrounding area, as he said he would, and even querying the birds and beasts, asking them if they had noticed anything unusual.&nbsp; It didn't seem as though they were being followed, not yet, but he was still somewhat nervous, and would continue to be until they were much further from the city then they were.&nbsp; A day's walk, even to this hidden place, was too close to him, when he was feeling somewhat supicious.. <br><br>About 30 minutes or so, he was certain that no one had found this place, though his discussion with the owls and bats who were going to sleep now, did indicate there were two camps in the last night of humans, but much further to the east.... unlikly to be anyone who was following them, but there was a chance.&nbsp; <br><br>He then climbed back up to the entranced.&nbsp; "Come on Annwyn, darling, time to be going.. I hope your dressed and ready."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>21-04-2009, 13:50:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When she heard Kylan climbing back up to his home, Annwyn started out of her pleasant, honey-induced reverie, cheeks reddening in embarrassment even though nobody had seen her taking that taste of honey but herself. Quickly, she scrambled up off the bed; only when he was nearing the entrance did she notice that the open jar of honey was still clutched in her arms, her finger bearing the lightest traces of the thick, sweet syrup.<br><br>The sylph quickly re-sealed the jar and placed it on the floor, where she'd left it - but not before dipping her finger in again, and sticking the glob of honey in her mouth. She sucked it clean of honey, her cheeks still hot, her heart jumping from being 'caught' sneaking the treat, even though Kylan had told her that she could have the jar.<br><br>When the ranger re-entered his home - Annwyn was seated at the edge of his bed again, her feet dangling off the edge. She looked as if she hadn't moved but to change at all, with only a tiny smear of golden liquid on her bottom lip as evidence that she hadn't been able to resist the sweet honey.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>23-04-2009, 02:00:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He smiled, as he saw the trace of honey on her lips.. at least he knew what she had been doing, and he glanced down at the jar of honey a moment, before he approached her.&nbsp; He hadn't really intended to enter his home, just wait for her to leave, but now his intentions changed completely.&nbsp; Stepping inside, he walked toward her, his movements almost predatory, though he paused a moment to pick up the jar of honey and put it in her hands... then, he kissed her.. licking the honey from her lips, and sharing the taste with her.. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>23-04-2009, 03:21:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiled at him, standing and shaking out the skirt as she started towards him. But then he started walking towards her... Annwyn stopped after only a step or two, her eyes large and curious when he bent down to pick up the honey. She flushed warmly when he picked it up and placed it in her hands, and opened her mouth to thank him-<br><br>And found her lips captured by his without warning.<br><br>Gasping, Annwyn's eyes grew larger in surprise, her blush intensifying and her grip on the jar of honey tightening. The taste of honey and Kylan mixed together in an intoxicatingly sweet blend, one that left the sylph quivering when he finally stepped back.<br><br>"K-K-Kylan. We should go," she murmured softly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>25-04-2009, 03:23:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He loved the way she blushed, it made her all the more lovely, and the way she stuttered as she spoke, only pleased him more, because he knew that he was having an effect on her, and that it was at some measure, the one he wanted to have.<br><br>"In a moment.."&nbsp; He responded, as he took her in his arms, for another long kiss... because he wanted too.. because he had too, the jar of honey between them as he kissed her.&nbsp; If she would allow it, he would continue the kiss for several minutes, before bringing it an end, and then taking her hand in his, escort her to the doorway.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>20-06-2009, 07:23:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				That little bit of resistance failed her when he smiled and took her into his arms, slowly but firmly pulling her towards him. Annwyn shivered, trembling delicately as their mouths met again - he tasted sweet, and hot, and masculine... nothing like she'd experienced before. And never had she craved so much as she did now - wanting to taste more of him... and see what else he was wanting to share with her.<br><br>So she was held in thrall as their kiss deepened, and she relaxed enough that by the time he lifted his lips from hers, her body was draped against him, her soft skin flushed and aching gently as she shook herself out of her daze.<br><br>"It's not proper, Kylan," she said weakly. But she followed him as he led her to the doorway of his home, quiet and unable to think of anything intelligent to say.