((Rated M for reasons appearing in pages 10+))
After a long afternoon of travel the day previous, the first Captain of Ansgar's Hand was more than willing to spend a day in Reajh, just being himself. Between his duties to Lady Hakon the noblewoman and Lady Hakon the Major of Ansgar's Hand, Disgaua was typically kept very busy.
Not that he minded - acting as bodyguard for his Lady was always preferable to the mindless patrolling of these streets that, ironically, he found himself walking now.
After ensuring that his mount Sleipnir was comfortably put to stable - surely the beast needed the rest as much as he! - he took glaive in hand, and began walking the streets. He made a rather striking picture - lean and fairly well muscled, he wore his customized armor he had worn as a simple soldier, bright and polished, unmarred by blade or mace. Smiling blue eyes surveyed his surroundings, and he took in a deep breath of the refreshing, early morning air.
Today, at least, he was a free man. Somewhere in his mind, though, he felt the irony of him falling into his old routines, following the patrol path he had been assigned long ago when he still walked these streets. After perhaps an hours walk through dark city streets, he found himself in the lower districts.
A sight drew his attention - a line of the poor before a storefront, a few of them pushing and bullying one other. Not one to allow such acts, the Mordecai stepped forward, glaive in hand, tabards of the lily clearly visible across his breastplate.
"Ho, there. What is this I see, but a group of vagrants ganging onto one of their own? A line is a line - form it peacefully, or there'll be problems."
He stepped up to the group, lending an arm to the thin, unwashed man that had been target. "Are you well, sir? I'd like to take you to the inside of this place, where these others have perhaps found themselves undeserving. Come! I smell the baking of morning bread, let us enter. Make way for me, Sirs."
He took the man by the arm, then, and shouldered past the line, quickly making their path to the door. Opening it brought a blast of warm air, and the Mordecai brought himself and his charge inside.
He spotted a woman, just inside, and spoke to make himself known .
"Madam, I was walking the streets to find a group of men hassling this one - perchance he may find what he was looking for, and be rid of them?"
The morning started much like any other, with Nyla up before the sun and hurrying down from the small flat above her shop to begin her day's work. She was so absorbed in what she was doing she hardly noticed the time passing as she slid trays of bread and sweets into the three ovens set up in the back of the shop.
"Mm. Those smell good- what are they?"
"Cookies." She rolled her eyes as she ducked to address the small, talking flame that resided in her largest oven. Her eyes flicked toward the door that led into the shop proper- an automatic response, since logically she knew no one would be in there as she hadn't officially opened yet. "And what happened to keeping your voice down, Cal?"
"I'm bored," the shapeshifting creature complained, flickering from a small, horned creature to a more humanoid shape no larger than her hand.
She sighed. "Look, I told you that you can stay while you're healing, then go back through the Veil. But if you keep up the noise, summon might find you, and then we're both in trouble, alright?"
The demon subsided with grumble and she straightened up, sighing and adjusting the kerchief she had used to keep loose hair out of her face, most of the curly mess bound up in a high, messy bun. Everything seemed to be going relatively smoothly- probably time to open up shop then. She slipped out of the bakehouse and closed the door behind her, moving toward the door to the shop.
To her surprise, the door opened before she could reach it, revealing two men. One she recognized, the other...
She didn't know him, but the wave of cold that washed over her and the sudden, distant feeling of her magic told her he was a mordecai. She swallowed thickly- oh gods, was he here to arrest her?
Then what he'd said registered and her eyes flickered to the other man. "Oh, Thom!" She moved forward and took his hand, tilting his head slightly and hissing in a quietly breath when she saw a bruise forming on his cheek.
"Poor lad," she muttered, frowning. "I have a few loaves just out of the oven, if that's what you came for- but here, why don't you take a seat and wait a few minutes, and I'll have something else for you too." She ushered him toward one four of the small tables that dotted the inside of the shop, then turned back to the stranger.
"Thank you for helping him. I've told him he doesn't need to be here so early, I'll always have something for him- people tend to be more aggressive right before I open shop, I don't know why." She frowned, then shook her head and offered a small, bright smile. "Anyway. Thank you."
Still feeling a little on edge, she moved toward her counter where several freshly baked loaves steamed gently. "So. To what do I owe the pleasure of a mordecai's presence in my little shop?"
Disgaua gave a smile, happy that the man he had stopped to help was welcome within the shop. He watched with a smile on his face and in his eyes while the young woman attended to him. Perhaps he was watching a little too closely - she was attractive, and he very nearly missed her question.
"Hmm? Oh. I was just out for a stroll when I came across the commotion just outside. I'm... actually off duty for the day, believe it or not. But old habits die hard, eh?" He gestured at his armor and the fact that he carried his weapons still.
"My name is Disgaua, but you can call me Diz. First Captain of Ansgar's Hand." He gave a small bow, the smile never leaving his face.
"To whom do I owe the pleasure?"
"Oh." she blinked, a little taken aback by the easy, courtly manner he held. "Um, Nyla. Nyla Whitewood. Pleased to meet you."
Automatically she dipped into a half curtsy, a well practiced movement that was just low enough to show proper respect but with a bearing that retained a sense of self respect- it was something she'd learned at a very young age.
Then she remembered she was supposed to be a simple baker and straightened up quickly. "Oh, well- could I interest you in something?" She gestured over her shoulder to her counter where her goods still steamed gently.
Diz noticed Nyla's curtsy as well as it's hastened cancellation, but said nothing of it. He'd seen nobles down on their luck before - the woman he worked for was just recovering from such a state. Perhaps this was one such case.
Disgaua did give a small frown, though - he was indentured as Hakon's bodyguard because he owed a great debt, from his purchase of Sleipnir and the armor standard for heavy cavalry.
"....I'm actually afraid I have nothing with me with which to pay you. My situation is...well, odd, to put it lightly. All my earnings go toward paying a great debt. I do apologize, though. It certainly smells wonderful."
And with that, Nyla was suddenly in her element. She smiled and shook her head at him. "Why don't you take a seat with Thom and I'll bring you both something in a minute." She raised a hand to cut off any protest he might be preparing to voice. "On me. You helped a friend, consider it repayment."
She waved toward the table, slipping back to the door and flipping her handmade sign around to declare that the shop was open before propping the door open a bit and moving around to crack open a few windows, allowing the scent of the shop to billow out onto the streets.
Moving back to the counter, she easily wove her way through the people now filing in, calling for them to wait one moment while she sorted through some things. She caught her newest guest's eye as she took her place behind the counter.
Diz had indeed made to make protest, and gave a small shake of his head and a chuckle when she cut him off.
"Very well, then, Nyla. I am at the mercy of your hospitality." As he said this, his tone was obviously light and joking, and the smile in his eyes remained. He took his seat opposite Thom, leaned his glaive against the wall, and glanced his way.
"So, you're here often, then? Does she do this every day?"
The response that came was rather enthusiastic: "Aye, the lady Nyla be a fair lass. A face as kind as her hospitality, eh?"
Diz gave a small smile, and a nod. "Yes, she may very well be that." He turned away to look at the beauty behind the counter, and caught her glance, returning it with a bright smile and a small wave. "She looks busy - we may be in for a bit of a wait."
Busy she was, but Nyla had a good deal of experience running about the shop and making sure she got to all her customers in a timely manner. First came the simpler orders, usually for just bread, maybe a few buns or something- food she'd already made and could simply hand over.
It was when people started asking for specifics that she had to slow down a bit, noting what people wanted with an easy smile before hurrying back into the bakehouse to slide trays of treats and bread into the ovens.
"Someone's in a hurry to get these cookies," Cal noted as she nearly burned herself on the side of the oven.
She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him. "You hush. I swear, you're more trouble than you're worth." She bustled back out into the main shop before he could respond.
"Here you are." She glided easily through the crowded shop to slide a plate of cookies onto Thom and Diz's table. "Thom, love, I've got some raisin bread in the oven if you'd like to wait for that as well."
Her eyes flicked to the mordecai and she tilted her head slightly, blowing a jet black curl that had somehow managed to struggle free of her kerchief out of her face. "These are hot, so mind yourselves. Would either of you like something to drink? The lady two shops down gives me a pretty good deal on her cider, I've got quite a bit in the back."
Watching her weave into and around the crowd, the Mordecai couldn't help but smile. She certainly was a fair sight for the eyes. She seemed to move with a certain amount of grace that seemed only to come with experience.
When she made her way over to the table, Diz once again flashed that smile of his. "If it's not too much trouble...yes, please. I really must figure out some way to pay you...you're being entirely too kind to a soldier like myself."
And then, he had it - a light seemed to go on as he looked at Thom, and then back to Nyla.
"...hold a moment, Nyla. I have an idea that may serve as payment....you seem incredibly busy here. Thom is here anyway most mornings, yes? Mayhap he can help you here, hmm?"
He smiled brightly, and nodded towards Thom. "It'll keep him out from the front when your line forms, if he's in here, and you get an extra hand. What do you say?"
"Oh." Her eyes widened a bit and she drew her bottom lip between her teeth. Honestly, she'd thought about hiring help before- but she hadn't wanted to risk someone discovering the occasional demon that lurked around the place.
But she couldn't seem to think of a way to say no without sounding completely callous or suspicious. "Well...I can't pay much, but I wouldn't mind a little extra help," she said with a smile for Thom.
The man beamed at her. "I'll talk it over with the missus. God knows she'd tan my hide if I took a job without askin' first."
Nyla nodded and flashed a quick smile at Diz. "Well, I'll get you two that cider then." She bustled back into the back of the shop and closed the door quickly before leaning against it.
"Damnit."
"Problem?"
She waved Cal away- the demon had poked his head out of the oven to blink at her. "Nothing I can't handle. Just an overly helpful mordecai." With a damned charming smile that she could seem to help responding to. Shaking her head, she crossed to the ice box stored under a panel in the floor and retrieved a pitcher of cider before once again slipping out into the shop.
"Here you are, lads," she said brightly, setting two glasses and the pitcher on the table once she'd reached it.
When Nyla returned with the cider, Diz had a mouthful of hot cookie. He eagerly grabbed it, haphazardly poured a glass, and downed it quickly.
"By the Light, woman, are those cookies baked with the flames of hell? I suppose I should have waited." He gave a small chuckle, and his smile resumed, bright blue eyes twinkling.
"Once you get past the burning pain in the mouth, though, they're delicious. What's your secret? I'd bet you could nearly keep this place going with just those!" He gave a laugh, and grabbed another, ensuring to take a smaller bite.
Thom smiled a bit, too. "Well, the lady did warn you, Sir."
"That she did, though I suppose my stomachs impatience overrode good sense. I'm going to have to make sure I come by here more often - these are wonderful."
Nyla looked concerned for a moment, then chuckled quietly when she realized the man wasn't seriously complaining. "If you like, next batch I can keep up out of reach until they're cooler, like I do for the little ones," she teased lightly, black eyes glinting.
Her smile softened at the edges and she added, "And I thank you. They're really not much, but people seem to like them."
Damn his smile. And those eyes- did people's eyes really sparkle like that? She'd thought that was just colorful imagery from books.
It just wasn't fair.
"Miss?"
"Oh." She blinked, caught off guard, and glanced down at the slight tugging on her skirt. Wide green eyes stared up at her from a rather dirty little face and she smiled. "Morning, Kally, I didn't see you come in." Glancing back up at the table, she nodded and murmured, "If you two gentlemen would excuse me a moment. Enjoy the cider."
In a well practiced movement, she bent to scoop the little girl onto her hip and moved back toward the counter. A few other children seemed to materialize from the crowd, following them behind the counter as she took her place and set about selling the next batch of hot goods, Kally's arms wrapped around her neck.
Diz arched a brow. A child? ...ah, no, Nyla was addressed as 'miss', not 'mother' or another matronly title. His smile brightened yet more - this woman must truly be a wondrous person to attract people so. Momentarily he wondered why the children followed her behind the counter, but assumed they were allowed, as Nyla made no move to stop them.
He took another drink of his cider, wondering if he should spend more time here, or move on. She appeared very busy, and he didn't want to be more if a bother than he had been.
But she's such a good person, you'd be smart to pursue her, the thought came. But should he? He was terribly busy - a soldier and bodyguard both, and he no longer lived in the city.
Making a decision, he stood, and moved as lithely as he could to an empty spot at the counter.
"Miss...Nyla. I'm afraid I've taken time away from you, as you're seeming to have your hands full. But.... perhaps tonight, you would accompany me about the city, when your work is done?" There it was, no taking it back.
He gave as charming a smile as he could. "I'd be delighted to know you when you're not bereft of time for conversation."
Amidst the bustle of the shop, Nyla managed to slip back into the bakehouse for a moment and warn Cal to keep himself hidden in the oven, then moved out to address the cluster of urchins gathered behind her counter.
The flow of customers was slowing slightly, so she had a moment to breathe as she told them, "Alright, if you lot promise to behave yourselves, you can wait back in the bakehouse while I finish up with the morning rush and start on some meat pies, alright?"
The children all nodded eagerly and made promises to be good as gold- which was when she looked up and found Diz approaching the counter. Her eyes widened at his invitation and she opened her mouth, but for a moment no sound came out.
Damn that smile! She was supposed to say no; she couldn't risk getting close to anyone, let along a trained mordecai-
"I- I'd be delighted, Sir." Her eyes widened further as the words spilled from her lips and she almost clapped a hand over her mouth. "Thank you. Should I...expect you this evening?"
Immediately, of course, there came babbling from under the counter- mostly from two of the older boys and one of the girls, demanding to know if Nyla was courting the strange man, and who was he anyway, and did he always wear clothes like that? Her cheeks colored and she tried to shoo the children back into the bakehouse.
The chatter of the children beneath the counter reminded him - best not to be wearing his armor while just on a walk. He'd have to change into something more...casual.
Problem was, he rarely did casual...and he brought little with him - most of his things were back at Hakon's residence.
Damn.
But he put on a smile anyway, and gave a nod. "Yes, I can meet you right outside the bakery, if that's fine with you. Unless you've got another place you'd rather meet - I imagine you don't want to go out wearing work attire, and I know I won't be in this armor all day. That said...if you need to go somewhere to change, I can meet you there instead."
Truthfully, he didn't care what she was wearing - a few hours of pleasant company didn't honestly require any special attire. She could be covered in flour and smell of the bakery, and he seriously doubted he'd care. He didn't care right now, obviously.
"So, that said....?"
Her smiled widened and, though she was still blushing, she chuckled quietly. "I actually live above the shop. I certainly don't mind meeting you here."
She brushed her hands down the apron on her front and brushed a stray curl out of her face, accidentally smudging a bit of flour across her cheek. "I usually close an hour before dusk. I'll...see you around then?"
Erik, the eldest of the children clustered at the door to the bakehouse, stuck his head out into the shop and whistled, then disappeared to a chorus of giggles. Nyla's blush deepened and she ducked her eyes. "Ah- ahem. Kids," she chuckled awkwardly with a shrug.
Disgaua watched and smiled as that stubborn curl fell right back in front of her face again. Perhaps he was being a little forward, but he reached a hand out to push it back again, noting a smooth silkiness to both her hair and skin as his hand brushed against her temple.
Smiling as if it was nothing, he gave a nod. "I'll be right outside, just as the sun's setting then. Don't worry about extravagance - I'm afraid I'd be underdressed." He gave a chuckle as the boy sounded the whistle, and shrugged as well.
"Ah, they're just jealous it's me and not them, eh? I'll see you tonight, then, Nyla."
With another gleaming smile, he turned for the door, glancing back one last time before disappearing again into the morning bustle outside.
Nyla was sure she could bake a loaf of bread on her cheeks, but she smiled as he left. Her hand absently moved up to play with that ever-present curl, twining it around her finger.
A softly cleared throat drew her attention back to her customers and she forced herself to focus. the day felt rather dreamy after that as she moved through the familiar motions of work but found it rather hard to actually concentrate on what she was doing.
What had she been thinking? What if he found out? What if he didn't find out and actually liked her- and she liked him, which would mean she'd spend whatever time he gave her constantly tiptoeing around any dangerous sort of topic.
What if he already knew and was just playing her.
"You need to relax."
She jumped slightly at Cal's voice. She was cleaning up after just closing the shop, and she'd completely forgotten she's allowed him to help her sanitize the bakehouse. "Relax? Are you kidding me? What if-"
"All you've got is a bunch of "what if"s," the fire demon pointed out. "You know, you barely leave this shop. It'll be good for you to get out. Just go, and try not to seem too suspicious."
She glowered at him. "Thank you for that, really," she muttered sarcastically.
But she found herself doing what he said, hurrying up to her little flat so she could at least change out of her apron and kirtle. Quick as she could, she chose a simple dress from her rather meager wardrobe with a high collar and long sleeves that hid the myriad of thin, pale scars that feathered her skin.
Just relax. Breathe, you'll be fine she repeated to herself over and over as she slipped back downstairs and out of the bakery.
Diz headed straight back to the Mordecai garrison, fully intending on making the best of himself for the nights activities. His stuff was stashed in his old room in the barracks, somehow still empty after almost a month. It technically wasn't his, but prior to his excursion he'd made sure to clear it with the quartermaster.
He opened his small pack, hoping against common sense that he had something that could pass as something other than military attire. Unfortunately, he was doomed to disappointment.
But then he had an idea - Ansgar's Hand was garrisoned here as well, and he knew of a young corporal that was just his size - before Ansgar's Hand had formed, they'd done this sort of thing before. And even better, he lived in Reajh.
So, once again, he dashed out of the barracks and into the sunlight. Trying desperately not to seem rude, he headed back into the lower districts, a few blocks yet from the bakery. Finding the door he was looking for, he banged on it. Hard.
"Jyrryk! Open up! It's Diz. Open for your Captain, maggot!"
A moment later, the door opened to reveal a young man, not quite in his twenties.
Diz shouldered past him, and shut the door.
"I need to borrow some clothes. I have.... something going on tonight."
Jyrryk gave a lopsided grin. "Met another lady, Diz? So many, Captain. Eventually you've gotta pick one."
"....you know what? I like this one. She's beautiful, she owns a bakery, and she's very, very kind." It was obvious - around friends and fellow soldiers, he'd dropped the charming tone. Now, he was halfway between casual and professional.
"Sounds like a keeper. What's her name?"
"Nyla Whitewood. Her bakery isn't far from here...I'd like to get this done fast, and maybe do some work around the barracks for some spending money. I'm still paying for Sleipnir and my armor, and every copper I get goes toward that."
".....alright, let's see what we can find you, Captain. Whatever you get, just keep it. I know you're needing some things while we're still off duty."
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A Few Hours Later
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Diz was back at the barracks, at that time still garbed in his thick cotton gambeson. He'd talked to the quartermaster about some odd jobs, making sure not to tell too much - there was enough rumors circulating about him as it was.
But, he'd found himself cleaning the barracks, which as one could imagine, was a nasty job. But it was now done - he had enough time to bathe, dress, and be off.
So this he did, and he found himself still wearing his cotton gambeson, chainmail, and a black jerkin with blue embroidered trim. Not too fancy, but not shabby either.
Dates were...alot of work when you were broke.
Still deciding not to go unarmed, he slung just one of his broadswords on his back, and made for the bakery.
And just in time, as a moment later, Nyla stepped outside, and Diz found himself blinking several times.
"....well, it seems that it doesn't matter what you're wearing, Nyla...." his tone was serious sounding, almost grim.
But then, that charming smile and twinkle of the eye came again, most surely a reassurance that he had bern making a joke.
"You're still a pleasant sight, both in an apron and a dress. You look beautiful."
Nyla jumped slightly at the sound of his voice, startled- gods she was so skittish!
A smile quickly broke across her face when she turned to look at him though. A blush dusted her cheeks and she dipped into an automatic little half curtsy before straightening up again quickly.
"You flatter me, sir," she murmured, playing absently with a loose curl. Her hair had been left unbound to fall around her shoulders and down her back. She probably still smelled like the bakehouse, but at least she looked clean.
"You clean up rather nicely yourself," she noted rather appreciatively, letting her eyes flick over him before snapping back to his face. Breathe, girl, breathe. Everything is gonna be fine.
She cleared her throat and tilted her head slightly at him. "Did you, ah...have a destination in mind?"
"Erm...no, actually." He raised a hand to rub the back of his head, brow furrowed slightly.
Damn...moron! You got money and no plan for it? Seriously!
He gave a bit of a sheepish grin. "Honestly, I usually have so little free time, I didn't plan anything more than spending time with you. I was able to earn a bit of coin, if you're hungry, though...?"
He felt like an idiot. Most of the women he spent time with were just the girls at the tavern, good for a laugh maybe, but this...
...this was a proper lady. He needed to do this right. So, he put his best smile on. "Well...what if we walk to the upper districts, have a meal, and then I'll give you a ride back on my horse. On the way back, we can take the scenic route, if you want. The city is beautiful at night, if you find the right places. There's a bridge, actually not too far from the Mordecai garrison, that's perfect for stargazing.",
Nyla's smile widened and she nodded at him. "That sounds lovely. Honestly, I almost never get out of the shop, it'll be nice just to be out."
She hesitated a moment, then moved forward and cautiously took his arm. She may have had her share of decorum lessons in her lifetime, but she'd never really done anything like this before.
Diz smiled warmly. "I'm glad. I won't lie, I was a little worried. But I hope I can truly make the night enjoyable for you."
With his free hand, he gently patted hers, and with his other he slightly tightened their entwined arms.
"No need to be cautious - I daresay I won't bite. So...you say you never leave the bakery, then? ...while putting your all to your work is admirable, you mustn't push yourself. Take a night every now and then....though I suppose I'm one to talk."
He looked away from her and inclined his head to look into the deepening night sky.
"I work as both a Captain of Ansgar's Hand, and bodyguard to its commanding officer. I'm honestly only in the city accompanying her...I'm not sure what her business is, but I was given leave during our stay, as I was assured she was quite safe. So...this is actually my first day off in a long time."
He gently moved to set them down the road, and as they walked, he looked to her warmly. "I honestly didn't have prospects for a night like this. It's certainly pleasant to have the company of one like yourself, Nyla. I thank you for taking the time to be with a soldier such as myself."
"I take a night off every once in a while," Nyla defended herself with a chuckle. "I just...haven't in some time."
A small thrill of nervous fear ran down her spine and she looked up at him sidelong. "You're a captain?"
Gods she was an idiot. Why on earth was she doing this? Sure, she'd kept her magic hidden some upwards of four years, but what if the one time she slipped up was around a mordecai. Not just a mordecai, a Captain of Ansgar's Hand.
Relax. How is he possibly going to know unless you use magic in front of him?
Diz returned her glance, a brow arched. Her tone indicated she was worried, or nervous, though he didn't know why.
"Yes...a captain. Don't worry, unless you plan on whipping out some magic, I'm not going to do anything to you. Besides...off duty, remember?"
His smile returned again. "Besides, you're a baker, not a mage. What have you got to worry about? And trust me - tonight, there could be no safer hands for you to be in."
Nyla gave a sharp, distinctly nervous laugh- but she managed to quell it quickly enough, hopefully he wouldn't have noticed anything unusual. Smiling, she ducked her eyes a bit and murmured, "Well, I suppose I'll just have to trust you then."
Gods help her, she was an idiot.
Clearing her throat, she glanced up at him and tried to steer the conversation toward safer topics. "So...how does a mordecai captain end up in a tiny bakery in the lower district anyway?"
Diz noted the laugh, but at this point choose not to comment. However, he couldn't help but wonder, why was she so nervous? He made a mental note to ask later...but for now, he'd rather not make the night unpleasant. He had looked forward to it all day.
"I originally went just to walk, but like I said earlier today, old habits die hard. I found myself walking my old patrol route, from when I was stationed here in Reajh....I found Thom at your storefront, being bullied for his place in line, and decided to lend a hand. I can't stand it when people push around others less than themselves."
He gave a bit of a sigh, and shook his head. "Can I be honest, and this not reach others ears? I feel almost the same about Mordecai toward mages... you see, I was born to mage parents. I still see mages treated unfairly at times, and perhaps knowing where I'm from, it bothers me. But...duty calls before personal inclinations, I suppose."
If nothing else, Nyla had always been a good listener. Her head tilted slightly as she listened to him talk- then her eyes widened a bit and she blinked up at him.
"Your parents are mages? How- I mean..." She trailed off, cleared her throat, then resolved herself and asked, "I don't mean to pry, but how does that work?"
Disgaua gave a bitter laugh, and he shrugged. "I've no idea, but for years it made my life hell. I was taken just the day after I was born to the church. When they found out I was born with an aura, they kept me from my parents. I lived at the church until I was sixteen, before I was selected for service...there at the church, the 'Carth boy' was ridiculed as a mage child, despite my aura. It was...not the best years of my life."
He was silent for several moments, before he shook his head and looked back up to the sky. "I'm sorry about that...it's just...being born to the parents I was...I know how the mages feel. And I'm torn, because it's my duty anyway."
Nyla bit her lip, quiet for a few moments. "Have you...seen them? I mean-"
She cleared her throat and shook her head. "Sorry, I shouldn't have- I shouldn't be prying." She rubbed at the back of her neck, feeling awkward.
Disgaua stopped walking, rather suddenly in fact, and immediately dropped his gaze to the street ahead of them. Blue eyes, normally so full of life and with a constant twinkle, whether from some trickery or near-constant joviality, were now full of moisture. His face was devoid of that happy smile.
It lasted only a moment. After that moment, he turned to look back at her again.
"It doesn't matter anymore...I don't mean to hide anything from you, but I think we should like tonight to be enjoyable, yes? I'm afraid I won't be such good company if I keep prattling about the distant past, eh?" He gave a small smile, slightly sad.
"What of you? Where did the mistress of that wonderful bakery come from?"
Her eyes softened and she bit her lip again. "Forgive me, I really didn't mean to pry," she murmured. Without thinking, she tightened her grip on his arm a bit in an unconscious effort to comfort.
His question made her swallow a little nervously and she tried to force a smile. "Oh, well...not much of anywhere really," she said with a small, tight laugh.
She hated lying, especially to someone she might actually like, but what choice did she have? So she fell back on the story she'd been using for the last four years. "Small farming village near Matron's Hollow. My parents died several years ago, and I came here." She shrugged. "But enough about the past, yes?"
Diz gave a slow nod, and patted her hand. "I'm very sorry to hear that, Nyla. But yes, enough of the past...but what of the future? Do you plan to stay here, in Reajh with your bakery? Or do grander designs brighten your horizon?"
Slowly, his smile began to return. He noted their path, realizing they were nearing the upper districts. He hoped Sleipnir would receive her well - he hadn't tried to put a second rider on him before, but it certainly wouldn't stop him trying.
Nyla laughed and shook her head. "Oh, I don't think grand plans suit me very well," she chuckled. "I'm built for a quiet life. I enjoy running the shop, and I'm faring better than many." Her mouth twisted a bit at the corners- she saw the poverty people of the city lived in every day, and she knew her spare loaves and coin wouldn't really make a difference, no matter how much she tried- but she quickly shook her head to oi the thought from her mind.
She glanced up at Diz, head tilted just slightly. "And you? A military man forever, or do you see something different in your future?"
The Mordecai gave a half shake of his head, thought better of it, and then shrugged. "Honestly? I have no idea. I mean...I'll probably be serving for quite some time, as both a soldier and as my Lady's bodyguard, but...well, I would like to settle down, one day. Get married, have a child or two, maybe, and retire in happiness."
He gave a wistful sigh. "But the likelihood of that is but a tiny thing. So, perhaps I'll spend my off time keeping pretty young bakers company after their finished with the says work." He gave a small chuckle, and again shook his head.
"... honestly, the future for me looks...sort of bleak. But, it is what it is."
Her all-too-easy blush was back, but a soft frown tugged at her features as she blinked up at him. "Well." She cleared her throat, then said determinedly, "Even a small chance is a chance, yes?"
Her instinctive need to comfort, to make things better, rose up in her chest and she held his arm a little tight. "Alright- if you could be anything you like, go anywhere, do anything, what would you do?" She tried to keep her tone light, perhaps steer the conversation somewhere that would bring back the smile that had been haunting her all day- even if it was a silly reflex.
Diz blinked, and returned the squeeze. "There is always a chance, I suppose, no matter how small." He flashed that smile again, brighter now. He liked how this woman made him feel - she talked to him like a person, instead of a soldier. He wondered if perhaps this could be more than a pleasant walk with good company. What would the end of their short journey bring? The chance for a friend - at the least - that could be with him more than just the night warmed his heart so.
"Go anywhere and do anything? ...I think, I'd like to own a farm, as my parents did, out there on the plains. Have a pretty little wife, couple children. Be just honestly happy, without having to worry about being a soldier for once. Grow old with her, watch my kids grow up....I don't have high aspirations - just simple ones." He gave her arm another squeeze.
"So what grand dreams flit about in that pretty head of yours, then? I can't be the only one revealing my heart, can I?" His smile tilted a little, teasing slightly. "What do you want out of life?"
Nyla smiled, both a little surprised and utterly charmed by his answer. He was so unlike what she'd expected- though if she was honest she wasn't entirely sure what is was she had expected.
"What would I want?" She tilted her head slightly as she though, then gave her head a quick shake in exasperation when her hair fell in front of her face. "I suppose I'd be happy if I could continue on as I have," she mused. "Perhaps...it's a little lonely, running the shop by myself, but honestly I'm quite content."
Not entirely a lie. Just not the whole truth, either. If I could do anything...
If she was stronger, she would make things right. Unconsciously, she lifted a hand to rub at the start of the long scar that slashed from her shoulder to her hip.
Diz blinked, and raised a brow, apparently not satisfied with her answer. He turned to look at her directly, again stopping them., He laid one hand on each shoulder, trapping the hand that rubbed at one, not tight but gently, looking into her dark eyes with his ice blue ones.
"Surely that's not all. If the entire world could be at your disposal, you would stay there? On your lonesome in Reajh, in a bakery for the rest of your days? I mean, I know it's yours, but that's all you want, truly?"
Despite his tone, he still had a twinkle to his eye and a smile upon his lips. "What about a family? Or at least someone to spend your life with? It's fine to do what you love...but you needn't be alone to do it."
Inside, despite his smile, he felt a cold feeling in his stomach. Logically, he knew that with his duties he needn't hope for something he more than likely could never have, and that hope would likely in the end only hurt him.
But still, he couldn't help himself. Here, there was a very kind woman whom it seemed made him smile with her presence. He hadn't missed her reassuring comfort with the tightening of her arm in his - it only reinforced his feeling.
She paused, startled by his sudden closeness. For a moment she had to fight down an instinctive urge to flinch away, reminding herself that this man had no reason to show her aggression.
"Well, I-" She swallowed and glanced away. "I suppose... I mean, it would be nice to...not be alone." She cleared her throat and shook her head, offering a quick smile. "But like you, it seems my options may be limited."
Not for the same reasons, of course; he had his duty, but what about her? How could she share a life with someone, never able to be completely honest about herself for the sake of protecting them?
He gave a small, warm smile in response, giving the hand he held a small squeeze, then lifted it to his lips to give a small kiss.
"Well, tonight at least, neither of us need be alone. The fates may be cruel to me indeed, but why is it your options are limited? You are alone - there's not much sropping you from changing that. You're a beautiful woman, and you have a wonderful heart - why not share your life with another, Nyla? Surely, you could win a man's heart with little trouble."
Like mine, came the thought, unbidden and umvoiced, despite the want for it.
He again offered his arm to her - eventually they would make it to their destination, though it may be late indeed before Diz could return Nyla to her home.
Again she blushed as his lips brushed the back of her hand. Gods, what was wrong with her? Alright, so she didn't get out like this much- still, it shouldn't turn her into some doe-eyed little girl.
Nyla drew her bottom lip between her teeth as she took his arm, trying to think of how best to deflect his question without arousing suspicion.
"Well...thank you, firstly. You seem to have far more faith in my ability to woo someone than I do," she said with a small smile, trying to make a joke of it. Maybe he'd just let it go.
As she said this, the gears were turning in his head. It was a moment before he spoke, the only sounds being their footfalls upon the worked stone road.
What was he to say? He couldn't simply ignore her words, but the only thing that he knew he could say might put her off. He'd have to choose his words carefully, if he could.
Probably not, though. Instead what came forth was both a blunt statement and also, perhaps, a compliment.
"Ability? No. More like natural talent. Seems to work on me well enough." This was said without looking at her, doing his best to keep his eyes forward as they walked, perhaps a little embarrassed by his own bold words.
It wasn't often he got embarrassed, though he could feel the heat in his cheeks.
What the hell is wrong with me?
"Oh?" She glanced up on him, a half smile forming on her face as she assumed he was teasing her.
But there was a flash of something very like sincerity in his eyes and she felt her heart stutter a little nervously. "O-oh."
She cleared her throat and for a moment unconsciously tightened her grip on his arm. Well then. She certainly wasn't used to men being so bold around her- or men being around her at all, really, if she was being honest.
How was she supposed to react. "Well. Thank you again, I suppose," she said with a small smile. It felt like her blush might have become a permanent fixture of her expression at this point. "I, um...it's a rather mutual th-thing, if you'd like to know." She winced slightly at the stutter and ducked her eyes.
For what seemed like the hundredth time since they'd set off from her door, Disgaua stopped them again, his mind paused slightly at her candor. He still looked ahead for a short moment, before a smile crept back into his face and he turned to look at her.
"Truly? I won't lie to you - I was hoping as much, but I was beginning to despair." He again looked into her eyes, blue to dark.
"You needn't be so nervous around me. I won't bite..and your admission warms my heart greatly." He truly meant his words, his smile widening greatly, his eyes nearly glowing they twinkled so much in his excitement.
Oh gods above she was in so much trouble.
Nyla couldn't seem to help smiling back at him. She cautiously let her hand slip from its "appropriate" place on his arm to lay her hand over his in a questioning sort of way.
"Well, I'm glad of that, at least," she murmured. A small smile still tugged at her lips, despite the inner voice screaming at her to run home while she had a chance, and she murmured, "I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like you, Diz."
An elegant soldier. A mordecai who sympathized with mages. The man seemed to almost be a walking contradiction.
Diz flipped his hand over underneath hers, grasping it lightly and again bringing it up to plant a kiss on its back, a smile in his eyes.
"Or I, you, Nyla." He let their hands down, though he kept hold of hers, his grip gentle. "Come, let us continue, otherwise I'll have you out all night and you'll never be able to open in the morning. Let's go - I've got coin burning a hole in my pocket, and I think I'd like to treat you to dinner."
Still blushing lightly, she laughed and gave his fingers a soft squeeze. "Yes, let's." She frowned a bit and tilted her head at him suddenly. "I hardly expect you to pay for everything though, you know. I have a bit of coin of my own."
Disgaua squeezed back, and laughed. "Nonsense, my lady. I worked long and hard for this coin, just for tonight. Please, I insist." And so they began walking again, towards the upper districts. The night sky continued to deepen, stars waking enough to peek through the black velvet.
"I hope you don't mind, but all I know that is open tonight is a tavern. There's typically few people this early, so we may have the place nearly to ourselves. What do you think?" He continued to hold her hand in his, a thumb gently rubbing over the top of her knuckles.
Nyla nodded quickly, only then realizing that she was actually rather hungry- she'd been a bit distracted, it seemed.
"That sounds fine, thank you." She smiled a bit. "Truthfully I feel I should leave all these decisions up to you; you probably have more knowledge of these sorts of things than I do."
Diz tilted his head to the side, looking at her questioningly. "By all means, Nyla...if something i do isn't to your liking, please let me know. If you've got an opinion, share it. This is for both of us, and I'd especially like it if you enjoyed yourself." He gave a broad smile.
"Won't be much fun if we just do what I want. Here we are, though."
It looked high end, this tavern, well lit and very clean. As promised, it was nearly empty but for one other couple, like themselves. He gently led her to a table on the other side of the room, away from the bar, where they could be alone.
He released her only to pull a chair for her. "Have a seat, Nyla, I have but to remove my sword and I will join you." He offered a charming smile to her, and undid a clasp at his belt that disconnected the leather strap and scabbard that held his broadsword from his back, slinging said strap over his shoulder to hold it in hand.
He moved quickly to the bar, sheathed blade in hand, and wrapped his knuckles on the polished wood.
"Jorg, my good man! I've got a blade to secure, please. And I'd like a bottle of wine, please, the best this will get." He dropped twenty five heavy gold coins in the bar. "And everything else for the best food you can manage! I've got a lady friend just there, and I'm treating her to the best night I can give her."
"Oh- thank you." Nyla smiled as she hesitantly took the offered seat. She watched him move to the bar with that same, almost confused little smile on her face.
No one had ever treated her like this, not even in her childhood when she'd been raised as an heir to a powerful noble house. She'd been given respect yes, but never this easy kindness.
It was...nice.
Disgaua returned shortly with a bottle of rich red wine and two glasses. The bottle, already uncorked, was covered with a label of gold foil - something that Diz thought was more than he could afford. But he'd broken up his share of fights in this very building in the past....perhaps Jorg thought the Mordecai was owed a favor. He wasn't about to complain.
He pulled out the chair opposite her, and poured for them two glasses. He gently slid one towards her. "This may be a bit rich for my tastes...but I bought the whole bottle, so let's not waste it, eh? My friend there said he'd bring us our food soon."
He smiled a little bit, looking at her in the slightly dim light. "Nyla...you really are beautiful, you know. I wish I had more than just tonight to spend with you..."
His smile faded a little bit, though a trace of it remained. "I suppose I'll have to ask the Lady for a day every now and then. Wouldn't want another man taking you away while I'm gone."
Nyla reached for her glass tentatively and suddenly found herself blushing yet again. She cleared her throat and ducked her eyes shyly.
"Well- I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. I hardly have suitors banging down my door now, do I?" She smiled a bit and took a sip of the wine. She didn't drink alcohol much, not since she'd run from the Aloran family, but she wasn't going to pass up something he'd obviously spent quite a bit of coin on.
Lowering the glass, she added in a softer voice. "Thank you though. Honestly, I...I'm not really sure what you're doing out with someone like me. Doesn't a bright young soldier have higher aspirations than a simple baker?"
Disgaua took a long sip from his wine as well, his smile returning. "I'm actually more worried you'd tire of waiting for me to return. Between my duty to the Hand, and on a more personal level my job guarding my Lady, I won't often have time to see you."
Setting his glass down, he reached across the table to take one of her hands.
"And you are so much more than a simple baker. You're beautiful, you have a heart of gold...you're perfect. At least, I think so. But I'm afraid young probably doesn't describe me very well. I'm actually twenty-eight. But in any case...I think I told you before, everything I aspire to is pretty simple. I have no grand plans, I only want my life to be peaceful... hopefully when this war is over, it can be."
She chuckled and found herself turning his hand over so she could absently trace the lines on his palm. "Twenty-eight it young, from some perspectives," she pointed out with an arched brow.
Gods, she was sure if she blushed any hotter she was going to ignite. She dropped her eyes, shuffling her feet a little bashfully. "You think too much of me," she murmured. A small sigh escaped her and she nodded slowly at his last comment.
She had no idea how much longer the war would go on- it felt like it might be forever. She'd come to Connlaoth because she'd thought it was the best place for a mage to hide; she'd had no idea what it would be like to really live alongside the conflict.
Quickly, Nyla shook her head and looked back up at him. "I don't suppose...you'd only had today off for leave, didn't you?"
His hand twitched as her fingers traced the lines of his palms, and for some reason he was feeling self-conscious about the scars and calluses on his hands and arms. He held still there, glad she was relaxed somewhat.
"You know, for a soldier who's served as long as me, twenty-eight is ancient." He gave a wry grin at this statement. "And, trust me, if I could think of a better word for beautiful without it sounding lewd, I would." That grin widened even more.
Then, it all but disappeared again. "Yes, that's right...well, technically, I'm here until we either get new orders, or the Lady decides to return home. And since she hasn't sent for me yet, I'm guessing she's staying in the city somewhere.... that, or she left without me, and I'll catch hell in the morning. But this would be worth it."
The smile returned with that comment, gleaming. But then he tilted his head slightly, his eyes questioning.
"Why do you ask? Even if I had to leave tomorrow, I think I'd have every reason to come back to you, if I had the opportunity."
Nyla dropped her eyes again, fixing her gaze on his hand as she continued to absently trace lines and scars. The marks certainly didn't bother her- gods knew she had quite a few of her own.
"Well, that's...good to know." She cleared her throat. "I suppose I was asking- I thought maybe, if you have a bit more time off... Business has been doing well, I could certainly afford to take half the day off tomorrow. I feel rather guilty that you've been playing host to me tonight."
She smiled tentatively and tilted her head. "I can't promise anything exciting, but...I'd like to get to know you better, if we get the chance."
Diz laid his other hand atop hers, holding it softly. He continued to look across the table at her, marveling at how the soft light of the room played across her face.
"If I'm able...I think I would love that. In either case, I'll stop by, even if it's just to say my farewell until I see you again."
Just then, Jorg brought their food back. By the smell, it was wonderful, but he couldn't tell more than that - his eyes were positively glued to her face. His stomach could wait - his heart was busy.
"And...you know what? I like treating you. I think you're worth it, and I honestly think I'd go through anything for the chance to do it again... but, if it means not having to scrub the barracks again for coin, I won't complain."
He cracked a grin at that one, and continued. "It honestly doesn't matter what it is we do, if I'm able to see you tomorrow. I half think I'd be content to sit in the bakery just to watch you. Then we'd have the whole day together." The grin then cooled down to his usual smile, full of charm as always.
"So long as I wouldn't be in your way, that is."
"Oh." Nyla shook her head at him, lips curved up on one side. "You know, with anyone else I'd accuse them of sweet-talking me," she noted wryly, propping her chin up in her hand and giving Jorg a bright, grateful smile. The food really did smell wonderful, but she suddenly wasn't as hungry as she'd been.
She cleared her throat and ducked her head a bit. "You certainly won't be in the way, if you really want to waste your free time in a bakery," she murmured with a shy little smile. "I'll try to get some time off though, if you can manage it."
"Heh, you know what, I am sweet talking you. But I also mean every word." He smiled a bit, still holding her other hand and gently rubbing his thumb up and down the back of her hand, his touch light.
"And I'm glad to hear that. And free time is so rare, I don't think I'd know what to do with myself otherwise, so if I can I'll be there. As for actually having free time....I'll have to make sure tonight we didn't get new orders, and see if the Lady is still in Reajh. If I'm lucky, and I hate to say this as I have great respect for her, she'll get held up with something and I'll get another day."
He used his free hand for a drunk of wine, and then reached across the table. Tenderly, he ran a finger down her cheek, a smile upon his face.
"So...I suppose we should eat and get you home." His hand opened, and he gently cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing small circles on her skin. "But at the same time, I hate to rush the night."
His touch left a trail of heat on her skin and for a moment Nyla found herself speechless, staring at him as she desperately tried to think of something to say.
"R-right," she finally managed to squeak out, wincing at the stammer.
