Riders on the Storm [Kashik][Completed]

[Vanator]

Van broke into a smile as Kashik's lips brushed his with her words. He pressed his mouth gently against her full lips, both of his hands running lazily down her back, across her bum and up again, the skin already warming in the newly revealed sunlight. Every muscled in his body relaxed under Kashik's weight, but his nerves still tingled from the incredible experience. Van inhaled deeply, sandalwood and honey, sweat and musk, and the rich humid scent of the rain-soaked grass filled his senses. If beauty had an aroma, he could think of no better combination. "I will never think of a grasslands storm the same way." He muttered, "and never without thinking of you, Kashik Brightsmile." His smile returned, light and warm. One hand moved to brush her tangle of raven hair from her face before reaching to run his fingers down her deep bronze-toned cheek and across her moist lips. Their glance rarely deviated from an amorous gaze, as if staring into each other's eyes fed some desperate addiction. Contentment surrounded and suffused Vanator. As the magnificent woman lay wrapped around him, a peace that he had not felt in a long time soothed his soul. For a sweet breath in time, Van had no thought for the future or the past, he simply reveled in Kashik's heady presence. A loud snuffle broke the lovers' gaze as Backlash nuzzled Vanator's head, mussing his drying hair. He chuckled, scolding the Strider, but the mare simply turned to rub her muzzle against Kashik's curly mane. Van burst out in laughter. "She approves of you!" He chuckled, taking Kashik's hands in his own. Van laughed, but it was the truth. Backlash chimed in on new people, and if the horse didn't like you, she'd let her rider know. Vanator actually valued the Strider's opinion. After all, she may very well house the soul of a lost relative.

[Kashik]

As his hands traced over the lines of her body, so did hers travel the map of his: every muscle familiar to her now, every inch of skin as precious as her own in those quiet moments. Addiction was the right word for it, for at that moment there was nothing more important than touching him, not the sweetness of wine nor the sharp edge of a blade, nor even the shivering release that they'd shared only moments before. The whole of her focused on Vanator, and wanted for nothing else. It couldn't last forever, though - could it? she wondered, and the thought burned away some of the peace and left her shaken for a blink of an eye before she registered the ruffling touch of Backlash and giggled. She pressed a kiss to the mare's velvety nose and nuzzled her face against her for a moment before threading her fingers with Van's. "It seems you both have excellent taste," she said, her grin flashing bright and lazy in the aftermath of their pleasure. "And I would hope it's not only a storm that brings me to mind," she teased, winking at him. She lifted their twined hands and pressed another kiss to his knuckles, then one to the corner of his mouth. "Come, let's lay our things out to dry in the sun and start a fire. We've a while yet to laze about and trade stories." She rose slowly to her knees, a soft moan escaping as she separated from him, her body still over-sensitive to the feel of him, and laughed easily at herself for making such a sound. But she eventually rolled to her feet and pulled him up as well, only releasing his hands once they were standing. And then only to turn and wrap her arms around Backlash's head to hug her. "You must whisper my name to him while he sleeps," she murmured to the horse, eyes merry with laughter as she pretended Vanator couldn't hear her wily plans, "and tell him all of my good qualities and none of my bad ones," she said, giggling a little as she kissed the horse's cheek once more and released her.

[Vanator]