<br><br>Once they were back on the ground, she looked up at him again, this time a little more reproachfully. "Among my people, it is too forward to do such a thing when you have not been acquainted for more than at least a few a months," she informed him tartly, still blushing, but no longer weak from the new sensations he had taught to her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>20-06-2009, 22:37:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My dear, lovely Annwyn, if my friends among the birds hadn't said something, I would still be restraining myself, but I'm not going to court you in the manner of your people."&nbsp; There was a hint of threat and promise, as well as a hint of teasing in his tone.&nbsp; "Besides, I enjoy making you blush, my sweet slyph, it makes you look all the more beautiful."&nbsp; He moved toward her a manner that was both seductive and predatory.<br><br>"So, here's my new rule.. every time you say it's not proper, or that I'm being too forward, I'm going to take it to mean, you enjoyed it, but can't help but protest... and I'm going to take advantage of your enjoyment."&nbsp; He put his hands on her hips, and then pulled her against him again, for yet another one of those sweet sensual kisses, enjoying the feel of her in his arms, as his hands slide around her hips, to cup that lovely prefect rear, and pull her close against him.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>23-06-2009, 15:16:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When his next kiss ended, she shivered, but daren't say anything that could be interpreted as a protest or an admission of her desire. Instead, she swallowed and nodding in understanding of his new rule. She was wary of him, Kylan, even if he did deal with her gently - he sought to override all of her protests regarding proper courtship and romance...<br><br>And gods, she couldn't resist his kisses. She wanted to taste more of him, and see how else he wished to touch her, to embrace her. Where he had cupped her bottom, her skin still tingled hotly, and Annwyn couldn't seem to calm her rapidly beating heart, still excited and eager for more of his kisses.<br><br>"I-I'll try to remember that," she managed to say nervously, shifting out of his arms and stepping back. But for all of her embarrassment and wariness of him, Annwyn still stepped close to his arm, latching both of her hands above his elbow. She closed her eyes as a wave of dizziness hit her, and gripped his flesh tightly, trying to punch through the fog that was starting to wrap around her mind.<br><br><em>Kylan.</em> "Kylan," she murmured weakly, clutching him as her knees buckled. "I feel them. Nearby... close. Magic... poisonous magic to my kind," she whimpered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 08:22:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes suddenly became much more alert as her knees buckled, and he caught her, lifting her up in his arms, holding her legs under one of his arms, and cradling her head against his shoulder on the other one.&nbsp; "Best we get moving then.. I'd go investigate, but it's not safe just yet."&nbsp; He then whistled, and several birds came out of the air, who he then spoke too.<br><br>"Other's like us are out here, little brothers, let us know where they are, and what direction they are going?"&nbsp; He spoke in the tongue of birds, but being a creature of the air, she could understand him, even as he began to move to better cover, though still carrying her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 08:49:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She clung to him tightly as fear locked her throat. "What if they come here? What if they find your hideout?" Annwyn was trembling, shaking as her body rebelled against the magic. It seemed, for all intents and purposes, like some kind of magic-eating charm. There were certain, decidedly less scrupulous magical creatures whom sold such items, for a high price. It almost always meant that the mage who had bought such an item, or the power to make such an item, was slowly being corrupted from power-lust.<br><br>She pressed her face against his shoulder, trying to force herself to breathe as her muscles alternately tensed and relaxed. "Where are we going?" The sylph's voice was weak, but she was clearly trying to fight the effects of the foreign, discordant magic. "What are you planning?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 12:13:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm not as vulerable to the effects of this as you are, my darling, being by birth mortal, rather then magicial, even though I do have talents that would be considered magicial, they are bound to the natural order, rather the the mystical one..."&nbsp; He responded as he carried her deeper into the woods, wondering what could and would come of this.&nbsp; "Besides, don't worry, my friends and I will protect you."&nbsp; By friends he meant the creatures of the forest, wondering a moment if he should extend his senses somewhat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>25-06-2009, 12:59:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She shuddered and hugged herself tighter against him, resisting the urge to slam out the poison with her magic. Doing so would alert the amulet, or charm, or whatever it was doing this to her, that something had resisted its magic, thus signaling its owners that there was some magical creature nearby, weakened by the corrupted magic.