Gods, this was ridiculous. She shouldn't be so shy just from his little touches, but she couldn't seem to help herself. Aside from a handshake or occasional hug from her customers, no one had ever been so cavalier about touching her.
She couldn't say that she minded it, but it threw her off balance.
She cleared her throat. "Well, we don't have to. Rush, I mean. It'd be a waste of good food, yes?" She tried for another smile and had to resist the sudden, strange urge to lean into his hand.
Diz, unfortunately, misread that signal and withdrew his hand, put off by her stammer - he assumed he'd been too forward. He supposed he had, though...they hadn't even known each other for a day, but he couldn't help but want to touch her.
But, he covered by using that hand to pull his plate towards him. "But of course. I've told Jorg he ought to cook for the Grand Duke. Poor sod won't take my advice, though." He gave a grin and took a bite, chewing very slowly before swallowing.
"So...is there anything you'd like to do before I take you back home?"
Nyla almost pouted when he withdrew his hand, but then realized what she was doing and schooled her features back into an easy smile before he could notice.
"Oh. Well- no, actually." She tilted her head slightly and her smile turned wry. "I'm afraid I don't get out enough to really know if there's anything in particular I'd like to do," she admitted with a quiet chuckle.
"Well, I can treat you to a journey back on my horse. Sleipnir's been stuck in that stable most of the day...I'm sure he'd like to stretch his legs." The Mordecai gave a smile, then took another bite of his meal, followed by a drink of wine to wash it down.
"If nothing else, if you don't mind, we can just sit and talk at your place if it's still early...there's not much more to do at night in the city anyway, unless you feel like drinking yourself into a stupor. And I don't think either of us are quite ready for that, eh?" He gave a wry grin, looking at her over his glass.
She nearly choked on her sip of wine and quickly raised a hand to her mouth to cover a chuckle.
"Perhaps not," she agreed with a wry smile. Brushing a few stray curls back out of her face, she added, "And I certainly don't mind a ride- I haven't been on a horse since I was a girl, I miss it." A hint of wistfulness entered her voice and her smile turned a little melancholy.
Diz chuckled slightly when she sputtered her wine a bit. "You really should be careful drinking anything around me. I've a habit of making people laugh - some curse, I'm sure." He gave a small smile at this.
""But Sleipnir is no normal horse. He's a Theocog, a very rare breed raised by my Lady Hakon Kilandre. A most faithful companion....but also the biggest reason for my debt to my Lady. But definitely worth it." He smiled.
"I'm sure the sight of you astride his saddle will be beautiful indeed. Perhaps another day, we can ride onto the plain...?" He let that line hang, a warm smile on his lips.
Nyla flushed again but her smile brightened. "I'd like that very much," she replied easily, a soft glint coming into her eyes.
Her head tilted slightly. "What's a Thecog, exactly?"
Diz chuckled a little bit. "Theocog. They're an extremely rare breed - in fact, there's only eighteen of them if I remember correctly, though I could be wrong. The name literally means 'God Horse.' They're very large, but their defining characteristic is...well, an extra pair of legs. They can trample and kick, but still with four legs on the ground to provide stability to the rider..."
He trailed off a bit. "I'm sorry, I find them fascinating. But due to their rarity, they're absurdly expensive. But you'll not find a better horse anywhere. Anyway, enough about that...are you almost ready to go? I think this bottle of wine might find a new home at your place, if you don't mind."
"Six legs?" Her eyes widened slightly, but she restrained herself from asking more questions. At least for now. "Oh. Yes of course, we can leave."
She smiled and quickly got to her feet, then hesitated. "Are you sure it's alright to just take this? You paid for it, after all."
Diz smiled. "Yes, but if I give I leave it with you, I'll have to come back for it....joking aside, consider it a gift. In case I can't come by tomorrow, at least there'll be something for you to remember me by."
He stood, pushing his chair back under the table, and walked over to her. He offered a hand.
"My lady, let us depart this place, and journey back into the night." His smile would light up the room if it could.
Nyla laughed as she took his hand. "I swear, you should have been a player, not a soldier," she teased lightly, crinkling her nose a bit. She tucked the bottle of wine carefully under her other arm, reluctant to release her gentle grip on his hand.
"Nonsense. It is you that brings this out of me, with your beauty and charm." His smile tilted a little bit, and he reluctantly released her hand.
"I need to retrieve my blade, and we can be off. I'll be back momentarily." Diz turned from her, still smiling, and made his way back to the bar.
"Jorg, my sword, good man. Your meal was excellent as always, but it's time for us to go."
The rotund man behind the bar came forward with the broadsword, laying it gently on the table. "Here you are, Captain. Please, have a good night, and be sure to come back, you and your lady friend."
Diana nodded, and took his sword. "So long as I am able, and have the coin, i shall. And if she doesn't tire of my antics, I'm sure you'll see her again as well. Take care, my friend."
He pulled the leather strap over his head to let it lay over his back and chest, and clipped it again to his belt. Thus armed, he made his way back to Nyla.
"Let's be off, hmm?" He again took her hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze.
Nyla nodded and waited patiently, twisting her fingers together absently in front of her body. She smiled a bit when he took her hand and nodded.
"Lead the way, then," she said easily. A soft yawn overtook her and she raised her hand to cover it- she'd been up before dawn, she hadn't realized how tired she was.
As he led her towards the door, he heard her yawn, and glanced her way with a smile on his face.
"Tired already? I suppose it is getting late...would you rather I took you straight home?"
He released her hand, only to open the door for her, standing easily to one side. "I forget sometimes that not everyone can run days at a time with little sleep...I apologize."
"Oh, no no." She shook her head quickly and offered a bright smile. "No, that's alright. I'm just not used to this sort of thing, I'll be fine."
She ducked her head a bit and murmured, "I'd really like to spend as much time with you as I can manage, if that's alright."
"That's just as well, but I'd also rather not keep you out all night if you've need to be awake early to open shop." He offered a soft smile. "But I do feel the same way, to be completely honest." He raised one hand to brush one of her errant curls from her face, tucking it behind her ear. That same hand came to softly rest with his palm on her cheek, a tender touch.
"And to think this morning, I was just looking for a walk through town with nothing to look forward to. Who knew I'd be so lucky to spend this time we've shared with one as beautiful as you?" His gaze softened, and his smile remained present.
Nyla flushed and dropped her eyes, shuffling her feet self-consciously. "You think far too much of me, sir," she murmured, drawing her bottom lip between her teeth, a nervous habit. Unable to stop herself this time, she leaned into his hand slightly, though she couldn't quite meet his eyes.
"Nonsense, Nyla, I-"
"Hey! I hate to break you two up, but you're standing there with the door open!"
Diz closed his mouth, and gave a sheepish grin, before turning and hollering back. "My apologies, Jorg! I'm simply enamored by this beautiful creature, just here. We'll be along."
He looked back to her with the same sheepish grin, and ushered her outside. He shut the door behind them, and his hands both found themselves where before there was one.
"As I was saying...nonsense, Nyla. Your beauty is your heart, as well as your skin. I find you beautiful inside and out."
His face was rather close to hers, his words whispered.
"I, a simple soldier, am not worthy of the beauty of your face, and certainly not the gold of your heart. It is now that I hope for your mercy, that you would have me again another day, and the days after that."
Nyla's cheeks went very red when Jorg called for them to move and she opened her mouth to apologize, but was too embarrassed to actually form the sounds.
What was wrong with her? She cast Diz an almost condemning glance as he ushered her outside. Why on earth was it so hard for her to think straight around him? Attractive company shouldn't have this much of an effect on her.
Then she suddenly found herself staring up into his eyes. Her hands fluttered nervously, not sure what to do with themselves, and her breath caught in her throat.
"I-I-" She swallowed and tried to look away. Dear gods, how could he say things like that and sound so sincere? She felt distinctly off balance. "You don't even know me," she whispered, eyes wide. "H-how can you be so sure you'd want someone like me?"
Diz gave a soft smile, looking into her eyes. His left hand dropped to catch her right, holding it still, very gently. With his other, the pad of his thumb traced small circles at the corner of her eye, also very gentle, tender even.
When he spoke, his voice was low, just barely above a whisper. "Nyla...despite the fact that you run a business by yourself, in the lower districts even, you feed any who come to you. I saw that this morning. Your heart is tender and pure - I saw that when you were fussing over Thom this morning. And the street kids...free for them, too. If you're not a pillar of goodness, then condemn me now, because I have no idea what good is."
As he spoke, he leaned ever closer, his voice going lower almost with every word.
"Your beauty, even in an apron with your stubborn little curls flying over your face, is something that I can't compare anything to. And I love the way I can make you blush just by talking to you. Your laugh is easy..."
They were very nearly eye to eye now, and as he spoke, she would be able to feel his breath warm upon her cheek, only a hint of the two glasses of wine he had drank to be scented. This man was not drunk - he was in earnest.
"And you make me feel bright inside, just by being around you."
He stopped there, waiting to see if she would invite him further, standing with one foot beyond the brink, and the other just hanging onto the edge, teetering over a precipice, unknowing of what waited below.
He hoped it was her
Heat flashed through her and she stared up at him in silence, eyes wide, lips parted slightly as her breath hitched. Lacing her fingers through his when he caught her hand, she leaned into him a little as he spoke, the movement more automatic than a conscious decision.
She swallowed thickly. "You...Diz, I-"
Suddenly she felt like she was on the verge of tears. She so badly wanted to give in to the impulse, to lean into him and just...see what happened.
Fear stopped her. Because how could he possibly mean that? How could anyone say things like that and be sincere?
But then what if he was- because there wasn't a hint of a lie in his eyes- and when he found out what she really was...
If he found out.
Nyla shook her head, not a sign of denial, more confusion, and bit her lip. She reached up to rest her free hand against his chest delicately. "What if I'm not what you think I am?" she murmured.
Disgaua straightened, frowning slightly. Inside, his heart cracked a little. What was this, now? What was she so afraid of?
His eyes darkened only slightly, the twinkle absent.
"...Nyla, whatever are you talking about, I..."
He stepped backward, and paled slightly.
"....God's, Nyla, are you already with someone? What is it? Don't tell me that, please..."
Her eyes went wide. "Wh-what- no! No, I'm not, I-"
A soft growl of frustration rose up her chest and she wrapped her arms around her middle, hating the part of her that just wanted to close the distance between them and forget everything else. "I don't know what you want," she whispered. "No. No that's not right, I...I don't think I can be what you want."
She dropped her eyes, bring her lip again as she felt her heart clench painfully. "M-maybe I should just go," she whispered, hating the way her voice shook, the threat of tears making themselves known.
"Wha- Nyla, please," he pleaded, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders.
He was confused. Everything had been going so well, but this was.. something else. What could possibly be so wrong that could bring about such a change?
"Don't go...Nyla, I swear on everything I am, you can tell me what's wrong. I won't rebuke you, I won't push you away if you won't do the same to me. So please. What's wrong? Why...why are you doing this, now?"
She couldn't look at him. She just shook her head again, but didn't try to pull away. "I can't," she whispered. "I can't tell you. I- I want to. Truly, I do, but I just..."
She covered her face with her hands. "I can't," she repeated in a mumble.
Gods, how had this all gone wrong so quickly? "I didn't want- I didn't mean for this to happen." Her voice was quiet and shaky. "I-I just... You were so kind, and I didn't see the harm-" She swallowed thickly.
"I just can't be what you want- what you deserve, Diz. I'm so sorry." She looked away, eyes suspiciously bright, and swiped almost angrily at them with the back of her hand.
Diz saw the light in her eyes.
He hoped to every God he could that it wasn't magelight.
"Nyla...your eyes...what...is that?"
He stepped toward her, and laid a hand on her shoulder. Despite his suspicion...
...he was still gentle. His voice was deathly quiet though, cracking a little bit. He was afraid his heart was about to be shattered beyond repair.
But how could it be? Even if she was a mage, she was right next to him. His aura overtook her by fifteen yards. There should be no light to her eyes, unless...
No. God's, please, no.
He had to ask. He didn't want to, but he had to.
"Nyla...are you a mage?"T
Her heart stopped, then picked up again in double-time.
Nyla was frozen, unable to look at him. "N-no," she whispered, voice hoarse. "No, I'm not. I- I'm crying," she defended desperately, swiping at her eyes again.
His aura was powerful- she could certainly feel that- and she was nearly as surprised as he sounded that he'd seemed to notice anything in her eyes. That shouldn't be happening. Not unless there was something nearby for her magic to react to...
Terrified she wouldn't be able to control herself, she jerked away from him, looking anywhere but at his face.
"If that's not it, then just come with me. Let's figure this out...together. Please. You don't have to hide anything from me - I swear it."
He stepped up behind her, gently laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Listen. I mean it. You can tell me anything. You say you can't be that person, but why?"
For a long, long moment she was quiet. Then, almost feeling as if she was watching it happen rather than doing it herself, she murmured, "Not here. Please. We- we can talk somewhere else."
She glanced around, feeling very out in the open here. Gods, she'd turned into a shut-in.
Hopefully he'd agree, and it would buy her more time to come up with something, anything, that she could tell him.
Disgaua tilted a brow. It was in the middle of the night, and the closest people seemed to be those in the building they had just left behind, in closed doors. But...if that's what it took for her to be comfortable, so be it.
"...very well, then. I'll follow you, this time. Find someplace where you're comfortable...and we'll work this out."
"Oh. Well..."
Her cheeks darkened a bit and she glanced away. "I- don't honestly know this part of the city very well," she admitted quietly. She would have no idea where to lead him.
"D-didn't you say something about a stable?" In her experience, stables had always been relatively quiet places, a sort of sanctuary.
"Yes...it's right next to the Mordecai garrison. If that's where you want to go, then we can head that way."
He looked down one of the side streets, and nodded in that direction. "Well ...let's go, then." Diz began walking, not initiating physical contact.
He somehow had a feeling it wouldn't be well received. Though he walked tall, it was with a heavy heart, the thought being that whatever she was going to say...he wouldn't like it.
"Yes. Alright. Thank you." Nyla hesitated a moment once he'd started moving, then hurried after him. Her shoulders were set, tense, and she couldn't seem to stop wringing her hands, clasped together in front of her body.
It wasn't long before they found the stables, and Diz bid her to hold a moment. He opened the door, quietly slipping inside, shutting it behind him.
A single lamp was burning, offering a weak light. He saw only single stableboy, cleaning out one if the empty paddocks. He stepped up to him. "Lad, take a break for a few minutes if you would, please. I am Disgaua of Ansgar's Hand, rest assured I will ensure nothing occurs to disturb your work. I need but a quiet moment for a private discussion."
The stableboy nodded, and set aside his pitchfork. "Aye, sir. So, that'n's yer horse, just there? Fine beast he is."
Diz looked down the row of paddocks, and nodded when he spotted Sleipnir, head lowered and apparently dozing. "Indeed. I could ask for no better horse than Sleipnir."
"He's incredible. I'll be out of yer way, sir."
Diz followed him to the door he had just entered, following him outside. The stableboy offered Nyla a nod as he walked past her, a bit of a grin pasted on his face - apparently he had different ideas about what was going to happen.
The Captain looked after him, shaking his head slightly. He looked to Nyla, and gave a bit of a sigh. "Nothing but horses and hay in there, now. We're free to talk." He held the door open for her, standing just to the side. "Just go inside and make your way to Sleipnir's stall...I promised you a ride home, and I still intend to deliver. He's at the end, there. You can't miss him. I'll find a couple of stools for us to sit."
Nyla forced a small smile and nodded at him as she slipped into the stable and started making her way slowly down the aisle between the stalls. A softer, truer smile tugged at her lips as the scent and sound of horses surrounded her and she closed her eyes a moment, just breathing.
The stables at the Alloran estate had always been her escape, her horses meant freedom. The one acceptable pass time that had allowed her to be what she was.
She eventually arrived at the correct stall and hesitated before moving toward the door. Out of habit more than anything else, she gave a low whistle to call the animal forward.
Diz followed her inside and shut the door behind him. On his way to Sleipnir's stall, he picked up two stools left by a table, and brought them over, setting them down beside the wall.
He moved to stand behind Nyla, then, and spoke softly. "Sleipnir and the other Theocog are bonded to their riders by trust. He won't come to you - take no offense."
He reached over her shoulder, and gently drummed his fingers on the gate to the Theocogs stall. "Sleipnir, someone wants to see you. Come say hello."
From out of the shadowed stall, the massive horse slowly moved forward, a tall black stallion. Heavily muscled and with six powerful legs, Sleipnir lifted his head to brush against Disgaua's hand. The Captain smiled, and raised his hand to rub on the beasts head, up and down his long snout.
"Here, now. He's quite calm."
He moved to stand against the gate, beside Nyla now. He offered a small smile. "Be at ease, and he will be, too. We'll take a moment, then we can talk."
"Oh..." Nyla's eyes were wide as they flicked over the powerful animal. She smiled wonderingly and, at Diz's permission, hesitantly offered her palm for the horse to smell.
"I miss horses," she murmured, almost dreamily. "I had a pony, when I was a girl. Nothing like these great chargers, but I loved him. Sweetest little thing." Hesitantly, she let her hand stroke over Sleipnir's neck.
Sleipnir's great head pushed against Nyla's palm after scenting it, and gave a soft whinny. When she rubbed over his neck, he stood calmly, apparently enjoying the attention.
Disgaua gave a small smile, standing beside her. "That sounds wonderful. I never actually had experience with horses until I joined the ranks. Not many horse farms within Reajh."
He turned to look at her, and smiled. A moment later, his face looked sad. He was conflicted inside - seeing her like this, he wanted to hold her with a smile while she pet his horse.
But he couldn't.
"....well...before you get too attached...I think we have things to discuss. I need to know, Nyla. What's the problem, that makes a relationship with me impossible? You say you're not a mage. That's good. I don't care if you're a baker - I admire you all the more for it. What could be the problem?"
He turned from her, and sat on one of the stools. He looked up at her back, his face grim and slightly sad looking.
"....whatever it is, we can work through it. Just tell me."
Nyla's hand paused and her shoulders tensed. Slowly, she drew her arm back and clasped her hands in front of her body, looking intently at her feet.
"I..." She bit her lip, the vague cover stories she'd been working on swirling through her mind. "I'm not-"
A shuddering sort of breath left her and she wrapped her arms around her middle. "You seem...infatuated with an idea of me that I'm not sure exists," she murmured. "I'm not as- as good as you think I am. I've...done things I'm not proud of. Hurtful, awful things." Her voice shook slightly and she clenched her eyes shut.
"Nyla..." he started, looking at her for a moment. He leaned forward a bit, and rested his elbows on his thighs, ands clasped between his knees.
"...look. The past is exactly that - the past. Is done, it's over with. The only thing about the past that matters is that it makes you who you are today. It doesn't matter what you've done in the past, so long as you're not doing it today. I can't judge you based on what you've done. Nobody can."
He straightened up a bit, and had a slightly crooked smile on his face. "You'll have to try harder than that."
She started slightly and whipped her head around to look at him, surprised, and almost laughed.
The wry mirth was gone quickly though and she dropped her eyes again. "It's- it's not quite that simple," she sighed. "If I could just...move on from my past- but the problem is the past chases us."
Literally, in her case.
She shook her head. "I...the reason I don't get close to many people is because I'm afraid it'll put them in danger," she murmured eventually.
There. That wasn't a lie, though even saying it made her chest ache.
Diz leaned back away from her, a brow arched at her sudden laughter, and then it's disappearance. He wondered at her words. The past chases us? What could she mean by that?
"You have to realize that not all people are defenseless, Nyla. I certainly am not. I've killed men, I've killed demons, I've killed some of the most horrifying abominations to have crawled from the Fell."
He stood up, then, and moved to lean against Sleipnir's gate, arms crossed over his chest. "You just need to find stronger people. Whatever could you bring that puts people in danger? It's not as if cookies and bread and sweets are dangerous. You have to be more specific."
Nyla shook her head, not looking at him.
"I want to tell you," she whispered. "But the more you know, the more danger I'm putting you in. I shouldn't even be telling you that!"
She looked up at him, face even paler than normal. "I don't doubt your abilities, Diz. But I won't be responsible for the pain of someone I care about, I won't." Not again.
Disgaua looked at her oddly, and leaned in. "Look. We're in the middle of the upper districts, a stones throw away from the Grand Duke's palace, right next to the Mordecai barracks. There's no safer place in the entire country right now." He straightened and stepped toward her, coming down to crouch in front of her. Gently, he took one of her hands between both of his.
"I'm a Captain of an elite heavy cavalry unit for a reason, too. There's no danger you can put me in with words."
She wanted to believe him. Gods, she wanted to, but she was terrified of the risk.
She shook her head, eyes lowered, but she didn't try to pull her hand back. What could she say? What could she tell him that could possibly make this better?
Perhaps start with a sliver of truth. "Do you- have you ever heard of the Alloran family?" He was a mordecai, and they were powerful, dangerous mages. Still, she didn't know what the chances were of him knowing the name or anything about the family.
Diz nodded a little bit. "The name sounds familiar...perhaps a book or some such? They're scholars, in the Serenian province, right? I'd suppose they're mages, too. Why?"
Almost unconsciously, the pad on his thumb began to rub lightly on the back of her hand. His mind was working around a question - if he was right about the family, and she had some connections with them, what did that make her? He'd heard - and seen - some truly horrifying things that mages were capable of. Perhaps she'd escaped some sort of experiment?
But it would be foolhardy for a group of mages to track her to Reajh, the capital of a province trying to stamp out the very idea of magic. The main garrison of the Mordecai's was here, the Knights of the Lily was here.
Hell, somewhere, Hakon was here. And she was a force to be reckoned with, even on her own.
But anything was possible, he supposed. He knew there were some forms of magic that couldn't be suppressed with Mordecaism - namely, divine and demonic magic. Anyone with those capabilities could waltz straight into the city, and no one would be any wiser about it.
With this thought in mind, he tilted a brow.
".....there's more to them than appears, isn't there?
Almost painfully slowly, she nodded.
"I- I lied to you before. About my family. I'm sorry, I just...I've never been able to tell anyone before." She took a shaky sort of breath. "I grew up in the Alloran estate."
Not a lie.
"My parents...my father, I only ever knew my father."
A half-lie. Joseph had been more of a father to her in a few short years than Lorran had her entire life.
"He's gone now. That was true. But- but because he was a mage, and a threat to their power. They killed him, and I...came here. I thought Connlaoth would be the safest place to hide from mages."
Again, mostly true.
"They'll come for me. I don't know why they want me dead, but they do."
Lie. Lie lie lie, and it ate away at her heart in sharp little pricks that made her wince and close her eyes.
Very suddenly, Nyla would find herself wrapped in a tight embrace, strong arms around her with one at her back and the other behind her head, gently pulling her to his chest.
"Oh, Nyla, why didn't you ever say so? You could have been protected from the start...there's Mordecai patrols up and down and throughout the city all times of day, someone could have always checked on you, no matter what time." That hand on her head began to stroke, fingers weaving through her dark curls.
"Nyla...you have my word. I'll make sure you're protected."
Nyla froze, eyes going wide as she was suddenly tugged into an embrace. She opened her mouth to speak- and suddenly had to clamp it shut again to swallow a sob.
She turned her face into his chest, fingers curling in the fabric of his shirt. She shook her head. "N-no. No, it doesn't matter. If- if they knew someone was protecting me, they'd kill them too."
Her voice choked off and she whimpered quietly, trying to raise her hands to cover her face.
He released her, but stopped her hands from coming to her face - both of his instead came to rest on her cheeks, and he pressed his forehead to hers.
His eyes were open, and soft as he looked at her. "Nyla, look at me. Look into my eyes and tell me that there's no way that I can protect you. Listen - I'll take you home tonight, but let me find out if Hakon is occupied, and I'll see what the plan is, whether I need to head out in the morning. But no matter what, I'll stay with you, even if I have to sleep in the bakery at the table."
He lifted his head, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. A demure gesture, and one he hoped wouldn't offend her.
He straightened a bit, and looked at her, a gentle smile on his face. "I swear to you, by everything that I stand for, Nyla. I can protect you. At least for tonight. You've seen me off duty, but you haven't met the soldier yet."
"Diz..." Her lips curved into a small, sort of sad smile. Without quite realizing what she was doing, she reached up to lay her hand on his cheek gently.
"I've been living with this for years. I haven't asked for protection because I neither want nor deserve it. Even if it's a minuscule chance, I don't want anyone getting hurt for my sake."
She shook her head. "I'm sure your lady has far more important matters to attend to- as do you. I'd be honored if you'd accompany me home, but I don't expect anymore than that."
Diz again leaned forward to rest his forehead on hers, and stared into her dark eyes. "Look at it this way, Nyla. If I were to get hurt protecting you, I'd be doing a noble deed for the entire district. For as long as you are safe, they have a place to go when they are hungry, where a wonderful woman will see to their need with her golden heart. You cannot sway me, Nyla."
His fingers curled into her hair, gently running through it. He continued to stare into her eyes. "And my Lady's matters are her own. And I have none until they are given to me. So, I'll tell you this."
His mouth curled into a wry kind of smile.
"You'll either let me into the bakery for the night to guard your stairs, or I'll stand outside your shop door until you're open. I mean it."
He then stood, and held a hand out to her. "Now...I think I should get Sleipnir saddled so we can be on our way. But first....I'll need my other sword and my glaive. I want you to think about this."
Nyla couldn't think of an argument she could give that would actually sway him. She shook her head again but kept quiet, suddenly very aware of his touch, of the way it felt when he ran his fingers through her hair.
She nodded and took his hand when it was offered, getting to her feet. "Alright. It doesn't seem like there's much I could say to stop you," she murmured.
"Of course there isn't. Come on, you can see the garrison. Mind the smell, though...it's been hours now since I cleaned the barracks, and it's probably pretty nasty again." He offered a small smile.
He let go of her hand to step back towards Sleipnir, stretching a hand out to rub his neck. "I'll be back, Sleipnir. We're going to give a friend a ride home in a moment. Are you ready to stretch your legs, my friend?"
Sleipnir gave a soft whinny in response, and pushed his hand away with his head. Disgaua chuckled a bit. "Yeah, I get it. I'll hurry."
Diz walked to the door, and held it open for Nyla. "Well, let's get going." His smile, ever present, was still a little small. He'd learned some things (or had he, really?) and supposed that, perhaps, not everything was lost. But he'd prove his determination to her.
And if something did go bump in the night, he'd be ready for it. And those that sought to move through him had better beware.
Nyla chuckled and tried to wipe subtly at her eyes. "Yes. Well, ah, lead the way, I suppose."
She stepped up behind him, giving the horse a quick pat as she passed. Her heart still ached, hating the fact that she knew she must have hurt him, intentionally or not.
She tried for a small smile though, arms wrapped loosely around her middle in an almost defensive sort of position.
He watched her walk towards him, her pose defensive, and his heart fell a little. He didn't really know what was proper anymore, whether he should offer an arm or not, knowing that their night out was, essentially, over. It'd gotten serious fast, but he still held hope that it could end well. He had no promiscuous thoughts - he merely hoped that the air could be cleared, and perhaps something good could come of all this.
In the end, he decided to offer the arm to her. After all, at the very least, he considered her a friend, and she shouldn't walk a at night unescorted. But really, he just wanted her contact. That, at least, could be a sign that things could be well between them.
She blinked at his offered arm for a moment, then took it with a smile and a murmured word of thanks.
She wished desperately she could think of something to say that would bring back that bright smile, but all she could come up with was, "I'm sorry. I...I never wanted to lie, or hurt you."
He smiled when she took his arm, and instinctively tightened slightly. Almost immediately after, he realized this...but he didn't fix it.
"No...don't worry about it, really. I understand why you did it - you were protecting yourself. I can't fault you for that. But....I just wish you would trust me in this. Can you do that for me?"
The barracks were very nearby, and it took only a minute for them to reach the door. He opened the door, but entered first.
"Captain Disgaua Carthalion. Just coming to grab arms. I have someone with me, but we'll be only a moment."
The soldier behind the desk near the door offered a nod and a short salute and a nod. "As you are, Captain."
Diz nodded, and poked his head out the door. "We're cleared, Nyla."
The baker blinked up at him, then let out a soft breath. "I'll try," she murmured. "Really, Diz, I will."
She waited just outside for him, and once told they were in the clear moved quickly and easily back to his side. Her hand hovered a moment, then moved to take his arm again cautiously.
When she took his arm of her own accord, his smile couldn't have possibly gotten brighter without actually emitting light. "All right, it's this way." His room was actually fairly close to the front door, and he was able to quickly and easily lead them there. He opened the door, and took her inside.
"This was my old room back when I was just but a patrolling guard in the city. The beds nothing special, but you can have a seat while I gather my things."
"Thank you." Nyla sat delicately on the edge of the bed, ankles crossed and hands folded in her lap. At least, they started folded, but after a moment or two she started rubbing at her wrist, a nervous habit she'd believed she'd outgrown that she wasn't even consciously aware of.
"Do you stay here often? When you're back in the city?"
Diz was in the middle of pulling the black tunic shirt over his head, revealing the chainmail he'd left on beneath it, the white cotton of his gambeson showing through the steel linked chain. When he at last was able to get it off his head, he answered. "No... believe it or not, this is the first time I've been in the city since I joined the Hand. I was simply lucky enough that it was empty when we got here."
He turned and bent down to grab at the pieces of his armor she had seen him in earlier today, standing up with his breastplate.
He noticed her hand rubbing at the opposite wrist, and tilted a brow. "Is there something wrong, Nyla?"
"What?" She followed his eyes to her wrist and suddenly flushed. "Oh- oh no, no. Sorry, it's a...sort of a nervous habit I developed as a child," she admitted in an embarrassed mumble, very deliberately pulling her hands apart and gripping the edge of the bed on either side of her.
Her eyes flicked back up to him and she titled her head. "Won't you need help carrying some of that?"
Diz smiled at her admission of her nervous habit. It was cute.
He fitted the front part of his breastplate on his chest, and struggled for a minute with the back. "No...I'm wearing it, not carrying it. Basically....so that I don't have to carry it." He gave a crooked, sheepish grin.
"....but if it's not too much to ask, I could use some help. It's really only this part I have problems with...there's a piece almost like a door hinge with a pin. I had this customized when I got it, but apparently my smith didn't realize I wanted to be able to be able to put it on by myself...."
"Oh, of course!" She got quickly to her feet and moved toward him. Her hands skated over the armor until she found the claspe and worked at it- with surprising ease for a baker. "Right, I think that's it," she murmured, stepping back.
Diz put his arms down with a sigh. "Thank you. You have no idea how hard that is to do by yourself." He smiled at her, and worked on fitting the pieces of his half-greaves together, then his pauldrons. Lastly, he put on leather gloves, and fitted his half-gauntlets over them.
He grabbed his broadswords, and strapped both of them to his back in their sheathes, then grabbed his glaive, a fearsome, spear like polearm with a curved blade at the end like a scimitar.
"...there, I think that's everything. Are you ready to go?"
She nodded, stepping back. "Ready when you are." Her hands clasped in front of her body again, eyes downcast and a thoughtful sort of line deepening between her brows.
Diz looked thoughtfully at her, noticing her face and raising his free hand. His gauntlets covered only the top of his hands and left his fingertips free, so the only contact on her cheek was that of soft leather.
"You're worried about something, still, Nyla. What's wrong?"
She started slightly at the touch and looked up at him with rather wide eyes. "I- nothing," she said quickly. "Just tired, I suppose."
The overwhelming feeling of emptiness brought on by proximity to a mordecai was so strong here she thought it might make her sick. She swallowed. "Let's just...go. Please."
Diz nodded. "Let's get you home to bed, then." He lowered his hand, moving towards the still open door. He stepped just outside, waiting for her to follow before shutting it.
"You know....even if this night didn't go as hoped...I'd still like to see you from time to time." With that, he supposed it sounded like an admission of defeat - he was beginning to think that his pursuance of her was no more than an effort in futility, but at the least, they could perhaps come out of this as friends.
"That is, if you'll have me."
Nyla stared at him for a moment. Slowly, a small smile spread across her face.
"I'd really like that." She hesitated, then reached out to take his hand, uncaring of the leather and metal that covered it. "Diz...I'm sorry. About all of this. But you were nothing but lovely tonight, and- and you make me wish things were different."
Diz gave a wan smile. "Don't worry about it, Nyla. It is, what it is...and who knows - maybe later...things can be different." He laid his other hand gently atop hers, his eyes a little sad, but he was resolute - there was nothing he could do now.
"...let us worry first about the now. Later will come when it's ready." He offered her his arm, his smile brightening slightly. "I believe I still owe you a ride home, and I intend to deliver. Lets make our way to the stables, and see about saddling Sleipnir. Then you can ride home in style." He led them toward the door, offering the soldier there a salute as they exited.
Nyla offered a small smile of her own, heart clenching painfully, and took his arm. "Yes, alright. Thank you."
She allowed him to lead them along, eyes rather downcast as she tried to think of something to say but came up blank.
As they walked, he noticed the lowered look of her eyes. "Nyla, don't let this bother you. If it can be helped, then fine...but if not, there's no point in worrying about it, really." He tightened his hold on her arm a tiny bit, noticeable but not so much to harm her on his armor.
"If nothing else, if this can be dealt with, I look forward to repeating this night, and correctly this time." If he were able, he would lay his other hand atop hers on his arm - for once, he lamented carrying his glaive. Perhaps the company on his arm was more comforting than the steel he typically carried with him everywhere...the thought made him snicker slightly, though he quickly caught it and hoped she wouldn't notice.
She started a bit and tried to make her smile more genuine. "Oh- yes. I think I'd like that."
Again she went quiet, not quite sure what she should say, or if there was anything she could say to make this better.
They came again to the stables, and Diz opened the door to let them inside. "I'm glad to hear that. And...I'm sorry if I've been....forward. But if there's some threat to your life, I think it'd kill me more to not do anything about it."
"No, that's..." She ran her fingers through her hair distractedly. "None of this was your fault, Diz," she murmured. "I...wish things were simpler."
She moved a little hesitantly toward Sleipnir's stall.
"I still feel as if I've been too insistent, even when you tried to tell me no. But....I can't help it, Nyla. Even if nothing occurs between us, I just feel like...it's something I need to do." He followed her to Sleipnir's stall, and deftly unhooked the latch on the gate.
He turned to lean his glaive on the opposing wall, and then stepped into the stall to retrieve the cavalry saddle from its hook on the wall. Before he saddled the Theocog, he made sure to come to the beasts head, rubbing heartily on his neck.
"Alright, buddy. You ready to do guard duty with me? No running tonight - just a chance to stretch your legs. Get down for me a little bit, and we'll set you up."
Incredibly, it was as if the massive steed understood his words, and he lowered his front four legs to make the task easier.
"That's a good boy. Thank you."
Diz went about expertly saddling the beast, securing all belts and buckles like he'd done it hundreds of times before.
Nyla shook her head, but didn't say anything, not sure what she really could say.
She did move forward to help fasten the girth once the saddle was on the animal's back, patting his whithers gently. "Yes, you're a fine lad," she told him quietly, almost on reflex. "Very good boy."
Diz took the reigns to lead Sleipnir to the double doors to the stables. He pushed them open, and led the Theocog outside.
"Nyla...it's a bit heavy, but could you please bring my glaive when you come out?"
"Of course." She hurried to do as asked, a soft huffing sound escaping her as she hefted the weight of the thing and moved to follow Diz and the horse.
By the time she arrived, Disgaua had already mounted Sleipnir. "Sorry about that. Must have had something on my mind." He smiled and took the glaive from her, angling it to move it to his other hand.
He then reached down to her, extending a hand to help her up. "So, my lady. Would you ride with me?"
Nyla smiled and took his hand gently. "Thank you, good sir." She swung up onto the saddle behind him, automatically reaching forward to wrap her arms around his waist before she hesitated.
"Ah- is this..okay?"
Disgaua slid the glaive into a leather loop attached to the saddle, placed there specifically to make it easier to carry while riding. When she wrapped her arms around his waist, he gently placed a hand on one of hers, turning to look over his shoulder as he did.
"It is now," he said, smiling broadly. He patted her hand, and grabbed the reins again.
Truth be told, Sleipnir was trained to recognize signals from his riders knees as well as the reins, but he didn't want to hold her hand the whole time. That might cause more problems than they already had, and he didn't want either of them to feel worse about the situation than they already did.
With a very gentle kick, Sleipnir was headed off toward the lower districts at a trot.
"...so...if someone were to come after you tonight, what would one expect?"
Nyla was quiet for several long moments.
"I'm not really sure," she murmured.
More silence.
She sighed and let her forehead rest on his back, uncaring of the discomfort of the metal. "Do you... do you know anything about blood magic? Was it ever practiced in Connlaoth, before- before the war and everything?"
"Blood magic? Um...that depends on what kind you mean.." he started, blinking a bit but keeping his eyes forward. "I've dealt with blood magic used in summoning, and I've heard some... pretty disturbing things about blood mages that can actually control someone's blood. Frankly, I'd rather deal with summoners...demons can be killed. I can't kill my own blood."
She would then be able to actually feel him shudder, even through his armor.
"But so far as I know, mordecaism still blocks blood magic, but not the actual summoning. Which were you meaning?"
"Both," she mumbled quietly. "And...and more than that. Blood magic can be used to augment natural gifts, to make a mage more powerful than they could ever be naturally. Sometimes powerful enough to overcome a mordecai's aura, even if only for a few moments."
She leaned back slightly, resisting the nervous urge to fidget her hands. "The Allorans...it's what they're famous for. Their family has been practicing blood magic for generations, and they've gotten very, very good at it." She took a breath. "That's what will happen, if they find me."
Diz was silent for several moments, merely watching the road before them, and listening to the clip-clop of Sleipnir's six hooves upon the stone pavement. But, if Nyla were to look, she'd notice a white knuckled grip on his glaive.
When he spoke, it wasn't with any kind of voice she would have heard from him that day. It was cold. Detached.
The soldier.
"...define, 'a few moments.'
Nyla tensed, feeling the change in him as much as hearing it in his voice. She swallowed, staring at his back.
"I- the longest I've ever heard of was perhaps a minute. Long enough to cast a fairly devastating spell, if the mordecai was distracted and couldn't attack physically."
She silently prayed that he wouldn't ask how she knew this; hopefully he believed she'd been nothing more than a servant or something similar to the Allorans, and she didn't want to break that illusion, despite the guilt of lying.
The disgust and rejection she was sure would come if she told the truth was much, much worse.
Disgaua was again silent for a moment, but his grip on his glaive eased. He wondered idly whether he was up for such a challenge, but only for a moment.
Of course he was.
He gave a bit of a chuckle, and shook his head a bit. He turned to look over his shoulder at her, eyes twinkling and wearing a bright smile.
"So, all I've got to do is stay alive for a minute. Sounds easy enough, and the thought of you being safe after that...well, that's a big motivational factor for me." He draped the reins on the saddle horn, and laid his hand atop one of hers, where she was still holding on to him.
"And there's no saying that someone would come tonight anyway. So there's not much to worry about." His voice was confident, and so was he. He could handle most anything any single man could throw at him. But what he said made sense - if no one had come after her after all this time, who was to say it would happen tonight?
Nyla tightened her grip on him almost unconsciously. It wasn't that she doubted his own abilities- she just knew too much about the people hunting her.
"You're probably right," she murmured, trying not to think about it.
Diz gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and turned back to the road ahead. He didn't know what else to say, so he didn't.
On horseback, and without stopping every ten paces, it seemed they were able to make much better time - after no more than ten minutes, they again reached Nyla's bakery.
"Here we are," he said. "Climb down first, and I'll follow."
"Alright." She slid off the horse's back and moved toward the front door to the bakery, digging around in a small purse at her hip for the key.
"There's actually a decent amount of space around back, I've got a little garden- Sleipnir's welcome to graze, if you like," she murmured.
Diz planted the unbladed end of his glaive on the ground for support while he swung his leg over the saddle to dismount. With a clatter of steel, he came to his feet.
"Hear that, Sleipnir? Isn't she a wonderful host?" With a smile, he patted and rubbed the side of Sleipnir's neck with just his fingers, careful not to scrape him with his half-gauntlets. The Theocog fluttered his lips in response, and looked expectantly at Nyla.
He turned to Nyla, and nodded with a smile. I think he'd like that. Would you mind leading the way?"
Nyla smiled and nodded. "This way, through here."
She led them down the alley between her shop and the building next door, around to the small, fenced in garden that connected to the bakehouse. She nudged the gate open and stood to the side, waving horse and soldier through.
Disgaua nodded and smiled in appreciation, moving to lead Sleipnir into the gate. Just as he walked through it, Sleipnir suddenly became much more stubborn.
Diz turned around, and gave a little laugh, watching the massive charger nose at Nyla's shoulder.
"You know what? I might have been wrong earlier, when I said he wouldn't come to you. I think he likes you."
Diz stepped back to the Theocog to pat his neck. "Come on, you. You're crowding me - I pay attention to the lady, you go eat." He looked at Nyla with a wink.
The baker chuckled quietly and reached up to stroke Sleipnir's neck. "Well, aren't you a lovely boy?" she murmured, smiling softly.
She shook her head at Diz with a small grin. "If you're comfortable letting him graze out here, we could go in? It's warmer, and I have a few treats left over that didn't sell today."
"Yes, he should be fine. He'll remain here unless called." He finally managed to convince Sleipnir of the existence of food, and led him within the gate. "Can't promise you'll have much of a garden left, though..."
He looked to Nyla with a grin, and exited the gate, making sure the gate was closed. "Lead the way, my lady."
"In here." She bumped open the door to the bakehouse and poked her head inside.
Cal had done much the same, peering out over the door to the oven; he must have heard their approach. She caught his eye and shook her head subtly and he ducked back into the oven.
Nyla slipped into the bakehouse and moved toward one of the cabinets. "Do you want anything to eat or drink?"
Disgaua followed Nyla inside, shutting the door behind him. Though it had been several hours since she had closed shop, it still smelled like freshly baked bread and sweets - he breathed in the scent with a smile.
He glanced at her when she asked about food and drink. "Just something to drink, if you don't mind. If I eat too much, I'll get tired. Can't very well guard you if I'm asleep." He smiled a bit, and moved to lean against the wall, his glaive leaning beside him.
"And I don't expect you to stay up with me...you can head to bed if you want. I know you've got to be up early to open."
"Oh." Nyla but her lip, exhaustion warring with politeness. "Ah- here then." She retrieved what was left of the cider from the ice box and placed it on the counter. "Help yourself," she murmured with a small smile.
"Um...if you're sure, I may turn in then." She hesitated a moment, then leaned up and quickly pecked his cheek.
Face flushed, she backed toward the stairs that led to her little flat. "Thank you for tonight. Really."
Diz raised a hand to his cheek, and smiled broadly. Coming off the wall, he took several strides forward towards Nyla.
He took her hand, raised it to his face, and pressed a kiss to its back. He then lowered it, smiling still as he looked down at her, blue eyes twinkling a little.
