Closed Hunt or be Hunted.

[Firenze]

43 Fall, 514 AV

Grabbing her pack, Firenze headed into the woods, yet again. She was on a mission. There was going to be dead animals in her pack by the time she was done. Even if it meant having to find a place to sleep in the forest. The late fall leaves crunched under her boots and decided that she was going to find a place that she could camp if she need to stay over night.

Walking past the hibernating trees and shrubbery, towards the stream she had laid down in to soak in the past. Kneeling down she ran her fingers through the cool water. It would be frozen over soon as winter approached and the water that currently flowed past her fingers would be solid and slick, possibly even snow covered. Cupping her hand she let her palm fill with the refreshing liquid and brought it to her mouth. Continuing this motion until she had her fill.

Slinging her bag back after it had begun to slip down her shoulder while she was drinking, she stood and stepped through the water that had just quenched her thirst. Making her way to the other side in search for a cave, or hole in a hill or some kind of shelter. She walked a little further through the woods, kicking up leaves under her feet, the strong breeze blowing through her hair, tangling it and making it look more wild.

There were some trees that had some rather large holes in the bottom of them, unfortunately not large enough for her to fit her frame. She grabbed some sticks as she walked, checking to see if they were dry enough to light a fire that evening. Some were dampened and dark, with mold running along the bark, those she threw back to the ground, knowing that they would most likely not light.

She finally came to a small alcove in the side of a large hill, where the dirt had fallen away and formed a cliff. It was only a few feet above her head but appeared to be large enough that she could fit comfortably.

OOC InfoWord Count = 354

[Firenze]

43 Fall, 514 AV

Walking up to the small cavernous area in the side of the hill, she noticed some large trees that were growing just above the top, some of them teetering closely to falling off. It appeared the only thing that were holding them in place were their integrated roots with the other trees surrounding them. Pushing some of the roots to the side, she surveyed her surroundings. It was musky and a little damp, the walls of dirt and the floor of dirt and rocks. Tree roots hung down in the opening and throughout the small area.

Grabbing her dagger from her side, Firenze took to cutting down some of the roots that would annoy her or get in her way while she was trying to make a place to bed down for the evening. She had already gotten a late start to the day and by the time she'd reached the alcove Syna's light had started to fade. It'd taken her longer then she would've liked to actually find a place to stay the night. She was rather excited to get hunting, on the way over she had spied some deer tracks and saw a few flashes of their little bodies running off.

Throwing the sticks she'd gathered on the ground she wiped an area to make it as clear as she could, for the place that she'd be resting. Laying her pack at the top of the clear spot, she reached in and grabbed her flint and steel and set it to the side. Looking at the pile of sticks, thinking for a moment, she realized that she needed something a little finer that the sparks could catch. Standing up she walked out of the cave and grabbed some of the deadened leaves.

She threw the leaves on top of the sticks and plopped her rear back on to the spot she'd be bedding down. Crossing her legs, she scooted closer to the stick and leaves and grabbed her flint and steel. She turned the flint up and struck it with her steel. Sparks flew but nothing happened. Continuing to strike it, Firenze's sighed, as she sighed the sparks caught and her breath made a leaf light with a smolder, a small string of smoke curling up. Throwing her things to the side, she blew on the pile try to make it catch and grow.

Blowing a little over zealously, Firenze blew the smolder on the edge of the leaf out. Growling she grabbed her flint and steel again and set to the task of striking, this time realizing it might need a little help to catch. A few more chimes, and another spark flew into the middle of a different leaf, she blew lightly and the bright smolder spread. Continuing the breeze on the leaves, smoked curled up to dance along the dirt roof and along the tangles of roots.

More chimes passed and the small burn ran through the leaves, but the sticks hadn't caught, and her head was getting light. After the smolder ran through her pile of leaves, without catching the sticks, she sat back and huffed. Getting to her feet she stomped from the cavern, grabbed another pile of leaves, and stomped back to the pile of sticks. Deciding to take a rest for a moment, she tried to think of what she might be doing wrong, why the sticks weren't catching.

Throwing her head back and sighing loudly, she studied the ceiling of dirt above her, trying to think what she could do to get it started. She glanced back to the pile and studied it for a moment. Noticing some of the bark peeled from one of the sticks, she grabbed it and began to peal it back some more, until is was about half way down the length of the stick.That should help it! If the smolder stays agains the wood long enough hopefully it'll make it catch. She sighed to herself and started grabbing the sticks, one by one, peeling the bark back and then putting them into a piled so they were stacked, the peeled parts together.