With a twinge of regret that the wallowing must come to an end, Vanator emitted his own groan as Kashik lifted off of him. He let her pull him to his feet, exhibiting the same hidden stength she exhibited durng lovemaking. He laughed as she not-so-covertly conspired with his Strider. The mare nickered softly and brushed her head against Kashik, as if agreeing to the plot. "What chance do I have when the two of you team up?" He jibed. He mussed Backlash's forelock, then hugged her neck too before stealing a kiss from Kashik. And then another. And then laced his arms around her waist and gave her a third, messy one. With a low growl and a grin he released her. Scooping up his breeches and weapons, Van made his way back towards the rock overhang, turning to admire Kashik's stride. She had a confident sway to her hips that was so distracting he barely saw the rock in front of him. He managed to step over it awkwardly, cursing loudly as he burst into laughter. Spreading his pants over the poorly placed rock, Van returned to Backlash, who had lingered near Kashik. He laid the battle ax with the rest of his supplies, then dug out his flint and steel, a bundle of tinder and kindling, and some dried dung wrapped in leather. Van's gaze would linger on Kashik as he went about his constructing the fire, completely enamored with the sleek, bronzed Drykas woman. Kashik had made an indelible impression upon the man's heart. She stirred him, set a small flame to a part of him that had burnt out. Van was quite pleased that he would be escorting her to Endrykas. He suddenly realized he was still unclothed. He shrugged, the fact seemed so natural and fitting right then. He would dress when he had too...glancing back Kashik, he prayed to the gods she felt the same way.

[Kashik]

Kashik was more than happy to let him steal kisses, strong arms twining around his shoulders as he pulled her close, and she laughed when he growled, and rewarded him with a slap on the ass to send him on his way. "Go on, you," she chided, though there was affectionate mischief in her eyes as she laughed at the both of them. She took her time gathering up her clothes, having to dig her shirt out of the patch of grass she'd flung it into. When she saw Backlash lingering near her, she chuckled and made sure to pet her a little. She was Drykas, and knew well enough that their Striders were their equals, and so she treated the mare no differently than she would have treated Van's sister had she been lingering close. "That man is nothing but trouble for my heart," she whispered to the horse, low enough that Van wouldn't be able to make out the words though her eyes never stopped glancing his way, and though there was laughter threaded through her words, there was truth there as well. "Not that that's the sort of thing that will stop me from giving it to him," she giggled, slinging her wet clothes over her shoulder and grabbing her spear as she winked to the horse. "I am, after all, known for my joy, not my wisdom," she said, giving Backlash a good scritching beneath her chin. As Van approached she giggled and whispered "Shh! Don't tell him what I said," loud enough for him to hear, then winked to him and skipped over to lay her own clothes out to dry. She seemed rather unconcerned about the fact that they were both unclothed, was quite enjoying the sight of his well-muscled body as he set about normal camp tasks, the actions becoming more intimate and familiar than they would have been if they'd each donned their pants and tunics once more. She was not one to leave him to do all the work, as competent at keeping a campsite as he was, and more than that - she was no delicate flower to let the man see to her needs. No, there would be equality between them, not out of pride or stubbornness but simply because she was capable, and it would be an insult to him not to do her share. While he set up the fire, she grabbed a brush from her own packs and gave Backlash a quick once-over, then Hiloha as well, since they would be lingering at the campsite for a while longer. Her grumbly stallion sighed and stretched as she brushed him out, sending a small cloud of chestnut hairs flying in the last gusts of wind that swept over the Sea. When she was done with that, she went back to their abandoned picnic and rearranged all their food to one side. The apples were gone ("Was that you, you fatass?" she laughed at Hiloha, who snorted and nodded his guilt) but the rest remained, and mostly unharmed by the storm. Then she dragged the whole thing over to where he was starting the fire, and skipped back over to their supplies to grab her own blanket. "Brrr," she giggled, wrapping it around her shoulder as he got the fire completed. She padded up behind him and curled herself around his back, planting a kiss on his cheek from behind. "Here, sit," she laughed, practically bullying him into a seat on the blanket - only to curl up in his lap much as they'd been only a few minutes ago, swinging the blanket around the both of them so they could share its warmth. "Now," she said, pressing another kiss to his lips, "we must finish this wine, and what food my hollow-bellied horse has left us, and you must tell me more about yourself. Or ask me questions about myself, though I warn you I can talk on that subject for hours," she said with an impish grin. Even as she spoke, she couldn't quite stop herself from lifting a hand to trace the line of his neck, the curve where it met his shoulder, down to outline the windmark that stretched across his back.