"No, Nyla. Thank you. You turned what would otherwise have been a very drab day into something I would very gladly repeat again. Even with some of the more somber moments - it'd be worth it."
He released her hand, and stepped back. "Goodnight, Nyla. Please, sleep well. I'll be here when you awaken."
Her cheeks flushed and she dropped her eyes, smiling.
"I still don't think you should put yourself out like this, but...thank you." She gave him another smile and a small nod, then made her way up to bed.
Closing the door at the top of the stairs, she leaned back against it and let out a heavy breath. Her shoulders sagged as though under a great weight and she covered her face with her hands, breath sharp and shallow, threatening to change to sobs at any moment.
By quickly enough as shook herself, straightened up, and changed into a simple nightdress. Almost before she was fully in bed, she was falling asleep.
Diz smiled as he watched her ascend the stairway, and then turned to the pitcher of cider.
He picked it up, poured a glass, and lifted it to toast the empty room.
"Here's to a long night." He sighed and smiled a little, and drained his glass. He found a chair, and sat down, looking towards the door, eyes and ears straining to sense anything out of the ordinary.
"You're telling me."
Cal popped his fiery little head out of the oven, tilting it to the side as he observed the mordecai like a curious bird.
"I wouldn't get to cozy if I were you," the diminutive demon continued. His eyes flickered toward the ceiling. "Something bad is about to happen..."
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Nyla woke to a hand over her mouth and a body hovering over hers. Her eyes blew wide and she tried to scream, but the hand tightened its grip.
"Clever girl," a voice breathed in her ear. "Did you know we were coming? Is that why there's a mordecai downstairs?" He chuckled and her skin crawled. She felt the ice of a blade press against her throat.
"Don't scream." The hand withdrew.
"Nathaniel." She spat and tried to twist her head to glare at him, but the movement opened a thin cut along her neck and she froze. Black eyes snapped to vibrant green and her cousin smirked.
"How did you get in?" Her hand inched toward her pillow, the knife always stored beneath it.
Please, Cal, please tell me you can sense him in the house...Nathaniel shrugged and brush a few jet black curls out of his face with his free hand. "It wasn't so hard to sneak in once you'd left with that oaf downstairs. Had you tailed, of course, just outside of his aura." He gave a low whistle. "Tricky, that- you picked a powerful one."
Disgaua very neaely dropped his glass on the ground, hearing a voice that he could swear didn't belong there.
He shot up from his chair with a start, seizing his glaive in hand, and strode to the oven.
In a flash, the small demon inside would find a deadly sharp, curved blade at its throat, Disgaua holding the glaive just short of impaling the little beast.
His eyes were hard and narrowed, as blue and as cold as ice, almost predatory. "....what did you do, demon, and why are you here? You've got three seconds."
Cal yelped and shrank back into the recesses of the oven, taking the form of a tiny dragon in his distress.
"Oi! Watch where you're sticking that thing, soldier boy, I'm trying to help!" he exclaimed, flaming wings spread wide- though they didn't even touch the sides of the oven. "Can't you tell something's wrong? Like a bad feeling in the air!"
Upstairs, Nyla found herself pressed back against her headboard, the blade still pressed to her throat, the already existing cut bleeding sluggishly.
"Hands," Nathaniel said sharply, drawing a leather chord from the pouch at his belt.
"No." Her voice shook, but she stared him down. "I won't go back, Nate. I'll die first."
He sneered. "Unfortunately for you, there's nothing near so merciful as death in your future," he snarled, and grabbed her hand, jerking her forward in an attempt to bind her wrists together.
Panicked, Nyla moved on instinct: she bit him, hard, teeth sinking into the flesh of his shoulder. He yelped and his grip loosened enough that she managed to fling herself off the bed, sprinting for the door. "Diz, run-!"
The pommel of the dagger came down on the base of her skull and she swayed, then dropped like a stone, eyes falling shut. Nathaniel caught her, one arm behind her back and the other under her knees, and lifted her up.
He glanced to the door, then the window- mordecai or a sharp drop? It had to be a quick decision, and in a moment he was darting for the window.
Diz glared at the fire demon, and tore away, sprinting for the stairs just as he heard Nyla yell. He bounded up them, the haft of his glaive bouncing off the wall as he took the steps three at a time.
The door crashed open just as he saw a man moving for the window, carrying the girl of his dreams. He reacted instantly, reaching over his shoulder to draw one of his broadswords.
In one fluid movement from the draw, he flung it forward, watching it in slow motion as it spun end over end through the air, the blade embedding itself in the windowsill to block his escape.
He slid to a stop, not even out of breath, his glaive held ready for a fight. Icy blue eyes glared from beneath black hair, an enraged, predatory glint to them.
"Drop the girl. Or so help me, I'll drop you."
Nathaniel bared his teeth in what was almost a snarl. "Back down, mordecai," he spat. "You don't know what you're dealing with." He raised his voice. "Erik, Darian!"
The tinkle of the bell from the front door to the shop chimed and the sound of booted feet running for the flat echoed up the stairs.
Cal suddenly appeared at Diz's feet, a flaming little terrier, panting and out of breath. He growled at Nathaniel, hackles raised.
Nyla's cousin snorted. "Another of her pets? You're not nearly half so big as the last one, demon, and we cut him down in moments. Do not test me."
The blade he's used to threaten Nyla- the evidence a red line across her neck- suddenly glinted as he shifted to slash it across his own palm, shouting in a language as old as the Fell.
Magic crackled through the room, making Cal's form flicker and bringing with it a strong smell of ozone.
Diz heard the echo of feet behind him, but the more obvious threat laid ahead. Words this man said echoed in Disgaua's head - another of her pets - and the Captain seethed. Nyla was no mage.
Something else said before came to mind as well. A minute. He could do a minute, easy. All he had to do was interrupt a spell.
"You don't you who you're dealing with," he spat. "You're fucking with the wrong Mordecai." Diz lowered his head, glaring through his bangs as this man before him began his magic.
Suddenly, he flipped the glaive end for end with force, the pole end rapidly rising towards a strike between his legs.
That'll interrupt his damn spell.
Nathaniel's eyes widened as the strike hit, and he dropped to his knees, groaning. Magic twisted through the air around them, desperately searching for something to latch onto, or a spell to be cast.
A man nearly twice the mage's side appeared in the doorway, followed by a smaller, lither lackey. He took stock of the situation quickly and lunged forward with a grunt, aiming to strike at the mordecai's legs with a broad staff.
"Move!" Cal lunged forward, his form becoming more abstract and sprouting wings as he flew directly into the attacker's face.
"No need," Diz said, his voice low and dangerous. As Cal flew behind him, the Mordecai didn't even turn around. He was completely zoned - years of training and battle paid off when he heard the telltale whoosh of a blunt object flying low.
He lifted his leg, and brought it down hard on the staff, and then jabbed backward with the bladed end of the glaive, aiming for the staves wielder.
Erik choked as the blade rammed home, the chainmail he wore cause it to skate slightly to the side but still the tip of the blade dug into his side.
Darian lunged to the side, two daggers suddenly present in his hands. He danced around Diz, jabbing for the weak points in his armor at his shoulders and neck.
Nathaniel used the distraction to fling himself out the window, shouting a spell. He hit the ground softly and the magic dissipated, unable to maintain a presence within the mordecai's aura. The second his feet touched stone he was moving, carting Nyla along as though she weighed no more than a doll.
Diz grunted when his strike hit home, hearing a rasp of metal as his glaive hit chain. Then, he felt impacts as the other man searched for gaps on his armor, most of them catching his own chainmail he wore under his customized armor.
Then he felt a blade cut across the side of his neck, just as he dove forward. He felt heat as the shallow cut bled, and he stood up with rage in his face.
He dropped the glaive with a clatter, and tore the broadsword he had thrown earlier from the wall. He then unsheathed his second one, holding one in each hand.
"You want to fight close? I'll fight close." He turned his body to the side, still facing thrm, and held one sword above his head parallel to the ground, the other held at waist level across his body.
"Let's go."
Darian grinned, silent, and held his blades in a crossed position in front of his chest. He rocked back on his heels, then suddenly sprang forward, knives slashing down as he aimed for a debilitating double strike.
Erik, bleeding and weaving, lurched toward him from behind. Cal zipped toward him, a whirling, formless ball of flame, and sank suddenly very solid and very hot talons into his chest.
Diz spun to the left, dodging the knives and completing his spin with the edges of both broadswords hurtling toward the large man as the others momentum carried him forward, a truly crippling strike that would sunder anything thinner than plate mail if connecting, and cause two critically large gashes across his chest if no armor was present.
Erik staggered and fell to a knee, Darian attempting to whirl away from Diz's strike too late.
They both went down, and Cal sprang forward, snarling and snapping as curls of flame lashed from his body.
"He took Nyla!"
Diz grit his teeth and angrily sheathed his blades, uncaring of the blood. He grabbed up his glaive, and turned to look at the demon. "Not for long," he said. Nyla would probably kill him for the damage, but he had to get outside and fast.
So he jumped out the window. He twisted in midair, shoving the bladed end of his glaive into the outer wall. It pierced between two bricks, catching the mortar there and slowing his descent.
He kicked off the wall when he was a safe distance from the ground, pulling out his glaive as he did. He landed hard, and hit the ground running, making a beeline for Sleipnir.
He nearly flew up into the saddle, and urged him down the short alley and into the street. In the distance, he could see the last man, carrying Nyla and trying to flee.
"No...you're not getting away..."
Uncaring for the night and the quiet, he yelled, his voice echoing off the buildings on either side. "You're not getting away from me!!!"
He spurred Sleipnir on, glaive held forward like a lance, and horse and rider sped down the road, six monstrous hooves thundering upon the stone.
There were horses waiting, five of them, two already bearing riders and the others awaiting Nathaniel, Erik, and Darian.
Nathaniel flung Nyla onto the nearest horse and shouted, "Move!" as he spurred the animal forward down the alley. Hooves rang against stone as the other two, a man and a woman, hesitated a moment before following.
Cal was out the window a moment after Diz, and quickly took the form of a fiery songbird, flying in an attempt to keep up with Sleipnir's pace. "Hey- hold up!" he screeched, voice reedy and fluttering. "You won't catch them like this, you have to make some sort of plan!"
"Like what!?" he snarled, snapping at the demon flying abreast with him. "I'm by myself, you're a pipsqueak - what are you even doing here, you're a damn demon! I should be killing you, too!"
The Mordecai hated to admit it, but the demon was right - the best he could hope to do would be to take them down one at a time. Sleipnir was fast and powerful, but his stamina wasn't endless - he couldn't hope to run all three of them down.
"...fine....what do you have in mind?" He grunted, just loud enough to be heard over thundering hooves.
Cal glared at him, but didn't comment on the almost-threat. "We have to head them off," he replied curtly. "They're taking her to the Alloran estate, but they won't be able to travel freely on the main roads as mages- you're a mordecai. You could cut them off before they leave Connlaoth."
Diz wondered about that. "That means I somehow have to get in front of them....listen. Don't set me on fire or anything, but stay with me somehow. If we're running through town, I don't want you seen. I don't care how you do it, just follow me from above or something, I don't care. But eyes above would be a great help...and I promise I'll let you go, instead of killing you. Agreed?"
All of this was said while Diz kept his eyes ahead. Sleipnir was gaining on the other riders - it was only a matter of time till they split up.
The little demon scoffed, but nodded as he rocketed upward, hawk-like eyes fixed on the riders in front of them.
Riders just far away and just powerful enough to perform one rather large spell. Suddenly, the already difficult to distinguish dark horses with riders dressed in black were identicle, and each horse bared a second passenger propped up in front of their riders.
It was an illusion, of course, but a damn good one. Even Cal couldn't tell the difference from his vantage point.
The riders split up, taking a branching rode with two down one path and one down the other. At the next crossroads, the two that had remained together split again.
Cal dove down. "They're heading for the edge of the city, all of them, but from different directions."
Diz cursed under his breath. "Can you fly overhead and keep an eye out? I'm going to head for the main gate - they can't get out of the city at this time of night without getting through it."
He couldn't wait for an answer - time was of the essence. He spurred Sleipnir on, and the Theocog picked up yet more speed, six hooves thundering upon the stone and sounding like many more as the sound echoed into the night.
Cal didn't waste time with replying, just shot back up into the air.
By chance or by design, Nathaniel's horse was the first to reach the gate. He didn't slow the animal's breakneck pace as they charged straight for it, magic gathering at his fingertips as he dug his nails into his palms to draw blood.
The other two riders closed in behind him quickly as they made their way at a mad dash through side streets, one cutting out almost directly in front of Sleipnir and his rider.
Disgaua narrowed his eyes and clenched his fist over the haft of his glaive as the horse cut in front of him.
"Sleipnir! Take down that beast!"
Sleipnir responded with a burst of speed, coming up from behind to lift just his two front legs, the remaining four still in a full sprint. Two massive hooves would come down towards the horses haunches, in a blow that would send it stumbling.
The horse went down with a scream, back legs buckling. His rider pitched sideways, hitting the ground and rolling. The image of a girl on the horse's back flickered, then faded away as the spell broke.
Nathaniel charged the gate, shooting a spell then rent the metal apart like soft clay, opening a hole wide enough to gallop through.
Disgaua grit his teeth as he glanced backward, seeing the illusion flicker and fade.
Wrong damn horse.
He turned forward again just in time to see the gate blown open. His eyes went wide - he was hoping to corral them in and deal with them within the city. The open fields a short way past the gate would make a chase much more arduous.
He slipped through the gate, still slowly overtaking the last two riders. He had to be careful - he hadn't thought about it before, but if Nyla had been on that first horse, the way it went down would have likely killed her.
His heart skipped a beat with that realization. He'd have to actually fight them on horseback, without knocking the horse to the ground.
"Damn...." he said, his teeth grit together. He had maybe a moment to think of a plan before -
Wait...
Disgaua moved his glaive to his opposite hand, holding the blunt end in front now. He'd use the pole to knock the rider off if the illusion was too powerful for his aura to disrupt instantly....and probably if it was, too. No sense leaving riders behind to overtake him later.
As he drew closer to the other rider, he sat up in the saddle, and swung the blunt end of his glaive as hard as he could towards the other riders skull.
"Wait!" Cal was flying as fast as his little wings could take him, just barely keeping up with Theocog and rider. "Ahead, she's ahead!"
With the mordecai's aura disrupting the mages' castings, the demon was finally able to sense which were illusions and which figure was actually Nyla.
Of course, his shout came a bit too late, and the glaive made solid contact with the second rider's skull. He went down like a rock, tumbling over the side of his horse. The animal spooked and skittered sideways, screaming a complaint.
Nathaniel's horse moved all the faster, the poor creature pushed to his absolute limit as his riders heels dug in, urging him forward.
Disgaua offered only a nod in answer. He grabbed Sleipnir's reins, and flipped them hard upon his back. "On, Sleipnir! One more, let's go!"
He tapped the Theocog on the side with his heel - this horse responded easily to commands, no need to hurt the poor beast - and he surged forward.
Still some distance away from the other rider, Diz could see the road forked ahead of them. He wasn't about to let the other man change directions, though - he hefted the glaive upward with one hand like a spear, making sure the pole was pointed forward so as not to stab Nyla, and launched it forward toward the man's back.
Either by chance or because Nathaniel could sense the attack coming, the horse suddenly veered right so the blade glance across his flank rather than hitting his rider. The animal screamed in pain but Nathaniel refused to let him go, obviously intent on running the horse into the ground.
Or not. He suddenly turned, bringing his mount to a sharp halt as the poor creature panted, sides working like a bellows and legs trembling. He hauled Nyla up in front of him and once again pressed his blade to her throat, reopening the cut already there.
Groggily, the baker blinked herself awake. Diz was too close now, and the fog of sleep Nathaniel had been keeping her under disappeared. Her eyes widened as she tried desperately to make sense of what was happening. "H-how-?"
The blade pressed more firmly against her throat and she choked off. "Not a step furher or the bitch dies," Nathaniel called to his pursuer. "Orders were take her back alive if possible."
Nyla blanched. She honestly wasn't sure if he was bluffing or not.
Disgaua glared as he unsheathed both broadswords. But he didn't move...what he wouldn't do for a bow right about now.
"So help me....if you hurt her, I will remove your godsdamn legs and drag your bleeding carcass back to Reijh to face your execution." His eyes were positively filled with fire, his face twisted into a mask of rage.
"You let her go, or I'll make sure you live through it. We'll see how well you do in a mage camp with no legs to stand on."
His voice was low, threatening. He saw the cut now on Nyla's neck and he seethed. One way or the other, whoever this was was going to pay. Painfully.
Nyla felt magic gathering at her back and all the blood drained from her face. She knew the feel of that spell.
She smelled blood, saw the cuts reopened on Nathaniel's hand. He only need a few seconds to do what he had planned.
"Diz, no!" She struggled and hissed as the blade bit into her throat. "It's a bluff, he won't hurt me! Just run!"
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure of that, dear heart." His arm tightened around her and his hand moved to cover her mouth, forcing blood passed her lips. She choked and he lowered his voice so only she could hear him murmur, "I wouldn't dream of killing you, little cousin. But no one said anything about not hurting you."
Desperate, she threw her elbow back toward his gut. He only laughed, catching the blow and using his new grip on her arm to wrench her shoulder painfully. She cried out and he hissed, "Now do as you are bid."
Magic that was not her own crawled through her veins and her eyes rolled back, spine arching to an almost painful angle. The little voice her in her head screaming for her to take control, to fight, grew fainter and fainter.
Cal hissed in a sharp breath from where he hovered by the mordecai. "Run," he mumbled, obvious fear in his voice. "We have to run..."
Nyla's eyes snapped toward them, so dark it was impossible to tell iris and pupil apart. Her expression was blank. "Dhaniaal, come to me."
The air between the two horses seemed to shimmer, then twist and warp. A high, keening scream rent the air for just a moment as the Veil was ripped open and the demon emerged, standing half again as tall as a man, olive green skin dotted with razor spikes at his shoulders and along his back, with a pair of twisting, broken horns crowning his head.
He turned to the mordecai and grinned, humanoid mouth stretching far too wide to reveal two sets of sharp teeth.
Cal whimpered, his flames sputtering as he seemed to try to withdraw into himself.
Disgaua's eyes suddenly went from a look of rage to one of shock when he saw Nyla's usually beautiful eyes turn as black as the void.
When this was settled, she and him were going to have a long talk.
He glanced to the fire demon beside him. "No...no running. I have an idea," he said, his voice very low.
"Fly away, out of sight. I'll deal with this...thing for as long as I can. Circle back around, and attack the mage...and get my glaive if you can. I'm going to need it to kill this thing."
He threw a broadsword down to stick it's blade in the ground, and dismounted Sleipnir. This was going to have to be done on foot - he'd be able to move and dodge so much easier.
"Sleipnir....go. But stay nearby." Obediently, the Theocog trotted off, as if this was an everyday occupancy. It was, actually, but Disgaua had never done this alone. That thing was massive.
He picked up his sword, holding both in a defensive stance. "You want blood, demon?" He lowered his head, glaring, eyes predatory.
"Come and get it."
Dhaniaal laughed, the sound grating and almost painful to hear. The demon suddenly lunged forward, faster than any creature his size had any right to move.
Nathaniel laughed, backing his horse up a few paces. Nyla seemed to have fainted again, her head lolling on her cousin's shoulder. "A pity the fastest way to get rid of a summoned demon is to kill the summoner," he note blithely, pulling Nyla's body a little tighter against his.
Cal hadn't moved, his flames now dull red with fear and nearly sputtering out. It was only when a massive swipe from Dhaniaal's claws- aiming for Diz's shoulder- nearly ripped him in half that he suddenly seemed to jerk out of his stupor.
His flame brightened and grew and he rocketed upward, then came crashing down again, a tiny shooting star aiming straight for Nathaniel's head.
He veered wide at the last moment, but it was enough of a distraction for Nathaniel to loosen his grip on Nyla with a shout, reaching for his own weapon to slash wildly at the ball of now pure white flame.
Nyla, perfectly conscious, threw herself from the horse and hit the ground hard. She gave a short cry of pain, then scrambled to her hands and knees, forcing herself across the ground to the fallen glaive.
"Cal!" It was to heavy for her to throw it to Diz- desperately, she tossed it awkwardly in the demon's direction. He managed to catch it, just barely, and zipped back toward the mordecai as Nathaniel landed on his feet beside her.
He grabbed her hair and jerked her head up, snarling, "Obey."
Once again the light left her eyes and she went limp, expressionless.
Dhaniaal took no notice of the mages' conflict- he'd been summoned for one purpose, and he intended to see it through, lunging at Diz again with fangs and claws bared.
Diz jerked to the side, very narrowly dodging the massive creatures first swipe. He finished his movement with a roll, jumping back to his feet as soon a he was able to.
Thing's fast... but big. It won't be able to change directions easy...
This thought ran through his head as he watched the thing recover from its missed attack and rebalance to attack again. While it regained it's bearings, Disgaua lifted both arms up suddenly, and heaved forward to launch both broadswords, spinning end over end, toward the beasts chest just as it charged him a second time.
At this point, Cal came near with his glaive and Diz jumped, making a mad grab for it. Landing on his feet, glaive in hand, he twisted into a low swing, the deadly blade aimed for the beasts leg, just below the knee.
Dhaniaal managed to avoid being impaled, but just barely. One broadsword opened a massive gash in his side and he roared, eyes flaring yellow. The glaive struck his leg and he bellowed again, staggering as he made a mad swipe toward the mordecai's head.
Cal flitted about erratically. "Drive him back! Toward Nathaniel! If your aura disrupts his spell, Nyla can banish him!"
Nathaniel snarled. "I grow tired of your buzzing, little pest," he hissed, and tossed a dagger at Cal with deadly accuracy.
Despite his appearance of flame given shape, it seemed Cal was truly a solid creature. The blade embedded in the left side of the fire and he cried out, dropping to the ground.
Disgaua stepped back away from the beasts mad swipe, narrowly avoiding losing his head but instead taking several deep gashes across his chest. Luckily, his breastplate and chainmail took most of the damage, but the shallow cuts beneath began to bleed profusely. Diz grit his teeth against the pain, and shoved the blade of his glaive toward the monsters neck in a full-bodied thrust, all his strength behind the attack.
Hopefully, the attack would do some damage and do as Cal suggested - the distance between the beast and Nathaniel wasn't that great, and if he could put the monster on the defense, it shouldn't be too hard to force the beast backward.
He had his preferred weapon in hand. The beast may have reach with those long arms, but so did Disgaua. As the blade moved toward the beast, Diz let out a yell as he pushed into the attack, a battlecry full of rage.
The demon roared and staggered back one step, then another. Massive claws continued to deliver powerful strikes, but Dhaniaal seemed to have almost no control over where they landed, flailing wildly. This was not a creature familiar with being outclassed, and it seemed to enrage him.
Disgaua's aura had a long reach, and as it washed over Nyla and Nathaniel both mage's felt it. The Alloran heir tried desperately to keep his hold over his cousin, but the spell just couldn't last, not with the amount of effort it already required to subvert another's will.
Particularly someone who was more powerful than you.
Nyla stood, slow and shaky. Her nightdress was torn and bloodied, her hair tangled around her face and shoulders, but suddenly she stood with an air of power and control that was almost regal.
Nathaniel opened his mouth to cast a spell- or attempt to- his hands already bloody. Nyla stopped him with a glare- and by flashing the knife she'd snatched from his belt. His eyes widened as she slashed the blade across her forearm.
Power surged through her, heady and addictive. She threw her head back and wanted to laugh, cry, scream with the feeling, arms spread wide as though to embrace the magic around her. Diz's aura seemed to have no effect on her, at least for the moment, and she raised a hand in her cousin's direction.
"Sleep."
His eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed to his side. She shook her head. "You could never beat me, Nate."
She turned just in time to see Dhaniaal lunge forward toward the mordecai again, a desperate move that seemed to be trying to utilize his sheer mass against Diz. She flung her hands out, a pointless gesture but a force of habit. "Return through the Veil!"
The demon stumbled, then froze, staring to shake. Resisting the call.
Her eyes narrowed. "I said, return through the Veil. Now!"
With a last roar, the injured demon vanished, the air warping around him as though to swallow him up.
And just like that, the burst of power granted to her by the blood magic dissipated. Nyla dropped to her knees, shaking, arms wrapped around herself. Summoning and banishing a demon was difficult enough on a person's body, especially powerful ones- even performing a small act of magic in addition was almost enough to send her back into unconsciousness.
Disgaua held his weapon, pushing continually to drive the monster back further. He took glancing hits to his shoulders and one arm - later he would swear he heard one crack - but continued pushing through the pain.
Needless to say, though, when the beast lunged forward that last time, the Mordecai thought he was dead for sure. He stumbled backward from the attack, legs barely able to hold him. He braced for the attack, preparing the last dregs of his strength for a last ditch defense.
Then he heard Nyla's yell, and all was quiet. He hadn't even realized his eyes were closed - he opened them and saw the beast was gone.
The beast was gone.
Diz gave a shaky sigh of relief, and stumbled toward Nate and Nyla. He gripped his glaive tightly, moving directly toward the fallen man. There was no way Diz would let him live, trial be damned.
He hated to do it, but he stumbled past Nyla, and stood over his quarry with death in his eyes. With both hands, positively dripping with blood and pushed beyond exhaustion, he raised the glaive, and brought the blade down as hard as he could towards the others chest.
It took a few moments for Nathaniel to wake once Nyla's magic had faded. Once he had, he found himself staring up at a very bloody, very angry mordecai.
Maybe he could have rolled away in time to save himself. Maybe he could have fought back, if he hadn't so drained himself with earlier spellcasting. Regardless, he opted to take the safer approach. His hand flew to an amulet around his neck and crushed the small, red stone in his palm.
Not a red stone, apparently, but a small glass vial of blood, primed with a spell that would activate without the actual touch of magic, simply by being broken. Red light gathered around him, flared, then vanished.
When it cleared, he'd disappeared.
Nyla, slumped forward and shaking, chuckled darkly. "Damn coward," she rasped. Her eyes were almost blank with exhaustion and she hesitantly looked over her shoulder, seeming almost puzzled. "Cal...where's Cal?"
Her voice might have roused the little demon, because a small flicker of flame sparked to life where he'd fallen. She smiled slightly.
Her eyes flickered back to Diz and a little bit of emotion, albeit it guilt and wariness, crept into her expression. "H-how badly hurt are you?"
"Gods Damn It!!!!" he yelled, screaming in rage when the mage disappeared. He was so Gods damned close to putting an end to him right then and there. He fell to his knees, supported only by his glaive, the blade having shattered the stone beneath his intended target.
He remained that way for several moments, dripping blood from the gashes in his chest, neck, and arm. Even when Nyla spoke, he took a full minute to answer.
He was tired. He was bloody. He was furious.
But he also thought he could be very much in love. He was conflicted, torn between screaming at her, and wanting to kiss her like he'd tried to earlier that night, before all this had started.
He settled with just words, flat and pained, not looking at her.
"I feel....like Sleipnir danced all over me with spiked horseshoes. For an hour. And then kicked me in the head." He chuckled darkly, and then released his glaive, leaning backward to fall flat on his back.
"...you....you're lucky I think I'm in love, or....or I don't know what....why didn't you...why did you lie to me, Nyla? Why...?"
His voice rasped at the end, choked and full of emotion. His eyes spilled tears.
Nyla choked on a sob and started to reach out to him, then snatched her hand back. She wrapped her arms around herself and shivered, taking short, sharp little breaths as tears spilled down her cheeks.
"B-because I d-didn't want you to look at me like I'm a m-monster," she rasped out after a few moments. "How c-could I tell you the truth? You're suppose to hunt people like me."
She covered her face with her hands, crying quietly, covered in dirt and blood from her tumble off the horse. Her nightgown, which already didn't cover much more than her torso and legs, had ripped up the side to show the scars that feathered over her legs, arms, chest, ribs, and back.
"I didn't want to hurt you," she whispered, eyes closed. Just hearing the words think I'm in love made her heart skip up into her throat and squeeze painfully. "I- I liked you, Diz. I just wanted to be around you. I never wanted..."
She trailed off in another sob.
Disgaua rolled over, and crawled almost laboriously over to her, the twisted tears in his breastplate screeching as they drug across the ground.
"...Nyla. None of that matters...Nyla the mage...and Nyla the person.... balance each other quite well."
He gave a shuddering cough, and a bit of blood dribbled from his lip. Gods, but he hurt. But despite this, he raised a blood stained hand to grasp one oh hers, gently pulling it from her face. "....there's a way...that this can be okay...Nyla. Please....take a mark...admit you're a mage....and never use...your power again.. "
He breathed in raggedly, and offered a pained grin. "Unless....you've got a healing spell handy."
Even through the pain and the blood, his eyes twinkled.
Just like the chase just before, he wasn't willing to give up.
"Diz..." She pulled her hand away from his, but only so she could cup his face in her palm. She smiled through tears and leaned in to kiss his forehead. "Close your eyes," she murmured. "This may hurt a bit."
Her other hand moved to grip his, deliberately slicing open her palm on his torn breastplate as she did. She hissed and pressed her bloodied hand to his, eyes falling half-shut as she murmured under his breath.
The Allorans taught control of anther's blood as a way to subjugate and harm. Nyla had learned to manipulate the technique to heal rather than hurt. It was exceedingly more difficult so close to a mordecai, and the spell only lasted a handful of seconds, but it should have been enough to heal the worst of his injuries.
Even with her warning, Diz was unprepared for searing pain to flow through his body, feeling his blood push against the confines of his body, hot and agonizing.
And then it was done. And he felt worlds better. He opened his eyes - again having shut without his realizing it - and stared wondrously at Nyla. His chest and his arm no longer felt as if they'd been through a meat grinder, and even the pain of the cut in his neck had diminished somewhat.
Somewhat in shock, he pushed himself up to his knees. His chest was still cut and sore, obviously, but no longer bleeding - it felt days old, halfway healed. He looked down at himself, and then back at Nyla.
And then he leaned forward to take her in his arms. He didn't give a damn if she was a mage. Didn't care if she she could summon demons. It didn't matter.
And he didn't give a damn what tomorrow would bring. He'd gone through hell for her, he had her in front of him now, safe and alive.
It may have been forward. Rude. But at that moment, he didn't care. He leaned in, and pressed a kiss to her lips. In the back if his mind, he awaited a slap, perhaps a scream.
Right now, he didn't care. She may as well have been an angel.
Nyla's eyes widened and she froze in his arms. Her heart stuttered and her brain seemed to short circuit as she desperately tried to work through what was suddenly happening-
Oh, fuck it.
Her arms twined around his neck and she leaned into him, kissing him back with an edge of almost desperation. "I'm sorry," she whispered, breaking away for a moment before pressing a series of light kisses against cheeks and nose. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."
She found his lips again, closing her eyes and clinging to him.
Disgaus broke the kiss long enough to press his forehead against hers, a smile curling his lips.
"And with that....this whole night, as messed up as it was...is totally worth it." His smile widened, and he kissed her again, and then pulled away only to pull her into a tight hug. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Nyla. Just please.. promise me. Do it. For me."
He turned his head and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Do it for us."
She sobbed, the sound small and broken. "I can't," she whispered. "I can't. Diz, I've fought so hard for my freedom, I can't just give it up again."
She refused to let go of him, her forehead coming to rest on his shoulder. "I thought- I thought they might not find me here." She swallowed thickly. "But- but if they can, that means there's no where I can run they won't find me. I can't stay here."
Her heart felt like it was breaking as she clung to him all the tighter, ignoring the pain of her own cuts and bruises and the awkward angle his broken armor dug into her with.
Diz pulled away from her. "Nyla. I've killed four people tonight. For your safety." Then, under his breath, "should have been five...But...I think you should see now. I will protect you. With my life."
He shook his head, and looked back to her. "Listen. Don't look at it like a loss of freedom, because it's not. If you've been in Reijh for long, you haven't been using it. You've been doing things the way you're supposed to be, with the exception of a fire demon in your oven...you can't honestly say you've been hiding magic in your everyday life if you're as busy as you were today, every day."
He had noticed the way she had been pushing against his armor, as jagged as it currently was, and reached to his side to unclasp the two halves of his breastplate. The back fell away, and he caught the front in his hands, tossing it away.
He looked down at his mangled chainmail, too, and lifted it over his head, wearing only his blood soaked gambeson and lower armor.
"Look at this. This is blood. Blood I shed to save your life. And now, I know what to expect."
Nyla only cried harder. She let go of him long enough for him to shed his armor before throwing her arms around him again.
"You don't understand," she whispered. "I gave it up, I gave it all up, and it killed me to do it, but it didn't even matter!"
Her voice rose to a shout, shivers wracking her whole frame. "My magic is me. Four years without it and it felt like I was dying every day. I can't do it anymore, there's no point."
She took a shivering breath and tried to pull away from him. "I- I have to go back. I have to end this, I can't let them hurt anyone else..."
Disgaua listened to her speak, listened to her shout, and slowly shook his head.
"Nyla...I just saw what they can do, using you." He allowed her to pull away, but only so far. He let one of his arms loosen to run a finger over the scars on her side.
He traced each one he could see, keeping his finger only in decent areas. "No more scars, Nyla. Don't let them use you. And if I had to guess...they'd just use you to hurt more people."
His hand flattened out to just hold her side, just above her waist. The pad of his thumb gently rubbed over her ribs.
"If not for me, do it for you. Only you know for sure what would happen ..is that better than what life has been for you since you came to Reijh?"
A shiver ran through her and a few thoughts that were decidedly not appropriate for the situation sudden flashed through her mind. She flushed and shook her head, glancing away but not trying to pull out of his embrace.
"No. No, I didn't mean..." She swallowed and closed her eyes. "I won't go back to them. I'm going to end this." She glanced down at her hand, her wrist, the pale white lines that traced her skin.
"No more scars," she whispered. "One way or another."
Very suddenly, that hand at Nyla's side moved to her chin - he was very aware of the leather and steel that encased it, but she needed to hear this. He held her as tightly as he could without hurting her.
"Nyla, don't you dare. If you're thinking what I think you are, you know there's a better way. Listen to me - stay with me. Here you have a man who would lay down his life for yours, and you're talking about throwing that away. I know it's wrong, but, damn it all, Nyla, I love you. Don't waste that."
Again, he pressed his forehead against hers, stating at her with wet, blue eyes. "Don't. There's always a way. It might not be easy, but you know it's better."
"Diz."
She hiccuped a sob and cupped his face in her hands, pressing her forehead back against his. "I- I won't. Only if there's no other way, I promise."
She hesitated, then tilted her head and kissed him again, soft and sweet.
"I- I think I love you too," she whispered. "I know it's so fast, it's mad, but- but I do." She swallowed thickly.
"But I have to end this. I can't live like a hunted animal, always afraid someone will learn who I am."
He kissed her back, tenderly, lovingly. When he heard her say those words back to him, despite their conversation, he could almost hear his heart sing.
"Nyla...don't ever say that again. If you take your own life, I swear you'll kill me, too. There's always another way. I can't possibly stress that enough."
He stared into her dark eyes, lovingly, the affection in his own startlingly clear. "Listen. If the way forward becomes unclear, talk to me. I'm here for you, no matter what." He kissed her again - he couldn't get enough of her.
"Look. If you ever need to find me, if I'm not around, leave Reijh and go to Kilandre manor. That's where I'm living now, as the Lady Hakon Kilandre's bodyguard. When I have to leave the city, that's where I'll be, unless we're on a mission. If I'm not there, stay there." He raised a hand to her head, fingers tangling in her dark curls. "I'll always come back."
Her breath still hitched around tears, but her heart gave a little flutter every time his lips pressed against hers and she leaned into him a little more with each kiss.
Gods, she just wanted to tell him yes, to say that she'd go back and accept a mark and they could be together. She could run a farm, she could be a good partner, a good wife, a good mother...
Another wave of tears came and she ducked her eyes, sniffling.
She couldn't do it.
So she offeded what she could. She tilted her head for another soft kiss. "Take me home?" she whispered. "Please. I- I can take a proper look at you, get you bandaged. And Cal-"
She blinked and glanced over his shoulder, looking for the demon with a small frown.
He began to stand, before she mentioned Cal. He blinked. "Oh...is he...yours?" He finished pushing himself up with a groan, still feeling all his wounds, though they were greatly diminished. He felt about s hundred years old.
"He took a dagger....but I think he's still kicking." He held a hand out to Nyla, a wan smile on his face. He'd noticed how she hadn't replied, and figured it was just too much all at once - if there weren't more serious things going on, he'd have addressed the issue, explained himself, something.
"I think he's over here. See to him - I won't stop you. He was a great help."
He was suddenly glad it was just him and Nyla, and not another Mordecai - if he'd had a companion with him, he'd likely be killed on the spot. How was he going to explain everything that had transpired?
Nyla allowed him to pull her to her feet, then hesitated a moment, just staring at him. She felt like she should say something, but she wasn't sure what.
"I'll...see to Cal." She moved away from him reluctantly, toward the flickering orange light.
"Oh, don't mind me," the little demon muttered, pouting up at her in his more humanoid shape. "I've just been stabbed, but no no- you two keep making doe eyes at each other, that's fine."
She scowled and scooped him up into her arms. His flame wasn't even really warm, at least not to his summoner. "You hush. We'll get you home and you can take a nice long nap in the oven, alright?"
While Nyla saw to Cal, Diz stiffly walked around to gather up his weapons. He'd unstrapped the sheathes for his swords from his ruined breastplate, and strapped them instead over his gambeson, wincing slightly at the pressure over his chest.
He groaned a bit as he retrieved the blade that had gashed the demon, seeing it's polished surface scratched and washed in the beasts blood. His other was clean, but chipped from falling hard against the stone. Both were serviceable, but in need of repair.
He sheathed both at his back, and retrieved his glaive, then moved to look over Nyla's shoulder at Cal. "You'll be alright. Thanks, by the way...I don't really know what else to say to you, so I'll leave it at that."
Being a Mordecai, he typically abhorred demons, but... apparently not all of them were bad. He placed a hand on Nyla's shoulder, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll go find Sleipnir...you can join me when you're ready." He smiled a bit, and kissed her again, then limped off to find his horse.
Nyla offered him a shaky smile, then glanced back to Cal as he walked away. Demon and mage stared at each other for a moment.
"Well. You sure know how to pick 'em."
"You're the one who told me to go out tonight!" Nyla retorted, frowning.
"Yeah, but I didn't think you'd wind up with a mordecai wrapped around your finger in a matter of hours! Damn, you work fast."
Her cheeks reddened and she pinched the flame at the top of his head, making him yelp in protest. "You shush. C'mon, let's go home."
She turned to follow Diz, Cal clambering up to perch on her shoulder, half hidden under her hair.
Diz stepped over to the tattered remains of his chainmail and armor, and picked it up. He shoved both halves of his breastplate into the chain shirt, and carried it like a bag.
Then he whistled for Sleipnir. A moment later, the clatter of hooves announced his arrival. Diz laid the sundered armor on top of the saddle, and turned to Nyla. "It's getting cold, and I'm sure that nightdress is doing little to keep you warm. Why don't you ride in front, and with Cal in your lap and me behind you, you can stay warm?"
"That's Calfiarus to you," the demon grumbled. Nyla glowered and flicked the top of his head, making him wince and mutter a curse under his breath.
"Don't mind him," she sighed, then offered a small smile. "Thank you, Diz. It...is sort of cold." Every tiny breeze made her shiver...and she was just starting to realize how much of her skin was showing, and how inappropriate that was.
But she supposed there was a time and a place to worry about that. She shifted Cal to he was sort of clinging to the neckline of her nightdress as she gripped Sleipnir's mane and saddle and swung up onto his back- not as gracefully as she would have under ordinary circumstances, perhaps.
Diz sneered at the demon - he thought he'd been more than nice to him so far, considering he was putting his job and his life on the line just by being around him.
He sighed when Nyla said not to mind. He supposed it didn't matter anyway. He'd moved to help her into the saddle before realizing she was managing on her own, and then climbed up behind her. He leaned forward to grasp the reins, his arms resting lightly on her sides and his chest against her back.
He leaned forward and gently pushed a kiss to the back of her head, and then urged Sleipnir into a trot.
Nyla felt her body melt back against him quite without her conscious consent, her fingers twining lightly through Sleipnir's mane. Despite everything, a very small smile tugged at her lips at his kiss.
What were they going to do?
Cal dropped into her lap and she started slightly at the little flash of light. She noticed the demon had fallen asleep, or was faking, and murmured, "I swear he's really not that bad. He's...rather protective of me, and we've all had a long night..."
"He's fine. I suppose I shouldn't let it bother me - today has been very hard on all of us. Tomorrow should hopefully be better, though - I honestly don't see Hakon letting me go anywhere with my wounds....though I may play it out a little, admittedly." He smirked a little bit, and made sure his glaive wasn't going anywhere before cautiously wrapping one arm around her middle, his other still holding the reins.
"Don't think I'm shirking my duty, but.... I'm going to hold off until reporting this whole night until the morning. I'm dreadfully tired, and...I still need to think of how to word this without implicating you." He rested his chin lightly atop her head.
"Though that raises the point....I can't very well go back to the barracks looking this way without someone asking questions. I need to find somewhere to sleep."
She leaned back against his chest a bit, closing her eyes for a moment with a sigh. "Well...you were planning on spending the night in my home anyway, weren't you?" she pointed out quietly.
After a moment, she added, "And you're not going anywhere until I've taken a look at your wounds." Her voice suddenly had that edge of command that she'd used with Nathaniel, a hint at the way she was raised.
Diz arched a brow. "Yes I had, but not sleeping...besides that, you only have one bed. Unless you're saying it would be okay for us to sleep in the same bed." He chuckled a little bit at that, and tightened his hold on her just slightly. "Even wounded as I am, I wouldn't put you out of your own bed. I, ma'am, am a gentleman."
He took a moment before he said anything else, still thinking of a clever answer to her statement about him not going anywhere. Clever had to make way for logical, though - he was far too tired to think of anything that wouldn't get him slapped.
"Well, some bandages and maybe some alcohol should do, unless that demon carried some sort of nasty sickness. I think of that comes up though, the Church could deal with it. I've taken my share of wounds from demons before, and they've always pulled through for me."
Nyla chuckled quietly, the sound a little choked from all the crying she'd done, but still a laugh. One of her hands absently played with Cal's flames and she shifted slightly to lean back against him more comfortably.
"Honestly- I wouldn't mind sharing the bed. There doesn't seem to be much point in attempting to preserve my modesty or what have you- if that's what you're worried about- after...this." She gestured to her rather tattered nightgown and overall disheveled appearance.
"And I actually have a fair amount of experience with patching up wounds..."
"Honestly, I was less worried about your modesty, and more worried about how you actually felt about sharing that kind of space with me." He smiled a bit, though she couldn't see. "And if it means anything, I'm quite good about keeping my eyes on your face - I've seen less than you think I have, Nyla. Gentleman, remember?"