Placing the leaves onto the top of the peeled sticks, she struck her flint and steel. Ten chimes passed and she finally managed to get the jumping sparks to land on her pile, catching the edge of one of the peeled sticks. Lightly blowing, she held her hands around the sticks, praying that it would work this time. After a while the leaves caught, the peelings caught and with a few more huffs a little fire started dancing, throwing light into the back of the cave. She kept her hands around the fire, wanting to make sure that it wouldn't go out until it caught the whole pile of sticks.

Eventually the pile caught enough that she could run back outside and collect more sticks to feel the fire throughout the night. She made her pile of kindling and small logs off to the side, then throwing some of the logs on the fire, trying to make it bigger.

OOC InfoWord Count = 848

[Firenze]

43 Fall, 514 AV

As the fire began to pop and crack and flame to life, Firenze clapped her hands, excited that she finally got it to light. Tucking the flint and steel back into her pack she unclasped her cloak, stood up and shook it out. Tossing it up to help it fan out, the created breeze catching the folds of the fabric, it floated to the ground where she planned on sleeping for the evening.

It had started to grow dark outside of the cave and the fire was showing to be her only source of light, until the moon decided to show up later in the night. Reaching into her pack, she grabbed her water bladder and took a sip as she walked out of the cavernous hole, brushing some of the roots to the side. She looked to the sky as she leaned against the wall, crossing her ankles. Almost all the leaves had fallen off the trees, the branches looking like gnarled hands waving to the night sky as the breeze pushed them around. The stars twinkled brightly, only a few clouded darkly floated through the sky, yet not covering the brightness of the moon.

She looked down to the ground, surveying the area, trying to see if there were any eyes peeking at her through the early dark. There was a pair of reflective balls looking at her from under a bush, but it darted away as quickly as she noticed it. Taking a few more sips of water, she took some deeps breaths of the cooling air and turned to go back to her place by the fire.

Firenze tucked the water bladder next to her pack and laid down on her cloak, putting her head on the pack she watched the fire dance, flicking back and forth, licking at the wood. A quarter of a bell passed and her eyes started to become heavy as she watched the images form on the ceiling, the fire throwing shadows. As her eyes began to close, she tried to fight the sleep a little longer, eventually they shut completely and she drifted off.


OOC InfoWord Count = 354

[Dor'gen]

Fall 43, 514 AV

As a soldier, Dor'gen was taught that his body was a weapon.

As a weapon, it was his duty to maintain his sharpness. Like a sword, he had to take meticulous care of himself in order to make sure that he responded correctly in the face of an enemy. To this end, he required sharpening and polishing in the form of regular training. Such was his reason for taking an early job this day, so that he might dedicate his afternoon and evening towards the pursuit of personal mastery. In an effort to find a suitable place to train, Dor'gen ventured to the northermost outskirts of town...which happened to be the very same location where he had met Firenze. In the time that had passed since their getting to know one another, the Akalak found it very hard to keep the woman out of his mind. It was as if he were...taken...with her; a fact that Goa loved to point out.

After a few chimes of walking aimlessly about in the northern woods, the Akalak ultimately settled down. Lowering himself to the grassy earth, his legs folded and he placed his palms upon his thighs. His back was leaned upon an adjacent tree which offered both comfort and support as he attempted to "center" himself. Lulling his eyes to a close, Dor'gen then drew a deep, calming breath. Meditation was something that he was slowly, but surely, getting accustomed to performing. The simple act of shutting out the world around him so that he might focus on a single task...proved useful. It was also quite relaxing, for it afforded Dor'gen the opportunity to evade his troubled mind and know true peace for chimes at a time. This moment was no different.

With each slow, deep breath a small part of the surrounding environment was "extinguished." The symphony of gentle breezes rustling the trees faded to silence. The chirps and chitters of creatures lulled to a perfect quiet. Even the babbling of the nearby stream came to a close. When it was all said and done, Dor'gen was seated in the midst of a perfect void of his own creation: and such a place was perfect for practicing a dangerous craft. Known as the Flux, this magic was one that could easily be described as a double-edged sword. While it afforded the potential for immense strength and speed, the wielder ran the risk of damaging that which they cherished most: their own body. As such, the utmost care had to be exercised when wielding and training in this art...