[Vanator]

Van did not resist as Kashik forced him to sit, the fire already springing to life and the food and wine well within reach. When she landed in his lap again, he laughed heartily, something he found himself doing often since meeting the sultry Drykas rider. Most please with the seating arrangement, Van placed his hands around her rear and drew her close against him. Vanator savored the bronzed goddess' kiss. His left hand remained on the full curve of her hip, with the other he reached out of the blanket for the wine bottle. He offered it to Kashik as he shifted his seat slightly to settle her comfortably on his lap. Smiling at her demand to know more about him, Van submitted. He did not enjoy talking about himself, but he could not deny her request. "Alright, not much to tell. My father is Eachann, the Ankal of our pavilion, my mother is his first wife. I am the first born and therefore his heir. I have a much younger half sister and brother by my father's second wife, and two konti half sisters by my father's third wife. They are Kavala and Akela. Kavala is the one who lives in Riverfall." Van's tone changed, the brightness of his face darkening slightly. His hand caressed her hip without thought. "Kavala and Akela left us over two years ago. I miss them." His eyes darted down at his chest and the Lacun mark visible on his bare skin. Of course Kashik had seen it, and knew what it meant. Vanator did not often discuss it, especially with strangers, but there were a few, those whom he had trusted and confided in. As he found himself lost again in those passionate teal eyes, Kashik was suddenly one of those whom he had to tell. His face became somber, the grin gone from his lips. "I was married, once, Kashik. But I lost her." His eyes dropped, lighting on the stone that laid upon her chest. His free hand reached towards it, his finger lightly stroking its smooth surface. Then a faint grin returned. "She was beautiful and so young. Even at her age she was an accomplished herbalist. She was full of passion and life, like you. We were so much in love, we were happy for five years. Then one day, she and some others went to gather food. Zith attacked and left no one alive. In fact, only Tamar was left at all, already dead when I found her. I thank the gods they did not take her." Van looked up again at Kashik. He found comfort in her closeness, solace in the press of her powerful presence. "That was five years ago." He sighed, then offered her a thin smile, suddenly regretting that he had darkened the mood between them. His hand lifted to stroke her face, as if in apology.

[Kashik]

As he shared his story, her hands remained on his shoulders, tracing the lines of them until they finally rested and stilled when he began talking about his wife. Her eyes stayed glued to his, that intensity of focus no less now than when they'd made love in the throes of Zulrav's fury. When he finished, and touched a hand to her cheek, she nuzzled against it and gave him a soft, loving smile. "There's no need for the apology I see in your eyes," she whispered, taking his face in both her hands and pressing a kiss to each eyelid, left then right, before leaning back again and letting her eyes wander down the hard planes of his chest. "You are marked so that you can remember, not just the bad times but the good as well," she murmured, trailing both hands down until she touched calloused thumbs to the mark, outlining the small design. "You loved her, and will always love her. And that will always be worth remembering. I am honored to hear you speak of it," she said, her smile hitching another fraction. She tilted her lips to brush against his again, and there was no awkwardness in her kiss. Fingertips traced feather-light along his cheekbones before she finally sat back again, the warmth of her smile chasing away the seriousness in her eyes. "Tell me of Kavala and Akela. You love them as well, these sisters. I can hear it in your voice when you speak their names. Tell me what they were like when you were children together," she said, shifting a little in his lap and purring slightly as soft curves came up against hard muscle, and she laughed at herself even as she enjoyed the feel of him.

[Vanator]