And again, though she didn't see it, his face fell a little bit. "And just so you know, I have my share of scars, too. Not like yours, but...well, all you've seen is my face and my hands. I'm not ashamed of them, and none of them are major - except for today's and some more recent ones - but they are there. Just so you know."
He glanced to the side. "I've done everything I physically could as a Mordecai to get where I am. As strong, as fast, and my rank, too. It hasn't been easy."
"Diz..." She craned her neck around to look at him, trusting he would help her keep her seat on the massive horse.
"Do you think scars matter to me?" She smiled and pressed a quick, sort of clumsy kiss to his cheek after hesitating a moment. "We may not exactly see eye to eye on this, but I respect how hard you've worked to be what you are."
That was true, even if what he was still terrified her sometimes. She sighed and reached her hand up to rub at the scar that began on her shoulder again, unconsciously.
Disgaua trusted Sleipnir to follow the path on his own, releasing the reins to place his other hand on her side as she turned to face him. He smiled at her words, appreciating what she said, and raised the hand at her side to place it atop hers at her shoulder.
"Perhaps are views of our scars are different, but there is one thing that is true about us both - our scars make us who we are. And I can appreciate yours if you can mine - I know your past couldn't have been easy, if what's transpired tonight indicates anything. But, as hard as your life may have been, I'm glad it brought you here."
He couldn't reach her face the way they were sitting without aggravating his cuts, so he settled with pressing his lips lightly to her neck, his face buried in her curls for a moment.
When he pulled away, he took up the reins again in one hand, his other idly tracing small circles over her ribs.
Ahead of them, the shattered main gate of Reijh loomed. Diz visibly winced. "We may have to take the long way to your place, if we want to avoid attention. If no one is investigating the gate yet, they will be very soon." He pulled lightly on the reins, bidding Sleipnir to stop. The Theocog did so, obediently, and Diz patted his flank.
"....if we get stopped, just let me talk. If they ask, you were kidnapped for some ritual or something and summoned that demon. I just barely managed to kill it, but that man escaped."
He looked at her seriously for a moment, and then offered a crooked grin. "Sorry to take all the credit, but I can't exactly tell them you banished it. You'll be implicated for sure. And this will be alot easier than sneaking you out of a mage camp."
Nyla shivered lightly as his lips brushed her neck, goosebumps rising up along her skin. She tilted her head just a bit, almost unconsciously, to offer better access.
Once she realized what she was doing, she blushed and cleared her throat, trying to sit up straighter and pay attention to what was actually happening around them.
His fingers brushing against her ribs made that task harder than it should have been.
She nodded at his plan, shrinking back a little into him. "Believe me, I have no issue passing along the credit for that."
She was turning over what he'd said about scars in her mind, and a thought occurred to her: had Diz realized she was an Alloran herself? Or did he still believe she'd been simply a member of the household, likely a servant, subjected to Alloran rule?
That seemed like something she should clear up- despite how much she desperately wanted to preserve some sort of the illusion he may still hold of the kind of person she was.
Those unconscious movements of hers didn't slip by his notice, and he almost laughed when she tried to cover up thr fact that she'd moved at all. His hand didn't shift in its ministrations until he'd bid Sleipnir to stop, but he had them moving once more and his hand shifted to her waist. His thumb continued idly rubbing there, instead.
"We'll get by then...and Nyla, if you like something....you don't have to hide it. I think we can put the decorum aside." He chuckled lightly, and his fingers dug into her side just a little, dragging lightly against her waist.
"Otherwise I might just have to enjoy teasing you with it."
She almost yelped, eyes widening just a bit at the increased pressure of his touch.
"Wh-what was that about being a gentleman?" She tried to sound pithy, but there was a suddenly breathy quality to her voice that she didn't recognize and rather ruined any sarcasm she tried to muster.
"I am still here, y'know," Cal grumbled from her lap, eyes closed.
Nyla's face went bright red. Despite the fact that she'd just summoned, and banished, a powerful demon, overrriden another blood mage's spell, and used healing magic not just in the presence of a mordecai but on him, she suddenly felt like a schoolgirl.
"Let's g-get home," she mumbled, flushed and fidgeting a little, embarrassed.
Diz chuckled slightly, and stopped caressing her. "I was only joking, Nyla. I'm sorry." He gave her a short and soft squeeze at the waist with that hand before relaxing it again.
They passed through the gate luckily without incident, and Diz took Sleipnir down a side road to avoid any scenes with the city authority.
Before long, they came to the alleyway behind the bakery, and Diz guided the Theocog back into the garden. "Well... we've arrived. And we've got a mess to clean up, too..."
Almost despite herself, Nyla found she missed his touch when it halted. The realization alone made her blush and she just nodded a bit, keeping her head down as they rode through the city in a rather futile effort to appear slightly less conspicuous.
She sighed when they reached her home, shoulders heavy with exhaustion. "Yes. I suppose we do," she mumbled.
Diz answered her sigh with one of his own. He leaned over to get his leg over the saddle, and dropped to his feet with a wince - it felt like he may have reopened something, but he paid little attention to it.
He reached up to offer his hands to her, having shoved the bladed end of his glaive into the ground to use both hands. "Well, let's get to it, then. I've no idea what to do with dead men unless we want official attention, but we've got to figure out something. Come here, I'll help you down - I doubt your night dress will survive too much jostling."
"Oh. Okay." She scooped Cal up and deposited him on her shoulder, then reached out to brace her hands on Diz's shoulders so he could help her down.
"I could..." She trailed off, but her lip, then offered with a huffing breath, "I could...get rid of the bodies. But I'd need you to stay back, and we'd have to come up with some sort of story..."
Diz hesitated, silent for several moments. His gaze fell to the side, and he was suddenly studying Sleipnir's hooves.
He didn't want her to do it this way. But logically, he could see no other way if they wanted to avoid attention.
Reluctantly, he nodded. "....okay. But, only because I see no other way. I'll...stay up here. They're upstairs, right in front of the door. But I don't think we'll have to do anything other than get rid of them....I doubt anyone else knows they were here."
Nyla nodded and started for the stairs, a sleepy Cal stirring on her shoulder. She looked like she wanted to say something to Diz, pausing to look over her shoulder at him, then seemed to change her mind and continued on her way.
She made sure Cal was tucked safely into the oven before heading up the stairs. The feeling of death fluttered around the edges of her magic and she swallowed thickly before she pushed open the door
She covered her mouth, clenching her eyes shut. Erik and Darian. Of course they'd been Nathaniel's lackeys. "Poor, loyal idiots," she whispered, kneeling beside the bodies.
The spell that wrapped around them in a haze of crimson light before collapsing the corpses into piles of ash nearly took the last of her strength. She fell to the side, her body hitting the floor with a solid thump as her eyes fluttered closed.
Diz simply stood in the garden, checking Sleipnir over while he gave him affectionate pats, rubbing his neck and talking idly to him.
He saw the flash of light through through the windiw, and sighed. It was done then.
Then he heard a muffled thump, and he looked again. "What the hell was that...?" he mumbled, turning for the door.
He opened the door to the bakehouse, noting the flickering light of Cal in the oven, but heard nothing from him. He moved through thr building to the stairs.
"Nyla?" he called, taking tentative steps upward. He called once more, hearing nothing.
He reached the open door and saw her their, a muttered swear escaping his lips. He knelt next to her, slid his half-gauntlets off his hands and tossed them to the side, and felt for her pulse.
She was alive...she must have exhausted herself. He slid his arms under her knees and just under her shoulders, and lifted with a pained groan, feeling something else on his chest tear open.
Nyla stirred slightly as she was lifted up, curling instinctively into the warmth of another body. She murmured something unintelligible and blinked foggily.
"D-Diz?" She tilted her head back to see his face, arms automatically moving to wrap around his neck. "I...hafta look at you. You're still hurt..."
Diz smiled, bending down to give her a kiss. "Are you sure? I don't want you passing out on me again. What ha?" He moved to the bed, and gently laid her down, wincing as his chest was pulled at. Looking down, he could see a spreading red stain. He quickly crossed his arms to hide it.
"I'll be okay if you want to rest. Don't overexert yourself."
She frowned and sat up, staring at him. She'd hidden her own injuries often enough to recognize a movement like that.
"Disgaua." Her voice was firm, despite the hollow beneath her eyes and the pallor to her skin. "Come here. Where are you hurt?" She reached a hand out to him, brow furrowed.
Diz sighed, and then smiled. "Nothing gets past you, does it?" He uncrossed his arms to reveal the quickly spreading red bloodstain across his chest.
"I'll have to prewarn you..my gambeson is one piece. I don't have much on under it, otherwise it doesn't fit."
He sat down on the bed next to her, and leaned over to unstrap his boots. He winced doing so, and blood began to drop on the floor.
"Oh!" Nyla scrambled off the bed and knelt in front of him, heedless of propriety as she tried to help him get the gambeson off.
"You're an idiot," she grumbled. "Why didn't you just say you were hurt? What were you going to do, just let yourself bleed while I slept?"
"I think the cuts on my chest reopened...I worry that my aura may be undoing the effects of your healing." He sat up, out of breath and a little pale(er), and kicked his boots off.
"Okay...." he said. "I need to stand. It might be easier to just cut the damn thing off...I have others, and there's no saving this anyway. Just uh....watch the lower regions. I've just got linen underwear underneath, and I didn't happen to bring spares."
"Ahh..." She flushed and nodded, moving quickly to her chest of drawers and rummaging around until she found some linen shears.
She moved back to Diz and started cutting into the cloth of the gambeson, easily stripping it off in pieces. "Alright, sit on the bed, I'll run downstairs and get something to use for bandaging, alright?"
He nodded, and looked down at this chest. There were four long gashes, running from his left collarbone to his armpit. Two of them were short, but the two others continued until his chest ended.
Around each of these cuts was an ugly purple bruise. Diz winced just looking at it.
Both of his arms were mostly purple from the wild flailing the demon had ended with before Nyla was able to banish it. His legs, bare to the thigh, looked similar. The least worrisome of his wounds was the dagger cut on his neck.
"Fuck. I look like hell...."
"Yes, you do."
Nyla reappeared in the doorway, a handful of linen wrappings clenched in one fist and a small jar that smelled strongly of medicinal herbs in the other. She crossed to stand in front of him, hissing in a soft breath when she saw the extent of the injuries.
"Here, hold still, this may sting a bit," she murmured. She dabbed her fingers in the salve and smoothed it over the cuts before moving on to bandaging him up. She had to kneel in front of him and winced slightly as her rather battered body protested.
"I can't believe-" She swallowed and closed her eyes a moment. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry you got hurt trying to protect me. I'm sorry for everything..."
Diz winced at first when she applied the salve, but noticed that his wounds quickly went numb. Thank the light for that. When she finished bandaging him up, he imagined he looked quite silly, wrapped up in as much as he was.
He noticed her since, and when she finished, he kneeled down next to her. He felt no pain whatsoever.
"Nyla...you have nothing to be sorry for. Not at all. I threw myself into that situation because I wanted to, not out of duty or responsibility." Kneeling beside her and as wrapped up as he was, he couldn't move well enough to get to her face.
"I did it because I love you, Nyla. And you got hurt, too." He pressed his cheek against hers, and closed his eyes.
"....if it wouldn't bother you, I can check you over, too. Then we can go to bed. I know you're hurting at least a little. But if it requires you to disrobe, I'll understand if you don't want me to."
Nyla's blush darkened and she cleared her throat. "I can look after myself-" she started, getting to her feet, then giving a sharp little cry as her bruised hip protested.
"Um...maybe you should do it," she mumbled, collapsing in the edge of the bed. Her eyes were fixed on her feet, breathing a little shallow as years of propriety fought against her raising her hand to slip the shoulders of her nightgown down, then wriggle out of it.
She wrapped her arms around her middle, clad only in her underthings now. Almost every scar she bore was visible, the most notable the jagged slash across her back. The collection of cuts and bruises she'd picked up through the course of the night likely wouldn't leave too many marks of their own, but they stung.
Disgaua frowned a little, seeing her wounds both old and new. He took up the jar of salve, and frowned again - so much had been used on him, and he felt horrible that she had needed to use so much to fix him up.
He used the rest on her, gently applying generous amounts to her cuts.
"I'm sorry this happened, Nyla..." He said, gently rubbing the last of the salve gently into a bruise - he wasn't sure if it worked that way or not, but she deserved all the care he could give her.
"I'm sorry I wasn't better able to protect you....and if I hadn't asked you out to begin with, none of this would have happened."
Then he moved to her scars, those on her back - he gently kissed each one, hoping to heal the memory since be was too late for the wound.
When he was finished, he laid his forehead against her back, his hands resting on her waist.
"I love you, Nyla. I swear to you, this isn't going to happen again. Not as long as I can help it."
Nyla shivered slightly, both from the chill of being unclothed and from the way his touch sent little tingles down her spine.
She froze when she felt his lips brush her back, then closed her eyes and raised one hand to cover her mouth and muffle a sob. Her other hand moved to lay over his on her waist and she let her head fall back to rest gently against his.
"Oh gods, please don't apologize, none of this is your fault." She gripped his hand tighter. "I...love you too," she murmured, so soft it was almost inaudible.
She twisted around to face him, gently cupping his face in her hands so she could bring him up for a cautious kiss.
His hand moved to her side, falling from her shoulder to caress down to one hip. His other hand moved to her back, rubbing gently. He kissed her back, gently, lovingly.
He pulled away to lean his forehead against hers, smiling gently. "It makes my heart sing when you say that, Nyla. It really does." He kissed her again, still gentle, eyes half shut - he fought to keep them open, not wanting to lose sight of her.
After a moment, he pulled her close, uncaring about their state of undress, holding her with one hand while the other moved gently up and down her side.
A very small smile curved her lips and she chuckled a bit, blushing, as she tilted her head to press her face into the curve of his neck. Her arms slid to wrap around his waist gently and she sort of nuzzled into him.
"You're tired, Diz," she murmured. "No, you're exhausted. Get some sleep." She tried to urge him to lay down, arms still wrapped loosely around him.
Disgaua gave a mock groan, bringing a hand to his forehead. "Oh, no, not sleep. I couldn't possibly." He smiled a little, then allowed her to push him down.
"...fine, I'll sleep. But only if you're with me. I'm not letting you out of arms reach."
Though she was still blushing, she smirked a bit and leaned in to peck his cheek. "I'll do you one better."
She laid down beside him carefully, pillowing her head on his shoulder and gently laying her arm over his waist, curled into his side.
"Is...this okay?"
Diz smiled, and slid his arm outwards to lay it over her waist, pulling her more tightly against him. His other hand came up by her face, and the pad of his thumb gently rubbed her cheek.
"This is perfect. Good night, Nyla." He turned slightly and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I love you."
The closed his eyes and, feeling perfectly content, fell into sleep rather quickly.
She smiled, face flushed, and allowed herself to relax a bit more against him.
"Goodnight, Diz," she murmured, letting her eyes drift closed. Exhaustion ushered her quickly into unconsciousness.
Waking brought stinging sunlight to Disgaua's eyes, and immediately after they opened they were squeezed shut again with a swear and a groan.
Immediately afterward they shot open again. Sunlight meant the day had already started. That meant they had slept in. Diz swore again.
He'd thought the night before to ask Nyla about letting her shop stay closed for the day, considering the events that had transpired and the fact that it had been extremely late when they had finally been able to retire for the night. He'd thought about it, but had forgotten to say anything.
He glanced to see Nyla sleeping so beautifully, and was loathed to wake her, but it was a necessary evil. Gently, he laid a hand on her bared shoulder, giving her a slight shake.
"Nyla...Nyla, it's late. We need to get up. Sun's already out..."
"Mm?" Nyla's lashes fluttered against her cheeks and she yawned, nose crinkling as she arched her back and finally opened her eyes.
She blink at Diz, confusion in her brow before it suddenly smoothed and she bolted up, gasping, "The shop, I'm so late!"
She tried o jump out of bed, but her legs were apparently still rather weak and she nearly collapsed to her knees once her weight was on her feet. "Oh!" She grabbed for the edge of the bed in an effort to steady herself.
Diz staggered out of the bed to her side, a worried look on his face. He knelt next to her, concern etched on his features. "Nyla...I forgot. I was going to suggest you stay closed today...especially after everything last night. You're in no shape to run your bakery, not if you're rushed like yesterday."
He put an arm around her waist, and gently pulled her up to stand beside him. He hugged her to his chest, but not tightly.
"I need to go for a little while, though...I have to make my report. Somehow..."
Nyla sighed and hid her face against his chest. "Yes, you're right," she murmured after a moment. "I- I'll have to put a sign out or something- here, let me get dressed and I'll walk you out?"
She tilted her head back to look at him and offered a smile.
He smiled a bit and gave a slight nod, and bent down to kiss her.
"That sounds fine. And....I hate to ask, but do you have something I can wear? I'll wear my armor over it, but I don't dare try wearing my armor without something underneath. And...I'd rather not parade through the city in just my underwear."
He smirked slightly, and kissed her again.
"Though I'd do it here, if only to see you blush again," he said, jokingly but knowing the result his words would get.
The mage flushed and pouted at him, brow furrowed. She shoved his shoulder lightly as she stepped out of his embrace, careful not to press too close to any of his wounds.
"I'm afraid all I really have are frocks," she said mildly, arching an eyebrow despite the color that remained in her cheeks.
"You know I was just joking, right? Your blush is so cute." He gave a small smile, and then arched a brow.
"...frocks? Really? That's....going to be an awkward fit under armor..."
He reached back and rubbed at the back of his head, suddenly wishing he hadn't asked her to cut his gambeson off of him.
"....well, I'll make do, I suppose.... I just hope no one decides to check in on me when I change clothes. That'll be...interesting to explain."
He smiled a bit. "I suppose this can be payback for making you blush again, eh?"
"I suppose it can," Nyla quipped back with a small smirk. She eyed him up and down, biting at her lower lip.
"Hmm...everything I have is going to be a...well, tight fit. You are not a small man," she noted, turning to her bureau.
"Well.... If it gets torn, I'll replace it. Somehow. That's a possibility, considering the state of my armor. But it only has to last until I get to the barracks, so here's hoping."
He stepped up behind her, leaning over to look over her shoulder, his hands resting lightly on her waist. His chin came to rest on her shoulder, and his chest pressed against her back - he ignored the light sting of pressure on his wounds. He was about to leave, and he wanted to be close to her, at least for a little while, before he had to go. A little bit of pain was worth it - besides, it wasn't even enough to make him since.
He turned his head to the side and kissed her neck. "I really hope this doesn't take long. I want to be able to come back quickly."
Nyla froze, then shivered slightly at the brush of his kiss.
"You are making it very hard for me to let you leave," she murmured lightly, twisting her head slightly so she could brush a light kiss against his cheek, her blush returning.
She continued to root around through the drawers, constantly aware of his closeness and the way her body reacted to it without her conscious mind's permission. "Here." She held up a long tunic that had always been rather baggy on her but would hopefully fit him alright.
"Hopefully this'll do." She tried to straighten up, but found she really only pressed back against him more, her head tucked up almost under his chin.
Disgaua very nearly didn't let her move - the thoughts running through his head were tantalizing, and his body was reacting accordingly. He had to step away, lest she become... Aware of the situation.
Inside his head, he cursed his job. Literally, for the first time.
"That should do nicely, I think. Thank you, Nyla."
"Of course." She turned slightly in his arms, smiling a bit, so they were pressed chest to chest. Her heart stuttered and she suddenly seemed to remember that she was dressed in nothing but her smallclothes.
Her face flushed and she cleared her throat, looking down. Her eyebrows shot up. Disgaua's clothing hid very little; she may have been raised a noblewoman, but she wasn't completely naive.
She cleared her throat and stepped away, practically throwing the tunic at him in an effort to distract him from her blush. "I'll um- I sh-should get dressed."
Diz gave an awkward chuckle, and an uncharacteristic reddening appeared on his cheeks. Firstly, the closeness of her, her chest pushed against his with soft pressure, the feel of her and the knowledge that she wore so little....and then she had to look down.
"Yes....I should too. I'll wait for you, though...I'll need help with my armor again, especially now that I've got these cuts to avoid."
Though he spoke to her, his gaze was askance as he futily willed the redness in his cheeks to dissipate. What his body wanted and what he knew was his duty warred constantly with one another.
He gave a frustrated groan, and slid the tunic over his head, pulling it down tight over his chest - it would have been a near-perfect fit, were it not for the layers of badages across his chest. It would suit him, though.
He sat on the bed, and glanced toward Nyla, unable to meet her eyes still. "I'm.... I'm sorry about....you know. I'm sorry."
Mistaking his groan of frustration for pain, Nyla paused in dressing, a simple shift falling to her calves as she released the hem. "Are you alright?"
Then he was apologizing and her blush worsened. "Oh- n-no, don't apologize, it...happens."
Well. Never around her, that she was aware of, and the knowledge made her duck her eyes and hastily attempt to lace up an exterior corset, wincing slightly as she pinched her fingers in the clasps.
"Ah, are you ready for the armor?"
Diz siged a bit. "Well...I shouldn't have walked up to you like that. And seeing you now, in the light, dressed as little as you were...hell, dressed as you are now, even...it does things to me. You're beautiful, Nyla."
He'd by then retrieved what he could salvage of his gambeson, sliding his legs in to serve as breeches. He picked up the scissors she'd used the night before, and cut off the extra material. He stuffed the bottom of the tunic down inside to help hold them up.
He then began reassembling his leg armor.
"There...that's about as much as I can do myself."
He sat down on the bed with a sigh. "I'm not ready...but let's get it over with."
Her blush deepened and she cleared her throat as she moved toward him, settling herself on the bed behind him.
"You're, um....not the only one," she mumbled, cheeks very red. Gods, she didn't know how to do this, how to talk about this. She huffed out a breath and let her forehead rest against his back, arms loosely around his waist.
"...Love you," she mumbled, unsure of what else she could say that might salvage her dignity.
His hands moved to lay atop hers, his gauntlets still lying with his torn armor. His thumbs gently rubbed over the backs of her hands, a light caress.
"I love you, too, Nyla," he said, his voice low.
He leaned back a little, his back of his head resting against the top of hers. One hand left hers to reach behind him, placing it on her leg just above her knee, fingers brushing against fabric. Slowly, it rubbed upward to her thigh, as far as he could, and then slowly trailing back down.
His eyes closed. Suddenly he was tempted to delay his departure, as his body's wants and his affection for the girl behind him overpowered the call of duty.
After all...he was hurt, right? Surely they'd understand a need to...take it easy.
Her breath hitched and she shifted slightly, not sure if she wanted to pull away or move closer- not that she could really get much closer in this position.
"I-" Her throat was too dry to form words. She coughed slightly and tried again, shifting back a bit. "I should...close the shop. Y'know, officially..."
She cleared her throat again and ran her hand through her hair, chewing at her bottom lip. "D-do you mind waiting for me?"
"Of course. I'll be here." He smiled, and stood up, turning around to look down at her.
"Do you need help with anything? I'm not completely broken."
(Sorry for the short post, not much I can do here. XD)
"No, just...sit. Rest." She smiled a bit and waved him off, moving to the door. "I'll...be right back."
She hurried down the steps and made for the shop, throwing Cal a cursory "Good morning!" over her shoulder as she bustled through the bakehouse.
People were already lining up, wondering why the bakery wasn't open yet, and her heart pinched guiltily as she had to explain that she'd had a rather long night and the shop wouldn't be opening today. She made sure to set up a small table just outside the door with all the extra bread from the day before in little baskets, hoping that would be enough.
She locked the door behind her as she came back in and trudged back up to her little flat, leaning against the wall once she was inside and covering her face with her hands. Even just that had left her exhausted.
Diz had once again taken apart his leg armor, so as not to tear up her bed when he laid back on it. He did so, reclining back and resting his head on his arms. He remained that way, staring at the ceiling with a smile as he waited for Nyla to come back upstairs.
When he heard her come back upstairs, he sat up. When he saw the exhaustion she exhibited, he stood to move towards her, concern etched on his face.
"....are you all right Nyla?" he asked, gently placing both hands at her waist. "If you're tired, lay down for awhile. You've got all day, now, and...I think I'm going to hold off for a little while before leaving."
Quite without her permission, her face brightened at that and she blinked up at him with suddenly wide, doe-like eyes.
"You are?" She cleared her throat when she realized how eager she sounded and tried again. "I- I mean- I'm afraid I won't be a very good hostess for a few hours, you don't have to stay..."
"Nyla, honestly, you could be stone drunk and passed out in bed, and I still couldn't find reason to want to leave." He smiled at her brightly.
"And besides that, once I show them my wounds, I think they'll understand if I report a little late. So I think I've got some time to spare.... And I'd rather spend it here, with you."
His smile turned into a slightly crooked grin. "Even if you're the worst hostess in the city, I think I'd rather be here, right now, than anywhere else." He leaned down to kiss her, and his hands moved to her back, his fingers interlocking behind her.
He pulled his lips away from hers to press his forehead against hers, blue eyes staring into her dark ones. "Besides....wouldn't you rather I stay?" He smiled again, his eyes bright.
Nyla smiled, cheeks pink, and reached up to twine her arms around his neck. "Yes," she murmured, tilting her head to brush a soft kiss against his lips.
She pulled away with a quiet chuckle and rocked up onto her toes to sort of nuzzle into his neck. "I really am tired though," she admitted with a sigh. "And you need some more rest. Oh! I should probably change your bandages. Here, go sit." She shoved lightly at his shoulders, urging him toward the bed.
Diz gave a chuckle, and put his hands up in a placating feature. "Okay, okay...just let me get this tunic back off, again." He stepped backward, and with one hand holding his cutoff gambeson, he used his other to pull the tunic shirt over his chest and head.
Now barechested, he sat on the bed, and leaned back on his arms. Looking down, be saw that he had bled through the bandages, but only barely.
"I think they've closed. Do you want to check for me?
She nodded, trying to focus only on his wounds and not the fact that she had a half naked man in her bed.
This was so inappropriate.
She bit her lip as she started to unwind the bandages and glanced up at his face. "Do you, um... I'm a bit more rested than I was last night, I could...help the healing along." She wiggled her fingers airily, trying to imply the use of magic.
Slowly, he shook his head with a smile. "No...I'd rather keep them for now. If I go to deliver my report, and not have the wounds to excuse my lateness, I think there'd be problems. Besides...I don't want to tire you out."
He reached up to the hand she had held out for her gesture, and pulled it to his lips, pressing a kiss there.
And then he pulled her atop him, lying backward on the bed with a grin on his face.
"...not yet, anyway."
"O-oh!" Nyla's face went very red and she glanced away, biting her lip again. She wriggled a bit, trying not to put too much weight on his injuries.
"You're going to hurt yourself," she mumbled, feeling far too warm and flushed and desperately trying to wish away the blush that seemed to have spread to cover her whole body.
Diz grinned widely. "Nonsense. You're not heavy enough to hurt me, so long as you don't start beating me." He chuckled a little, and raised his hands to loop his arms under hers and to her back, holding her with a light touch. He craned his head up to kiss her, his touch lingering for a long moment before pulling away.
When he did, his eyes were smouldering, and his hands drifted down to her waist again.
"Cad," she mumbled halfheartedly. She hesitated a moment, then leaned down to kiss him again, allowing her hands to move up and brace to either side of his head as she arched over him.
She let her forehead rest against his when she pulled away, eyes closed and brow furrowed slightly. "Really. Bandages. I...shouldn't- I mean-" She trailed off with a small growl, not sure what she was trying to say.
Disgaua smiled. "That can wait. I'm fine, Nyla." He leaned up and pecked her on the lips, and then dropped back to the bed. His hands drifted down further, over her hips to her thighs, unable to reach further, and not willing to place them elsewhere without invitation.
Nyla squeaked, actually squeaked, and stared at him with wide eyes.
"I-I, um..." She took a shaky breath, then groaned and dropped her forehead onto his collar. "You are so not making this easy," she mumbled, sure he could feel the heat of her blush radiating off her at this point.
He turned his head to the side to press a long kiss to her temple, and felt the heat on his face. His hands went to wrap around her back, gently embracing her. He laid his head against hers.
"What is it, exactly, that I'm making difficult, love?"
He again pressed a kiss to her temple.
She pouted, though she knew he couldn't see it. "I'm trying to maintain the bounds of propriety, here," she muttered, almost sulking. "And this is most decidedly not appropriate."
She didn't try to move away though.
He smiled and settled his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her up, just a few inches to be able to look her in the face.
"Nyla...I want you to know, I won't make you do anything you don't want to. If you want me to slow down, I will."
He moved his hands back down to her waist, and there they stayed. "I love you, Nyla. I don't want to push you away. If I do something you don't like..tell me. I'll stop."
"I-" She scowled and huffed out a sharp breath. "It's not...not that I don't like it." Her cheeks flushed darker. "I just- Diz, this is very...new to me," she mumbled, dropping her eyes again.
She sighed and moved to roll off him. "I should really let you rest, I don't want you to open those cuts again."
"Nyla, don't worry about my cuts. Don't worry about me - I'm fine. Everything's closed, and there's not much that would accidentally open them. And if you hadn't noticed by now...I really don't need to rest. I just want to spend time with you."
He smiled at her, releasing her to move away if she so chose. "And also, Nyla...you may be new to this, but you don't need to worry - I'll take it slow with you, if that's what you want. I can wait until you're ready."
She made a noise of frustration and flopped onto her side next to him, burying her face in the sheets.
"I don't- I just- gah!" She rolled onto her back and glared at the ceiling, arms folded tight to her body. "I just...feel like there's more I need to tell you," she mumbled, covering her face with her hands. "I mean- we've really only known each other a day!"
Eyes wide, she twisted her head to look at him as that realization fully struck her. "Oh my gods, we're mental."
Diz couldn't help himself - he laughed. It was probably true, he realized.
"You're probably right. But, that doesn't change the way we feel, does it? I love you. Nyla the Baker, Nyla the mage, Nyla, the woman that turns as red as a beet whenever she gets embarrassed. I love all sides of you."
He rolled over to face her, elbow pressed into the bed and his cheek in his palm, smiling at her. "And you have to admit...in one day, we've learned an impressive amount from one another. Good, and bad. What else is there to know? Surely nothing so bad as what we've learned about each other so far."
Nyla flushed again and almost pouted at him, rolling a bit more onto her side to face him.
She sighed and reached out to touch his cheek, running her thumb under his eye. "I love you," she murmured with a small smile, her chest a little tight. "I just..."
Another sigh and she dropped her hand. "...Who am I? I mean- wow, that came out much more existential than I intended. I meant, who do you think I am?"
"Who do I think you are?' He smiled, and took her hand and placed it against his cheek again - he was loving the contact.
When he answered, it was without thought, without hesitation. He told her what he knew, what he thought. He held nothing back.
" I think you're a wonderful woman who put herself in a position that she thought she could handle, and only recently found out she couldn't. You're both the saint, and the sinner - on one hand, you're handing out your daily work to the poor when you could be making money hand over fist. On the other, you're a blood mage, and beyond that, a demon lord. You're a woman who is slightly inexperienced to the way the world works, but not with fault to yourself - the position you're in, hiding as you are, allows little contact from the outside world to keep your secret. You're also the beautiful girl who blushes at every little thing....and you're also, despite the fact that you're a mage with a troubled past, a glowing dream come true. You're golden, to me....but also, potentially, the bane of my life. I, a Mordecai, and you, a mage, are fated to be enemies.... "
He blinked, and was silent for a moment. And then he smiled, brightly, his eyes loving.
"And despite that point, Nyla, I find that I love you. With all of my heart."
Nyla closed her eyes, almost whimpering as she resisted the urge to lean in and kiss him. "I- Diz, you- you don't..."
She sighed and leaned forward to press her forehead to his gently. "You are the most amazing person I've ever met," she whispered, holding his face in her hands softly, lovingly. "I didn't- I didn't know it could be like this."
Her heart clenched painfully and she closed her eyes again. "There's just...one more thing. Something I didn't tell you- you might have figured it out. Well, part of it. I'm not- I don't want to keep anything from you, Diz, I just...I didn't know what to say, and then it all...it all got so complicated so fast-"
She huffed out a breath. May as well just get it over with. "My surname, the one I was born with, isn't Whitewood. It's Alloran." She took a breath to steel herself. "And I'm...sort of...engaged."
Those ice blue eyes widened, shocked. He pulled away from her, and slowly sat up, letting his legs hit the floor. But he didn't stand. His head hung low, his elbows on his thighs.
It was a moment before he spoke.
"Your name....that makes sense and doesn't change anything. But...engaged?"
He went quiet again, for several long moments. Then, slowly, he turned to look at her, his eyes wet, and a sad smile on his face.
"....so....who's the lucky guy?"
"Oh, Diz, no." She sat up quickly and hesitantly laid her hand on his shoulder, then slid her arms around his middle and laid her head against his back. "It's not like that, I don't- I don't love him," she murmured. "It was arranged, when we were children."
She sighed and pressed a careful kiss between his shoulder blades. "My- my family. The people I was born to, they...were obsessed with keeping the bloodline pure. The man who came for me last night, Nathaniel...we were children together. His father is the Alloran patriarch, my uncle. When they learned what I could do..."
Another sharp breath and she grit her teeth. "They wanted to keep that power in our family. They thought- they thought if Nate and I married, we'd produce even more powerful children."
Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. If looks could kill, the floor would have caught fire. But he dared not turn that gaze on Nyla - it wasn't for her.
"That....son of a bitch...who kidnapped you...hurt you.....used you!?"
He suddenly stood and stalked to the wall, and literally had to hold his own wrist to avoid breaking it with a punch. He restrained himself, but only just.
"And he got away from me...I was so close. So close to keeping him away from you for good."
He turned around, and stared at her, ice blue eyes dreadfully cold and hard.
"I swear to you, Nyla. On my life. I'm going to kill that son of a bitch. And he'll never be a problem for you again."
"Diz!" She jumped to her feet, eyes wide. For a moment she was frozen, then she hurried to his side and placed herself in front of him, grabbing his face to force him to look at her. "It's alright, please stop. You're going to hurt yourself."
She tsked and grabbed for his hand- a blow like that would leave some nasty bruises without his bracers, at the very least. "He never...used me, exactly," she whispered, keeping her eyes downcast. "I ran away when I was a teenager. I didn't hold much interest for him then, except when he came to watch my training."
Diz let out a breath through clenched teeth. "That bastard used you last night to summon that fucking demon. Even if he hadn't before...that he did shows well enough that he'd do it again."
He shook his hand from hers, still angry but not wanting to show it anymore than he already had. He turned away, and walked a few steps, and then turned and paced back the other direction.
He stopped in front of her. "Is there anything else? ...I mean...this is a lot, but it doesn't change anything....not really. Not yet. But what else is there?"
"Aside from Cal?" She tried to smile. "No. Nothing. Only- only that. But..."
Nyla sighed and leaned back against the wall, wrapping her arms around herself loosely. "Growing up the way I did was...different. They shaped me to be what- what I am. What I can do, rather." She shook her head.
"The magic you saw last night is not the extent of my abilities," she murmured after a moment. She glanced up at him through curls falling in her face. "If- if you need to know anything else, ask me. I promise I won't lie to you, Diz."
Disgaua shook his head, sighing. "No...not unless there's anything that changes us. And so far..."
He sighed again, and smiled. "So far, we're straight. I just have a man that I really, really want to kill." He stepped up to her, and suddenly wrapped his arms around her.
"I love you, Nyla. Thank you for telling me this."
She froze for a moment, genuinely surprised. She didn't realize she'd been expecting rejection.
Her eyes suddenly welled up and she buried her face in his chest, wrapping her arms tight around his middle. "I love you, too," she whispered. "Oh gods, I- I'm so glad you- I thought-"
She was going to cry if she kept trying to talk. She swallowed thickly and held him tighter, shivering lightly.
He rubbed one hand up and down her back, the other tangling itself in her curls and holding her head there. He leaned his head down, turning slightly to the side and kissed her neck, then pressing his face into her curls.
"You thought what? That I'd leave you over something so small? Please." He chuckled a little, pulling away and bringing a hand to her chin, gently lifting her face to look into her dark eyes.
He then leaned forward and kissed her, holding there as long as he could. He loved her even more for her honesty, and she shined all the brighter to him for it.
Nyla rocked onto her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck tightly, parting her lips slightly into the kiss. Her hands moved to tangle her fingers in his hair and she kept her eyes tight shut to hold back a few last threatening tears.
"None of this is exactly small, Diz," she muttered. "Can you blame me for being worried?"
His arms dropped to her waist, one arm sliding up and down her side, moving high enough to almost be indecent before moving back down again, and he nearly cursed the dress she wore.
He'd felt her lips parting before she pulled away to speak, and he'd wanted to deepen the kiss when she did. But reluctantly he let her move to speak.
When she did, he smiled. "I'm sorry, I was trying to make light of it. You sounded like you were going to cry...I don't want you to cry. Not if I can help it."
He leaned down again to kiss her, one hand remaining on her waist and the other moving to cup her cheek, unconsciously pulling her face slightly tighter against his.
Nyla offered a small smiled and leaned up to peck his lips. "I don't deserve you," she murmured, before tilting her head slightly to turn the light brush of her lips against his into a proper kiss.
Her hands slid to his waist, fingers curving down over his hips, and she pressed herself a little closer against him, trying to share his warmth. She was trying very hard not to think too much about the way his bare skin felt under her hands.
She was doing a spectacularly poor job of it.
The hand at her cheek turned in such a way that his thumb was at the outside corner of her eye, his fingers curling over her ear and tangling into her hair.
His only answer to her words was a muffled hum, escaping his nose as he deepined the kiss as much as he was able. His other hand curled info the fabric of her clothing briefly before sliding upward to join the other at her face, mirroring the position of the first.
His eyes were closed, and his mind seemed to stop working while his heart was singing. He loved this woman, and his mind couldn't possibly compete with his heart.
Not anymore....as if his mind had tried in the first place.
Nyla hummed contentedly in the back of her throat and tilted her head slightly into the kiss. Her hands moved to his chest, pushing lightly to urge him backward as she took a small step into his body.
"Bed," she murmured between kisses. "You're supposed to be resting..."
Her own collection of cuts and brusises stung slightly, but she hardly noticed, too taken in by the heat that flashed through her from his touch.
Diz groaned against her lips, pulling away with great, almost insurmountable reluctance.
He opened his eyes to look at her, idly noting that she'd been backing him toward the bed. He sighed, a smile on his face. "You're being a little pushy about me resting.... But okay, if that's what you want." He made a show of another great sigh - obviously fake, as he couldn't stop his smiling - and stepped toward the bed, moving to lie down on it.
"So...are you staying with me, then, or do you have other things to do?"
She smiled at him, climbing up onto the bed beside him. "Sweetheart, you couldn't drag me away," she murmured with a kiss to his cheek.
Her bed was rather small, forcing her to stick close to him as she laid down. Her arm snaked around his waist and she tugged gently in an effort to pull him toward her.
"Rest. Then you can go make you're report, once you're feeling up to it," she said softly, eyes flicking over his face with a concerned sort of affection.
Disgaua moved as near to her as he could without knocking one of them off of the bed, and laid a hand atop the arm at her waist. A gentle smile came across his lips, and he maneuvered himself in such a way that he was able to get an arm underneath her head, snaking downward to rest at her waist. His fingers idly trailed up and down, from.her hip to her ribs.
"There's just one problem....I'm not at all tired anymore, so resting is just going to involve us lying here and staring at the ceiling."
Nyla huffed and frowned up at him. "Diz, I don't want you to hurt yourself," she mumbled, though she sounded a little halfhearted even to herself. Small shivers rippled through her body as his fingers traced along her ribs and she arched her back slightly, inadvertently pressing closer against him.
When she arched her back and pushed her body towards his, he had to restrain himself. His own body, however, responded without his consent, and suddenly his clothes felt very confining.
"You don't have to worry about me hurting myself...I'm made of pretty sturdy stuff." He smiled slightly, and pressed a kiss to the top of her head, wishing he could reach her lips.
His hand continued moving up and down her side, the pressure of his fingers against her body unconsciously rising.
A soft hum thrummed in the back of her throat and she tilted her head back a bit to press a quick kiss to the underside of his jaw.
"That's certainly true," she murmured. "Not many people could take on a demon like that alone and live to tell about it."
When she kissed his jaw, he moved his head downward to lay his cheek in her dark curls, nuzzling I into their softness and inhaling her scent.
"It's not as if I did it alone," he said, "I'm not sure I would have survived had you not been there to banish it. I was barely able to breathe afterward...and I surely would have died if you hadn't healed me."
His hand trailed upward once more, slightly higher this time to rest at her side close to one breast before trailing back down her hip again.
He honestly barely recognized what he was doing for a moment, and when be did finally realize it, his hand came to rest at her waist again, not moving.
"...sorry. My hand seems to have a mind all its own."
Nyla drew in a sharp breath and blinked up at him with wide eyes, heat rising to her cheeks and...well, just about everywhere else too.
"It's f-fine," she murmured, sounding a little baffled. "Um...you don't have to...stop..."
Her cheeks flamed and she ducked her head again, automatically raising her hands to cover her face.
Diz blinked a bit and grinned, sliding his arm out from under her a bit to turn on his side, facing her.
He reached with his free hand to brush back one of her errant curls, and placed it on her hip, his other now wrapped over her shoulders. He leaned in close, and spoke low and gently into her ear.
"Are you saying I don't have to....or you don't want me to?"
The hand on her hip, with complete range of motion compared to the other, slid down over her thigh and then rose back up, rubbing gently over her hip, side, and ribs, brushing slightly over the side of her breast to join his other at her shoulder, grabbing his wrist and effectively holding her.
He leaned his head over and kissed her neck, fighting slightly to get past her hands.
She yelped quietly, then the sound turned into a shuddered sigh as his hand traveled over her body and she cursed silently. "D-Diz-"
She swallowed and closed her eyes, allowing her head to tip back to offer more access to her neck. "I don't...want you to," she admitted in a murmur, her blush spreading down her neck to her shoulders.
He noted the heat from her neck increasing, and smiled against her skin. He tilted his head slightly, moving to plant another kiss at that hollow where her throat met her jaw.
Facing her as he was and with one hand unrestricted, he had complete access to everything from her knees up. His hand drifted down from her shoulder, boldly over the front of her body now to brush over her collarbone and the top of her chest, lightly skim the swell of a breast, and then lower still before diverting course to her side once again.
He pushed himself up slightly on his other arm, and leaned towards her to lay his head beside hers, half his face buried in her curls.
"Is that what you want, or....is there more?"
Nyla swallowed a sound that was almost a whimper and clenched her eyes shut. Her corset suddenly felt unbearably tight and she shifted, twisting in an effort to hide her face against the pillows. She mumbled something that might have been a curse, hair tangled around her head and shoulders like a dark halo.