...and Dor'gen had the painful memory of the consequences of taking the Flux lightly...

Upon drawing a final, solemn breath, the Akalak began to focus the whole of his efforts on the task. His "mind's eye" settled upon his offhand, which was lax upon his thigh. Slowly. Carefully. Djed was summoned and mustered from this appendage. Every fiber of his hand's being began to sacrifice strength in the form of precious energy; until finally Dor'gen gave direction. In the spirit of training, the Akalak decided that it was time to push himself a little harder in the wielding of the Flux; and as such he attempted to guide and direct the energies faster than usual. He did not, of course, overdo it or overestimate his abilities by any stretch; but instead lit a metaphorical fire underneath the buttocks of the energies. The Djed promptly responded to the urgency of his will and began to swiftly traverse the breadth of his arm.

His nerves ferried the energies up and along his shoulder, then directly across to his dominant arm. There, the energies began their final descent by plummeting southward. Upon reaching the Akalak's dominant hand, Dor'gen demanded that they empower the appendage. With the Flux fully active, the Akalak now enjoyed a brief moment of augmented strength within that hand; for the fibers of his muscles were saturated with the strength of his offhand. However, as opposed to testing it upon any flat surface, Dor'gen simply found solace in the swifter performance and promptly released the energies. In the process, he felt "exhaustion" befall both of his hands in response to the Flux; with the offhand receiving the worst of the tingling sensation. This would pass, of course, for the borrowed strength would eventually recover.

In the meantime, Dor'gen leaned back all the more upon the tree and reveled in the silence of his meditation...until a series of splashes roused him. Lulling his eyes open, the Akalak swept his gaze around in order to see what had recently moved...but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Obviously whatever had crossed the water had to have been larger than a rabbit to rouse him...and warranted investigation. After all, if the bear from his earlier voyage to this location was skulking about, the Akalak had to keep his guard up. With a hint of reluctance, Dor'gen arose from his seat upon the grassy earth and set about investigating. Slowly, he proceeded close to the water's edge and looked around...until he saw impressions upon the moistened dirt closest to the rushing water.

These were consistent with footprints. Human footprints.

At once, the thought of Firenze planted itself firmly in Dor'gen's mind and he couldn't help but following the footsteps forward. Upon reaching the other side of the water, he looked and noticed that there were matching depressions. He followed in their heading until their conclusion; then continued walking for several chimes. Ultimately, the dance of Syna across the heavens began to conclude, revealing the domain of Leth. This was not exactly the prime condition for Dor'gen, for he would have liked to have been back before nightfall. Whilst juggling the decision of heading off to the Hot Springs now or continuing on, he noticed a light not too far off. 'Twas emanating from the mouth of a cave...and at once a nervous excitement filled his stomach.

Striding forward, Dor'gen approached the cave and quietly peered within...only to be greeted by a beautiful sight. Against the shadows cast by the fire, the woman lying beside the blaze looked beautiful beyond words. Such peace characterized her; and the familiarity of her face inspired a small smile to grow on Dor'gen's face. It was indeed Firenze, and this fact spurned him close. Coming to a halt beside her, the Akalak lowered himself to a crouch. Leaning, he gently touched his lips to her cheek in an attempt to rouse her, before grinning ever so slightly. "Hello beautiful, mind a little company?" he inquired.

Word Count1,107
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[Firenze]

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Firenze was startled awake by the soft brushing of lips against her cheek. "Who's that!?" She started to jump up and then recognized the familiar color of purple that was a man she knew well. "Dor'gen! What're you doing here!? How did you know I was here? How did you find me?" She pelted him with questions as she wrapped her arms around his large torso.

She had not been expecting company, but the sight of the Dor'gen was welcome to Firenze anytime. Pulling on her cloak, trying to arrange it so that he could sit down. She patted the cloth fanned out next to her, "Come have a seat!" She grabbed a log from the pile that was sitting next to her and a couple of sticks and placed them on top of the slowly dwindling fire.

Only a few ticks prior she had been resting peacefully, eyes closed and unaware. Now she was wide awake and happy to have a little company. Maybe he would help her to hunt in the morning? She had been struggling lately trying to catch anything to eat or to sell for mizas. Another thought crossed her mind, I wonder if he's going to sleep here with me? She debated for a moment on whether she wanted to ask him. Not wanting to pry, but she wouldn't mind having the big man around to give her some of his warmth through the night. Her fire wasn't very big and the nights were starting to get colder as winter approached.