<br><br>"Thank you, Kylan," she whispered. Annwyn closed her eyes, feeling some of her strength return as they distanced themselves from the poachers. Some birds who had not gone to do Kylan's bidding flew alongside as he walked, cheeping softly and anxiously for the sylph. <em>I'm fine,</em> she whispered to them, her magical voice weak and fragile. <br><br>She remained silent for some time, concentrating on keeping the magic-poison from invading her body too much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 00:26:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Good" Lifting his voice in a howl, that was frightening enough, exactly like a wolves, he called the local wolf pack to him, and when they appeared, he spoke to them in a series of growls and snarls, there was a hint of some sort of threat in his tone in fact, but it wasn't directed toward the pack.&nbsp; <br><br>"My friends here are going to trail them and let me know where they are, and prevent them from finding our trail.. "&nbsp; He didn't go into how.. though he had a plan, the pack would get back to him on it, and if nessary, he and the wolves together, would remove this group of poachers, and perhaps question a few of them.<br><br>"Best get you further away though, my dear."&nbsp; He continued to move away, speaking with a few more of the birds, and letting his feel for life direct him further into the wilderness, away from the paths the poachers might be taking.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-06-2009, 03:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was some time later before Annwyn roused herself to full consciousness again, her muscles aching gently from holding on to Kylan. She was sure it was much worse for him, having carried her for so long, but she couldn't feel too sorry, since she only now felt better, and only just at that.<br><br>"Kylan." The first time, it was too soft too hear. She cleared her throat, then shifted in his arms. "Kylan, can we stop for a moment? They're out of my range, and you must be getting tired from carrying me for so long," she said insistently.<br><br>Annwyn waited for Kylan to stop and let her down before she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Thank you. I just need some water... I hear a stream nearby. You should get some, too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 06:18:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Come then, let's go clean up a bit.. "&nbsp; He said, as he set her down on her feet, though he kept one of her hands in his, and headed toward the water, wondering just what it was that drew this group of poachers here.&nbsp; He was almost sure, as well, that they were the ones she was looking for, and if he'd been alone, he'd have trailed them, but he also had to protect her, which made this assignement a bit more complex then it would be otherwise.&nbsp; Still, he wouldn't have it any other way, he enjoyed her company, and it had been a long time sense he'd met anyone whose company he enjoyed quite that much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>01-07-2009, 12:14:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She'd expected him to let go of her, and was pleasantly surprised (though, also quite pleased) to see that he held her hand in his, leading her to the stream that he had probably located with the help of his magic. Annwyn smiled, and blushed to herself, ducking her head so that her short hair could cover some of the redness in her cheeks. Kylan was still a gentleman, even if he did insist on courting her so improperly. And no female, even a shy sylph like her, could deny that his attention was flattering in the extreme.<br><br>Upon reaching the small, but still relatively fast-moving stream, Annwyn knelt next to the rocky bank to splash some water on her face, cooling her cheeks as she cleared the last of the poison-drowsiness. She drank some of the water, wanting to sigh at the purity of it; it tasted fresh and lovely. Not as good as from her home mountains, certainly, but still quite refreshing.<br><br>"Are you sure it was alright, not chasing after them yourself? I'm sure you could have caught the poachers with no trouble," Annwyn asked him as she tried to dry her face with the sleeve of the gown.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>04-07-2009, 01:29:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It's not a problem, I've set the wolves on thier trail, I'm going to hunt down thier camping location tonight, after dark, when they are less alert and capable.. I might even do my best to take care of that amulet, so that they can't use it against you, and others like you, my dear."&nbsp; He responded to her question, even as he knelt next to her, splashing his face, and taking a drink himself.. he then turned, and rather then moving, he watched her... considering how lovely she was, and simply enjoying looking at her.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>08-07-2009, 03:32:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sobered slightly at his answer, nodding. Of course, he had put her safety above hunting them down; she only hoped that the poachers didn't have some other means of eluding Kylan's four-footed friends, or of hurting them. Poachers who hunted magical creatures for their living, after all, would surely know that magical creatures had friends in the wilds.