Finally, she turned her head to give him a pouting, baleful look. "More," she admitted in a mumble. "I mean...if you're not going to rest anyway..."
"Right now, I don't think I could rest if I wanted to, Nyla."
His hand trailed down her waist to the furthest point on her leg he could reach, and pinched her shift within two fingers. Very slowly, he drug it up, just high enough to reach the hem.
His hand then slid beneath it, trailing up her leg, his touch slow and light.
Oh dear gods she was going to spontaneously combust, she knew it. Her breath hitched and she reflexively flinched away from his touch, then forced herself to take a breath and calm down.
Cautiously, she reached up and laid her hand against his cheek for a moment. Even more cautiously, she leaned in to kiss him softly. Her hand skimmed down to his shoulder, then over his back, palm flat as she gently pulled him against her.
She shifted her legs to allow him easier access to her skirts, breath catching in her throat as she did.
Diz closed his eyes when she kissed him, and he leaned into it, not to be forceful but only slightly more passionate. The hand below traced higher up her leg, over her thigh. His touch lingered when he reached her small clothes, but then continued upward - he could wait for that.
No need to be pushy.
Instead, it continued upwards, fingers dragging lightly over her hip to her waist and beyond, drumming over the laces of her corset. Her shift, pulled by her arm, bared her legs to him almost completely, though he continued kissing her, lovingly, gently.
Nyla swallowed, then pulled away slightly, letting her free hand drift down her front to the laces of her corset. "Here." She untied the first loop, allowing the laces to loosen and the garment to slip slightly.
Her hands moved back to him almost unconsciously, tracing up over his chest, always careful of his bandaging. She shivered slightly as the cooler air touched her now bared skin and pressed herself closer to him, seeking warmth instinctively.
Disgaua made a sound that almost sounded hungry as he further loosened the laces.
"Thank you...these things might as well be bloody chastity belts. I hate them. But...no need for it now."
He smiled when he finally worked it off, and tossed it away. Then he slowly pushed himself up on both arms, one on either side of her, and threw one leg over her body.
He leaned down, and kissed her, slow and soft.
"Mm!" Nyla's startled sound was muffled into the kiss. She hesitated a moment, then leaned up to kiss him back, arms bent to bear most of her weight on her elbows. A delicate little shiver ran through her body and she tore away from him to drag in a shuddering breath.
Her eyes narrowed, but her tone was more playful than anything else when she asked archly, "And just how much experience do you have with unlacing women's corsets?"
While she didn't seem to be demanding exactly, her body language made it clear he'd get no more kisses until he answered, arms folded and one eyebrow arched.
He chuckled slightly, shaking his head with a smile.
"Would you believe that in twenty-eight years of life, never been married, and," he paused here and laughed, "as possibly the most eligible bachelor in the province...that you're only the third woman I've ever tried to sleep with? And - don't take this wrong - hopefully the last?"
He leaned over a bit to rest his head in his hand, supported by one elbow. "I'm not a rake, Nyla. I'm not in this for the physical relationship, and never have I been with any other woman. I'll admit, I've dated plenty... But only twice before you have I shared a bed."
He smiled, and it reached his eyes. "So you could say my experience with corsets is novice, at best, to be honest."
Nyla smiled and twisted onto her side slightly so she could kiss him. "I appreciate your honesty," she chuckled, then added with a small smirk, "and humility. Oh most eligible bachelor."
She kissed him again, wrapping her arms around his neck so she could roll them back to their previous position. Her kisses traveled down the length of his neck to the hollow of his throat and she hummed softly against his skin.
"I love you, Diz," she murmured. Her hand skated down his back, tracing absent patterns lightly along his spine.
Diz closed his eyes with a satisfied smile, tilting his head back while she administered her kisses. When she pulled back to speak, his eyes opened and he pushed himself up a little higher, looking down into her eyes.
"I love you, too, Nyla." He smiled just a little before moving down to kiss her again, starts with her lips before kissing a line down her jaw to her throat and lower still.
He stopped at the neckline of her dress, and then sat up, staring pointedly at it.
"Nyla...it has recently occurred to me, that we are wearing far too many clothes."
Her blush returned, but she managed to keep a small smile in place, lashes fluttering as he kissed his way down her neck.
"Oh? That's just occurred to you, has it?" she teased, just a little breathless. She wriggled underneath him so she could tug at the hem of her dress, lifiting it up toward her hips.
She paused, cheeks flaming, and suddenly tried to hide her face, twisting her head to the side so her hair fell across her face.
Diz smiled a little, placing the back of his forefinger to her cheek and lightly dragging it down to her jaw.
"Nyla, love, there's no need to hide from me. And, remember, we were both sleeping in the same bed last night wearing less than we both are now."
He leaned down, replacing his hand with his lips on her neck again, and then lifted away to use that hand to support himself. His other moved to the cheek she had pressed to the bed, and gently tried to turn her to face him.
"I- I know." She swallowed, closing her eyes with a soft sigh at his touch, then murmured, "But this is...different."
She drew her bottom lip gently between her teeth and finally twisted her head to look up at him, brow slightly furrowed but eyes very wide, pupils slightly dilated. She traced one finger down his chest, skirting the bandages until she reached the planes of his stomach and pause, eyes slightly downcast.
Her other hand moved to the hem of her skirt again, dragging it up just slightly past her hips. She couldn't meet Diz's eyes, but moved her hand to wrap her fingers around his wrist and guide his hand to the fabric in a silent sign of permission.
Diz smiled at her, and his hand slid under the hem, moving straight to her side, his palm wrapping around her waist and gently holding her.
His eyes, gentle and loving, looked down upon her with adoration. This woman underneath him, this beautiful, gentle creature he loved so much, deserved so much more than he could give to her.
"Nyla....I love you. You know that. And I'm sure you know how much I want this, and I think I know that you want it too, but.... I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable in any way." He leaned down, kissing her gently for second before rising just a little, his eyes staring straight into hers.
"I just want you to want this for you, for us...not just me. Okay? This is love...and love takes two. No more, no less."
He laid his forehead against hers, his eyes warm and gentle despite their icy coloration. He adored this woman. He wanted her to know that.
"I love you, Nyla." He said it, plain and simple, and it couldn't possibly be more true.
Nyla felt her heart swell and press against the confines of her ribs. She returned his smile and raised her hands to cup his face delicately between her palms, thumbs tracing circles across his cheekbones.
"I know," she murmured, black eyes deep and warm. "I know, Diz. I love you too."
Her head tilted as she slid her lips gently over his and one hand traced down to tangle her fingers in his hair. "Let me show you?" she breathed against his lips, her other hand skimming down to grasp his waist gently as her body arched just slightly off the bed to press into him.
That was all the answer he needed.
That hand, having gone beneath her dress but remaining a semblance of decadence, pulled out of her grasp to again grab at the hem, and he used his other to push away from her.
That other hand joined the first, and slowly he drug the fabric upwards, past her hips and her waist, the task made easy with her body arched as it was. His eyes roamed over every inch of her flesh that came to be revealed, seeing past the scars of her past to see the beauty beneath them.
When the dress would go no higher, he grabbed at her hands to pull her into a sitting position, meeting her lips in a deep kiss before lifting the dress over her head and tossing it to join her corset.
His arms encircled her once more, and he began kissing her again, nearly fervently.
She gasped as cool air hit her skin, shivering, and wrapped her arms tight around his neck. Heat flashed through her and a soft sound caught in her throat, something between a whimper and moan. She pulled away from his kiss to scatter a few of her own across his cheeks and the bridge of his nose, heart fluttering against her ribs.
Summoning nearly all her courage, she returned to his mouth to leave a quick kiss against his lips, murmuring, "You're still wearing too much..."
Disgaua pressed his face against her forehead, smiling against her skin. "Well... I did the work for you....I think it's your turn, this time."
He sat back, a grin curling upon his lips as he rested on his knees. A moment later, he turned to slide his legs off the bed, unstrapping his boots and kicking them to the floor.
He looked back to her with a roguish grin. "That's all you get."
Nyla's blush flamed hotter and she hid her face in her hands, mumbling something unintelligible into her palms. "I- I don't-"
She huffed and dropped her hands to glower at him, though there was no real irritation in her expression. "You're enjoying this far too much," she muttered, dropping her hands to his hips a little hesitantly. She tugged lightly at the hem of his makeshift breeches, cautious in spite of herself.
Diz gave a slight chuckle, and nodded. "Probably. But then again, if it's not bad for you, there's no such thing as enjoying something too much."
He decided to help her anyway, as she seemed just a bit hesitant. He hooked his thumbs next to hers, and pushed down.
There wasn't much holding them up to begin with, and they quickly slid down to pool around his feet. He kicked them aside, and smiled at her as he sat on the bed in nothing but linen shorts.
"....well, it seems now you have me at the advantage again," he said, roguish smile still on his lips, "you've got on more than me now." He glanced first up at her chest, and then lower.
"What are we going to do about this, Nyla?" He grinned and brought his hand to his chin as if in thought.
She pouted at him. "You're an ass," she informed him, cheeks flaming.
Eyes downcast, she reached up to undo the fastening of her breastband, and slowly allowed the garment to fall from her body.
Almost immediately she crossed her arms over her chest, cheeks flaming and eyes fixed on the bed. She huffed and dropped to sit cross-legged, sort of hunching in on herself. The scar on her back twinged, but she ignored it, a phantom pain she was all too used to.
Diz chuckled a bit at her. "You're probably right, but I think it's you bringing it out of me...besides, I'm only teasing."
When she loosened the breastband and let it fall, his eyes still remained in her face - he'd come to half expect the blush, but when she dropped to sit on the floor, his face looked a bit concerned.
He stood from the bed, and moved behind her. He sat down, there, leaving his legs spread apart so he could get as close to her as possible. He pressed his chest to her back, laid his chin on her shoulder, and brought his arms up to cross over hers, each hand gripping the opposite wrist. He hugged her this way, and pressed his face into her neck.
"There's no need to be shy, Nyla. You're beautiful...you don't have to hide." He kissed her neck, then, and then adjusted his arms so one was over her middle, and the other lying on her hip and rubbing gently.
Slowly, Nyla allowed her hands to drop away from her face. "I'm scarred," she whispered. "I'm broken, not beautiful."
Still, she leaned back into him with a sigh, letting her head lull back onto his shoulder. She moved her hands to rest over his so she could twine their fingers together, bringing their hands to her lap gently.
"There is sad beauty in a broken thing." She huffed and shook her head. "Stupid poetry."
Diz instinctively tightened his hold on her, pulling her against him to comfort her. The hand at her waist rose to her collar, arm across her upper chest without contacting anything inappropriate.
"You're not broken, Nyla. You're perfect. Your scars, my scars....they're what got us where we are now. We're stronger for them." He leaned back, then tilted his head down to kiss the long scar that started at her shoulder.
"We wouldn't be who we are without them. There's beauty in that. Don't ever let anyone tell you different."
Nyla closed her eyes and drew in a long breath, twisting her head slightly to press a kiss to his temple. "I love you," she whispered, eyes still closed. She moved her hands to rest lightly on his arms across her chest, holding him there gently.
A soft sigh and she twisted in his arms to catch his lips with hers, one hand coming up to cradle his face in her palm, thumb running over his cheek softly.
"I love you, too," he said, the words barely out of his mouth before she'd turned in his embrace to kiss him. He pushed back with a gentle sort of pressure, as a hand found its way to her side just below her ribs, the other mirroring hers on his face.
He pulled her to him, feeling a slight - but worthwhile - twinge of pain under his bandages at the pressure of it. This pain, though, sent unnoticed as he also felt the feel of her chest, bared to him, crush against his. The hand at her side rose slowly, his hand reaching for her back, the inside of his arm brushing against the side of her breast.
Her breath hitched and she paused, then kissed him with renewed fervor. She slid her hands to tangle in his hair and tilted her head to deepen the contact.
"Bed," she gasped out when she paused to catch a breath. "We should...move to the bed..."
He had to stop and look at her for a second, pulled away and staring at her in a haze while his mind and body got back on the same track. A moment later, his eyes cleared, and breathless, he replied.
"....bed. Yeah. Good idea." He released her to move to a kneeling position and, with a smile on his face, quickly slid one arm under her knees and the other behind her shoulders.
He lifted her as if she weighed next to nothing, used to walking with an extra hundred-plus pounds of steel hanging from his shoulders, sometimes more if actually on a mission - that cavalry plate was heavy.
She wasn't.
He leaned down and kissed her, crushing his lips to hers for a moment before he went to gently lay her on the bed with a loving smile.
Nyla squeaked, then chuckled as he picked her up, wrapping her arms around his neck. She refused to let go as he laid her on the bed, pulling him down against her. Her hands traced down his sides to his hips, then back up to grasp his shoulders gently.
She tilted her head to trail kisses along his jaw, then down his neck carefully, deliberately, making sure to mark every inch of skin she could reach. Her hands moved to press flat against his back and she arched up off the bed slightly in an effort to get more contact.
It took some effort, pulled towards her as he was, but he was able to get both legs onto the bed, knees down with one on either side of her hips. One of his hands found its way to her back, lifting her higher still as she arched towards him, his elbow supporting him as he hovered over her. The other was more bold, sliding down from its position at her shoulder to trail all the way down her side, palm flat as it went, past her waist, thigh, and hip, then around the back of her leg to slide under the opening of her underwear, his whole hand and fingers spreading to grasp one of her buttocks.
During this, his head tilted downward to meet her lips with his, kissing fervently, hotly.
The mage gasped, eyes blowing wide and a small sound that was something between a moan and a whimper caught in her throat. Her own hands grew more bold, trembling slightly as she skated her touch down to his hips, then grabbed for him, pulling him against her sharply.
She parted her lips slightly against his and shivered lightly, though she felt anything but cold, heat running through her body in sharp little flashes from points of contact.
She paused suddenly, panting a bit, lips less than a hair's breadth from his own. "I- I don't- I'm not hurting you, am I?" One hand traced back up his body to brush lightly against the bandages as concern colored her tone.
His body gave an odd twitch as her hands rolled over suddenly hypersensitive flesh, and he made a sound like a cross between a moan and a growl. He could feel his heart pounding away in his chest, and below a similar throbbing in time.
He opened his eyes, full of heat now, and smiled. "Nyla, short of forcefully tearing those open again, I don't think anything could possibly hurt."
He pushed his lips against hers again, while the hand at her rear gave a squeeze, the other pulling her tighter against him still. The feel of her breasts pushing against his bare chest illicited another hungry sound from his throat, and almost unconsciously he moved her up by the hand on her rear and on her back, leaning into her.
Through his linen shorts, she'd likely feel the hot throbbing piece of flesh pressing against her thigh. After moving her higher, his head slid down her chest, hovering just over her breast.
He stopped there, a semblance of his chivalrous attitude intact as he glanced at her, his look basically asking permission by itself.
Nyla closed her eyes and whimpered again, her hips rocking up into his almost without her conscious permission. She blushed fiercely at the sounds she was making and one hand clenched in her hair, nails scratching lightly against his scalp.
She glanced down at him as his face hovered over her chest and swallowed, lips parted slightly. A short, slightly jerky nod was her response to his silent question.
He smiled up at her, and opened his mouth just slightly, taking her nipple gently between his lips, tongue darting forward to wet it slightly before suckling on it. The pressure from his lips was gentle, but he pressed his face into her breast, causing two opposite sensations at the same time.
The hand at her back pulled away, sliding between her skin and the sheets to trace slowly over her waist and her ribs, a light, gentle touch. It came to her other breast, and he took her other nipple between his thumb and forefinger, giving a slight pinch and tug before his hand opened, kneading and squeezing, gently so as not to hurt her.
The hand beneath her rear left that cheek and pulled out of the fabric of her underwear only for a moment before three fingers hooked around the hem at her hip.
Heat flooded her body and Nyla let her head drop back with a sharp gasp. One hand dropped to the bed, clenching in the sheets, and a shiver rippled down her spine.
"D-Diz-" She swallowed thickly. "Oh- oh my gods..."
She'd never felt anything likes this before. Nate had tried kisses and clumsy touches through her clothes when they were younger, but it had never elicited anything remotely close to what she was feeling now.
Suddenly desperate for more contact, she grabbed at his wrist with her other hand and pulled his hand down past her hip, dragging her smallclothes with it.
Diz glanced up at her momentarily, his eyes looking through the hair she'd mussed while gripping his head before. He released her nipple from his mouth and smiled up at her before sitting up, looking down with an appreciative glance.
His hand left her breast to join the other, gripping hem on her opposite side and dragging her smallclothes down the rest of the way. He slid his knees backward, and pulled them from her feet.
They joined the pile on the floor. Shortly afterward, his shorts did too, and his manhood stood fully erect before he moved toward her again.
He climbed atop the bed once more, sitting up on his knees and leaning toward her to offer a deep kiss. A hand rose to touch his palm to her cheek.
The other dropped between her legs, fingers sliding between her slick folds to find the nub there.
"Diz!" Nyla's body jerked, her upper body curving up as her arms flew around his shoulders, nails scrabbling at his back. It felt like an electric current had been sparked through her body, and gods she wanted more of it.
She twisted her head to kiss his palm, then returned to his lips, kissing him feverishly. Her hips squirmed quite of their own volition, her heels digging into the bed as she tried to find purchase.
One hand trailed down his back to the base of his spine, then slid over his hip to brush just barely against his length. "Can- Can I...?"
Diz shivered - her touch was almost akin to burning his skin, but it felt so good. He moved his hand from her face, took her hand, and guided it to his erection.
"I'm yours, Nyla - whatever you want. I mean it."
At her slit, his fingers slid downward that slight distance to find her opening, two of them slipping inside.
God's, she was small. He blinked, and looked up to her, idly wondering, an almost questioning look upon his face.
She took a shuddering breath and hesitantly moved her hand along him, curiosity as much a motivation as a desire to please him.
Her body jerked again as his fingers slid inside and she sucked in a gasp, clenching her eyes shut for a moment. Her body burned and stretched in a way it never had before and she whimpered quietly.
When she managed to open her eyes again she found herself meeting his sort of questioning gaze. She licked her lips, her brain not quite functioning well enough to supply words quickly. "Wh-What is it?"
Diz took in a sharp breath when her hand began to move along his length, and he had to tighten his hold on her hand to stop her for a moment. He had an all-important question to ask, and he needed his head clear to do it.
He pulled his hand away from her mound, his fingers sliding free. He laid that hand on her thigh, and didn't move it.
When he spoke, his voice was quiet. Depending on her answer, he'd have to be much gentler with her. He had to ask - he didn't want to hurt her.
"Nyla....are you a virgin?"
It made sense - her earlier bashfulness, her quick blush about everything, asking to touch him...and he couldn't mistake the feel of her for anything else.
Nyla blinked, a little confused about why he'd stopped her hand. Then her blush deepened and she dropped her eyes, sort of curling in on herself.
"Yes," she murmured, shifting underneath him. Her body still ached to be touched, but now she was nervous and bashful again, trying to regain some control over herself. "Is that...bad?"
Diz smiled, and slowly shook his head. "No, Nyla. That's not a bad thing at all. It just means....I can make this all the more special for you."
Meaning, of course, that he wanted her first time the way it should be. And while he was typically quite gentle to begin with, he'd have to endeavor to be doubly so - she suddenly looked so much more precious to him.
"And....don't mind me saying so, but it makes me feel...very happy that you would trust me to be the first. I love you, Nyla. And I want this to be as good for you as I can make it."
He'd since then released her wrist, and instead placed his hand, and his other, on either side of her head, supporting himself against the bed as he leaned in for a gentle kiss.
"I didn't want to hurt you, is all," he said, his voice a mere whisper at her ear. He moved to kiss the hollow of her throat.
She shivered appreciatively under his kisses and let her eyes flutter closed. "I, um..." She cleared her throat. "I...thought it just...did. Hurt. The first time."
Not to say she relished the idea of pain- she usually avoided it when she could, like most sane individuals- but she had reasonable confidence that she'd be fine in the long run.
She tilted her head back to bare more of her throat and reached her hands up to trace lightly up and down his back. "I love you," she whispered. "Of course I trust you."
Those words in his ears nearly made his heart beat its way out of his chest, and his answer was a compulsive broad smile against her throat. He pushed up a bit on his elbows to look at her, his eyes, blue as ice but filled with love and passion, taking in the planes of her face.
"I love you, too, Nyla. More and more every moment. Gods...I love you, Nyla." He pressed a kiss to her lips, so gentle and soft. He dropped a hand back between her legs, searching for just a moment for her opening before sinking a finger inside, testing her depths.
He pulled from her face to speak once more. "If it hurts too much...let me know. Promise me."
Nyla's back arched slightly and a soft, mewling sort of sound rose up in her throat. She blushed just at being able to produce the sound, then gasped as her body stretched around him.
She nodded shakily in answer, grabbing for his shoulders to pull him back into a kiss. "I love you," she whispered, unable to find any other words in the moment as heat flashed through her in waves. "I love you, Diz..."
Gentle pressure met her kiss as he pushed against her, deepening it, the hand at her cheek pulling her face against his before moving to the back of her head. Fingertips tangled through her dark curls as he pulled with vigor, crushing his lips against hers.
Below, his hand continued to pleasure her, that single finger slowly pushing in and out of her, covered in her wetness. After a moment, he once again tried a second finger, slipping it in beside the first and he again marveled at her tightness.
With that second finger in place, his movements slowed more as he gave her a small chance to relax her muscles.
Nyla's hand flew to cover her mouth and stifle a small moan, eyes falling shut. Her other arm wrapped around his shoulders, her fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck.
Tension started to coil in her belly and she swallowed thickly, her nails digging into his skin where she clutched at him. "I- I'm okay," she murmured, voice raspy, when she realized she could breathe properly again.
She tilted her head to kiss him again, hot, panting breaths tugging at her chest as her heartbeat started to pick up.
He continued kissing her, his only response to her statement being a short, affirming grunt while his mouth was otherwise occupied. He couldn't even feel her fingernails digging into him, his blood and adrenaline rushing as fast as it was, though he'd surely have red marks there later. He could honestly care less at this point.
He suddenly pulled away from her face to instead move to her neck, allowing his mouth to fall open and his teeth to lightly drag over her skin. He wouldn't bite her - he only wanted to gauge her response.
When he slowly felt her muscles loosen inside her, he slid a third and final finger inside, still trying to slowly stretch her, prepare her for a proper lovemaking. With almost agonizing slowness, it slid inside, and he resumed the slow thrusting of those fingers in and out of her.
Her eyes widened and Nyla had to grab for the sheets in an effort to find some kind of anchor, desperately trying to hold her body still underneath his. "Oh gods," she whispered, shivering slightly. "Oh gods..."
Her body burned and stretched, but any discomfort was outweighed by heat and pleasure. She drew in a ragged breath and reached to grip his waist, then smoothed her hands up his back to his shoulders. Her hips stuttered slightly against his touch and she turned her face into the curve of his neck and shoulder with a low groan.
Diz listened to her whispered words, noting the lack of pain in her voice, and smiled gently. This would be easier on her than he'd thought it would be.
He leaned down, and kissed her gently for a moment, and then pressed his forehead against hers.
He pulled his hand from her hot wetness to grip his erection. He held an impressive size, but was by no means large enough to cause her unbearable pain if she was as properly prepared as he'd hoped.
He pushed the tip against her opening, guided by his hand, and pushed just inside, sinking barely half an inch, slowly to allow her to adjust to his girth.
"Nyla...are you ready? Try to relax. I'll take it slow, I promise." His words were low and soft, but heated, murmured with a passioned strain. "Tell me if it hurts too much."
Nyla gasped in a sharp breath and clutched tighter at his shoulders, her whole body shuddering delicately for a moment before she forced herself to relax.
A soft squeak escaped her as her body stretched in an attempt to accommodate him, the feeling new and strange and a little uncomfortable, but with an echo of that pleasure that made her breathe out slowly and close her eyes.
"I'm alright," she whispered, relaxing her grip enough that she could slide her hands around to cup his face. "Really, Diz." She kissed him, trembling slightly now with the effort it took to keep still.
He fell into the kiss, breaking it into several small ones across her face and neck. With an extreme slowness, he pushed his hips forward, letting out a pleasure-filled groan as his erection sank inch after inch into her.
His eyes were closed, and he had to restrain himself from simply tearing into her. He stopped when he reached the barrier inside her, and he let out a deep breath that he hadn't even realized he'd been holding in.
The tightness of her on its own was nearly enough to push him over the edge - it'd been a very long time since he'd been with a woman, and he wanted to make this as good an experience for her as possible. But when he opened his eyes to lay them on the beautiful woman beneath him, he very nearly lost himself. He suppressed a shudder, keeping himself under control as he spoke to her.
"Gods, Nyla...I love you. I love this....are you okay?"
He'd perhaps asked this too many times already, but he was being as cautious as he could with her.
"...it's going to hurt when I move again. But only for a little while."
A soft cry tore out of her before she managed to swallow it back, biting down on her lower lip almost hard enough to draw blood. She panted quietly against him as she turned her head to scatter kisses over his neck and shoulder, desperate for any contact she could get.
"I- I love you," she gasped out in response to his own declaration. "Diz, I love you, I love you, gods!"
Her last yelp was half pleasure and half pain, eyes widened slightly and nails digging into his skin where she clutched at his back. Her breath hitched as she adjusted to the feel of him, shivering almost imperceptibly.
"Okay," she breathed finally. "I'm...okay." She feathered a few kisses along the column of his throat. "K-keep going..."
She could probably feel his heart quicken when she said his name like that, the pulsing of his erection inside her in time with the hammering in his chest. He arched his back slightly against her fingernails - at this point, that tiny amount of pain was nearly euphoric.
He let out a groan when she kissed his neck, and he turned his head to kiss her back - literally wherever he could. At this point, he could care less where he kissed her, so long as he was.
That put a thought in his head. One that he stored away for later.
"Okay...I'm going to push, now. Just...ride it out, okay?"
Better to get it over with all at once, he surrmised. He closed his eyes, tightly...and pushed himself forward, sinking as deeply info her as he could.
Nyla cried out, her spine arching and hips stuttering forward. She clenched her eyes shut and breathed through the flash of pain, jaw set as she bit her lip.
Slowly, she relaxed back into the bed a bit and allowed her death grip on Diz to soften slightly. "Ohhhhkay," she whispered. "I'm...okay."
Very cautiously, she rolled her hips up against his. A soft, sobbing moan slipped past her lips and she closed her eyes again, allowing herself to just feel.
"Better than okay," she gasped. "Oh my gods, Diz." Her hand stroked up and down his back gently as she finally met his eyes, lips slightly parted as she drew in ragged breaths.
Disgaua Carthalion was a soldier. A captain. A man. Once, an acolyte at the church. Sometimes known as a ladies man - but that part was over.
Now, he was simply in love, staring down at Nyla through hazy eyes, marveling at the sight of her, just her, below him.
"....I swear, Nyla, if I live to be a thousand years old, never will I see a sight more beautiful than you, right now....except for, possibly, you. Every time I see you."
He hadn't moved yet, still relishing the feeling in his heart as he looked at her. He felt as if, finally, he'd found where he belonged, who he belonged with.
And Gods damn the irony. He didn't give a damn, let Them deal with it.
His first motion since taking her virginity was to simply lean down, kissing those beautiful parted lips of hers. All his senses felt wonderfully alive - he could smell her, still slightly scented of the bakery with a touch of her arousal. He could taste her, as he kissed her so passionately. Every single sound she made rang sonorously in his ears. And to touch - Gods, his skin was positively aflame with it! - her was paradise.
And the sight of her, in this moment, would forever be his favorite memory.
With vigor, he kissed her, his eyes slowly coming to shut as he gave in fully to passion. Slowly, his hips began to move, in and out, his manhood slipping into her depths as he made love to her. A hand found its way to her side, his touch so light it was barely there at all. The other rested at her neck, curled around it. The touch there, too, was gentle, a slight caressing.
He pulled from her lips for a moment to whisper into her ear, before his face was lost in her dark curls, spread over the pillow.
"Nyla...Gods, I love you. Forever, no matter what."
She laughed- actually laughed, light and airy and so, so purely blissful. She hadn't known a person could laugh in the middle of something like this.
"That sentiment if very mutual," she informed him, though she blushed a bit as she did every time he called her beautiful. She cautiously cupped his face in her palm and smiled at him, losing herself in icy blue eyes.
Blue. Not the famed Alloran poison green, but pure, beautiful blue. It was her favorite color, she decided quite suddenly. Just as suddenly, she realized she didn't want to go a day without those eyes, ever again.
Twenty-four years was long enough. Her body still ached slightly, but pleasure was quickly chasing the pain away, coiling through her, and she smiled at him, then laughed breathlessly into his kiss.
Her laugh quickly became gasped breaths as his hips started to move. She was frozen for a few moments, offering a few stuttering motions of her own hips, before she started to learn his rhythm and move with him. Her body felt as though it was lit up from the inside and she clung to him, murmuring his name over and over as she kissed his cheek, his jaw, his neck.
"I love you," she murmured against the curve of his neck. She smiled against his skin as he buried his face in her hair and stroked his back with one hand, the other cupping the back of his head gently. "I love you, Diz. Now and always."
"Mmmm..." was all the response he could give in that moment, her words an echo sounding throughout the serene world that his mind found itself in. He loved her; she, him. The world in his heart, his mind, his very soul was in a perfect, shining balance.
Who could have possibly imagined such a perfect fit, between two opposites of such a stark contrast? He, a mordecai, sworn to stamp out all magic in Connlaoth, and, eventually, the world. Her, a baker and a blood mage, whom couldn't possibly be more his opposite. Though, it could be supposed that the past of her, twisted and painful as it may have been, had been meant to shape her into the way she was, and deliver her into his arms.
Into his arms, to forever be loved, defended, and adored. After only one day, he adored her. She was his light, the burning in his soul. The fire that drove him. And so, silently, he made a vow, both as a man and as a mordecai, that she would be his driving force.
His life, for her.
His lips found their way to her neck, then, and the hand opposite them turned down to twist into those wonderful curls of hers, tangling in them in such a way he hoped he'd never have to let go - let this moment last forever.
His hand, at her side, wandered down her hip to her thigh, gently squeezing before simply feeling the muscles of her legs push against it in their movements.
His member continued it's movements, still, a perfect rhythm met with her. Their syncronized movements brought a new haze to his eyes, and he squeezed them shut.
Her, first, he thought, slowing his movements. He was determined to bring her to the edge of orgasm, and tip her into it, before he reached that place. This was for her - as everything should be.
Eyes wide, pupils dilated, Nyla bit her lip in an effort censor a low moan as she bent her legs slightly to press against either side of his waist and hips. It was all just so much, the heat, the weight of him over her, the sheer newness of it all, she couldn't seem to really focus past the haze that seemed to have enveloped her.
Her fingers tangled through his hair and her other hand splayed clear against his back, holding him to her as she rocked her hips up into his in slow, rolling motions. Heat coiled through her veins and she whimpered quietly.
When his eyes fell shut, Nyla leaned up to brush her lips against his eyelids. "Diz, look at me?" she asked quietly, voice breath and rough, as though it caught and hitched in her throat before passing her lips. Tension tightened in her belly and she drew in a ragged breath. "O-oh... That- I-"
Before she quite realized what was happening, the delicious tightness she'd been feeling suddenly grew to what felt like an impossible intensity and her body arched off the bed as she cried out breathlessly, head falling back while her hips rocked into his with renewed fervor, then suddenly halted. She was frozen for a moment, shivering with the suddenly release of tension, then collapsed back onto the bed, panting and flushed.
Eyes hazed with the fog of utter euphoria opened when asked, the icy blue seemingly blurred. He looked upon her, those ice blue eyed of his staring as deeply info her dark ones as deeply as could be possible.
And then, just as suddenly, they squeezed shut once again, as his body tensed up. Her orgasm, the clenching of her muscles clamping down upon his length, combined with the slow rocking of their hips, finally pushed him over the edge.
The great flood of pleasure washed over him, a wave so big he felt for a moment as if he would drown in it - his entire body seized as orgasm ovsrtook him, followed by a hard shudder as he flooded her insides with hot seed. He hadn't even had the presence of mind go pull away on time, as far into the pool of relief he had fallen into.
His body flushed, pale skin giving way to red coloration as he felt his heart pounding harder than it ever had. His muscles clenched, and he let out a deep gasping groan before his head fell to her shoulder, his hair meshing with hers.
He laid there in that way, giving great heaving breaths. He felt as if he couldn't move, as utterly spent as he was.
Nyla gasped again as she felt his release, and her grip on him tightened, clutching his body against hers as though she wanted to meld them together.
When his head fell to her shoulder she leaned her own against him, still breathing heavily. Her hands stroked up and down his back almost automatically as she tried to come back to herself. "Diz..." Her voice was faint and shaky, so she tried again.
"Diz...are you...that-" Well. It seemed words just weren't coming. She gave a breathless laugh and hugged him around the shoulders, twisting her head to pepper kisses over his temple.
From her shoulder and within her curls came a muffled response. "I have no idea what you're trying to say...but say it again." He lifted and turned his head to meet one of her kisses, holding it for a moment before he pulled away, facing her with a smile and bright eyes.
"....it seems I was right, before. Every time I look at you, now, you redefine the word 'beautiful.'" He leaned in again and kissed her, before laying his head on her shoulder to look into her eyes.
His hand on her other side found itseld rubbing up and down, him no longer caring about propriety as it traveled all the way from her thigh to her shoulder, stopping only momentarily to caress her hip.
"I love you, Nyla..."
She smiled and kissed him back gently, letting herself settle back onto the pillows so she could look at him properly.
"I love you too," she murmured, a smile seemingly permanently etched onto her face. She shivered appreciatively under his touch and cautiously hooked her leg over his hip so they were pressed a little closer together, drawing in a sharp breath when that reminded her how they were connected.
She chuckled quietly and leaned into him to kiss the tip of his nose. "That was amazing," she whispered. "Thank you. For everything."
Diz gave a groan when she moved, also reminded of how they were intertwined, two bodies that might as well have been melded into one.
Suddenly his eyes widened, and he looked down at where their parts were joined, and then looked back in her face.
He paled slightly. "...for everything? Are you sure, because I....oh, Gods, Nyla. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have...I should have...I didn't....fuck."
He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, and sighed. Too late, now. "Nyla...what if you get pregnant?"
While he certainly wouldn't mind a child, he had no idea if they could be prepared for such a large change in their lives. And her family...her family.
That wouldn't go over well. Not that he cared how they felt, but they could use a child against them. And he couldn't be around all the time, being a soldier.
Nyla blinked at him as though she didn't quite understand what he was saying. Then her own eyes widened and her lips parted in a silent "oh".
She had certainly not thought this through. How could she have done that? She was normally so responsible!
"Well...fuck!" She tried to sit up, was caught by his weight and they way they were intertwined, and collapsed back onto the bed. "I- I don't..."
She bit her lip and covered her face with her hands. "Oh gods!" Her mind was racing, every possible negative scenario playing behind her eyes. "I- I can- there are potions, spells, but they're meant to be used before...y'know. I...don't know many that would prevent a pregnancy afterwards..."
Blood magic would probably work, the sooner the better. But she hated it, hated the cost that came with it. Would it be worth it?
Diz was still trying to wrap his mind around the idea of a child, a child with the woman he loved. He'd do anything to see to their safety.
But nothing was yet certain. But a small part of him looked forward to it. The other part was, of course, kicking himself. He knew where children came from...how could he have been so foolish?
When she tried to get up from underneath him and fell backward, he took the cue to gently pull away from her. He winced slightly at the trickle of his seed that spilled forth. Damn him, why hadn't he been smarter?
When she talked of...stopping a pregnancy, he blinked. He hadn't thought of it, would never have, but...
"Nyla."
He placed his hands over hers, gently taking her wrists and pulling her hands away from her face. He greeted her frantic face with a smiling one.
"It wouldn't be all bad. A child, I mean...look. I love you. No matter what. If this were to happen....I'd love it, too, just as much as I love you."
He gently raised a hand to her cheek, his thumb gently caressing her skin. "....I think you'd be a wonderful mother. If...if you become pregnant...you know I wouldn't go anywhere, as long as I could help it."
He couldn't possibly leave her anyway. He loved her far too much. And besides that, if there were to be a child, he'd want to give him or her the life he couldn't have. He'd grown up in the church, essentially an orphan due to his mordecaism.
Nyla blinked up at him, eyes wide and panicked in an even paler than normal face. Then her eyes welled up and she choked on a sob, burying her face in her hands.
"I c-can't!" she wailed quietly. "I don't- I've never- we've just barely started to be us, Diz! How in the world are we supposed to-"
She swallowed and shook her head, voice clipped and quick, verging on terrified. "I can't be a mother. I don't know how- I've never been- I couldn't do it!"
Diz's eyes welled up just as hard did - he quickly realized that he couldn't possibly stand to see her cry. She was breaking his heart, and he felt as if there was nothing he could say to make her feel better.
He slid to her side, putting an arm around her shoulder and pulling her close. He pressed a kiss to the side of her head and just held her for a moment, desperately trying to think of something, anything that he could say.
He said literally the first thing that came to mind, hoping to alleviate her fears just a little. "There's no saying for sure, Nyla. Just because it happened..doesn't mean you'll get pregnant." He raised his other hand to wrap around her front, even over her arms as she held her face, his hands coming together as he hugged her tightly.
"I'm so sorry, Nyla...this is my fault. Please...don't cry." He didn't know what else he could say to her - he felt horrible, like he'd taken something beautiful and broken it, accidental or otherwise.
Gods, he hoped she would forgive him.
"O-oh..." She tensed slightly when his arms came around her, then slowly relaxed against him. "Diz- no."
Sniffling, she wiped at her eyes and turned in his arms to face him, cupping his cheek with her other hand. "Sweetheart, no, don't apologize. Neither of us was...exactly thinking this through."
Her instinct to soothe seemed to have overridden her own panic a bit, at least for the moment. She offered a shaky, watery smile. "You're right. M-maybe nothing...will happen."
She closed her eyes with a sigh and leaned her forehead against his, her arms going around his neck.
Diz dropped one arm to her waist the other reaching behind his neck to rest with hers for a moment before lifting one up to move in between them. He brought her hand to his lips, and pressed his lips against the back of it, and then intertwined his fingers with hers.
His forehead rested against hers, his eyes closed as hers were. He couldn't bring himself to smile - to smile now seemed...wrong. The only consolation he had was that, for the moment at least, she had stopped crying.
He hated to see her cry.
It was a moment before he could bring himself to speak, and when he did, his voice was barely over a whisper.
"Where do we go from here, Nyla? What's....what's next?"
He honestly didn't know. He always knew, always at least had an inkling, but their revelation seemed to have broken something within him.
He was lost.
"....Gods, Nyla. I don't... Know what to do. To say. On one hand, I know you're right. We're not....ready for such a thing, if it occurs. But on the other....it would be a dream come true. What am I supposed to feel? What am I supposed to do? To say, or think?"
His eyes opened, icy blue and dry now, searching her face as if he could find the answer there.
Nyla gave a choked sound that was half laugh and half sob. She leaned into his chest and ducked her head, hair falling forward to hide her face.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know, Diz. I..." She swallowed around a lump in her throat and spoke her thoughts aloud as she worked through them.
"I never had...if- if this...happened... I don't know what to do! I don't know how to do this- and I have to run the shop, and- and-"
She gasped a shuddering sort of breath and clung to him, seeking an anchor. "My mother- I never learned..."
That sounded like something. He didn't know what, but he was about to find out. Very gently, he nudged her off of him, only to grab her again and hold her in such a way so he could see her face, his eyes searching hers.
"What about....your mother? What didn't you learn?" He pressed his forehead against hers again, icy eyes still searching hers.
"Don't worry about the shop. One thing at a time - everything else will fall into place, Nyla." In truth, he was following the same thought. He'd latched onto something she'd said, and meant to pursue the thought until everything that could be said about it was said. One thing at a time.
He put both arms over her shoulders, behind her neck. His eyes were focused on hers.
"Tell me, Nyla. Your mother...what about her?"
She shook her head, trying to look away from him but unable to. "It's nothing," she whispered. "I just...didn't exactly have the most caring parents. Hardly surprising."
He lifted his forehead off of hers, and instead settled his neck on her shoulder, pulling her into a hug and allowing his arms to drop to her back.
"I was taken from my parents. I can understand... I don't know much about any of this either." He slowly rubbed a hand up and down her back, his eyes downcast and staring into the bed behind her.
"But... You still have an example to take from. You may not have had a great set of parents....so just do the opposite of what they did." He turned his head to kiss the side of her neck before settling on her shoulder again.
Nyla returned the embrace, arms wrapped tight around his shoulders, her fingers twining through his hair.
"They'd try to take it away," she whispered, shivering. "If- if I was- if we had- they'd come back. They'd take the baby..."
She dropped her forehead onto his shoulder, body shaking as she swallowed back panicked sobs. How had something so amazing turned into this?
His hand mirrored hers, coming to pull her head tightly against his shoulder, the arm at her back holding her just as tightly. She wouldn't be able to see it, but his eyes narrowed dangerously; his fingers clutched against her back.
His voice was low and dangerous as he spoke whispered words into her ear. "On my life, Nyla, I would never allow that to happen. Let them come....and I would never let them leave alive, with or without our child."
He turned his head to curl his chin over her neck, his eyes flinty and cold. "I swear it."
She swallowed another sob and tightened her grip on him for a moment. She couldn't seem to get words out, her throat too tight. So she just held him, turning her face into his neck.
Eventually, she managed to pull herself together enough to murmur, "It's...we're not even...sure. It might not...happen."
She held him a little tighter, pressing a light kiss to the dip of his shoulder. "Are you...okay?" her voice was still watery enough that the question sounded almost ridiculous coming from her.
Diz nodded, knowing that there was a fairly good chance it wouldn't happen. But his promise stood, and he was resolute, determined to keep it as the situation dictated, if it occurred.
"Yeah...yeah, I'm okay. It's just...your family. Everything that I hear about them...it just makes me so mad. How could anyone be so damned callous ....it's beyond me."
His voice was strong and even, and held a slight edge to it, a stark contrast to hers. He pulled away slightly to look at her.
"Nyla...if you decide, if you get pregnant to...keep it. The baby. I'm going to kill that bastard fiance of yours. And I'll marry you. I'll be the best damned husband you could ever ask for." His hard visage cracked a smile, and gradually his features softened. He couldn't hold an angry face when he looked at her.
"We can have a future...and I'll give it to you."
"Diz." She smiled and let her forehead rest against his, hands clasped gently behind his neck. "I know," she whispered. She wasn't quite sure if she believed it- it was so hard for her to picture any real future for herself that didn't end with the Allorans- but she wanted to.
And she wanted him to believe it. "I know you would be a...good husband," she murmured, pecking his nose lightly. "But I wouldn't ask you to give me everything. I love you, I want to- to work with you."
She sighed and closed her eyes, leaning against him a bit more. After a moment, she offered a tired chuckle and twisted her head to kiss his neck. "Are- are you hungry? I just realized we haven't actually eaten yet."