Reaching into her pack she grabbed out a hunk of bread and her bladder. Her stomach growling loudly, she took a bite of the bread and offered some to Dor, then took a swig off her bladder. "Do you have any of your things with you? Why are you out so late?"

She stuck her hand back into her pack this time procuring her blanket. Wrapping it around her arms and shoulders, she shivered slightly. Not knowing how long she had been asleep for, she did know that the temperature had changed some what and it was colder then it was earlier. Slipping her feet out from under the blanket she put them as close as she dared to the fire, trying to warm her toes.

A calm feeling came over Fire. She had a nice cozy bed, a toasty warm fire and some good company to share it with. She loved nature and everything it had to offer. Leaning her head against the Akalak's shoulder, she smiled.


OOC InfoWord Count = 424

[Dor'gen]

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In the tick following the Akalak's pecking of Firenze on the cheek, a horde of butterflies assaulted the man's stomach. This sum of nerves was not due to his growing affections for the woman...but due to a sudden realization that he had failed to consider before. This woman was a Kelvic; and a tiger at that. Being stirred by a kiss was a sure fire way to get clawed to deal accidentally. With this thought at the forefront of his mind, Dor'gen immediately recoiled as the woman stirred; suddenly grateful to the gods above that she only responded with a rather standard response. Upon recognizing that it was him, her demeanor went from on guard to sheer glee, and that checked the butterflies immediately. The joy which claimed her face was mirrored upon Dor'gen's whilst he returned her happy embrace.

As she escaped from the warmth of his arms, the Akalak parted his lips so that he might answer the trio of spirited questions she posed. "Well, I was in the area training a little bit and saw some footprints by the river bank. Figured I'd follow them." he began, beaming. "It would seem as though Lhex himself wanted me to find you, because I had no clue that it'd be you Fire. Could've been a gaggle of bandits in this cave, but instead I found you." Whilst the words formed and fell from his lips, Firenze busied herself by making the cave just a touch more inviting. She breathed new life into the flames and provided Dor'gen with a place to sit: upon her cloak. Unclasping his own cloak, Dor'gen took a moment to roll it up in his hands before seating himself down.

"I only have the basics." he said, indicating his lack of his shield. In fact, all that he carried on his person were his sword and his belt pouch; outside of garments. "I guess I lost track of time is all." With that said, he eyed the bread that she offered hungrily and gladly accepted it. He took a monstrous bite and chewed it over whilst Firenze got cozy by the fire. Then...she leant upon him...and his heart began to thunder away in his chest. Looking down, he couldn't help but notice just how happy she seemed by his presence; and just how stunning she looked in the firelight. "Goa..." he breathed, calling out to his "darker" sibling. Ever watchful, Goa did not even have to ask what was going on.

Instead, he simply advised.

"I'm no expert on Kelvic women...But I'd wager that if she's this comfortable around you there must be something there, right? he began. "Follow your instincts on this one brother. Snatch some happiness for yourself." Dor'gen gave a silent nod of agreement before drawing a calming breath...that did absolutely nothing for the nerves. Once again, the butterflies invaded his stomach and swarmed about. His hands moistened ever so slightly, and crimson raced to his cheeks faster than light. Yet, despite this all, the Akalak gently reached out with his offhand and tilted Firenze's chin up to face him. "Firenze, I.." he began, searching for words. But...Being a solider, he was more accustomed to action.

Throwing all rhetoric to the wind, the Akalak slowly leaned forward and graced her lips with his own. The kiss was tender...and a touch awkward, for Dor'gen had never attempted this before. After a tick, he leaned back...and was suddenly apologetic. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. That was rude, I don't even-" he began, stammering away at a mile a minute.
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[Firenze]

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Gazing at the fire, the warm colors mixing together, she felt Dor'gen shift slightly."Firenze, I.." She looked up as he spoke so that she could look at him while they talked. In a moment after turning her head he leaned down and kissed her. Shock rang through her system, quickly follow by euphoria. She wondered when he was going to kiss her! He had been on her mind quite frequently lately, and kissing may have been part of those thoughts.

She leaned on her arm, trying to kiss him back, the difference in height making it somewhat difficult. Butterflies flew through her stomach and danced all over her body. It felt as if their wings were brushing against her skin as her body started to tingle, beginning from where their lips met. It spread through her head, muddling her mind and flowed through to her stomach, settling between her legs.