Vanator's regret faded with Kashik's kind words and the soft brush of her lips. He felt her compassion. It was not a gushing empathy that commiserated with him, but a strong, warm understanding that turned a tragic memory to a fond reminiscence. Kashik was not only beautiful and gregarious, but wise and tender. She did not pander to him, but simply shed a light that seemed to bolster his heart. Van was moved by her interest in him, in the things that mattered to him. The comfort he felt being so close to her, all that they had already shared, only coaxed him to give her more. He took a swig of wine and set the bottle down. his hands trailed from her knees, at his sides, to her hips and settled on her slim waist. His eyes likewise followed the line up from her navel, over her breasts and up her long neck to rest on her eyes. "Kavala, Akela and I were close in age, so we grew up close. Akela is the older sister and is the warrior. As a kid, she was a rugged tomboy who could whip any boy in the pavilion, including me. She had a smart mouth and a quick strike. She was the brother I really never had. We wrestled fiercely, even past the age where it was probably appropriate." He grinned slyly. "Kavala was the healer, like her mother. She wanted to take care of people, and animals more so. She was my best friend. She would tend to the cuts and bruises Akela and I would accumulate while sparring." Van's eyes were glazed over, smiling at the memories. "When we were teens, whenever we got near a particular Watchtower, we would steal away and spend the day exploring it and running and laughing. Akela and I would chase Kavala and tackle her, tickling her until she couldn't breathe...." his voice trailed off. His eyes focusing again on Kashik, his hands moving lazily up and down over her ribs. He beamed contently at the woman. "There are indeed many good memories." Van's hands ran up Kashik's back, pulling her closer to him, pressing another kiss to her full lips. It was an affection of gratitude, though the contact of her torso to his delighted him. He relaxed his embrace, lest he stir himself beyond his ability to resist her. His arms returned to rest on her thighs, squeezing lightly to admire their firm tone. His grin widened as he posed his own question. "Tell me about your family, and how you learned to be so adept with your weapons?"

[Kashik]

She snacked on bits of the cheese as she listened to him speak of his sisters, giggling a little when he described their antics at the Watchtowers. She found herself charmed by the contented happiness that shone from him when he spoke of them, and some girlish part of her wondered if her own family looked so when they spoke of her. "I think Akela sounds much like me," she giggled, reaching for her own swig of wine. When he kissed her, she couldn't help but take his face in her hands again, melting against his body without hesitation. There were no barriers between them, not physically, and any emotional ones that might have been in place were slowly eroding as they went from strangers to lovers to something she didn't have words for. When he pulled away she gave a playful little growl of regret, nipping at his bottom lip, but she settled back again with a grin. "Ah, my family," she laughed, and began feeding him little bits of bread and cheese from her fingertips while she spoke. "Well, my uncle is the Ankal of the Pavilion, though it's my brother who will be taking over from him. All of Uncle Drindal's sons have died," she said with a sigh, "and though he took a second wife she has only born him daughters. So it's my father's first-son, Bremon, who'll be serving as Ankal. Which is great, I think," she laughed, "because he's so stoic and responsible. Oh, he can sing a bawdy song as well as anyone, but there's something deeply... dependable about him," she said with a shrug. "Like you know that you could turn to him no matter what your trouble or how high the cost of getting you out of it. I think that's part of what makes him perfect for it, you know? Not that I don't mourn my cousins, and honor their memories... but, well, if you ever meet him, you'll understand. I think the two of you would get along well," she laughed. She reached for the wine again, taking another long sip and leaving the last for him as she passed him the bottle. "As to how I took to weapons," she said, her grin turning sly and mischievous, "well, there wasn't really anyone who was strong enough to pry them out of my hands, even as a babe. You know how some children will clutch a blanket to them while they sleep?" she said, reaching up with both hands to gather her wet curls and twist them up off her shoulders, looping her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck - and didn't really seem to notice how the movements made her breasts heave and bounce, she just wanted the wet hair out of her face. "Well, I used to clutch my father's spear. As soon as i was old enough to walk I was bashing at things with little wooden sticks. My father figured that as long as I was going to hit something, he might as well make sure I hit it correctly." She let her arms settle across his shoulders once again, gently twisting a lock of his hair around one of her fingers. "And it was necessary. Every one of my elder male cousins except one has died, and one of my younger brothers. When we are left with so many women, it's good if some of them can be counted on to help guard the Pavilion. I took to weapons because I'm good at it," she said, her smile never fading even as she talked of those she'd lost, for that was the way of things in the Sea of Grass. It was a harsh life, and the costs were high, but she - like the rest of her family - were willing to pay it. It was the reason she lived her life so fiercely, loved so deeply and easily, never regretted a thing she did. "I became adept at them because I love my people, all of them," she said quietly, the passion and depth of her love for the Drykas as a whole pressing against her tongue, "and the least I can do to show that love it protect those who need it."