His smile grew wide at her words. Suddenly, the future seemed a little brighter again.
"Gods, Nyla, I love you, too. More than you know, and yet more with every second." He pulled his neck away from her, and darted forward for a real kiss. He then leaned back, and suddenly his stomach gave an angry sounding snarl.
"....indeed. It's been since last night that either of us are anything...and I never even got that glass of cider before everything happened." He smiled a little sheepishly before moving back a little and gesturing down at them. "But... Perhaps we'd do well to clean up first? I do still have to make a report... And I can't claim leave for my wounds if I smell of lovemaking."
That smile tilted a little, growing into a grin before he broke into laughter. He had to wipe a tear from his eye before he could speak again. "I could just imagine...that'd be terrible."
"Oh!" Nyla blushed, then laughed. "Yes, I ah...suppose that wouldn't go well." She giggled a bit, despite her still slightly watery eyes, and raised a hand to cover her mouth.
"I'll, um- heat water for a bath? If you don't mind waiting a bit?" She moved to get out of the bed, then suddenly paused. "O-oh." She winced, surprised by the soreness of her body. She hadn't noticed before, or perhaps she simply hadn't moved in such a way to aggravate it.
Her laugh was beautiful, and he grinned at the sound. It was good to hear, after the conversation they just had, and he was happy that she could find good humor so soon.
When she stopped and winced, though, he winced with her. "Do you need help?" He stood up, and moved to offer her s hand, a soft smile on his face. "You might be sore for awhile...I'm sorry. Hopefully a hot bath will help. I'll help you set it up."
"Oh, thank you." She smiled a little tiredly and took his hand, getting slowly to her feet. She smiled wryly. "You don't have to apologize. I'm fine. It just...surprised me."
She sighed and arched her back in a long stretch. "Ah. Gods. Alright- I'll put on a dressing gown and go downstairs to heat up some water, alright?"
Diz watched her arch her back with an appreciative look, before having to turn away from her.
Not. Now. Gods.
"Warn me before you do that again...I very nearly tossed you back on the bed, love." He offered a crooked grin, and reached for his makeshift pants, long discarded on the floor. He slipped them on, rollinf them down at the waist to help hold them up.
"I'm going to need to change into proper clothes when I get to the barracks....I'm still not looking forward to that. Leaving, I mean."
Nyla chuckled and turned to wrap her arms around him, nuzzling into his back. "Noted." She chuckled and tightened her hug, then released him, stepping away with a small, almost wistful smile.
"I can't say I'm exactly looking forward to it either," she murmured with a soft blush. She cleared her throat and quickly snatched her dressing gown out of a bureau, throwing it on rather haphazardly.
He released a shuddering breath just as she released him. She was making it hard to keep himself in check. He gave a wistful sigh, and turned to face her just as the dress fell over her body, hiding her beautiful frame from his gaze.
He smiled gently, and stepped forward to give her a kiss just as her head appeared from the top of the dress.
"No worries, though. I'm sure everything will go fine...and then I'll come back straight afterward. You'll only have a couple hours without me, with any luck." He winked, then, and kissed her again.
She giggled and wrapped her arms around him loosely, smiling enough that she had to stop kissing him.
What will you tell them about me?
The question jerked her out of her momentary bliss and she stepped away from him sharply, but tried to cover it with a light cough and a shrug of her shoulders. "There's, um...through that door is the bath chamber." She gestured to a door in the wall opposite her bed. Her flat was tiny, but at least it had two separate rooms.
"I'll be right back. Cal can heat water quick, I'll just make a few trips.
Diz arched a brow when she suddenly pulled away from him, and seemed to be picking up on some of her wuirks. He shook his head when she mentioned the bath chamber.
"Hold on, Nyla....what's wrong? I can tell - something's bothering you. What is it?"
"I..." She clutched at the tie of her dressing gown, holding the fabric tighter around her body. "I don't know..."
Her voice was barely a murmur, eyes on her feet. "What are you going to say? About- about me?"
He stepped towards her, then. He took her hand with one of his, the other lifting a finger to her chin, tilting her head back so he could look her in the eye.
"Nyla. Love. What do you think I'm going to tell them? The truth? No...you'd be arrested immediately. Or worse." He shook his head, and smiled.
"I'll tell them what I first thought - you were a servant of the Alloran family who'd escaped. They came to kidnap you, and I gave chase, killed two of them before Nate escaped the city. I followed him, he summoned a demon, I fought it and won. He and the demon vanished before I could finish them."
He shrugged, then. "Then the beautiful baker I rescued took me to her home, patched me up, and gave me a bed for the night." He leaned down with a smile to kiss her forehead, and then hugged her close.
"The only problem is....later. Nyla...you do know what will happen if you get caught, right? Both of us will get it. You might get put in a camp, and forgotten about. Me?"
He sighed and shook his head. "The crime for aiding a magic user is death. So....something has to be done."
Nyla shook her head, but she managed to hold his gaze. When he pulled her in for a hug, she wrapped her arms around him tightly, almost clutching at his shoulders.
The way he said it, so blunt and simple- put in a camp, and forgotten about.
How could he think that? Did he just...not know?
And then of course there was the threat of his punishment. Her heart clenched and she held him tighter, a rather impressive feat, at this point. "I don't know what to do," she whispered. "If- if we're...together, openly...it'll be harder to hide what I am. They monitor mordecai almost as closely as they do marked mages."
Diz gave a half-hearted grunt, holding her just as tightly as she did him. For several moments, he couldn't speak, not knowing what to say.
Gods, the position they'd put themselves in.
He pressed his cheek against her hair, simply holding her. When he finally spoke, it was preceded by a resigned sigh. "Maybe....we should just focus on now. Take it day by day until we figure something out." He pressed a kiss into her hair, and just held her there.
"There's got to be something we could do. There's always a way... We just have to think of it."
She nodded slightly, still clinging to him, then forced herself away with a sharp sigh. "I'll...be right back," she murmured, eyes downcast. "You should, um...make sure your bandages are alright. Let me know if they need changing or something."
He gave a single, slight nod, and looked down at his chest. Just a little bit of red was showing through, and it seemed dry. He picked at it a little bit, noting that the bandages had adhered somewhat to the cuts - the gentle pull made him wince a little at the slight pain.
"I imagine they probably do. My cuts seem to have bled through, slightly, and they've stuck to the bandages. We'll worry about changing them later, though. After a bath."
He glanced back at her, and smiled a little. "Are you sure you wouldn't like some help? You took a beating, too, and then...." He gestured toward the bed.
"You know. It wouldn't be any trouble to carry some water up the stairs."
She frowned at him, guilt rising up in her chest as she looked at the bloodstain. "If you're sure it's not going to aggravate those," she sighed reluctantly, nodding to his chest.
She should probably grab some more medicinal salve while she was downstairs. She moved toward the door, holding the opening of her dressing gown closed tight around her chest.
"I'll be fine. It only hurts if I tug at it."
He moved to follow her, catching up as she got to the door and grabbing her shoulders before she could open it. He pressed a quick kiss to her neck before releasing her again.
"Everything will work out. I promise, Nyla. I love you."
She leaned back into him for a brief moment, allowing her eyes to close. "I love you too," she murmured.
She prayed that was enough.
When he released her, she opened the door and slipped out onto the stairs, heading down into the bakehouse.
"Mooorning." Cal poked his head out of the oven, obviously feeling much better after his time recuperating in flames. He was smirking at her, his expression rather...knowing.
She flushed. "Not. One. Word."
Diz followed her to the stairs, almost shutting the door behind him before realizing how counterproductive it would be, carrying water upstairs only to find the door shut.
Needless to say, he had a lot on his mind. Despite his words to her, he had a problem following his own instructions. But he refused to voice it...he didn't want to depress Nyla further.
He followed her into the bakehouse, his gaze flicking to Cal as he announced his presence, and then back to Nyla when she responded. He flushed, too, realizing just bow much the demon probably heard. Nyla hadn't exactly been quiet.
The thought brought a smile to his face, though. At least Cal was the only other being in the building.
Diz looked back to Cal and smirked. "Hey, Matchstick. You're looking awful chipper, after last night."
Cal stuck a tongue of blue flame out at him, then retreated into the oven. Nyla chuckled, still blushing, and shook her head.
"He can regenerate through heat," she explained with a glance at Diz. She moved toward the door out into the garden, giving a soft whistle for Sleipnir as she did, more to warn the horse that they were coming than anything else.
"Hmmph. If only we were so lucky." He sighed a bit and turned to follow after Nyla.
When she whistled, Sleipnir trotted toward her, first pushing his massive head into her chest, and then nosing at one of her hands. Disgaua smiled.
"That's incredible. I'm amazed he trusts you so much...I had to spend days with him before he'd even let me touch him." He moved forward and rubbed a hand along his flank, but the Theocog seemed more interested in Nyla.
"What is this, Sleipnir? No love for me?" he said with a grin.
She smiled a bit, stroking the animal's neck for a few moments before she moved around him to the small well.
"I like animals," she said with a small shrug. "And...they tend to like me, it seems. They're so much easier than people. Their souls are pure, unless corrupted by the outside." She flushed. "Sorry, that sounds silly, doesn't it?"
Diz smiled, moving to Sleipnir's head, looking around it at Nyla. He gave a small chuckle at her flush, and shook his head. "No, it's not silly. It's true. Animals, naturally, have no inclination to good or evil...it's us that makes them different than they are."
He gave the Theocog a final affectionate pat, and then moved to stand behind Nyla. He placed his hands at her waist, kissed her neck, and leaned his chin on her shoulder. Slowly his hands came around for his fingers to interlock just under the swell of her breasts.
"People are what ruin the world...call me odd, being a soldier, but humanity and all the nonhuman races...we're the only ones that wage war, and kill each other over trivialities. The animals are the ones that have it right."
Nyla started a bit when he and up behind her, her hands stilling as she paused in hauling up a bucket of water.
She smiled and leaned her head against his for a moment. "I'd never call you odd," she murmured, then smirked. "Not for that at least," she teased lightly, twisting to kiss his temple.
"Now c'mon, let me go. I need to get this water to Cal to heat up."
Diz smirked. "For that? Then what would you call me odd for?" He chuckled a bit and pressed a kiss to her cheek in return, and then straightened and backed away.
"I'll let you take it in to Cal...I don't think he likes me too much. But I'll carry it upstairs."
She chuckled again. "Cal doesn't really like anyone, don't take it personally."
She ducked back into the bakehouse and, with a good deal of cajoling and flattery, managed to convince Cal to heat the water.
Before the mordecai could enter the building, she glanced a little nervously over her shoulder and held one hand out over the water, murmuring a quiet spell. Then she quickly straightened and went about rummaging through the cabinets for more medicinal herbs.
It was after another moment of talking to and stroking Sleipnir before he followed Nyla back inside. He noticed her rummaging through the cabinets, and came up behind her.
"....what are you looking for?" he asked, standing just a couple feet behind her.
"Medicine." She glanced over her shoulder at him. "I can add some herbs to the bath that will help with the bruising, and it should soothe the cuts a little bit too." She smiled and nodded to the bucket of gently steaming water. "If you're sure you're up for it, would you mind taking that up to the bath?"
"Ohh. Alright then. But I need something first, to help get me up the stairs."
He took her chin in hand and gently urged her to turn her head, and leaned in to brush a kiss against her lips. He pulled away with a grin, and grabbed the bucket.
"There. That'll give Cal something else to grit his teeth about. I'll be right back, love." He grabbed the bucket, and headed back upstairs.
Hearing his name, Cal made a few overly dramatic gagging sounds from the depths of the oven. Nyla's cheeks went a little pink and she crinkled her nose at Diz.
"Go on, I'm right behind you," she murmured, shaking her head at him with a small smile.
He carried the bucket up the stairs, silently plotting to flick a little bit of water on Cal at some point in the future...
He stepped over toward the other door, nudging it open with his foot, and stepped inside. He dumped the water into the tub, and set the bucket down to stretch out his back.
He turned back toward the door to shout. "Do we need another bucket?"
Already climbing the stairs, Nyla smiled a bit to herself and called back, "I shouldn't think so."
She slipped easily up into her flat and made her way to the bathchamber. She held a small jar of rather fragrant leaves, and drew a few out between two fingers, crushing them up and sprinkling them over the water.
The water which certainly should not have been as high in the tub as it was, not from one bucket. A simple bit of magic, but it did make life easier sometimes. Nyla stepped back. "You should use it first- you're the one with a report to make."
"Right....I don't imagine it'd be a comfortable fit for both of us at the same time." He tossed a crooked grin her way, and looked to the tub.
Without a thought, he dropped his pants, and swung a leg over the side of the tub, and then the other. He settled into the water with a deep sigh, and then looked up to her, that grin suddenly turned roguish.
"....although I'd be willing to try, if you are."
Nyla laughed, then paused, her eyebrows going up. "You're not serious, are you?" she chuckled quietly. Despite herself, she found herself blushing and making a concerted effort to keep her eyes above his waist.
Diz laughed a little, shaking his head. He loved making her blush, and it was so easy it was priceless. "No, not really...but...if you wanted to share the bath, I wouldn't mind. I won't force you, though."
He slid back as far as he could, and spread his arms to allow them to rest on the rim of the tub, leaning his head back and closing his eyes.
"Whateeever you decide, Nyla." He smirked a little, leaving his eyes closed.
She huffed a bit. "I really don't think we'll fit."
She moved forward to kneel beside the tub, just behind his head. "But I could stay and keep you company, if you like," she offered, trailing one hand over his shoulder to rest on his upper arm.
"...yeah, I sort of thought so. Didn't hurt to try though." He chuckled a bit, and opened his eyes when her hand trailed down his arm. His other hand reached over to take her hand, and he brought it to his lips.
When he released her hand, he chuckled. "I...am going to find you a bigger tub."
Nyla laughed and tilted her head to kiss his neck. She brushed both hands over his arms twice, then let her hands come to rest on the backs of his wrists, her chin settling on his shoulder.
"How are you feeling? Should I add more herbs to the water?" She nuzzled into his neck a bit, rather unable to help herself.
"Why, I think I'm doing quite well, actually..." he said, trailing off as she nuzzled into his neck, leaning his head onto hers with s smile. He raised one of his arms to lay it behind her head, fingers twirling into her curls.
She giggled a bit and gave a very small shake of her head, not enough to dislodge his hand but enough to tickle her hair against his neck.
"You're getting me all wet," she complained, wrinkling her nose at him. She hesitated, then parted her lips slightly and allowed her teeth to scrape gently against his neck before she pressed a kiss to his skin.
He released a bit of a shudder and a low groan when he felt her teeth on his neck. He lifted his arm higher, his elbow pointing straight upwards, and his hand found itself skimming down the back of her neck to go under the neckline of her dress, his palm resting on on her back just under her neck.
"And you're about to start something... All over again."
He turned his head as much as he was able to, just barely able to brush a kiss over her forehead with the awkward positioning.
"Am I now?" Her breath ghosted over his skin as she spoke, and she shivered a bit when his palm came to rest on her back.
Perhaps it was a little...improper. A lot improper. But something about the way she could get such a reaction from him stoked a fire in her chest, urged her to be bolder.
She wanted to see if she could do it again.
Nyla let her hands slide up his arms to his shoulders, then down to his chest, then just a bit lower. She shifted a bit so she was leaning more against the back of the tub, pressing her body closer to him, and tilted her head to trail a few kisses from just under his jaw to the curve of his shoulder.
Gods, what was she trying to do to him? He shuddered again as her hands travelled down his chest.
"Yes...Gods, Nyla, you are." He wanted to be able to touch her in kind, but couldn't due to their positioning. It was almost torture.
He raised both arms over his head and moved to lay them both on her back, one once again moving beneath her neckline to travel over her back as far as it could go.
When he spoke, his voice was low and smokey. "Make sure you're not starting something you don't intend to finish..."
Nyla shivered a bit at the sound of his voice and smiled slightly against his skin, leaving another kiss before she pulled away just slightly.
"But you have a report to go make," she murmured evenly, careful to keep the heat rising in her chest out of her voice. "I couldn't very well keep you here too much longer, could I?"
She leaned in to kiss his cheek, her hands ghosting down to trace over the planes of his stomach, then quickly stood to get out of his reach.
"I should leave you to your bath."
He gave a disappointed groa , and turned in the tub to face her. He wore a crooked grin, and resumed the position he'd held a moment before.
"Ah, why do you torture me so, Nyla? So cruel..." Pearly white teeth shown suddenly as he stood up. He gestured downward.
"You see what you did to me? Gods...and you're just going to leave me this way."
"Hm. I suppose I am." She smirked, though her cheeks were very red, and cast a quick glance downward before focusing on his face again.
"Although perhaps if you asked very nicely, I could...help." Her face was flaming at this point, but...well, she'd already started, right? As odd as this was for her, this sort of teasing, she figured she may as well keep at it and see what happened.
Diz grinned, but raised a questioning eyebrow. Help? Help...how? He had ideas, but almost all of them seemed like things she would never do.
"Help...how, Nyla?"
And he hoped she knew - he had every intention of repaying the favor.
She swallowed a bit nervously, then took a breath and stepped toward him. Her hands came to rest at his waist, but she kept a bit of distance between them.
"How do you want me to?" Her cheeks were very red and she internally cursed her easy blush.
He raised a hand to her cheek, gently caressing it before stepping out of the tub, pressing his chest into hers. He leaned down, kissing her slowly and softly, pulling back on her lower lip gently with his teeth before releasing her mouth completely.
He leaned down, and pressed another kiss to her neck, before whispering on her ear.
"Use your imagination, love."
Nyla shuddered and her back arched slightly, pressing her chest against his. One hand moved to clutch at the ties of her dressing gown again and she swallowed a quiet moan as he kissed her.
Carefully, she let the hand still at his waist slip down to his hip, teasing over the dip of the bone down to brush her fingertips against his length.
"I..." She drew in a soft breath and tilted her head to offer more of her neck. "I'm not just...being coy here, Diz. I mean- I am a little, but this...all of this is new to me. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing..."
When she touched him, he gave an involuntary shiver, letting out a groan. He reached down blindly to grab her hand, pressing her palm against his length and closing her fingers around it.
"Nyla, I could show you things, things so improper they should be sinful," he muttered, opening his mouth to bite gently against her neck, letting her feel his teeth but offering no pressure.
"I could do things to you that would leave you quivering with pleasure..."
He kissed his way slowly from her neck to her ear. He released her, and both of his hands moved to her sides and slowly trailed upwards, brushing the sides of both breasts and continuing upwards to grab her face just at her jaw. He pulled his head back to press his forehead against hers.
"Every one of those things breaches the bounds of what is proper. Likewise is anything you can truly do to me."
Nyla gasped softly at his kisses, allowing him to guide her hand as he wanted. She shivered delicately and twisted to catch his lips in an almost harsh kiss.
"Then show me," she whispered. "Show me what you can do, tell me what you want..."
Cautiously, she moved her hand along him, stroking with a touch that was gentle enough as to be almost feathery.
He didn't even respond - she gave exactly the answer he was looking for.
Diz crushed his lips to hers in an almost fierce kiss, and dropped his hands to the front of her dress. Using nothing but touch and very dextrous fingers, he quickly unlaced it and pushed it open.
Then he siezed her by the waist, and lifted her straight upward, the muscles of his arms and chest barely straining with the effort. He raised her until her breasts were at eye level, and crushed her against him long enough to wrap his arms around her thighs, just under her buttocks with enough room for her to wrap her legs around his waist if she so desired.
He then nosed aside the opening of her garment, opened his mouth, and trailed his teeth from the flat valley between her breasts towards one nipple, teasing it's very tip with a touch of his teeth before taking it between his lips.
"Ah!" Nyla's eyes widened in surprise, but her legs moved to wrap around him almost automatically and she grabbed at his shoulders for a bit of an anchor. "Diz, wha-"
Then his mouth was on her breast and her eyes fluttered closed with a low groan. She wriggled a bit in his grip, shrugging out of her dressing gown so the garment fell off her shoulders, then pulling her arms free so she could wrap them around his neck.
The dressing down slipped down her form to pool against his arms holding her up. Her stomach fluttered a bit and she bent her head to rain kisses across his forehead and nose. The way he lifted her so easily, even injured, made her fully realize just how strong he really was. Of course she'd known that, she'd seen him fight, but it was quite a different thing to feel that strength against her, around her.
She shivered delightedly and held him tighter, feeling suddenly very small and fragile, but strangely not at all vulnerable.
He gave a groan against her breast when she wrapped her legs around his waist - her buttocks settled directly against his erection, and then when she wriggled out of her gown it was almost all he could do to restrain himself from changing their angle just enough to impale her on its throbbing length.
The thought caused another groan to escape his throat - he wanted to show her things, first. But Gods....he couldn't get enough of her, even if it meant drowning in her.
He pulled away a little, stubbornly holding onto her nipple with a tug of his lips for a moment before releasing it. Looking up at her, Diz gave a devilish grin. "Hold on. Tight."
And then he dragged her higher, his hands falling under both of her knees to pull her off of his waist and lift her legs clear to his shoulders.
Her slit was directly in front of him, now. He attacked it with his tongue, flicking just its tip against the hidden little nub there.
"What- oh!" Her hands were suddenly clutching at the back of his head, legs draped over his shoulders and ankles hooked behind his back as she desperately sought to stabilize herself. Then she gasped, pupils blown wide as she felt his tongue start to work.
A moan caught in her throat and she let her head fall back, fingers tangled in his hair, nails scratching lightly at his skin.
"Oh my gods, oh my gods." She laughed breathlessly as she curved over him, unable to really do much else. "D-Diz, how- oohhhh..."
He pulled away from her just long enough to smile, and then that tongue of his parted her sweet folds, and commenced licking over every inch of her womanhood, even dipping momentarily into her opening.
She tasted so sweet on his tongue, and he inhaled the heady scent of her arousal, exhaling a hot breath as he attacking her again. That tongue of his licked up and down her slit before he took her nub between her lips.
Gods, he loved giving this attention to her, and the sounds she made that reached his ears set his heart pounding.
Nyla's had to bite her lip to stifle a wail. Her back arched and she was trembling with the effort it took not to rock her hips forward against his mouth. She had no idea how he was doing this to her, how it seemed so easy for him to unravel her, but she could already feel that tension rising in her chest, coiling low in her belly.
"Don't stop," she whispered, voice low and rough, a vague corner of her mind a little startled at how...not like herself she sounded. "Oh gods, Diz, please don't stop."
As his mouth and tongue was otherwise busy, the only response he could give was an awkward cross between a grunt and a moan. But the continuation of his ministrations would serve as the real answer to her words.
In truth, this was something he'd never done before. He'd certainly heard about it before - even asked, once - but never had his tongue tasted that sweet honey that was her arousal. It helped, certainly, to know what places truly gave a woman pleasure. He paid attention to all of them.
Her legs wrapped over his shoulders and with her arms clutching his head, he figured she had more than enough support without his aid. Even while gave her lavish attention with his tongue, his hands moved. One reached to grasp the one of her buttocks, giving a firm squeeze. The other, in a manner a little trickier considering the way her body was wrapped around his face, snaked up, around, and through every available gap between them to knead softly on her breast before a thumb and forefinger gently pinched and pulled at her nipple.
He followed her words to the letter - he had no intention of stopping, not until she was putty in his arms.
It didn't take long for Nyla to become a shivering, mewling mess. She clung to Diz with everything she had, her whispered praises and declarations of affection blurring together until she could voice nothing but panted moans and soft gasps.
"Diz- w-wait, I- I-" Her voice suddenly cracked and spiked higher, a stuttered cry tumbling from her lips. She threw her head back, gasping and shaking as she went sailing over the edge.
Even as she was wracked by waves of pleasure as her orgasm overtook her, he continued, trying to push her further and further into ecstasy. The sounds she made brought him to a higher level of arousal, as well.
Only when he heard that final cry sound from her did he stop, his hands moving up to the small of her back to hold her steady. He laid his head against her inner thigh, eyes closed with a content smile while he waited for her shudders to finally stop. When they did, he gently rose an arm to first slide one leg off his shoulder, and then the other, always with an arm at her back in case she started to slip.
In the end, he held her like she was his bride, one arm beneath her knees, the other at her shoulders. He looked down at her with burning passion in his eyes.
"You see, now, Nyla? What someone is capable of with a little...experimentation?" He gave a crooked grin, and leaned down to kiss her.
And he sorely hoped she was game for more - the brushing of his throbbing erection against her buttocks would remind her that he wasn't anywhere close to finished with her yet.
Nyla blinked up at him with wide, rather hazy eyes, lips slightly parted as she tried to catch her breath.
A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and she chuckled shakily, her arms going around his neck as he held her. "I think I'm starting to get an inkling," she murmured, sounding sort of dazed.
She shivered a little again as she felt the evidence of his own arousal brushing against her. She clutched at him a little tighter, parting her lips into his kiss.
When they broke apart, she cupped his cheek in her hand and pulled him gently closer, letting her brow rest against his. "You- you taste...um..."
She flushed and ducked her head against his shoulder, suddenly feeling a strange combination of mortification and an...almost smug satisfaction. She shifted a bit in his arms, breath hitching as her body brushed against him.
The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk as he looked down at her. He chose to ignore her comment, though - he hadn't thought about kissing her after doing what he did. He was just glad she wasn't disgusted about it.
Eventually, he stopped gazing at her, his eyes focusing and really looking at her. He then glanced back at the tub.
...fuck it. The water would stay hot a little longer.
"Well....since you're tub is too small for two....I'm taking us back to the bed." He grinned a little bit, leaning down to press a kiss against her neck where it was presented to him.
He took them through the door, and moved straight to the bed. He deposited her gently upon it, and gszed down at her, his eyes roaming over her body.
"Gods, Nyla. You're so damned beautiful... I'm lucky it's me that gets to see you this way."
She squeaked as she was suddenly moved to the bed, then laughed lightly, propping herself up on her elbows to get closer to him as his eyes moved up and down her body. She shifted a little, nervous in spite of herself, and had to resist the almost instinctive urge to curl in on herself.
"You view me in far too bright a light," she murmured. She didn't deserve the praise be gave her, the clear adoration and passion in his eyes- gods she wished she did, but she knew she wasn't perfect, wasn't worthy of that.
But damn it all if she wouldn't give him everything in return.
"Come here." She reached out to wrap her fingers lightly around his bicep and pull him closer, onto the bed.
He couldn't possibly know her thoughts, but his were directly opposite hers. This beautiful creature on the bed below him was worth more to him than he could possibly give. He could show her these things, give her all the love he possibly could, dedicate every spare moment of his life to her, and it wouldn't be enough.
But he'd give her everything he possibly could, even just so she knew just how much he loved her.
When she gently tugged him onto the bed, he gave in to her soft urgings and laid beside her. He didn't know what she had in mind for him, and didn't care at the moment; lain beside her, he put an arm over her and leaned close to kiss her.
After a moment he pulled away, and smiled.
Nyla kissed him back gently, and she answered his smile with one of her own. "I love you," she told him quietly, pressing her body closer to his.
She tilted her head to kiss his cheek, then his jaw, then his neck, shoulder, collar. She shifted a bit so she could arch over him slightly, trailing kisses from the hollow of his throat down his chest, moving lower in tiny increments with every few kisses.
"I love you, too, Nyla," he said, eyes falling closed slowly. His chin lifted to allow better access to his neck, until she moved down his chest.
He looked down at her as she steadily progressed down his chest, and a hand came to rest on the back of her neck, fingers rubbing gently under her curls.
After a moment, he just leaned his head back to rest, his other arm curled underneath, enjoying her touch and giving a shiver every now and then as her hair tickled his chest.
She smiled against his skin and continued mapping a trail down his torso. When she reached his navel she paused, glancing up at him with shimmering eyes and slightly parted lips, her breath coming just a bit sharper than normal.
"...Should I keep going?"
Diz made a small noise, almost like a hum as be exhaled through his nose. Every so often he'd give a twitch or a small shudder as her lips brushed against particularly sensitive parts of his chest.
And she continued downward, still, and finally stopped. He opened his heavy eyes to look down at her when she spoke, and it was only then that he truly registered where her head was located over his body.
He blinked at her, and smiled. "I'd like that... Alot. But...you don't have to. Gods...I don't know."
He closed his eyes, squeezed them shut tight, and gave a small groan. When he spoke again, he had a straighter answer.
"Gods, yes, keep going. Please." He opened them again to look down at her, his eyes smokey.
Nyla smiled and pressed a soft kiss just below his navel. "As you wish."
She peppered a few kisses along the dip of his hips, moving steadily south along his body. She stopped when she reached the base of his length, looking up at him through her lashes. Maintaining eye contact, she hesitantly pressed a kiss to the heat of him.
With a shuddering sigh she closed her eyes and repeated the gesture, then let her tongue flick out to lick along his length, still a little hesitant.
His hand suddenly moved from the back of her neck to the top of her head, his nerves firing like mad. He'd anticipated her touch. But he hadn't anticipated how it would feel.
Her tongue felt like a whisper of heat along his shaft, leaving behind a wake of cold as the air came in contact with his skin. He swore he could feel every miniscule irregularity in her tongue as as it pressed against him.
His other hand twisted, his fingers curling to bunch up the sheets beneath them. He swore under his breath.
"Gods...damn..." it came, a heated whisper. "Don't...stop..."
Nyla smiled, blushing, and continued her ministrations. Her hands slid up his legs to grip his hips and gave him another lick, then pressed a rather cautious kiss to the tip of him.
She pulled back for a moment and glanced at his face, trying to judge his reactions. Then she took a sharp breath and dipped her head to wrap her lips around him, almost carefully.
"Bloody...hell...." he muttered, his eyes nearly glazing over. This was a completely new feeling for him, and Gods it was wonderful.
Almost on instinct, that hand on her head tried to push her down his length, before he caught himself and forced his hand away. He could feel chills running up his body as all the heat in him seemed to flood to his erection.
He didn't know what to do with that hand, so he reached for one of hers, grasping it tightly.
A soft sound caught in Nyla's throat and he glanced up at him again, cheeks very red. Cautiously, very much learning as she went, she dipped her head down further.
Gods, this was so so far out of her realm of experience. Proper young ladies didn't do things like this, and that was all she'd been raised to be.
Of course- she hardly kept her family's intentions in mind nowadays.
So what the hell.
A quiet hum echoed in her chest and she drew back up along his length, tongue working carefully in the wake of her lips.
Diz let out a shuddering breath, and he couldn't help the hand that once again found itself atop her head. He didn't push, though his fingertips would dig into her scalp slightly.
Gods, the things she was doing to him! If it hadn't been for their release earlier, he might have been worried about climaxing inside her mouth. That... Probably wouldn't have been a pleasant experience for her. But luckily, he seemed to have some measure of control, despite the heavenly feeling he was getting from her lips and tongue.
Nyla pulled back just enough to wrap her hand around him, panting lightly. "It's, um..." She swallowed nervously, then continued, "It's okay, you know. You can...let go..."
She pressed another kiss to his tip, still watching him through her lashes.
Diz gave a bit of a sheepish smile. "I would...but I can't." He glanced to the side with a small shudder, an aftershock from her last touch. "It's..different... For men. It takes a lot longer the....second time."
When he looked back to her, that roguish smile crept into his face again. "...in other words, love...I'm just getting started." He turned that arm behind him to push his palm against the bed, lifting himself up into a sitting position.
"....I know one way to finish, though, if you want that bath to really be worth it..." He brought that hand forward, reaching underneath her to gently grab and squeeze one breast, his fingertip brushing over the tip of her nipple.
Nyla flushed and her eyes fluttered closed as his hand moved to stroke over her. "Wh-what did you have in mind?" she murmured, leaning unconsciously into his touch. Her hand continued to stroke up and down his length almost absently.
He smiled, reaching for her hand. He really didn't want to make her stop, but... Previous experience told him she'd like this too.
He gently pried her hand off of him with a shiver, and then took her other hand, and slowly started leaning backwards. "Come here, and I'll show you, love."
"Diz, wait..." She allowed him to pull her closer, but braced a hand against his chest to maintain some distance.
Her cheeks were flaming, but she had to say this. "We can't, um...I mean, it's probably be best if you didn't...inside?" She ducked her eyes, obviously very embarrassed.
"I just mean...I'd rather reduce the chances of me getting p-pregnant..."
He smiled warmly at her, and nodded. "Honestly, we probably wouldn't increase the chances of that - whats done is done - but if you're uncomfortable...I can pull out of you. It just might...make a bit of a mess."
He gave an awkward smile before he leaned forward again to kiss her. His hands then released hers, and he put them around her, hugging her to him.
"We don't have to...I won't force you to do anything. You know that, right?"
Her cheeks darkened. "I didn't mean...increase chances from before. I'd just rather not...double the chances."
She ducked her head to kiss him, letting herself relax against his chest. "But I never said I didn't want to..."
He pushed into the kiss gently, but only for a moment before he pulled away with a smile. He leaned back further, pushing on her arms in such a way that she remained upright, while he was flat on the bed.
"Well...you can show me how much you want it - I'm giving you control this time." He gave her soft smile, before reaching forward to grasp her hips.
"Whenever you're ready, love - this is all you. If I get too close, I'll tell you."
"I-I...okay." She drew her bottom lip between her teeth as she looked down at him, then slowly moved to straddle his hips.
"You know how much I love you, right?" she murmured with a small smile. She bent to kiss him, sliding her hands up his body to brace against his chest.
Carefully, she rocked her hips against his, keeping her body just barely separate from his with a soft groan.
His groan mirrored hers as his erection just barely brushed against her, sending a miniature shock through his entire body.
He leaned upward into her kiss, one hand lifting from her hip to come behind her head. When they separated, that same hand brushed away that signature curl that always seemed to fall in front of her face, tucking it behind her ear.
She redefined beautiful, every time he looked at her.
"I think I do..." he said with a smile. Then that smile turned into a crooked grin. His voice was low, quiet, barely a whispered breath. "But why don't you make sure I know? Show me, Nyla. Show me how much you love me."
He then pressed his lips against hers, ice blue eyes sliding closed, his fingers tangling themselves in her dark curls.
Nyla whimpered quietly and kisses him back with a kind of hunger she honestly didn't know she possessed. Her hips rocked against him again, then she angled herself slightly and pushed down, a long, stuttered moan drawn from her lips as she took him inside her.
"Gods, Diz..." She kissed him again, taking a moment to simply hold him, her body pressed as close against his as she could manage.
His eyes squeezed shut while she sank down atop him. Gods, this angle...if at all possible, he felt as if he was even deeper in her than before. His hands both moved to gently hold her cheeks as he pulled her even tighter against him, kissing her back just as hotly as she kissed him.
"Gods, Nyla.... Gods, Light, everything... I love you, Nyla...." he said, words murmered between kisses.
"And I you," she gasped, wrapping her arms tight around him and giving her hips a cautious rock forward. She mewed quietly as fire shot through her body and had to tear away from his lips to gasp a quick breath.
Then she was falling back into him, rocking against him and kissing him like her life depended on it.
Unbridled passion met her lips as he met them with force, his hands dropping from her face to grasp her hips. It was everything he could do just to avoid surging upwards into her - he promised control, and he was determined to let her have it.
But that didn't mean he couldn't touch her. One hand slid back from her hip to grasp one of her buttocks, squeezing with his fingertips digging into her flesh. All the while, he continued to kiss her, matching her hunger with his own.
Nyla gasped and wrapped her arms around him tighter, using more force to rock her hips into his. She pulled away from the kiss only to trail her lips down his throat, panting gently against his skin. Her nails dig in where she grip his shoulders and she mewed softly, her hips stuttering as a particular rock forward found an angle that made her toes curl and her spine tingle.
The hand af her hip ran up her side, his palm just lightly skimming over her skin and slowing down when he reached her ribs. The movement became almost agonizingly slow, but unceasing until it came to rest on the back of her neck, pressing her against his throat to urge her kisses there.
His breath came out in soft pants, and eventually he couldn't stand just to keep his hips still as he fell into her rhythm, pushing up into her each time she rocked forward. His legs bent at the knee, he soles of his feet flat against the bed and lifting her just slightly.
The hand at her rear rose just slightly to the very bottom of the small of her back, resting just above the cleft of her buttocks, his grip firm.
A shivering gasp warbled from her lips and Nyla clung to him all the tighter. She traced a line around his neck, as much as she could, in kisses, and her hands stroked up and down his back.
The way his bent knees lifted her just a bit had them joining at a deeper angle and she moaned softly. Her back arched and her lips parted as she drew in rasping breaths, eyes fluttering closed. She slid her hands down over his chest to curl her fingers around his waist, holding him for an anchor as she moved her hips.
He felt the change of angle as well, letting out a pleasured groan as he continued to move with her. He was determined - as he would be every time, ever, she deserved it - to again push her over the edge before he followed after her.
When he felt her arch over him, lifting up just slightly, the hand that had been at her neck fell instead to her breast, palming it and giving it a squeeze. The hand at her back lifted just slightly for leverage, and forced her to lean down just slightly.
He lifted his head to her other breast, and closed his mouth around her nipple, nipping at it just slightly with his teeth before taking it between his lips.
"Ah!" Nyla clapped a hand over her mouth, automatically trying to stifle the noise she made. A shiver rippled down her spine and she curled into him, panting lightly.
She dropped her head to feather kisses over his face, finally landing on his lips with a quiet groan. Her hands cupped the back of his neck and she kissed him fervently, loosing a bit of her rhythm as she rocked her hips a little harder against his.
Her back arched again and she clutched at his shoulders, lips parted in a silent cry as her body tensed, shudders wracking her frame. Then her head fell forward onto his shoulder and she slumped into his chest, gasping softly.
He was close. But not quite close enough yet.
He felt her clenching around him, felt the angle change when her back arched, and positively crushed his lips against hers, and rode through her orgasm. His thrusts into her became a little faster, a little more forceful as he sought release.
And eventually, he felt that wave coming. His arms shot down to her hips to lift her free of him, and not a split second later his eyes squeezed shut as that wave crashed over him, sending him reeling.
When he was finished, his arms finally relaxed and he set her down on his thighs. His head fell back against the bed, eyes closed and breath heaving.
Nyla squeaked slightly as she was pulled free of him and leaned back against his legs, bracing the soles of her feet on either side of his hips.
Panting lightly, she leaned forward when he relaxed and trailed a few kisses down his neck. "I love you," she murmured. "Gods, Diz, I love you."
He raised both arms to her back, encircling her in them and pulling her close. One hand then rose to stroke her hair.
He smirked before he replied. "I love you more, Nyla." He then chuckled softly, and kissed the top of her head. "Gods, I love you."
He was content to simply hold her for the moment, willing his heartbeat to slow down.
"Mmm..." She nuzzled into his neck with a small smile, then chuckled a bit. "You're going to need another bath," she murmured, pressing her lips to his throat.
"More like finish taking one to begin with. I'd hardly gotten started before you started in on me. Nyla? Have I created a monster?" He laughed a little, and pressed a kiss to her temple.
"Gods...I don't want to move. This feels perfect."
"Maybe." She pulled back enough to give him a rather cheesy grin. "Are you complaining about creating your monster?"
She kissed him again and snuggled closer. "I don't want to move either," she laughed quietly. "But we can't exactly stay here forever."
Diz laughed and pressed his cheek into her hair. "Complaining? No...I think you're my kind of monster." He grinned a little, and began rubbing a hand up and down her back.
"Yeah...I know. I'm going to need to take that bath, and then head to the garrison to give my report." He groaned a little, throwing his other arm up to cover his eyes.
"It better not take long, either....I'd like to hurry back here."
Nyla chuckled again and pressed a kiss to the arm over his eyes. "I think I'd like that too," she murmured, finally rolling to her side so she could curl in beside him. Her hand traced absent patterns over his chest as she let her head rest against his shoulder.
That arm over his eyes dropped down to her waist, curling around her, his hand mimicking hers as it traced circles over her belly.
"I love you, Nyla. More than you'll ever know." He tilted his head to lay against her curls for a moment, his cheek rubbing into their softness.
After a moment, he sighed. "...well. I suppose I should probably get up."
She hugged him around the waist, then chuckled softly. "You probably should," she agreed, releasing him with a reluctant sigh and rolling slightly to the side so he could get up.
"That water should still be hot," she murmured, stretching her arms over her head and yawning.
"Hey, don't you fall asleep. You're going to want a bath too, probably." Diz grinned at her, leaning in for a kiss before he crawled off of the bed.
"That, and I'll still need help with these bandages. Once they get a good soak, they should come off easy, but...well, maybe I just like your hands on me." He chuckled and headed towards the bath chamber.
He left the door open - he saw no need for privacy, all things considered. He climbed in the tub, and sank into the water with a sigh.
"....you still need a bigger tub!" he said, just loud enough to be heard from the other room, his statement followed with a chuckle. He slid down until he was underwater up to his chin.
He could get used to this. Hot tub. The woman he loved just a room away. Just....
...so much stuff to get out of the way first.
Nyla chuckled a bit at him and rolled onto her side, idly watching him from her spot on the bed. It didn't feel...as creepy as maybe it should.
It wasn't like she was looking! She just...liked having him in sight. Liked knowing he was close by.
"I love you," she called softly, lips curving up just a bit at the corners. "You better get back here quick once you've made that report."
The wet bandages peeled off his chest rather easily once they were thoroughly soaked, and he grimaced At what had lay beneath them. The cuts didn't appear infected, but.... Well, he'd have a few new scars to tell stories about. He sighed, and cleaned around them as well as he could.
He looked up at Nyla when she called to him, and smiled brightly. "Oh, you mean you're not tired of me her?" He chuckled a bit, and stood from the bath, running his fingers through his wet hair and throwing the wet mass down his back.
He stepped out of the bath, and found a towel to dry himself with, scrubbing through his hair with it before drying the rest of him. He draped the towel over something to dry, and stepped out into the bedroom.
He smiled, and bent down to kiss Nyla. "And I love you too. Your turn, beautiful."
"Mm..." She arched up into the kiss slightly, pouting a bit when he pulled away.
Then her eyes traced down to his chest and her breath caught. "Oh, Diz..." She reached out with a shaky hand, then snatched it back, biting her lip. Her eyes were shimmering with what might have been a threat of tears.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm so sorry. I-"
Her voice choked off and she cleared her throat. "I'll...g-go get some more bandages..."
Diz stuck a hand out to stop her, smiling and shaking his head. "No, Nyla, it's fine. It's not bleeding, and it only hurts when I touch it." He took that hand, reaching out to caress her cheek. "Don't worry about me, love. I can wait a bit - it'd probably be a good thing to let them dry out, anyway."
He leaned forward, and kissed her forehead, pulling back with a smile. "Go take your bath, Nyla. I'm not going to die. I promise."
She whimpered quietly and cupped his face in her hands, kissing him softly, but deeply. "Alright," she sighed as she pulled away. "I'm going, I'm going..."