The kiss was brief as he pulled back. Her eye still closed, lips tingling and swollen, she pause for a moment, letting the sensations run amok through her body. Slowly her heavy lids lifted enough so that she could look at him. "I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. That was rude, I don't even-" He stammered, he didn't understand why he was talking. She just wanted his lips on hers.

Unable to respond for a moment, taking a deep breath she finally spoke, "What... was that for?" A blush started flourishing across the top of her cheeks as she watched him. Tipping her head down she rested it on her shoulder, she watched her hand as it rested on the cloak next to his, her hair fanning across her face.

Unsure of what she should do next, she felt she should at least let him know that she wasn't sorry for the kiss, because she wasn't. Not in the least. "Don't be sorry... I'm not." A smile played on her lips, although he might not be able to see it. She took her weight off of the arm she'd been leaning on, trying to keep herself steady, and slid it over his. She didn't know if he would mind, but she felt as if it might bring him some comfort. Fire didn't want him to be ashamed. She may not be cultured in the ways of seduction or romance, but she felt as if the kiss was one of the most wonderful things she'd felt. It was sweet, yet innocent.

She didn't think a man as tough looking as Dor'gen could be sensitive like that. Firenze liked this new side of him. She felt as if she were constantly learning new things about him, yet at the same time felt as if she'd know him her entire life. Day dreaming for a moment, her hand still wrapped in his, Fire leaned back. She wanted to look at the man who made the butterflies dance.


OOC InfoWord Count = 486

Others | Firenze | Thoughts | Dorgen's Words | Dor'gen's Feelings

[Dor'gen]

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A question...followed by hiding her face...

Although this was not nearly close to what was actually happening, the frantic nerves of the Akalak permitted him to see nothing else. "What was that for?" she had asked, before hiding her expression by touching her brow to his shoulder. Perhaps her face was marred with a look of disgust or utter confusion...perhaps she did not feel for him in that way. Doubt. Fear. Anger. Confusion. All these and more mingled within the pit of Dor'gen's stomach, causing him to look up at the ceiling of the cave for a moment. There was not exactly a way to recover from laying himself so bare, and he hoped now that he could find some way to escape the impending awkwardness.

More than ever, Dor'gen wished that he had the power to evaporate on the spot.

As if his silent woes were answered by the divines themselves, Firenze spoke again! Her words put to death all the feelings which had manifested in the pit of his stomach; and replaced them with something far worse. The horde of butterflies had decided to return, with reinforcements! They swarmed about whilst his heart drummed away...and before long, Dor'gen felt as though the whole of his purple complexion would turn bright red. "Y-You're not?" he managed to stammer, before swallowing hard. Silence ruled him for a tick whilst he contemplated what to do next.

"Snatch your happiness." Goa advised. The sudden tone of his sibling within the rear of his mind managed to distract the butterflies long enough to allow Dor'gen to act. Looking down, his gaze met the sweet smile of the Kelvic snuggled close to his form. She wasn't sorry that he had kissed her...she was so close...and her cheeks were as red as his own. "To answer your question," he began, taking a moment to reach out. His fingertips gently brushed the strands of hair away from her eyes, allowing him to get a better look at her. "You're my happiness. That's why."

With that said, there was no more need for words.

Leaning forward, Dor'gen gingerly touched his lips to hers again...before allowing ebbs of instinct to take over. Slowly. Gently. He deepened the kiss whilst leaning even closer; ultimately guiding Firenze to the cool floor beneath them. Lulling his eyes to a close, the Akalak reveled in the kiss; allowing his lips to dance upon hers for several ticks. He came up for air once...smirking...and then decided to kiss her again.

Word Count425
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[Firenze]

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As she gazed up at him, excitement and nerves running through her body, she wondered how he would react to what she had told him. "Y-You're not?" His face had flamed red from what she could see of it. "No... I like you..." She mumbled, trying to let him know how she was feeling but not quite able to articulate it.

He looked over to her, his silver hair running smoothly across his shoulders and draped around his face. She took in his features, unable to drink in her fill of the warrior, she tried to memorize his features. His silvery eye's that seem to shift darkly when deep in thought, his silvery hair that glowed when the light hit it, down to the multiple scars on his body. She didn't mind the scars, she actually rather liked them. It made her feel as if he was truly a hardened warrior, and that made her feel safe. It was as if each scar told her a small story in some way, that each time he risked his life and came out on top, that was saying something.