<br><br>"Did you want us to keep moving, then?" Annwyn carefully stood up and brushed some dirt and leaves off her dress. She couldn't help but blush when she saw Kylan's warm eyes, watching her, but tried not to give the impression that she'd noticed or cared. "It is still quite some time before night will fall."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>06-08-2009, 08:43:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Actually, yes, I think we should keep moving it would be better for you at least, to be further away when I take things to the next logicial step."&nbsp; He reached out to help her brush some of the dirt and leaves off the dress, and then smiled slightly.&nbsp; "There's a cave up that way, about a two or three hour walk, that I sometimes spend time in.&nbsp; If we go there, and you wait there for a while, I can go and investigate, and perhaps even find out a few things about these poachers."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>26-08-2009, 15:21:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She took his hand with a gracious smile, twitching her skirts once more before squaring her shoulders and following his lead through the forest.<br><br>It took slightly longer than his two and three hour estimate, largely because Annwyn's skirts gown slowed their travel slightly. At first she was loathe to use magic to keep the material away from small branches that threatened to snag, and from the rough, uneven ground that forced her to drag the hem in some places. After having to pause for a third time to gently unhook the gown from yet another branch, the sylph gave in and used a small trick that the more playful of the fae liked to use on unwitting mortal victims.<br><br>"It will be faster to move this way," Annwyn murmured, coloring a little when she noted Kylan's dark eyes lingering on her legs, now bare to mid-thigh. "Perhaps once we are in the cave, it would be more prudent to wear my... usual, and save this beautiful gown for when we needs return to the city." She sounded a little wistful, but better to be practical and safe than the opposite.<br><br>They made a faster pace after that, even though Annwyn was unused to walking - her kind preferred to use the pathways of air to travel through their kingdom. "Must you leave to investigate, Kylan?" She asked, reluctant to part with him when he had led her so far from his home.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>05-09-2009, 21:26:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He squeezed her hand as they continue along the way.&nbsp; "I didn't want to say anything about the gown, sense you looked so lovely in it.. but then, I think you look lovely regardless of what your wearing.. or not wearing."&nbsp; His hands shifted to her waist and lifted her over some tall rocks as he continued to speak.&nbsp; His gaze did indeed follow her bare legs, when she made the air lift her dress high on her thighs.<br><br>"As to investigating.. not strictly, I do not, for I can query those I asked to follow them, however, there are things that these human eyes can see, that wolf and owl will not."&nbsp; He slide his arms around her waist from behind and nuzzled her neck, as they came to the cave entrance, which was carefully concealed.&nbsp; "We are here... do I get to watch you change this time?"&nbsp; His question was soft and teasing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>13-10-2009, 20:36:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're too kind," Annwyn murmured, blushing at the warmth in his voice, the obvious admiration of her figure. Carefully, she stepped over the rocks, shivering when his hands closed over her waist and lifted her easily to help her down. It was strange, the fluttering that was making her stomach tumble and roll so distractingly; normally, she would simply jump or hop over these obstacles with a twist of sylph magic, so she could float over them. Some of her not doing so was attributed to the fright she'd received earlier, of the hunters being so near with the poisonous amulet; but even Annwyn couldn't deceive herself into thinking that that was all it was.<br><br>It really was a treat, to be touched so reverently and sweetly, and looked upon with such warmth and kind eyes.<br><br>Reaching the cave, Annwyn swallowed down her inherent dislike for the dark, enclosed space when she saw it. Her fingers clenched reflexively, surprised, when Kylan slid his arms around her waist, bringing his body warmly against hers. "W-watch me change? There would be nothing interesting," the sylph protested, blushing an intense red as her rebellious, curious self wondered what it would be like to change while under Kylan's watchful gaze.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>17-10-2009, 19:22:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You blush beautifully, my dear, but I must dispute your words, I would find it very interesting."&nbsp; His eyes gleamed a bit, though it would not be easy for her to see them, considering the way he was holding her.