She forced herself off the bed and moved to the tub. She glanced over her shoulder at Diz, then sighed and waved her hand over the tub. The fingernails of her other hand dug into her palm, drawing just a prick of blood to boost her magic enough that she could reheat and clean the water a bit.
She climbed into the tub quickly, hoping he hadn't noticed.
He smiled at her as he waved, and turned to grab his makeshift pants from where they'd been abandoned on the floor. Luckily for Nyla, he'd missed what her other hand had done.
He pulled on his pants, then his boots, and started reassembling his half-greaves, fitting the pieces together as he'd done a thousand times before, sliding the pins in place with dextrous movement.
All in all, that process lasted all of perhaps five minutes, and he wasn't even hurrying. He glanced in the doorway of the bath chamber, and smiled.
Wait...was the water steaming like that before...?
He blinked a bit, and shrugged. Be probably just hadn't noticed it. He reclined backwards on the bed, arms folded beneath his head, and looked into the other room at her. "So....why are you so anxious for me to get back, anyway?" he asked with a grin. "Got any special plans, with your day off?"
"Not exactly." She smiled and started sponging at her various cuts and bruises gently. "But that's sort of the point, isn't it?" She folded her arms on the edge of the tub and rested her chin on them, tilting her head slightly as she looked at him.
"No special plans means more time I can just...be with you, right?"
Diz grinned as he turned on his side, pressing his elbow into the bed and resting his cheek on his fist. "Well, yes, that's true. But we can't simply lounge about all day, can we?"
He sat up, hands on his knees and leaning forward, smiling at her. "I mean...we could. But what would be the fun in that? And unless you want to bug Cal all day for hot water...."
His smile turned into a devilish grin. "....maybe we should find something less...physical to keep ourselves entertained with. But...I'll leave that decision to you."
Nyla flushed and dropped her face into her arms, mumbling something under her breath. "You enjoy embarrassing me," she accused, mock glaring at him.
She tilted her head to the side and smiled a bit, still lightly flushed. "I'll...think of something. While you're gone."
"Well..yes. Yes, I do. But only because I think it's cute when you blush." His grin softened, and he laid back onto the bed again, stretching out a little bit with his feet lifting off the floor just slightly.
"Well...you think of something, then, and we'll do whatever it is you'd want." He looked up at the ceiling, a content smile on his face.
"Hmph." She crinkled her nose at him and leaned back in the tub again. "What about Sleipnir? Is he going back the stable you were putting him up in?"
Diz turned to look at her. "Hmm? Oh. Yeah, unless you want him to eat your entire garden, I probably should. Unless you've got a better idea." He sat up again, and stood. He moved over to the window, out of her sight, and looked out it.
"....he's working pretty hard on eating you out of house and home right now, actually." He stepped back to poke his head into the doorway. "...sorry about that."
She laughed, standing from the bath and grabbing a towel to wrap around herself. "I mean, I wish I had a place to keep him properly, but there's really not a whole lot of space back there. I'm actually taking up my neighbor's property just for the garden- I had to give him about a hundred free cookies."
She moved back into the bedroom and started rummaging around in her bureau for something to wear.
Ah, she was out of the bath. Finally. He came up behind her, placing his hands on her waist, and then leaned forward to kiss her neck.
"Been waiting to do that. I think I was almost wrong about dying while I waited for you." He grinned a little bit before he released her, and then moved to lean against the side of her bureau. "But anyway... I meant an idea about something to do, involving him. Not moving him...the space he was in is already paid for, in any case. I'd rather not waste Lady Kilandre's money - I owe her too much as it is." He sighed a little bit, and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Ah." She turned slightly to smile at him as she pulled a dress from one of her drawers. "Well, I've give that some thought too."
Dropping the towel, she tossed the dress onto the bed and stepped forward into his arms. "Y'know, if you can't handle the ten minutes it takes for me to get a bath, how are you going to manage being apart all that time you're off serving your Lady?"
Her tone was teasing, but as she said it she realized it might actually be a viable question. In an effort to distract herself from that unfortunate realization, she leaned up to kiss him, then pulled away again quickly. "I'll, ah, get dressed."
Diz's smile shrunk, and his eyes fell a little.
He'd been trying not to think about that. He gave a heavy sigh. "You know....when she showed me the figure for how much I'd be working off....I didn't even look at it. I was happy just to be out of Reijh, and actually be able to do something other than guard the city, or...die on the front line or something." He averted his gaze, glancing at the floor a few feet away.
"And now I want to stay again, with you. And I can't. Not unless she's here, too."
He made a strained sound that nearly sounded angry. "...Gods, I wish I'd have met you before I accepted the rank. I'd never have taken it. And now....now what?"
He sighed, raising a hand to rub at his eyes. "...fuck. This is something else, isn't it?"
"Oh, Diz, no." She grabbed at his hand and pulled his knuckles to her lips, trying to hold his gaze. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean- sweetheart, I wasn't trying to..."
She sighed and let her head rest against his chest. "I didn't mean to upset you," she murmured. "I was just...gods, I don't know. Teasing?" Another sigh and she twisted her head to kiss his collar.
"I love you. I know this is all so complicated, and crazy, but- but I love you. We can...work this out."
His arms reached out, going around her shoulders and pulling her as close to him as he could without hurting her. The gesture was automatic, instinctive. Necessary.
He lowered his head to rest his cheek in her hair. Something within the man felt twisted, strained. He hated it, but there was nothing he could do to relieve the feeling.
"I love you too, Nyla. And...you're right. We'll figure it out....somehow. It's just...there's every Gods damned obstacle possible standing in our way. I...I can deal with you being a mage. Hell, I'd help you hide it, if that's what you want. But...not being able to be near you all the time...it hurts just thinking about it.,
He sighed, and pressed his lips against her forehead for a moment, and then rested his head against hers. "But....yeah. If there's a way... We'll find it. Together."
Nyla swallowed a sound that might have been the start of a whimper and held him a little tighter. "Let's just...get through today, alright? And then we'll get through tomorrow, and- and we'll take it from there. We can do this."
She rocked up onto her toes to kiss him, then pulled away with a reluctant sigh. "You should go. Make your report. And...I'll make something to eat?" She tried for a smile. "Go on. I'll be here."
Diz offered a small smile, a bit half-heartedly, and nodded. "Yeah..oh. I still need bandages, though." He glanced towards the small pile if armor he hadn't put on yet. "I don't dare try to put that chainmail on, as torn as it is, and I'll need something to keep from rubbing these cuts."
He leaned forward and kissed her, then grinned a little. Bit. "So just a few more minutes before I go. If you don't mind helping me...but you can get dressed first, of you want."
Nyla scrunched her nose up at him. "I think I probably should," she chuckled, slipping around him to grab her dress. She slipped it easily over her head, snatching up a simple sash instead of an exterior corset.
"Here. Help me tie this and I'll bandage you up nicely instead of just wrapping some old linens around your chest?" she offered playfully, eyes glinting.
Diz chuckled a bit, a grand change from the half-hearted smile he'd given before. "Of course, love."
He took the sash from her, a gentle smile upon his lips, and stepped behind her. He wound it around her, just a little tight so it would be sure to stay in place, and tied it off at her back.
"There you are, love. And I'll be sure to untie it for you, later." He grinned over her shoulder, and pressed a kiss to her neck, his hands falling to her waist.
"Because...well, somehow undressing you seems more fun than helping you get dressed. I wouldn't know why though." The grin that followed was, of course, typically roguish.
"You, sir-" She turned in his arms and rocked up onto her toes to kiss him- "are a complete cad."
She kissed him again, a soft hum rising up in her throat as she pulled away reluctantly after a few moments. "Sit on the bed," she murmured. "I'll get something to bandage you up, alright?"
Diz put a hand over his heart as if in shock. "Are as reverting to name calling? Well, I'll have you know, madam, that you are naught but a beautiful seductress whom has stolen my heart."
Even as she pulled away, he darted forward and kissed her one more time. He pulled back with a grin. "And I welcome you to keep it, too. I love you, Nyla." He smiled, and sat down on bed, leaning back on his arms.
"Sweettalker," she accused, cheeks pink and brow furrowed in a mock frown. She couldn't keep it for long though, and gave up with a sigh and a shake of her head.
"Here, gold still so I can look after you," she murmured, retrieving more clean linen from a drawer of scrap fabric and settling on the bed behind him. She began to wrap the bandaging around his chest, doing her best to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the cuts.
"Sweet talker, yes, but you know you love me for it." He grinned a bit wider, but held just as still as he could. The pressure she used was just right - he hardly felt any twinges of pain from the contact. When she was finished, he leaned backwards, his head falling in her lap.
"Thank you, love." He grinned up at her, and raised a hand to caress her cheek. "You're a saint."
Her blush deepened and she smiled, leaning into his touch a bit before turning her head to kiss his palm.
"I'm not," she murmured. "Maybe that demon hit your head last night." She leaned down to kiss him, stroking his cheek with one hand.
With a reluctant groan, she pulled away. "Alright. You really have to go now."
"Ugh. Fine. I'll go." He released her cheek with a sigh, and sat up. "I see how it is...trying to shove me out the door..." he teased, turning with a smile.
He stood, and stepped over to the tunic, throwing it on quickly over his head, and then leaned over the remainder of his armor, gingerly pulling the halves of his breastplate from the chainmail. He fit the front half - what was left of it, anyway - over his chest. He released a relieved sigh when he didn't feel jagged metal digging into his chest.
"...do you mind helping me with the other half again?"
"Of course not." She smiled and moved forward to help him.
It was possible she was using it as an excuse to touch him more.
"One day, hopefully, I'll be able to put this on by myself." He grinned at her over his shoulder, holding the front half of his breastplate in place.
"Do you remember how you did this before?"
"Mhm." She smiled and easily did the catch. "Believe it or not, I've done this sort of thing a lot." She leaned in to kiss the back of his neck, then stepped away.
"Come on. I'll get you something to eat before you leave, then walk you out."
He suddenly remembered something she'd said earlier, and decided to tease her with it. He looked to her with a grin, one eyebrow raised.
"And how many soldiers have you had to help in and out of their armor, Nyla?" He chuckled a bit, and stood to face her. "Food sounds wonderful. Lead the way, love."
Nyla flushed and scowled at him. "Tease," she muttered, slapping at his shoulder pad lightly before she moved toward the door and down the stairs.
Cal poked his head out of the oven when he heard them coming and Nyla flashed him a quick smile, uncaring of his eye-roll and quiet grumbling.
"You know I'm kidding, Nyla. No need for the sour face." He smiled and followed her down the stairs. He, too, saw Cal, and called out to him.
"What was that, Matchstick?" He had a grin on his face while this was said. "You seem awfully surly this morning."
"Maybe if I could get some sleep instead listening to you two alternate between crying and screw-"
"Cal!"
The demon's eyes widened a bit at the bite to Nyla's voice. She glared at him. "If you can't be civil, I swear I will send you back through the Veil so fast you won't know what happened."
There was quiet for a moment, then Cal cleared his throat and mumbled, "Alright, alright."
Diz brought his hand to his mouth, attempting to hide a snicker.
He failed miserably, and instead had to choke back full blown laughter.
"Oh...Gods, I'm sorry. That was...that was priceless." He actually had to wipe a tear from his eye. He let out a sigh, and glanced to Nyla as his laughter faded. "So...what are we eating?"
Cal glared at the mordecai but remained silent. Nyla blinked, a little confused as to what he thought was so funny, but she didn't ask.
"Well...bread and jam?" she offered sheepishly. "I'm afraid I don't have much else that's easy to get to."
Diz smiled. "Well, as a soldier, I've adopted a saying. 'Food is food.' It doesn't much matter what it is, so long as it doesn't try to eat us first."
She chuckled and started rummaging through the cabinets. "Alright. Do you mind if we eat in here? Since the shop is closed and all."
She found a loaf of bread from the day before and moved to the pantry to retrieve a jar of jam. "Full disclosure- I haven't actually tried this yet, I traded for it when one of my neighbors was running short on coin."
"Here is fine. Best not to make a spectacle of myself, with my armor as torn as it is...and an armed soldier in your shop when you're closed would probably raise questions." He smiled a little bit. "Speaking of which, I'll come back in normal clothes, rather than this thing. I'll have to see about getting it repaired, sometime soon."
When she spoke about the jam, he grinned. "Full disclosure, to use your words... So long as it doesn't wink at me, I don't mind at all what it tastes like. Try living off of some of the stuff the give us when we're on a mission or something. Bland, stiff, and probably older than that jar." He grinned, gesturing to the jam.
She chuckled and bounced up onto a counter, laying bread, knife, and jam beside her. "Help yourself."
If she wasn't in front of customers, she didn't see the point in being terribly formal. She'd spent most of her life forced to be formal, so if she had the chance to relax, she was going to take it.
"Cal, heads up." She cut an end off the loaf and tossed it toward the oven. A stream of flame shout out and snatched it from the air before retreating back into the oven.
Diz blinked as he suddenly saw Nyla sitting up on the counter, and then let out a laugh. "What happened to propriety, hmm?" He chuckled a little and cut a slice of the bread, and then slathered some jam on it.
Afterward, he looked at it very critically for a moment, and then nodded with approval. "Yes, this will suit me just fine. No eyes present, whatsoever." He looked to Nyla with s grin, and then slowly leaned on the counter, careful not to scrape his armor against the countertop.
He took a bite, chewed, and swallowed. "Not half bad, actually. If they made this themselves, they certainly have my approval. Why, you could put this inside some of your sweets - I'm sure your customers would like it." He grinned at her, and then held it up to her mouth.
"Tryyyy iiit. You'll like it."
"What are you- are you trying to feed me?" She giggled and leaned away from him, scrunching her nose up. "I am in fact a grown woman, you know."
Another chuckle and she relented, leaning in to take a bite. "You're ridiculous, you know," she informed him once she'd swallowed, lifting a hand to her mouth.
Cal snorted. "You two are positively nauseating."
Diz glanced at Cal with a grin. "You're just jealous, because you're stuck in that oven by yourself," he teased, and then looked back to Nyla with a smile.
"And you're pretty ridiculous, too, you know. Yesterday, you were all prim and proper, and yet now you're sitting here on the counter like a child." His smile turned into a grin. "No wonder I got confused for a moment. Good thing I know better."
He chuckled and stepped back before she could retaliate, stuffing the rest of the bread in his mouth as he went.
"Oi!" Nyla grabbed for him, but he was already out of reach. "I have to be professional when I'm running the shop," she protested, pouting playfully. "And then I was...sort of trying to impress you," she admitted with a blush.
Cal scoffed and she glared, kicking the side of the oven. The demon squeaked, then fell quiet.
Diz smiled around a mouthful of bread and jam, and then swallowed.
"Impress me? Heh, well, then color me impressed." He smirked a little, and then stepped back towards her.
"But....there was no need for you to try. You impress me just by being....well. You." He leaned toward her for a kiss, and then sighed.
"Well...I guess I've put it off long enough. I really should be going."
She kissed him back with a heavy blush. "You're getting jam on my lips," she accused quietly when he pulled away.
A soft sigh left her and she bit her lip. "Yeah. You really should," she admitted reluctantly.
He smiled, and reached for her face. Very gently, he wiped a spot of jam from her lower lip with his thumb. "There. You're perfect again. I love you, Nyla..."
He gave a small smile, and turned toward the door.
"...last chance for a real kiss, love. One without jam, this time. Then I'm off."
Nyla smirked at him, then leaned forward to wrap her arms around his neck and pulled him in close, crushing her lips to his. Her hands moved to tangle in his hair and she drew his bottom lip gently between her teeth for a moment, then pulled away.
Her cheeks were fiery, but she had a smug sort of smile as she blinked up at him.
"Hurry back."
The passion in her kiss honest surprised him, and his face nearly looked shocked for a moment. Then, slowly, the shock melted into a wicked grin.
He reached a hand up, and poked her in the chest. "I'm going to save my retort for when I get back. And you'd better be ready for it." He then smiled, and raised that hand to her cheek, caressing it for a moment. "I love you, Nyla. I'll be back soon."
Reluctantly, he opened the door, and stepped outside. He turned to smile at her before he shut it.
Nyla grinned and almost leaned in to kiss him again, but she really had to let him go now. She waved a bit when he turned to smile, then simply sat on the counter, head slightly tilted.
"So. You just gonna sit there dreaming all day?"
She flushed and shot Cal a glare. "Oh, shut up."
[Several. Hours. Later.]
After having to recount the events of the previous night (with a couple details fudged, here and there) several times, Diz was in the clear. Nyla's name hadn't even been mentioned. For that, he was relieved. They hadn't even asked.
The silver lining was, though, that anyone of Nate's description would be detained upon entering the city until they could be identified. For that, Diz was beyond grateful. The unfortunate part was when he was made to report to a physician for 'professional' medical help.
Nyla had done a terrific job, he'd thought. But the linen was removed, and his cuts were cleaned - again - and rebandaged with what felt like wool. It itched terribly.
And apparently his pectoral muscles had been cut into. Odd how he hadn't noticed. But in any case....he'd been medically ordered to remain off duty for two weeks. This man was ecstatic.
And, before he was finally free, he was also made to turn in his armor for repair. Luckily, though, the bill would be sent to the city, rather than Hakon. Thank Ansgar for that - his debt was big enough.
But by the time he'd arrived at the barracks for a change of clothes, he felt as if entirely too much time had passed. And it had - a glance out the window told him it was late afternoon, and he cursed the bureaucratic bullshit he had to go through every time something happened. Half the damn day was gone. But...
....two whole weeks. He supposed it was a pretty fair trade.
And so, he walked outside in a pair of plain black breeches, a black tunic, and a blue vest with black buttons.
Without at least a gambeson and chainmail, he nearly felt naked. But he'd survive - he had something (someONE) to look forward to. So, with his two broadswords across his back and trademark glaive in hand, he made the long walk to Nyla's shop.
He hurried, arriving at her back door far later than he'd hoped. He didn't want to just let himself in...Cal would probably have a hayday...
He resigned to knocking, hoping Nyla hadn't fallen asleep waiting on him. Otherwise, she'd find him camping in her garden the next morning.
Nyla had busied herself as best she could, with the shop closed: she cleaned, checked on Sleipnir, prepared a few loaves of bread, cleaned some more, chatted with Cal, checked on Sleipnir again, paced around the bakehouse, tidied her flat, gardened- despite the six-legged horse nosing in her flowerbeds, and finally admitted defeat, slumped over the single small table tucked into the corner of the bakehouse.
The knock at the door brought her upright with a snap and she looked to the window, blinking tiredly.
Was it really that late? She must have fallen asleep...
Cal cleared his throat. "Nyla. The door."
The door? Oh, the door!
She sprang to her feet and darted to the door, practically flinging it open. Her eyes widened just a bit, taking in an obviously well cared for Diz, dressed in fresh clothes.
A smile broke out across her face. "Hey, you." She started to reach for him, then paused, feeling suddenly shy and awkward.
Diz was inspecting the toes of his boots when she opened the door. When it did open, he glanced up at her, icd blue eyes peering through jet black hair.
He gave her a bright, wide smile, and leaned his glaive against the outside wall. He'd noticed her initial awkwardness.
He had no such inhibitions.
He stepped toward her, one arm moving behind her shoulders, the other at the small of her back, and pressed himself into a deep kiss, pulling her against his chest.
Several seconds later, he pulled away, eyes bright and smiling with his arms still around her. "Hey, there, beautiful. Miss me?"
Nyla's eyes widened, then fluttered closed as she leaned into the kiss, looping her arms lazily around his neck and letting him take some of her weight.
She was a bit flushed when they broke apart, and she couldn't seem to help the small smile that had taken up residence on her face. "You were hardly gone long enough for me to miss you," she lied.
"Oh, if only that were true." He huffed a bit, and glanced to one side. "I has to recite the same story to about nine different people, and then get fussed over by a quack doctor for over an hour, because apparently 'whoever did this,'" he gestured at his chest, "'wasn't very professional about it.' Bullshit. He did the exact same thing you did, and now I'm wrapped in these itchy old things. Though...there was some good news that came of it...."
He looked back to her, and grinned. "So apparently, those claws cut a bit deeper than we thought. Left pectoral muscle is cut a little deeply. I'm supposed to excercise it regularly to avoid stiff scarring, but not lift or move anything heavy until it's healed."
He grinned, and suddenly slid the arm at the small of her back down to her knees, and lifted her easily in his arms.
"It's a good thing you weigh nearly nothing." He leaned down and kissed her again, pulling away with that same grin.
"Oh, wait. I said good news. I'm allowed two weeks of leave to properly heal. So, it looks like you're stuck with me for awhile."
"Oh!" As he lifted her, her arms automatically went around his neck, but she started in on a lecture at the same time. "Look, I don't care how strong you are, if the doctor said you can't be lifting anything heavy you shouldn't-"
She cut herself off and blinked at him. Slowly, a small smile curved at her lips. "...Did you say two weeks?"
He let out a hearty laugh, and hitched her up a bit higher. "Funny how you'd fuss over that, first. You're not heavy. Overlapping layers of plate mail, chain, and leather padding is heavy. You're not."
He grinned a bit, and carried her into the room, pushing the door shut with his boot when he passed it.
"And yes. Two whole weeks. Fourteen days, counting today, that you have to suffer through my presence. That is...if you're so inclined to have me."
He grinned. "I suppose I could just sleep at the barracks, but...that bed is so hard, cold, and...lonely." By now, he was at the counter, and he lifted her yet higher to set her on it.
He didn't let go, though, both of his hands then rested at her waist. "So...what do you say, love? You've got me all to yourself."
Nyla laughed, clear and chiming and purely happy. She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a long kiss.
"You, Sir Knight, are not leaving my side," she murmured when she pulled away. She kissed him again and drew him closer so her knees settled to either side of his hips.
"Oh, kill me now," Cal grumped from the oven.
This time, it was Diz kicking the side of the oven, one booted foot coming in contact with a solid thud.
He settled into her embrace, his chest fully in contact with her, with him pulling her even as she pulled him. He deepened the kiss, his hands sliding higher up her sides to rest midway up her ribs.
He pulled away to look at her for a moment, eyes and mouth smiling at her. "Very well, my lady. I shall persevere to remain ever beside you these two weeks." He grinned a little, and leaned in to rest his forehead against hers.
"Maybe we should go somewhere else, before Cal has a fit, hmm?"
The demon squawked in protest and Nyla chuckled. She looped her arms loosely around his waist and leaned into him.
"Maybe we should," she murmured with a small smirk. "Your mount is still outside. We could go for that ride you talked about before?"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, love." He kissed her, one short one, and then pulled away. "Sleipnir could probably use the run, anyway. Maybe... Spend some time on the plain until evening? Not too late, though...I don't want to keep you out of business for two days in a row."
He grinned as he stepped back, offering an arm to help her off the counter. "And I could even help you tomorrow, if you wanted. It isn't as if I've got much better to do while you work."
She chuckled and allowed him to help her down. "That sounds perfect." At his offer, her eyebrows went up and she giggled a bit. "Really? You want to...help me with the shop?"
Cal snorted and she leveled a glare at him. "Could you be civil, please?"
Rolling her eyes, she looked back to Diz. "Lead the way then."
"Well, sure. Why not? Otherwise I'd be hiding upstairs all day, or wandering around town getting into who knows what kind of trouble."
When Cal snorted, Diz simply levelled an icy glare in his direction, and turned back to Nyla with a smile.
"Before we go...is there anything you'd want to bring with us? Food or drink, perhaps? If I remember, there's still most of a bottle of wine around here, somewhere..." He grinned a little bit.
She quirked an eyebrow up. "You mean...like a picnic?" She smiled, then leaned up to peck his cheek. "Stay right here- or I suppose you could help me hunt up that wine, if you like."
Very, very slowly, she saw Cal's head poke out of the oven and smirked. "Hello. Have you decided to be friendly?"
He snorted and she coaxed, "There might be cookies in it for you."
The demon flickered, then crept a little further from the oven. "...The ones with the almonds?"
Nyla laughed and rolled her eyes. "If you like." She looked to Diz. "Do you mind hanging around a few minutes? I could make some food and we could have a real, sort of...picnic?"
"A...picnic?" Diz raised a brow. "Well...yeah, I guess that's sort of what it would be, then." He grinned, and started hunting through cabinets for the wine. He had no idea what she'd done with it...the night had sort of been a blur as soon as all the action occurred.
He listened in on Nyla and Cal's conversation and laughed quietly to himself. Apparently cookies were the quickest way to a demons heart - if only he'd had some the night before.
When Nyla spoke to him, he turned to look at her. "Yeah, I don't mind. But what sort of food are we bringing?"
"Well, I don't really have much...there's some cheese in the cold cellar, and I could make meat pies or something similar?"
"And cookies?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, Cal, and cookies."
Diz smiled. "Remember? Food is food. Though meat pies sound appetizing...." He continued searching through the cabinets for the wine, and finally emerged triumphant.
"Aha! You were trying to hide this, weren't you?" He held up the bottle, smiling at Nyla. "There we go. So, do you want some help with anything?"
She cocked a hip and arched an eyebrow. "Can you cook?" She nodded toward the oven. "You're welcome to try to help me make those cookies."
She moved to one of the cabinets and pulled an apron from a neatly folded pile and tied it around her waist. Humming quietly to herself, she started pulling out jars of flour, then moved to the cold cellar to retrieve some milk.
Diz blinked. "Um...cook? ...no, I'm afraid not, actually..." He sighed a little bit, but then brightened. "I'd be willing to learn, though." He smiled a bit, and unbuttoned his vest, setting it far away from the things she'd gathered thus far.
"That is, if you're willing to teach me."
"Of course." Nyla smiled and beckoned him over. "C'mere, help me make the dough."
She stood and moved to pull a bowl out of one of the cabinets, then began mixing ingredients. "I have a spare apron in that cabinet, if you want to use it," she told him, gesturing.
"Heh, yeah, black shirt with flour. Probably not a good combination, hmm?" He went to the cabinet she'd indicated, and grabbed an apron. He unfolded it and put it on, tying it behind his back.
He moved back beside her again, shoulder to shoulder with her.
"So. What do I do?" If she were to look sideways, she'd see him studying the things on the table as if they were about to attack him.
He ate food. He didn't make it. But he'd try, if it meant doing something with her.
Nyla glanced up at him and chuckled. "Here. Just stir this all together until it thickens and...well, starts to look like dough," she coached, stepping back to let him work. "I'm going to hunt up some almonds for Cal's cookies."
"Okay...."
He looked into the bowl, arching a brow. He shrugged, and began stirring aggressively. After a short time, his wrist began to tire as the mixture thickened. He had to grip the bowl in one hand to avoid sending it to the floor.
"That didn't take long...."
((I have no clue how that happened. Fixed, though!))
"Oh!" Nyla whirled, eyes wide, then laughed. "Gods, you're hopeless," she chuckled, moving to help him clean it up. "Come on. Why don't you look for the almonds? They should be in one of those cabinets."
"Eh....I'm sorry. I've seriously never done this before." He backed away, face gone red. He sighed, and began digging through the cabinets again.
After a moment, he realized he'd stumbled over them before, and pulled out a bag.
"....maybe you should let me just find stuff, and you make the food...."
The mage chuckled and turned to grasp his arm lightly. "You're adorable," she informed him, leaning up on her toes for a quick kiss. As she pulled back, she smirked and murmured, "Could you get into the cold cellar and grab me the box wrapped in blue linen." She pointed. "It's under that hatch."
"Sure. Box, blue linen. Got it." He moved to the hatch indicated, opening it and looking inside.
No digging involved this time - he didn't even have to do more than reach in and grab it. Soon enough, he was back at her side, setting the box on the countertop.
"So, what's this in the box, then?"
"Some things for the pie fillings." She smiled and rocked up onto her toes to kiss his cheek. "Thank you, sweetling."
She continued stirring her dough, then rolled it up in her hands and moved it to the counter, grabbing a rolling pin so she could roll it out flat.
Cal suddenly appeared on the counter closer to Diz, watching the process. He shook his head, currently in the shape of a fiery cat. Well, kitten- he seemed to have shrunk a bit since the previous night. "Human food is weird."
Nyla snorted. "Says the one who wants those almond cookies so bad he finally came out of the oven."
Diz chuckled a bit, glancing at Cal. "If human food is so weird, then what do you usually eat? Wood? Just things that burn?"
He came behind Nyla, putting his hands on her waist and kissing her cheek in return before resting his chin on her shoulder to watch her work.
Cal snorted. "You probably don't wanna know what I usually eat."
Nyla rolled her eyes, then smiled a bit as she leaned back into Diz's chest. "I'll start on your cookies in a second, alright?" she said to Cal. "What are you doing over here anyway."
He huffed. "I was curious."
"Heh. Curiosity killed the cat, you know. Maybe you picked the wrong form." He grinned and turned to kiss Nyla's neck, his arms sliding around her middle and hugging her to him.
"So...what's next, love?"
"And satisfaction brought it back," the demon retorted.
Nyla chuckled and shook her head at them. "Well, next I have to make the pie filling- which is really just stew. I figured I'd start on the cookies while that's cooking." She glanced at Cal. "Help me with the pot?"
He shrugged and jumped to the floor, leaving flickering paw prints of flame that eventually disappated as he moved toward the small hearth on the other side of the room and jumped onto the wood, setting up a cheery blaze under a stew pot.
Diz pressed another kiss to her neck, and then released her so she could work.
"Ah, but you're not actually a cat, so...how does that work, exactly?" He chuckled, and looked toward the pot. "Now, stew I understand. I can actually help with that, hopefully without making another mess." He grinned slightly, and stepped toward the lot. "What are you putting in it?"
"The meat that was in the box, and whatever vegetables are left in the garden," Nyla replied with a quiet laugh.
Diz blanched. Great...and Sleipnir had been gorging himself on her garden since last night....
....well, he supposed he could plant a new garden for her. He owed her that much, considering it was his horse that had cleared it out.
"....so mostly meat, then?" He chuckled a little awkwardly. "I can go and pick some things from the garden. Is there anything specific I should look for?"
"If you have any preferences, pick those." She turned to smile at him, a smudge of flour across her cheek. "Well, if Sleipnir has left any for us," she added with a quiet laugh.
She turned back to her task, humming softly, unconsciously, under her breath.
He stepped up next to her for a moment, lifting his thumb to her cheek and brushing the flour away. He grinned, and then learned in to replace the flour with a kiss. "No promises, but I'll see what I can find."
He turned away from her to step out the door, into the garden.
He levelled a glare at Sleipnir. "All right, that's enough of you eating Nyla's garden....Gods, did you leave anything? Good thing you're getting some excercise soon..."
Nyla's flushed as he wiped the flour away and smiled at him softly. She had to shake herself a bit to return her attention to the task at hand.
The pie crust done, she moved on to mixing the dough for Cal's cookies and cutting them into shape, slipping those into the oven before whirling with the easy grace of long practice to stoke the fire the little demon had taken up residence in.
After a lengthy discussion with Sleipnir about the sins of gluttony, Disgaua stepped back inside. He'd managed to salvage some carrots, celery stalks, potatoes and onions, and he set the small pile on the countertop.
"So....I'm thinking I'm going to spend some time replanting your garden...there's really not a whole lot of anything left." He smiled a little sheepishly, and then moved a hand as stealthily as he could, pinching off a piece of cookie dough and popping it in his mouth.
Nyla laughed easily. "That's fine, we can do it together. You've got two weeks-" She turned to face him, then frowned and slapped his hand lightly.
"Hey! I swear, you're as bad as the children. Don't eat the dough aw, you'll get sick."
He chuckled a bit, stepping away with a grin. "Bah, a little bit isn't going to hurt me. Live a little!" He leaned back in and quickly kissed her before she could get at him again.
"There, there's my apology. I promise, next time I'll wait. Soldiers honor." He smirked, and crossed his arms over his chest. "So...helping around here, fixing your garden - that'll be fun, with all the hoofprints everywhere - and all the other fun things we'll be doing together....I'm gonna be a busy man, aren't I?" He arched a brow, a grin firmly planted on his face. "Not that I mind. I'm just happy I get to be with you the entire time."
Nyla blushed again and crinkled her nose at him. "Cad," she accused lightly.
Arching an eyebrow, sh slipped around him to start molding the pie crusts into dishes and added flippantly, "well, if you'd rather sleep at the barracks, that's always an option."
She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist suddenly, pulling him. Close. Her eyes glinted teasingly. "Not that I'll make it an easy option, mind you."
His arms fell around her, perhaps a little too high to be proper - not that propriety meant anything anymore - and he returned the glint in her eyes with a crooked grin.
"Not that I'd sleep anywhere else. I think if you were to put me out the door, I'd just join Sleipnir in the garden." He leaned down to kiss her, putting some passion in this one.
"Though....I think you'd make a much better bed partner than a six legged horse," he said when he finally broke the kiss. "Much more...soft.." he continued, his hands running higher up her sides, thumbs just barely brushing the sides of her breasts, through her dress. "Much more beautiful, too." He smirked at her a little bit, and kissed her again.
Her eyes fluttered closed and any retort she might have made was lost in a soft "Mm..."
Her arms slipped around his liaise and she leaned into the embrace, pressing herself against his body as much as she could.
"I should hope so," she murmured wen she finally managed to pull away a bit, smiling. Her body shivered slightly under his touch and her eyes fluttered closed as she rocked up onto her toes for another kiss.
He bent down to meet her halfway, pulling her against him yet again as he kissed her, his hands both dropping to the small of her back.
He pulled away after only several seconds had passed, resting his forehead against hers. "We'd better stop, or I'm going to carry you back upstairs, Nyla," he warned, though he couldn't say it without his roguish grin.
"And while that sounds...very enticing...we were working on something."
Nyla shivered and leaned into him a bit more, pouring when he pulled away.
She sighed dramatically and nuzzled into his chest. "Fiiiiine," she mutters. "I suppose you have a point..."
She pulled away reluctantly and turned back to her pies.
He chuckled, his arms coming back around her with his fingers intertwined at her middle. He pressed his lips against the back of her head. "Well...maybe when everything is cooked, we could find a few minutes."
He pressed his chest up against her. "....up to you, love," he whispered, directly into her ear
Another shiver rippled down her spine and Nyla but her lip, eyes fluttering closed for a moment. She sighed and leaned back into him, twisting her head so she could speak over her shoulder.
"Maybe," she murmured. Then she smirked. "But only if you're very good and don't sneak any more of my cooking."
He let out a soft chuckle, and bent down to kiss her neck. He lingered there for a moment, inhaling the scent of her skin.
"Mmm...okay. Yeah, definitely worth it. I'll hold off on pinching any more of the cookie dough." He smiled, and rested his chin atop her head. "Or the pie filling. But...I still might take a taste of you." He grinned and bent down one more time to graze his teeth against her neck, biting very lightly.
"Oh!" She squeaked and jumped a bit, surprised by the sensation. A shudder passed through her body and she turned slightly in his arms to mock glare at him.
"I'm trying to get work done here," she huffed. "You are being a bit of a hinderance in that endeavor."
Diz chuckled, stepping back to release her with a smile. "Okay, okay, no tasting at all. I'll be patient." He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked.
"No promises on how long that patience will last, though. So if you want to get something done..."
He smirked at her, lips curling on one side. "Now's your chance."
She rolled her eyes at him with mock irritation. "Alright, just watch the stew, will you? And make sure it thickens properly."
She gave him a playful shove toward the fire, but not before she planted another quick kiss on his cheek.
He chuckled as he stumbled toward the cookpot. "Okay, okay. I just keep stirring it, right?"
Diz picked up a long wooden spoon, dipping it into the stew and stirring slowly, being sure to scrape the sides to avoid burning any of it.
He leaned down to smell it, inhaling with a smile. "Smells really good. Is there anything else you want to put in here? Seasonings or anything?" He continued stirring it, still catching a whiff every now and then. "Though it probably doesn't need it. It smells wonderful."
"You could probably add some salt, if you like," she tossed over her shoulder.
The crust was done, so she moved to the oven to check on the cookies, brining her closer to Diz again. "Do you want me to make anything else? I could always run to the market if I don't have ingredients."
"Heh, well, I can't very well know what to add if I'm not allowed to taste-test." He glanced at her with a grin. "And you're the cook anyway...you would probably know best if it needed anything."
He straightened, stretching out his back a bit. Sometimes he cursed his tall frame - having to hunch didn't agree with him well at the best if times, and when wearing armor the movements of his torso were greatly restricted.
While he mused about this, Nyla mentioned going to the market for ingredients. "No, I think this will be enough for the two of us. Besides, the more time we spend cooking, the less time we'll have to enjoy the afternoon... I may have two weeks free, but I'd like to spend as much of that time with you as I can."
He moved the short distance to her side, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Besides, if you run off to the market, that'll just leave me and Cal, and who knows what sort of trouble we'd get into."
The fire seemed to jump in agreement with his words and Nyla rolled her eyes. "Fair enough. Alright then, take the pot off the fire and help me ladle it into these pies," she instructed. She leaned into him a moment before turning away to continue preparing.
He nodded and glanced around for a moment, looking for something to use to grip the handle without burning himself. After a moment, he found a towel from the cabinet he'd gotten the apron from. Then he grabbed a ladle from the same place he'd found the spoon.
He picked up the pot in one hand, carrying it towards the pie crusts. "How much do I put in each?"
"See where the dimples in the crusts start?" She pointed in indication. "About to there. Oh!"
The smell of the almond cookies reminded her of their existence and she hurried toward the other oven, grabbing her mitts so she could pull them out.
She still managed to burn the side of her arm, hissing in a sharp breath, but she'd certainly had worse.
He was just finishing filling the first pie when he heard her hiss of pain, he turned quickly to look at her. "Nyla, are you okay? Shit." He set the pot down on the counter, paying just enough attention to make sure it wouldn't tip. Then he hurried to her side, still holding the towel he'd used to grab the pot from the fire.
He pulled the tray from her hands, and set it on the counter as well. He came back to her, taking her arm and inspecting the angry looking burn there.
"You've got to be careful, sweetheart. Do you have any more of that salve handy?"
Nyla laughed and tried to wave him off. "Diz, I'm fine, really. I do stuff like this all the time. Occupational hazard." She smiled. "Here, put these cookies somewhere to cool and I can finish up the pies."
She tried to move away from him, hiding a wince as her burn twinged.
"Yeah, and a sword wound is an occupational hazard for me, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt." He took the cookies and set them aside. He missed her wince, but that didn't make him care any less. He caught her by the waist when she went to move away.
"Nyla, if this doesn't get taken care of, it's going to hurt every time you get in these ovens. Where's your salve, love?" His tone was insistent, but his eyes were full of concern.
She smiled a little sheepishly. "I think I used it all up on our cuts and bruises last night." She shrugged. "It's not really a big deal. I'll just get some more tomorrow or something."
She tried to pull away again, laughing lightly. "Diz, you've gotta let me go. I still have to finish cooking."
He let out a sigh, his brow furrowing slightly. "Well, at least let me do something so it won't hurt anymore. Give me one second." He gave her a quick kiss before he grabbed the towel he'd been using and went outside.
He walked to her well, glancing at Sleipnir as he went. "That girls going to drive me crazy, pretending she's not hurt. And to think she yelled at me last night. Heh." He sighed and shook his head, before pulling up a bucket of water. He dunked the towel in it, wringing it out a bit before hustling back inside.
"Here, some cool water. Give me your arm." He gently wrapped the towel around her arm, tying it on the side opposite the burn so it wouldn't slip.
"It's not perfect, but it shouldn't hurt while you're around heat. Just...be careful, love. Please?"
Nyla sighed and submitted to his attentions. "I could hear you out there, you know," she pouted at him, mock glaring. "I'm really not hurt." She sighed, then rolled her eyes and relented, "I am careful. But...I'll try not to rush so much, alright?"
She leaned up onto her toes to kiss him gently. "Now will you please let me finish cooking?"
He leaned down to kiss her back, smiling gently. "You were sort of supposed to hear that." He chuckled a bit and pulled away from her, glancing toward the pies. "I'll finish filling those, then...what else needs done after that?"
She shrugged. "You just have to put them in the oven. But I can do that part."
She smiled and pecked his nose. "Will you please sit and relax? You're supposed to be resting."
He blinked a bit before smiling. "Yeah, I suppose now I'll just be in the way, won't I? All right...if you need me for anything, don't hesitate to say something."
He looked around for somewhere to sit, and contented himself with a small stool by the door. He rested an elbow on his knee, chin in his hand, and sat watching her work, smiling.
"I need you to rest," Nyla laughed, and she continued her work as quickly as she could. She spun to slide the pies into the oven, then turned to check up on Cal.
"Here." She tossed the demon a cookie, and the fire leaped up to grab it. "Don't eat them all too fast, you'll get sick," she told him sternly.
He grinned in response, and gave a mock bow, awkward as was from his seat. "I shall endeavor to try, my dear." He smiled brilliantly and continued watching her, mesmerized by the grace with which she moved.
Watching her, he was reminded of the morning before when he sat in the store proper, accompanying Thom. He'd watched her then, too, taking in her attractive features, her movements, and even gleaning bits of her personality whilst she had dealt with her customers. How she'd treated the children that had swarmed around her.
The thought of those children turned his thoughts again toward the possibility of having a child with her, and he caught himself watching her with a look akin to adoration.
Not that he bothered to hide it. He did, after all, adore her.
Nyla began humming under her breath again as she bustled around the bakehouse, organizing ingredients, putting things away, and very subtly adding water and a few herbs to the stew pot, once she'd cleaned it out.
As she turned to check on the pies, she paused, catching Diz's look. Her cheeks flushed a bit and she crinkled her nose at him. "What? Do I have more flour on my face?"
He gave a brilliant smile when she noticed him looking at her, and he leaned backwards to rest his head against the wall. "No...well. Yes, you do, but that's not what I was looking at." He chuckled a bit, and clasped his hands in front of him.
"I was just thinking about yesterday, when I was watching you work. I think that's when I first fell in love with you." He gave her a loving smile as he remembered again.
"The way you move with such grace, it's like someone is shining a light on you - it's the only thing I can see. And it's truly a thing of beauty, to watch you, to listen to you hum when you don't even know you're doing it, seeing you get into your work. It's admirable, to say the least. Truly, a picture of beauty, in, and out. Just one of the reasons I love you."
Nyla's hand flew to cover her mouth- she really hadn't noticed she was humming. Her cheeks reddened and she ducked her eyes, but she was smiling a bit.
"You're ridiculous," she mumbled fondly. "I'm really not all that special."
She crossed to him and bent to kiss his cheek. "I can't say I'm all that adverse to it though," she admitted with a quiet chuckle.
Before she could get too far, he took her chin in his hand. Apparently unsatisfied with a kiss on the cheek, he pressed one to her lips, and pulled back smiling.
"Well, good. Because there's plenty more were that came from, love." He grinned and kissed her again, and let her go. "And you're special to me. I shouldn't have to tell you that, though."
"Mm!" Nyla blinked, surprised by the kiss, then smiled as he pulled away. "You just enjoy making me blush, I'm sure of it," she pouted.