I want to kiss those scars.A thought popping into her mind, making her face turn an even brighter shade of red, as if it was even possible. She glanced to his lips as he spoke again, "To answer your question," he reached out his large hand, brushing some of the unruly hair of hers to the side as if he wanted to get a better look at her. She sighed heavily, some of the nervousness releasing in her chest, she leaned into his hand as if he might be stroking her fur. "You're my happiness. That's why."

Her heart soared at the words. Slowly her eyes closed as a smile crept across her face, this moment couldn't have been better and she wanted to savor it. Just as she had closed her eyes, she was startled slightly as she felt the pressure of his lips on hers. Her eyes popping open for a moment to see that he was truly kissing her again, she let them slide close, letting herself relax into the kiss.

She felt him push deeper into the kiss, leaning into her, she let herself fall back slowly onto the cloak, Dor'gen following her down, the kiss connecting them. Their lips moved together in sync, almost as if they'd done it a thousand times before. A few more little light kisses and as Dor'gen drew back Fire's eyes opened sleepily, feeling as though she were drugged by the sensations the large Akalak was causing.

He smiled at her, causing her to mirror him, a small smile started to play out on her lips. She watched his mouth waiting for it to come back to her so that she could sample it some more, and just as that thought appeared, he leaned down and gave her another lingering kiss, his mouth teasing hers, her fighting the teasing kisses wanting him to deepen it, pushing against his mouth roughly. "Dor.." she whispered against his lips,"Dor'gen, quit teasing me." She laughed softly, smiling against his mouth.

As the kiss lasted, several thoughts ran through her mind. She never wanted this to end, along with, could it be possible that it wouldn't end? Feeling the strong pull toward him that felt so natural to her. She'd not felt it with anyone else. All Fire wanted to know was what he was feeling, what he was thinking, and when he wasn't around she wanted him there. Could this be her bond mate? Is it possible? Did the Gods bring him into her life for this reason?

Between soft kisses and nibbling she decided that she would ask him. It made her more nervous then she had been, scared that he would refuse her question. The thoughts of him never being around sent her heart beating wildly in her chest. She didn't know if she could handle not seeing him, feeling him next to her, or even doing simple things together. He could refuse you either way, you'd better take the risk Firenze. It never hurts to try, and you know you want this. More than anything. More than hunting, or water... more than air.

Kissing his lips softly, she turned her head slightly, wanting to get his attention, she ran the kisses up his cheek and whispered in his ear, "Dor'gen." Pulling her face back she decided it might be better to look him in his eyes. She placed her hands on either side of his face, gently caressing his cheek. Her nerves holding her back momentarily, she swallowed, hoping that she could squeeze the words out so that he could know how she truly felt. "I... I'm not sure how to say this. I've never really done... anything... like this. I feel things with you that I've never felt before." Biting her lip, she was unsure if she should continue. Looking his face over she knew that she could confide in him, although she wasn't sure why.

Before she could doubt herself any longer she let it all come rushing out, "I've never known my family. I've always felt that they didn't want me, that they never felt the need to keep me. There are few people that I am close to, but I've never felt toward them they way that I feel towards you. I feel as if I could trust you with everything, even my life. I want to share everything with you, if I could I would tear apart the world and bring it to you piece by piece. I know I'm not very strong but I want to stand by your side. I want to care for you and serve you, keep you happy and bring you light when things become dark. I... I want you with me forever. Even if that may only be a few ticks, a few chimes, months or years. I don't think I could ever picture my life with you no longer in it." Images of them laughing, sharing stories, whispering little secrets to each other in the middle of the night, all flashed through her mind. She wanted those things. No. She needed those things... and she only wanted them with him.

Tears welled up in her eyes, emotions starting to flood her and almost overwhelm her. "I guess.. what I'm trying to say is... would you keep me?"


OOC InfoWord Count = 1077

Others | Firenze | Thoughts | Dorgen's Words | Dor'gen's Feelings

[Dor'gen]

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Dor'gen was not prepared for what Firenze had to say.