&nbsp; "Of course, I enjoy the way your outfit shows off your beauty, but then, I would find you most beautiful wearing nothing at all, surely you would not deny me the joy of your full beauty?"&nbsp; His tone was soft, sensual, and seductive, but he meant every word he said, as he kissed her neck softly, then let his hands around her loosen, so that she could free herself, if she chose.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>30-11-2009, 09:37:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I am... I am afraid it is too soon," she squeaked, not moving away even when he stepped back and loosened his hold on her enough to allow her to. She swallowed and looked away, embarrassed and unsure, then glanced back up at him, biting her lip when their eyes met.<br><br>He was... most persuasive. And she didn't doubt that he would enjoy watching - he made that very clear, with his kisses and his gentle hold on her.<br><br>"But surely I can make it up to you," she finally said after a period of silence, shaking herself from the daze that had set in when he'd kissed her neck. Her mind had gone curiously blank, and she had simply enjoyed the feeling of his warm lips traveling over her neck. "I wouldn't be averse to... another kiss, if you would have one."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>03-12-2009, 01:21:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Another kiss, eh?&nbsp; I believe I can always find another kiss for you, my dear."&nbsp; He slide his hands down her back, to cup her bottom and pull her tight against him, then he kissed her, a long, sensual and sweet kiss, tasting her sweet lips, enjoying the feel of her lush body pressed against his, the sensual pleasure of simply holding her in his embrace.&nbsp; She had invited and requested his kiss, and he intended to make it last as long as possible, and to make her hungry for more, in the future, to desire and enjoy his kisses, would be something he would encourage as much as possible.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>19-12-2009, 11:55:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She whimpered softly against his lips, her own body betraying her eagerness as she pressed against him, then moved, grinding her softer curves over his well-muscled body as parts of her began aching in a terrible way. She shivered, then slowly allowed herself to relax against him, well-attuned to how much he was enjoying the kiss, and having her in his arms.<br><br>When she felt his tongue seek entrance, licking slowly, she parted her lips, making another soft noise of pleasure as the kiss deepened even further.<br><br>It continued for a very long moment; how long she remained pressed up against his body, the sylph could not have said. Sliding one hand over his cheek, Annwyn finally broke the kiss with a soft sigh of longing, her eyes fluttering open as she looked up at him. "It... it is not very gentlemanly of you, by human standards, to do such a thing - kissing so deeply... spoiling my innocence," she murmured, blushing hotly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>19-12-2009, 13:54:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Perhaps not, my dear, but then, I am not exactly a gentleman, most of those folks act like spoiled peacocks, and those who don't, allow themselves to become restrained and inhibited by the laws of those around them.&nbsp; It is a false nature, though the restraint serves a purpose, I suppose, it simply isn't my way."&nbsp; &nbsp;He turned his head, and holding her firmly against him, he kissed her again, another long, slow and sensual kiss, before stepping back slightly.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Besides, I like kissing you to much to hold back, my dear, and I'd be spoiling your innocence even more if you wore only skin for a kiss."<br><br>&nbsp;"Now, as much as I would like to continue kissing you, you did indicate a desire to change your clothing..."&nbsp; He gestured to her bag, and the cave, though he didn't turn his back, he was going to watch, unless she asked him to turn his back, or step outside a moment.&nbsp; She had said it was too soon, but he wondered what she would do anything, one way or another, if he simply stood there and waited.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>22-12-2009, 08:48:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She really couldn't find anything to argue about, against him - Kylan turned and twisted all of her arguments and made them seem silly and illogical. Staring at him, she clutched the bag where the garment she had worn upon coming into human civilization was kept. When he didn't turn around, the flush in her cheeks deepened.<br><br>"Kylan, aren't you going to turn around?" She finally asked, too embarrassed and too shy to so much as unlace the dress in front of him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>26-12-2009, 23:10:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Only if you asked me too, otherwise, I was going to watch."&nbsp; He winked at her, with a teasing edge to his voice, before he turned and walked out of the cave entrance, just out of sight, for her at least, but she could still hear him as he continued to speak.&nbsp; "Eventually, my dear, I hope your less shy around me."