She gave him another quick peck, then moved away. "Alright. Pies should be done in a few moments. Could you look in one of those cupboards under the cutting boards for something to carry them in? I'm sure I have something..."
"Well, of course I like making you blush. But, that doesn't make it any less true." He grinned and stood to fulfill her request, moving to the cupboards she'd indicated. He kneeled down and opened it, poking his head inside.
"Hmm....can't have a picnic without a basket.... Where's a basket...here's a bag...a box.... I think one of those kids shoved sine cookies in here. " he mumbled, moving stuff around to find what he was looking for.
"Hey I- ouch!"
He stood up and thumped his head on the outside of the cabinet, not realizing just how far he'd crawled inside
He stood, rubbing his head with one hand and holding a decent sized basket in the other. "Is that an occupational hazard, too? Anyway....I found a basket!"
"Oh!" Nyla whirled at the thump, but when she saw what had happened she had to cover her mouth to hide a chuckle. "Well, ah, I suppose it is," she murmured, giggling quietly.
She moved toward him, putting her hand on his shoulder to urge him to bend down. "Here, let me look. Does it hurt?"
"Nah, it's just a bump. I'll be fine." Despite his words, he relented, leaning forward and hanging his head down so she could see.
"I've taken plenty enough knocks on the head as a guard to know what's bad and what isn't. In the Hand, though, I've got a helmet... I don't even notice it anymore."
He peaked up at her and smiled. "So, it can't be that bad. How's it look?"
She blew out a breath through her nose.
"A bump," she relented. "But you should be more careful!" Her scolding was rather offset with a kiss to the top of his head, then his cheek as she allowed him to straighten up.
"Hmmph. Funny how are positions are reversed, now." He straightened up, and grinned. "Well, I'll be more careful around here...and I promise to ask the bad guys not to hit me in the head."
He chuckled a little bit, and then put his hands to her waist and bent to kiss her for real.
"Promise. Okay?"
Nyla pouted at him a moment longer, then sighed and kissed him back. "Okay," she murmured. She patted his arms lightly. "Now let me go so I can pack up our food, alright?"
She slipped away from him, tossing Cal another cookie as she moved toward the oven to remove the pies.
He smiled and nodded, returning to his seat. "Sorry if I'm bothering you too much. Maybe I'll just make this my seat while you work, and stay out of your way." He smirked a little.
"I seem to be distracting you a little too much."
"Hmph. You don't seem all that sorry," she noted, wrinkling her nose at him teasingly as she started moving the cooling pies onto a long strip of colorful fabric.
That done, she wrapped the pies up and tucked them into the small basket. "Cal, do you need anything else while we're out?"
"Oh no. The rare moments of quiet will suit me just fine."
Diz grumbled at the semi-snide comment from the fire demon, not saying anything in particular but voicing his irritation all the same.
After a second, he glanced up at Nyla, and stood. "Well, I am sorry, though. I mean...this is your area of expertise. I shouldn't distract you while you're working." He gave a half a smile. "I wonder... Whatever will you do with me while you work?"
"Hmm." She tapped her chin, eyes sparkling. "Maybe I'll just keep you tucked back here with Cal, out of the way. You two will get along famously, I'm sure."
Basket on her arm, she stepped toward him to wrap her free arm around his waist. She rocked up onto her toes to kiss his cheek and murmured, "Or maybe I'll take another day or two off, and we can just stay in bed the whole time."
Diz let out a laugh. "Me and Cal? I think both of us know that's a horrible idea. Either I'll be covered in burns head to toe, or I'll be using him to boil water....from inside the water. No, I think we'd better be supervised." He grinned and turned towards Cal to comment further, and-
Stopped when Nyla murmured those other words that sent an electric shock through his body. He turned back to her with a devilish grin. "Well...far be it from me to tell you how to spend your time," he said, voice low.
He lowered a hand to her waist, and then around further, giving a quick squeeze. "But I have some suggestions...."
"Hmm, I'll bet you do..."
A little surprised by her own boldness, Nyla nipped lightly at his neck as she pulled away. "Come on. We should get moving if we want to be out and back before dusk."
He smiled down at her, eyes twinkling. "Indeed. Let's go, then - the fresh air of Sirathi awaits us."
Diz removed his apron, still nearly clean, and moved to lay it upon the countertop. He replaced his vest, and his blades - he refused to go anywhere unarmed.
After making sure the two scabbards crossed over his back were secure, he moved to open the door, holding it open for her with a winning smile.
"My lady, your steed awaits." Almost on cue, Sleipnir looked up from his grazing, giving his great head a shake, and whinnying in their direction.
Nyla chuckled and waited for him to ready himself, then moved through the open door he held. "Well thank you, my good sir," she laughed quietly.
She stepped out into the garden and moved toward the horse palm outstretched. "Hey, boy. You finished picking through my garden?"
Sleipnir stepped toward her, pressing his nose into her hand. Meanwhile, Diz gave a soft smile as he watched them.
"Well...tomorrow, if you want, give me a little money to buy some seeds. I'll get to work replanting it for you. It doesn't seem as if he was wanting to share." He chuckled a bit, and moved to stand beside Nyla, taking the basket from her so she could more easily climb up, also offering his shoulder to push up on.
Nyla chuckled and shook her head as she stroked Sliepnir's neck. "Don't worry about it, really, I'm just teasing," she assured him.
Using a bit of Diz's support, she swung herself up onto the horse's back, patting his whithers gently.
"Well, I'd planned on it anyway...so maybe I'll just have to go clean the barracks to pay for the seeds, if you're going to be stubborn about it." He grinned up at her before swinging up behind. He encircled her as he reached in front of her for the reins.
"Alright, Sleipnir. Let's show the lady a good time, eh? Nice and slow until we get to the gate..." He nudged the Theocogs flanks, and he started at a trot down the alley, picking up just a bit of speed when they reached the road.
"Let's head towards one of the other gates... No need to see any reminders from last night, right?"
Nyla's expression tightened a bit and she shivered slightly. "No," she agreed quietly, "I'd really rather not."
With a soft breath she leaned back against Diz's chest a bit, her fingers twining gently through the base of Sleipnir's mane. "I'm not used to this," she chuckled softly. "Being on a horse and not having control of the reins, I mean."
Diz smiled lightly, and pulled the reins toward her. "Here, then. He seems to trust you well enough." He pushed a kiss to the back of her neck. "He knows what to do, but he listens well, too. Once we get out of the city, put him through the paces if you'd like."
He chuckled softly from behind her. "He needs to run anyway, after devouring your garden."
"Really?" She twisted slightly to blink at him. "Are you sure?" A small smile was curving at her lips as she gripped the reins.
Gods, it had been too long since she'd been in this position. She missed the feeling.
He let go of the reins to relinquish them to her, and leaned forward as she turned toward him to kiss her cheek.
He smiled at her as he, now with both hands free, wrapped his hands around her middle. "Of course I'm sure....afterall, if I have my way, he'll be half yours, anyway." He winked at her, and grinned. "Have at it, love."
Nyla blushed, chuckled, and murmured, "Somehow I don't think Sleipnir thinks he really belongs to anyone." She patted the horse's neck and squeezed her legs gently to get him moving.
The Allorans took pride in their horsemanship, and Nyla had been no exception growing up. However, she had never ridden a trained warhorse, and the ease with which he responded to the faintest cues, even from an unfamiliar rider, took her a little by surprise.
She laughed quietly and guided the horse down one of the wider side alleys, gradually growing accustomed to the slight hitch in his gait provided by an extra set of legs.
"True. He's very much his own horse. We're just lucky enough to be accepted by him. But, you know what I mean." He grinned a little, sliding his hands back to her waist and resting them there, more to simply touch her than in worry of falling - he'd been trained in nearly every aspect of riding even before joining Ansgar's Hand.
Soon enough, they came to one of the lesser gates, and passed beyond into the winding roads and bright fields beyond. Diz leaned down to Nyla's ear, and spoke quietly.
"Go on, love. And hold tightly on to the reins - I'll wager you've not been on a steed faster than a Theocog."
A tiny thrill of excitement lit in her chest and Nyla started to smile. "Alright. It's been a while, bear with me."
Moving her hands further up the reins, closer to Sleipnir's head, she gave a soft click and a little squeeze with her legs- which was more difficult than she'd expected what with her skirts- urging the horse into a canter.
The animal sprang forward and she gasped quietly, then grinned.
Disgaua gave a wild grin, tightening his hold on Nyla's waist but slightly, gripping more with his legs than anything as Sleipnir's canter quickly turned into a gallop. But he knew this wasn't everything the warhorse had to give.
Sleipnir was unfettered, not wearing his armor and not bearing riders garbed in plate. He was only going perhaps half as fast as he was capable.
"Hold tighter, Nyla," he said into her ear, just a little loudly to be heard over the clatter of six hooves.
He pulled from her ear to yell over the noise, having to talk through a wide grin. "Sleipnir! What is this? Has a day of straight eating slowed you? Show the lady what you're made of!"
Suddenly, he clamped one hand down on Nyla's waist, the other wrapping around her stomach.
Not for his safety, though...he knew what was going to happen, and had a tight hold with his legs. He held tightly onto Nyla...she was about to know what those extra legs could do.
Nyla's breath was stolen in the beginnings of a gasp as they sprang forward. She laughed, the sound pure excitement and bliss, and adjusted her seat easily to keep up with the horse's pace. She may not have been a natural talent at fencing or archery, as her many cousins, but on horseback she was almost more comfortable than on her own two feet.
"Feel like a little cross country?" she tossed brightly over her shoulder as she noticed a larger log off to the side of the winding dirt road, guiding Sleipnir easily toward the natural jump.
Diz laughed right along with her, even as the sound was barely heard over the sound of rushing wind in his ears. When he noticed just how comfortable she was in the saddle, he let his grip on her slacken.
When he heard her ask about 'cross country,' he had to glance around a moment to figure out what she meant, and finally saw the largish log they were heading towards. "Ha! Go for it, Nyla. And then find a bigger one!"
Nyla's smile turned almost fierce and she stood herself up slightly in the saddle, giving Sleipnir his head as they came up on the jump and sailed over it. She laughed again, patting the horse's neck as they tore away across the grass.
Diz gave a wide grin, appreciating the almost musical sound of her laugh. He leaned just slightly to one side, shaking his face free of her curls as they blew back into it. He looked at her, catching the fierce look and leaning forward in preparation for the jump.
He marveled at her face when they landed, even as he rocked backward with the landing. He smiled wide as he observed the wild sort of beauty she was displaying.
Even as they tore across the grass, he watched her. After a moment, his other hand came around to her middle to join the first, and rather than pull her towards him, he inched forward to press his chest against her back.
He pressed a kiss to her neck, and spoke into her ear. "Gods, Nyla, you're incredible. I love you."
A shiver rippled down her spine and Nyla had to tighten her grip on the reins slightly to bring Sleipnir down to a canter so she could collect herself a bit.
"You're going to knock us both off this horse if you keep in like that," she informed Diz quietly, glancing back over her shoulder. Her eyes were bright, cheeks flushed with excitement, and her heart rate had picked up, thumping determinedly against her ribs.
Diz chuckled, a low and hearty sound from behind her. "Trust me - neither one of us are going anywhere, love. I'm more used to riding without my hands than with them - my hold is firm."
He did slide back again, though, seating himself more comfortably. "If you want to ride, Nyla, than ride! He can run distance. Just enjoy yourself, and I'll enjoy the look of bliss upon your face, and the sounds of your laughter." His hands moved to her waist again, one sliding up and down her side just a few inches before settling again.
She shivered and had to stop herself from leaning into his touch. She glowered playfully and snipped, "That's what I'm talking about- you're turning my focus to things other than riding."
He blinked a little, and laughed. "I sometimes forget that not everyone that rides can ride while distracted. Remind me not to ask you to ride to battle with me." He chuckled a little, and settled his hands more firmly on her sides.
"No offense intended, love. But I promise not to distract you further...at least until we stop for food."
Nyla scoffed and resisted the urge to elbow him. "Believe me, I don't think I have any urgent desire to ride into battle."
"You know what I meant, love. I'd never ask that of you." Diz watched as the scenery slowly rolled by as Sleipnir's canter took them to the top of a high hill. He took a deep breath as he looked about them.
His lips curled into a content smile, and he turned his attention to the woman in front of him. "Nyla, what would you think about stopping here? We can see much of the plain...seems a perfect place to break for a meal."
Nyla brought Sleipnir up slowly, letting him pace in circles as his gait transitioned down, gradually, to a walk. She smiled. "That seems like a fine idea," she murmured, finally bringing the horse to a halt and patting his whithers fondly.
Diz leaned a bit of his weight on Nyla do he could get his leg swung over, and dropped easily on the ground. He smiled softly up at her, holding a hand out to her to help her down.
"Well, then, let's settle for a few moments and enjoy the scenery and each other's company. Not to mention the food - I can't get the smell of it out of my nose, and I'm withering away to nothing, here. Bread and jam doesn't go very far."
She winced slightly as she swung down to the ground. "Sorry. I tend not to eat breakfast, so I don't have much in the way of morning foods in my house," she murmured apologetically.
Then she smiled and turned to pat Sleipnir's side, retrieving the basket as she did. "Well, let's get settled then."
Diz blinked. "Oh, don't worry about that. I was meaning more that I was gone all day, not that you didn't feed me enough. If it'd gone as fast as I wanted, it wouldn't have mattered." He smiled, and patted Sleipnir's neck before following after Nyla.
"Besides, that means I've more room to indulge in another delicacy of yours." He caught up to her, and snaked his arm around her waist when he fell into step beside her.
Nyla crinkled her nose at him. "I'd hardly call it a delicacy," she laughed lightly, settling herself on the ground and placing the basket between them.
Diz chuckled as he unstrapped both of his blades and sat in front of her, laying both swords beside him. "Oh, but I would. You should see the fare we're provided with at the barracks. This is much better."
He settled himself upon the grass, smiling at her, seeing the sunlight play over her features in a solar dance.
"So, then, if not a delicacy, than how would you define it?"
"Something to eat that's better than nothing," Nyla chuckled. She opened the basket and handed him a pie, which was still just slightly warm.
She paused a moment, then sighed and handed him a flask tucked into the corner of the basket as well. "You should drink that," she murmured.
He cracked a grin at her response, taking the pie in hand. "No...bread and jam, just before you have to rush away... That's better than nothing at all. This is a feast, compared to that."
Then he blinked, arching a brow slightly as he looked at the flask. They'd remembered the wine - he could see the neck of the bottle poking from the basket.
He looked up from the flask to her face. "....okay, but..what is it?"
Nyla sighed and rubbed at the back of her neck, biting her lip. "It's...tea, really. Though I suppose some might call it more of a potion," she murmured. "It'll...help. Us. With the whole...baby thing."
She waved a hand, cheeks pink. "I took some this morning. The effects last a few days."
Diz blinked and looked at the flask dubiously.
Help....how? he wondered. But he didn't settle on the thought long. Whichever way, it was Nyla's choice to make, and not his own. But it didn't mean he wanted to know.
He unscrewed the lid to the flask, and smelled it's contents. Not much to go on by scent, so he guessed he'd have to find out the hard way.
He brought it to his lips, and tilted it back to allow it to pour into his mouth. Immediately, he grimaced.
"...tea? Are you sure?" he said as he lowered the flask again. "That's the wrong word for this." Even so, he tilted it back and drained it of the rest of its contents.
He screwed the lid back on, releasing the breath he'd held while drinking it and handed the flask back.
"...maybe some honey with it next time. It's just a little bitter." He grinned at her, and then looked at the pie in his lap. "Okay. Tell me we brought forks. Not that I wouldn't eat it with my bare hands, but I'd rather be that barbaric in front of you."
He looked back to her with a cheeky sort of grin.
Nyla let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding when he drank from the flask. She smiled and nodded. "It won't be difficult to add honey to the mix," she said with a small shrug and a relieved sort of smile.
Then she shook herself and reached back into the basket. "I did pack some, actually," she replied with a small laugh, handing over a fork. She didn't start eating herself though, finding she wasn't all that hungry.
He took the fork with a smile. "Thank you." Immediately, he dug in, feeling far more hungry than he had thought. His first bite had his eyes widening, and when he had it gone, he looked up to Nyla with a smile.
"This is really good...you probably should eat, before it gets cold." He smiled gently, gesturing to the basket.
"Oh, I will." She smiled and waved him off. "I'm just not all that hungry just now. How is it?" She changed the topic easily enough, leaning into his side a bit.
"Good enough that it's just another reason I'd like to be with you for the rest of my life." He grinned at her, lifting the hand not holding the fork to wrap his arm over her shoulder, pulling her more towards him.
"You know I love you, right?" He made sure he didn't have any of the pie lingering on his face before he kissed her cheek.
Nyla giggled and returned the kiss to her cheek with one to his lips. "Aha, my plan has worked! I have seduced you with succulent meat pies and a garden for your horse."
Diz had to turn his head to avoid laughing directly into her face, his whole head flushing red. He hadn't expected that sort of response from her, and he found it quite refreshing.
"Ah, I have fallen into your trap, then! Oh, woe is my heart!" He laughed again, and kissed her once more. "Though I'm almost sure it was me out to seduce you with my cavalier attitude and dashing good looks. It appears to have backfired, I suppose?"
"Mm. I suppose you have," she chuckled. She leaned into him and wrapped her arm loosely around his waist to kiss him again, humming softly.
"I love you," she murmured, smiling as she pulled back.
He could only look at her for a moment, an easy, gentle smile on his lips with the late afternoon sun glowing in his eyes. He looked into her eyes, so dark yet so clear he could see himself reflected in them almost perfect detail, as if they were obsidian polished to a mirrors surface.
After that moment, he put down his fork and raised that hand to her face, cupping her cheek, his thumb lightly brushing over her lower lip.
"I love you, too, Nyla." His smile widened just before he moved toward her to kiss her again, tenderly and in no hurry to pull away.
Nyla's eyes widened slightly, then fluttered closed again. With a soft sigh she leaned into his body, wrapping her arms around him and tilting her head into the kiss.
She didn't want the moment to end. With a small noise, she shifted up onto her knees to get a better angle and pressed closer against him, a small breath hitching in her throat.
The hand at her cheek would come to rest at the top of her neck, pulling her deeper into the kiss still. His other merely rested at its spot sround her waist for a moment before sliding back, fingers splayed to rest at her back.
After a moment, he did pull away, just to look at her, his gaze lost in her face. He found there were no words to say, nothing words could to to express himself further.
So he kissed her again. Actions spoke louder than words, after all.
Nyla smiled when they broke apart for a moment, brushing her fingertips over his cheek. Then he was kissing her again and she melted into the embrace, sliding her arms up around his neck and sighing softly against his lips.
Finally, she pulled away and murmured a little shakily, "We- we should, um...stop. Maybe. Before this gets out of hand."
Disgaua opened eyes he hadn't even realized he'd closed, opening them to look at her. He smiled, and nodded.
"Yes....you're probably right. At the very least, not here." He reached up around his neck to take one of her hands, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. He contented himself with simply holding her hand in his for a moment.
Nyla was breathing a little shallowly when they finally broke apart, and she smiled sheepishly. "Right. Well." She cleared her throat, chuckled a bit, then settled back, twining her fingers through his.
"I suppose we should have this picnic then, and perhaps...pick that up later?"
Diz grinned a little, tightening his grasp on her hand just slightly. "Well...if you insist...I suppose we can continue later," he teased. He looked back to his half eaten pie, and then at hers before returning his gaze to her face.
"You'll need to eat, though...or we'll never get to that." He smiled, and reached with his free hand to her pie, picking it up and holding it to her.
"Eeeaaaat." He grinned and waved it under her nose.
"Alright, alright!" She laughed and took the pie from him, biting into it. She gestured at his. "Go on, finish yours."
He grinned as she began eating, and took up his own pie. "Good, I was beginning to think I'd have to eat if for you." He smiled at her and picked up where he'd left off with his fork.
Nyla rolled her eyes and poked his nose. "Cheeky," she accused with a quiet laugh.
She sat back and finished picking at her pie, looking out over the field spread before them. "Gods, it's been so long since I got out of the city," she murmured.
He smiled and put down his fork, his pie finished. "Cheeky, yes. If I wasn't, I think you'd find me boring, eventually." He chuckled as he reached towards the basket, grasping the neck of the wine bottle and drawing it out.
He looked out over the field with her, smiling. "Well, this must be s special treat for you, then. A nice, warm day, declining into a beautiful sunset. And nothing to block the view, either. Can't see that from the city."
"Mmm," she agreed quietly, leaning into his side. She tucked her head against his shoulder and laid her hand gently over his.
"It's been a long time since I've watched a sunset. Or a sunrise, for that matter," she chuckled. "I'm always in the shop- up before dawn and finished after dusk."
He smiled, putting his other arm around her waist and pulling her tighter against him. He turned his head just slightly to push a kiss into her hair. "Well, maybe one day...we can get you out of the city. I can get my debt paid off, start making actual money, and build a house. Right here."
He could see it. The perfect life he'd always dreamed of, with Nyla beside him. It'd be wonderful.
Nyla smiled softly and turned her head just slightly into his shoulder, moving her hand to rest on his leg.
"So...you'd always want to live in Connlaoth?" she murmured, a little carefully. "You'd never think of living somewhere else?"
Diz sighrf wistfully. "Well...the way things are now, with the war going on, honestly I'd be gone in an instant if it weren't for my duties. I love my country, but...that's because things weren't nearly as harsh as they are now."
He was silent for a moment, thinking to himself. And then he came to a decision.
"As soon as I'm able, I'd leave. I'd take you anywhere you wanted to go, if it were to mean getting you somewhere you didn't have to hide. But until then....I'd say we're pretty well stuck here."
Her breath hitched slightly and she curled into him a bit more. "I know we are," she whispered. "I just...it's nice to imagine something different, you know?"
His arm rose from her waist to rest on her shoulders, and with that arm he hugged her to him. "Yeah...it is. But it'd be even better if we didn't have to imagine it." His voice was tinged with bitterness.
Oh, how Connlaoth had changed since this blasted, bloody war had started! He didn't mind being a soldier. But being a soldier used to mean just keeping the peace....
...not forcing someone's idea of peace down someone else's throat. That wasn't peace.
He banished his treasonous thoughts from his mind, and forced a small smile on his face. "Well. Enough of that, though. Hope is well and good, but when hope is all you give yourself, you must find something better." He pressed a kiss to her temple, and then rested his cheek against her head.
"Take us, for example. We've got each other. We may be the most ironic pair in the history of forever, but if all else turns to blood and fire, I'll be right there beside you. But..."
He smiled widely, and whispered in her ear, voicing treasonous words that he wanted only her to hear.
"If it ever gets that bad....I'll take you out of Connlaoth. I'll take you anywhere, and I'll be sure that you're safe from everything."
Nyla shivered slightly and twisted to catch his lips in a brief kiss.
"Right now, I want you to take me home," she whispered. "When this sun has set, I want to go home, and know that you'll share my bed, and that when I open my eyes in the morning you'll be the first thing I see."
She kissed him again, soft and slow, arms sliding up around his neck to hold him gently.
Diz returned the kiss, the arm over her shoulders pulling them together while his other moved to the small of her back.
After a moment, he pulled away to look her in the eye, ice blue meeting sweet dark crystal once again.
"I would love that. This night, and every night until I'm done with leave. And after that, every night possible." He smiled, and pulled his arms off of her to grab the basket and stand.
He looked down to her with a glowing smile, and reached his free hand towards her for her to take.
"Well...let's get you..." he paused a bit, and chuckled a bit, "or, I daresay, us, home. Stand with me, love, and let's be away.
Nyla smiled and took his head. "Yes. Let's." She squeezed his hand in hers as she stood. "Perhaps you should call our ride?" she suggested with a small chuckle.
Diz looked around, and didn't see Sleipnir anywhere.
"...yes..I wonder where he could have wandered off to..."
He released her hand long enough to bring two fingers to his lips, and let out a shrill whistle. In the distance he heard a whinny in response, and soon enough Sleipnir came running.
Diz smiled just as the Theocog came to a stop a few yards away, and looked to Nyla. "Looks like he had the mind to give us some privacy."
She laughed. "Well, I appreciate it, but I'm afraid now we need your assistance, m'lad," she told the horse, reaching out to pat him.
She glanced over her shoulder at Diz. "Come on then, I suppose we should be on our way."
Sleipnir pushed his head against Nyla's hand, an attempt to coax more attention out of her. Diz grinned and moved to rub heartily on his neck.
"Yes, let's. It'll be dark soon. Do you want the head again?"
She positively beamed. "If you don't mind." She gave Sleipnir another pat, then a kiss to his muzzle before she moved around to his side.
She was a little out of practice, but a few hops got her left foot in the stirrup and her right swung over the animal's back. It was hardly the most ladylike move, setting her skirts fluttering high around her waist, but she was still smiling.
Disgaua watched her as she climbed atop Sleipnir and settled into the saddle, grinning ear to ear when he got an eyeful as her skirts decided to fly about her.
"Well, I'm glad we're out here and not within the city walls. Otherwise I'd be beating the onlookers staring at you." He chuckled and followed suit, climbing and settling behind her comfortably and settling both hands on her waist.
"Though I personally don't mind, so long as it's the two of us." He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck, and settled back again. "Let's head into town... We should probably stable Sleipnir tonight."
Nyla flushed and twisted to pout at him. "I swear, skirts are the bane of my existence. You know, where I grew up women wore breeches much more frequently than they do here," she muttered, a little petulantly.
She subsided some when he kissed her neck, settling back against him. "Right. We probably should. Let's go then."
He smiled and took the reins in hand, reaching around her. "You know, out here in the fields it's quite common for women to wear breeches. Wind and work and all that."
He lightly dug his heels into Sleipnir's flanks to get them moving, and the Theocog turned on his own accord back to Reijh.
"I'm surprised you didn't take the reins straight away. This will be your last chance to ride for awhile, won't it?Unless you want to ride the fields after dark..."
"No, that's alright." She turned her head slightly to smile at him. "I'd love to, but I'm honestly so out of practice I wouldn't want to do that to Sleipnir," she laughed quietly.
Disgaua smiled. "He's smart enough to avoid the things you can't see, though. It's just hard going when suddenly he turns to one direction or another, and yu don't know why because you can't see a tree coming. It's..happened to me more than a few times."
He chuckled a bit, and just lightly held the reins, letting Sleipnir have his head even as he picked up speed. He trusted the Theocog enough to hold onto them with just one hand, his other moving to rest on Nyla's stomach.
Nyla shivered a bit and had to resist the urge to arch back into him, his hand on her stomach spreading heat through the rest of her body.
"Why do I not have a hard time picturing that?" she chuckled lightly, turning her head to crinkling her nose at him."
The thumb of the hand on her stomach began to idly trace circles in the fabric of her dress, and he chuckled from behind her. "It's unavoidable, sometimes. Especially when Sleipnir's in a hurry. I could tell you some stories, believe me."
Almost as if he somehow knew of her resisted urge, he pushed himself forward with his feet in the stirrups, sliding closer to her to press his chest into her back. He pushed his heels into Sleipnir's side to indicate he should continue, and the Theocog didn't miss a step.
Her stomach tightened slightly and she shivered. "Diz," she warned quietly. "You are supposed to be on bed rest, for all I know. If you keep this up, not much of that is going to be happening tonight."
He blinked, actually unaware of the effect his touch was having on her. "Well...technically I'm just not supposed to seriously strain myself, but... Keep what up? I'm not actually doing anything...am I?"
Disgaua's voice sounded genuinely confused, but nonetheless he contented himself to simply rest his hand just above where her belly button should be, all movement of his hand ceasing.
Nyla glowered and grumbled something under her breath. "Nothing," she muttered. "If you don't know, I'm certainly not going to tell you." Her cheeks were very red, eyes a little too bright.
He knew what was happening, but he didn't know what he'd done to cause such a reaction beyond his simple touch. He made sure to store that information away for later
"Well...I know what I did...I just don't know how I did it." He chuckled slightly, and grinned behind her. He resumed the gentle caress with his thumb, and spoke directly into her ear.
"I'm not against losing sleep if you're not, though."
She hissed in a breath and the muscles in her stomach contracted again. "You're still healing," she grumbled, trying to keep a hold on herself.
Gods. Since when had she been so...sensitive? Was that a new thing? Or had she always been that way, and only now had occasion to realize it?
He chuckled, a low, throaty sound in her ear.
"Your point? It didn't stop me before..." He looked toward the path ahead of them, and smiled when he saw just how far they still were from the city. He tugged lightly on the reins, and slowed Sleipnir to a canter.
He grinned wickedly as his hand shifted positions, raising higher on her body. "Besides, it's not as if I'm doing...this."
The palm of his hand brushed over the swell of her breast, lingering for a moment there before sliding back down.
"It's your fault for being so damned beautiful..."
Nyla squeaked, jumped a bit, then narrowed her eyes and twisted slightly to flower at him. "We are in public," she hissed, ignoring the act that no one was really around to see anything that might have happened. "What are you doing?"
He chuckled slightly, and placed his hand back on her stomach. "Relax, love. Public, yes, but so far from the city that no one could possibly see. Believe me, if we were close to the walls, I wouldn't dare be so bold." He tightened his hold on her and leaned forward against her, as much of a hug as he could manage without letting go of the reins.
"I'm sorry, I won't do it again. Promise."
"Hmph. You're lucky we're on a horse," she muttered, but she was smiling, just a bit. She moved her hands forward to twine her fingers through Sleipnir's mane, scratching lightly at the base of his neck.
"I suppose I am, aren't I?" He smiled and pressed a kiss to her neck, just as they were coming up on the gate.
The streets were now mostly deserted, most people either at home or just getting there. Sleipnir guided himself through the streets, taking them to the stable.
Diz slid out of the saddle, and went forward to open the gate to the stables.
"Can you guide him in?"
Nyla nodded and urged the horse forward gently, ten slipped off his back once he was mostly in his stall.
She gave him a pat and a few murmured praises, then slipped back out to Diz's side.
Diz shut the gate with a smile. "Thanks, buddy. I'll bring you a nice treat tomorrow." He reached over the gate as Sleipnir turned around, running his hand up and down his snout.
After a moment, he turned to Nyla with a smile. "Well, I'm not on a horse anymore. So what happens now?"
She jabbed him in his uninjured side, not hard enough to really hurt but with some force. Then she smiled and spun away. "Okay, I'm done. Let's go home."
Diz rubbed at his side, wincing slightly at the feel of her small knuckles digging it to his skin. It didn't really hurt, but it was a firm reminder not to fluster her....for now.
He grinned at her, putting an arm around her waist and leading her from the stable. "Home sounds good."
He looked up as they exited the building, noting the darkening sky, twilight quickly approaching.
"Mph." Nyla pressed closer to his side, easily fitting herself under his arm. She glanced around as they walked out onto the street and pressed just a little closer, unconsciously.
Diz smiled warmly as she pressed up against him, and he raised that arm to instead wrap it around her shoulders.
They had the streets to themselves, still, at least this particular thoroughfare. After a moment, he broke the silence. "So...where would you see us, when the war is done?"
"Oh." Nyla blinked. She hadn't been expecting the question, and she honestly didn't know how to answer it.
"I don't really know," she murmured. "Aside from my actual home, where I grew up was lovely..."
"What was it like?" he asked, glancing down at her from the corner of his eye. "I mean...your home. I grew up in the church, so...I never got to see much beyond the walls until I joined the ranks."
"The estate?" She frowned. "It was...cold. And empty. Not literally, but there was so much space, and not many of us lived there..."
"Mmm...well, maybe being from a wealthy family isn't all its made out to be, eh?" He chuckled a bit, and looked at her with a smile. "Well, I've no aspirations for a big, empty house. And...if somehow we were to...take care of your family...you'd be the heir of the estate, right?"
His smile widened, and he tugged her yet tighter against him.
"If you were to come to possess the house..I'd make sure it was never cold, or empty. We could make it a warm, happy place. Together."
Soon enough, they were within sight of Nyla's bakery. "But for now, this warm and happy place would suit me just fine, so long I'm with you."
Nyla chuckled and bumped his side lightly. "What would we do with all that space, hm? Just the two of us?" She smiled at him and slipped away, but just so she could take his hand in hers.
The sight of the bakery had her breathing a small sigh of relief. She hadn't even realized she was on edge. "Come on, let's get in by the fire. Maybe Cal will even have left some cookies for us."
Diz smiled at her, eyes twinkling. "Who says it'll just be the two of us forever? One, plus one, doesn't equal two, not all the time." He grinned, and winked at her.
He led them around the side of the bakery to the back door. "....this time, when you go up stairs, I'm going with you. Only good surprised, this time, hmm?" He smiled at her, and waited for her to unlock the door.
Nyla blushed and smiled, lowering her eyes as she fumbled with the key. "W-well, that's still a little way off..." Hopefully.
She shook her head and opened the door. "Cal? We're home." She glanced back over her shoulder at Diz. "Hopefully no surprises," she laughed quietly.
Diz nodded. "Well, yes, I would assume so."
His mind flashed back to earlier in the day, and he was glad she'd turned to open the door, so she couldn't see his wince.
He followed her inside, and couldn't help but clench his fist as he was reminded of the night before. He was consciously aware of his swords at his back, and the glaive leaning against the wall.
"...yeah, here's hoping."
"Diz." She turned, saw his tension, and smiled. "Sweetheart, it's okay. You can relax." She laid a hand gently on his arm and leaned up to kiss him.
"Ah-hem."
She closed her eyes and sighed. "Hello, Cal." She twisted her head to look at him. "I did tell you we were home."
He let out a long breath, and his shoulders slumped a little as he forced himself to relax. "I'm sorry, it's just...well...you know."
Diz looked toward Cal, and offered a ghost of a smile. "Hey, Matchstick. Everything quiet?"
"What'd you expect?" the demon snorted. "Two kidnap attempts in a row? Even the Allorans aren't that stupid. Or suicidal."
Nyla rolled her eyes. "Any cookies left? Aha." She leaned around Diz to snatch the plate off the counter. She quirked an eyebrow. "Three, Cal, really? That's all you left?"
Cal stuck a fiery tongue out at her and ducked back into the hearth.
Diz huffed, and crossed his arms over his chest. "I had neither stupidity nor suicidal tendencies in mind. I was thinking more along the lines of tenacity, or persistence."
He looked to the plate of cookies, and snagged one. "Gods, where does he put it all?"
"I burn it off," the fire replied primly.
Nyla rolled her eyes. "Come on, let's head upstairs and you can actually relax."
Cal snorted and muttered something that sounded like "Sure, that's what you'll be doing." She glowered at him.
"Yeah, you know what? I don't think I want to relax. I think I'm going to jump up and down until Cal tears off whatever part of him serves as his ears," he joked, grinning slightly.
He turned toward the stairs, taking Nyla by the hand and leading her up. When they reached the landing, he glanced around and finally relaxed all the way
He closed the door behind them, and turned to Nyla with a smile. "Well, alone at last, behind closed doors." He began unbuckling his blades, and leaned them against the wall by the door.
She chuckled and turned to smile at him, eyes twinkling mischief.
"Y'know, if you're really determined to infuriate Cal, I could think of some other ways we could make noise," she murmured. Almost the second the words were out of her mouth she was blushing furiously and dropping her eyes, clearing her throat as she shuffled her feet.
Diz grinned as he turned from his blades, unbuttoning his vest as he slowly walked toward her again.
He simply dropped it on the floor, and pulled his tunic off over his head. It followed the vest. He stood then in front of her, clad only in his pants, boots, and bandages.
"Mmm...I had similar thoughts." He brought his hand up, and touched a finger to the bottom of her chin, gently lifting her face. She could note the same mischievous glint in his eye.
Nyla's blush went a few shades redder, but she smiled and leaned up on her toes to kiss him. Her hands moved to brace gently against his chest, fingers splayed wide as she pressed her body into his.
He leaned down to meet her kiss, his hand dropping from her chin to find the knot he'd tied her sash with earlier that day. With deft, nimble fingers, he untied it with one hand and allowed it to drop around their feet.
Then his hands found themselves at her waist, slowly sliding up her ribcage to stop just below her breast line. He pulled away with a grin.
"Somehow, once again, I find you wearing too many clothes."
She laughed and rocked onto the balls of her feet so her torso was pressed a little more firmly into his hands. "Aren't I always?" she chuckled. She raised a hand to twine her fingers through his hair and kissed the tip of his nose.
"Take me to bed," she murmured, cheeks pink and lips smiling. Her free hand skated over his chest, tracing the marks that slashed his skin.
Diz grinned down at her. "Oh, gladly." His arms travelled down her body again, over her waist and hips and found a place to rest just under her rear.
He bent just slightly at the knees, and lifted her from their to pick her up, attempting the prompt for her to wrap her legs around his waist.
He carried her that way to the bed, and leaned down with her to press a kiss to her throat just as her back touched the bed.
Nyla gasped quietly and easily hooked her legs over his hips, the hand on the back of his head stroking through his hair while the other moved to press lightly just under his shoulders.
She gave a soft sigh when he laid her down an arched over her, squirming just a bit so she could tilt her head and catch his lips in a kiss.
Diz met her kiss with one of his own, gentle yet yearning. One of the hands slid down her thigh over the fabric of her dress, skipping lightly over the hem. Then his fingers traced a path back upwards, touching skin nkw and slipping beneath her skirts.
She shivered and her back arched up off the bed slightly as she twisted her head to kiss his neck. Her own hands moved to grip his upper arms, pulling his chest against hers.
"I love you," she murmured quietly, smiling.
"I love you, too, Nyla..." he said, trailing off with a smile. The hand that had slid beneath her skirts slowly traveled upward, dragging fabric with it and baring more and more of her skin. His fingers skipped over her smallclothes completely, and his palm continued on to rest just below her ribs.
His other hand slid beneath her, at her back, and he pulled away to urge her to sit up.
Nyla allowed him to pull her up, letting her legs slide down from his hips so her thighs were pressed against the outside of his. Her hands skated down to his waist, then his hips, where she paused at the hem of his trousers.
She leaned in to kiss the hollow of his throat, then nuzzled into his neck, peppering a few more kisses along his shoulder.
He smiled down at her as she sat up with him, and grabbed the bottom hem of her skirts with both hands.
"Let's do something about this, hmm?" He leaned slightly away from her, and drug her dress upward slowly, eyes wandering over every inch of flesh that was made bare before them. Once again he found himself marveling at her beauty.
She chuckled and wriggled a bit to make getting out of her skirts easier, lifting her arms so the dress could come off over her head.
"Alright." Once that was done, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Your turn."
He grinned widely, still looking down at her. His arms and hands wandered up and down her back, his fingers just a slight, fluttering touch against her skin.
He pushed the toe of one boot into the heel of the other, and lifted his foot out. He repeated this with the other, and then released her just long enough to shove his trousers and shorts down his thighs.
Still standing, he arched his back slightly, pushing his erection into her midsection. "Well...that's all I've got to take off..."
He grinned, returning his hands to her back, fingertips teasing at the bottom of her breast wrap.
"...but again, you're wearing more than me."
Nyla's breath hitched and her heart started to beat faster as she let her eyes flick over him, then snap back to his face as he stood. She swallowed a soft groan as he pressed himself against her and her hands moved to dig her fingers into his shoulders gently.
"I suppose I am," she murmured, smiling. She pulled away reluctantly, just long enough to untie her breastband and let it fall. Her hands dropped to the hem of her smalls and she paused, looking up at him.
Cheeks very red, she murmured. "C'mere. On the bed." Her hand reached out to cup his cheek and she pulled him in for a kiss.
Diz obliged rather happily, meeting her kiss as he slid onto the bed beside her, his head turning to keep in contact as he moved. He slid an arm behind and around her, his hand resting on her opposite hip, while his other hand busied itself with her breast, gently cupping and squeezing.
"Mmm..." Her back arched and she squirmed a bit, her head falling back onto the pillows. "Diz." She reached up to wrap her hands around the back of his neck and pulled him in for a searing kiss.
On hand trailed down his back, swirling a circular pattern over his spine with her fingertips before she got to his hips and clung to him, her body arcing up into his.
Hearing his name like that was akin to setting his blood on fire, and her touch on his back only doubled the effect. He pushed into the kiss, responding with a fervor.
Gods, did she even know the effect she had on him? The way he acted around her, the comfort he felt around her....only she could do that to and for him.
The hand at her breast fell away to grasp her hip, his thumb hooking underneath the hem of her smallclothes and remaining just there, his fingers pressing into the soft skin of her rear. The other, behind her head, tangled into her dark curls with his fingertips just grazing her scalp.
Nyla's eyes closed and she groaned quietly, appreciatively, and tensed slightly underneath him. "Gods, how do you do this to me?" she whisper-laughed, tilting her head back and opening her eyes to meet his.
She'd never felt this before, the unending heat that he seemed to spark just by being near her. Her eyes closed again and she shifted her hips up, his grip on her smallclothes dragging them down as she sighed quietly.
She slid her hand to the small of his back, hesitated, then gripped his rear to pull him against her with a half swallowed whimper.
He noticed immediately when her hips shifted - how could he not? - and something lit up in his eyes as he looked down into hers.
"Funny...I was wondering the same thing about you." He gave a small chuckle and leaned his weight against her, his erection just brushing against her opening, but with no penetration.
Just a tease, and nothing more. Just something to push her, just a little.
He tilted his head down to get at her neck, pressing a kiss there and slowly trailing down with more, past her collarbone and down the gentle slope of her chest.
Her breath escaped her in a ragged exhale and her hips bumped up, seeking friction and whimpering quietly when she couldn't find it.
"Diz- oohhh..." Nyla clenched her eyes shut and slid the fingers of her free hand through his hair, clutching him to her gently. "Tease," she accused breathlessly.
He stopped his trip downward, just long enough to pull away and inch or two and glance up at her, a small grin on his face.
"Mmm...trust me. The longer you have to wait for it....the better it'll be." He chuckled a little bit. "Especially so, once I'm done with you."
He went downward those last couple inches, and trapped her nipple between his lips. Below, unbeknownst to her, his hand had been trailing along the top of the sheets, and just lightly touched against the folds of her womanhood.
Nyla drew in a sharp breath, her chest hitching upward slightly. She held her breath, then let it out in a ragged sigh.
Then she was gasping again, hips twitching as his fingers brushed against her core. "Oh gods." She tightened her grip on the back of his hand, stroking her other hand up and down his spine, nails scratching just barely against his skin.
Slowly, that hand would slide over her folds, seeking and finding the pink button at their peak. He could feel her heat, her wetness slicking his fingers as they rubbed over that sweet spot.
He released her nipple with a soft popping sound, and came back up to trap her lips with a kiss whilst his hand continued it's ministrations.
"Gods, Diz." Her nails dug into his skin slightly as she gasped sharply, eyes tight shut. A shiver rippled through her frame and she kissed him back eagerly, wriggling under him in an attempt to hook her leg over his hip and pull him closer.