In fact, he was not prepared for any of what had transpired between them thus far. It seemed that, since the day of their meeting, the hands of Lhex himself were at work. With each passing encounter, the Akalak began to feel deeply for the woman who now sat within his arms. With each passing day, a desire was born within him to see her face; and he began to look forward to whatever time they shared. Yet, despite the reality of Dor'gen's growing affections, his inexperience in the area all but made him ignorant to what was unfolding. He did not know what to make of these feelings...and that made him somewhat apprehensive. Vulnerability was not something that he, a soldier, was supposed to allow; yet Firenze had this uncanny way about her.

With a smile, she disarmed him. With a laugh, she set his heart a thunder.

However, up until this day, he had never even dreamed of voicing how he felt. In fact, it took the goading of his "darker" sibling to encourage him to tell Firenze exactly what she was to him: his happiness. The whole of the moment, between the kisses, the closeness, and even the affectionate nips, had left Dor'gen standing before a metaphorical fork in the road. Already, he had attempted to snatch his happiness...and already, he had somewhat enlightened Firenze to the feelings he harbored for her; yet still there was a wall. Two centuries of living in the midst of ridicule...two centuries of being an outsider amongst those who shared blood with him...each day of torment was simply a brick utilized to erect the wall.

This terrifying structure was one designed to guard his heart. The days of his youth had seen him vulnerable to the abuse of his peers and kin; and each word was a dagger that slashed at his very soul. For fear of an emotional break, the Akalak boxed himself in. He became a soldier, driven only by the blind purpose of serving the will of Myri. He became a weapon, devoid of the emotional weakness that had burdened him decades prior. Dor'gen refused to allow himself to become scarred by the abuses around him...and to this day remained on guard at all time. Yet here was a woman, Firenze, who...stirred within him a desire to crush that very wall. He wanted to let her inside and to share with her the depths of his feelings.

He wanted to lower his guard for her...but couldn't even begin to voice how this felt.

Yet before he could even attempt to articulate the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings which characterized him, the stunning woman placed her hands upon his cheeks. They were warm to the touch and soft...and brought no relief to the crimson which stained his dark skin. Of course, at this very moment the Akalak wore a sheepish grin upon his face; for she had only just chided him for teasing her with kisses. "I'm sorry," he began, averting his gaze for a tick. "I'm...new to all of this. I haven't ever done this with anyone before." There was a pause as her lips quivered; as if she were attempting to form words of her own. In this moment, the Akalak simply leaned forward so that his brow could touch hers.

"I'm just...glad to share this with you." he said, hoping that his meaning was clear enough. Indeed, there was no one else in the whole of the world that he would rather share these moments with. There was not a single woman in the whole of Sunberth...nay, even the whole of the world, that Dor'gen wanted to hold and kiss. Drawing slightly nearer, the Akalak then graced her upper lip with the gentlest of kisses before hearkening to the words that the Kelvic had to say. At first, she all but confirmed that they were sharing mutual feelings: that this was a first for the both of them. Surprisingly enough, Dor'gen felt a wave of relief wash over him...for at least he was somewhat confident that he wasn't making a complete fool out of himself.

And if he was, Firenze wouldn't be experienced enough to know!

However, just as his lips parted in order to speak again, Dor'gen was greeted by a cascade. Firenze opened the floodgates and bore her heart and soul to him, sharing with him the woes of her past laced between her feelings of the present. Each word both crushed him...and made him feel alive. Oh how he wished that Tanroa smiled down upon him, so that he may venture back to her troubled past and show her that someone truly cared. How he would have given his arm to see to it that Firenze, his Firenze would never have known what it felt like to be unwanted. Yet, just as much as his heart ached that she had known such lonliness, the very same lonliness he had been reared within, joy characterized him as well. Sheer delight reverberated throughout his being, for she wanted him...and wanted to know if he would "keep her."

Dor'gen was no expert in what the question meant for a Kelvic...but he did know that he wanted everything she just stated. He wanted someone to stand by his side, someone to share his world with...and that someone was Firenze. Reaching up, he gently placed his own hands upon hers whilst offering a warm smile. A tick of silence rolled by as the Akalak attempted to piece together how to correctly articulate the chaos that floated within his mind. Then, he spoke, plain and simple. "Yes." he began, planting his lips upon her brow sweetly. "Yes. Yes. Yes. I will keep you. I...I know what it's like Firenze. I know what it's like to not be wanted and to feel alone. I've lived it for two hundred years...and I don't want to be alone any more. I want to share my life with you...I want to keep you."

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