&nbsp; There was still a strong hint of good humor and teasing in his voice, he enjoyed keeping her a bit on the edge, wondering, it made things much more fun, in his opinion, for both of them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>02-01-2010, 08:56:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She flushed, but quickly dressed when he stepped out of the cave, shimmying out of the lovely gown before whisking a bit of magic over it, to make it less bulky to fit into a small pack that she could carry over her shoulders. Annywyn had no more and no less than she had been wearing prior, save for the expanse of bare arm - but when she stepped out of the cave to tug gently at Kylan's sleeve, she was still blushing. "I'm done now."<br><br>Returning to the cave, she sat down on a somewhat-smooth boulder, some of its sharper edges worn away by time and weather. "So what do we do now, Kylan?" She asked softly, looking up at him in entreaty.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>04-01-2010, 00:56:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He let his gaze drift over her lovely form, that dress she was wearing, was, as he had told her earlier, little more then a night gown by human standards, in fact, a human woman wearing it would be making an invitation.&nbsp; He knew she didn't mean it that way, but he moved over to her side, sittind down next to her on the boulder, then putting his hands on her waist, he slide her into his lap, which would be more comfortable, if somewhat more embaressing in her present state of mind.<br><br>"Normally, I would hunt these slavers, but I fear to leave you alone, especially sense I also wonder how they find thier creatures of magic, it's almost certain they have some method of tracking them."&nbsp; He thought a moment, as he let his arms slide around her waist, and his hands come to rest at the small of her back.&nbsp; "Perhaps it it best to wait and see what my friends have to say."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>05-05-2010, 13:17:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Annwyn's eyes flickered to the side shyly as he took a seat next to her. She was strung up tight, like a harp or a bowstring; ever movement that he made inevitably drew her eyes, and though she was doing her fair best not to let her thoughts or her imagination stray too far, it seemed to become much more of a difficult task with the passage of time.<br><br>"I'm... I'm sure it is safe for you to go hunt for them. I would be alright - here. I'm... not afraid of their coming back. I don't look it, I know, but I can defend myself," the sylph answered nervously, her voice breathier and higher-pitched than she ever remembered it being.<br><br>"You needn't... wait on m-my!... account." The squeak of surprise came when is palm slid comfortably over the small of her back, caressing her as if it was his right and privilege. A violent shiver crawled up her spine, leaving her trembling like a leaf under his palm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Krule</strong> on <strong>10-06-2010, 16:20:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You may be able to defend yourself my dear, however, I recall that wave of pain that you appeared to be feeling earlier, when we were too close, I suspect that might be how they are capturing magicial creatures.&nbsp; If I'm right, and they do find you while I'm gone, I'm not sure that you will be able to fight them, unless thier artifact or device is neturalized first.&nbsp; Though perhaps I am underestimating your abilities, if so, I beg your forgiveness, my dear"&nbsp; He noted how tense she was and he shifted his posistion a bit, and began to massage her shoulders, as he remained there beside her, at this moment he was focused on her.<br><br>"At the moment I am waiting for my friends to return, or to tell me anything, first, before I begin to take more direct action.. which leaves me here, with you, and I confess I find that thought particularly delightful."&nbsp; He then leaned foward and kissed her, slowly and deeply, enjoying the sweet taste of her lips as he did.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Winds Unchained [Krule &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>17-08-2010, 06:03:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I- I suppose..." There wasn't much more she could say when he leaned forward to capture her in a kiss, much like a dove being lured into a pair of gentle hands. She slid into the kiss willingly, hesitantly exploratory as she stayed close against him, and then ventured a gentle lick with her tongue, sliding the tip along his lips before sliding it back into her own mouth.<br><br>"Knowing what to expect, I would better be able to defend myself. I can construct some shields, that would hinder the effects of such a charm or amulet - and if nothing else, I would rather be out there, looking for my would-be captors, than hiding somewhere waiting for them to track me down."<br><br>The kiss seemed to addle her wits, a bit, but Annwyn took a deep breath as she eased back, her large eyes slightly dazed before she managed to shake away the puddle of heat beginning to settle deep in her belly.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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