[Vanator]

Vanator listened intently as Kashik spoke, his eyes only leaving hers briefly to study the strong, lovely features of her cheekbones and jawline, or to watch the delicious movement of her full lips as she spoke. His gaze did settle lower at the inviting bobbing of her breasts as she put up her hair. The story of Kashik's family was not uncommon for their people. Loss was a part of Cyphrus life, they were a race that were as much a part of the cycle of life in the grasslands as the herds that grazed them or the predators that hunted them. That was not to say that the losses were no less painful. Just not unexpected. Van had already adored Kashik for her Drykas strength and beauty, had been drawn to the powerful Drykas spirit within her. Now, as she spoke of the love of her people, the desire to protect them, he saw that Kashik had the truest heart of the Drykas. Another facet of attraction and kinship bloomed. "Indeed," his voice took a sober tone, "protecting our loved ones is the Drykas way." His eyes dropped again to the colorful stone resting against her coppery chest. If only you had. the accusing voice was not heard as much as it once was, but the convicting demon seemed to taunt him when his heart was most tender. Van's gaze lifted to meet Kashik's. Of course she had lost people she cared about too. Every Drykas had. He closed his eyes for a moment, banishing the looming guilt. He straightened his back slightly, defying the whispering devil in his head. He took the bottle, swallowing what was left of the wine. The sweet, slightly stringent taste cleansed his tongue and left a slight burn in his throat. "Kashik Brightsmile," he spoke, his playful grin returning. "Whatever else shall we do as we wait for our clothes to dry?" The hands on her hips pulled her close against him, his torso leaning against hers. His lips followed a trail from one shoulder to the other before stacking a line of kisses up the side of her neck and finally to slide across her mouth. His hands likewise traveled again, up her sides, over the outer curves of her breast, exposed as they were pressed against his chest. He laughed as he felt his shaft stirring, having a mind of its own, extending to brush gently against her from beneath.

[Kashik]

Kashik saw the flash of guilt that touched his eyes, knew when he closed them that he was trying to banish it once more. It twisted her heart to see such a thing, for she knew even from their short conversation how much he'd loved his wife, and could imagine that this strong, responsible man would take the death of his wife as a personal blow. How could he not? But it was that exact depth of feeling would be what made him a great Ankal - Kashik knew that, and did not bother offering some hollow comfort, or encouragement that he forget it, or not hold himself accountable. No, better that he did, and remembered the horrors that life could bring, for such a memory would keep him strong enough to care for those loved ones that still remained. Though it made her ache in sympathy for him, she understood that it was necessary as perhaps few women did; though her fingers twitched to offer him comfort, they remained as she watched him set aside that voice himself. When his grin returned, though, she felt her insides go fluttery and couldn't help the somewhat-dazzled smile she gave him back. Her back arched as he pulled her closer, pressing against him, and a breathy laugh slid across his skin as she felt him twitch and stir beneath her. "Oh, I'm fairly sure we can think of something," she chuckled, hands already tracing the muscles of his back as his lips began to explore her skin. They trailed up to his throat and further to take his face in her hands and tilt him up to her, but instead of kissing him she held him still and ran her tongue along the bottom edge of his lip. "Some innocuous task to wile away the time," she murmured, eyes heavy-lidded as she shifted her hips ever-so-slightly, just enough to tease him with the warmth of her. "Our tack could probably use a good cleaning," she said reasonably, though her hands tilted his head back further so she could trail her mouth down the line of his throat and back up to his ear. "Or perhaps we should just get some rest. We've had a long day," she purred, and caught his earlobe between gentle teeth as she shifted again, teasing him much as she had in the midst of the storm though this time there were no clothes between them.